Survey: Teens Admit To Distracted Driving And Know It’s Risky
Teens know that talking, texting, and eating while driving are among many dangerous distractions. Despite that, the majority of teens do them, at least occasionally, anyway.
According to a new survey conducted by Seventeen magazine and AAA, nearly nine of ten drivers (86 percent) have driven while distracted. Nearly as many, 84 percent, knew the behavior was dangerous.
There's a certain double standard, because while teens think they're smart enough to avoid an accident in the driver's seat, as passengers, they're clearly worried about driver distraction. More than a third think that they've been involved in a close call or near-crash because of a driver's distraction, and 38 percent have been afraid of harm as the passenger of a distracted driver.
Worried about other drivers, but not so much themselves
Yet as drivers, they admit to plenty of distraction. Among those polled, 60 percent admitted to talking on a cellphone while driving; 61 percent have eaten while driving; and 73 percent have adjusted the sound system (although we're probably all a bit guilty of that one).
An even more frightening tidbit is that teens who do text while driving admit to sending an average of 23 texts while behind the wheel per month.
Excuses are varied as for why these cognitive and physical distractions apply to others but not to their driving safety. Forty-one percent dismiss their action as only taking a split second, while a third don't think they'll get hurt and another third simply say they're used to multi-tasking.
Texting-related distraction is rapidly becoming the cause of as many accidents as recklessness and inexperience (well, you could argue that texting is recklessness ). In another survey, conducted for the insurer Allstate, teenage girls admitted to speeding and texting more often than teenage boys.
Also, earlier this spring, we reported on companion site College Car Guide that cellphone-related distraction is the likely cause of a rise in nighttime deaths of teen drivers and passengers—as the fatality rate has fallen for most other age groups.
Not me...I'm careful when I text
Put it all together and there's a certain, "No, it's not me" disconnect happening, especially with teens.
According to the AAA, looking away from the road for just two seconds doubles your risk of a crash. The survey coincides with a "Two-Second Turnoff Day," aimed at raising awareness about the issue of texting and driving.
In 2008 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 occupants died due to distracted driving and more than 500,000 people were injured.
[AAA, via Kicking Tires]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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No Threat Of $4-Per-Gallon Gas, But Prices Will Top $3 Soon
Gas prices keep creeping upward, but don't expect any relief anytime soon. Don't expect $4 either.
That's what the federal government warns in its latest monthly report; the U.S. Energy Information Administration has predicted that gas prices will jump well past the $3-a-gallon mark in much of the country this spring and summer—up to a national-average $2.84 a gallon for this calendar year.
The price climb that we're seeing now might be the beginning of a trend that lasts through the summer, experts say.
U.S. average pump prices are up about five cents a gallon for the third week in a row, to about $2.75 a gallon as of March 8. That's up 81 cents versus a year ago.
According to AAA, national-average prices have risen seven cents in the past week, from about $2.71 to $2.78.
Pump prices remain highest in West Coast cities, where they've already been topping $3.00 for some time. Los Angeles and San Francisco are both around $3.07 a gallon and Seattle nearly $2.94. Statewide, California averaged almost $3.05 a gallon. Gas in the Gulf Coast states remained cheapest, at less than $2.65, with prices in Houston just $2.56.
With vehicle miles traveled remaining quite flat (they're still down three percent from 2007)—due in part to a high unemployment rate—the lower demand will help keep prices under control, noted a source to USA Today.
As gasoline prices crept up, oil prices settled down slightly to less than $82 a barrel this week. They're expected to be quite stable, rising to $85 a barrel only by late 2011. Also due to the lowered demand, U.S. refineries are at about 14 million barrels of crude per day but have a total capacity of 17.7 million.
Gas prices have been rising rather steadily since January 2009, as we reported last month, yet data from several sources, including AutoPacific, has suggested that consumer interest in small cars might be waning. After falling nearly to the $1.60 mark then, the price of gas has risen more than a dollar a gallon since.
There's a host of new small-car models ready for introduction this year, including the 2011 Ford Fiesta and 2011 Mazda2, and the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, so the timing is a little off. Even more small-car models, like an all-new 2012 Ford Focus, arrive in calendar-year 2011.
The key to understanding why consumers don't feel as concerned could be that there haven't been the extreme price swings (volatility) of the past. By now most drivers don't seem to change their habits at $3-a-gallon gas, but the $4 mark, as we saw for a time in 2008, shocks some drivers and shoppers into panic mode.
Right now, it doesn't look like we'll have to deal with another $4 shock anytime soon.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2011 Ford Explorer Mule Captured
It takes a lot of determination to capture new-car mules in the wild. It takes even more to do so in the chilly wintertime. But the cojones that Ryan O'Keefe demonstrates as he videotapes this 2011 Ford Explorer tester...well, we can only imagine that the guy's riding in a BIG bucket seat.
Ford fans can take a gander at the clip below. With all that cover-up, we can't say much about the SUV's design -- although it seems boxier than previous editions, closer to some Jeep models like the Patriot than the Explorer profile we've come to know. (Ryan helpfully includes a rendering at the end of the clip, to give an idea of the Explorer's refreshed exterior.)
We're guessing that Ford still has some tinkering to before the 2011 Explorer makes its world debut. Detroit is probably too soon to expect a showing, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the Explorer drop trou in New York this spring. Stay tuned.
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2011 Infiniti M – M37 – M56 Preview
TheCarConnection.com's editors have prepared this preview of the 2011 Infiniti M - M37 - M56 sedans from information provided by the manufacturer, as well as a first-hand look at prototypes. Editors will update this preview with driving impressions as soon as the manufacturer provides a road-test vehicle.
Likes
Voluptuous new bod
High-style interior
A tradition of good handling
All-wheel drive option
Hybrid version in the works
Dislikes
Sleek, but sits high
Interior seems less roomy than its specs
Brand recognition still lags Audi, Benz, BMW
The 2011 Infiniti M sedans are on a mission: to erase some of the distance shoppers put between the German super sedans and Nissan's most luxurious and powerful four-doors. The M37 and M56 arrive none too soon to replace the dynamic-driving, but not as dynamic-looking, 2010 M. On sale in the spring of 2010 for a base price well under $50,000, the 2011 Infiniti M will compete with the Audi A6, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5-Series, the Lexus GS, the Jaguar XF, and even the Hyundai Genesis and Lincoln MKS.
Inspiration has taken charge of the big Infiniti, by way of the Essence concept. Borrowing cues from that styling-studio exercise, the 2011 M is the most graceful, voluptuous Infiniti yet. Swelling fenders flow from the car's grille, and flex from concave to convex surfaces along its shoulder, ending in an abbreviated, sloping trunk. It's a long, long way from the ungainly old Infiniti J30, for sure--though in person the M seems to sit a little tall on its tires. The whole car bears a much-improved, more aggressive look than the somewhat bland wrapper of the previous M--especially with the big five-spoke wheels on some models that would fit right on a Nissan 370Z roadster. The M's interior treatment is subtly opulent: there's wood trim, lots of leather hides, and on some versions a special wood trim treated with silver dust. It's an attractive and elegant cockpit, with a prominent center console between front passengers neatly organizing banks of controls under a large LCD screen that drives audio and climate systems. There's more wood trim than in the Jaguar XF--and in person, the M cockpit looks and feels more well-fitted and traditionally luxurious.
There's a startling power upgrade awaiting some Infiniti M drivers. Base versions share an uprated version of the corporate 3.7-liter V-6, rated at 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, for a 25-hp bump over the 2010 model. Spend more for the V-8-powered M56, and hell breaks loose in a righteous way: the 2011 M56 swaps in a 5.6-liter V-8 engine and drills out 420 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque--almost 100 hp more than the last V-8 M. Both engines will pair up with a seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode, rev-matching, and available paddle shifters; an "Eco Pedal" feature will give a driver feedback to help promote more frugal driving. Fuel economy could better the 2010 model's best rating of 17/25 mpg.
Rear-wheel drive is the basic drivetrain layout, but all-wheel drive will be an option. The suspension remains a control-arm and multi-link design; a Sport package for rear-drive cars adds sport tuning for the suspension and sport-duty brakes, along with 20-inch wheels and four-wheel active steering. Like the German competition, the Infiniti M also adds an optional set of electronic controls for transmission shifting and throttle response, with four individual settings (Sport, Normal, Eco and Snow). Available Active Tracing Control manipulates power levels and anti-lock brakes to help the M sedan corner more quickly.
The 2011 Infiniti M looks distinct from the past edition, but it rests on an identical 114.2-inch wheelbase. That translates into plenty of room for four adults, and a fifth on occasion. TheCarConnection.com explored the five-seat cabin in prototypes of the new 2011 M, and found them felt exceptionally comfortable. Both driver and front passenger get 10-way power seats, and the front cabin has good head and shoulder room, minus a little width for the thicker center console. The back seats' high, supportive cushions felt fine, but the tall doors and rear deck gives the rear seat a closed-in feel. The M's trunk appears usefully large; it's likely a coming hybrid edition will consume some trunk space for the battery pack. The 2011 M37 and M56 sedans will offer Active Noise Control, to reduce ambient noise in the cockpit. Early prototypes were well on their way to traditional Infiniti levels of quality, with especially attractive wood veneer on the front console and dash, a sueded headliner, and metallic highlights.
With the previous car a strong performer in crash ratings, TheCarConnection.com expects the same or better for the 2011 M. Dual front, side and curtain airbags will be standard, along with anti-lock brakes; active headrests; and traction and stability control. Brake assist and dynamic cruise control will be offered, along with adaptive headlamps. An advanced, optional blind-spot warning system is designed to alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in an adjacent lane during an intended lane change, and then help assist the driver in returning the vehicle toward the center of the original lane of travel. Lane-departure warnings are bundled with this system, while adapative cruise control is offered separately.
Lavish standard equipment is the norm in Infiniti vehicles, and the 2011 M won't be any different. Leather seating will be standard equipment, along with 10-way power seats with memory and heating up front; Intelligent Key; a hard-drive navigation system; an AM/FM/six-CD/XM sound system with USB connectivity; Bluetooth; and a moonroof. A Sport package adds 20-inch wheels, sport seats and steering wheel, and aluminum pedal trim. Other options will include ventilated seats; a heated steering wheel; real-time traffic; and a premium audio system.
The 2011 Infiniti M sedans go on sale in the spring of 2010. Pricing will be announced in the spring, and TheCarConnection.com's full road test is coming early in 2010.
The Bottom Line: The 2011 Infiniti M pairs beauty with a beastly V-8 engine, as Nissan tries to make its marque among the German supersedans.
Other Choices:
If you're interested in the 2011 Infiniti M, also consider:
- Audi A6
- BMW 5-Series
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Jaguar XF
- Lincoln MKS
- Hyundai Genesis
Reason Why:
The 2011 Infiniti M pits itself against some of the best-selling luxury sedans in the world. The Audi A6 is in its final year of production, yet still offers a balanced ride and handling package, a well-fitted cabin, and choices of engines, transmissions and front- or all-wheel drive. The BMW 5-Series will be new for 2011, and a more cohesive look will put its recent styling troubles in the past--though electronic systems could overwhelm its essential driving characteristics. The Benz E-Class arrived new for the 2010 model year, with a sharply pressed new suit and an upgraded interior--and a newfound sense of the road ahead, with sharper, quicker steering and a hot AMG-powered E63 four-door version. Revamped this year: the Jaguar XF, which gets a 510-hp V-8 as its most powerful offering while its rejuvenated body still draws stares and its gimmicky interior still wows first-time passengers. Two dark horses in this race are the turbocharged Lincoln MKS, which marries Volvo-style dynamics with a brilliant powertrain and a distinctive, chrome-lined interior, and the Hyundai Genesis--a dead ringer for the former Infiniti M, down to its leather-trimmed dash and its rippling V-8 option.
Buying Tip
American buyers will be among the first to experience the 2012 Infiniti M hybrid sedan, but the M diesel under development is intended for Europe and Japan--with no plans for sales Stateside.
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2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo / 535i / 550i / GT
Editors at TheCarConnection.com drove the new 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo to bring you this hands-on road test of its capabilities. Editors assigned ratings to each of five areas-styling, performance, comfort, safety, and features-and use those ratings to compare the new BMW with other crossover vehicles. TheCarConnection.com has also compiled a full review that condenses opinions from around the Web into a comprehensive look at the 5-Series Gran Turismo.
High Gear Media accepted travel expenses to attend the first press drive of the 5-Series Gran Turismo.
Likes
Intriguing silhouette
Classically BMW drivetrain performance
Vastly improved interior and controls
Flexible rear seat and cargo area
Dislikes
A very specific vehicle for a very specific mission
Drives "small," but can feel wide and large in traffic
Lots of technology, some of it overload
Not-quite-BMW handling
With the 2010 5-Series Gran Turismo, BMW slices the crossover-wagon-activity vehicle segment into even thinner segments. Technically, it's a wagon, and it's certainly a precursor to a whole new range of 5-Series models. For now, though, the Gran Turismo has more in common mechanically with the BMW X6 and 7-Series than with the current 2010 BMW 5-Series sedan, which is an older platform in its final year of production. Priced from about $45,000, the 5-Series Gran Turismo competes with BMW's own X5 and X6 utes, traditional wagons like the Audi A6 Avant, and the odd outlier or two, such as the 2010 Lincoln MKT.
The striking 5-Series Gran Turismo blends some station-wagon and SUV cues into a shape that's not quite sedan or crossover. In passing, the new GT shares some cues with recent Mazda hatchbacks and the Infiniti M sedans, and it's infused with traditional BMW cues like the twin-grille nose and the "Hoffmeister kink" that links its rear pillar to the car's rear quarters. Though its proportions lean toward those of the BMW X6 sport-ute, the GT sits lower to the ground, and its frameless doors emphasize the long descent of the roofline. Like the X6, it has a thick, tall tail, though here designers visually trim down the rear end's heft with downturned taillamps and chrome details. TheCarConnection.com's editors have warmed to the shape; other expert car reviewers have not. Inside, the 5-Series Gran Turismo's dash and door panels are a great leap ahead of the former 5-Series; it reads more cleanly, thanks to simple metallic trim that delineates control areas into logical groups, as well as plenty of lavish wood and leather that arc and curve to take visual mass out of the cockpit. The gauges are bright and readable, and information and navigation directions are well integrated into LCD readouts placed below the dials. Even with its punctuation mark of a shift lever, the 5-Series Gran Turismo's cabin feels mature, warm, and more upscale than ever.
As usual, the powertrains are the real stars in this BMW. The 2010 5-Series Gran Turismo lineup in the United States will include the 550i, equipped with BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, with 400 horsepower, teamed to the new eight-speed automatic transmission, BMW promises 0-60 mph times of 5.4 seconds and a limited top speed of 130 mph in that edition. Though the 550i GT will be the first to go on sale in late 2009, for this road test, BMW provided GTs equipped with a new 3.0-liter, single-turbo, direct-injection inline-six that arrives in the spring of 2010. It's a further development of the engine found in the X6 and differs from the twin-turbo six in the 3-Series in other ways. BMW says it's the first engine it's built that offers turbocharging, direct injection, and variable valve timing and lift, all of which improve power characteristics and fuel economy. In the 5-Series Gran Turismo, it's easy to accept the claimed 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The engine's flexible and gutsy like the turbo six in the 3-Series and mates seamlessly with the new eight-speed automatic spreading across the BMW lineup. Fuel economy figures haven't been released. The rear-drive Gran Turismo will also add an all-wheel-drive option in mid-2010; in addition, BMW plans to offer a Sport package that tweaks the top-end speed to 150 mph on the V-8 car.
Underpinning the new car is a multilink front and rear suspension, with many components made from aluminum to save weight. Active Steering is an option-it uses electronic sensors to determine steering weight and response-as are electronic shocks, dubbed Dynamic Damping Control. A self-leveling feature is incorporated into the rear suspension. Adaptive roll control puts more pressure on anti-roll bars to stiffen lateral response, and finally, Driving Dynamics Control-familiar from the M3 and 7-Series-lets drivers choose settings for throttle, transmission, steering, and traction control response. In more than 150 miles of driving around metropolitan Lisbon, the various electronic systems give the 5-Series Gran Turismo good ride and handling, with the usual caveats that electronic systems can feel less smooth and overly responsive compared to conventional shocks and steering. The Comfort mode's ride softens considerably without bounding too much on freeways, though steering response slows too far down. The GT's best in Normal mode unless you're attacking seriously challenging roads, where the Sport mode stiffens the car from rolling too deeply into corners, and the steering quickens and stiffens to controllable levels. It's missing the sixth sense that used to link BMW drivers to the road, that seat-of-the-pants feel that electronic controls wipe away completely. But the electronic aids widen the Gran Turismo's driving palette to suit most drivers and do a technologically amazing job of dialing in steering feedback and ride control 95 percent of the time.
The 2010 5-Series GT has a long wheelbase, a flexible rear hatch that opens like a trunk or like a hatchback, a second row of seats that rivals some airline's first-class accommodations, and customizable cargo space. Its slightly elevated seating position in front matches well with comfortable, snug-fitting chairs. The console is narrow enough for driver and front passenger to expand their footprint, and the shoulder and headroom are superb. There's enough space to lift an elbow without hitting the other front-seat passenger. In back, it's even more luxuriant. The second-row seat slides on a track 4 inches to and fro, as passenger and cargo needs change. With the front seats in the rearmost position, the Gran Turismo has as much rear-seat legroom as the 2009 BMW 7-Series, leaving 15.1 cubic feet for luggage in the trunk. With the seat positioned far forward, luggage space increases to 20 cubic feet. The backseats also fold down-nearly but not quite flat-for 58 total cubic feet of stow space, and they can fold individually for split cargo/passenger room so that a backseat passenger can access the trunk space without leaving the car. A bench seat is standard on cars sold in the United States, but the Gran Turismo will have an option for a pair of bucket seats separated by a console, and they look and feel like the best airline seats you'll find. It's easy to enter and exit the GT, too, since the step-in height is closer to that of an SUV than a sedan.
Amping up the 5-Series Gran Turismo's usability is a bifold tailgate and a low loading height for cargo. The tailgate opens as a conventional trunklid or as a large hatch. The rear seats can be powered forward from trunk-mounted buttons, and the angled cargo dividers behind them can be raised to vertical or folded almost flat ahead. There's also a cargo cover that detaches and stows under the cargo floor. In theory and in practice, the flexible cargo hold probably offers more storage options than many crossover vehicles.
The new 5-Series Gran Turismo has plenty of standard safety features, including front, side, and curtain airbags. Also standard are anti-lock brakes; stability and traction control; Brake Standby and Brake Drying, which are said to improve stopping performance; and wheels and tires in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch sizes that can be ordered as run-flat tires. BMW Assist and accident notification hardware are also included. Safety options will also include night vision, a head-up display, rearview and side-view cameras, dynamic cruise control, park distance control, and adaptive headlights with automatic high beams. Of these, the park-distance control may be the most useful feature, since the Gran Turismo feels wide like an SUV on narrow streets. High seating and low step-in height create good visibility to most angles. TheCarConnection.com will reevaluate the Gran Turismo's safety rating when testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is completed.
Among the 5-Series GT's new features are a revamped iDrive system, which TheCarConnection.com's editors have experienced in the 2009 BMW 7-Series. It's improved and far easier to navigate, and redundant buttons make the cabin more pleasant to operate. Also standard on the 550i GT will be a panoramic sunroof. A navigation system is offered, as are a music hard drive and satellite radio. BMW plans to offer a rear-seat entertainment system with twin LCD screens and a luxury rear-seat package with massaging functions built in, as well as heating and ventilation; a premium audio package with USB connectivity; soft-closing doors and a power liftgate; and a cold-weather package. Satellite radio will be offered, along with integration kits for smartphones like the iPhone to control audio and phone functions via the GT's iDrive controller and voice-activation interface.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo hatch-wagon may puzzle some shoppers, but it knows how to entertain on the road and doesn't mind if you bring company.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, also consider:
- Audi A6 Avant
- Lincoln MKT
- BMW X6
- Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Reason Why:
The 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo is a unique vehicle with few clear competitors. Chief among them is BMW's own X6 crossover, which rides higher and has a more athletic and, conversely, a more rugged stance. It's aimed at SUV-lite fans, while the Gran Turismo is akin to the Lincoln MKT or Mercedes-Benz R-Class. The MKT is a seven-seater, but like the BMW GT, it offers a stellar level of second-row comfort and adds a third-row seat and supercharged V-6 performance to its compelling style. The Audi A6 Avant is one of the more, well, avant-garde wagons on the market, with a sleeker silhouette than the norm, a standard bench for its second-row of seats, and options for all-wheel drive and V-8 power. The Gran Turismo's most direct rival might be the slow-selling Mercedes-Benz R-Class, based on second-row comfort, but the R-Class offers a third-row seat that stretches its proportions to ungainly lengths.
Buying Tip
With the addition of the 2010 5-Series Gran Turismo, it's uncertain whether BMW will offer a traditional station wagon to U.S. shoppers. If you're seeking a more conservative version of the new 5er, stay tuned.
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2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
TheCarConnection.com's car experts researched Web reviews for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK to compile this full review. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK in order to sort through the opinions they found on the Web, to find a consensus among online car-review Web sites, and to help you get to the truth where reviewers had differing opinions.
Likes
Upright styling
Smooth ride quality
Carlike acceleration and grip
Roomy cabin and cargo area
Dislikes
Upright styling
Steering can feel light
Pricey, of course
With vehicles like the BMW X3, Acura RDX, and Land Rover LR2 already on the ground, the other German automakers are playing catch-up. Audi is on the scene with the new 2009 Q5--and now, Mercedes-Benz introduces the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK.
A compact crossover with a big three-pointed star up front and a big price tag in the mid-$30,000s, the Mercedes GLK joins a fast-growing clique of expensive compact crossovers with a hard-edged look that's the exact opposite tack taken by the competition, except Land Rover. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK doesn't bear the family resemblance to the next-bigger Benz ML-Class. It's far more like the seven-passenger GL-Class that's a favorite of TheCarConnection.com's editors--yet, at the same time, it's also a dead ringer for a range of mid-'90s Japanese crossovers like the Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander. The overall look is clean and distinctive, but one that might have to grow on upscale buyers. Inside, it's more of the same--the GLK's instrument panel bears a striking resemblance to BMW interiors, and there's a wide swath of wood trim that helps dress up some of the obvious plastics and some of the retro references.
There's a single engine and transmission combination, for now, in the 2010 GLK. When it goes on sale in the spring, it will be powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. That ample power is transmitted to the road through 4MATIC four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. In this configuration, the GLK's estimated highway fuel economy settles in at 22 mpg. Later, Mercedes promises, rear-drive and diesel-powered GLKs will be added to the lineup. The gas-powered version hits 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds, according to company estimates, and the powertrain's an ample producer of smooth highway swiftness.
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK is obviously not tuned for off-roading, since it responds instantly to minor squeezes on the gas pedal. Shift paddles also underscore that this crossover SUV is truly meant for the open road, not the boulder-strewn one. European buyers get an Off-Road Engineering package that outfits it properly, but not American buyers. Even so, the 4MATIC system isn't without value. The four-wheel-drive system adjusts as the various traction systems determine where torque is needed most; in on-road driving, it can prove very useful in foul-weather driving. On the road, the GLK's light-touch steering and adaptive "Agility Control" suspension give it a friendlier feel than the Land Rover ute, and one quite similar to the BMW X3.
The GLK's cabin and cargo areas are roomy and upright, which means taller drivers will find a comfortable seating position. The front seats in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK are supportive and nicely tailored, and the adjustable and telescoping steering wheel make it easy for TheCarConnection.com's experts to find a great driving position. In the second row, the three-person bench has good enough knee room and headroom, plus the seats flip and fold to create a cargo area of 54.7 cubic feet. The chief complaint in the GLK, and a minor one, is that the cabin doesn't feel as richly appointed as some Benz vehicles, and the retro-ish styling doesn't help.
There's been no scrimping in terms of safety. The glassy, tall-roofed, slim-pillared GLK has few issues with visibility. And it features all the expected safety gear, including standard front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as stability control.
The 2010 GLK's standard equipment list is comprehensive. It includes 19-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, leather trim, a panoramic sunroof, and Bluetooth connectivity. A six-CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a power liftgate, a navigation system, and 20-inch wheels are among the options.
The Bottom Line: The smaller, nimbler 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK sport-ute comes to America at just the right time.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK, also consider:
- BMW X3
- Audi Q5
- Acura RDX
- Land Rover LR2
Reason Why:
The upmarket brands offer compact SUVs with a little more panache than your average Honda CR-V. Acura, in fact, offers its own version of the Honda CR-V in the RDX, though it has much racier styling, a turbo powerplant, and lots of high-tech goodies. The new Audi Q5 matches the new GLK in size but has the sleek silhouette of its big brother, the Q7 ute. BMW's X3 is the granddaddy of this group, and the current version makes up for past sins with a much better ride and improved steering feel. Land Rover's LR2 has the upright style to match the GLK--and true off-road hardware for those so inclined.
Buying Tip
Patient shoppers might want to wait for the diesel version of the Benz GLK. With the company's excellent reputation for diesels, a 35-mpg GLK is a distinct probability.
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2009 Saturn Vue
TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the new Saturn Vue in order to give you an expert opinion. In addition, TheCarConnection.com researched available road tests on the new Saturn Vue to produce this conclusive review and help you make a smart purchase.
Likes
Spacious backseat
Responsive handling
Quiet interior
Occupant safety
V-6 acceleration
Dislikes
Low V-6 fuel economy
Inadequate front seats
Steering wheel doesn't telescope
Limited cargo space
Door panels no longer ding-resistant
The 2009 Saturn Vue is a carlike crossover utility vehicle; completely redesigned last year, it enters this model year with only a few significant upgrades. The host of changes last year includes the replacement of Saturn's ding-resistant polymer door panels with sheetmetal versions, and the decision to relocate production of the Vue from Spring Hill, Tennessee, to Mexico.
The Vue has an exterior design that's quite sporty and athletic, with prominent side gill vents and dual stainless steel exhaust tips in uplevel trims. Inside, the 2009 Saturn Vue offers comfortable seating for five with ample legroom, whereas its competitors often have small third-row seats. Front-seat design, however, could use more support. Typical for models in this class, the Vue's rear seats handily fold flat for a moderate expansion of cargo space. It should be mentioned that the Vue's cabin allows minimal road or wind noise to enter, making it one of the quietest interiors in its class.
The 2009 Saturn Vue comes with a choice of three engines: a 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a 215-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6; or a 257-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6. At 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, the 2.4-liter's fuel efficiency is only adequate with its four-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5-liter pushrod V-6 on the all-wheel-drive XE model gets a six-speed automatic, as does the DOHC 3.6-liter V-6 in the XR and Red Line models. The six-speed automatic can be slow to downshift with anything aside from full throttle, but on the 2009 Saturn Vue Red Line (and optional on the XR), there's manual shift control. All 2009 Saturn Vue models can be equipped with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Weighing more than 4,000 pounds, the Vue has some of the worst fuel-economy ratings in its compact class, at 16 mpg city for the V-6 with all-wheel drive. Both of the V-6 engines provide enthusiastic acceleration, with similar gusto from a standing start, but the 3.6-liter is the choice for its better passing performance and more refined character, as the 3.5-liter is somewhat coarse. A Green Line hybrid model is also offered but is covered by TheCarConnection.com in a separate review.
The steering of the 2009 Saturn Vue feels crisp and precise, and the ride is firm but absorbent enough for most bumps. Also, there's very little body lean in corners--confidence-inspiring in a tall vehicle--thanks to stabilizer bars in front and back. The four-cylinder model uses an electric power steering system that feels rather numb and doesn't transmit the road feel or confidence of the hydraulic power steering included with the V-6s, although the V-6 models have some torque steer--a pull to the side with hard acceleration, especially coming out of a tight corner.
Keyless entry, air conditioning, power windows, and a year of OnStar service are part of the standard-features list on the modestly equipped base-model XE. The XR adds larger alloy wheels, fog lamps, and the dual-outlet exhaust, along with automatic climate control, a power driver's seat, a rear cargo organizer, and steering-wheel audio controls. Options on the top XR include heated leather seats, a sunroof, and the Carbon Flash Special Edition, an appearance and upgrade package.
For 2009, OnStar 7.2 with a Bluetooth hands-free phone connection comes newly standard on XR and Red Line models and as an option on XE models with the Convenience Package (the package also includes heated seats). Optional on all models through Saturn Accessories is a headrest-integrated DVD entertainment system and XM real-time traffic display.
The 2009 Saturn Vue comes with electronic stability control, including a Trailer Sway Control function to help maintain stability while towing, along with anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, head-curtain side airbags, and active head restraints. Panic Brake Assist, which helps shorten emergency stopping distances, is now standard equipment across the line. The Vue fares extremely well in occupant safety. In tests administered by the federal government, the Vue receives a mix of four- and five-star results in frontal impact and top five-star results for side impact. Insurance-industry tests award the top "good" rating to the Vue in all categories.
The Bottom Line: With its available V-6 engine, the 2009 Saturn Vue is a bit more fun to drive than other compact SUVs; otherwise it's not a standout.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Saturn Vue, also consider:
- Toyota RAV4
- Subaru Forester
- Honda CR-V
- Hyundai Tucson
- Ford Escape
Reason Why:
The 2009 Saturn Vue's primary rival is perhaps the Honda CR-V, a vehicle that was recently redesigned and boasts a roomy interior and smooth ride. But the CR-V comes with only a peppy and efficient four-cylinder engine, and it's quite a bit lighter than the Vue. The comparably priced Toyota RAV4 is about the same size as the Vue on the outside, but it has seating for seven and a third-row seat, along with a more efficient four-cylinder engine and a more powerful V-6. The Subaru Forester is another alternative; compared to the Vue, the Forester drives more like a sporty small car, with crisp handling and good performance from its flat-four engine, plus standard all-wheel drive. The Ford Escape, despite a recent reskin, looks dated but is still very competitive, with a space-efficient design. The Vue's fuel economy is not as good as that of either the Ford Escape or Toyota RAV4 when equipped with their optional V-6 engines.
Buying Tip
The Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent are closely related to the 2009 Saturn Vue. Both of them come standard with V-6 engines and more cargo space.
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2008 Saturn Vue
The experienced automotive critics at TheCarConnection.com consulted with the range of information available from General Motors and other sources to put together this review covering the 2008 Saturn Vue models. TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the new Vue and incorporate their experiences whenever possible.
Likes
Quiet interior
Smooth ride and crisp handling
Backseat space
Occupant protection
Dislikes
Ding-resistant door panels are history
Skimpy front seats
Not much cargo space
Steering wheel doesn't telescope
Lacks Bluetooth interface, even as an option
Unimpressive fuel economy with V-6
Saturn's carlike compact SUV, the Vue, has been completely redesigned for 2008, though it's about the same size as last year's model.
The new 2008 Saturn Vue is distinguished by its sportier and more athletic exterior appearance, with prominent side gill vents and dual stainless steel exhaust tips in uplevel trims, including the chrome bar and chunky front end that might not be to everyone's liking. Unlike the previous model, the new Vue has conventional sheetmetal rather than the ding-resistant polymer door panels that used to be a Saturn selling point. The Vue is now also built in Mexico rather than Spring Hill, Tenn.
The 2008 Saturn Vue only has seating for five, in a class where some models feature a small third row, but the backseat space is roomier than typical, with ample legroom. As with most vehicles of its type, the backseats fold flat easily for expanded cargo space--though it isn't especially vast. The front-seat design could use more support, though. It also has one of the quietest interiors in its class, allowing very little road or wind noise.
Three different engines are offered on the 2008 Saturn Vue. A 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder is somewhat fuel-efficient--at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway--but barely adequate with its four-speed automatic; the XE all-wheel-drive model adds a 215-horsepower, 3.5-liter pushrod V-6 engine with a six-speed automatic; the top XR and sporty Red Line models come with a 257-horsepower DOHC 3.6-liter V-6 and a six-speed automatic. A Green Line hybrid model is also offered but is covered in a separate review. At over 4,000 pounds, the Vue has some of the worst fuel-economy ratings in its compact class, at 16 mpg city for the V-6 with all-wheel drive.
Both of the V-6 engines provide enthusiastic acceleration, with similar gusto from a standing start, but the 3.6-liter is the choice for its better passing performance and more refined character, as the 3.5-liter is somewhat coarse. The six-speed automatic can be slow to downshift with anything aside from full throttle, but on the 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line (and optional on the XR), there's manual shift control.
Both handling and ride quality have been improved in the 2008 Saturn Vue. The ride is firm but absorbent enough for most bumps, and there's very little body lean in corners, thanks to stabilizer bars front and back. The steering, meanwhile, feels crisp and precise. The four-cylinder model uses an electric power steering system that doesn't transmit the road feel or confidence of the hydraulic power steering included with the V-6s, although the V-6 models have some torque steer--a pull to the side with hard acceleration, especially coming out of a tight corner.
All three of the 2008 Saturn Vue models can be equipped with front- or all-wheel drive. Base XE models come quite modestly equipped but have keyless entry, air conditioning, power windows, and a year of OnStar service on the standard-features list. The XR adds larger alloy wheels, fog lamps, and the dual-outlet exhaust, along with automatic climate control, a power driver's seat, a rear cargo organizer, and steering-wheel audio controls. Options on the top XR include heated leather seats, a sunroof, and the Carbon Flash Special Edition, an appearance and upgrade package.
The 2008 Saturn Vue fared extremely well in occupant safety. In tests administered by the federal government, the Vue received a mix of four- and five-star results in frontal impact and top five-star results for side impact. Insurance-industry tests awarded the top "good" rating to the Vue in all categories. The Vue comes with electronic stability control, including a Trailer Sway Control function to help maintain stability while towing, along with anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, head-curtain side airbags, and active head restraints.
The Bottom Line: The 2008 Saturn Vue isn't as large as competing models on the inside and isn't the best choice for growing families, but in all other respects, it's a much-improved vehicle.
Other Choices
If you like the 2008 Saturn Vue, also consider:
- Ford Escape
- Hyundai Tucson
- Honda CR-V
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota RAV4
Reason why
With space for five and two rows of seating, the 2008 Saturn Vue competes against the smaller compact crossover vehicles. Its primary rival is perhaps the Honda CR-V, a vehicle that was redesigned last year and boasts a roomy interior and smooth ride. But the CR-V comes only with a peppy and efficient four-cylinder engine, and it's quite a bit lighter than the Vue. The Subaru Forester is another alternative; compared to the Vue, the Forester drives more like a sporty small car, with crisp handling and good performance from its flat-four engine, plus standard all-wheel drive. The Toyota RAV4--closely priced--is about the same size as the Vue on the outside, but it has seating for seven and a third-row seat, along with a more efficient four-cylinder engine and a more powerful V-6. And the Ford Escape, despite a recent reskin, looks dated but is still very competitive, with a space-efficient design. The Vue's fuel economy is not as good as that of either the Ford Escape or Toyota RAV4 equipped with their optional V-6 engines.
Buying Tip
The closely related Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent have a bit more cargo space than the 2008 Saturn Vue, and they come with standard V-6 engines.
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