by D.A.

Pros:

• Great driving feel
• Extremely fast, yet handles beautifully
• Unique, well-executed features like “Head-Up Display”

Cons:

• Cheap interior quality; low-grade plastic feel
• Poor layout and functionality for interior buttons (radio, AC, etc.)

Introduction

I must admit, I have never been a big fan of Corvettes. Yes, I know it’s supposed to be a great American supercar – all car magazines rave about it, admiring its powerful engine, great handling, and so on. But still. I always thought it never really stood a chance against British, German or Italian supercars. Plus, for some reason over the years the Corvette owner didn’t evoke a very positive image. Somehow that was the image of a guy like the ladies’ man character Larry in the old TV series “Three’s Company”. Shirt open halfway down, gold chain, big fluffy hair…
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By Twain Mein

What Happens in a Mustang…stays in a Mustang

This is Ford’s 40^th anniversary edition of the ’68 Mustang made famous in the Steve McQueen movie “Bullit”. I’ve been a Mustang fan since 1982 when Ford brought back horsepower and burnouts (at “just” 157 hp) and have loved the styling of the 64-70 models ever since I can remember. Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of driving the ’03 Cobra and ’06 Shelby GT-H. Needless to say, I was looking forward to the Bullitt!

And, wow, this did not disappoint. The Shelby has 325 hp while the Bullitt has “only” 315 (the ’03 Cobra has 390). Read the rest of this entry »

By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• 4.6 L V8 High-Performance Northstar
• Sweet, Hollywood overdub exhaust note
• Taught, yet not offensive ride quality

Dings:

• A-pillar limits visibility in corners
• Over-sensitive steering
• The old fogey Buick rep

Ruling: A satisfying mix of responsive handling and comfortable luxury cruising.
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Volvo has always been synonymous with car safety and they come out with some good advice for keeping the family outings a happy experience. Sometimes we can’t control the overly-energetic kids in the back, but we can take some action for keeping everyone safe before hitting the road. Let us know what steps you take to make your trip to the store or annual vacation spot a safe experience. (Editor)

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By Kevin Bowe

Pros:

• Stylish good looks
• Hybrid technology
• Being less dependant on greedy oil companies
• Touch screen console
• Bluetooth® option

Cons:

• A little pricey ($30k as tested, $25k base)
• Sloppy handling through the corners
• Small trunk
• Noticeable transitions from electric to gas motor

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by Twain Mein

Pros:

• Clever packaging
• The ultimate vehicle for families with young kids
• Lots of space
• Reasonable gas mileage; about 17.5 miles per gallon

Cons:

• Could use more power
• Could have 4wd
• Could be hybrid
• It’s a minivan…

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Advanced MR Offers More Technology than Traditional Entry-Level GSR Model

CYPRESS, CA, May 21, 2008 –

On the heels of the successful introduction of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR, Mitsubishi Motors announces the availability of the more technologically-advanced 2008 Lancer Evolution MR, the newest and most sophisticated version of the model series that began 16 years ago.

Shown coming off the production line in Japan, the Lancer Evolution MR arrives at showrooms in the U.S. in June and is available for a suggested retail price of $38,290. The MR features more user technology and a broader market appeal than the entry level GSR, including an advanced 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission.

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PURCHASE VOLKSWAGEN’S ALL-NEW ROUTAN AND HELP FUND YOUR CHILD’S COLLEGE TUITION

Volkswagen partners with Upromise® to provide customers $1,500 when they buy or lease a Routan

Not a bad deal if you are considering a new minivan. You can get a new car, use it to haul the kids around town, apply some funds to their college education, and then use the Routan to move their stuff from home to their dorm room when they go to college. Functional, economical, and parentally-responsible. Did I miss anything? (Editor)

HERNDON, VA.—Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today a partnership with Upromise, the country’s largest private source of college funding contributions, to provide $1,500 to customers who purchase or lease a new 2009 Routan for their child’s future education savings.

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Story and photos by Kurt Gensheimer

Since 1981, The Rising Sun 4 Wheel Drive Club of Colorado has celebrated the legend of the Toyota 4×4, and every April they kick off their season of wheeling with Cruise Moab; a three day event in Moab, Utah, running some of the most scenic and treacherous off-road trails in the United States. Although most of the club members own Land Cruisers, a fair portion of the club also own pickups, 4runners and Tacomas. And within the last two years, there’s been enormous growth with the new FJ Cruiser, a 4×4 which combines the legend of the FJ-40 with the latest in off-road technology.

Cruise Moab is to the Toyota enthusiast as Easter Jeep Safari is to Jeepers. Toyota 4×4 fanatics come from all over the country and beyond. In fact, the “Iron Butt” award for longest distance traveled in a non-towed truck was a guy from British Columbia, Canada. Over 2,500 miles in his diesel-powered BJ60 wagon, with his infant son riding shotgun, and we won’t even mention the pain of $4.50 per gallon diesel fuel. There’s no denying it, these guys are dedicated. Read the rest of this entry »

By Alex Kramer

Pros:

• Wonderfully responsive engine and transmission
• Nicely balanced suspension
• Luxurious and roomy interior
• Aggressive, yet sophisticated design

Cons:

• Hard to use navigation system
• Cluttered dashboard
• Could use more road noise insulation

Over the past 32 years, the Honda Accord has been a benchmark in the automotive industry. Loved by both critics and consumers alike, the Accord is the rare car that is a both a perennial bestseller and annual top-ten list contender. As the standard bearer of the Honda lineup, the Accord has always personified the reliability and refinement that Honda is known for. Yet for all its success, the one thing the Accord has lacked is a more spirited and daring personality. Those looking for a rip roaring ride or striking visual appeal have had to look elsewhere. Until now. Read the rest of this entry »

For those who keep up with Ford news, it is well known that the Ford Flex will take over where the Taurus X leaves off. We actually found the Taurus X to be a really competent car and very versatile. So, our expectations are high for the Ford Flex when it starts showing up at the dealerships this summer. (Editor)

DEARBORN, Mich., May 14, 2008 - When customers take their new Ford Flex for its first spin this summer, they may be surprised by what’s missing: the noise.

Flex delivers a quieter ride than competitors including the Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander and GMC Acadia, according to Ford tests. That’s good news for customers, who tend to directly relate a vehicle’s quietness with its quality, says Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “Quietness is a very good proxy for quality in a vehicle.” Read the rest of this entry »

ATLANTA, May 14, 2008 – For the fourth year running, America’s most affluent consumers have declared Porsche the most prestigious car available today. The Luxury Institute’s 2008 independent nationwide survey of luxury auto brands rated Porsche tops against eleven of the world’s most prestigious car brands. Lexus and Mercedes ranked second and third, respectively.

The Luxury Institute conducted an online survey of more than 1,600 American consumers – with an average income of $349,000 and average net worth of $3.7 million. This year’s survey respondents strongly associated Porsche with its stellar performance reputation, summing up their top choice as “world-class sports cars for the true connoisseur.” The proprietary 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index survey is the only measure of the reputation of leading brands among wealthy Americans.

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by Holly R.

Pros

• Comfortable ride
• Good pick-up acceleration on flat terrain (felt sporty)
• Easy to see out of the car (no blind spots)
• Really decent mileage for a V6 engine with 268-hp
• Easy to get out of the trunk, should you ever find yourself locked in it

Cons:

• Weak acceleration going up steep, narrow, winding roads
• Headlamp covers are in need of a re-design

Introduction:

I’ve never driven an Accord before. I used to want one, quite a bit actually. I’ve ridden in a few, but one of the things that struck me about this car is the sheer volume of Accords I saw on the road. All styles, years and colors! That speaks volumes as to how popular and long-lasting these vehicles really are, and just how much Accord owners love their cars. Read the rest of this entry »