15 posts tagged “car”

The world's most sensible hybrid.

What's new for the 2007 Toyota Prius: The formerly optional side and side-curtain airbags are now standard. New is a Prius Touring Edition with a firmer suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, a big spoiler, fog lights, and HID headlights.

As is common with runaway successes, no one saw this one coming. After all, this modern-day savior-of-the-Earth was conceived at a time when gas cost a buck a gallon and Suburbans roamed free throughout the landscape. But then sometime around 2004, oil prices went to hell and a rabid environmentalism fad came out of nowhere, while it just so happened Toyota was launching a stylish, innovative, and amazingly practical ride at the same time. And the rest, they say, is history.

Though the Prius's fame and fortune owe as much to its one-of-a-kind styling as anything else, the reputation is justified. With the Honda Insight now dead, the 45 MPG Prius ranks as the most fuel-efficient car -- make that automobile -- on sale in America. This achievement was made possible by taking a small (but not too small) 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine from the Toyota Echo, partnering it up with electric motors and a battery pack, and integrating the two with Toyota's now-famous Hybrid Synergy Drive, a now decade-old technology that many automakers still have yet to match.

Even once you get past the novelty, the Prius is a surprisingly livable car. Sure, it ain't exactly fast, and its acceleration, steering, and brakes all feel one step weirder than normal. But it can do 0-to-60 in 10 seconds (which qualifies as functional), and it's about as comfortable and quiet as most Toyotas. The Prius scores additional points by being roomier inside than the like-sized Corolla, and its hatchback body makes it an even better cargo hauler than the Camry.

As icing on the cake, any concerns about price have been completely irrelevant, at least so far. Though a typical Prius retails for around $23K (or about $3K higher than an equivalent "normal" car), the lower fuel bills promise payback in less than a decade. Additionally, all buyers up until now have also enjoyed the fortune of big tax rebates that shave years off that time, plus absolutely outstanding resale value. And we can't forget free use of the carpool lane (in certain states), can we?

Here in 2008, resale values have come down to Earth, government subsidies have leveled off, and California has issued its last carpool pass. But for anyone looking for smart, economical transportation and doesn't mind a slightly odd driving experience, the Prius might still make sense.

Find out more about the 2007 Toyota Prius.

A legend off-road -- but only off-road.

What's new for the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Jeep adds a new top-of-the-line Overland trim line, which includes the 5.7-liter V8 and more luxury equipment. The Laredo model can now be ordered with the Quadra-Trac II 4-wheel-drive system, and stability control is now standard on all models.

Aside from its classy looks and strong yuppie appeal, the Grand Cherokee has primarily been famous for its off-road prowess. The truth of this has never been in doubt. Jeep does, after all, offer three different 4-wheel-drive systems (in addition to rear-wheel-drive), one of which goes so far as to include locking front and rear differentials, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control technology. Not surprisingly, the Grand Cherokee still runs circles around its peers in off-road comparison tests staged by enthusiast magazines.

Jeep, however, realized some years ago that the Grand Cherokee needed to catch up in other areas, prompting a redesign for 2005 that brought a roomier cabin and more carlike engineering (most notably, an independent suspension and new steering gear). Unfortunately, the result fell short. Compared to other SUVs, the Grand Cherokee is pretty disappointing to drive, with Buick-like ride and handling traits (lazy, bouncy), weak tire grip, and an underpowered V6. The inner cabin suffers from a back seat made for kids only, and maximum cargo room of 67 cubic feet is pathetic compared to the 80-plus found in most rivals. Finally, Consumer Reports rates its reliability as the worst in its segment.

In case it's a selling point, Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee with an extremely diverse engine lineup. Choices include a 3.7-liter V6 (210 HP), a 4.7-liter V8 (235 HP; 305 HP starting in 2008), a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (330 HP), a 6.1-liter V8 (420 HP), and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 (215 HP). Among those, the diesel is the only one that gets more than 20 MPG, while the monster V8 turns the Grand Cherokee into what could be the world's fastest-accelerating SUV.

But unless you're strongly drawn to one of these specifics, just know that the greater sophistication, comfort, and efficiency of most other midsize SUVs makes this Jeep seem a little stuck in the mud.

Find out more about the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The most well-rounded crossover SUV.

What's new for the 2005 Honda Pilot: Lots of mechanical tweaks. The engine gets 15 more horsepower, the gas tank grows to 20.4 gallons, the steering gets improved feel, the throttle is now drive-by-wire, and gear ratios are revised. Inside sits a new steering wheel, a new driver footrest, and ambient lighting for the instrument panel. All models get a tire pressure monitor, and EX-L models get stability control.

You've gotta hand it to Honda: they've got the market for family transportation nailed down solid. The Accord has been a family staple for decades, and the supremely useful Odyssey minivan is the top pick for folks needing maximum space. Here to capture all the in-betweeners is the Pilot, a closely related SUV that slots between the two in size and price.

Another trait the Pilot shares is being one of the most all-around competitive entries in its class. Though it's too bulky to drive like an Accord, Honda's modern engineering and powerful, efficient V6 engine give the Pilot good handling, a good ride, quick acceleration, and acceptable fuel economy. Despite a liberal supply of road noise, it's refined as well. Its high-quality interior is well-laid out, and Honda's navigation and DVD entertainment systems get high praise from customers.

Honda one-ups the competition by offering seating for eight passengers (as opposed to the more common seven, and in some cases, five), even if those third-row seats are only fit for kids. Comfort in the first two rows is first-rate, however, and with all seats folded, the Pilot boasts 90 cubic feet of cargo space -- among the highest in its class. Reliability has also been top-notch, year after year.

If the original Pilot had a flaw, it was that all models came standard with 4-wheel-drive (which for many, amounts to a waste of money and gas), but Honda made amends in 2006 by offering a front-wheel-drive version. The only other thing missing was the lack of side curtain airbags, but those were on board by 2005.

Most families could probably get by with a smaller vehicle, but those that find mid-size SUVs to be ideal should perch the Pilot atop their shopping list.

Find out more about the 2005 Honda Pilot.

A dud since day one.

What's new for the 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: The EXT model is dropped.

Lately, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer's been getting singled out for being the oldest model in its class. That's true, but age is only one of several factors that add up to a wholly unsatisfying SUV.

Yes, it dates back to model year 2002, a time when truck-based sport-utilities were still the norm. The TrailBlazer is a truck all the way, right down to its mass-heavy ladder frame construction and live rear axle. Its positive attributes mainly come down to its smooth ride and strong, smooth engines (a 285-horsepower 6-cylinder and a 300-horsepower V8) -- and the good news ends there. Handling is ponderous, with lots of body lean in turns and slow, lifeless steering that needs constant corrections. Wind noise is a problem. Fuel economy is another (about 14-15 MPG), and the TrailBlazer's towing capacity is the wimpiest in its class.

The TrailBlazer's interior is also riddled with flaws. The controls are pleasing to the eye, but plastics are cheap, and ergonomics are disorganized and far less user-friendly than they could be. The front seatbelts tug down on shoulders, and on long journeys, the seats themselves cause sharp pains in the backside. For a time, the TrailBlazer was available in a super-elongated "EXT" bodystyle with seven seats, but those seats were cramped and clumsy to fold, and the EXT's eventual disappearance rendered the TrailBlazer the only SUV in its class without a third row. Finally, its front crash test scores are just about the most discouraging of any modern vehicle, with 3 stars for the driver and 4 for the passenger.

The TrailBlazer's competitors include the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota 4Runner. Consider any of them a better option.

Find out more about the 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer.

Straight A's across the board.

What's new for the 2007 Acura MDX: Redesigned; new model.

Among the high-end automakers, Acura spent the longest time sticking to its core specialties -- namely, luxury sedans and pocket racers. Not until a few years ago did they start making SUVs, though the greatness of the MDX sure makes you wonder why they didn't try sooner.

Now in its second generation, the MDX is Acura's shot into the mid-size, luxury-class segment, and you can tell these guys went all-out. The MDX holds a smooth, silent 3.7-liter V6 with 300 horsepower, which gives it the same punch as the V8s in most competitors. Acura also gave it Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive, an impressive piece of technology that improves the MDX's already satisfying handling. The MDX even has the best steering of any Acura product: quick, accurate, and full of feel. While things can get a little noisy on coarse surfaces, it also rides well.

The interior is just as great, managing to look creative and futuristic while remaining faithful to Acura's intuitive layout. The first five seats are terrific, and the [small] third row is a rare feature in this class. Though the optional 5.1 surround sound stereo is a bit overrated, it sounds crisp and can handle DVD Audio, while the optional navigation system is the best there is. Many customers feel the same way about the optional rear-seat DVD system.

As one of the most comfortable, reliable, best-driving, fairest-priced, and most full-featured SUVs in its class, the MDX pretty much conquers everything else out there. Unless you have a serious craving for rear-wheel-drive, there's not much reason to bother looking at the others.

Find out more about the 2007 ACURA MDX.

A stylish ride with a good helping of substance.

Like the Prowler, the Beetle and the Thunderbird, Chrysler's PT Cruiser is one of those nostalgic-flavored novelty cars that commanded sky-high prices in its early years. Unlike the others, though, the PT Cruiser has managed to hold the public's interest long after its "wow" factor wore off. Some credit goes to the turbo engines, convertible bodystyle, and special edition models Chrysler has added over the years, but a lot of it comes down to the basic fact that the PT Cruiser remains one of the more practical, affordable, and useful choices in personal transportation.

As the first of the modern breed of small-but-tall wagons, the PT offers easy access and adult-size seating for five (or at least four). Many folks are fond of the retro-themed styling cues found inside. Cargo space isn't stellar for its size, but the PT does have the exclusive feature of a removable back seat. Speaking of back seats, the PT is also notable for being one of the few convertibles that can seat four in comfort. Finally, its reliability record has been among Chrysler's best.

It's in the driving experience that this long-lived car starts to show its age. Its body has always been on the heavy side, and the 150 horsepower coming from the aging, noisy 4-cylinder offers barely adequate motivation (the turbo engines are a major improvement). Gas mileage isn't great, either. Ride and handling are adequate considering the tall body and rather basic suspension, though the turning circle is wide.

By now, other small wagons have surpassed it in several areas, most notably the refined Mazda 3 wagon, and to a lesser extent the Chevrolet HHR, a car that's arguably just as stylish. But if the PT Cruiser tickles your fancy for whatever reason, you'll probably be a fairly happy customer.

What's new for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: All-new model.

Find out more about the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

The world's most legit SUV.

What's new for the 2007 Jeep Wrangler: Redesigned; new model.

What's new for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler: The "Sunrider" convertible top (which contains a miniature sunroof) now comes standard on the upscale Sahara and Rubicon models, and the basic X model is now available in right-hand-drive.

Off-roading.  You hear about it, you see it in commercials, and you know it sells SUVs.  Not nearly as many people ever actually tackle the wilderness, but those who do have long known the one SUV best suited for the job.  You're looking at it.

What makes the Jeep Wrangler such a talented trailblazer?  Pure, uncompromised dedication.  Check out its hardware -- it's got all the right tools for the job.  Dual live axles.  Super-knobby tires.  A scant 95-inch wheelbase and a vast 10-plus inches of ground clearance.  The top-of-the-line Rubicon model even throws in detachable front and rear stabilizer bars for extra wheel articulation on wildly uneven terrain.  Bottom line: if the Wrangler can't get you through it, nothing can.

The moment you return to the pavement, however, the Wrangler's weaknesses start showing rather quickly.  Every bump sends the body rocking or jerking.  Around corners, the tires slip like they're on ice.  Acceleration is asthmatic from the 205-horsepower pushrod V6, and once up to speed, the wind roars loudly through the flimsy plastic top (a "Freedom" hardtop is also available).  Oh, and don't expect much more than 15 MPG.

Surprisingly, all of this doesn't necessarily add up to an unpleasant SUV.  The Wrangler is still easy and accurate to drive, and it feels appropriate butch as it moves about.  The interior looks rugged in a bare-bones sort of way, and the driver's seat can fit even the tallest members of the human species.  The cargo hold might be near-useless and the softtop is a pain in the ass, but the back seat has decent space, and anyone needing more can buy the 21-inches-longer Wrangler Unlimited.  Think about that: a four-door, four-seat convertible that can go anywhere.  And has removable doors.  And a folding windshield.

But then, anyone who doesn't need all this ruggedness and capability can easily find a more well-rounded SUV than the Wrangler.  The almost-as-capable Nissan Xterra comes to mind (more space, comfort, performance, refinement), as do the countless ranks of more efficient carlike SUVs.  Still, there's something to be said about being able to do one thing better than anyone else.

Find out more about the 2008 Jeep Wrangler

A legend off-road -- but only off-road.

What's new for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Redesigned; new model.

What's new for the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Jeep adds a new top-of-the-line Overland trim line, which includes the 5.7-liter V8 and more luxury equipment.  The Laredo model can now be ordered with the Quadra-Trac II 4-wheel-drive system, and stability control is now standard on all models.

What's new for the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee adds a Mercedes-built 3.0-liter diesel V6, making five engines in all.

What's new for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee: The 4.7-liter V8 gets a huge boost from 230 to 305 horsepower, while a refreshed interior features softer-touch surfaces, upgraded lighting and a telescoping steering wheel.  New options include Chrysler's MyGIG hard drive-based audio/navigation system, a backup camera, rear seat DVD entertainment and Sirius Backseat TV.

Aside from its classy looks and strong yuppie appeal, the Grand Cherokee has primarily been famous for its off-road prowess.  The truth of this has never been in doubt.  Jeep does, after all, offer three different 4-wheel-drive systems (in addition to rear-wheel-drive), one of which goes so far as to include locking front and rear differentials, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control technology.  Not surprisingly, the Grand Cherokee still runs circles around its peers in off-road comparison tests staged by enthusiast magazines.

Jeep, however, realized some years ago that the Grand Cherokee needed to catch up in other areas, prompting a redesign for 2005 that brought a roomier cabin and more carlike engineering (most notably, an independent suspension and new steering gear).  Unfortunately, the result fell short.  Compared to other SUVs, the Grand Cherokee is pretty disappointing to drive, with Buick-like ride and handling traits (lazy, bouncy), weak tire grip, and an underpowered V6.  The inner cabin suffers from a back seat made for kids only, and maximum cargo room of 67 cubic feet is pathetic compared to the 80-plus found in most rivals.  Finally, Consumer Reports rates its reliability as the worst in its segment.

In case it's a selling point, Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee with an extremely diverse engine lineup.  Choices include a 3.7-liter V6 (210 HP), a 4.7-liter V8 (235 HP; 305 HP starting in 2008), a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (330 HP), a 6.1-liter V8 (420 HP), and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 (215 HP).  Among those, the diesel is the only one that gets more than 20 MPG, while the monster V8 turns the Grand Cherokee into what could be the world's fastest-accelerating SUV.

But unless you're strongly drawn to one of these specifics, just know that the greater sophistication, comfort, and efficiency of most other midsize SUVs makes this Jeep seem a little stuck in the mud.

Find out more about the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The most well-rounded crossover SUV.

What's new for the 2003 Honda Pilot: All-new model.

What's new for the 2004 Honda Pilot: The second-row seats are now adjustable, improving comfort and third-row access.  The navigation system gets a database upgrade; EX-L models get heated front seats and mirrors.

What's new for the 2005 Honda Pilot: Lots of mechanical tweaks.  The engine gets 15 more horsepower, the gas tank grows to 20.4 gallons, the steering gets improved feel, the throttle is now drive-by-wire, and gear ratios are revised.  Inside sits a new steering wheel, a new driver footrest, and ambient lighting for the instrument panel.  All models get a tire pressure monitor, and EX-L models get stability control.

What's new for the 2006 Honda Pilot: Honda finally adds a 2-wheel-drive model -- which exclusively gets a new cylinder deactivation system that saves a little fuel when cruising.  All models get slightly revised styling, side-curtain airbags in all three seating rows, and a Maintenance Minder system.  The navigation system now has a 7-inch screen and a reverse backup camera.  Some of the Pilot's production moves from Ontario to Alabama.

What's new for the 2007 Honda Pilot: No changes.

What's new for the 2008 Honda Pilot: The base LX model becomes the VP model (gaining some features in the process), and a new Special Edition debuts.

You've gotta hand it to Honda: they've got the market for family transportation nailed down solid.  The Accord has been a family staple for decades, and the supremely useful Odyssey minivan is the top pick for folks needing maximum space.  Here to capture all the in-betweeners is the Pilot, a closely related SUV that slots between the two in size and price.

Another trait the Pilot shares is being one of the most all-around competitive entries in its class.  Though it's too bulky to drive like an Accord, Honda's modern engineering and powerful, efficient V6 engine give the Pilot good handling, a good ride, quick acceleration, and acceptable fuel economy.  Despite a liberal supply of road noise, it's refined as well.  Its high-quality interior is well-laid out, and Honda's navigation and DVD entertainment systems get high praise from customers.

Honda one-ups the competition by offering seating for eight passengers (as opposed to the more common seven, and in some cases, five), even if those third-row seats are only fit for kids.  Comfort in the first two rows is first-rate, however, and with all seats folded, the Pilot boasts 90 cubic feet of cargo space -- among the highest in its class.  Reliability has also been top-notch, year after year.

If the original Pilot had a flaw, it was that all models came standard with 4-wheel-drive (which for many, amounts to a waste of money and gas), but Honda made amends in 2006 by offering a front-wheel-drive version.  The only other thing missing was the lack of side curtain airbags, but those were on board by 2005.

Most families could probably get by with a smaller vehicle, but those that find mid-size SUVs to be ideal should perch the Pilot atop their shopping list

Find out more about the 2008 Honda Pilot

The compact car with something for everyone.

What's new for the 2006 Honda Civic: Redesigned; new model.

What's new for the 2007 Honda Civic: The 197-horsepower Si model became available as a sedan.

What's new for the 2008 Honda Civic: New EX-L coupes and sedans bring leather seats to the Civic for the first time.  Also new is the MUGEN Si sedan, coming with a stiffer suspension, 18-inch wheels, a sport exhaust, and a body kit, and a slightly silly price of $30,000.

With such a wide range of models, the best sweeping statement to sum up the Honda Civic is that it tries to do everything a small car can do -- and mostly succeeds.  Most consumers probably look at the Civic and see a conventional, well-made little runabout that will last forever.  The enthusiast crowd likely sees a budget racer in the quite thrilling 197-horsepower Si version.  Finally, the Civic has gained recent fame for its innovative approach to saving fuel -- twice.  The Civic GX stands alone as the nation's only car to run on natural gas, which costs less and forms less smog (though it's only available in California and New York), while the 37 MPG Civic Hybrid is in hot pursuit of the Toyota Prius in the great gas mileage race.

Yet all members of this prolific clan have obvious ties.  They maintain the Honda Civic tradition of using the smallest engines in the class (1.8 liters on the mainstream models) for high efficiency, and Civics are still among the friskier-feeling cars, thanks to quick steering and the wide availability of stickshifts.  All models share an interior that makes great use of the available space (check out that flat rear floor), and despite the funky digital speedometer, its controls are typically Honda-friendly.

One also can't help but notice how the Civic has moved up in the world.  Its automatic transmission now has five speeds (one more than the class norm), and every engine features Honda's VTEC technology.  Even the middle-end LX model Civic comes with power everything, 16-inch wheels, a telescoping steering wheel, and an MP3 CD stereo; heck, there's even a new EX-L model with heated leather seats.

Though some drivers might wish for a gutsier engine, it's hard to imagine asking for much more in a compact car.  In any sense.

Find out more about the 2008 Honda Civic