Sport Utility Vehicles

Kia Borrego, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

While most manufacturers are creating a sleek crossover sport utility vehicle or remodeling an existing offering, Kia has introduced the 2009 Borrego, its first truck-like sport utility vehicle. Has Kia made a mistake or is the Korean manufacturer dumb like a fox? Time will tell, but there’s no doubt Kia is gambling traditional midsize SUVs still have appeal. The seven-passenger Borrego has a chance. It’s offered in attractive V6 and V8 packages, and is a solid midsize SUV with plenty of upside. It’s the largest Korean-made SUV, about a foot longer than the Kia Sorento. And it has nearly the same dimensions as the class-leading Ford Explorer. As a Kia, the Borrego will sell at a low price (between $26,245

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Dodge Journey, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

By Jeff Weidel Declining minivan sales doesn’t mean people movers are outdated. School carpools and youth sports teams still need transportation versatility and large families require seven-passenger vehicles. Understanding the concept, Chrysler came out with the Dodge Journey for 2009. Much like the family station wagon evolving into minivans, the latest incarnations are midsize crossover sport utility vehicles like the Journey. The idea behind crossovers is creating a practical vehicle with size and versatility. While the concept is solid, Chrysler’s mistake is waiting so long to produce its first midsize model. The Journey has serious competition in the established Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge, Subaru Tribeca and Hyundai Santa Fe. Despite its late arrival, the Journey could find a niche. One

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Kia Sportage, Sedona, 2008: Weidel On Wheels

The Korean automaker has always prided itself in offering affordable vehicles. And since being purchased by Hyundai and adding quality, Kia has enjoyed improved sales and reputation. The Sedona, one of Kia’s mainstays, is a well-equipped minivan with a price that can’t be matched by top competitors. The Sportage, a compact sport utility vehicle, is also a value leader, but has drawbacks. Both vehicles have Kia’s best-in-the-industry 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Here are the Sedona and Sportage at a glance: * Sedona — The second generation continues the Sedona’s reputation. It offers an impressive warranty while also staying on heels of industry leaders Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Siena with can’t-beat prices $20,045 (base model) to $26,195 (EX

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Mazda CX-9, 2008: Belew's Car Buzz

The CX-9 The car gets an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Good or bad for an SUV type? You decide. I reckoned it would be a great commuter car, if I were hauling seven people every time I took it out. The estimated fuel costs: $2,470 per year based on 15,000 miles per year at $2.80 per gallon. But fuel costs would be more like $4,000 per year. Divide that by seven non-family members and maybe. But safe? Indeed, I felt safe and very comfortable behind the wheel of the CX-9. The SUV’s exterior was crystal white, the interior sand and the seats leather trimmed, with individual three-zone temperature controls and a rear

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2008 Hyundai Veracruz: Weidel on Wheels

The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz falls short, but the South Korean manufacturer has set lofty goals and made significant progress in its attempt to compete with Toyota, Honda and even premium Lexus. That’s ambitious goal for a company that once produced cheap, unreliable economy cars that were the industry jokes. But those days are past; Hyundai now earns respect for nearly every vehicle it produces. Certainly it’s true with the Veracruz, a seven-passenger crossover SUV that receives high marks in practically every auto publication. There’s much to like about this well-equipped family vehicle. It combines solid looks, good performance, versatility, safety and a reasonably priced base model. Still, let’s not get carried away. Hyundai’s goal when the Veracruz debuted in 2007

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2009 Nissan Murano: Weidel on Wheels

And let’s face it, many auto manufacturers essentially trot out the same vehicles year after year without significant changes. Following its one-year absence, Nissan came out with its 2009 model as a Christmas present and was delivered to dealerships in early January. It was worth the wait, since Nissan addressed a few problem areas. At first glance, the 2009 midsize sport utility vehicle looks like its predecessor — attractive, sporty and efficient in most areas. However, several changes in this year’s Murano add to the value add to the car-based SUV that has always enjoyed a solid reputation since its debut in 2004. The redesign was done smartly by Nissan, which didn’t radically change the Murano’s overall attractive look due

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Land Rover LR3 HSE, 2008: Bill Belew’s Car Review

Magic happens when you drive a Land Rover. I can’t say if it’s good or bad magic, but it definitely happens. The first thing I looked at when I got in the 2008 Land Rover 3 HSE car was the odometer. There was an indicator that told me, among other things, how many miles I had left on the full tank. I drove the car about six-tenths of a mile to meet friends for breakfast and the odometer dropped six miles. “What a gas hog,” I thought. “The treehuggers would have a field day if they knew for sure how much this gas guzzler consumed.” At that rate, a tank of gas might get me 50 miles and I could

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Mazda Tribute Hybrid, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

Confused about the differences between the Ford Escape and the Mazda Tribute? Don’t be. They are essentially the same vehicle. And if two options aren’t enough, how about three, with a hybrid model? The Mercury Mariner is a close relative to the Tribute and Escape. The Tribute made up some ground in 2008 joining the Escape and Mariner by adding a hybrid option. Other than the Mazda badge, its two-tone coloring scheme and a couple of small styling differences, the Tribute and the Escape are identical. Yes, the hybrid market continues to multiply, with the Tribute among the new 2008 additions. Although too late for any breaks on this year’s taxes, a hybrid purchase means a $3,000 federal tax credit

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2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport: Weidel on Wheels

The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara will not be a first choice for many shoppers. And if money is not an issue, the compact sport utility vehicle may not even make the finalists’ list. Many competitors have better credentials. But if money is an issue, don’t dismiss the Grand Vitara. It has significantly improved in recent years and not only provides an impressive value, it has good qualities as a daily driver. The 2008 Grand Suzuki XSport wasn’t a vehicle I couldn’t wait to bid farewell after a week’s drive. It’s an attractive model with an attractive price tag, $22,349. That’s a tough match for the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, among others in the competitive compact SUV

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Toyota Highlander, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

There was no urgent need for changes. Toyota already had success with the Highlander, a trend-setting model introduced seven years ago. It quickly became a template for a segment of crossover sport utility vehicles. Yes, the Highlander has been around since 2001. And during that time nearly every manufacturer has taken a shot at producing a crossover SUV. It’s a market segment with increasing popularity despite increasing gas prices. Despite its success, Toyota decided to make improvements to its beloved mid-size SUV. The Japanese automaker succeeded with the second generation redesign, taking suggestions from Highlander owners and addressing two main areas — size and performance. Some may have been skeptical. Why would Toyota make a more powerful vehicle with a

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The Weekly Driver On The Road: GM getaway features Pontiac G8, Vibe, Lucerne

The Pontiac G8, Pontiac Vibe and Buick Lucerne, each in several options, were presented in two sessions each attended by about two dozen journalists. We each test drove the various vehicles on a hilly winding 170-mile road trip trek from Santa Monica to Ojai  — on some of the most famous mountain roads in Southern California. The Vibe is one of the most unheralded small SUVs available. Spacious and featuring innovative exterior and interior design, the Vibe is ideal for a small businessperson with cargo-space needs or an economically minded family with SUV needs. The Buick Lucerne is an industry standard, but it’s also been redesigned and offers good comfort and a smooth drive. The entry-level luxury market is a

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Toyota Sequoia, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

Jeff Weidel Many reasons exist to literally steer away from purchasing a large sport utility vehicle. Lack of gas mileage is one negative. Every time I drive a behemoth SUV, it seems like one eye watching the gas gauge dip as another $70 fill-up looms. But it’s a shame gas concerns and environmental considerations have brought down the desirability of large SUVs, since they’re being built better than ever. Driving dynamics and interior design are among the improvements, yet owning a heavyweight SUV seems impractical for many current car buyers. The Toyota Sequoia is an SUV that should be highly desired. But it’s been overlooked, even with its first redesign since its 2001 debut. The 2008 Sequoia features a move

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Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2008: The Weekly Driver Car Review

My weekly drive was the Grand Vitara X-sport. It had a 2.7-liter V6 engine, 185 horsepower and a five-speed automatic transmission. With its two-wheel drive and sunroof additions, it’s one of eight configuration of the vehicle positioned in the class featuring more heavily marketed and more expensive competitors like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Toyota Rav4, Mercury Mariner and Jeep Liberty. Despite varying marketing campaigns, many compact SUVs seem remarkably similar. None are touted as speed burners or comfort machines. But as utilitarian vehicles for outdoors enthusiasts and families, the Grand Vitara stands out among its competitors in a few areas. The Vitara has good overall vision, a spacious cabin, and straightforward controls. Its side-hinged, rear cargo door provides quick

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Consumer Reports Selects Its Worst-10 Vehicles For 2008

Here’s the list of 10-worst (actually 11) vehicles. That is, the vehicles with the 11 lowest scores (out of 100 points) and Consumer Report testers’ highs and lows comments: 1. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Score: 17; Highs: Off-road ability; Lows: Ride, handling, braking, noise, fuel economy, fit and finish, visibility, front seat comfort, access, reliability. 2. Hummer H3 (5 Cylinder) Score: 27; Highs: Off-road ability, turning circle; Lows: Acceleration, fuel economy, access, visibility, ride, heavy tailgate, emergency handling, reliability. 3. Jeep Liberty Sport, Score: 27; Highs: Off-road ability; Lows: Fuel economy, noise, agility, fit and finish. 4. Chevrolet Aveo5, Score: 32; Highs: Front access, turning circle, hatchback; Lows: Acceleration, handling. 5. Dodge Nitro SLT, Score: 33; Highs: None; Lows: Ride, handling,

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Volkswagen Touareg 2, 2008: Weidel On Wheels

Volkswagen has obviously enjoyed a longer existence than Hitler. The German manufacturer has remained successful mostly through the production of economical vehicles that appeal to the masses. Despite the reputation for building reasonably priced automobiles, Volkswagen in recent years has strayed from its original formula. Consider the Touareg. It’s a sport utility vehicle that shares a lot with the upscale Porsche Cayenne and also shares qualities with a distant cousin, the Audi Q7. The Touareg and the Cayenne were co-developed by Volkswagen and Porsche, and their shared chassis are built at the same plant. Although sometimes identified as the same SUV, the Cayenne has its own engine and is assembled in a different plant. The Cayenne also costs more, but

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London Newspaper Selects 100-Most Beautiful Cars (Introduction)

In the automotive world, it’s possible nothing else could gain as much survey attention as asking readers to either tell mechanic nightmare stories or give their opinions on the most beautiful cars in the world. I prefer the latter subject, and it’s what makes a recent survey in The Daily Telegraph in London, England, a marketing wonderment and a journalistic golden nugget. The newspaper simply asked readers to send it their choices for “The 100 Most Beautiful Cars.” This week, the newspaper began counting down the results in reverse order. It’ll be a few more days before the readers’ top choice among thousands of votes for 367 specific models is published. In the meantime, the multi-part article is a great

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