TCC’s Most Popular Reviews for November 2010
We're plowing through the list of 255-plus vehicles on sale in the 2011 model year here at High Gear Media--and as we cull our latest drives into full reviews, we're watching what you're reading.
Each month we scan Google Analytics to see which reviews are most popular. Some of the time, those reviews cover brand-new vehicles, those hardly or not even on sale yet. You're just that eager for new-car news, we guess.
More often--as was the case in November--the majority of the most-read reviews on TheCarConnection included cars, trucks, crossovers and minivans that have been on sale for a few months, even since the 2010 model year.
Once again, November was a strong month for the brands that surveys have shown are the most-shopped in today's car market: Ford, Hyundai and Kia. It's also been a fine four weeks for minivans, with three making the list--bespeaking some new practicality, maybe?
For the month of November, these are the most popular new-vehicle reviews at High Gear Media:
1) 2010 Kia Soul: The Soul outsmarts fun urban wagons like the Scion xB and Nissan Cube with uniquely kicky styling, more room, and an easygoing attitude.
2) 2010 Kia Forte: A strong contender in every way—a surprisingly good-looking, enjoyable-to-drive car that will hold the budget down.
3) 2011 Hyundai Sonata - Hybrid - 2.0T turbo: One of the most highly-ranked family sedans is a huge win at its sub-$20,000 price point--and Hybrid and Turbo models are coming soon.
4) 2011 Kia Sportage: With a little more SUV baked into its shape than its cousin Tucson has, the Sportage feels a bit more authentic--if you'll pardon the marketing-speak.
5) 2011 Kia Optima: The under-the-skin twin to the Hyundai Sonata, the Optima has a style all its own, and an interior that beats entry-lux efforts like the Volvo S60.
6) 2010 Honda Fit: The pert little hatchback gets some meaningful updates for 2011, but the 2010 Fit still grabs our readers' attention.
7) 2010 Ford Transit Connect: Ford's imported sort-of minivan must have some deeply connected friends in the bowels of Google.
2011 Toyota Sienna: With more room and adult-duty second-row seats, the Sienna leaves ultimate flexibility and entertainment to the competition.
9) 2011 Honda Odyssey: The class-leading minivan for driving feel and interior quality hits its target again, though it still lacks the ultimate flexibility of the Chrysler minivans.
10) 2011 Ford F-150: The latest edition of the best-selling vehicle on the planet gets even better with four fuel-conscious new powertrains. Well, three, plus one that's pure evil to greens.
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For the 2011 model year, High Gear Media is bringing you full reviews of nearly every new car on the market, reviews that give you our take on styling, performance, comfort, safety and features, with a numeric score. This year we're bringing them to you in a new, easy-to-read format with more of the information you need to make an informed decision. If you'd like to see more, different or better reviews on our flagship site, TheCarConnection.com, let us know at feedback [at] highgearmedia (dot) com, via Twitter @highgearmedia, or on our Facebook fan page.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2010 Honda Pilot Rolls In – Blink And You’ll Miss It
The Honda Pilot underwent a major update only last year, with the mid-size SUV receiving a complete redesign, new trim levels and a more efficient powertrain. Not surprisingly, Honda has decided to leave the vehicle untouched for the 2010 model year, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot going for it.
Up against strong competitors like the Ford Edge, the popular Toyota Highlander, and the all-new Chevrolet Equinox, the 2010 Honda Pilot relies on its already strong reputation for efficiency, comfort, and quality, combining the appearance of a tough SUV with the practicality of a crossover.
Standard features across the line include a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine equipped with Honda's cylinder shutdown technology and delivering a peak output of 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. This is matched to a five-speed automatic, with standard 2WD or optional 4WD modes available across the range. Emissions meet CARB's ULEV-2 rating, and the Pilot delivers fuel economy of 17/23/19 mpg (city/highway/combined) in 2WD guise, while the 4WD model slides in just below at 16/22/18 mpg. A 21-gallon fuel tank can comfortably provide a driving range of more than 400 miles on the highway.
The Pilot is once again available in four model choices (LX, EX, EX-L and Touring), each offered with standard air-conditioning, cruise control, a seven-speaker CD stereo, and 17-inch wheels. Inside, the vehicle emphasizes an expansive feel with an efficient and modern design that supplies 152.7 cubic feet of passenger space within three rows of seats offering plenty of space for up to eight adults.
All models, starting with the base LX, are also equipped with a standard towing receiver and a maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds on 4WD models and 3,500 pounds on 2WD models. Other features include a tailgate with a lift-up glass hatch that makes quick access to the back of the vehicle easier, as well as hill-start assist to keep your rear bumper off the hood of the car behind you in steep driving.
EX adds a tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and air filtration, a power driver's seat with ten-way power adjustment with lumbar support, six-disc in-dash CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, body colored side mirrors and door handles, and roof rails.
Opt for the Pilot EX-L and you also get leather trim, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, a moonroof, a rear view camera, and an optional 9-inch display screen and DVD entertainment system.
Topping out the range is the Touring model, which adds satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, a power tailgate and an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system as well.
Aesthetically, the Pilot has always been a very boxy but mildly styled SUV—not a rugged, brutish brick like a Hummer, but more of a tall wagon. That car-like demeanor is what helped the first-generation Pilot break ground in the crossover SUV category back in 2002, and fortunately the latest model still has some of the visual appeal of a more rugged off-roader while holding on to its excellent ride quality and moderate size.
Prices rise slightly across the line for the 2010 Honda Pilot, now ranging from $27,895 for the 2WD Pilot LX to $38,645 for the 4WD Pilot Touring, excluding $710 destination.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
