Honda Counters Toyota Incentives With New Leasing Deals
Honda has announced its biggest set of lease deals ever, which market experts are identifying as an effort to stoke sales and save its market share against the aggressive incentives now being offered by archrival Toyota.
The so-called Feature Special Lease program that runs through May 3 allows a low monthly lease payment on nearly every model—ranging from $159 on a 2010 Honda Civic Sedan VP to $390 on a 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour—along with no money down, no security deposit, and no first-month payment, with $0 due at signing. The deals aren't limited to slow-selling or lower-demand models, and they're even offered on the popular (and recommended) 2010 Honda Fit.
Honda additionally has several other lease options as well as low 0.9-, 1.9-, or 2.9-percent APR financing, for up to 60 months. Visit this page for details on each individual offer, along with special regional offers, and keep in mind that these are typically only offered to those with very good credit.
Earlier this month we cited TrueCar sales forecasts for March, predicting that Toyota's incentives have actually put a significant dent in Honda's market share this month. Over the entire month, Honda's market share dropped by nearly one percent, to 9.4 percent, again according to TrueCar.
The Toyota March Sales Program began in early March and runs through April 5, offering zero-percent or special lease rates on a wide range of models, including the 2010 Toyota Corolla, Camry, Venza, Avalon, Matrix, Tundra, and Prius. The Toyota deal also includes two years of free maintenance to those who are current owners of a Lexus, Scion, or Toyota model.
What's particularly odd about this incentive-war situation, the L.A. Times points out, also citing a Kelley Blue Book expert, is that these two Japanese automakers have historically resisted these types of large incentives. And Toyota has never started a price war before. But here they seem to be developing a dependency on incentives, offering more than many other automakers, to maintain market share.
KBB estimated that this week 45 percent of new-car shoppers are considering a Toyota model, up from 32 percent last week. Meanwhile seven percent of those who had said they weren't considering a Toyota before the incentives began now do have one of the automaker's models on their shopping list.
Sales this month are expected to rise for both Honda and Toyota, with Toyota's sales seeing a slightly more significant bump. We'll update you when March sales figures roll in next week—and we'll see next month if Honda manages to fight back.
[L.A. Times; Bloomberg via Business Week]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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Chevrolet Aveo The Most Toxic New Car?
Do you avoid drinking out of clear plastic water bottles, using antiperspirants with aluminum, or cooking in non-stick pans? Use a water purifier and ionizer everywhere you go, always buy organic, mind your cold-water fish list, and have your tap water checked yearly?
If so, we've found either a new source of anxiety in your life or a handy tool to factor into your next car purchase.
HealthyStuff.org is a relatively new information portal for the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Ecology Center, which uses an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device to test interior components in vehicles for substances "with known toxicity, persistence, and tendency to build up in people and the environment."
The organization first considers existing product standards, then samples toxins detectable from surfaces that occupants will have contact with or interior surfaces that will outgas with heat or UV exposure--looking for lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, chlorine/PVC, bromine/BFRs, antimony, tin, and chromium and measuring parts per million (ppm).
Products are assigned low, medium, or high risk level ratings depending on the number of chemicals/toxins present at high levels.
The levels of toxins vary widely from model to model and aren't consistent across types of vehicles or manufacturers. Vehicles are assigned an indexed score from 0.0 (best) to 5.0 (worst) depending on those levels. For instance, the Chevrolet Cobalt is the best currently-made model, with a level of just 0.7, but the Chevrolet Aveo has a 4.8 and is the worst-rated car, with lead in many places like the door trim, steering wheel, and center console.
Although TheCarConnection.com can't vouch for the organization's methodology, the site is well worth checking out. The group also tests children's products, toys, pet products, and apparel.
Here are HealthyStuff.org's Best Vehicle Picks from 2009:
- Pontiac G5
- Chevrolet Cobalt
- Toyota Corolla
- Honda Accord
- Nissan Cube Krom
- Honda Insight Hybrid
- Jeep Wrangler
- Toyota Prius
- Honda Civic Hybrid
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2010 Mazda Mazda6
In order to bring you one of the best, most comprehensive reviews on the Web for the 2010 Mazda Mazda6, TheCarConnection.com has driven this sporty sedan in both its four-cylinder and V-6 variants, then read competitive write-ups from a range of other review sources. Altogether, we'll help you make the right purchase decision.
Likes
Responsive, agile handling
Sporty, classy styling
Strong acceleration (V-6)
A backseat for adults
Cargo space
Dislikes
Lack of contrast on uplevel instruments
No rear-seatback release in trunk
Bluetooth not offered on more affordable models
The Mazda6 was completely redesigned last year, becoming significantly larger and more refined, with a more powerful V-6 option. This new Mazda6 was designed expressly for the North American market, and it continues for 2010 unchanged.
Even though the 2010 Mazda Mazda6 is now about as large as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, it appears leaner and more purposeful. It's attractive from any angle, but the sculpted front fenders and broad wheel arches give it an especially aggressive look from the front. There's a clear family resemblance to the high-performance Mazda RX-8 and the Mazda3, though the 3's front-end styling is more controversial. Inside, the Mazda6 has flowing lines and a sporty feel throughout, with hooded instruments and a smaller-size three-spoke steering wheel. White-on-black instrumentation is standard on the Mazda6 Sport, while red-on-black gauge faces are used on Touring and Grand Touring editions.
The 2010 Mazda6 is offered in "i" and "s" variations. Models with an "i" (base SV, Sport, and Touring) get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower. It's the most economical choice and actually feels quite peppy with either the six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission--if you haven't driven the V-6. With 272 horsepower, Mazda doesn't mess around this time, bringing a big 3.7-liter V-6 as the top-of-the-line Mazda6 engine. It churns out the torque and makes the Mazda6 feel like a muscle car from a standing start. Gas mileage isn't great, at 17 mpg city, 25 highway, but it uses regular, not premium, and it's a hoot to drive. Ratings are much better with the four-cylinder, up to 21/30 mpg, but that's not as good as most other equivalent sedans in this class.
The Mazda6 is, for all practical purposes, as large as a Toyota Camry inside, with a backseat that now has plenty of space for adults and a trunk that's actually the largest in its class at 16.6 cubic feet. The rear seatbacks can also be folded forward to dramatically increase cargo space; however, there are no releases within easy reach of the trunk--you'll need to climb around.
Materials in the 2010 Mazda6 echo those used on other newer Mazda models like the fashionable Mazda3 and the more luxurious CX-9 utility vehicle--that's to say, very tasteful and stylish, with a look and feel that's not opulent, but sporty and upscale. The standard cloth upholstery feels sturdy yet comfortable, while the available leather will help satisfy luxury cravings to a degree. About the only complaint involves the electroluminescent gauges included on uplevel models; on brighter days they prove hard to read.
The safety assessment of the 2010 Mazda Mazda6 is mostly positive. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mazda6 has "good" frontal impact protection, yet this mid-size sedan scores a low "marginal" in the seat-based rear-impact test--indicating a higher-than-normal chance of whiplash or neck injuries. Yet the Mazda6 is awarded top five-star scores across the board from the federal government. Front side airbags, side-curtain bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and dynamic stability control are all standard, as they are among most mid-size sedans. Mazda's blind-spot monitoring system is available too.
Mazda positions the Mazda6 to take on all the best-selling mid-size sedans, such as the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima; like those models, the 6 covers a wide range in terms of pricing and equipment. A base SV stickers for less than $20,000, while a loaded "s" Grand Touring rings in at more than $33,000. All the requisite options are available: push-button start, an audio system with satellite radio and a built-in hard drive, a navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a Bluetooth interface. But if you want those features, it can get pricey; the nav system is only available on top Grand Touring models, and Bluetooth is only for those who splurge on the Touring Plus or Grand Touring.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Mazda Mazda6 is the choice for driving enthusiasts who are also compelled to make a practical, family-friendly selection.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Mazda6, also consider:
- Toyota Camry
- Nissan Altima
- Nissan Maxima
- Honda Accord
- Hyundai Sonata
Reason Why:
In this group of vehicles, the Mazda6 arguably has the freshest appearance. But those looking only at the top-of-the-line V-6 Mazda6 "s" Grand Touring should also consider the Nissan Maxima. The Maxima has an aesthetically appealing package, with an especially well-sculpted exterior, but the driving experience is a bit disappointing with the CVT automatic--as it is with the Altima. Mazda has a gem in its 3.7-liter V-6, which feels stronger than virtually any of its peers. Overall, the Toyota Camry rides more softly. It is the Buick of this group. The Honda Accord and Nissan Altima are also quite fun to drive, but the Mazda feels the part, with a more cockpit-like interior. The Hyundai Sonata was given a minor styling refresh for 2009, along with improved refinement, and it's worth a look if you're strictly seeking comfortable, reliable, or even luxurious transportation. But like the Camry, the Sonata probably won't raise your pulse.
Buying Tip
Beware that the base SV model doesn't include cruise control--a feature that's now almost taken for granted by sedan buyers. It's not as easy as it once was to add, either.
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2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
TheCarConnection.com has driven the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour to bring you this hands-on review that covers styling, performance, safety, utility and features from on-the-road observations. TheCarConnection.com's editors also researched reviews from other sources to give you a comprehensive range of opinions from around the Web-and to help you decide which ones to trust.
High Gear Media drove a manufacturer-provided Accord Crosstour to produce this hands-on road test.
Likes
Tight handling, comfortable ride
Car-like driving position
Clever load bay features
Decent gas mileage for the class
Dislikes
Oh, that styling
Rear visibility isn't great
Strut towers intrude into load deck
Think "Honda Accord" and you'll likely picture a four-door sedan or two-door coupe. Now a new variation, the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, is meant to bridge the gap between nimble, fuel-efficient sedans and larger, more capacious crossovers. We might call it a large five-door hatchback, except Honda shrinks from the H-word. They call it an "active grand tourer" with "premium versatility", and it's quite similar to the Toyota Venza. Regardless of how it should be classified, the Crosstour takes all the typical Honda virtues-good handling, pleasant driving, clever features, and high gas mileage for the class-and expands them into the crowded crossover market under the legendary Accord name. Against hundreds of thousands of Accord sedans, it'll always be a niche model, but it gives current Accord owners a more flexible and capable vehicle to move up to. The model lineup is simple, the pricing is competitive, and it should do well-if you don't mind the way it looks.
The "interesting and challenging feedback" to early photos of the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour caught Honda off guard. That's a polite way of saying the Crosstour's shape is not to everyone's liking, and its hump-backed rear looks downright awkward from many angles. The front is recognizably Honda, with swept-back lights and fenders around a deeper, more garishly chromed grille. Behind the rear doors, the need to provide most of the cargo space of a crossover clashes with the stylists' desire to avoid the negative image of a large, boxy vehicle. But the Honda Accord Crosstour looks a bit better on the street than in photos; the tail is less bulbous viewed from an adult's eye level. Inside, a familiar Honda Accord dashboard and instrument cluster is updated only by the addition of blue lighting and new wood trim. A large speedometer and tachometer are flanked by smaller fuel and temperature gauges, with a display screen at the top of the center stack. Accord sedan drivers will feel instantly at home.
The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour offers just one combination of engine and transmission, a 3.5-liter V6 with variable valve timing mated to a five-speed automatic. The engine produces 271 horsepower and 254 foot-pounds of torque. To boost fuel economy, it can operate on four or even just three cylinders under light load, and the instrument panel includes an "ECO" light to point out when the driver is using the least gasoline. The two-wheel-drive model gets 18 mpg city, 27 highway, and specifying all-wheel-drive reduces the rating to 17 mpg city, 25 highway. The transmission is tuned to maximize fuel economy, so it frequently downshifts two gears on uphill stretches, but the Crosstour never feels underpowered. The transmission also provides "downshift rev matching" on deceleration, so the engine is always in its most responsive range when power is needed. Towing capacity is 1500 pounds.
Despite its greater bulk, the Accord Crosstour drives just like a Honda Accord-and that's a compliment. It holds the road well, avoids excessive body roll, and rides smoothly without being squishy. Honda touts its exceptionally stiff structure and low center of gravity, along with a drag coefficient (unspecified) they say equals that of a sedan. For a tall vehicle, it proved impervious to side winds, although our pre-production test car suffered a bit from wind noise on a blustery autumn day.
The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is much taller than its sedan counterpart, but you'd never know it when you're inside the car. From the comfortable driver's seat, the cowl height is low enough that you forget you're driving something with 26 cubic feet of cargo space-at least until you look over your shoulder to see a lot more car back there. The rear seats hold two six-foot-tall passengers comfortably, and five adults will fit as long as they're relatively friendly. In addition to numerous shelves, bins, and boxes up front, Honda has taken pains to make the rear cargo area functional and convenient, with rear-seat fold-down levers just inside the tailgate, a cargo light, and a washable hidden box below the floor with a cover that flips over to swap carpet on one side for a rubber mat on the other. Cargo volume is 25.7 cubic feet, with another 1.9 in the hidden box, and a load bay that's 75.5 inches long with the seat folded down. One drawback: The rear strut towers intrude into the load area, reducing usable width to 30.7 inches between them. Material quality is as good as any other Honda, with a few added luxury touches.
On the safety front, the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is well equipped, including front, front-passenger side, and side curtain airbags, and active head restraints. Active safety features include anti-lock brakes with brake assist in emergencies, traction and stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The front bodywork of the Accord Crosstour is also designed to reduce pedestrian injuries by deforming to absorb collision energy. The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour has not yet been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Rear visibility is acceptable, though a line divides the rear view in the mirror, courtesy of the horizontal bar that separates the rear window from a small vertical pane below it. A backup camera with guidance lines is available, but only as part of the navigation system package.
The new 2010 Accord Crosstour comes in EX and EX-L models, with all-wheel-drive (the first ever for an Accord) and navigation available only on the EX-L. It carries a base price of $30,380 (including delivery), and a top-of-the-line model reaches $36,930. The standard features on the Accord Crosstour make even the base version well equipped. The EX comes with a moonroof; dual-zone air conditioning with second-row vents; a compass and outside temperature readout; auto-up/down driver and passenger windows; a 10-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat back; an auxiliary jack, and a 360-Watt 6-disc AM/FM/CD player with 7 speakers. Upgrading to the EX-L (add $1,450 for all-wheel-drive) includes leather seats, steering wheel, and shift knob; front seat heaters; memory settings for mirrors and driver seat; a cargo cover; a USB jack; and a Bluetooth hands-free phone link. And a further $2,200 provides a voice-activated navigation system that includes a backup camera with reversing guidance lines.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour expands all the good points of the legendary Accord brand into the crossover market; styling is its only weak point.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, also consider:
- Ford Edge
- Mazda CX-7
- Nissan Murano
- Toyota Venza
Reason Why:
The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour competes most directly with the Toyota Venza, another attempt at redefining the crossover with more sedan-like lines that debuted last year. The Venza, however, offers a four-cylinder, six-speed-automatic combination that the Crosstour doesn't. The Ford Edge and Mazda CX-7 are both a couple of years older, with the Ford occupying a more sedate family hauler niche against the Mazda's flair and sporty performance and handling. Redesigned last year, the Nissan Murano is likely the most stylish of the group; all are strictly five-seaters,
Buying Tip
All-wheel-drive is only offered on the upscale 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L model, so consider carefully whether you really need it. With traction and stability control, the front-wheel-drive EX may meet your needs, and it'll save you $4,350 over the least expensive AWD option.
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What Does Your Car Say About You?
Here at TCC, we don't put much faith in astrology, phrenology, or any other system that assigns personality traits based on birthdays, hat sizes, or anything else that hasn't been chosen. Instead, we prefer data that stems from personal preferences: what does your favorite color, website, or rock band say about you? The New Vehicle Experience Study recently released by Strategic Vision applies that sort of analysis to car purchases, and the result are fairly interesting.
For example, the study found that Honda owners are, on the whole, practical and well-educated: about 70% hold college degrees, whereas only 35% of Chevy owners and 45% of Ford owners can say the same. On what may be a related note, 13% of Chevy owners and 12% of Ford owners don't use the internet, compared to just 3% of Honda drivers.
(Sadly, not all of Strategic Vision's revelations are that intriguing. We didn't really need a well-financed study to tell us that Bentley owners are rich, with at least $5 million in the bank. Really? Rolls-Royce owners, too? We're floored.)
Research like this provides a great deal of useful information to automakers -- information they can use to develop new vehicles, enhance brand recognition, and grow market share. For example, to lure more well-educated, internet-savvy folks into its showrooms, Ford developed the popular Ford Sync system, which allows owners to stream music from a Bluetooth-enabled device like the iPhone through the car's audio system. That's a great match for the demographic Ford wants -- assuming the technology works.
Of course, no matter how accurate such data may be, automakers have to be very careful in using it to create and implement marketing strategies. A cautionary example might be Honda, which likely shifted much of its marketing to the web because of data just like this. In and of itself, that's not a bad thing, but given Honda fans' familiarity with internet communications, launching an aesthetically questionable product online may not have been in the company's best interest. The medium -- specifically Facebook and Twitter -- magnified consumer's reaction to the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, causing much more negative buzz than it might've otherwise. Hopefully Honda has learned that although its customers may value function over form, they're still not willing to drive something that's flat-out ugly.
[Forbes via MotorAuthority]
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2010 Hyundai Sonata
So that you're better able to compare the 2010 Hyundai Sonata with other vehicles in its class, the editors of TheCarConnection.com have driven the Sonata and compiled an authoritative Bottom Line that uses firsthand observations and impressions. Then TheCarConnection.com assembled a comprehensive full review with excerpts from other respected sources from around the Web.
Likes
Smooth four-cylinder engine
Upscale look and feel of interior
Reasonably handsome exterior
Strong warranty
Dislikes
Doesn't steer as well as rivals
Flat-feeling seats
Fussy Bluetooth integration
Although the 2010 Hyundai Sonata still hangs in the second echelon of mid-size sedans, after well-known nameplates like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, there's no reason why it shouldn't be compared directly with those mainstays. The Sonata is an excellent package with well-coordinated styling, a spacious interior, and the usual choice of four-cylinder or V-6 engines. After a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh last year that included a new four-cylinder engine, a substantially redesigned interior, and an update of available tech features, the Sonata carries into 2010 with no significant changes.
Last year the Sonata got a light touch-up at the front and rear, with most of the sedan's sheetmetal carried over; that's fine as the Sonata is nicely proportioned, if a bit conservative. The Sonata gained a new interior last year, most notably refinished in soft-touch plastics and padded surfaces, with a matte-metallic finish that's comparable to what's used in Lexus vehicles and Hyundai's upscale Genesis. Overall, the feel is surprisingly sophisticated, though there are still a few hard finishes in places.
The 2010 Hyundai Sonata lineup is somewhat abbreviated compared with previous model years; the V-6 is no longer offered with the base GLS. Sporty SE and upscale Limited trims are still available with the four or the V-6. The 2.4-liter, 175-horsepower four-cylinder engine comes with with a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a stick. That's fine, as the four works just fine with the automatic; it's smooth in everyday driving with just enough torque for comfortable passing. The available 249-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 isn't that much quicker, with the Sonata feeling significantly heavier with this engine. Fuel economy ranges from 21/31 mpg for the four to 19/28 mpg with the six. Handling isn't quite as responsive and nicely weighted as you might find in the Mazda6 and Ford Fusion, but for ride and handling it does compare with the base Honda Accord and Toyota Camry models. Sporty SE models still manage an absorbent ride.
Ever since this generation of Sonata made its debut in 2006, interior space has been significantly better relative to other mid-size sedans. The front seats in any of the versions are quite comfortable but a bit flat, while in terms of backseat space the 2010 Sonata qualifies as a large car, like the Honda Accord, with the backseat contoured just right. Interior appointments in general feel high quality, with plenty of padded surfaces, and doors open and close with a solid sound. The high-mounted radio and climate controls are easy to use, and cup holders and storage abound.
The Hyundai Sonata earns five stars for front and side-impact safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) calls it "acceptable" for side impacts.
Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and side curtain airbags are included across the model line.
You don't need to step up beyond the base 2010 Hyundai Sonata GLS to get a well-equipped car. The GLS offers an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio with USB and auxiliary jacks, air conditioning, cruise control, and a tilt steering wheel. A spoiler, 17-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver seat, and steering-wheel audio controls are all part of the sporty SE. The Limited gets a multidisc CD changer, a subwoofer/amplifier, and heated front seats. A sunroof and a navigation system are available, and the Sonata now offers an Infinity premium audio system. One area that disappoints is the low-rent Bluetooth interface on the GLS, which is mounted like a speakerphone on the headliner. No matter which model you choose, the warranty coverage is very strong: five years or 50,000 miles basic, and ten years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain.
The Bottom Line: The refined and roomy 2010 Hyundai Sonata lands solidly in the middle of a crowded field of mid-size family sedans, with just a little more value for the money than most of the rest.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2010 Hyundai Sonata, also consider:
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Ford Fusion
- Honda Accord
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Camry
Reason Why:
The mid-size sedan field has long been ruled by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, though the Camry no longer has the top-notch reliability and build quality it once did, and the Honda Accord has gone off in left field in terms of styling. Meanwhile, the Nissan Altima is an exceptional large sedan, with responsive handling and sporty styling to match; however, it has less space overall than the Sonata, and its CVT automatic is a less appealing combination than the Sonata's four-cylinder and five-speed automatic. The Chevrolet Malibu is just as roomy as the Sonata, with a very comfortable ride and well-appointed interior, though its four-cylinder engine isn't quite as smooth and quiet. The Ford Fusion is a slight step smaller than the rest but feels much sportier overall.
Buying Tip
If you like the 2010 Hyundai Sonata, you might be able to swing a deal toward the end of the model year; for 2011 an all-new Sonata is on the way, and a Hybrid version will follow shortly thereafter.
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2010 Toyota Venza
TheCarConnection.com has driven the Toyota Venza and reports here on the behind-the-wheel experience along with an up-close look at this vehicle's spacious interior. TheCarConnection.com has also researched a wide range of Web reviews pertaining to the 2010 Toyota Venza to compile a full review and help you make the best possible purchase decision.
Likes
Attractive, inoffensive styling
Versatile tall-wagon body style
Fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine
Available all-wheel drive
Dislikes
Vague, disconnected steering feel
Road noise
Uninspired materials and trims
The 2010 Toyota Venza doesn't necessary live up to its name--created by merging "venture" and "Monza" (a racetrack)--but it's a perfectly competent family vehicle that combines most of the utility offered by a crossover SUV with a lower fastback roofline. Roomy five-passenger seating and an emphasis on comfort and versatility cast it as a direct rival to the most carlike crossover vehicles while offering a package that's discernibly different at first glance.
Despite the Venza's humble and wide-ranging origins--it's part Camry, part Highlander, and partly original underneath--this fastback ute is a pretty good-looking vehicle overall, particularly from the side view. In Toyota's well-stocked lineup, the 2010 Toyota Venza slots in between the base five-seat RAV4 and the more bloated Highlander seven-seater. The multibar grille is full of chrome, and the snout is probably the least attractive aspect of the Venza, but otherwise, especially from the back, its roofline gives it just enough shapeliness. Inside, the Venza is also a bit curvy but not over the top, with big, clear gauges and an unusual center stack dividing driver and front passenger. With the mahogany-grain trim, the Venza is arguably quite well dressed.
The 2010 Toyota Venza uses powertrain components that are strictly from the Toyota parts bin. The base engine is a 182-horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, teamed to a six-speed automatic and either front- or all-wheel drive. With the four, the Venza putters anonymously in most situations but feels a bit strained with a full load or on steep grades; it can sound a little coarse, too. The 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 gives the Venza a smoother, stronger character, but fuel economy is the penalty. Four-cylinder Venzas get up to 21 mpg city, 29 highway, but the V-6 with front-wheel drive gets 19/26 mpg.
Overall, the Venza goes down the road with a certain isolation that pleases riders, not drivers. The suspension is quite soft, and the Venza steers and brakes safely, though the electric power steering comes across as artificial and lifeless, with no feel of the road.
Passenger space and versatility are the strongest selling points for the Venza. The tall roofline grants even big drivers easy access to all four outboard sets. When tall drivers are situated up front, there's still plenty of space in back for adults, and the seat further reclines 14 degrees. Of course, it's split and folds (almost flat) easily. Up front there are plenty of cubbies for smaller items, along with robust cup holders and a deep well in the console, but the cargo area in back doesn't come with any standard organizers or flexible packaging other than a tonneau cover. The bigger disappointment is in the Venza's interior trim--it's oddly textured with lines that highlight its vast pieces of plastic, instead of diminishing them. Taller drivers need to rest their knees against the hard-plastic ridge on the side of the center stack--an irritating detail. The Venza's tall doors also feel thin and insubstantial--more like those on a Prius--and resonate with cabin noise. Furthermore, TheCarConnection.com has noticed that four-cylinder models ride a bit better without handling any worse.
With five-star ratings in frontal and side impact tests from the federal government and "good" ratings in all major tests from the IIHS (along with their Top Safety Pick designation for 2009), the Venza's safety package is complete. Seven standard airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes are all on the standard-features list, and visibility isn't the issue that it is in some other crossover vehicles, thanks to the rather high driving position.
Even base versions of the 2010 Toyota Venza include air conditioning, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, and a CD changer with satellite-radio prewiring and MP3 playback. V-6 Venzas have standard 20-inch wheels, a first among Toyota passenger cars. Audiophiles will want to upgrade to the JBL system with Bluetooth and 13 speakers, coupled to a touchscreen navigation system and XM with NavTraffic. For 2010, a USB port for iPod connectivity is also standard across the line, along with Bluetooth hands-free functions. Other highlights from the options list include leather upholstery, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a power liftgate, a Smart Key system with push-button start, leather trim, a cargo mat, and all sorts of pet-friendly accessories.
The Bottom Line: Either as an alternative to a mid-size sedan or a taller crossover SUV, the 2010 Toyota Venza makes a lot of sense; it's just hard to muster much excitement.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Toyota Venza, also consider:
- Ford Edge
- Honda Accord Crosstour
- Mazda CX-9
- Nissan Murano
- Subaru Tribeca
Reason Why:
With easy entry and exit, big gauges, and a comfy ride, the 2010 Toyota Venza seems tailor-made for older drivers and empty nesters looking at crossover vehicles. The Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-9 are quite the opposite; they're both racier and have sportier tuning, but the Murano has less space, while the CX-9 still manages a very roomy interior. Even though it was introduced just three years ago, the Ford Edge is the oldest of this group. It's quite heavy, yet has a simple, upright design that still looks good. The Subaru Tribeca makes great functional sense but won't resonate with some buyers--it's a little weird in terms of design. Relative to these other rivals, the Venza does offer a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine. Also worth consideration is a model arriving later this year and much like the Venza: the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour. At the time of publication, TheCarConnection.com still hadn't driven the Crosstour, but the Honda promises to be even more like a fastback sedan than the Venza.
Buying Tip
With a base price of less than $27,000, the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive Venza is the best value in the lineup, with a better ride than the V-6. Those with more luxurious aspirations might as well spring for the Lexus RX 350.
| Permalink:2010 Toyota Venza | |
2010 Toyota Camry
TheCarConnection.com studied a range of reviews pertaining to the 2010 Toyota Camry to produce a comprehensive full review. TheCarConnection.com's editors have also driven various versions of the Camry and report here with firsthand impressions of its strengths and weaknesses versus rival mid-size sedans.
Likes
Smooth, refined engine lineup
Fuel economy (four-cylinder)
Cushy, but not floaty, ride
Quiet interior
Reputation for reliability and resale value
Dislikes
Stodgy exterior styling
Cheap look and feel of interior materials
Lackluster build quality
The best-selling Toyota Camry sedan was last completely redesigned for 2007, and for 2010 it gains a number of improvements, including a new engine, slightly different front and rear styling, and better safety equipment.
The Camry now stands as one of the most conservative-looking sedan profiles, but Toyota makes an effort to dress it up a little bit for 2010 with a new grille, front bumper, and restyled tail lamps. Wheels are upgraded to 10-spoke 16-inchers on the XLE, while the SE still runs on 17-inch alloys but with a new design.
A 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 remains available, but the newly standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, making 169 hp. SE four-cylinder models get a more powerful version good for 179 hp. Four-cylinder Camry models come with either a six-speed manual or new six-speed automatic transmission, while the V-6 comes only with the automatic. The four-cylinder engine has plenty of power for most types of driving, but the V-6 is the choice for those who often travel with a full load or need strong high-speed passing ability. Both engines are surprisingly quiet and refined, and fuel economy is better than before with the four-cylinder, at 22 mpg city, 33 highway with the manual and 22/32 mpg with the automatic.
With those two engines and a seven different models in all, ranging from the base (and quite stark) CE model to the sporty SE and luxurious XLE, the 2010 Toyota Camry can satisfy almost any mid-size sedan shopper's need. Most Camry models have a rather soft ride, though the SE grade gets stiffer suspension settings and other performance improvements. Throughout the lineup (except the SE), don't expect sporty handling.
The 2010 Toyota Camry has a very roomy interior, with plenty of legroom in back for most adults and enough space for five. Overall, the design is a little understated and conservative yet upscale; controls are intuitive, not needlessly complex. The only issue remains materials that seem unimpressive, especially at the top of the model range, where prices can exceed $35,000 for a loaded XLE V-6, and TheCarConnection.com has seen multiple test vehicles in previous model years with flaws and unimpressive build quality.
The safety feature set of the Camry is improved this year. Front side airbags, full-length side-curtain bags, and a driver's knee bag are standard across the model line, and electronic stability control is newly standard for 2010. Crash-test results are solid for the Camry, with "good" results from the IIHS--except for a "marginal" rear-impact result--and five-star results from the federal government.
The base Camry model includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a CD sound system--enough to please the most frugal buyers, especially considering the sticker price is around $20,000. Newly optional on base and LE Camry models is an upgraded audio system with Bluetooth, a USB port, MP3, and streaming music capability. A 440-watt JBL audio system (with Bluetooth technology) is standard on the XLE, as are keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and a garage-door opener. A DVD-based navigation system, heated seats, leather upholstery, and a Smart Key entry system with push-button start are all optional on the XLE and SE.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Toyota Camry is competent in all respects but certainly not trendsetting, and it remains one of the smartest mid-size sedan choices.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2010 Toyota Camry, also consider:
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Ford Fusion
- Honda Accord
- Nissan Altima
- Volkswagen Passat
Reason Why:
The 2010 Toyota Camry steers a safe path, in terms of design; the mid-size sedan segment is full of choices with more exciting styling or edgier performance. The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu emphasizes a smooth ride and comfortable interior as much as the Camry, but it has a more distinctive silhouette and more impressive interior materials. The Honda Accord is another good alternative; it was redesigned last year and looks a generation ahead of the Camry now, with a stunning interior, especially in the V-6 models, and a slightly sportier driving feel. The Fusion and Altima are sportier overall but a little smaller inside, and the Volkswagen Passat is another good alternative to the Camry, offering reasonable fuel economy and responsive performance from its 2.0T engine. However, if ride comfort is the priority, the 2009 Toyota Camry (except in SE trim) has perhaps the softest, most comfort-oriented ride among mid-size sedans.
Buying Tip
Shoppers should note that because of an additional rear brace, the backseat doesn't fold down as it does in the other models.
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2010 Ford Taurus
Editors at TheCarConnection.com drove the new 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Taurus SHO to bring you this hands-on review of its performance, styling, quality, comfort, and features. Editors also evaluated the Ford Taurus against its competition to provide you the best information and help with your shopping decision.
Likes
Interesting new lines
Revamped interior with higher-quality feel
Reborn SHO edition has 365 horsepower
Available all-wheel drive
Cutting-edge features like SYNC
Dislikes
Taurus SHO is expensive
A big car that feels big
Still not as handsome as Malibu or Altima
Rear-seat headroom is small for its size
There's a new Taurus in town--for the new model year, Ford revamps the styling and packaging of its full-size sedan and creates a more attractive, more capable competitor in a class that includes top sellers like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Chevrolet Malibu. The new 2010 Ford Taurus comes in SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO versions. It carries a base price of $25,995 and can spiral over the $37,995 base sticker for the SHO performance edition. High Gear Media drove a manufacturer-provided Taurus and a Taurus SHO to produce this hands-on road test.
All around, the 2010 Ford Taurus presents an interesting new shape. The old VW Passat-like roofline is gone, replaced with a crisper profile that hints at the smaller Ford Fusion. The front fenders are pronounced and the roof is lowered, giving the sedan a sportier stance. Up front it's less than perfect; with a broad upper chrome bar, three dissimilar painted bars below, a new grille, and wrap-around headlights, there's a lot to take in at first glance. The rear fenders are most interesting, with sculpted shoulders and firm, straight character lines playing off each other in a way no Taurus has ever seen. Inside, the Taurus is more focused; defined areas for the driver and front passenger are marked with a low, long center console. The instrument cluster presents information to the driver in three, deeply recessed gauges, and lots of blue-lit gauges and small black buttons are placed logically. Standard Tauruses wear more traditional faux-wood and plastic trim, while the SHO gets special badging, glossy black dash trim, and more metallic highlights inside and out, as well as a trunklid spoiler, twin chrome exhaust tips, and a snazzier grille.
The 2010 Ford Taurus has the moves to match its trimmer, more athletic looks. It sports a newly revamped 3.5-liter V-6 with 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. It moves off the line smartly, and acceleration is smooth and plentiful at all sane speeds. The six-speed automatic's a smooth operator, but paddle shifters (on SEL and Limited versions) feel a little gimmicky in a big sedan like this. Fuel economy is impressive, at 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive models; adding all-wheel drive subtracts 1 and 3 mpg, respectively. Road manners are the biggest improvements; the Taurus is firmer than you might expect from such a big sedan, taut but not high-strung, with a smooth ride and some natural body roll. The steering is direct and precise, and it provides plenty of feedback, a notable accomplishment since it's electronically dialed in, rather than hydraulically assisted.
The Taurus SHO benefits from a lot more power, but it's a little less transformational than in past SHO Taurus sedans. Older versions were very distinct from base cars; the new car's 365-horsepower, turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 version of the same engine breathes easily but not as dramatically as expected. Ford quotes a 0-60-mph acceleration time of 6.0 seconds for the new SHO; the curb weight of 4,368 pounds must mask some of its strength. Fuel economy, in case you're wondering, is 17/25 mpg.
As with the other paddle-shifted Taurus sedans, you can leave the SHO Taurus in manual mode and click off shifts as you please, with electronic backup in case your gear choices harm the engine and gearbox. The SHO suspension is tuned for handling, with stiffer shocks and springs, thicker anti-roll bars, and new suspension mounts, and it pays off with crisp turn-in and nicely balanced handling. Hustle it through corners, and the SHO leans a little before it takes a good set and grips the pavement as well as any competitor, save for the Nissan Altima, the handling standout in the class.
The 2010 Ford Taurus is a full-size car, and there's copious passenger room. Front seats are a little constrained by the large console, though the Taurus has great room for tall drivers. The basic seats are fine and sit high for good straight-ahead visibility. (SHO models get tighter-fitting, suede-trimmed versions.) In the rear seat, the Taurus is wide enough to sit three across, but legroom is only adequate. With the front seats in their rear-most position, things are actually a little cramped. The biggest issues with the rear seat come from tall passengers, as always; the door opening is wide for feet, but the roofline is low, which makes entry and exit a little tougher than need be. With a sunroof installed and six-footers in back, headroom is a letdown, with constant contact between hair and headliner. In contrast, the Taurus' trunk is enormous, thanks to the high profile of the rear fenders and the tall decklid. At more than 20 cubic feet, it's almost twice the size of the Acura RL trunk; a tandem stroller and a Diaper Genie could get lost in it. Along with a more stylish cabin, the 2010 Taurus has better noise damping--even though it's not tomb-like, the interior is quiet and vibration free--and nicer materials. Plastics are higher-grade and more attractive in this new model.
On the safety front, the 2010 Ford Taurus is well equipped with standards, including six airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction and stability control; automatic high beams; and rain-sensing wipers. An SOS post-crash alert system is also standard; after an impact that causes airbags to deploy, the SOS system unlocks all doors, turns on the hazard flashers, and sounds the horn. Ford offers a collision warning system and adaptive cruise control on the new sedan, as well as Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert systems; these use rear- and side-aiming radar to alert drivers to impending disaster. The Taurus SHO also offers an optional rearview camera. The sole strike against the Taurus thus far--crash-test agencies haven't tested it yet--is the poor rearward visibility that comes from its styling and big headrests on the backseats.
The long list of standard features on the 2010 Ford Taurus means even base versions are well-equipped. The $25,995 Taurus SE gets an AM/FM/CD player with MP3 playback; tilt/telescope steering; a 60/40 split-folding rear seat; a power driver seat; and power locks, windows, and mirrors. The next trim up, the $27,995 Taurus SEL includes Sirius Satellite Radio, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel; the $31,995 Limited adds 19-inch wheels, ambient lighting, a six-CD changer, reverse parking sensors, leather seats and power controls for the front passenger, and the SYNC entertainment controller. The SHO starts at $37,995 and, with its unique powertrain and suspension, gets a spoiler, push-button start, sueded seats, and high-intensity discharge headlamps. On the options list, all-wheel drive adds $1,850 to the SEL and Limited; there's adaptive cruise control; keyless entry with push-button start; and Ford's keyless entry keypad with a new pad flush-mounted on the driver's side B-pillar. Also available: Ford's MyKey feature that lets parents program a specific key fob with restricted vehicle function, such as maximum speed and maximum radio volume. A navigation system and sunroof are big-ticket options, too.
With the 2010 Taurus, Ford's taken the same tack as with its other recent products, like the 2009 Flex and the 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid. Advanced technical features are a huge selling point for its new products, but take-notice styling is also a new hallmark--as are its turbocharged EcoBoost engines. The Taurus isn't quite the game-changing sedan that the 1986 original was, but it's a solid step forward for the company's portfolio of high-quality four-doors--and one more way to challenge those upstarts from Honda and Toyota.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Ford Taurus punches up Ford's reputation for quality and features, with an engaging new SHO model to boost.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Ford Taurus, also consider:
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
Reason Why:
The 2010 Ford Taurus is a big sedan with a capable performance edge. The latest Chevrolet Malibu occupies roughly the same size class--bigger than the usual front-driver--but offers a fuel-saving four-cylinder version and a hybrid edition, though no all-wheel drive. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord also offer four-cylinder options; the Accord's styling stretches the envelope like the Taurus and its handling is better than most full-size sedans, while the Camry appeals to other buyers who want more traditional styling and a more sedate driving experience.
Buying Tip
The 2010 Ford Taurus likely won't be sent to rental fleets as quickly as previous editions. Ford will try to avoid discounting in its first year of sale, but the dire state of the economy may force it to offer small rebates early in the new Taurus' life.
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2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the coupe and Spyder variants of the Mitsubishi Eclipse in order to give you an expert opinion here in this Bottom Line. TheCarConnection.com has also researched road tests on the Eclipse to produce this conclusive review and to help you get the most information about how it compares to rivals.
Likes
A stylish convertible for cheap
Impressive V-6 power
Comprehensive warranty
Dislikes
Handling could be sharper
Cramped interior
Coupe looks overstyled
The Mitsubishi Eclipse isn't the nimblest two-door on the planet, but the V-6 versions and the Spyder convertible are engaging to drive.
The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse receives restyled front and rear bumper fascias. GT models also gain a new large rear spoiler, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, and a new dual-exhaust system boosting horsepower from 263 to 265.
The Eclipse is less distinctive than the Ford Mustang and not as pretty as the well-balanced Honda Accord Coupe--its styling is a busy mix of straight lines and morphed, melted curves. Inside, the plain-faced dash is made with good-quality materials that are fitted together well. The front seats are supportive, but the interior is intimate and many drivers might find headroom tight in the coupe; the rear seats are uncomfortable for adults.
A 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 162 horsepower powers the Eclipse GS model, while the sporty GT packs a 265-hp, 3.8-liter V-6. The SE is available with either engine. The four-cylinder cars offer a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, while the V-6 coupes come with a choice of a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The convertible Eclipse Spyder is available in similar GS and GT versions. Fuel economy ranges from 20 mpg city, 28 highway with the four-cylinder coupe to 16/25 mpg with the V-6, automatic-equipped Spyder.
Because the Eclipse is a big, heavy two-door, the four-cylinder works hard to keep up, while the V-6 is a big, torquey engine that isn't eager to rev, but it doesn't need to. Since it's based on the Galant sedan, the front-drive Mitsubishi Eclipse doesn't have the lightest, most entertaining steering or braking, and that's what keeps it from greatness. The ride quality is good, however, and Mitsubishi's manual transmission shifts cleanly.
Stability control is an option on some Eclipse models, but it does offer standard anti-lock disc brakes, as well as side impact and side-curtain airbags (except on the Spyder). The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse hasn't been crash-tested by the government, but it gets top "good" ratings for frontal and side impact.
The Rockford-Fosgate 650-watt audio system is part of the optional Sun & Sound Package available for the GS and GT models. A six-month pre-paid subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio comes standard with the package. Heated leather seats, side-view windows, and automatic climate control also are available options.
The Bottom Line: Though the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse doesn't have the sharpest reflexes or handling, it offers an appealing mix of style and with the V-6 engine, excellent straight-line performance.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse, also consider:
- Honda Accord Coupe
- Hyundai Tiburon
- Ford Mustang
Reason Why:
The Honda Accord Coupe is the most attractive front-drive coupe from Honda; its silky V-6 and sharp road manners are worth the premium price tag. The Hyundai Tiburon front-drive coupe gets four- or six-cylinder power and a choice of gearboxes (it's due to be replaced in 2010 with a new rear-drive Genesis coupe). The Ford Mustang has a crisp, heritage-inspired design inside and out. It comes in V-6 and V-8 versions, with manual or automatic transmission choices, and is offered as a convertible.
Buying Tip
The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse is best savored in Spyder form. The V-6 engine and the clean, loud Rockford Fosgate audio system add to the experience.
| Permalink:2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
