Tag Archives: 2008

2008 Mazda Speed 3, 5 passenger sedan (670)

19-09-2007Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2008 Mazda Speed 3. By any measure or opinion you can’t argue with the fact that this is a high performance car. You need only test drive the car to be instantly impressed. It is truly a rocket and no matter what cars I have driven and on the highway or racetrack this is among the best handling of what’s available for everyday drivers.

General Info:

Parts – Japan 95%

Assembly – Japan

Class: – Compact

Cars: – CX-7, CX-9, Mazda 3,5,6 & Mazda 6 Sport Wagon, Speed3, Speed6, MX-5 Miata, RX8, Tribute and Truck.

Handling & Performance:

The real test is always on the mountain curves of Angeles Crest where this Speed3 was right at home. The turbocharged 2.3 liter 4-cylinder 263 hp engine acted like it had a ‘jet assist’ take off module on the sides and literally it will pull the steering wheel (front wheel drive) hard to the right as it slips from your grasp… so watch that when you test it. It reminded me of taking off in a Cessna 150 just as you lift off the end of the runway and you must apply a hard right rudder to compensate for engine torque that causes a pull to the left.

Looking at the high tech steering, brake distribution and stability controls along with the front and rear stability bars it is easy to see why it handles so well. Ok, so this stuff costs money and will help to explain why the price is so high and seemingly more money than you’d initially expect from a compact car where you’d also expect better fuel economy and more economical pricing. If you want performance, however, you’ll overlook the downside effect of purchase price and operating costs. And of course it is a sedan so it doubles as a transporter of up to 5 passengers plus you get a high performance car like one of my all time favorites – the Nissan Z.

Styling:

Non-descript design which is common of today’s cars that are designed on computers that eliminates human emotion almost completely. Yes, gone are the days of wild flairs of design extremes of the 1950s and 1960s when we didn’t have computers and CAD (computer aided design software) systems.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

The purchase price was more than I expected, even after getting past the initial feeling it was a kids car. But it is impressive and comes close to being worth the money. If you’re into high performance cars you’ll love it but if you aren’t don’t waste your time looking at this one unless you are simply curious. The cost is high because it is so capable and you’ll pay for all the high tech stuff – so if you expect an inexpensive transportation or commuter look elsewhere.

Conveniences and comfort:

What you see is what you get… everything is included in the MSRP.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you are into high performance cars and still want the convenience of a 5-passenger sedan this is the hot “E” ticket ride. Road racers will love this car.

Recognized Competition:

Mazda Speed 3 $22-24,000, Saturn Ion $12-20,000, Pontiac G6 $18-29,000, Mitsubishi Eclipse $20-29,000, Audi A3 $26-35,000, Dodge Caliber $14-20,000, Subaru Impreza Wagon $17-25,000, Nissan Sentra $15-20,000, Volkswagen GTI $23,000, Scion tC $17,000, Mazda 3 $14-20,000, Chevrolet Cobalt $14-19,000, Honda Civic $15-25,000, Hyundai Tiburon $17-22,000, MINI Cooper $18-25,000.

Good News:

Fun to drive sporty sedan, more than a kids car, very comfy seats and zippy performance.

Bad News:

Fair fuel economy at best especially when you drive to performance potential, 6-speed trans takes a little getting used to.

Standard Equipment:

2.3 liter 4-cylinder turbocharged all aluminum engine, 6-speed manual transmission, front wheel drive, torque sensing limited slip differential, 18 inch allow wheels with high performance tires, automatic on/off headlights, fog lights, rain sensing wipers, leather and fabric seats, 60/40 split fold down rear seat backs, Bose audio system with 7 speakers and 6 disc CD player and SIRIUS satellite radio, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering column, cruise control, power windows and locks, dual front air bags, tire pressure monitoring system, front and rear independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, variable assist power steering, and 4-wheel ABS power assist disc brakes with electronic brake distribution, dynamic stability control and traction control, climate control, center console, adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, leather wrapped steering wheel, aluminum foot pedals and foot rest, trip computer, anti-whiplash front seat design, child anchor system, anti-theft immobilizer and theft deterrent security system and remote keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

$2.85/ Gal avg. October 2, ‘07

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

20 City and 28 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $24,055.

2008 Volkswagen New Beetle S (668)

06-09-2007Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle S coupe. But I have to bitch about the “dumbly engineered sun visors”. The windows are unusually large and the engineers and test drivers (yea right) went brain dead when they ignored the need to cover more of the window for side sun. Ok, so they may not have sun in Michigan.

General Info:

Parts – US/ Canadian 17%, Germany 35% and Mexico 35%. Transmission – Argentina.

Assembly – Puebla, Mexico

Class: – Subcompact Cars

Cars: – Eos, GTI, Jetta, New Beetle, Passat & Wagon, Rabbit and Touareg.

Observation:

I’m sure we all have observed the movement of traffic on most of our highways and how it fluctuates because there is no way to determine the average speed of that flow. Therefore drivers speed up until all lanes are bunched up like an accordion. Then as panic radiates from a rapidly moving flash of red lights our hearts pound from near misses or worse . . . “CRASH”. Then everyone is inconvenienced by slowly clearing crash scenes that back up all lanes with nowhere to go like parking at the big game – but no entertainment.

Well – what if there were strobe lights that blink at the average rate of speed of traffic for a specified number of miles ahead. That would provide a way to synchronize your cruise control to allow a smooth flow of travel. We all know that makes for more comfortable transportation.

Handling & Performance:

Impressive, especially if you’ve ever driven earlier year models – like in the 60s.

Styling:

V-Dub has become an Icon of our time. It was perhaps the first of the economy cars and simply a part of our driving experience. I appreciate the fact it has changed little in its dress and I also appreciate the conveniences and comfort designed into this old friend. It even has changed its anatomy and where you always found the engine you find a trunk – although small it is larger than the tradition of the past. But they have built in the ability to fold down the rear seat back that gives a good deal of cargo space.

Fit and Finish:

Outstanding.

Cost:

Acceptable since they give a lot of hidden quality of all manner of control features to make your driving experience safer.

Conveniences and comfort:

The list below is also impressive as standard. And what you see is what you get – everything is standard.

Consumer Recommendation:

It would be an easier decision if it were better on the fuel consumption. 35-40 mpg is what I’d expect because this is a good commuter and shouldn’t be just for fun driving. In fact, even though it is not on the competition list, I’d look at the Toyota Yaris if you want a commuter with about 40 mpg for about $14,000 – and it’s not a hybrid.

Recognized Competition:

VW New Beetle $17-26,000, Chrysler PT Cruiser $15-29,000, Mini Cooper $18-25,000, Scion tC $17,000, Ford Focus $, Kia Spectra5 $15,995, Mazda MX5 Miata $21-27,000, Pontiac G5 $15-19,000, Chevrolet HHR $16-20,000, Chevrolet Cobalt $14-19,000, Toyota Matrix $16-17,000, Honda Civic $15-25,000.

Good News:

Great high tech features for handling and safety,

Bad News:

Tiny sun visors, low fuel economy for this class car.

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter 150 hp inline 5 cylinder engine, 5-speed manual trans, power assist rack and pinion steering, electronic stability program, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock, electronic brake force distribution, anti-lock disc brake system, front and side airbag, daytime running lights, side impact beams, tire pressure monitoring system, air conditioning, power heated mirrors, intermittent wipers / washers, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, remote trunk and fuel cap, folding rear seat, 12 V power outlets, anti theft alarm with immobilizer, in-dash CD player, and 16” alloy wheels with anti-theft locks.

Gas Stats:

$2.71/ Gal avg. Sept 11, ‘07

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

20 City and 28 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $17,365.

2008 Dodge Avenger SXT (667)

31-08-2007Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week let’s look at Chrysler’s Dodge Avenger SXT midsize sedan.

Chrysler has to be the Cinderella story of car makers since their birth at the turn of the 20^th century. They just seem to hang in there and never give up in spite of being in the background over the past 50 years – always a bridesmaid and never a bride, as they say. But they have finally become more of a threat to other car makers – braces off, hair restyled and a new set of clothes. Not just one of the big three and moreover they were #3. Lee Iacocca helped them out of bankruptcy, Daimler gave them a boost and now – well we’ll see.

Mom used to be the worst judge of cars and although young boys will be happy to drive almost anything just to get behind the wheel, that’s about all you can say for Chrysler products in the 1950s. Then there was her Pontiac that was just as much a bucket of bolts as were her Chrysler products. Remember the push button shifting? Ok, Ma I gotta admit the Ford Woody was a great choice and hitting the beach and sleeping in the back of that was really cool. “Say what officer? We can’t sleep in the car?” So we found a cave on the beach, built a fire (only visible from a boat off shore), warmed our can of beans and hot dogs – and those were the good old days? Well you be the judge, but they truly were fun times. I’ll bet you have similar stories to tell.

General Info:

Parts – US/ Canadian 77%.

Assembly – Sterling Hts, Mich., USA

Class: – Midsize Cars

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

Handling & Performance:

Very good results on the Crest Test mountain course with the 2.7 liter 189 horsepower V6 engine with front wheel drive in my test vehicle. Others available are the standard equipment 2.4 liter 173 hp I4 and a 235 hp 3.5 liter V6. It is also available in all wheel drive.

Styling:

It surely steps out there in style for the class with a new fresh sporty presence. It just seems to make a quiet statement and one you’re not embarrassed anywhere whether you’re dressing up or down.

Fit and Finish:

Assembly is typical in class and a continuing improvement generally for all Chrysler brands. Perhaps the most improved of all makes. The bad news is that it had to be improved but the good news is that it was – thanks to those folks responsible over the past 25 years or so.

Cost:

Affordable 4 door sedan with strong styling and presence as well as the solid feel of a much more expensive alternative.

Conveniences and comfort:

An unusual in-dash cooler for up to 4 12 oz. soda cans just above the glove box space and it wouldn’t be a must have convenience for me but it may excite you more. The seats are comfy and the air was quite good in spite of a heat spell up in the 115 degree range. Even as good as it was we found a trip to the beach was the ticket. The trunk is spacious and easily held chairs, umbrella, cooler, boogie board and all the other gear needed for a day at the beach for two. A couple of kids would not have cramped our style a bit.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you’re a Chrysler fan this is a great replacement for the Stratus. It is perfect for a normal family interested in nice styling yet concerned about cost to purchase and operate. It surely is affordable and not terribly wasteful on the petrol…You can opt for the larger 3.5 liter V6 engine but you don’t need it. The 2.7 liter V6 is perfect and delivers better overall performance and only requires 87 octane gas. Look closely and I think you’ll agree the SXT is a good choice as is or with the options is only $23,000.

Recognized Competition:

Dodge Avenger $19-25,000, Ford Five Hundred $23-28,000, Kia Optima $16-20,000, Mazda 6 $19-27,000, Pontiac G6 $18-29,000, Chevrolet Malibu $17-24,000, Hyundai Sonata $18-24,000, Volkswagen Passat $24-38,000, Toyota Camry $19-28,000, Honda Accord $19-30,000, Mercury Milan $19-25,000, Nissan Altima $20-25,000, Saturn Aura $21-25,000, Subaru Legacy $20-34,000 and Mitsubishi Galant $20-27,000.

Good News:

Nice styling, comfortable, decent fuel economy, roomy interior and trunk space and generally affordable.

Bad News:

Chrysler has had a history of mediocre everything so the genes are flawed, but over the past couple of decades they have blossomed.

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter I4 cylinder 173 hp engine, 4-speed automatic, dual front and side air bags, front and rear side curtain airbags, rear child seat anchors and upper tethers, rear door child locks, front disc rear drum ABS brakes, power rack and pinion steering, rear window defroster, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, theft deterrent system with security alarm, cruise control, air conditioning with chill zone bin, power windows and locks, stereo with CD/MP3 player, 8-way power driver seat with manual lumbar support, rear 60/40 folding seat, tilt and telescopic steering column, O/S temp, tire pressure monitor & warning, floor console with 12 volt outlets and rear folding armrest, 17” aluminum wheels and quad LHD optics headlights.

Options:

Pearl coast paint, ABS 4-wheel disc brakes, 18” aluminum wheels, fog lights, trunk lid spoiler, power heated mirrors, power windows, heated front seats, remote start system, 2.7 liter V6 engine, power sunroof.

Gas Stats:

$2.71/ Gal avg. Sept 11, ‘07

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

19 City and 27 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $19,120 – With options $23,435.

2008 Scion xD 5-door Wagon (662)

31-07-2007Autolove No comments

General Info:

Parts – n/a

Assembly – Japan

Class: – Subcompact Cars

Cars: – Scion tC, xB and xD.

“An Automotive Love Affair”
By Joseph Mavilia 2008 Scion xD 5-door Wagon

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2008 ‘Preproduction’ Scion xD 5-door subcompact Wagon that replaces the xA. It should be available in showrooms early this fall and is worth looking at. It is a big improvement over the prior xA and others that were flat ‘ugly’. If I were a mother I wouldn’t claim it as my child – know what I mean – drop it at the dog shelter and forget to reclaim it. But finally, with the ‘08 release of the xD, it begins to look like a normal child.

Friend Merkel, my automotive engineer friend, notes that a new wave of interest in “Green” sensitive cars are becoming popular even in super rich communities where top of the line Mercedes, Lexus, BMW and the like were standard fare for those folks.

One has to wonder if it isn’t the new approach to flaunting wealth since they can have any car they want to drive but are becoming more conscious of waste in general that contributes to Global Warming. Me – I don’t believe in that global warming pitch from the likes of Al Gore. I think they have other agenda’s and aren’t really honest. I believe that because there are just as many scientists that insist our contribution to atmospheric problems is so miniscule as to be laughable. Stephen E. Blewett, Phd from Cal Tech, and Stanford undergrad work wrote “The Ozone Myth” that made sense to me.

Anyway I hope those Prius buyers in Palos Verdes and other upscale communities don’t believe my views and continue to buy “Green” in record numbers. Hey, what could it hurt and it would likely make us less dependent on Middle East oil. That will allow those OPEC countries to sell to China with its voracious appetite for oil at this singular time in history.

Handling & Performance:

The new 2008 finally sports a bit more horsepower at 128 versus 103 from the previous 4-cylinder. But you do sacrifice a few miles per gallon in a time when 10% decrease compounded with a rising cost of fuel becomes more significant to many. However you’ll need to consider part of the drop results from new government EPA mileage calculations.

Make no mistake however this rides nice but is not for the guy or gal who loves to drive and place a lot of value on performance. This is a basic commuter and it does that just fine. You just won’t expect to get all excited to get out and ‘drive’.

Styling:

The xD looks new and improved but it also sits on a new platform this year – the Camry. Thus it is heavier, has a larger engine and adds more safety features.

Fit and Finish:

Well, this is a $15,000 car so you wouldn’t expect Lexus or Toyota brand high end price and quality. But you would expect better than average assembly that is consistent with the brand generally – and you wouldn’t be disappointed.

Cost:

Affordable is a terrible word because it tells you it isn’t expensive or to others that it is cheap without the ‘tramp stamp’. But it is targeted at the youthful driver in style and affordability.

Conveniences and comfort:

Quite good frankly for the price but the real good stuff like traction control and Vehicle Stability Control are optional.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you want more fuel economy and about the same space and power consider another Toyota product. The Yaris S is worthy of comparison even if lower priced.

Recognized Competition:

Scion xD $15,350, VW Rabbit $15-17,000, Ford Focus $14-17,000, Chevrolet Aveo5 $10-13,000, Honda Fit $14-16,000, Dodge Caliber $14-20,000, Toyota Yaris $11-14,000, Hyundai Accent $10-14,000, Nissan Versa $13-15,000, Suzuki SX4 $15-16,000, Kia Rio5 $13,750.

Good News:

Improved design that is a real face lift, good fuel economy, 25 more horsepower than prior year and it’s a Toyota product which will influence a lot of people.

Bad News:

Sun visors don’t extend, low horsepower will strain on the hills, …for Scion is the fact there is a lot of great competition and therefore it will make your purchase decision more difficult.

Standard Equipment:

1.8 liter 128 horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed auto trans, front wheel drive, air conditioning, cruise control, front air bags, front side airbags with front and rear side curtain airbags, front bucket seats, 60/40 split folding reclining rear seat, intermittent wiper, 4-wheel ABS Electronic Brake Distribution brake system with brake assist, halogen headlights, audio system with CD, iPod compatibility, six speakers, power door locks, outside mirrors with turn signal, power windows with one touch driver side, rear window defogger, rear wiper, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel with audio controls, tire pressure monitor system. Optional: VSC – Vehicle Stability Control and Traction control.

Gas Stats:

$2.85/ Gal avg. August ‘07

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

26 City and 32 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $15,350.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible (658)

27-06-2007Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. This sport subcompact is a fun car but not a good match for a family needing a four or five seat sedan. Sebring adds a redesigned convertible joining the sedan that was all-new for 2007. For the first time, the Sebring Convertible offers three different top options: a black vinyl top is standard on base and touring, a cloth-top is available on Touring and standard on Limited, and a steel body-color retractable hardtop is available for either Touring or Limited.

The convertible Limited is powered by a 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Touring is powered by a 189-horsepower 2.7-liter V6. This test model is a base version with a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder.

General Info:

Parts – U.S/ Canadian 75%.

Assembly – Sterling Hts, MI, USA

Class: – Subcompact Cars

Cars: – 300, Aspen, Crossfire, Pacifica, PT Cruiser, Sebring and Town & Country.

Observation:

I have noticed talk around that our government hasn’t done enough to demand more fuel economic vehicles from car makers. But there is a steady albeit slow improvement. Yes we all care but sometimes the consumer only hears what they want us to hear.

I recently had a discussion on this topic with two automotive engineers and it was an interesting revelation to hear that the toxic effects of lead in our gas (used to increase octane) was less ominous than the MTBE additive that replaced it. I suspect if we followed the money we’d learn why it has been used since the early 1990s.

About 109 million Americans live in counties where MTBE is used. Related health complaints were first reported in Fairbanks, Alaska in November 1992 when about 200 residents reported headaches, dizziness, irritated eyes, burning of the nose and throat, coughing, disorientation, and nausea after MTBE had been added to gasoline. Health complaints also have been registered in Anchorage, Alaska; Missoula, Montana; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and New Jersey. Studies done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Fairbanks, Alaska; Albany, New York; and Stamford, Connecticut have shown that the concentration of MTBE in the blood is related to the concentration of MTBE in the air where commuters had measurable concentrations of MTBE in their blood. The Fairbanks study showed detectable concentrations of MTBE were found in the blood of all those tested 2 months after the use of MTBE was suspended in Alaska.

“It is insidious bad stuff” said the engineers I spoke with, “and far worse than the lead additive of the past”. Some other states are outlawing MTBE especially since Ethanol (a biofuel) is being used for additive purposes and hopefully will replace MTBE. More on Ethanol at www.eere.energy.gov.

I think I’m feeling dizzy, my throat is burning and I’ve been disoriented lately. Do you think it’s the MTBE?

If you care to read more about this go to: http://sd.water.usgs.gov/nawqa/pubs/factsheet/fs114.95/fact.html#HDR0

Handling & Performance:

Very nice in the corners through the mountains but a little sluggish and stingy on the power. But the fuel economy makes that acceptable.

Styling:

Because of the automatic convertible top mechanics the trunk is laboriously heavy. But it is solid, I’ll give ‘em that. But guys you could have used a counter balance and made it easier.

The top also uses a vinyl soft top on this base model but my complaint is it looks old from some angles even when new. I was at the Mall and when I approached the spot where I remember parking I began to turn away when I saw the old top. However they do have a fabric top as well as a hard top convertible.

Overall I like the styling which was reinforced when a woman got my attention at a stop signal and as I roll the passenger window down she is telling me how much she likes my car. Rats, I thought she was looking at me!

One fellow said he didn’t like the ribbing on the hood but I rather like it – sorry Glenn.

Fit and Finish:

Good. But I must tell you the plastic enclosure and retainer in the trunk to provide an area for stowing the top when down, fell apart in my hand when I attempted to fold it. Not impressive.

Cost:

Fair.

Conveniences and comfort:

The convertible top looks great up and wonderful down with a perfect fitting hard tonneau cover. And utility makes it even more of a convenience with the one touch button to put it up and down.

What’s more, there is a decent amount of room in the trunk that will take a set of clubs and a couple of over night bags, but if you have more people leaving the top up allows for three more sets of clubs and 2 more over night bags.

Consumer Recommendation:

Write your congressman and ask about MTBE and why we’re not doing something about that.

Recognized Competition:

Honda Element $19-23,000, Ford Escape $19-25,000, Ford Escape Hybrid $25-27,000, Chevrolet Equinox $22-29,000, Pontiac Torrent $22-24,000, Hyundai Tucson $17-24,000, Jeep Liberty $22-27,000, Honda Civic $15-25,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $19-25,000, Kia Sportage $16-23,000, Subaru Forester $21-27,000, Jeep Patriot $14-21,000, Pontiac Vibe $16,760, Toyota RAV4 $21-27,000, 2008 Scion xB $15,650.

Good News:

Good leg room in rear seat, decent fuel economy for a sport compact, attractive styling.

Bad News:

Convertible top fabric looks old, trunk lid is hard to open as it is heavy and it is difficult to close for that reason plus there is no hand hold to pull it shut, difficult entry and exit from rear seat and poorly made convertible top housing enclosure in the trunk.

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 173 hp 4 cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, front and side airbags, child seat anchor system, front power disc and rear drum anti lock brakes, rear window defroster, power windows and locks, theft deterrent system, keyless entry, cruise control, power steering, front and rear stabilizer bars, power trunk lid, intermittent wipers, air conditioning, stereo with in dash 6-disc DVD/MP3 player with 4 speakers, vinyl convertible top, analog clock, tire pressure monitor with warning signal, outside temp display, console with sliding armrest, power outlets, tilt / telescope steering column and power mirrors.

Gas Stats:

$2.99/ Gal avg. July 10 ‘07

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

20 City and 29 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $25,470.

2008 Honda Civic 4-Door EXL NAV (483)

11-02-2004Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week we’re looking at the new model for 2008 Honda Civic EX-L 4-door sedan. Now that’s what I’m talking about, as Richard would say. I’ve never leaned a lot to Honda but have most always given a good review. One particular Civic Hybrid comes to mind very early on. They have been at the forefront for years and are working on Hydrogen powered versions. So I’m cautiously optimistic they will be a major player in new technology arriving on the scene in the immediate future.

However I have to tell you there are other players in the fuel economy area and the one that comes immediately to mind is the Toyota Yaris that I reviewed recently. Auto engineer and friend Merkel did a lot of research for a new family car and bought a Yaris. So I tested it and agreed he had made a great decision. It may have been self defense since they own horses and his wife FJ gives riding lessons. Therefore she drives a big Ford V8 Diesel. I always remind my friends and readers that you really need to establish first the need and in some cases, contractors and others who need a truck like Merkel’s family, balance it off by buying a very fuel efficient second car. It will soon become the first car as gas prices rise. Merkel says in the real world he consistently gets 39 mpg from the Yaris. I’m impressed.

General Info:

Parts – US/Canadian 70%, Japan 30%,

Assembly – Alliston, Ontario Canada

Class: – Subcompact

Cars: – Accord, Civic / Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Element, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and S2000.

Handling & Performance:

I tested this Civic in Oregon as we traveled the beautiful coast from Florence up to Seaside and in and around Portland. 140 horsepower doesn’t sound like a lot but I had no complaints as I passed gas stations. A tank will deliver over 400 miles.

Styling:

Very nice in class.

Fit and Finish:

Very good, as we’ve come to expect from most new products, especially Japanese cars that have been consistently out performed their competition even when put together in other parts of the world like the US, Canada and Korea.

Cost:

I like it. This car in class is one of my top 3 picks.

Features and Conveniences:

Outstanding. Nice size trunk space and generally roomy inside. Nice storage nooks and crannies and I found no negatives in the placement and provision of storage spaces and controls for a subcompact car.

Consumer Recommendation:

Resource – www.safercar.gov

Hybrids are good but if you can get the same out of conventional power plants it eliminates the concern we all have with unknown repair costs in the future for the Hybrid combination of internal combustion engines and electric motors. That means you need to look at this Honda Civic and Toyota Yaris for the economical addition to your garage.

Recognized Competition:

Honda Civic $15-25,000, Honda Civic Hybrid $23-24,000, MazdaSpeed 3 $22-24,000, Mazda 3 $14-20,000, Saturn Ion $12-20,000, Saturn Astra $16-18,000, Pontiac GS $15-20,000, Dodge Caliber $14-23,000, Chevrolet Cobalt $14-22,000, Hyundai Elantra $14-16,000, Hyundai Tiburon $17-23,000, Subaru Impreza $17-35,000, Volkswagen R32 $33,000, Volkswagen Jetta $17-24,000, Ford Focus $14-17,000, Toyota Corolla $15-20,000, Suzuki Forenza $14-15,000, Mitsubishi Lancer $14-18,000, Mitsubishi Eclipse $20-29,000, Nissan Sentra $16-20,000, Kia Spectra $13-16,000, Acura TSX $29-32,000, Scion tC $17,000, MINI Cooper $18-25,000, MINI Clubman $20-23,000.

Good News:

Comfortable, roomy sub-compact, great fuel economy, well priced and a bunch of competition to chose from.

Bad News:

None.

Standard Equipment:

1.8 liter 140 hp 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed auto transmission, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake force distribution, variable assist rack and Pinion steering, front and side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights, remote keyless system, security system with immobilizer theft deterrent system, LATCH system for child seats, Navigation system with voice recognition, leather trim and wrapped steering wheel, audio system with MP3/CD and 6 speakers and steering wheel controls, XM Satellite radio, air conditioning, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, center console and rear fold down armrest, power windows and locks, tilt and telescoping steering column, cruise control, one touch power moonroof with tilt, variable intermittent wipers, rear window defroster and heated power mirrors.

Gas Stats:

$4.01/ Gal avg. May 28, ‘08

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

25 City and 36 Highway MPG

www.safercar.gov or 888-327-4236

Pricing:

MSRP $20,710.

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 (222)

14-11-1998Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 sport utility vehicle.

I believe Americans are beginning to re-think the need to support US made products and stop exporting jobs abroad at our economic peril. The good news is that these cars are far superior to the low point in the late 1960s for US cars. They have earned the right to be re-considered. One trip to Detroit or simply following the news about how the American auto industry is suffering should convince you of the need to support it. When you look closer you will find them to be every bit as good in today’s world.

Keeping the Dollar at home by keeping jobs at home will help American families. Think about it.

General Info:

Parts – US/Canadian 71%, Engine and transmission – Germany.

Assembly – Detroit, MI, USA

Class: – Special Purpose

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

Observation:

… on SIRIUS radio. How can there be so many stations and so few worth listening to. Ok, so it does give you the opportunity to filter out all the commercial junk and zero in on those few that are of interest to you. On the whole it gives more benefits than negatives. It is the wave of the future and much like cable TV where you only watch very few of the hundreds of stations available.

Reception on SIRIUS, however, can be frustrating at times in that there are a lot of interruptions. I suspect it will get better in time. Until then they should reduce the pricing.

Handling & Performance:

I was impressed with the Crest Test ride that was smooth and controlled with the high tech suspension including 4-wheel traction control, hill start assist and descent control, Electronic Stability Program and Quadra Trac full time 4WD. These control features are surely the most significant improvements to our driving experience. In other words, power isn’t all that important to performance. It is the control assists that keep you safe and enhance handling and driving comfort.

Jeep unlike all other off road contenders is actually used off road and has the highest percentage of off road use. This is why Jeep offers Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II options with electronic limited slip differentials.

Styling:

The Grand Cherokee smoothes out the rough edges of other more squarely cut models and gives that elegant luxury feeling even though it is still a capable 4-wheel off road tracker. I think you’ll also appreciate small things like stylish seating. But getting to them in the rear is through narrow door openings.

Fit and Finish:

Very good. I think all car makers have taken a page out of the Japanese book on work ethics and thus Japanese cars are no longer noticeably better.

Cost:

In the hunt… reasonably competitive.

Conveniences and comfort:

Very good as equipped but you may want to consider adding some options. Trailer tow group adds $280; limited slip front and rear differential is $795; Multimedia InfoTainment system with GPS Navigation, hard disc drive, Bluetooth hands free communication, SIRIUS Satellite Traffic and touch screen display is only $900.

Consumer Recommendation:

Consider returning to American Made products because they are far better, thanks to European and Japanese competition. I think that is why Toyota, for one, is producing some cars in this country because Americans are sure to think of their own family’s well being once again and return to American Made everything. Watch out Wal-Mart. Face it; the American people have paid enough to rebuild those countries who sought to destroy us in WWII. Now they are succeeding economically where they failed through armed aggression.

Recognized Competition:

Jeep Grand Cherokee $28-43,000, Buick Rainier $32-34,000, BMW X5 $46-55,000, Lexus RX 350 $37-39,000, Land Rover LR3 $41-53,000, Nissan Pathfinder $26-37,000, GMC Envoy $27-36,000, Infiniti FX $38-50,000, Acura MDX $40-48,000, Dodge Durango $26-37,000, Honda Pilot $26-36,000, Chevrolet TrailBlazer $27-37,000, Ford Explorer $26-36,000, Toyota 4Runner $28-39,000, Mazda CX-7 $24-28,000, Mitsubishi Endeavor $28-31,000.

Good News:

Well made American product, competitive pricing, handles beautifully and great off road.

Bad News:

Need improved fuel economy, narrow rear door openings.

Standard Equipment:

4.7 liter 235 hp V8 gas engine, (3.0 liter V6 215 hp turbo diesel engine in test vehicle), 5-speed auto trans., front and side curtain airbags, enhanced accident response system, 4-wheel traction control, 4-wheel ABS brake assist disc brakes, hill start assist and descent control, Electronic Stability Program, Quadra Trac full time 4WD, park view rear back up camera, Remote start system, power sunroof, Rain sensing windshield wipers, Sentry key theft deterrent system, power windows, tire pressure monitoring, auto dual zone temp control air conditioning, power adjustable pedals, power locks, cruise control, remote keyless / illuminated entry, steering wheel mounted audio controls, tilt / telescopic column, multimedia entertainment system, Boston sound system, SIRIUS satellite digital radio (one year provided), auto dimming rear view mirror, power heated front seats with lumbar adjust and memory, 2nd row 60/40 folding seat, trip computer, auto on/off headlights, fog lights, power heated folding mirrors.

Gas Stats:

$3.25/ Gal avg. November 20, ‘07

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

17 City and 22 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $40,210 including turbo diesel engine for $1,655.

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