Cars & Motors News

[Rasputin]

2007 Saturn Aura XR

I'm driving out of Temecula, California, toward San Diego on mountain roads that have been used for so many automotive introductions over the years that they are almost as familiar as home. And the car is perfect, at home in its natural habitat. The suspension is tight, but not overly-firm, for comfort and excellent control at a quick touring pace. The twincam alloy V6 revs freely, and makes abundant power and a pleasant exhaust note while transferring that power smoothly and seamlessly to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with auxiliary manual control via steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. It's a thoroughly pleasant and enjoyable automobile, very quiet, with a class-leading degree of refinement and comfort.
The car is a mid-size sedan, and it feels very European. It also looks European, especially inside, with pleasantly conservative styling that should age well. Panel fit is very good, and materials are first-rate for its upscale middle-class market position.
I'm driving a 2007 Saturn Aura XR.
Yes, you read that last sentence correctly. A Saturn that feels like a sporty European sedan, in large part because it is closely related to a European sedan, the Opel Vectra. GM's Saturn division is undergoing yet another makeover, and this time it looks to be just what it, and GM in general, needs.
It's no secret that General Motors is in trouble, and is fighting to maintain market share. Corporate downsizing has already begun, and talk of very uncharacteristic solutions to its problems, including alliances with other manufacturers, has been bandied about. But there is really only one way for GM to regain its onetime glory.
Superior products. Which here means vehicles, especially cars, that aren't merely as good as the competition, but are notably better. "Good enough" is no longer good enough. GM needs cars that stand on their own merits, cars that will be attractive to buyers without marketing campaigns and rebates.
And the Saturn Aura is good news on that front, if my impressions from a day of driving are any indication. Not only does it compare favorably with the most popular Japanese-brand entries in the class, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, it bests them in its driving experience. There, it compares very favorably with the Volkswagen Passat.
Breeding shows. The Aura is built on the GM's "Epsilon" platform, like the Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Malibu, Saab 9-3, and Opel Vectra. With a 112.3-inch wheelbase and 190-inch overall length, it's longer, and also wider, than its European relatives, and equal to the G6 in size. But it shares no major exterior or interior styling with the G6 or Malibu, being much closer to the Opel, and, with the Sky roadster, exemplifying the new look at Saturn. LED taillights are a pleasant touch.
Although its suspension is of the same basic design as the Pontiac's or the Chevy's, with MacPherson struts with aluminum control arms in front and a four-link system at the rear, in the XR, at least, it is tuned very differently, in a very European manner. As I found during my drive, it works remarkably well, and not only gives the Aura a very different character from the other Epsilon platform cars available in the US, it gives it the road manners and feel of a car costing notably more.

[Sepideh_UK]

mmm.. Nice...
Thanx RedWine...

[Rasputin]

Mazda6 Sport Wagon 2005

Here's the scenario: you consider yourself a car enthusiast, and so prefer a car that is entertaining and fun to drive. You've had sport-oriented cars all of your driving life. Handling and power, in good balance, are important to you. But now you need something larger than the Miata or sport-compact sedan you've been driving. Something with more utility, but not at the expense of sport and fun.
What to do? The only ``sport'' in any sport-utility lies at your destination, unless your sport of choice is off-road driving. Hatchbacks and compact wagons are too small; the European sport wagons are too expensive. What else is there before you consign yourself to the automotive doldrums of the midsize, mainstream sedan field or even (horrors!) minivandom?
How about the Mazda6 Sport wagon? It offers the space and versatility of a mid-sized wagon combined with a sporty chassis tuning and a 220-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine. While it's not a bargain-basement entry-level model, at a base price of $24,025 it's less than any of the European competitors.
The wagon is one of a trio of body styles in the Mazda6 lineup. The sedan is offered with a 2.3-liter, 160-hp four-cylinder engine as the ``i'' model or in 220-hp V6-equipped ``s'' trim. The 5-Door is a semi-fastback hatchback, cleverly-styled to look nearly identical to the sedan, but with a very useful wide-opening hatch for improved cargo access. It, too, is available in i and s trim. Variety is said to be the spice of life, and in the normally staid and conservative mid-size class, Mazda has plenty of spice.
I've been driving a Mazda6 Sport Wagon for the past week, and have found it to have a wonderful combination of sports sedan performance and plenty of useful, well-configured space. Sport meets utility in a way that is never going to happen in an SUV or even a city-oriented crossover. It handles like the front-wheel drive sports sedan it is at heart, and has more useful interior space than some larger-outside SUVs. A wagon can be fun, if the wagon in question is a Mazda6.
APPEARANCE: With its long, lean proportions and sculpted, assertive styling, the Mazda6 Sport Wagon will not be mistaken for a mere transportation appliance. As it is meant to be, the Mazda6 looks more mature than the smaller Mazda3, but it's not old. All Mazda6 models share bodywork ahead of the windshield, and, with the broad-shouldered look given by the hood and fender styling, the Mazda signature pentagonal grille flanked by low, wide faired headlights, and a sporty RX-8ish front bumper fascia, it sets a tone of performance with a certain amount of elegance. The wagon's long, gently-sloping roofline is enhanced by a rear visor-type spoiler, and side sill extensions get the sport message across without overdoing it.
COMFORT: The reasons for buying a wagon instead of a sedan or hatchback are space and versatility, and the Mazda6 wagon has both. There is ample room for four inside, with, as is typical of nearly any sedan, wagon, or SUV of moderate size, space in the center of the rear seat for a smaller third person for less time. With four or even five people aboard, there is also ample room for luggage, unlike in some smaller SUVs with very little space behind the rear seat. Naturally, the rear seat folds, 60/40, when the passenger/cargo mix needs to vary. The removable crossbar that anchors the cargo shade also has a net that attaches to the ceiling, to keep lightweight items stacked high in the cargo area in their place. My test car had the optional leather package, which includes perforated leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and mirrors, and electroluminescent instruments - all pleasant luxury touches. Seat comfort is very good, with the driver's seat power-adjustable. The manually-adjustable tilt-and-telescope steering wheel has a thick, leather-wrapped rim for good grip and control buttons for the audio and cruise control systems. Styling is slightly grown-up sport compact, with a monotone color scheme and metal-look plastic trim on the center stack and doors. Useful storage spaces are found in a covered compartment at the top center of the dash, a coin holder to the left of the steering wheel, a dual-layer console box with a power point, and door pockets with space for drink bottles. Want some real high-performance styling? Check out the vents. They're the same as found in the new Mustang and even the exotic Ford GT.

[Rasputin]

Hybrid Review: 2005 Toyota Prius

By now, everyone should know that the Prius is a hybrid gas/electric vehicle, so I won't waste a lot of time introducing this feature or explaining how it works or fawning over. Suffice to say that the Prius' early incarnation as a small inconvenient road experiment gave way in 2004 to a surprising road-worthy vehicle that can seat more than two people comfortably, while carrying a reasonable amount of cargo/luggage, and performing comparably well to virtually any mid-priced 4-door vehicle. In owning a Prius, you'll give up nothing to other gas-only vehicles in its class.
Ergonomically speaking, I have a couple of items to point out. I love the keyless entry and push button start, which is not unique to the Prius, and the simple transmission shifter. The animated graphic representation of how the power plant is performing (accessed on the center console LCD screen) is fascinating to watch and play with. However, I dislike the horizontally split rear-window, although I presume that an actual owner would get accustomed to it in short order. I also find the climate control to be a bit cumbersome. While temperature control and AC on/off is mounted on the steering wheel, there are no such controls for fan speed or air output direction. You have to reach over to the LCD screen (a long reach for someone like me with short arms), access the climate interface and then make the selection). If the LCD screen is on another interface (audio, navigation, or energy/fuel consumption info), then this is not the simple one-step process commonly found in most vehicles.
The Prius has become a familiar part of the motoring scene, at least here in California. The shame is that there aren't more of them on the road and that there’s such a long waiting list to get one. One of the best things about the Prius is that it’s a Toyota product. This means it feels good, drives smoothly and safely, sports a nicely designed interior, and can be expected to be mechanically reliable. The downside is that the price for a fully equipped version is now over $26,000: six thousand over the base MSRP price and about $2,000 more than last year’s full-boat version. On the other hand, if industry scuttlebutt is correct, and the Prius is being “subsidized” by Toyota (some say it should really retail in the $35k area) in order to establish an alternative/hybrid foothold, then the $26k price tag makes it the best buy on the market. Perhaps this is part of the reason why there’s such a long buyer’s waiting list. The Prius makes for a great general family car, and an ideal middle manager/salesmen’s car.

[Rasputin]

2005 Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI

SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL: 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320CDI
ENGINE: 3.2-liter I6 diesel
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 201 hp @ 4,200 rpm/369 lb-ft @ 1,800-2,600 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic
WHEELBASE: 112.4 in.
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT: 190.3 x 71.3 x 57.0 in.
TIRES: 225/55 R16
STICKER PRICE: $55,085
This is a diesel? You'd never know it by the way it drives or, more importantly, by the way it sounds.
You start the Mercedes-Benz 320CDI by inserting the key and turning it, just as in a gasoline-engine car. There is a "glow plug" light on the instrument panel, but you don't have to wait for it to go off before starting - at least in warm weather.
The E320CDI also doesn't perform like a diesel. With most diesels, acceleration is not exhilarating, although once they get started and the engine's torque takes over, you can move along with the best of them. But in the E320CDI, acceleration is very good, even if that's the only time the engine makes any noise. The 3.2-liter engine is rated at 201 hp, while the 3.2-liter gasoline engine is rated at 220. So there's some loss, but it's not a problem. Acceleration in the crucial 30-60 mph range is equivalent to gasoline-powered cars, so there's no concern.
Mercedes-Benz claims the E320CDI can go from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is 0.3 second faster than the equivalent gasoline engine.
Of course, any leisurely acceleration is compensated for quite well by outstanding fuel economy. Our tester carried EPSA estimates of 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway. In fact, we averaged approximately 35 mpg on a long highway trip and 20 mph around town. When we filled up, though, we were thrilled to pay 20-30 cents a gallon less for diesel fuel than for gasoline. And, with the right conversion kit on your car, you can supposedly run a diesel on used cooking oil, but I'd check my warranty before trying it.
CDI stands for Common-Rail Direct Injection - a term denoting the fuel line loop supplying constant, very high fuel pressure (up to 23,000 psi) to each of the six solenoid injector valves. With electronic fuel injection, the E320CDI engine is cleaner, quieter and more powerful than conventional mechanically injected diesel engines. And while diesel engines inherently produce 20 to 30 percent lower carbon dioxide emissions and significantly lower carbon monoxide than gasoline engines, they also produce more oxides of nitrogen and soot or particles. Precise electronic control of fuel delivery, with an oxidation catalyst, allows the 320CDI to pass current 45-state emission standards. And when low-sulphur diesel fuel becomes available in late 2006, Mercedes-Benz is confident the engine can meet diesel emissions standards on all 50 states.
But as of today, the car cannot be registered in California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York or Vermont.

[Rasputin]

2007 Saturn Sky

SPECIFICATIONS

2007 Saturn Sky

Base Price
$ 24,195
Price As Tested
$ 25,140
Engine Type
dual overhead cam, aluminum alloy,
16-valve inline 4-cylinder with
variable cam phasing on both intake
and exhaust cams
Engine Size
2.4 liters / 145 cu. in.
Horsepower
177 @ 6600 rpm
Torque (lb-ft)
166 @ 4800 rpm
Transmission
5-speed manual
Wheelbase / Length
95.1 in. / 161.1 in.
Curb Weight
2933 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower
16.6
Fuel Capacity
13.6 gal.
Fuel Requirement
91 octane premium gasoline recommended
but not required
Tires
P245/45 VR18 Goodyear Eagle RS-A
Brakes, front/rear
vented disc / solid disc, ABS standard
Suspension, front/rear
independent short-and-long arm /
independent short-and-long armDrivetrain
front engine, rear-wheel drive

PERFORMANCE

EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 20 / 28 / 22
0 to 60 mph 7.2 sec

OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Premium trim - includes: leather seat inserts, leather-
wrapped steering wheel with audio controls,
stainless steel pedal covers, metallic-finish sill plates $ 750
Limited-slip differential $ 195

[Rasputin]

2007 Cadillac Escalade

This Escalade seats 7 passengers, though with the bench second seat it could seat 8. That third seat, though, is not meant for full-size people or long rides. My poor sister-in-law got stuck back there on the hour-long drive to a family reunion and found it a challenge. Her knees were in her chest since the floor back there is right at the base of the seat, and her tush began to hurt after a half hour since there is little padding. No complaints from other passengers, though, as the other seats are great.
I thought some of the interior trim was a bit tawdry and the dash too busy. The cup-holder door and neighboring cubby door had a cheap metal feel, and I was not impressed with the faux wood trim. The center stack has no fewer than 40 individual buttons and dials to manipulate not counting all the options on the touch-control navigation and audio screen. The controls are well annotated though I’ll acknowledge. In this case elegance is not necessarily simplicity.
This new Escalade is motivated by a fresh Generation IV, 6.2-liter, Vortec V-8 making 403-horsepower and 417 lb.ft. of torque. With sequential fuel injection the EPA numbers are a tad better than the previous model in spite of the greater power. EPA estimates 13 city/19 highway, but I’ll reveal here that I couldn’t get more than 15.5 mpg under what seemed ideal conditions. The exhaust note is admirable. We hear the throaty rumble of the big V8, but it’s not intrusive at all.
This rad ride starts at $56,405 and includes load-sensing suspension, automatic rear leveling control, ABS and traction control, and all the luxury stuff you can imagine. A Bose audio system, power lift tailgate, remote starter, HID headlamp, rear-view camera, heated washer fluid system and tri-zone climate controls are also included. Our test vehicle has 22-inch tires with chrome wheels (18-inch are standard) for nearly 3-grand, the “Information Package” for $2,500, premium paint for about a grand, and the “Climate Package” for $625. Bottom line, with $875 destination charge, is $64,815.
Warranty is 4-year/50,000-miles.
Overall I liked the Escalade. If it weren’t for the initial cost and dismal mileage, I could easily live with it. It drives extremely well for its size. It’s comfortable, good-lookin’, convenient and luxurious.
And, cat snot wipes off the seats easily, too.

[Rasputin]

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

When the current Grand Cherokee came out in late 1998, Jeep only faced about a dozen serious competitors in this segment. Today, there are over 20 serious entries it has to go up against. And that forced Jeep to start with a clean slate when it set out to design the new Grand Cherokee.
Customers told Jeep they really didn’t want a bigger vehicle, but they did want a more comfortable one with more interior room, better ride and handling and more creature comforts. The result is the 2005 Grand Cherokee.
Purists may protest that the new model has an independent front suspension, instead of the a rigid solid axle. However the new set up provides great ride and handling, and the new model still has the Rubicon-conquering capability that Jeeps are known for.
While the styling is completely changed, it’s instantly recognizable as a Grand Cherokee. The headlamps have borrowed a look similar to what Mercedes-Benz now uses and the rear end is very square and straight—what Jeep designers refer to as a brush cut look. Yet, the new styling seems to have lost a lot of the tension and poise of the previous model.
The are now three engine choices; a base 3.7 litre V-6 which replaces the inline 6. A mid-level 4.7 liter V-8. And then surprise, surprise the Grand Cherokee now offers the Hemi engine as an option. Though curiously, there will be no Hemi badge on this Jeep. It will only be identified as a 5.7 liter V-8.
The interior features a two tone color arrangement that comes across as inviting and well made. And it certainly fits with the character of the base model. But a fully loaded Grand Cherokee can cost $40,000 and the choice of materials isn’t luxurious enough for a vehicle that costs forty grand.
The base price starts is $1,000 cheaper than the old model, even though it has more equipment.
Criticism aside, everything about this vehicle is better than the previous model and should please off-roaders and asphalt dwellers alike.
And that’s Autoline Detroit’s review at the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Rasputin]

2006 Hyundai Accent GLS Review

SPECIFICATIONS

2006 Hyundai Accent GLS 4-Door Base Price $ 13,305 Price As Tested $ 14,870 Engine Type dual overhead cam 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with continuously-variable valve timing Engine Size 1.6 liters / 97 cu. in. Horsepower 110 @ 6000 rpm Torque (lb-ft) 106 @ 4500 rpm Transmission 4-speed automatic Wheelbase / Length 98.4 in. / 168.5 in. Curb Weight 2403 lbs. Pounds Per Horsepower 21.8 Fuel Capacity 11.9 gal. Fuel Requirement 87 octane unleaded regular gasoline Tires P195/55 VR15 Kumho Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc, ABS and EBD standard Suspension, front/rear independent MacPherson strut / semi-independent torsion beam axle Drivetrain front engine, front-wheel drive PERFORMANCE EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon city / highway / observed 28 /36 / 28 0 to 60 mph est 11 sec OPTIONS AND CHARGES Premium-Sport Package - includes: air conditioning, power heated mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert, 15-inch alloy wheels with P195/55R-15 tires $ 1,500 Carpeted floor mats $ 65 Destination charge $ included

[Rasputin]

Car/Truck Review: 2005 Hummer H2 SUT

SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL: Hummer H2 SUT
ENGINE: 6.0-liter V8
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 325 hp @ 5,200 rpm/365 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 4-speed automatic
WHEELBASE: 122.8 in.
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT: 203.5 x 81.2 x 78.5 in.
TIRES: LT315/70R17
TIRES: LT315/70R17
TIRES: LT315/70R17
ECONOMY: 11.3 mpg test
TIRES: LT315/70R17
PRICE: $58,070
Like it or not, the Hummer H2 is a presence going down the road. Even in SUT (for Sport Utility Truck) form, the huge chrome grille and high ride height set it far apart from anything else you may see coming at you.
New for 2005 is the SUT version. It, like the SUV H2, is borrowed from the H1's military version. But, unlike the H1, the H2's version is far more practical. There's seating for five in comfort, for example, and the 6.0-liter V8 engine is relatively quiet, whereas the military's (and H1's) diesel is unacceptably noisy.
The SUT isn't the world's most practical truck, even if it is unique. It has a relatively short bed (3 feet long by 5 feet wide) and is high off the ground. If you stow gear back there and it shifts to the front of the bed, you can't reach it from the sides or back. Also, you must release the spare tire carrier to lower the tailgate. The tire release is good and easy to use, but it's one more hassle that takes away from the utility of the truck.
This vehicle has in its gene pool the Chevrolet Avalanche. So the rear seat folds flat with the headrests removed. The rear window lowers (powered) and the access panel folds flat, extending the bed. While this is a neat way to get a longer bed out of a shorter one, it isn't a good idea in cold or rainy weather. Also, the floor doesn't fold flat, so if you want so slide a long piece of lumber in, for4 example, it isn't that easy.
Under the hood is a 6.0-liter V8 engine which, in the SUT, is rated at 325 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque, nine and five better than in the SUV, respectively. Power reaches the wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission with a "Hummer"-style shifter. You know it's Hummer-style once you've tried it. Actually, the large handle is easy to grab and does the job well.
Like the H1, there's a huge console with two 12-volt outlets included. Unlike the H1, you can actually talk to your front-seat partner and you don't have to mail the rear seat passengers to communicate with them. This is the huge advantage of the H2 over the H1 - its practicality. The console is necessary because the glove box is too small. There's also a good navigation system in case you get lost. Of course, with the Hummer's versatility, you can just drive cross country until you find a stream, then head downstream. For senior citizens, there are assist handles at all four doors to aid in entering and exit the SUT. In addition, there's a running board that is also a big help since the SUT sits so far off the ground.
The Hummer H2 SUT has full instrumentation with a speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, water temperature, oil pressure, ammeter and oil temperature gauges. All are important. The audio system is standard GM and the HVAC has rear outlets for passengers back there. My wife approved of the heated seats.
In some versions of the Hummer SUT there is an overhead console with three compartments. Our tester had a powered sunroof, so the compartments weren't there. I rarely use them anyway when they are there, so you may want to think about whether you want them or not.

[Rasputin]

2005 Jaguar XK8 Convertible

SPECIFICATIONS - 2005 Jaguar XK8 Convertible
Base Price $ 74,830
Price As Tested $ 80,770
Engine Type Dual overhead cam aluminum alloy 32-valve V8
Engine Size 4.2 liters / 256 cu. in.
Horsepower 294 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque(lb-ft) 303 @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic
Wheelbase/Length 101.9 in. / 188 in.
Curb Weight 3,980 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 13.5
Fuel Capacity 19.9 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline
Tires Front/Rear: P245/45 ZR18 R: 255/45 ZR18 Continental Conti Sport Contact
Brakes front/rear vented disc / vented disc, antilock standard
Suspension front/rear independent double wishbone / independent with lower wishbones and driveshaft acting as upper link
Drivetrain front engine, rear-wheel drive

PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy miles per gallon city / highway / observed 18 / 26 / 20 0 to 60 mph 6.3 sec

OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Adaptive cruise control $ 2,200
Xenon headlights with auto leveling $ 675
Navigation system $ 2,400
Destination charge $ 665

[Rasputin]

2005 Nissan Pathfinder Armada

Armada Capacities

Interior passenger volume (cu. ft.) 188.4
Cargo capacity (cu. ft.)
All seats in user positions 20.0
Second row upright, third seat folded flat 56.7
Second row folded flat, third seat folded flat 97.1
Fuel tank (gals.)28.0
Maximum towing capacity (lbs.) 6,500 9100 (4x2)/9000 (4x4) with [TW],
standard on LE


Off-road Capabilities
Minimum ground clearance (inches) 9.86-10.69
Angle of approach (degrees) 27.2-31.1
Angle of departure (degrees) 26.6-27.7
Ramp over angle 21.6-25.0

[Rasputin]

2006 Mercedes-Benz ML 350

SPECIFICATIONS
2006 Mercedes-Benz ML 350

Base Price $ 39,750
Price As Tested $ 48,825
Engine Type aluminum alloy dual overhead cam
24-valve V6
Engine Size 3.5 liters / 213 cu. in.
Horsepower 268 @ 6000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 258 @ 2400-5000 rpm
Transmission 7-speed electronically-controlled
automatic
Wheelbase / Length 114.7 in. / 188.5 in.
Curb Weight n/a lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower n/a
Fuel Capacity n/a gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline
Tires P235/65 HR17 Michelin Latitude Tour
HP
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc,
ABS, Brake Assist, electronic
brake force distribution standard
Suspension, front/rear independent double wishbone /
independent multilink
Ground clearance 8.3 in.
Drivetrain front engine, full-time four-wheel
drive

PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 16 / 20 / 16
0 to 60 mph 8.4 sec (mfg)
Towing capacity 5,000 lbs
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.34

OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Iridium Silver paint $ 690
Power folding mirrors $ 75
DVD navigation system $ 1,240
Sirius satellite radio $ 500
Trailer hitch $ 490
Heated front seats $ 690
Trim Package $ 2,200
Entertainment Package $ 1,080
Sunroof Package $ 1,390
Destination and delivery $ 720

[Rasputin]

2006 Hyundai Sonata LX

SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL: 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX
ENGINE: 3.3-liter V6
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 235 hp @ 6,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic
WHEELBASE: 107.4 in.
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT: 188.9 x 72.1 x 58.1 in.
CARGO: 16.3 cu. ft.
ECONOMY: 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway/23.8 mpg test
PRICE: $22,895 (includes inland freight and handling)


Hyundai beings out one of the first of the 2006 models with the Sonata mid-size sedan. Essentially the same size as the Honda Accord, Sonata is slightly less powerful. Hyundai has stuffed a 3.3-literV6 into the engine bay of the Sonata, while Honda uses a 3.0-liter v6 in the Accord. These minor distinctions aside, the Sonata certainly doesn't suffer from a lack of power. With 235 horses available to push a fairly light car, power is more than adequate. We had no problem out-accelerating other cars from traffic lights. Nor did we have problems maintaining speed with anyone on Interstates.
The engine drives the front wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. This is the same gating arrangements as in the Kia Sorento (Kia and Hyundai are closely affiliated), I didn't have the same problems with accidentally shifting into the manual mode. The gearbox offered smooth shifts, as one would expect from a good mid-size.
Fuel economy is listed as 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. We used the Sonata for mostly Interstate travel and averaged 23.8 mpg in our test. Since the car we had was essentially brand new, long-term owners might expect even better mileage, and that's becoming more and more important.
Our tester had leather seats that proved to be comfortable on long trips. These seats were heated, but we didn't have an opportunity to use that option in mid-summer. We did note that my 6-4 son-in-law didn't have any problems stretching out and being comfortable. The driver's seat was powered, while the passenger seat was manual.

[Rasputin]

Nissan Titan 4x4 SE

Another testament to the ability of Japanese automobile manufacturers to compete in segments formerly dominated by US makers is the Nissan Titan full-size pickup. Right out of the box Nissan was up to speed when the truck was introduced in January of 2003. And, “up to speed” is an apt metaphor. The Titan is big, fast, powerful, luxurious and mighty handy.
Our test truck is the 2005 Titan 4X4 SE Crew Cab. The base price for this model is $30,650 and includes AC, 8-speaker audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, power windows, locks and back glass along with all the basic convenience stuff we might want. Loaded with options, including Nissan’s Mobile Theatre System with DVD player, 7-inch monitor and wireless headphones, towing package, off-road package, and extra air bags, the sticker on this one shows a total price of $38,760. The only options absent, I think, are leather and heated seats. This one even has the novel sliding bed extender. More on that later.
Nissan claims to have the largest interior of any ½-ton pickup. Running the numbers with TheAutoChannel.com’s vehicle comparison system we find not much difference in interior dimensions so perhaps they are right. Sort of like comparing politicians, that is, finding a difference without a distinction. Let’s just say the inside is roomy, very well appointed, comfortable and attractive. But it sure takes a big step to get up into the thing. My pretty (but short) blonde nearly fell back out the first time she tried to get in.
Styling, as well, is quite distinctive, both inside and out. Notice the muscular shape and stance, the large, simple door handles, the bold “Titan V8” badge, the massive and masculine grille and the big, deeply jeweled headlight housings. This truck is certainly an eye-catcher, particularly in the rich dark red of our test truck. We took a nice back road fall drive to Hidden Lake Gardens about 60 miles from home. As we pulled up to the gate the middle-aged women taking tickets gasped, “Nice truck!” She turned away to record our payment, then turned back and said, “Really nice truck!” We could see the lust in her eyes. She must be a real truck gal.
Though we were unable to test it loaded or off-road we did get considerable time behind the wheel on the open road and around town. The 5.6-litre V8 churns out 305 horsepower and 379 lb.-ft. of torque (80% of which is available at 1,000 rpm) making for zero to 60 times around 7 ½ seconds. That would be respectable for most sports cars. While testing that awesome acceleration I didn’t see the gas gauge move noticeably either. Rated at 14-city and 18-highway it has a 28-gallon tank, painful to fill up but it lasts reasonably well. We averaged about 15.5 mpg during our hard-driving test week.