Cars & Motors News

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2007 Hyundai Sonata

There's a new player in the mid-size sedan market, and it's from Hyundai. Yes, Hyundai.
The Hyundai Sonata was showered with media awards last year, when it was redesigned and launched as an all-new model for 2006. MotorWeek called the Sonata the "Best Family Sedan," Kiplinger's Personal Finance named it "Best in Class," Consumers Digest called it a "Best Buy," and Popular Mechanics gave it a "Safety Excellence" award. Meanwhile, the Sonata finished among the top three mid-size cars in the 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. And the Sonata earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts, the highest rating given.

For the 2007 model year, the Sonata promises more content for less money. Retail prices have been lowered on the entry GLS models. A new Sonata SE comes standard with the 234-hp V6 engine and 17-inch wheels and tires, and a new top-of-the-line Limited model features a new chrome grille and an optional Infinity premium audio system.

This second-generation Sonata is bigger, better equipped, more technologically advanced and sharper looking than the previous-generation (pre-2006) model. Exterior-wise, it competes primarily against the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima; and secondarily against the Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Optima and Ford Fusion. On the inside, however, the Sonata has moved up a class. Sonata is now a large car, with a full-size edge in creature comfort. It's roomier in almost every dimension than its mid-size competitors. Fit and finish are on a par with most others in the class.

In terms of performance, Sonata now equals or bests comparably featured cars. The Hyundai Sonata is a four-door, five-passenger sedan, and comes with a choice of four-cylinder and V6 engines. As you'd expect, the Sonata is aggressively priced, positioned smack in the middle of the range of mid-size sedans.

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2007 Buick LaCrosse

LaCrosse is the Buick of mid-size sedans. So, as you would expect, it's quiet, pleasant-mannered, and demands little of its driver or passengers. Its styling is sophisticated and modern, yet conservative. Inside is a rich, high-quality cabin with attractive woodgrain trim, nicely presented instruments and controls, and available leather seats with nice-looking gathered stitching.
What owners of recent Buicks might not expect is the way LaCrosse drives. Its steering is more precise, and it turns into corners crisply, with little body lean. In short, it handles quite impressively on winding mountain roads where it's capable of keeping up with any of the imported mid-size cars. Its V6 engines offer good power, growling under acceleration, but motoring along smoothly and quietly on the freeway. And of course its transmission works flawlessly.

Electronic features make the well-equipped LaCrosse a safe, all-weather family car with nice conveniences. Among them: a remote starting system that will work from up to 500 feet away, great on cold winter mornings; OnStar, which will dispatch emergency crews to your precise location if you have a wreck and don't respond to operators' calls; XM Satellite Radio to pick up Fox News, CNN, ESPN, or your favorite music; and StabiliTrak, which can help keep you from skidding off a slippery road. ABS and side-curtain airbags come standard.

For 2007, Buick LaCrosse benefits from revised trim and equipment upgrades, including a standard tire-pressure monitor and available Turn-by-Turn navigation from OnStar. Otherwise, it's largely unchanged from 2006.

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2007 BMW 3-Series

The BMW 3 Series coupes have been completely redesigned for 2007. These all-new, fifth-generation coupes follow on the heels the new BMW 3 Series sedans that were introduced last year.
With sleeker styling and carrying less weight than a four-door sedan, the two-door or coupe version of BMW's 3 Series model has special appeal for drivers who demand sporty driving dynamics but need a back seat and a decent sized trunk.

If you think of a coupe as merely a sedan with two less doors, you need to change your thinking as it applies to BMW. The coupe is nearly two inches longer, more than an inch trimmer and has a roofline that is more than two inches lower than the sedan's. In fact, the only exterior component the coupe shares with the 3 Series sedan is door handles, and the coupe needs only two of them, so right there, one segment of component weight is cut in half.

Handling is sharp, responsive, precise, yet the ride isn't harsh, in spite of the fact that a sport suspension comes as standard equipment.

The 2007 BMW 335i coupe features a new twin-turbocharged engine that puts out 300 horsepower, which makes for the ultimate driving machine. We found it to be an extremely responsive and pleasing car, with none of the turbo lag associated with turbochargers. Meanwhile, the 328xi features all-wheel drive, which enhances traction in wet or snowy weather. A new convertible with a retracting hardtop and the next ultra-high-performance M3 are anticipated for launch in calendar year 2007.

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2007 Buick Lucerne

The Buick Lucerne is the brand's flagship sedan. Its clean lines are suggestive of fine European imports yet maintain Buick traditions. Inside, Lucerne is elegant, comfortable and easy. Underway, it's smooth and quiet; but with precise steering and a chassis that handles winding roads with aplomb. we find the Lucerne to be a plush, highly competent full-size sedan at a compelling price.
The Lucerne CXS is certainly the most enjoyable of the new Buicks to drive, thanks to its powerful V8 engine and Magnetic Ride Control, an adaptive sports suspension developed for the Corvette. Yet we might opt for the Lucerne CXL V6, a very enjoyable car to drive, with agile handling and plenty of performance. The V6-powered Lucerne CXL is positioned to compete against the Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES 330, while the V8-powered CXS aspires to the Lexus GS and Infiniti M luxury sedans.

As it has done from time to time throughout its 103-year history, Buick is rethinking, renewing, revising and rationalizing its model lineup. The Buick Lucerne replaced the Park Avenue and LeSabre when launched as a 2006 model. The Lucerne benefits greatly from the structure and chassis hardware that it shares with the recently launched Cadillac DTS. In this, Lucerne is not breaking tradition but confirming it. The biggest Buicks have shared body structure with Cadillacs since the 1930s, if not before; and they have shared significant chassis pieces since 1965.

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2007 Infiniti G35

If there's one lesson to be learned from the Infiniti G35, it's this: in the long-term, always bet on talent. At the turn of the millennium, it was tempting to take one glance at Infiniti's collection write the brand off. It'd taken cracks at lavish cars and sporty cars, sedans and sport-utilities, yet even after a decade, victory hadn't found it.

Sometimes, however, the question of what has been and what could've been contains drastically different answers. Astute observers always knew Infiniti was no stranger to good chassis, great engines, comfortable interiors, and longevity, but not until the G35 did those qualities come together in a fashion consumers found compelling. Boy, did they ever: Nissan's new kid suddenly started clobbering every competitor in every magazine shoot-out, earned a "best resale value" award, and pushed the brand's annual sales into the six digits. The G35 has been many things to many people (about half a million so far).

With the taste of success still fresh on its tongue, Infiniti has dared to overhaul the first generation enough to christen the result the "second generation G35" only four scant years later. It sure makes one wonder: considering this is the car that could do no wrong, how could changing a thing be right?

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2007 Volvo S80

With the introduction of the all-new S80 at the top of the range, Volvo makes one giant leap for Swedish automotive history with its first V8-powered luxury sedan.
Yes, it's the same, exact V8 engine that powers the much larger and heavier XC90 SUV, but with a thousand pounds of weight taken off its narrow little 60-degree shoulders, the transversely mounted 4.4-liter V8 becomes a real performer. To manage that much power, the V8 comes with the proven Volvo Haldex computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system.

The V8 engine installation is certainly the biggest single news item about this car, but there's also a completely new 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine for those customers who don't want or need monster torque. The new six-cylinder, the largest inline-6 Volvo has ever built, is rated at 236 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, great leaps above the old 2.9-liter engine. Unlike the V8, the I6 will be available with front-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive.

The chassis, body and interior are brand new from stem to stern for the 2007 model year, blended into a careful evolution of what Volvo calls a Scandinavian luxury car, an evolution best understood and appreciated when the old car and the new car are parked side-by-side.

As you would expect, the S80 is absolutely packed with safety equipment, building on its worldwide reputation with more still safety systems, from the interesting and talented new key fob out to the structure and the chassis systems.

The all-new S80 is designed to compete directly against such market favorites as the Acura RL, the Infiniti M35 and M45, the Lexus GS, the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series, and the Mercedes E-Class. The S80 has moved a bit more upscale and is priced higher than before, but the new car has more standard equipment and more powerful engines.

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2007 Ford Mustang

The Mustang remains one of the most widely recognized, respected, and desired nameplates in the automobile business. The Ford Mustang defined the pony-car segment in 1964; Plymouth's Barracuda may have beaten Ford to the showroom by 16 days, but it was the Mustang that set the sales records. The 'Cuda is gone now, and so are the Camaro, Firebird, Cougar, Javelin, Challenger, and every other would-be rival, leaving Ford's pony to prance alone. At least for now.
For 2007, the 210-hp Mustang V6 and 300-hp Mustang GT are joined by the new 500-hp supercharged Shelby GT500, offering its own look, tuning, and equipment.

Available in fastback coupe or convertible body styles, the Mustang V6 models make nice, stylish cruisers. The GT is an absolute hoot to drive, making all the right sounds, hanging onto corners tenaciously, and delivering thrilling acceleration performance. The Shelby GT500 adds to the fun with its near-Corvette performance. It's quite tossable, making for good sport on gymkhanas, race tracks or back roads. Its solid rear axle can get bouncy on bad pavement, and you'll want snow tires (four of them) for Northeastern or Midwestern winters.

It may be retro inspired, but the Mustang is a thoroughly modern car. Redesigned from a clean sheet of paper for 2005, today's Mustang is faster and more agile than ever. It delivers the bold styling, rear-drive performance and affordability that have been Mustang hallmarks for decades, but it's smoother and quieter and better built than older models.

Its interior looks like a throwback from the '60s, but it's functional and well finished. Granted, interior space is limited, especially given its exterior dimensions; and the back seat might better be described as a package shelf.

The Ford Mustang is an American success story. It holds true to an idea that still appeals to people of all ages, decades after the original was launched. Forty-three years after it created an automotive niche all its own, Mustang is both true to its roots and better than ever.

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2007 Saturn Sky

The folks with the friendly dealers have jumped into the sports car business and the all-new 2007 Saturn Sky is well worth a look for anyone who wants a fun, two-seat cruiser that can drop the top and let the sun shine in. It may not have quite the agility of the Mazda Miata, but the Sky is a classic sports car with classic sports car running gear: rear-wheel drive, a fully independent suspension, powerful four-wheel disc brakes, massive low-profile tires, a double overhead-cam engine, and a standard manual gearbox.
Model year 2007 will mark the start of a new era at Saturn. The GM division goes into its 15th year with a vastly expanded lineup of products, including the sporty new Sky, the attractive new Aura sedan, the Relay minivan, the Vue hybrid SUV, the Outlook large SUV, and the Red Line performance models.

Saturn appears poised to move upmarket into a position above Chevrolet and Pontiac, a long way from where it started. For customers, that means more choices, one-price, no-haggle car shopping, and one of the best dealer networks in the country.

The Sky convertible represents Saturn's first thrust into the sporty end of the spectrum, the Ion Red Line sedan notwithstanding. The Saturn Sky is built on GM's new Kappa platform shared with the Pontiac Solstice (and Opel GT in Europe). This new rear-drive, four-cylinder platform gave Saturn an opportunity to quickly enter this market segment, the $25,000 open-air car, which includes the Miata and the powerful Honda S2000.

The Saturn Sky comes standard with 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A Red Line model will be added later in the model year with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine rated at a whopping 260 horsepower, more than a 50 percent increase over the standard engine. The Red Line version will come with special front and rear styling, high-performance tires, and recalibrated suspension, among other items.

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2007 Hyundai Tiburon

The Hyundai Tiburon has been freshened up for 2007, and the SE, our test model, has gotten a suspension that's meant to carry it with the big boys, the European sports cars. The entry-level Tiburon GS, the one that goes for less than $17,000, uses a four-cylinder engine with a five-speed gearbox, but the SE moves up to a 2.7-liter V6 with a six-speed manual.
All Tiburons are equipped with anti-lock brakes, a tire pressure monitor, side airbags, and a 220-watt Kenwood MP3 sound system; other models or options include a four-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control, electronic stability control, and a 440-watt Infinity sound system.

The lines from the side are rakish, and the 12-spoke SE wheels look great. The seats are comfortable and well bolstered, and the instruments are back-lit in a cool blue, with sharp gunmetal accents on the instrument panel.

Hyundai compares the Tiburon to the Honda Civic Si and Scion tC, but we don't see much similarity to those coupes. It seems like the Tiburon is more like the Mitsubishi Eclipse or maybe even the Mazda RX-8, both of which cost thousands more, but also make much more horsepower.

Hyundai is fairly new at the sports car game, but they've done good job, especially considering the price. The V6 engine makes a modest 172 horsepower, but it also makes a nice throaty sound when you rev it to redline, 6500 rpm. When you look into the rearview mirror, the high spoiler reminds you that you're in a sports car.

The engine's torque comes on low, so it's easy to drive. The SE's six-speed gearbox is good, and the clutch is smooth, but the shift lever has too long of a throw to feel tight. Heel-and-toe downshifts are almost possible because of the pedal locations.

The SE suspension is firm, but not uncomfortable. The payoff comes in the corners, as the front-wheel-drive SE grips the road better than the Mitsubishi Eclipse, although not as well as the rear-wheel-drive RX-8. The Tiburon SE also stops well, having 12-inch cross-drilled front rotors.

Hyundai claims its warranty is America's best, with five-year/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000 miles limited powertrain. Tiburon buyers also get 24-hour roadside assistance at no charge for five years.

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2007 Jeep Commander

The Jeep Commander can haul up to seven people and a lot of stuff just about anywhere it can fit. Launched as an all-new product last year, the Commander offers more capability over rugged terrain than most drivers will ever need, benefits of its ground clearance and excellent traction. If you're expecting an unrefined vehicle with sluggish performance, however, you'll be surprised.
For 2007, the ultra-luxury Commander Overland joins the lineup, with more standard equipment, platinum-chrome exterior accents, and wood, leather and suede inside. Several new features are available for 2007 as well. Among them: a rearview camera, a power liftgate, a remote starter, and active turn signals. In most states, the optional 4.7-liter V8 can operate on gasoline or up to 85 percent Ethanol. Last year's base model has been re-named Commander Sport for 2007.

As suggested by its slab-sided styling, the Commander offers utility and a roomy, airy cabin. The rear seats are progressively stepped up, theater style, giving back-seat riders a view of the road. This feeling of airiness is enhanced by a pair of glass roof panels, though the third row is best reserved for 10-year-olds.

Utility comes in the form of a perfectly flat cargo floor when the rear two rows are folded down, providing nearly 69 cubic feet of cargo space. Those in the front seats enjoy a comfortable cabin, much of which is shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Belied by the utilitarian styling, however, is the Commander's responsiveness and agility. It handles surprisingly well for a tall, seven-passenger SUV. On the highway, the Commander is a notably smooth and comfortable cruiser, and we think it'd be a good choice for that cross country trip to Yellowstone. It's reasonably quiet, allowing easy conversation, a pleasant surprise given the squared-off styling and all-terrain tires.

A choice of V6 and V8 engines is available. The mid-level 4.7-liter V8 seems an excellent choice, with responsive acceleration performance for working through traffic and fuel economy just slightly lower than the 3.7-liter V6. The 5.7-liter V8 Hemi is a good choice for buyers who tow trailers of up to 7,400 pounds.

Two-wheel-drive models are available, though that seems a curious choice because it sacrifices the benefits of Jeep's highly capable four-wheel-drive systems, one of the Commander's most compelling features. Buyers who don't need off-road capability might be better served by something else.

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2007 Honda Element

The Honda Element was created to be the ultimate in utilitarian chic, and this year it got a little chic-er. The mainstream models that dog lovers and surfers love remain, but the introduction of the chic new Element SC turns this versatile box on wheels into a lowered, carpeted, monochromatic urban cruiser.
As with the other models, the 2007 Honda Element SC can in minutes change roles from a four-seat people mover to a surprisingly big cargo hauler. Likewise, it delivers sedan-style driving dynamics and good fuel economy, at least by SUV standards. However, the SC is not a muddy boot, hose-it-out kind of vehicle, and it's dropped any pretense of all-terrain capability. Clearly, the Element has evolved.

Launched as a 2003 model, the Honda Element was originally aimed at young adventurers who need to haul wet or messy gear within the security of an enclosed cargo area. Its durable, quick-clean interior was a big part of its charm, rather than a strippo-model drawback. Low step-in height made loading mountain bikes or surfboards or big dogs easy, and vinyl flooring made it extra dog-friendly. Dark vinyl fenders and heavy cladding made stone chips or brush scrapes a non-issue. But young surfer boys weren't the only ones attracted to the utility and cuteness of the Honda Element. Other folks saw the benefits of roomy box that got good gas mileage and was easy to park.

The utility benefits mentioned above still apply to the 2007 Element LX, an unadorned base model. And to a considerable extent those benefits still apply to the high-trim EX. Starting with the 2006 models, however, the EX models began rolling out of the factory with painted fenders and cladding, though the bumpers and roof trim remained basic dark vinyl.

Now comes the Element SC, the first model with a fully painted exterior and cloth upholstery. Its suspension is lower and stiffer for improved handling, and it has big 18-inch wheels.

All 2007 models benefit from a major infusion of safety features, including curtain-style head protection airbags for front and rear passengers and Vehicle Stability Assist for improved driver control, making them the benchmark for small utility vehicles. With these upgrades, Honda completes its Safety First marketing initiative, which it claims gives all its vehicles luxury-grade safety features.

A new five-speed automatic transmission for 2007 and a slight increase in horsepower improves throttle response. Despite its utilitarian roots, the Element has always driven more like a car than a truck. Think of a base Honda Civic sedan with softer springs and a higher driving position and you won't be far off. The Element is a fine little automotive appliance. Dressed up as the SC model, it has a little more style.

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2007 Toyota Camry

When it comes to the all-prestigious "best-selling car in America" race, the only open question is whether the Camry gets the gold or a close silver. Toyota always touts its undefeated numbers and Honda always counters that more Accords go to real people who pay their own way. Whoever's right, to call this 431,703 annual seller "popular" is to be as understated as its personality.

Popularity usually means being loved, but is that true here? Magazines usually rank the Camry middle of the pack, owners seem to speak with indifference, and the gearhead readers at TheTruthAboutCars.com nominated it among the "Ten Worst Automobiles Today." Maybe excess ennui is a greater offense than we thought.

But Toyota's troops are talking of "athletic," "elegant," and "positive emotional response" for the new year, and the 2007 revisions are the most intriguing ever. A beefed-up SE model and the most powerful Camry engine ever should lure the enthusiasts, while a brand new hybrid is here for the techies to treasure. The Camry faithful will find peace of mind in the increased body strength and safety features, and owners of all shades can finally drive without ego damage behind the Camry's seriously more stylish shape.

Millions have demonstrated their need for the Camry. Now it wants to be wanted.

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2007 Lexus ES350

The Lexus ES is all-new for 2007. Boasting a new 3.5-liter engine, the 2007 Lexus ES 350 is more powerful than last year's ES 330. In fact, the Lexus ES with this new engine is now a serious performer. We were impressed with it and found it quick and responsive. Lexus says it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, a solid performance from its 272-horsepower engine. Likewise, the steering and handling are much more responsive than with last year's model.
Still, the Lexus ES is a luxury sedan that celebrates smoothness, quietude and sophistication. It doesn't suffer the hard ride of a sports sedan. You can safely sip a cappuccino on the way to work. The ride is smooth, the engine is smooth, the transmission operation is flawless, and everything is quiet.

The Lexus ES has come a long way. When Toyota launched its Lexus brand of luxury cars in 1989, its entry-level car was the ES 250, a thinly disguised Camry chassis and powertrain with an upgraded body and interior. This car's role was to give the new dealers some sales volume to help support the big LS 400. With each of the succeeding four generations of ES, the car has better met the needs of the upper end of the entry-luxury segment, with more room, more space, more power and more standard equipment. And more safety features. The all-new 2007 ES 350 makes the greatest single leap in ES history.

The ES uses front-wheel drive, while the Lexus IS models are rear-wheel drive. In short, the ES is designed more for luxury and a smooth, comfortable ride, while the IS models are designed more for performance and handling.

The ES 350 will compete with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 and M35, Audi A6, Saab 9-3, Volvo S60 and a host of domestics in this popular class. Pricing for the 2007 ES 350 was not available at press time.

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2007 Mazda MAZDA3

The Mazda3 changed the way people though about compact cars when it was launched as a 2004 model. This is a premium automobile, exciting to drive, styled adventurously, and fully equipped with luxury features. There's nothing austere, basic or cheap about it.
For 2007, Mazda has upgraded the appearance of its s-model sedan and s-model five-door hatchback with a body-color grille, a redesigned front bumper with square foglights, and a new look for both the 16- and 17-inch, cast-aluminum wheels. Detail changes also improve interior appearance, and leather is now optional for all s-models, both sedan and five-door hatchback. An auxiliary audio input with 12-volt power outlet is now standard for all models, making them iPod-friendly.

Upgrades for 2007 also include some changes to improve the driving personality of the Mazda3. Reinforcements to the body shell improve overall chassis rigidity. The front dampers of the MacPherson strut suspension have been retuned to quicken steering response and reduce understeer, while the dampers of the multi-link rear suspension also have been retuned to match. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist are standard equipment for all s-models and optional for the i-model sedan. Traction control and stability control are now available for both the s-model sedan and five-door. All models are front-wheel drive.

The Mazdaspeed3 joins the model lineup for 2007. A true high-performance car featuring a 263-hp, turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, the Mazdaspeed3 joins a group of extreme sports sedans that includes the Honda Civic Type S, Mitsubishi Evo MK IX, and Subaru Impreza WRX.

The Mazda3 is built in Japan, yet beneath the skin you'll find evidence of engineering from around the world. Volvo developed the body. Ford contributed the suspension design and sophisticated electronics. And Mazda engineered the four-cylinder engines and then tuned the complete car at its test track in Japan.

As a result, the Mazda3 has the personality of a true world car. It's space-efficient and exciting to drive like a European car. It's practical and economical like a Japanese car. And it's available with a surprising list of comfort and luxury features just like an American car.

The sedan and hatchback versions look quite different. The sedan has the traditional appearance of a four-door, five-passenger car. The five-door hatchback is like the high-fashion station wagons from European manufacturers, offering the practicality of the five-door configuration with an emphasis on a premium driving experience, which means plenty of luxury features plus plenty of driving enjoyment.

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2007 Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV designed to compete with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V and for the most part it succeeds. The Tucson comes standard with a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features, including six airbags and electronic stability control. It's aggressively priced and it comes with Hyundai's five-year/60,000-mile warranty.
We found the Tucson to be comfortable around town and on the highway, with light steering, adequate power from the available V6 engine, and a smooth four-speed automatic. The interior is nice, it doesn't look cheap, and the controls are easy to operate with big knobs. It's easy to get in and out of the front and back seats, the rear seatbacks flip down easily, and there's a decent amount of cargo space available.

We actually preferred the ride and handling of the four-wheel-drive models, even on dry pavement. On wet pavement, the 4WD models don't spin their front tires the way the front-drive models do when accelerating from a stop. In the snow, they benefit from an all-wheel drive system that directs power to the rear wheels as road conditions change. A switch allows the drive r to lock in a 50/50 torque split when creeping through drifting snow. Though not intended to be a highly capable off-road vehicle, the Tucson can certainly manage rocky, dirt two-tracks and other light off-highway duties.

The Tucson looks good, too. It's nicely proportioned with clean lines and short overhangs front and rear.

For 2007, the Tucson features some new interior convenience features, a revised model range, and an enhanced audio system.