SUVs

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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