Sport Utility Vehicles Archives - Page 18 of 18

Honda Pilot, 2005: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Introduced in late 2003, the Pilot replaced the Passport and it shares the same basic chassis and powertrain as the MDX, the complementary choice from Honda‘s upscale Acura division. My test drive for the week was the top of the line’s EX L 4-door wagon that includes both a navigation system and second seat DVD entertainment system. With those additions, the Pilot further enhances its position at the forefront of the midsize SUV ranks that include the Ford Explorer, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander. The three Pilot models all offer a V6, 255-horsepower engine paired only a 5-speed automatic transmission. The HP total represents an increase of six percent from the 2004 model, further adding to the vehicle’s status among

Ford Escape (Hybrid), 2005: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Combined, it offers 155 horsepower and it’s rated at 33 mpg gallon in city driving and 29 mpg in highway conditions. That’s the best SUV mileage available. For those still new to hybrids, the Escape is another prime example of the advancement of the combined gas-electric presentation . The electric motor helps save gas by powering the vehicle at lower speeds and complementing the gas engine during acceleration. The notion of recharging a hybrid battery is no longer relevant; the system recharges the motor’s batteries when the vehicle is decelerating or coasting. Beyond its combined engine, the 2005 Escape has a larger base engine (28 more horsepower than in ’04) and its interior and exterior styling has been “tweaked” to

Sport Utility Vehicles

Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2005: The Weekly Driver Car Review

It’s comfortable and provides a confident drive. It offers vast cargo space, has an attractive two-tone interior, a well-designed console and boasts plenty of impressive option packages. But sometimes subtle qualities or subtle deficiencies are more impressive or problematic than a vehicle’s overt characteristics. So it is with the new Blazer. While recently showing the car to several friends, one sat in the second row of seats. Surprisingly, his head easily hit the roof. My friend is 6-foot-3, and while that’s tall, he’s not a giant by any stretch. “I’ve got a Scion and there’s plenty of rear seat headroom,” my friend quickly commented. The quick analysis made a good point. As the largest and most powerful Blazer available, shouldn’t

Sport Utility Vehicles

Kia Sportage, 2005: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Introduced a decade ago, the Kia Sportage was the Korean manufacturer’s second style available in the American market. It had its supporters and critics, and it eventually became the company’s bestseller. Three years ago, however, when Kia was in the midst of severe financial difficulties, the Sportage was discontinued. But behold, the Sportage is back, having undergone a vast makeover. It has the same name, but perhaps that’s the only similarity to yesteryear’s model. The new Sportage has a completely new and refined interior and exterior design, and a good supply of standard and optional features. It also has a few nice, thoughtful, if small, considerations that could allow the small to well infiltrate the marketplace. My test vehicle for

Sport Utility Vehicles

Honda CR-V, 2005: The Weekly Driver Car Review

The bench is five-feet long, but with a little twist here and a turn there it fit lengthwise. It was tight, but at 60 inches long it was secure in the back compartment, and the tailgate and rear window closed securely. Sport Utility Vehicles are designed for versatility, but transporting the cumbersome outdoor piece provided a nice example of the new CR-V’s ever-expanding uses. The 200-mile round-trip, primarily freeway miles, also provided plenty of time to experience the vehicle’s all-wheel drive system. It’s called Real Time AWD, and it offers fine handling and traction. The roads were dry on our outbound trip and periodically wet on the return voyage. It didn’t make any difference. The drive was smooth and comfortable,

Sport Utility Vehicles

Volkswagen Touareg, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Certainly, my chosen route south on Interstate 5 has long stretches where anyone who enjoys the pleasures of driving can feel “free.” But 30 miles into my journey, a sensor warning appeared on the console panel: “Defective tire on board.” The same warning had also appeared sporadically during my first two days with the vehicle in short, around-town treks. A local Volkswagen dealer representative said many Touaregs have suffered through the same “growing pains.” In short, owners noticing the same warning have brought their new vehicles to dealers with concern. But they’ve largely discovered nothing is wrong with the exception of a overly sensitive computer system. In my instance, the warning quickly changed to a danger light: “Flat Tire.” I

Luxury cars, Sport Utility Vehicles

Cadillac SRX, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

So when Cadillac introduced its first car-based SUV this year, couldn’t it have taken the lead from either the name traditionalists or the new breed of name-makers? The Cadillac Deville, Seville and Escalade are well-established vehicles, but who’s going to remember the SRX? Fortunately, an odd name is about the only thing not right with the new Cadillac. It may be the most comfortable, well-equipped and stylishly appointed SUV available. For my weekly drive, I tested the 4.6-liter, 320-horsepower, 5-speed, all-wheel drive, automatic transmission SRX. The vehicle’s light platinum exterior was well-matched with an ebony interior and the car nicely continues the manufacturer’s reputation. In short, the SRX, like other Cadillacs, has a commanding road presence. More impressive is the

Sport Utility Vehicles

Pontiac Vibe, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

I accelerated, but the truck driver did the same and there wasn’t a choice to make. I slowed down, braked slightly and moved into position behind the truck as the end of the ramp and a restraining wall drew quite near. Within a few seconds, disaster awaited. But I remained calmed, and the Vibe handled the maneuver smoothly. The brief, unsettling moment provided one of several impressive experiences with the sporty wagon/mini SUV. My test vehicle was the standard Vibe with a 130-horse power 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The second-year offering from Pontiac is also available in GT and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models that include ABS brakes as standard equipment. While slightly shorter than a Honda

Sport Utility Vehicles

Saturn Vue, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

My test drive was the 5-speed automatic AWD V6 Vue. Its straightforward exterior and interior and top-of-the-line options and design are impressive. But every time I drove the vehicle, I couldn’t help stare at the odometer and other instrument panel. The white background is accentuated with gold-colored numbers in a retro font — like the face of a vintage wristwatch. Likewise, the frontseat map pockets are not plastic or rubber, rather tightly woven net, another cool retro design feature. Of course, there’s a lot more important Saturn features to consider. The 3.5-liter, 250-HP engine packs plenty of power and the vehicle’s acceleration — among the quickest in the SUV market — is complemented by AWD, electronic power steering and 17-inch

Sport Utility Vehicles

Buick Rainier, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

But the exterior is further complemented by a well-designed interior, a 5.3-liter engine and a host of standard features that sets it apart from the GMC Envoy, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mercury Mountaineer, the comparable offerings in its category. As one example, the Rainier has a standard 6-cylinder engine, but there’s an optional V8, albeit a $1,500 option. As such, it’s the only mid-sized, five-seat SUV with a V8. The Rainier is only available with a four-speed automatic transmission, but options include rear-wheel drive with traction control or the all-wheel drive my vehicle included. It’s nice the Rainier is marketed as a five-passenger vehicle and doesn’t claim to be larger as is often the case with other manufacturers.

Sport Utility Vehicles

Acura MDX, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Rather, while often compared with the Cadillac SRX and Lexus RX 300, the MDX offers what Acura owners have come to expect: superior and spacious design, superior handling and a wealth of standard and optional features. The vehicle is so well constructed and efficiently appointed, one industry car consumer guide describes it as a “highly desirable blend of competence and convenience.” I drove the 265-horsepower, 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 MDX with a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for my weekly test. It was immediately apparent physical and visual comfort were priorities for the vehicle’s designers. The leather seats are positioned well and provide good leg and head room. Visibility is good, with no blind spots and all console controls are

Sport Utility Vehicles

Mitsubish Endeavor, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Mitsubishi‘s sedan, the Galant, is the manufacturer’s best-selling model, so why shouldn’t the Endeavor rely on the same platform? Considering its trendy television commercials (hip-looking nightlife’s frolicking to newfangled rock music) the Endeavor fits in nicely into Mitsubishi’s hopeful infiltration into a younger market. It’s trendy and edgy and aligns itself with the manufacturer’s image-conscious motto: “Wake Up And Drive.” The test-driven Endeavor included V8215 hp engine, AWD, 17-inch alloy wheels, and nicely equipped Infinity sound system. It commanded several overt looks from passersby. The reason for the attention was likely two-fold: Despite its debut last February, the Endeavor is designated as a 2004 and it has just begun to infiltrate the market. The Endeavor’s appealing exterior color and its

Automotive Reviews, Sport Utility Vehicles

Honda Element, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Considering the conservative, best-selling Accord, Honda stretched its manufacturing boundaries with the Element. Since its debut in 2003, the vehicle has frequently been described with two succinct comments: “It’s ugly” and “It’s a box with four wheels.” There’s no disputing the Element has among the most conspicuous appearances on the road. But good looks (or lack of good looks) are subjective. More important, Honda doesn’t make a car without a plan. The Element was introduced as an urban utilitarian vehicle with hopes it would appeal to younger drivers seeking pickup truck cargo space in an enclosed area. The the vehicle has attracted a young crowd to some degree, but the average age of buyers to date is 43, according to