About: Autolove

Joe Mavilia is a syndicated columnist with more than 35 years in the automotive industry. He is a member of the Motor Press Guild and Automotive Press Association. His reviews have been published in print media including the Los Angeles Times, The Golden Transcript - Colorado, La Feria News - Texas, The Pasadena Weekly - California, and others around the country, including www.theweekenddrive.com where he is the West Coast Editor. Reviews and Opinion Columns may also be seen in Sunnews.org and The Country Journal every week in the Antelope Valley, CA. I hope they are helpful

2010 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV (820)

28-06-2010Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV that is largely unchanged from the prior year. I have not reviewed the Maxima for some years so the look and feel was a welcomed re-visit where I found I was instantly attracted to this car.

I like the broad wide stance and the rear end is bold but well balanced with the rest of the car. It truly is a very lovely 4-door sedan with a truly elegant profile – but then all views are attractive to me. Interestingly enough as I did research and read user reviews it was nice to see they all gave it a 10.0 rating. Bo Derek got the same billing in the movie titled the same number.

Ok, so a 10 isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and you can be sure the process of finding the right car is similar to finding a mate and both are serious business. Ratings and reviews give a lot of comfort to support our need to commit this kind of commitment of money for transportation.

Speaking of “10”, don’t you just miss Dudley Moore movies?

One buyer had this to say: We considered BMW 335i, M-Benz C350, Infiniti G37, Lexus 250 but purchased the Maxima because we felt it had a higher quality interior than BMW and M-Benz. Maxima is fast yet rides smoothly. Maxima and Infiniti share components but Maxima is easier on the wallet. Maxima is by far a better overall value.

Obviously my sentiments are echoed here and the overall consumer review and opinions were substantially the same and that is why the overall rating of buyers gave it a 10.0.

Opinion:

Consider the facts: Non-American car makers employ 52% of all US auto workers. If GM had been allowed to fail, the automotive industry would have been better for it. The free market forces would have taken hold of the situation and the only difference would have been GM cars would be made by more efficient car makers.

Chrysler is another example of how ownership changes have only improved the brand. German owned Daimler was the greatest contributor to improving the Chrysler lineup in quality and innovation.

Handling & Performance:

Maxima has good fuel economy numbers, and a solidly comfortable road sedan with more than adequate power. Some criticize the front wheel drive’s torque steer but I did not find that to be a problem.

Styling:

Exceptional styling with an elegant look that is at the top of my list for good looks in this mid-size class.

Fit and Finish:

Very nice.

Cost:

Good MSRP pricing for a standard equipped model. You will need to add about $4,000 for the sport and technology packages.

Conveniences and comfort:

A lot of good standard equipment, and I found very little that I couldn’t live without among the Options.

Consumer Recommendation:

LaCrosse, Accord, Azera and Passat are my picks for closest competition for the Maxima.

Recognized Competition:

Nissan Maxima $31-33,000, Acura TL $35-43,000, BMW 3 Series $33-51,000, Buick LaCrosse $26-33,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22-27,000, Ford Fusion $20-28,000, Honda Accord $21-31,000, Hyundai Azera $25-30,000, Hyundai Sonata $19-25,000, Mazda 6 $19-29,000, Saab 9-3 $29-45,000, Subaru Legacy $20-30,000, Volkswagen Passat $27,915, Volvo S60 $33-36,000.

Good News:

Top of my list in class, better than fair fuel economy, solid ride, great styling and it is made in the USA.

Bad News:

None noted.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 290 horsepower V6 engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, front wheel drive, speed sensitive power steering, electronic throttle, independent suspension with stabilizer bars, 4-wheel power ABS vented disc brakes with brake force distribution, 18” alloy wheels, front, side and side curtain air bags, traction control, dynamic control, tire pressure monitor, Child LATCH system, security system with immobilizer, 8-way power driver seat with lumbar, 4-way power passenger seat, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, leather seats, steering wheel and shift knob, tilt and telescopic wheel, cruise control steering wheel audio and cruise controls, Bose audio with 6-in-dash CD changer & MP3/WMA CD playback with 9-speakers, XM Satellite, speed sensitive volume control, Bluetooth phone system, multi function trip computer, climate control, intelligent key with push button start, power windows & locks, auto on/off halogen headlights, fog lights, manual folding power mirrors and UV reducing solar glass.

Gas Stats:

$2.99/ Gal avg. July 9, 2010

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

19 City and 26 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $33,180.

2010 Mazda Speed 3 Sport (819)

21-06-2010Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Mazda Speed 3 Sport. Good buy, fun to drive but only fair fuel economy relative to the class. It’s hard not to put your foot into it because it is so responsive. Fact of the matter is that it’s almost too responsive. I’m not happy with the steering wheel being jerked out of my hands when I want faster acceleration. Torque Steer is the cause and it is typical of front wheel drive. The solution is for Mazda to employ all wheel drive or rear wheel drive, both of which are unavailable in the Speed 3.

To me it has always been a ‘kids’ car. The oversize air scoop on the hood and large spoiler in the rear with a low stance makes it hot for younger drivers but it is unlikely you would find grandpa behind the wheel. Take a look at the next few you see on the road and see if I’m right. Some say styling is “over the top” but my guess is some really young designers are responsible for the look.

Opinion:

“The few, the proud the Moron’s” – Ever notice how some folks are starved for attention and will do just about anything to get it. In the auto industry’s “After Market” there are some neat things you can add to your car to show your pride of ownership and love affair with your car. You can see the latest and greatest of these aftermarket gadgets at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas, Nevada every November.

Two add-ons that just bug the heck out of me are (#2) Hub Caps that rotate whether the car is moving or standing still, and (#1) Boom Boxes or as some call them Ghetto Blasters. They have been with us for about 30 years and although the craze is about over they will find you in traffic when you least expect it and can’t escape the boom and thud sounds. . . and not a caveman in sight so it is hard to see where the obnoxious sounds emanate from. Consider that if these people really liked their tunes they could enjoy them on personal stereos with headphones and keep their music to themselves understanding others may not share their musical tastes. It is just another indication and reminder of why the “all about me” generation is fading away. It can’t go any too fast for me.

Handling & Performance:

Well what can you say… it doesn’t get much better for the money. And being it is a Mazda it will continue to truck along for a lot of years. Steering is quick and sure and that is in large part due to the FWD which is also the culprit for Torque Steer that makes driving this car less enjoyable. You also will find a lot of road noise but when you’re young I suppose there is less concern about road noise and they probably drown it out with loud music.

Styling:

Youthful, but so are baggy shorts that start at the knees and go down from there. I’m embarrassed for them, but I’m not embarrassed for this youthful Mazda Speed 3 because that is their target market and in that sense the design is “Brilliant”.

It won’t appeal to Grandpa or even parents but it is a hot item with our youth.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Excellent value in class.

Conveniences and comfort:

All conveniences are included and the Speed 3 is surprisingly roomy for a small car that purports to be in the midsize class.

Consumer Recommendation:

To me there are three close competitors in this type of youthful car: Subaru Impreza WRX and the Evo from Mitsubishi. But the Speed 3 has to be the best of the three from a cost standpoint.

Recognized Competition:

Mazda Speed 3 $23,340, Audi A3 $27-31,000, BMW 1 Series $29-40,000, Chevrolet HHR $19-26,000, Dodge Caliber $17-20,000, Honda Civic $15-25,000, MINI Clubman $20-31,000, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution $34-41,000, Saturn Astra $17-20,000, Subaru Impreza WRX $25-35,000, Volkswagen GTI $23-24,000.

Good News:

Decent fuel economy (not great but OK), fabulously fun to drive and perhaps the best buy in class.

Bad News:

Front wheel drive is all that is available on the Speed 3 and so turbocharger causes torque steer which is really annoying and road noise is more than I like.

Standard Equipment:

2.3 liter 263 HP Inline 4 cylinder engine turbocharged and intercooled, 6-speed manual transmission, front wheel drive, independent suspension, front & rear stabilizers, power steering, 4-wheel power ABS disc brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD), traction control, 18” allow wheels, halogen headlights and fog lights, variable intermittent wipers, rear wiper, cloth and leather seats, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, audio with CD / MP3 with 6 speakers, Bluetooth hands free phone, SIRIUS satellite radio, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, tilt & telescopic column, auto locks, multi info display, cruise control, climate control, power windows & locks, tire pressure monitor, LATCH child safety, anti-theft engine immobilizer, remote keyless entry and front, side and curtain airbags.

Options:

Includes upgraded sound system, navigation, and advanced keyless entry system with push button start – $1,895.

Gas Stats:

$2.99/ Gal avg. July 5, 2010

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

18 City and 25 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $23,195.

2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS FWD (818)

14-06-2010Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS FWD SUV. This is in a great class for perhaps the best bargain for your hard earned money. Not only is it capable transportation, it has all the conveniences and mechanical safety features and all at reasonable pricing. It is not only in the most popular class, hands down, it is truly an affordable all around family SUV.

Handling & Performance:

The size is perfect for ease of parking, run about town kind of car with good turning radius and good cargo capacity.

I prefer rear wheel drive but I wouldn’t discount it for that reason.

Styling:

It is a today design, but tends to step out of simple clean lines. I’m not excited with the sharp edges and rather busy look. I prefer simplicity in design.

Fit and Finish:

Very Good.

Cost:

Real value for the money. The class has been influenced to a great extent or certainly in part because of the Korean competitors.

Conveniences and comfort:

Because this class is smack dab in the middle, in size, cost, comfort and safety features all competitors listed are at the top of my recommendations for up to 5 in the family. For the younger single buyer with a more rough and rugged outdoors lifestyle I’d look at 4X4’s like Jeep Wrangler.

Consumer Recommendation:

Perfect family vehicle for a family up to 5 and one more kid pushes you up to a larger class. Son Mike with 6 in the family must supersize up to Suburban class options. Good reason to stop at 3 kids. I am beginning to doubt the old saying “Cheaper by the Dozen”. Maybe when folks grew up on a farm that was true.

Options notes:

the $1,700 package is good stuff, but the Navigation for $2,000 is not a good buy in today’s world. Cell phone based navigation is available for about $10/ month or for a couple of hundred you can own a portable and both options are much more flexible.

Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Tucson $19-26,000, Chevrolet Equinox $23-30,000, Ford Escape $21-27,000, Honda CRV $21-31,000, Jeep Liberty $23-29,000, Jeep Patriot $15-25,000, Kia Sorento $20-29,000, Kia Sportage $17-23,000, Mazda Tribute $19-29,000, Mercury Mariner $24-27,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $21-29,000, Nissan Rogue $20-25,000, Subaru Forester $20-28,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $19-27,000, Toyota RAV 4 $22-30,000, Volkswagen Tiguan $23-34,000.

Good News:

A lot of competition in class that is all good stuff, affordable,

Bad News:

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 176 horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, power steering, front wheel drive, 17” steel wheels, electronic stability and traction control, brake assisted ABS brakes with brake force distribution, front, side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitor, air conditioning, audio with CD/MP3 and iPod USB/ Aux jacks & iPod cable, XM satellite, cloth seats, 60/40 split rear folding seating, keyless entry with alarm, folding power mirrors, power windows and tilt steering wheel.

Options:

Popular Equipment package $1,700 including Telescopic steering wheel, 17” alloy wheels, leatherette / cloth seats, leather wrapped wheel with audio and cruise controls, and leather wrapped shift knob, Bluetooth, roof rack side rails.
Nav option: $2,000 (includes rearview camera, auto headlights and upgraded audio.

Gas Stats:

$2.97/ Gal avg. June 25, 2010
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

23 City and 31 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $19,995.

2010 Nissan Altima CPE 3.5 SR (817)

07-06-2010Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Nissan Altima CPE 3.5 SR. Instantly it is a likable car. Friend Merkel and I looked it over and believe it or not there was an immediate appreciation for the car. Artists and engineers are pretty self centered and they are ultra critical of anyone else’s work. Merkel is a Fiat guy and Honda is also at the top of his list of the best cars ever. OK, they are damn good cars, but because I drive a different car every week my love affair is a bit more broad and thus there isn’t one that stands that far apart from the rest.

This Nissan Altima is one of those cars that dispel the contention that there are extreme stand out cars in the world. There are too many good products available today and those days are gone when folks would passionately defend their Ford or Chrysler or GM product. Life was simple. The Big 3 was it. Nothing challenged that preeminence in the Auto Industry. For all practical purposes that didn’t begin to change until the 1960s with a rather feeble attempt by the Japanese to enter the American auto market. It was after all the only major consumer of auto products in the entire world. China at the time didn’t even have roads let alone cars.

Many good products being replicated or assembled or even made from scratch in countries other than the US. Most recently China has entered the fray. Nissan (Datsun back then) was simply the first to enter the American market. I know that first hand because I bought one of the first to land on American soil. But things moved quickly and soon there would be a wide variety or Japanese cars populating our highways.

More and more are being built in China, South America, India and other places where labor is less expensive in today’s world. You have seen my comparison in that US Automakers labor costs at about $78 / hour while Japan car makers are around $45/ hour. Tough to compete with that disparity in wages which is the largest part of the cost to you the customer. Imagine what the hourly wages are in India and China.

General Info:

Parts – n/a.

Assembly – Smyrna, USA

Class: – SubCompact

Cars: – Altima, Altima Hybrid, Armada, cube, Frontier, GT-R, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue, Sentra, Titan, Versa, Xterra and Z.

Handling & Performance:

Altima is clearly an all around good sedan. I did find an unsettling brake chatter that is not dangerous but it is annoying. I also noticed the manual shift knob bounced a bit when the clutch engaged which is also not a repair problem but is also annoying. I suspect that is eliminated with the automatic transmission.

Styling:

Lovely – great job Nissan. I especially like the rear view stance. Bold and substantial.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Competitively priced and in the top 5 for me.

Conveniences and comfort:

Well I tested the 2-door Coupe and I have to tell you a little story. Sorry Margaret I have to do it. Steve and Margaret (brother and sister-in-law) and I got into the car to go to lunch. Margaret made the mistake of opting for the rear seat. Getting in was a slight challenge but getting out was hilarious. She got her feet up onto the sill and proceeded to slip and fall into the foot space in front of the seat. We nearly had to call the fire department to bring the Jaws of Life to get her extricated from that sitting position in the foot well. Good thing she wasn’t wearing a dress or skirt. Pants were bad enough. Margaret could be a stand in double for Julie Andrews and every time I see her I start humming “The Sound of Music”. But this was nothing to sing about.

Consumer Recommendation:

I’ve never heard horror stories about Nissan in all my years owning an automotive repair garage in La Canada, CA – then or since. Back then it was because Nissan was not a regular visitor to our shop that one would have to conclude it was a pretty good car. BMW visited often as did Audi, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz and of course Fiat (Fix it Again Tony) was a frequent visitor. But not a lot of Nissan’s or Toyota’s for that matter. We were billed out as a German and Italian shop but although we did Ferrari’s, Lamborghini’s and Maserati’s we didn’t do many because there simply aren’t many on the road. And all of those are in Beverly Hills.

Today Japanese cars are still on the top of the reliability list but even Japan outsources to Korea and China for assembly to cut their labor costs. Korea has learned quickly and produces their own brands in Hyundai and Kia. Clearly the best bang for the buck. As their labor force matures and costs approximate US and Japanese car makers even more jobs will be exported to China or other labor rich countries. By then we’ll travel “back to the future” with unimagined modes of transportation.

In the meantime the competition below is what you have to choose from at this price range. Notice Korean cars are well priced relative to the others because they still have something to prove. That makes them a great buy

Recognized Competition:

Nissan Altima $20-30,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22-27,000, Chrysler Sebring $20-33,000, Ford Fusion $20-28,000, Honda Accord $21-31,000, Hyundai Sonata $19-25,000, Kia Optima $18-23,000, Mazda 6 $19-29,000, Mercury Milan $22-28,000, Mitsubishi Galant $22-24,000, Subaru Legacy $20-30,000, Suzuki Kizashi $19-27,000, Toyota Camry $20-29,000, Volkswagen Jetta $18-25,000 and Voldswagen Passat $27,915.

Good News:

Quality, fair pricing, comfortable ride (except the rear seat in the Coupe), fun to drive and lots of power.

Bad News:

Rear seat difficult to get in and out. Some mechanical anomalies that are more annoying than problems.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 270 hp 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, fuel injection, front & rear stabilizer bars, power steering, independent front and multi-link rear suspension, power ABS vented front and rear disc brakes, 18” alloy wheels, front side and roof mountain curtain air bags, lower anchors & tethers for children, traction control, vehicle dynamic control, tire pressure monitoring, security system with immobilizer, 8-way power driver seat leather, heated front seats, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, wood tone finishes, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, tilt & telescopic steering column, Bose audio system with 7 speakers, XM satellite, MP3 / WMA CD Rom, trip computer, speed sensitive volume control, 4.3“ color display, Bluetooth phone system, air conditioning, dual zone, Intelligent Key, power windows, key fob auto window down, moon roof with sunshade, compass, power locks with auto locking system, 2- 12 Volt power outlets, auto on/off Xenon head lights, fog lights, power heated mirrors with turn signals and solar glass.

Gas Stats:

$2.97/ Gal avg. June 21, 2010

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

18 City and 27 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $29,600.

2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible (816)

28-05-2010Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible. What a beautiful car with top up or down. The G convertible is available in two trim levels: standard and Sport 6MT which is available with a 6-speed manual transmission. There is also a Premier Edition featuring unique accents, such as Monaco Red seats and a Midnight Black grille. All versions come equipped with traction control and Infiniti’s Vehicle Dynamic Control.

With the top down it is surprisingly quiet allowing easy conversation with passengers and with well placed speakers the audio is as good as it gets and better than most. The design prevents wind entering the cabin even at highway speed.

The hardtop mechanics add weight which helps push the car up over 4,000 lbs. It gives it a solid ride, but tucked away in the trunk there is little room left for stowing anything. Another reason for the hard top convertible being attractive to me because I like the security of a hard top when parked. Some years ago I tested a Pontiac Convertible and coming out to the parking garage in our condo the top slashed, all items removed from the car and it cost $3,800 to replace the top.

Opinion:

Handling & Performance:

Fast because of the 325 horses, solid ride because of the 4,000 lb., weight and fun to drive because of the wide low stance. I can do without manual shift paddles and find little need for them. I’m yet to hear anyone saying how great that feature is. I would drop the feature especially in light of the fact that you can’t shift as efficiently as the automatic mode allows. It’s a waste of money in my book.

Styling:

Sometimes it’s the simple things that distinguish one from another – anything… the Infiniti signature analog clock is an example that is such a subtle classy item. Mr. Critical – Merkel – surprised me in his approval of the styling / design of the hard drop top 3-piece sectional. I agree.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent.

Cost:

Pricey. But in class and competition with BMW 3 Series and Mercedes SLK it doesn’t look so bad.

Conveniences and comfort:

Smart key allows you to keep the key fob in your pocket or purse. It really spoils you and although you’d think women (notorious for losing their keys) would think ‘out of sight – out of mind’ would only worsen the problem… but the answer is no. you need only have the ignition fob on your person to enter the car and start it. This will be a common feature of all cars very soon.

The convertible top is great and it is so easy you will actually use it often. Of course there is a drawback in that it limits the trunk storage space and if you carry a lot of stuff this won’t work. The3-piece roof folds away in 28 seconds leaving a mere 2 cubic feet of storage space with the top down and 10.3 with the top up. The rear seat can serve as a place for your stuff but in a pinch it will also accommodate seating for 2 adult passengers.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you’re not a convertible kinda person, the coupe will save you a bundle… approximately $7,000.

Recognized Competition:

Infiniti G Convertible $44-47,000, Audi A5 $36-44,000, BMW 1-Series $29-40,000, BMW 3-Series $33-51,000, Chevrolet Camaro $23-34,000, Dodge Challenger $23-41,000, Ford Mustang $22-38,000, Hyundai Genesis Coupe $22-32,000, Lexus IS C $39-45,000, Mazda RX8 $27-32,000, Mercedes Benz SLK $47-67,000, Nissan Z $30-41,000, Saab 9-3 $29-45,000, Volvo C70 $40,000.

Good News:

Fast, ultra easy convertible top up and down device, and good fuel numbers for a performance car.

Bad News:

Small rear seat but better than most.

Standard Equipment:

3.7 liter 325 hp V6 engine, Rear wheel drive, 7-speed auto trans with sport drive and manual shift, independent front & rear suspension, 3-piece power retractable hard top with one button touch up and down, heated power folding mirrors, 18” aluminum alloy wheels, leather seats, 8-way power front seats, tilt and telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel with multi-function controls, intelligent key with push button ignition, 6-speaker audio system with CD player & XM Satellite, iPod connection, 7” color display with rearview monitor, cruise control, Bluetooth phone system, auto headlights, power windows, climate control dual zone, front and side airbags, pop-up roll bars, 4-wheel ABS power brake system with brake force distribution, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, tire pressure monitor, vehicle security system with Immobilizer.

Gas Stats:

$2.98/ Gal avg. October 25, ‘09

2010 Audi TTS 2.0 TFSI Quattro S-Tronic Coupe (815)

19-05-2010Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Audi TTS 2.0 TFSI Quattro S-Tronic Coupe… lets just call it a TTS, but no matter what you call it you’ll definitely say it’s fast.

A recent test car was painted a ‘putrid’ green and then this TTS was delivered and it was brilliantly painted “Solar Orange”. I love it and I didn’t have one negative comment about the paint from anyone else. I highly recommend it. Also brilliant was the interior color treatment of black and orange leather with really classy orange piping and aluminum inlays. Very special car.

General Info:

Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Germany 75%

Assembly – Gyor, Hungary

Class: – SubCompact

Cars: – A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, Q5, Q7, R8, S4, S5, S6, S8, TT

Opinion:

I get very nervous when a car behind me is being piloted by a person with a cell phone in hand. A hands free device is only part of the answer because ‘Texting’ is the rear danger which younger drivers in particular do not hesitate to do it while driving. To them it is simply “Multi-Tasking”. More an more we are learning that the human animal only thinks they can do two things at once. They are slowly learning not only can’t they walk and chew gum they definitely can NOT write their friends while driving an automobile at any speed.

Handling & Performance:

Pretty amazing and I think you’ll agree. If you haven’t already driven one, go for a test drive and if that doesn’t get your heart started nothing will, short of a date with Miss America. You’re going to like the experience, I guarantee it.

The reason it is at the top of my list of great sport cars is, in my opinion, because it is an all around performer. The Turbocharger gives it great acceleration, it’s dynamic low center of gravity, wide stance and Quattro / all wheel drive give it great road hugging characteristics not easily bested by others available for use on public highways. Nissan 370Z comes in at # 2 for my money. Sure, the Corvette Z is awesome for raw speed and acceleration but it would be #3 on my list for road hugging ability.

The transmission is a DSG (direct shift gearbox) and it is lightning fast in action and as smooth as it gets. It employs a dual-clutch design that holds the previous gear while shifting to the next and then drops the last gear for instant shifting performance. Pretty cool.

Brother John was a Ferrari’s kind of guy and on occasion I would drive his 365 GTB or the Daytona. For my money I think this TTS does it for me. Porsche is ok too, but like Ferrari they will set you back at least twice the dough. I’ll travel the world for the difference but I won’t miss out on all that much performance driving the TTS.

I tested a Porsche on the race track with a Porsche company professional driver in the right seat. I watched him take it for a couple of laps and it looked pretty easy. Looks are deceiving. At any rate, for $125,000 for that particular Porsche makes this TTS looks really good. And perhaps if I pushed the TTS a little past its limit on the track like I did with the Porsche I might also do a 360 deg., at turn 3. In that track experience there was no harm, no foul and I continued on around without further incident.

I did test this TTS on one of my favorite mountain road test areas and of course I have learned to push only so far. But it was pretty impressive and I didn’t go off the road once.

Styling:

Spectacular look in addition to being one of the premier performers of highway cars. It isn’t for everyone however because it is essentially a two seater. I believe it would also accommodate two small children. Friend Merkel doesn’t agree. Trust me, it isn’t any different than the rear seat of an older Mustang or Camaro.

There is a bit of a Visibility issue and many will have a problem with that. I didn’t going forward but in reverse you are nearly blind with the supports for the hatchback and the small rear window.
Fit and Finish:

Excellent.

Cost:

This Audi is worth the price of admission.

Conveniences and comfort:

All very special stuff that makes the car a kick to drive all the time. This is a keeper and I really could have tested it for another couple of weeks, but I have a weekly column, so I only stretched it to 9 days.

Consumer Recommendation:

Be sure to look at the new Solar Orange color scheme. It is the Bee’s Knee’s. Cute and attractively stylish. Quite possibly the nicest car I have driven in 2010. Try it – you’ll like it too.

Recognized Competition:

Audi A3 $27-31,000, Acura TSX $29-38,000, BMW 1-Series $29-40,000, Infiniti EX $34-37,000, Mazda 3 $15-22,000, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback $19-28,000, Volkswagen Rabbit $16-19,000, Volvo C30 $24-26,000.

Good News:

A kick to drive, great styling, fast fast fast road hugging thrilling experience you won’t often find.

Bad News:

Visibility limitations, entry and exit is tight.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 285 hp turbo charged 4-cylinder engine, S-Tronic 6-speed automatic dual clutch transmission, Quattro all wheel drive system, 18” alloy wheels, Front McPherson strut and four link rear suspension, servotronic electromechanical steering, electronic stability control, 4-wheel abs disc brakes, anti-slip regulation, automatic rear spoiler, Xenon headlights, tire pressure monitoring system, multi-function leather wrapped sport steering wheel, climate control, 140 watt sound system with in dash CD with SIRIUS satellite and 9-speakers, cruise control, Bluetooth hands free system, 2+2 seater with 50/50 split folding rear seat, front, side and knee airbags, anti-theft alarm system, anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). Options: 19” alloy wheels, silk nappa leather package, 10-way power seats, nav system, rain sensing wipers and Bose sound system upgrade with 6 disc CD changer and LED interior lighting package ($6,050).

Gas Stats:

$2.98/ Gal avg. October 25, ‘09

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

21 City and 29 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $45,900.

2009 Jeep Patriot Limited 4X4 SUV (814)

11-05-2010Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2009 Jeep Patriot Limited 4X4 SUV. This is one step down in cost from the Liberty and of course in features and performance as well.

If you are OK with basic you will want to look at the Sport 4X2 to save about $5,000. You’ll probably flash back to the days when all cars were equipped with manual crank windows and manual door locks. A slight digression is that leather is not available on the Patriot… and that got me thinking how Naugahyde was so popular in days of old. Oh, for those who never heard of Naugahyde it is a Vinyl make believe (artificial) leather that was very popular in the 1950s and 60s. Today they call it Pleather for Plastic Leather. There are several reasons for substituting artificial leather for the real thing. The most important reason in my view is that it is far lighter and better for many applications.

Likewise, however, there are benefits to using cloth seats over leather other than cost. I don’t know about you but leather is very cold in the winter months and sweaty hot in the summer. I love the smell of leather and it is very luxurious in feel as well but being “Real” is a taboo to animal rights groups.

General Info:

Parts – US/Canadian 66%; Mexico 19%

Assembly – Belvidere, Illinois, USA

Class: – SUV

Cars: – Commander, compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot & Wrangler.

Opinion:

Riding with a friend to town I had to pass on the right and my passenger barked how rude drivers can be. “Why didn’t he pull over to the right?” Well, sometime it can be a tough call of whether to move over or not, I responded. Relative speed is what makes the difference and if you are going with the flow of traffic and some “Rapid Robert” is weaving in and out I don’t believe you need to feel compelled to move over. The best rule of thumb is that if you are not passing traffic to your right then that’s the lane you belong in.

Good drivers are many things but to me they are NOT self appointed cops who drive slower in an attempt to slow other drivers down. Good drivers go with the general flow of traffic and pay attention to driving by using hands free “Bluetooth” devices to avoid dangerous distractions – and they don’t text or read their mail either. In short, they are considerate and sensitive to other drivers around them – and they are not too proud to move over if they are driving slower than the flow of traffic and they don’t tailgate or flip others off. I’m sure you have other pet peeves when you share the highway with others.

Handling & Performance:

Comfortable ride but at 172 hp this inline 4 cylinder will struggle more, of course, than the Liberty with a 210 hp V6. Unfortunately the fuel economy doesn’t improve very much at all with the 4-cylinder. The only way to boost the MPG is to move away from the 4X4 to the 4X2 and then the highway numbers move up by about 6 mpg or about a 30% increase.

Styling:

Simply Jeep. You either love it or you don’t. Me, I’m a Jeep guy from way back and I particularly appreciate the names given to these All American vehicles. Enjoying the Liberty and being a Patriot – all things being equal is enough for me to lean toward Jeep.

Fit and Finish:

Good for the money.

Cost:

About $4,000 less than the Liberty. Not chump change.

Conveniences and comfort:

Very good.

Consumer Recommendation:

Consider the 4X2 for a more efficient cost to benefit. In every instance, in fact, where a 4X4 is considered remember only 5% of 4WD vehicles will ever be used that way. You’d have to live in the back woods on a steep dirt road or be an off road kinda guy or gal to justify the cost difference.

Recognized Competition:

Jeep Patriot $18-24,000, Jeep Compass $18-25,000, Chrysler PT Cruiser $18-25,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $20-26,000, Ford Escape $20-28,000, Saturn Vue $23-31,000, Subaru Forester $20-28,000, Suzuki SX4 Crossover $16-19,000, Mazda 5 $18-23,000, Kia Rondo $17-22,000, Hyundai Tucson $18-26,000, Nissan Rogue $20-23,000, Honda Element $20-26,000, Toyota Matrix $17-22,000, Toyota RAV4 $22-28,000, Chevrolet HHR $19-25,000, Pontiac Torrent $25-31,000, Dodge Caliber $16-25,000.

Good News:

Well equipped standard features, competitive pricing.

Bad News:

Only average fuel economy.

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 172 horsepower inline 4-Cylinder engine, continuously variable auto trans with off road crawl ratio, electronic stability program, electronic roll mitigation, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake assist, multi stage airbags with side curtain bags front and rear, cruise control, power windows, speed sensitive door locks, Sentry key and theft deterrent system, power fold away mirrors, remote keyless entry, interior removable flashlight, rear window defroster with wiper washer, 115 volt and 12 volt outlets, air conditioning, heated front seats, passenger fold flat seatback, manual driver height and lumbar seat adjustment, rear 60/40 split folding / reclining seat, stereo with in-dash 6 disc CD/MP3/WMA player, Sirius radio service (1 yr. Incl.), leather seating and wrapped wheel (with audio controls), tilt steering column and vehicle information center.

Gas Stats:

$2.17/ Gal avg. April 5, ‘09

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

20 City and 22 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $23,230.

2010 Dodge Avenger R/T (813)

03-05-2010Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Dodge Avenger R/T. Avenger was introduced in 1995 and replaced the Daytona. Today Avenger gets its looks from its sibling muscle cars – Charger and Challenger. For many the trip down memory lane of muscle cars is filled with images of their ‘good old days’. Those were the experimental days that made today’s cars what they are. In those ‘good old days’ most all cars were little more than buckets of bolts and gear heads relished the experiences of just keeping them running so they could look cool cruising. That was how guys had ‘fun’ in the 1950s and 1960s.

I suspect that’s why Chrysler has done so well with ‘Retro’ cars today. When I first test drove the revisited Challenger for 2008 people nearly strained their necks doing double takes as we passed on the road. But it wasn’t the old guys but the young ‘dudes’ who surprised me most with their interest. That’s why these are special cars – there is something about them that is timeless. But you know what – they just get better and you don’t have to worry about keeping them running. But when it comes to being able to relive those days we owe Chrysler a debt of gratitude for having the huevo’s to bring them back.

General Info:

Parts – US/Canadian – 85%

Assembly – Sterling Heights, MI, USA

Class: – Midsize Cars

Cars: – Avenger, Caliber, Challenger, Charger, Dakota, Durango, Durango Hybrid, Grand Caravan, Journey, Nitro, Ram 15,25 & 3500, Sprinter Van & Wagon and Viper.

Horsepower:

We all rely on Horsepower as a way to identify power relative to other cars on the road. Muscle cars of old that this Chrysler Avenger reminds me of defines our love for power and influence.

The technical description of horsepower is:

As the term implies it relates to how much work a horse can do over time. So it has stuck as a measure of what machines can do relative to the horse. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standardized how it is calculated about a hundred years ago and unless the stated horsepower is certified by the SAE, you can’t place much trust in the accuracy of the number.

DIN horsepower is the German standard. The conditions of the test vary slightly, but the required equipment on the engine and the point of measurement (flywheel) remains the same. Because the test conditions are so similar, it is safe to divide DIN horsepower by 1.0139 to arrive at SAE net. This value is so close to equal that for all but the most technical purposes DIN and SAE net are interchangeable.

General Motors was the first manufacturer to certify an engine’s power and torque ratings using a newly adopted SAEstandard (J2723), James Queen, GM Vice President, Global Engineering, announced during his keynote address at the SAE World Congress and Exhibition in April 2005. The world’s largest automaker said it planed to certify all of its engines to the voluntary standard, and is encouraging its competitors to do the same.

At the end of the day, no matter how they calculate it, we know what fast is and what isn’t just by driving the car and pushing the pedal to the metal, as they say. That validation is pretty easy and when you drive a Corvette Z06 or newer you pretty much know that is as fast as you need to go to get your heart started. Me – I almost always do a 0-60 test and if you get there in 4-5 seconds you believe the horsepower rating or rather you really don’t care how real the number is.

Wanna race for pinks?

Handling & Performance:

Parochial. Handles well but it will leave you feeling it is underpowered. Another engine option is not available.

Styling:

Improved a lot since it was introduced in ’95.

Fit and Finish:

Good.

Cost:

Top of the heap in price point that will attract a lot of buyers.

Conveniences and comfort:

Quite good.

Recognized Competition:

Dodge Avenger $20-22,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22-27,000, Ford Fusion $20-28,000, Honda Accord $21-31,000, Hyundai Sonata$19-25,000, Kia Optima $18-23,000, Mazda 6 $19-29,000, Mercury Milan $22-28,000, Mitsubishi Galant $22-24,000, Nissan Altima $20-30,000, Saturn Aura $23-27,000, Subaru Legacy $20-30,000, Suzuki Kizashi $19-27,000, Toyota Camry $20-29,000 and Volkswagen Jetta $19-25,000.

Good News:

Very well priced in class.

Bad News:

Poor rating among most reviewers who say power is sluggish and JD Powers says reliability rating is ‘mediocre’.

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 173 horsepower Inline 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, front side and side curtain airbags, LATCH system child safety, rear door child protection locks, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, remote keyless entry, theft deterrent system, security alarm, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, power door locks, air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 8-way driver heated power seat, front passenger fold forward flat seat, 60/40 folding rear seat, audio with CD/DVD/MP3 & SIRIUS satellite radio – 6 speakers, power windows, fog lights and power heated mirrors / manual fold away.

Gas Stats:

$3.00/ Gal avg. May 23 ‘10

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

21 City and 30 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $21,730.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI 4-door (812)

26-04-2010Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI 4-door compact sedan. You gotta love the European approach to car making. They are different from American made cars. They build with an eye to ‘substantial’ and make things that last a lifetime. They engineer components to last longer than they need to. American car makers engineer components to last just long enough and therefore are generally more profitable.

Asian made cars tend to be “knock-offs” or clones of American cars. Think about it. Some believe Asian cars are more thoughtfully put together, but even that may have been true 30 years ago but not today. Cheaper labor doesn’t mean better labor.

European and American products have always been higher quality in most everything that has been or IS made today. But probably not with Will be made in the future because that will change over time and even third world countries will continue to develop and come closer together with other artisans of the world. Not in your lifetime but eventually they will become industrialized and look just like the Western World. . . God help us, because I’m not sure Western Culture is better just because it is different, or rather because it is more progressive and aggressive.

I spent 4 years in the Navy and so I understand living life with less restraint. I understand when some use the term “like a drunken Sailor” to embellish or explain in fewer words “Wild and Crazy” behavior. It happens and that is what I mean by ‘less restraint’. Well, that’s the difference in Eastern and Western cultures when it comes to “Consumption”. And frankly I’m not sure such a life style is an enviable quality of Western Culture. Yea we all like more, bigger, better but there’s the rub, eh!? Is all that “Better”? Well, I’m not crazy. I’m not going right out and buy a bicycle or ride in a rickshaw to the office.

General Info:

Parts – US/Canada 1%, Germany 75%

Assembly – Wolfsburg, Germany

Class: – Compact Cars

Cars: – CC, Eos, GLI, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta Sports Wagon, New Beetle, Passat, Passat Wagon, R32, Rabbit, Routan, Tiguan and Touareg 2.

Opinion:

Driving on our highways is generally a wonderful experience. But studies are being done on what keeps traffic moving smoothly. Those studies have shown ONE distracted driver can tie up traffic for miles around him or her.

You can help traffic move smoothly and better if you use Cruise Control and set your speed at the general flow of traffic. Thoughtful drivers also move to a slower lane if they are moving slower than the flow in their lane. The guideline here is that if people are passing you on the right, you might want to move over to the slower lane. It’s the polite thing to do. It doesn’t matter why traffic at that time and place insists on traveling faster than you. Suck up your pride and move over.

Consider it is not only the right thing to do it will prevent you from being involved in a needless accident or be a victim or cause of ‘roadrage’. Better yet, when you do allow faster drivers to go ahead of you they will be the ones who attract the CHP and a ticket for their speed if it exceeds or ignores safety under the conditions.

Handling & Performance:

It is amazing what power and performance VW can get from 2.0 liters. Ok, so it’s only 140 hp but because of the Turbo, this diesel will knock your socks off. You will definitely notice the impressive acceleration when you enter a freeway and need to merge into fast moving traffic.

What this also means is that when you set the cruise control it will pull on the hills with ease. Even more amazing is that it does “everything” you need in a commute and more with MPG numbers of 41 mpg highway. I’m really impressed with that.

Styling:

You’ll be the judge on this one. It is better looking than the Toyota Prius and does it all better. Those German’s are good.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent.

Cost:

Really tough to beat.

Conveniences and comfort:

European cars absolutely do the best job when it comes to making compact cars roomier inside than most other cars in the world, and give up little in comfort. I’ve never been a fan of German, and particularly VW seat adjustment mechanism’s. I prefer almost any other design.

Carefree maintenance service and 24-hour roadside service is covered at no cost for 3 years or 36,000 miles.

Visors don’t extend and that bugs me.

Recognized Competition:

Volkswagon Golf $18-23,000, Chevrolet Cobalt $15-25,000, Dodge Caliber $16-25,000, Ford Focus $16-19,000, Honda Civic $15-25,000, Honda Fit $15-19,000, Hyundai Elantra $14-18,000, Hyundai Elantra Touring $16-20,000, Kia Forte $14-17,000, Kia Forte Koup $17-18,000, Mazda 3 $15-22,000, MINI Clubman $20-31,000, Mitsubishi Eclipse $21-33,000, Mitsubishi Lancer $15-27,000, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback $19-28,000, Nissan Sentra $15-20,000, Saturn Astra $17-20,000, Subaru Impreza $17-27,000, Suzuki SX4 Crossover $16-20,000, Toyota Corola $15-20,000, Toyota Matrix $17-22,000.

Good News:

Well made, priced and performance doesn’t get any better.

Bad News:

Visors that don’t extend,

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 140 horsepower Inline 4-cylinder turbo clean diesel engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electro mechanical power steering, independent front and rear suspension, front side and side curtain airbags, Electronic Stability program, anti-slip regulation, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes, LATCH child safety system, tire pressure monitoring system, power mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, remote keyless entry, anti-theft alarm with immobilizer deterrent system, air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power windows, 60/40 folding rear seat, touchscreen audio with 6-CD changer w/ SIRIUS satellite radio w/ 6-month subscription, fog lights, 17” alloy wheels

Gas Stats:

$3.00/ Gal avg. May 15 ‘10

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

30 City and 41 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $21,990.

2010 Dodge Challenger SE (810)

19-04-2010Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Dodge Challenger SE 2-door coupe that is super popular. It simply looks great and although the V6 won’t burn up the road you can opt for the R/T with a 5.7 liter 372 horsepower V8 engine or the SRT8 with a 6.1 liter 425 horsepower V8 engine.

General Info:

Parts – US/Canadian – 70% – Mexico 16%

Assembly – Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Class: – Compact Cars

Cars: – Avenger, Caliber, Challenger, Charger, Dakota, Durango, Durango Hybrid, Grand Caravan, Journey, Nitro, Ram 15,25 & 3500, Sprinter Van & Wagon and Viper.

Opinion:

If you drive CA-14 as I do I’ll bet you find the need to dodge potholes. It’s very distracting and dangerous. I have a suggestion for our friends in government. Cut county jobs by 10% and Cal Trans could fill all the potholes from here to the moon. Cut State jobs by 10% and we could balance the budget and fill all the potholes to Mars.

What’s more insulting is that recent reports show that we pay salaries to those employed in government jobs one and a half times those salaries paid to those in productive jobs. You know, the ones that produce real GNP.

Meanwhile, in spite of the imbalance of salaries, we still have the potholes.

Handling & Performance:

Nothing special but all good.

Styling:

Retro and nearly perfect. It is perhaps my favorite of the Chrysler flashback cars that I never owned. My favorite of favorites back then was the 1957 Chevrolet 2-door hardtop but driving this Challenger brings back lots of good memories. It must also do the same for lots of other folks because it always gets the looks. It is simply a timeless styling standout.

Fit and Finish:

Chrysler quality is an obvious and the best transformation from old to present day production for this car maker. Good job guys. And that observation is from me and I was not a supporter in years past. Mom owned Chrysler car so they couldn’t be all that bad I guess.

Cost:

Chrysler cars and trucks are generally very good values. Competition is very close in class grouping.

Conveniences and comfort:

Everything you need, but if you want to upgrade and add Nav, upgrade in paint, leather, special wheels and upgraded audio you’ll need to pop for about $9,000 more.

Recognized Competition:

Dodge Challenger $23-41,000, Chevrolet Camaro $23-34,000, Ford Mustang $22-38,000, Ford Shelby GT500 $49-54,000, Hyundai Genesis Coupe $36-40,000, Infiniti G Convertible $44-47,000, Infiniti G Coupe Mazda RX8 $27-32,000, Nissan Z $30-41,000, Pontiac G6 $19-32,000.

Good News:

Special retro styling, value pricing.

Bad News:

Only fair fuel economy that is little better than the big V8 models.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 250 horsepower V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, front side and side curtain airbags, Electronic Stability program, traction control, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, touring suspension, remote keyless entry and sentry key theft deterrent system cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, speed sensitive power door locks, air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power windows, power 8-way driver seat, 60/40 folding rear seat, audio with CD/MP3 4 speakers and fold away power mirrors.

Gas Stats:

$3.03/ Gal avg. May 11 ‘10

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

17 City and 25 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $22,735 (with options on test vehicle – $31,400).

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About: Autolove

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