TCC’s Ten Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Test Drive
Fifteen minutes might be enough time to quickly mouse-click through basic specs and prices and comparison-shop a few models; but it's not long enough to test-drive a vehicle that's likely going to be part of your daily life for years.
According to data from J.D. Power & Associates' Mystery Shopping program, the length of the typical test drive is a scant 10 to 15 minutes—barely enough time to make a few innocuous right-hand turns and back around to the lot. And despite all the time Americans spend on the Interstate, roughly half don't even include freeway driving.
In addition to assessing how the vehicle drives, performs, and fits your overall needs in such a short time, shoppers have another time-consuming (but potentially fun) task: putting the all technology through its paces. Interiors can now include sophisticated navigation systems, Bluetooth hands-free calling, portable audio interfaces, and complex screen-driven menu systems.
We've come to want to so much more out of our interiors than we did just a few years ago; besides safely following your driving inputs, today's models can function as mobile offices, go-anywhere jukeboxes, smart traffic advisors, daily planners, and even entertainers for the kids in back. And you want to test out those abilities when possible.
Whether you're shopping for something as ubiquitous as a Toyota Camry or as exclusive as a Bentley, making sure you get a long enough test drive, along with the attention you need when you have questions, is an excellent way of testing out a dealership as well as the vehicle. The more a dealer is willing to help with the shopping process, the more likely they are to pull through after the sale, when you might have special service needs. But remember, keep shopping separate from dealmaking; don't talk payments and prices on the test drive.
In the coming weeks, we'll be looking up close at a number of aspects—aimed at helping you get more out of your speed date with a new vehicle—in a series called Test Drive In Detail. In the meantime, here are ten must-read tips for getting the most from your test drive:
2010 Suzuki Kizashi, Lincoln MKT Top Satisfaction Ratings
The annual vehicle satisfaction study from California-based market-research firm AutoPacific places two new-for-2010 models at the top: the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi and the 2010 Lincoln MKT.
The Kizashi was the highest-rated vehicle overall in the 14th Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.
"This is an amazing win for Suzuki," said George Peterson, AutoPacific's president, in a release. "The Kizashi is Suzuki's most important vehicle, and this performance in our research is exceptional."
This is indeed good news for Suzuki, as the brand has been facing dealership service issues in recent years. In the latest J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI), an annual measure of dealer service performance over three years of ownership, the automaker ranked at the bottom, among all brands. But Suzuki has made gains in Power's Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) and now ranks mid-pack—an indicator that the automaker has made some substantial changes at the dealership level.
The 2010 Lincoln MKT was the highest-rated vehicle among trucks and SUVs in AutoPacific's annual satisfaction measure.
Vehicles are rated in 48 different categories that pertain to various areas of the ownership experience, and overall results are based on the research firm's polling of more than 42,000 new-vehicle owners during the first few months of ownership.
AutoPacific divides vehicles into a total of 27 different vehicle segments—such as 'luxury mid-size car,' or 'premium mid-size crossover SUV'—and a winner was named for each of these. Ford had the most segment winners, followed by Toyota, GM, Honda, and Nissan.
Other new-for-2010 models that ranked at the top of their segments included the Chevrolet Camaro, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Volkswagen GTI, and Toyota 4Runner.
On a brand basis, Buick was the popular brand with the highest satisfaction while Cadillac came out on top among premium brands.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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J.D. Power: Customers Happiest With Michelin, Pirelli Tires
If it's nearly time to get a new set of tires, heed two pieces of advice: You generally do get what you pay for, and certain brands do quite consistently leave motorists more satisfied than others.
In this year's case, it's Michelin and Pirelli. In J.D. Power and Associates' major annual tire study, Michelin was rated highest in Power's luxury, passenger car, and truck/utility market segments, while Pirelli took the top spot in the performance sport category.
Pirelli tires—offered on a number of performance cars, including as part of the optional Brembo Brake Package on the 2011 Ford Mustang GT—did especially well in the appearance and ride portions, according to Power.
The annual study, called the U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study, gauges tire owner satisfaction after two years of ownership by looking at four primary factors: wearability, appearance, traction/handling, and ride.
Power found that there were more problems with slow leaks in tires this year versus last (13.4 problems per 100 vehicles, versus 12.0 last year).
But that doesn't negatively affect satisfaction as much as you might think. The increased reports of leaks are less the representative of greater flaws in tires as they are the increased deployment of tire pressure monitoring systems in new cars.
And, J.D. Power notes, owners have been more accepting of slow leaks in tires but less tolerant about uneven wear or excessive noise.
Power says that having trouble-free tires is crucial to 'brand advocacy'—and quite likely loyalty. The firm noted a huge difference in overall satisfaction scores between those who had one or more problems versus none at all.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC GL450 GL550 Bottom Line
Likes
Spacious cabin
Crisp styling, inside and out
Real off-road capability
Diesel's frugal
Dislikes
Pricey
Ride suffers with biggest tires
Gas versions aren't so frugal
It had been planned as the replacement for the military-ready Gelaendewagen, but when 2007 rolled around, Mercedes-Benz decided to keep that domesticated G-Class-and instead, pitched the newly developed GL-Class SUV as a more luxurious family vehicle with surprising off-road capabilities. Smart move: The GL-Class is among the best seven-seat SUVs on the market. Crisp styling, a spiffy seven-passenger cabin, and a diesel option give it a leg up on the competition, particularly in fuel economy, and midway through its life cycle, the GL-Class continues to be one of our favorite big guys. The GL-Class returns for 2010 with minor styling tweaks, so while we haven't driven it since our last run in a 2009 diesel edition, we've updated our existing review with the handful of changes noted-and with our admiration for the GL-Class' panache and performance intact. Pricing starts at $60,000 for the diesel edition and rises to $83,000 for the GL550; the GL-Class competes with the BMW X5, the Land Rover Range Rover, the Lexus LX 570, and the Cadillac Escalade.
In a niche filled with hard-edged off-road athletes, the GL-Class stands tall, with muscular but refined styling and a well-crafted interior. We like its fuss-free side view, the balanced two-box proportions, and even the big three-pointed star up front (it's almost the size of an old Honda Civic wheel). For 2010, Mercedes updates the look with new bumpers and grille, daytime running lights, and new fog lamps; newly styled wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches are on the roster, too. The cabin's a fine workplace, and while the mechanically similar R-Class seems more pedestrian, the GL-Class strikes a better balance of lines, textures, and forms. There's plenty of wood trim all around, a bulging pair of vents atop the center stack, and a more rectilinear theme that distances it from the R-Class, in a good way. This year, all GLs get new gauges and a new steering wheel; diesel models also get standard walnut trim.
With any of its three powertrains, the 2010 GL-Class is one of the best-performing plus-sized SUVs. The least expensive version might be the best one: the newly renamed GL350 BlueTEC diesel. A 50-state-legal "clean" diesel, the 210-horsepower, 400-pound-feet BlueTEC 3.0-liter diesel gives the SUV quick acceleration with only a hint of throb and vibration-while it delivers fuel economy way up at 17/23 mpg, better on the highway than GM's full-size hybrid SUVs like the Escalade Hybrid. For $60,000, it's a little more expensive, but also has a cruising range of about 600 miles. Next up in the performance range is the $62,000 GL450; its 4.7-liter V-8 guts out 335 hp and 13/17 mpg fuel economy, with little protest. For the creamiest power in the range, you'll have to go couch-surfing for spare change to acquire the $83,000 GL550, which speeds to 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds behind the power of a 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8. With fuel economy of 12/17 mpg, you'll need to be very pleased with its rippling exhaust note-and you will be. A seven-speed automatic is standard across the board, and it's nearly perfectly mated to the gas engines, though in past test drives we've noticed some shift shudder with the diesel GL-Class.
Handling is very well balanced in this full-size sport-utility vehicle. The air suspension is damped with ride comfort in mind, but the Mercedes-Benz GL still steers with precision and has strong brakes. A little less rocking motion side to side would improve on the good on- and off-road manners. All GL-Class utes carry Mercedes' 4MATIC full-time four-wheel-drive system, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and a load-leveling suspension system. We've crawled through some reasonably challenging mud pits in a first-year GL450 and found it capable enough for the kind of light off-roading most of us would encounter getting to a mountain hideaway or ski chalet. The GL450 can be ordered with an Off-Road package that includes a Class IV hitch, adaptive-damping suspension system, underbody skid plates, and locking differentials. All models are capable of towing up to 7,500 pounds.
It drives "small," but the cabin and cargo space in the GL-Class are ample enough for seven passengers seated in a 2-3-2 configuration. The tailored cockpit has front-row seats with plenty of foot and shoulder room, and in the GL550, ventilation built into the seats. Two adults can easily find a sweet spot in the second row; three is pushing it, even if the GL is a wide body. The third row also has adult-sized room for two, and it folds out of sight at the touch of a button to boost cargo space. With the two rearmost rows of seats out of the way, the GL-Class has 83.3 cubic feet of storage space-more than a Lincoln MKT, but about 25 cubic feet less than a GMC Yukon Denali. There's a whiff of cost-cutting inside only when you realize the base GL350 and GL450 have vinyl seats standard. Leather seating isn't something we're used to seeing on an options list, especially in a vehicle docked on this price pier. Otherwise, it's difficult to find fault with the lushly trimmed cabin, outside of a touch of road and wind noise.
The 2010 GL-Class earns five stars in all crash tests from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration); the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not tested the big Benz SUV. Standard safety gear includes dual front, front- and rear-seat-mounted side, driver-knee and full-length curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control; active headrests; and PRE-SAFE, which detects imminent collisions and tightens seatbelts and locks doors before impact. Adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a rearview camera are optional on the base trim levels and standard on the GL550.
All three 2010 GL-Class models offer power front seats; a glass sunroof over the rear two rows of seats; a power-fold feature for the third-row seat; and a COMAND controller that uses voice or knob controls to direct Bluetooth pairings and audio from the AM/FM/six-DVD changer. An iPod interface, Sirius Satellite Radio, HD Radio, and a hard-drive navigation system are optional on some trim levels and standard on the GL550. There's also an optional 610-watt Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio system with surround sound, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with twin 8-inch screens and wireless headsets. Other options include a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats for the less expensive models. For 2010, all GL-Class utes get new wheels: the GL450 wears 19-inch rims, the GL350 diesel has 20-inchers, and the GL550 now runs on 21-inch wheels and tires.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class' nimble ride and elegant cabin charm the mud right off a Range Rover.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, also consider:
- Cadillac Escalade
- Lexus LX 570
- Land Rover Range Rover
Reason Why:
Cadillac's Escalade comes with three rows of seats and an ornate style, and a hybrid powertrain is available. The Lexus LX 570 is a huge off-road-friendly hauler with punishing weight and fuel economy, but small third-row seats. The Land Rover Range Rover has prestige at its back and exceptional off-road prowess, but only two rows of seats.
Buying Tip
Mercedes claims some of its owners want the "cruelty-free option." We're dubious-but we promise not to tell your vegan friends if you upgrade from the stock vinyl interior to the leather seats.
This 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Review originally appeared at TheCarConnection.com where you can see more photos and news on the Mercedes-Benz GL Class
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2010 Volvo XC70 – V70 Bottom Line
TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the latest versions of the Volvo V70 and XC70 in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com's SUV experts then researched available road tests on the new Volvo V70 and XC70 to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other reviews might differ.
Likes
Practical and easy to load
Refined ride
Great-sounding Dynaudio stereo
Dislikes
Vague handling
Automatic transmission response
Poor fuel economy
The 2010 Volvo V70 and XC70 combine the brand's reputation for safety and quaint Swedish flair in a conventional station wagon body. The XC70 goes a step further by offering the ruggedness of an SUV with the practicality and dynamics of a station wagon, providing buyers with an alternative to regular mid-size SUVs. Changes for 2010 are kept to a minimum, though all models are now more fuel efficient.
The 2010 Volvo V70 and XC70 won't win any awards for styling, but they're hardly unpleasant. The XC70 looks a bit manlier, thanks to its protective lower-body cladding and skid plates; however, a new R-Design package for the V70 adds bigger wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and unique styling elements inside and out. Inside, the V70 and XC70 feature a minimalistic look that's highlighted by Volvo's trademark "floating" center stack design.
Despite the update, the V70 and XC70 still suffer from poor fuel economy for their respective classes, and performance-wise, there's nothing to shout about for either. Last year Volvo added a new T6 AWD model to the XC70 lineup in an effort to boost its sporting credentials, offering slightly more performance over the base naturally aspirated 235-horsepower, 3.2-liter model. Its turbocharged six-cylinder engine displaces 3.0 liters and is rated at 281 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Both engines offer adequate pulling power, though fuel economy isn't very impressive. The output of the base engine dips to 225 horsepower for models sold in California-emissions states and rated with a partial-zero-emissions (PZEV) tag. With the 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, the XC70 can accelerate to 60 in 7.1 seconds—more than a second faster than the base engine. Fuel economy for both engines is 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all variants and provides smooth gear changes most of the time, although it can balk when a downshift is needed for hills. Also standard on the XC70 is a Haldex-sourced all-wheel-drive system that sends 95 percent of the power to the front wheels during normal driving and up to 65 percent to the rear wheels when conditions start to get slippery. This is ideal when off-roading, which the toughened wagon's higher ground clearance and heavy-duty suspension allow for.
Interior space is impressive for both passengers and their gear. The second row is split into three separate cushions, each of which folds forward flat to amplify cargo space. With the rear seats folded flat, the V70 can hold 71 cubic feet of cargo, while the XC70 can hold 72 cubic feet. All controls are well laid out and intuitive to reach. One nifty feature is the optional navigation system, which neatly tucks inside the dash when not in use. Ride quality is especially good if you get the automatic damping control, which firms up the suspension quickly when needed for sharper cornering control, allowing for a soft and absorbent ride under normal driving.
Volvo is a brand renowned for its safety prowess, so it's not surprising that the V70 and XC70 come packed with a bevy of safety features fitted as standard. The list includes anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and anti-whiplash front head restraints. Integrated rear booster seats are standard on the V70 but remain an option on the XC70, as are a blind-spot monitor and recently introduced Technology package. This latter feature adds adaptive cruise control, collision warning with "Auto Brake" (which reduces brake reaction time by priming the pads up against the discs), a driver fatigue warning system, and lane-departure warning. Hill Descent Control also helps with slick, steep downhill slopes.
Standard goodies on the 2010 V70 include Bluetooth connectivity, fog lamps, heated side mirrors, a power driver's seat, keyless entry, cruise control, and dual-zone climate control. Optional extras include front and rear parking assist, heated front and rear seats, heated wiper nozzles, headlamp cleaners, active bi-xenon headlamps, a dual-screen rear DVD system, adaptive cruise control, and a 650-watt Dynaudio surround-sound system. Last year saw the introduction of a Technology Package (including adaptive cruise control and several accident-avoidance aids) that groups together the bi-xenon headlamps, the premium Dynaudio sound system, and Sirius Satellite Radio.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Volvo V70 and XC70 wagons offer lots of practicality and safety, providing buyers with an alternative to regular mid-size SUVs.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2010 Volvo V70 or XC70, also consider:
- Acura MDX
- Cadillac CTS Wagon
- Lexus RX 350
- Subaru Outback
- Volkswagen Passat Wagon
Reason Why:
Buyers considering the 2010 Volvo XC70 should be looking at other mid-size crossover vehicles: those that pair the tall body of an SUV with the underpinnings of a car, such as the Lexus RX 350 and Acura MDX. Both upmarket Japanese SUVs offer comparatively good refinement and ride quality, as well as carlike handling. The MDX is the sportier of the two, while the RX 350 is good for buyers putting the greatest weight on comfort and technology. Subaru's Outback offer a cheaper option to the V70 and XC70. The base Outback comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but they feel sportier than the Volvos. The Passat Wagon is substantially more affordable than the V70, and its standard 2.0T engine is very fuel efficient. One other interesting new alternative is the 2010 Cadillac CTS Wagon, which offers more elegance, Cadillac's uniquely American styling cues, and a wagon's versatility. All models in this segment offer high levels of safety.
Buying Tip
If off-roading isn't a necessity, consider the 2010 Volvo V70 wagon. It features similar styling to the XC70 and drops the all-wheel-drive system in favor of better fuel economy.
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Toyota Corolla Being Reviewed For Potential Steering Issue
In recent weeks Toyota has managed two major acceleration-related recalls covering much of its lineup; this week it announced a braking-related recall on its iconic Prius tech flagship; and now, looking ahead, Toyota might be facing a steering issue as well on one of its best-selling vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed to Automotive News that it is reviewing a large number of steering complaints concerning the electric power steering system used in 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla sedans.
Going back to April 2008, NHTSA has logged a total of 83 complaints so far related to the steering, according to AN, with 76 of these reporting that the vehicle would unexpectedly pull to the side at higher speeds.
In all, the complaints cite a total of six accidents and ten injuries due to the phenomenon, which is described as a strong pulling to the side, like being buffeted by crosswinds, requiring two hands on the wheel to maintain a straight path.
Beginning with the 2009 model year, Toyota replaced the previous hydraulic power steering unit in the Corolla with an electric one. Newer electric power steering systems typically include logic to correct for environmental variables like the crown of the road as well as crosswinds, although we're not sure if the system in the Corolla does.
The Corolla from those model years is already covered by both of Toyota's two major accelerator-related recalls—for pedal entrapment (floor mats) and for an issue with a sticky pedal mechanism.
The review stage might presage a formal investigation, which then might eventually prompt a safety recall.
The 2009 and 2010 Toyota Matrix hatchback is closely related to the Corolla and thus might also be affected, as might the Pontiac Vibe. Both remain covered by the other two accelerator-related recalls.
According to Ward's, the supplier JTEKT Corp. produces electric power steering units for the Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, and Venza, along with the Lexus RX 350 and Pontiac Vibe. Previously, Toyota sources have confirmed to TheCarConnection.com that its EPS units follow a similar design across applications.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Bottom Line
To get you the most useful information regarding the Mitsubishi Outlander, TheCarConnection.com has driven the refreshed 2010 Outlander GT, then selected highlights—including firsthand observations and comparisons to other models here in this Bottom Line—from reputable reviews from other sources.
Likes
Styling—especially new front end
Smooth, strong performance from V-6
Superb steering and handling
GT feels like a sport sedan
Dislikes
Boomy, slow four-cylinder
Road noise
Nearly useless third-row seat
Steering wheel doesn't telescope
Mitsubishi's Outlander compact crossover vehicle goes into 2010 with an all-new front end, a refreshed interior, and the introduction of the top-of-the-line Outlander GT model, plus next-generation technology features.
A subtle set of design changes takes the Outlander in a more carlike direction on the outside for 2010, with fewer rugged SUV cues and the sharklike "jet fighter" snout inherited from the Evo. Along with the front-end changes, the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander gets new aero work in front, a mesh grille, a new rear fascia, redesigned hood and fenders, and on most models, chrome-accented side-sill extensions. Inside there are some much-needed soft-touch materials, including, for the top trims, soft double-stitched synthetic leather padding where elbows go and for some of the dash. The vents and dials also get new bright accents, and all but the base model gets a new multicolor LCD instrument display. Altogether, the Outlander now looks sportier on the outside and doesn't feel nearly as cut-rate inside.
A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, making 168 horsepower, is standard on ES and SE models of the 2010 Outlander, but we'd probably discourage it for most buyers as it brings barely adequate performance with its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and generates too much engine noise while accelerating. The 3.0-liter V-6 engine that's featured on XLS and GT models has a completely different personality, producing 220 horsepower delivered through a responsive, easy-shifting six-speed automatic with steering-wheel paddles. It has a lot more power to spare and gets fuel economy approaching that of the four on the highway. ES, SE, and XLS models of the Outlander remain offered with a choice of front-wheel drive or 4WD (with a center diff lock), while the new GT is the first Outlander to inherit an application of the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system used in the Evo and Ralliart. The system includes Tarmac, Snow, and Lock modes, selected with a knob on the center console, to cater the system's responses to specific conditions, with an Active Front Differential and electronically controlled center diff, for more seamless distribution of torque between the wheels.
No matter what the model, the Outlander has good, communicative steering. And like the Lancer, with which it shares some of its underpinnings, the Outlander handles better on the road than some of the more trucklike or rugged utility vehicles, with the nice, firm braking of a performance car. But the ride is quite firm, and it can be choppy over railroad tracks and the like. Also, at 3,780 pounds, the GT is just too heavy to be called agile (even though aluminum roof panels and other measures help keep the center of mass low). We also like the Outlander GT's paddle shifters, which are mounted alongside—rather than on—the steering wheel, making them easier to locate in tight hairpins, for instance.
About a foot shorter in overall length than most mid-size sedans, the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander has good space for five, though its available seven-passenger seating—including a small third row—is a little optimistic. Even small children will feel the squeeze in back, but the second row slides fore and aft and reclines for good comfort, and the third and second rows fold to create an impressive, continuous cargo space of nearly 73 cubic feet behind the front seats. Cargo space is plentiful behind the second row, at 36.2 cubic feet but limited behind the third, at 14.9 feet. In front, several testers find the Outlander's driver's seat and seating position to be about right, though the steering wheel doesn't telescope, which might be an issue for shorter drivers. The backseats feel a little thin and flat, as they do in most other vehicles in this class, but they fold and tumble to a flat cargo floor. The Outlander has a rear tailgate configuration that's somewhat complex and clunky, but we can see owners finding it handy; the fold-down tailgate can support 440 pounds. Materials remain a bit of a disappointment, even though they're again improved for 2010. Up close, there's quite a lot of hard, dull plastic, though the upper dash now includes soft coverings and chrome-finished controls in some trims.
The Outlander has done extremely well in crash tests; it gets nearly perfect "good" scores from the IIHS for frontal offset and side impact, as well as in the seat-based rear-impact test. Its only blemish is an "acceptable" score in the new IIHS roof-strength test. It earns top five-star ratings in the federal government's frontal impact and side impact exams. All Outlanders come with front side airbags, side curtain bags covering the first two rows, front active headrests, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes.
The base 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander ES model has the four-cylinder and keeps it simple, though it includes air conditioning, keyless entry, and a 140-watt, six-speaker sound system. At the top of the lineup, the luxurious XLS picks up fog lamps, steering-wheel audio controls, remote start, cruise control, and automatic climate control, plus the new FUSE hands-free link system, controlling audio and calling functions with voice commands. The GT includes, along with other appearance extras, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, leather seats, bi-xenon HID headlamps, and a more powerful 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with nine speakers and a huge 10-inch subwoofer. The only major option is the $3,000 Premium Navigation and Leather Package, which adds a power driver's seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a rearview camera system, and a 40GB hard-drive nav system with music server, real-time traffic, and carpool lane guidance.
The Bottom Line: The Mitsubishi Outlander has a sportier look and feel than most crossover utes—and it gets better for 2010.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander, also consider:
- Honda CR-V
- Mazda CX-7
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota RAV4
Reason Why:
The most direct rival to the 2010 Outlander is likely the Toyota RAV4 Sport, which, like the Outlander, can be equipped with a small third-row seat. The RAV4 is much more refined and agreeable with the base four-cylinder engine, while its optional V-8 is even more powerful. The Forester is another top rival; in this case, too, the standard four in the Outlander doesn't seem nearly as strong as the standard flat-four in the Subaru, even though their power figures are close. The Mazda CX-7 seats only five, but it's perceived as a more complete performance package, with very comfortable seating, sporty suspension tuning, and a rorty turbocharged engine; for 2010 there's also a new base version, with a still-adequate 2.5-liter four, that costs a bit less. The Forester and CR-V remain the best for those who are safety-minded; they're both IIHS Top Safety Picks. For those who don't need a third row but want a roomy, comfortable interior, the Honda CR-V is probably the best pick, though it's not nearly as engaging to drive.
Buying Tip
If you want a hatchback but aren't sure you need the height and weight of the 2010 Mitsubishi, you might consider the new Sportback versions of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS and Ralliart.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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Honda Fit Fire Recall: 646,000 Cars Globally, 140,000 In U.S.
It's been a bad week for Japanese carmakers. First Toyota (NYSE:TM) gets backhanded by the NHTSA over its ongoing unintended acceleration issues--and associated multi-million-car recalls--and now the Honda Fit faces recall over a fire hazard.
Honda (NYSE:HMC) today announced a recall of 646,000 Fit (Jazz outside the U.S.) compact hatchbacks due to a faulty master switch that could allow water to enter the power window switch, potentially causing a fire. Of those, 140,000 cars in the U.s. are subject to the recall.
While not as wide-ranging as the Toyota recall, the Fit recall, which affects 2007-2008 model-year cars, is no less dangerous. The car fire could potentially start at any time, causing property damage and personal injury--especially if while the car is driving down the highway, or parked in a garage. Already several vehicle fires have been reported, prompting Honda to issue the recall.
The fix is simple enough--Honda dealers will either retrofit the car with a new switch or put in a waterproof skirt. Of course, Toyota's fixes are simple enough as well--both the floormat recall and the unintended acceleration recall require little more than modification to the pedal assemblies and floormats.
This isn't the Honda Fit's first recall for weather-related problems on 2007-2008 models. In late 2007, Honda issued a recall for a problem with the occupant detection system for the front passenger airbag. If subjected to road salt in snowy areas, the salt and snow could cause corrosion, breaking the wire that detects if a child seat is present. This failure would then allow the airbag to deploy in the event of a crash, potentially injuring the child.
For more on the Toyota situation, read Bengt Halvorson's complete overview here, and if you have a 2007-2008 Honda Fit that's subject to the recall, Honda's customer service number is 1-800-999-1009.
[Wall Street Journal, Yahoo! News]
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2010 Lincoln Navigator Bottom Line
TheCarConnection.com's editors took the wheel of the Lincoln Navigator to bring you their expert take on the big SUV, and supplement that with the highlights of the Web's best reviews to bring you a comprehensive picture.
Likes
Sophisticated American styling
Roomy, comfortable third row
Quick-shifting six-speed automatic
Ride and handling
Dislikes
Intrusive engine noise
Sluggish overall performance
Poor outward visibility
With over a decade on the roads and through several updates, the Lincoln Navigator is still as large and stately as ever, though some reviewers find the overall appearance a bit on the "bling" side of attractive. More upscale than the Ford Expedition, the Navigator is quiet and comfortable inside. Design and function of all the interior's core elements are good, and Lincoln's unique gauges are a fun touch.
Power for both 2010 Lincoln Navigator models comes from a 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 engine that drives either two or four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Hauling is second nature to the Navigator, with a maximum tow rating of 9,100 pounds.
Handling is solid and stable, though it's a large SUV, not a sports car. The size and 6,200-pound curb weight of the vehicle also tax the 5.4-liter V-8 engine at times compared to other vehicles in the class. Shifting is slick and easy, though, turning low revs at highway speeds to reduce engine noise. Body roll is what you'd expect from a big, heavy SUV, but four-wheel independent suspension helps provide a smooth ride.
Seating is comfortable throughout, even in the oft-compromised third row. Power fold capability means the third row can be quickly and easily stowed when not in use, and as one of TheCarConnection's editors note, the power fold feature can be used to scoot faraway cargo toward the rear, as it moves the cargo aft when unfolding the seats.
Safety is a strong point with the new Navigator, rating five stars in front and side driver and passenger ratings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Rollover ratings, despite the Roll Stability Control system, are lower at just three stars for the two-wheel-drive models and four stars for the four-wheel-drive models. Standard safety equipment includes safety canopy and side impact airbags; child tether system; Lincoln's Personal Safety System with safety belt pre-tensioners, load-limiting retractors, dual-stage front airbags, driver seat position sensor and crash severity sensor; and SOS post-crash alert system.
Two models are available, the Navigator and Navigator L; the latter is 14.7 inches longer than the standard model. The Navigator L also features 24.5 cubic feet of extra cargo capacity compared to the Navigator, which clocks in at 18.2 cubic feet total with the seats up. Fold the second- and third-row seats down and that figure grows to 103.5 cubic feet for the Navigator and 128.2 cubic feet for the L.
Improvements for 2010 include the addition across the range of the new SYNC and Sirius Travel Link features, plus Standard Trailer Sway Control as part of the AdvanceTrac stability system and MyKey technology, which allows Navigator owners to limit top speed and radio volume even when they're not in the car-and all are standard. All are also available on either the standard Navigator or the longer L. Other features introduced last year include a rearview camera system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, EasyFuel capless fuel fill, Front Park Assist, and heated second-row seats.
Other 2010 upgrades and options include standard power-deployable running boards to ease ingress and egress, as well as leather-trimmed seats.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Lincoln Navigator is a well-rounded, full-size SUV offering both luxury and performance.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2010 Ford Expedition, also consider:
- Infiniti QX56
- Lexus LX 570
- Land Rover Range Rover
- Mercedes GL-Class
- Cadillac Escalade
Reason Why
The 2010 Lincoln Navigator is a tech-laden large SUV with more aggressive styling than the Lexus or Infiniti offerings. Mercedes' GL-Class is a tough vehicle to beat, though, if you have the scratch to spend. The Land Rover Range Rover isn't as large as the Navigator, but it has serious off-road ability and drives better on-road, too. Cadillac's Escalade is the Navigator's most direct competition, and GM's offering is a bit ahead of the big Lincoln in terms of engine power and interior appointments. The Navigator still comes out ahead on the whole against the Caddy, however, with better handling, a more functional third-row seat, and lower price.
Buying Tip
The Navigator L is the best choice if you need to put adults in the third row. It also has more cargo space, but be sure you can find a place to park it!
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2010 Nissan Titan Bottom Line
To see how the 2010 Nissan Titan measures up against the competition, the editors of TheCarConnection.com have driven the Titan on- and off-road and present their overall assessment. Then TheCarConnection.com has also read other reviews, handpicking highlights that might help you make a smart buying decision.
Likes
Power and acceleration
Cargo-friendly features
Comfortable cabin and ride quality
Dislikes
Road and engine noise
Fuel economy
Lacks a lower-priced V-6 model
Thanks to styling that resists the almost identical cues used by other major truckmakers—along with a strong V-8 engine—the Titan stands out from the crowd. Yet those same attributes give the Titan limited appeal; while other full-size pickups try to be everything to everyone, with special focused models for all sorts of work and play, the 2010 Nissan Titan offers just one engine and a limited lineup that's aimed more at casual, recreational users than the hard-hat crowd, though there are some innovative features.
When the Nissan Titan was first introduced in 2004, it forged a new design direction and escalated a race toward "macho" styling we've seen in pickups over the past decade. The Titan broke through with an aggressive, upright appearance that included flared fenders combined with bright chrome details and clean side styling to give it a look that doesn't seem all that out of place in the city. It still looks fresh from the outside, but the same can't be said inside, where the instrument panel in particular looks dull and plasticky compared to newer designs.
All 2010 Nissan Titan models come with a powerful 5.6-liter DOHC V-8, rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque and mated only to a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine provides strong acceleration and works very well with the standard five-speed automatic transmission. But fuel economy is poor; the combination gets ratings as low as 12 mpg city, and TheCarConnection.com has seen even worse numbers in real-world driving. The upside is that Titan models can tow up to 9,500 pounds with the King Cab and 9,400 pounds with the Crew Cab. Another strength is that on the road, the Titan somehow feels smaller than it is; it maneuvers reasonably well at low speed. Nearly all models are offered with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, except PRO-4X off-road variants.
The cabin of the 2010 Titan is roomy and comfortable, with good seating for four full-size adults in Crew Cab versions. Shorter drivers will appreciate the power-adjustable pedals. But interior materials leave a lot to be desired; the drab look and feel of the interior plastics is tough to get over—particularly if you've tested other trucks in this class—but overall the interior is very functional, with lots of storage spaces for smaller items. Although the engine note is a bit too loud for some tastes, the Titan rides comfortably for a truck, with very little road or wind noise.
Although some might not get past the single-powertrain lineup, the Titan lineup includes four models (XE, SE, PRO-4X, and LE) and two body styles (King Cab and Crew Cab), as well as four bed sizes (5'5", 6'5", 7', and 8') and two wheelbases that go with these lengths, so you have plenty of combinations to choose from. Ford, Chevy, and Dodge still offer much larger ranges, including heavy-duty versions and more fuel-efficient models.
A full range of airbags is available on the 2010 Titan, along with anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. The Titan gets "good" crash-test ratings in frontal tests from the IIHS, but achieves only a "marginal" rating in side impact and an "acceptable" rating in rear impact; additionally, it gets four- and five-star frontal ratings from the federal government.
Especially of interest is the off-road-focused PRO-4X, which includes heavy-duty components, tow hooks, Rancho shocks, off-road wheels and tires, a lockable storage box and locking tailgate, and a full-size spare. Options include a Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System; an XM Satellite Radio tuner; a heated, leather-appointed bench seat; a revised center stack; and a larger, 8.0-inch DVD screen (up from 7.0 inches). An available Max Utility Package combines towing and bed-utility features, and for 2010, there's a new SE Value Truck Package that adds Bluetooth, captain's chairs, a power driver's seat, and fog lamps.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Nissan Titan performs well and has a comfortable interior, but its appeal is more limited than the full-line full-size trucks from the Big Three and Toyota.
Other Choices:
If you're interested in the 2010 Nissan Titan, also consider:
- Ford F-150
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Dodge Ram 1500
- Toyota Tundra
Reason Why:
Overall, the 2010 Nissan Titan offers fewer powertrain and equipment combinations than other leading full-size pickups. Although with a V-8 and some cargo-friendly features like the lockable cargo box, the Titan is appealing for personal use, but it's not a favorite of fleets and hard-hat wearers. If you like what the Nissan has, then this doesn't matter. The 2010 Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado are the two with the largest number of variations for every sort of use. The Ford has an excellent interior, especially for those who work out of their trucks, while the Chevy has excellent ride and handling attributes, plus good fuel economy. And just redesigned this past year, the Dodge Ram has much-improved ride and handling. Yet another option is the Toyota Tundra, which has perhaps the toughest, most imposing styling in the group, plus a very stylish cabin.
Buying Tip
If the fuel economy figures are tough to get past, you might consider the smaller Nissan Frontier, which does just fine with a V-6.
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