SUVs

Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2009: Belew's Car Buzz

The V6 builds speed gradual, has decent reserve power for passing and offers a firm ride. Gauges are large and clear. Audio and climate controls are mounted high and were within easy reach with large knobs and clearly marked buttons. The car was equipped with keyless access and starting, but can also be started with a key, which I preferred. The cabin is sharp with a blend of hard plastic surfaces and padded panels. The car felt and looked classy for a compact SUV. The leather upholstery gave it a particularly rich-feeling. Headroom was sufficient, even for a more than six-foot tall test driver. Leg room is adequate, too. My petite wife had no trouble stepping in. The seats were

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Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, 2009: Roman Mica's Rambling Review

Thirty some years later and somethings are still the same. Just like that Eldorado that my dad bought in 1978, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid has that almost magic American quality of being bigger on the outside than on the inside. After driving the Escalade for a week, I finally get why my dad bought that Eldorado. Just like the Eldorado, the Escalade is big shouldered, brash and very American (or is it Texan) in-your-face-sort of a ride. For instance, I could drive a Prius from Denver to Nebraska tailgating “that” car doing 55 mph in the fast lane and it would never budge an inch. On short trip down the local highway, the Escalade parted the slow-moving traffic in

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Subaru Forester, 2009: Roman Mica's Rambling Review

When the elements cooled and the steam drifted away, the Forester stood tallish and proud in the vanguard of the new crossover craze. Others would follow in its tracks, but it was the Forester that showed them the way. It will come as no surprise that for 2009 the Forester has gotten bigger, taller, and even fatter than the very first model that rolled out of the Subaru‘s primordial soup. Is it a giant station wagon, or a small SUV, and does it really matter to most new car buyers? I suspect what matters to Subaru is that the Forester is now in the same price range and size category as to compete with such heavy weight crossover sellers as

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Toyota Venza, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

The Japanese manufacturer introduced the vehicle with hopes of attracting customers who want the comforts of a passenger car (camry) with the versatility of a sport utility vehicle (highlander). The combination defines crossover. In other words, the Venza is a modern-day station wagon. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (6) It’s standard for its vehicle segment, but doesn’t have the same peppiness as its primary competitors, the Mazda CX-7 or Nissan Murano. I drive often to the Monterey Peninsula and the stretch over the Pacheco Pass has a winding, hill section ideal for braking, acceleration and handling. The Venza fared well, with some moments of hesitation when accelerating on short, steep hills — even with the optional Braking/Steering/Handling (6) The AWD

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Volkswagen Routan, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

But the Routan has no easy path among 2009 minivan comparisons. The potential market share is tight, so the Routan will have to compete against segment leader Honda Odyssey as well as Chrysler’s Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, its not-so-distant cousins. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (7) Superior acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds, according to VW’s estimates for the top-the-line SEL versus 10.2 for the 3.8-liter S and SE engines, all with six-speed automatic transmissions. Braking/Steering/Handling (6) Moves in-and-out of traffic well and maneuvers well particularly for its size. Steering is strong and responsive. Ditto for the brakes. Cargo Room (8) The third-row bench folds flat and with the second seats removed, total cargo

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Volkswagen Tiguan, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

As someone whose first two vehicles were Volkswagens, I remain a fan of the German automaker, and I’m not alone in my admiration. Volkswagen rose to prominence in the 1960s and continued to grow for two decades. The line began to falter in the early ‘90s, but Volkswagen has refocused and made a successful turnaround. In the past decade, Volkswagen has kept rolling out hits. The latest is the 2009 Tiguan, a compact sport utility vehicle recently driven for a week. Like many of its predecessors, the Tiguan has received high marks in many areas. It’s understandable because VW is consistently again offering vehicles with refined handling and upscale accommodations. Naming vehicles in not one of VW’s strengths. Like its

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Ford Escape, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

When Ford unveiled the Escape eight years ago it offered an extremely functional compact sport utility vehicle, and it was an instant hit. The Escape had impressive sales for the next several years, but Ford made a giant tactical error. It didn’t offer any major improvements, and competition grew and gained ground. Realizing significant changes were overdue, Ford authorized a redesign in 2008. There were plenty of positives, including a tougher-looking exterior, enhanced performance and improved ride capability. While the Escape’s changes are good, more consumers are turning to less expensive and more gas-friendly SUVs. And the choices are many, including the Toyota RAV4, Saturn Vue, Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Put the Escape in top tier

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Nissan Altima Coupe & Murano, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

While Honda and Toyota deservedly receive praise for their competent vehicles, Nissan has resided quietly in the shadows. But test driving Nissan vehicles during the past 10 years has made me appreciate the high quality of the lesser-revered Japanese automaker. I recently drove two of my favorite Nissan vehicles, each for a week. The 2009 Altima Coupe and the 2009 Murano are solid choices for any scrutinizing car shopper. Here is a look at both vehicles: Altima Coupe Although the standard midsize Altima is a wonderful family car, the Coupe offers a different quality – a sporty appeal. Added last year to the Altima lineup, the Coupe resides on a shorter wheelbase and has its own styling. The smaller size

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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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Mercedes Benz GL320 BlueTec, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

Diesel-fueled automobiles have been fixtures in Europe for years, but the trend has never been embraced in the United States. The U.S. government has always been cautious with regard to diesel fuel and its reputation for high particle emissions. So it was surprising I was driving around in the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec, a turbo-diesel sport utility vehicle. This Mercedes and Dodge’s heavy-duty trucks are the first diesel-powered vehicles to pass the rigid the country-wide EPA emission requirements. No sense boring anyone with too much BlueTec jargon, but here’s a sampling: Mercedes describes it as “a modular concept that utilizes coordinated technical measures to minimize emissions within the engine and also provide more effective exhaust-gas treatment downstream.” Mercedes has been

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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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