Pros

• Better fuel economy than most V6 engines in its class
• Comfortable ride and responsive handling makes you forget that you’re driving a truck
• Intelligent shift patterns from the 5-speed gearbox account for smooth performance

Cons

• Interior is overdue for a makeover
• Third rowing seating suitable only for munchkins, yoga masters, or inflicting torture upon backseat drivers who need a timeout

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By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• Luxo interior and ride quality
• Microsoft Sync - the only endearing Microsoft product in existence
• Gutsy and fuel efficient Triton V8

Dings:

• Mundane exterior styling…
• …except for the obnoxiously large faux chrome grille
• Cargo loops in bed smaller than a needle hole

Ruling: Although you might not notice at first glance, Ford’s F-150 really is new and improved.

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>> Review by Peter Newton | >> Photos by Derek Mau

Pros

• Taut and controlled handling
• Roomy cargo for a compact car
• Cool-looking LED DRLs
• Just above average Bose sound system

Cons

• Too few controls available on steering wheel
• Sunroof cover did not fully block light
• Trip/car computer non-intuitive
• No iPod integration

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>> Review by Holly R. | >> Photographs by Derek Mau

Pros:

• Stiff, sports-car suspension
• Blazing acceleration
• Seriously comfortable seats
• Excellent handling ability
• Simple, clean interior (not a lot of bells and whistles)

Cons:

• Stiff, sports-car suspension (seemed to have been tuned for the track, because it barely budged)
• Blind spots that you could miss a bus in
• Not much more room inside for anything but an extra passenger, a purse and a briefcase in the back

Ruling: Z can spin doughnuts around a candlestick!  Heck, who needs a candlestick, let’s DRIVE!!!!

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>> Review by Alex Kramer >> Photographs by Derek Mau

Pros:

• High-output V6 engine
• Well-balanced suspension
• Solid build quality
• User-friendly SYNC system
• Head-turning 22” wheels

Cons:

• Hefty 4,300 pound curb weight hampers handling, acceleration, and fuel efficiency
• Huge wheels = lots of unsprung weight and road noise
• Transmission lacks manual shift option
• Edgy exterior styling

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>> By Anson Tse | >> Photos by Derek Mau

Pros

• Zero lag turbocharged engine that goes
• Well balanced chassis that pushes front wheel drive handling to the limit
• “No lift” shift algorithm
• Incognito appearance

Cons

• Cheap plastic interior panels
• Sub par craftsmanship
• Incognito appearance

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By Gary Chan

Pros

• HEMI power and acceleration
• Navigation system accuracy and ease of use
• Autostick® 5-speed transmission that matches perfectly with the engine

Cons

• Thirst for gasoline
• “Am I speaking English?” voice command system
• Uncomfortable front seats

As one of most powerful cars I’ve ever tested, I was eager to see what an American car could do compared to the high-ticket, high-powered imports I’ve driven. Not nearly as refined as the hi-po imports, the fun-factor of the SRT8 kept me grinning while accelerating effortlessly mile after mile.

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By Danny Chang

Pros

• Power
• Lots of amenities and luxury features
• Roominess
• Weird styling

Cons

• Weak MPG
• Complex navigation system
• Light steering
• Weird styling

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Review by Twain Mein

Pros

• Zippy and economical 2.0T
• Smooth shifting S-tronic gearbox (a.k.a. DSG)
• Audi’s über-cool LED daytime running lights
• Magnificent suspension setup and Audi ride quality

Cons

• Pricey with options
• Back seat legroom worse than flying Economy Class on Southwest

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By Peter N.

Pros:

• Powerful acceleration
• Stable, yet responsive handling
• Excellent fit and finish
• Crisp stereo system

Cons:

• Limited iPod control and information
• Rear seating uncomfortable for three

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By Derek Mau

Pros

• Passengers get their own door and ample leg room
• Versatile split rear folding seats
• Spirited cornering
• Excellent value

Cons

• Engine is tuned for economy, not performance
• Thin sheetmetal designed to save weight

The Toyota 5-door Yaris looks and feels about right as the utility vehicle for the new economy. It is cheap, roomy, economical and versatile. And it accomplishes all of this with a bit of style and flare. Its EPA numbers of 29 City/35 Highway is not quite at the level of the tiny Smart Fortwo’s mpg of 33/41. But we believe the Yaris is a better car in every respect and it is the smarter choice.

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By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• Seven passenger seating
• Outstanding value
• Super practical

Dings:

• Hit with the ugly stick ten too many times
• Gutless V6
• Low-hanging tailgate devours foreheads

Ruling: Comfortable and practical, but as sexy as a pair of orthopedic shoes.

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Review by Alex Kramer | Photographs by Derek Mau

Pros:

• Versatile supercharged engine w/direct injection delivers performance and efficiency
• Excellent balance between handling and ride quality
• Quattro all-wheel drive provides unflappable traction
• Top notch interior materials
• Good overall value in its class

Cons:

• Multi Media Interface controls are awkwardly placed
• Rear seating could use a bit more room
• Exterior styling is still a bit conservative

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Review by Mary-Ellen Ash | Photos by Derek Mau

Pros:

• Good suspension and steering = smooth handling
• Very spacious interior for driver and passengers
• Well insulated cabin keeps out the engine and road noise
• Convenient cup and bottle holders
• Nissan Intelligent Key system
• Good fuel economy with the 4-cylinder engine

Cons:

• Small trunk space
• Slow acceleration with 4-cylinder engine
• Hard to drop rear seats
• Nasty blind spots

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