Published by Jason June 10th, 2008
in 4.5 Stars and Nissan.
While reviewing the Altima Coupe, I joked that, while the Sedan may be a nice kid, the Altima Coupe would always be the favorite child. Now, after a few days in the sedan, I realize I may have spoken a bit too soon.
With an entry price of just $19,000 (or up to $30,000 with all the features added), the Altima offers itself to a very wide range of buyers, and provides excellent value to all of them. The comfortable seats, well placed interior, spacious cockpit are all high-above most competitors. I personally found the interior to be among the best Nissan has ever designed. It was very well thought out, and incredibly functional while maintaining a level of comfort and everyday usability that I hope every car strives for.
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Published by Jason February 15th, 2008
in 4 Stars and Nissan.
The family-friendly four-door is often the forgotten sibling in households that also offer a two-seater sports coupe, and in the case of the Altima Coupe, it’s easy to see why. While technically looking related to it’s slightly larger, and more door-endowed brother, the Altima Coupe got all the looks in all the right places. The grill, the wheels, the sleek rear window, even slightly adjusted headlamps tell a story of mischief and trouble that the older, more mature four-door just doesn’t seem to know about. And I’m sure as the proud parent of the sedan, the coupe would always be the favorite child.
Driving the Altima was as rewarding an experience as I’ve had in a while. It was comfortable, thanks to nicely bolstered seats and comfortable leather. It was quiet on the highway. It was tight and agile in the corners. It was snappy and ready to go in the throttle. And starting around $21,000 (and delivering 175 hp), this was quite a car with quite an appeal for anyone willing to live with two doors. If you bump that dollar amount to the $26,000 range and get yourself a 3.5 SE, you’ll be negotiating and extra 95 horsepower, taking the total to 270. $5000 for extra luxuries and almost 100 horsepower can only be described as a win-win.
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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?
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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).
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Published by admin January 10th, 2008
in 4 Stars and Mini.
by Holly Glaspey
Parallel parking has never been this fun. In case driving around in a convertible didn’t make one feel smug enough, pulling up to spaces 95% of cars can not even consider, and swinging in one-handed on the first try is a big perk for me with this little gem. So long as the top is down, changing lanes is a lot of fun too–I confess that behind the Mini wheel, I became a bit prone to “darting.”
There doesn’t seem to be much gray area in Mini public opinion. Most people who saw me in the car were dying for a ride, but those who weren’t didn’t want to touch it with a ten-foot pole. But I’m really on the fence: if you have to describe the Mini in one word it’s easy—FUN. This car made me more excited about “the driving experience” and “the journey” than any other I have ridden in or driven. However, I am not running to the nearest dealership. I felt plenty of “go” moving from second to third or third to fourth, but from a red light or up a steep hill I was disappointed. I was also uncomfortable driving with the top up because of the horrible visibility out the back window. One more note on the convertible top: I never used the half-way open, “built-in sunroof” setting. With the heated seats and the visibility issues, it just seemed like I might as well go all the way.
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