Published by Jason February 9th, 2008
in 4.5 Stars and Volvo.
With 2008 comes a newly designed Volvo V70, and the passing of an era. Gone are the days of boxy, homely Volvos reminiscent of 20+ years in manufacturing. With the updated styling in this year’s model, Volvo has made complete its transformation into a sleek-lined car company, with the DNA of styling running through every car in its lineup.
While the 5-door wagon will never be confused with a true sport-wagon like the Mercedes-Benz AMG E-Class, or even Audi’s RS6 Avante, this wagon holds its own for blending every-day practicality while possibly looking better than any other $32,000 wagon out there (base-price). When adding in Volvo’s renown safety record, and forward-thinking features, you’re getting class, elegance, functionality, and common-sense… And did I mention looks?
Related Posts
Review: 2007 Volvo XC90Review: 2008 Volvo XC70Volvo S80 V8 AWDReview: 2006 Volvo V50 T5 AWD
Published by Jason February 8th, 2008
in 3.5 Stars and Ford.
You don’t get into a Ford F250 Super Duty, you climb into it. Opening the door, and hoisting yourself into the driver’s seat, you suddenly become a “truck driver”, whether you started out as one or not. Turn on the engine, hear the diesel engine grumble to a roar, and put it in gear. Everything about this truck says “Big and Tough,” and as the driver, you begin to take on that persona as well.
I really wish I had a trailer of horses to tow, or a flat-bed filled to the brim with quads and toys, because I’m sure this truck would have delighted in the extra work required, not stopping for a moment to complain, but happily taking whatever you threw at it and asking where you wanted it delivered. It was certainly up for the task. Instead, I was stuck driving it through downtown Portland, navigating smaller cars like a Godzilla avoiding screaming people. For that purpose, I didn’t have as much appreciation for the size and power of the vehicle, as it did me little good (accept to annoy hybrid drivers with my gas guzzing–not that I like doing that.)
Related Posts
Review: Ford Taurus X2008 Ford Taurus X2007 Ford Escape HybridReview: 2006 Volvo V50 T5 AWD
Published by Jason February 1st, 2008
in 5 stars and Land Rover.
I’m going to start right off with the nicest feature I’ve seen in a car this year: When you have 50 miles left on your tank, the LR2 will beep and give you a low fuel warning on your dash. Sure, you say. That’s normal. “Not so fast,” I reply, because then it will automatically turn on the navigation map highlighting all gas stations in your area! This is fantastic! This is technology actually working for us the way we have been promised. This is the future. Your car knows you need gas and is helping you find gas stations without any action on your part, a completely automated system. While this feature may exist in other cars–and truthfully, I don’t tend to test the low-mileage feature on them–this is the first time I’ve seen it. All manufacturers who employ technology in this way should be congratulated, and rewarded. Thank you Land Rover. I heart you.
As for the rest of the car? It didn’t disappoint.
Related Posts
Review: 2006 Lexus LX 470911, A Thing, ‘Vette, Rover, Element and AccordReview: 2006 Mini CooperMost Amazing Barn Find EVER!!! Portuguese Barn Filled with Classic Cars
Published by Jason January 21st, 2008
in 4.5 Stars and Jeep.
The 2008 Liberty is back with a whole new look, and an updated platform to make this one of the more enjoyable small-to-mid sized SUVs I’ve driven recently. I’m a big fan of the Commander, which is the big, strong, SUV in Jeep’s lineup that commands respect both on- and off-road, and the new Liberty truly feels like it belongs in the same family. With it’s increased size, and upgraded suspension, taking this vehicle into the snow was thoughtless as it handled slippery terrain with absolute confidence. It delivered reliably on the pavement as well with style points left over.
In general, I appreciate the new look a lot. I don’t mind the rounded features of past Liberties, but they always seemed sort of “cute” to me. Not so with the updated styling, looking lean and mean and strong. The new grill also looks less like the Wrangler and more like the kid brother of the Commander as well. Inside, the new platform gave a little more leg room for both the backseat and the driver, with both sets of passengers appreciating it. The interior is a slight bit on the bland side, but very clean and easy to manage. All details were logical and felt like they belonged. Another notable change was the transition from a rear door with a side-hinged door to a top-hinged lifting gate (complete with separate opening glass window). I go back and forth on which I prefer, but I do like moving the spare tire into the interior and off the rear gate, as it can interfere with bike racks and other rear mounted items (I know you can put a standard bike rack on top of the spare, I’ve done it, but I don’t believe you can use a hitch mounted bike rack, which is my preference with SUVs this tall).
Related Posts
Review: 2008 Nissan Altima SedanReview: Ford F250 Super DutyReview: 2008 Subaru ImprezaReview: Ford Taurus X
Published by admin January 20th, 2008
in 3 Stars and Kia.
by Holly Glaspey
Okay, so I didn’t take a picture of myself sprawled out over the hood and send it to all my friends when I was granted a week with the Kia Spectra5. However, we still shared some happy memories. This Kia is a really great size—plenty of room for four and the camping gear, yet I still felt like I was driving a compact car.
The interior again is nothing flashy, but all the essential features are there, and very user-friendly. I like it when I can get in a car for the first time and have virtually no “training time”. All the features I needed were right where I expected them to be, and worked exactly how I expected them to work–no brain required. There is a jack for an external audio player, which I did not use but do appreciate for longer trips. Sure, I miss the heated seats, but the car won bonus points with me for the quick acting heating vents. It warmed up before I finished my 6-minute drive to the office.
Related Posts
Smokey and the Bandit turn 30, Beer run ensues in honor2007 Chrysler Pacifica TouringReview: 2007 Dodge NitroWe’re BACK!
