| From MomShack.com Travel
This is not going to be a great year for new cars and so if you can get a great deal on a 2007 model you may want to move now. There are essentially only a handful of vehicles that can stir the credit juices and most of them ignore the current cost of fuel and the belief that good transportation should be more than for the rich. One note of caution, with the steady decline of the US dollar in relation to almost every other currency on this planet, you can pretty much expect to pay more for parts made elsewhere. Yet another side effect of the USA's huge deficit is the fact that oil Middle Eastern oil producers may elect to switch over to Euros rather than dollars, if they have not already done so, making the possibility for a gas prices to not only be allegedly controlled by supply and demand, but also currency swings. Regardless, it is good to be able to write off fuel costs like the rich guys do by using them for business. The 800-pound gorilla in the mix is the new Honda Accord. It is larger, better handling, and a bit more potent as well as being filled with the latest technology. However, the older model is nearly as good and the 2007s are going for bargain basement prices. Unless you want the totally new model, the existing Honda Accord might just be the family value of the year. Prices start around $21,000 for the LX. Much to our chagrin, the Toyota Corolla is not ready for introduction. One of our all time favorites for its incredible gas mileage, room, handling, and cost, the new Corolla has quite a heritage. We think that the new Corolla and Matrix will drive down the prices of existing models so now is a great time to consider the 2008 models of these gas sippers. From what we are seeing everything is going to be more expensive, more expensive to fix, and more expensive to insure. Very few are going to be less expensive to run and fewer yet and going to offer new technology that could reduce costs. In a world with a shrinking middle class there is also a shrinking middle class of vehicles. The high end Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls Royce and the like get sold out order books while the Mazdas, Fords, and Chevrolets struggle for sales as credit short blue shirt workers struggle with rising living costs. The most aggressive company this year is Audi and they clearly are pushing the other German companies around. The new Audi R8 is much better than the Porsche and the new A4 is probably going to be the car of the year for the near luxury crowd. Look for Honda to win that honor with the Accord and the Saturn Vue to win SUV or truck of the year followed by the new Volkswagen Tiguan unless the voters are car family friendly and then the new Dodge/Chrylser minivans are much improved and very useful. Most important new trend is the return of the diesel, this time in a very much-improved way. We absolutely adore the Mercedes Bluetec in the E Class where we consistently got over 30 mpg in mixed driving. Fast and very user friendly. Our favorite car. Also in the wings are the Volkwagen diesels, the hopefully arrival of the Honda diesels, and the improvement of the hybrids so as they can run on battery power for longer periods. General Motors has joined the hybrid group with their larger SUVs. Too bad they didn’t put them in the Cobalt. Worst cars of the year go to the overpriced, visibility inhibited Hummer H2 and H3 with their lack of interior space and poor resale. Following would be the Porsche Cayenne that is a fast SUV with a huge price tag and a gas gulpier as well. Volkswagen’s Toureag offers more for less unless you want to go fast. And, if you do, why in the world would you want a large SUV for that purpose knowing their handling flaws and fuel consumption. In addition, before buying this Porsche check the quality ratings. Ford has nothing really new. Chrysler has the sharp new minivan and a very usable small SUV in the Demon. General Motors is putting more power in the god awful Hummer which for those drivers who don’t give a damn. Aston Martin DBSA V12 engine, sexy lines, and a price tag probably that makes the more powerful Bentley GT seem like a bargain, Aston Martin probably knows this and so is only planning 300 to keep it exclusive rather than compete with the Bentley. Aston Martin won’t let us test so we can expect that they are relying its exclusivity to sell rather than performance. By the way, Bentley lets us test, as they have no fear of what the real working press thinks. We have snuck some rides in the Aston Martin and found them under whelming for the price. Good looking to be sure, but resale value could cost you plenty. Well the ownership change provide vehicles for the press to test, back up warranties, and create a vehicle that combines both elegancy and performance with modern technology is anyone’s guess. Audi This company is rapidly becoming the most aggressive European firm delivering well-priced products that stimulate both in driving dynamics and interior comforts. The A4, one of our favorites, gets larger, thankfully, and comes with a variety of engines from the base 200 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four to the 3.2-liter V-6 with 264 horsepower. Transmission choices consist of a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, and CVT. We found the CVT excellent giving us over 35 mpg on the highway. As usual, you can order Quattro all-wheel drive. Starting around $30,000. Audi also brought to market a new TT Coupe and Roadster that are better in everyway. Finally, Audi has offered these jellybeans with an optional 250 hp 3.2L V6 engine which is badly needed with all wheel drive.
However the biggest sound out of Audi is that of the overpriced Porsche 911 hitting the obsolete pile. The R8. is Audi’s mid-engine sports car complete with a 420 hp engine that gets to 60 mph in just over four seconds. Terrific handling, and much more civilized than the Porsche. Better looking, too and you can even get a rear view camera to help with parking this peach.
Accompanying these outstanding new products is a RS 4 Cabriolet. With the same 420 hp at 7,800 rpm engine that comes in the R8 plus a S5 two-door coupe featuring a 354 hp 4.2 FSI V8 engine or a 265 hp 3.2 FSI V6 engine.
Bentley Brooklands The Bentley Brooklands coupe has 530 horsepower derived from a twin-turbocharged 6.75 liter V8, but don’t bother looking for the 550 as they have all been spoken for despite a $340,000 plus price tag. Oh, yea, the sexy Continental GT gets more power, is less expensive, and gets more looks. But it doesn’t have the space or the collector interest.
BMW The 1-Series is in the house. Smaller, bubbly, and fast, this new BMW comes with some dynamic engines, including the possibility of the twin-turbo 300 horsepower powerplant. Look for several versions from convertible to coupe to sedan in the coming years. M and M If you need serious speed and can afford it the V10 engine in the 5 Series should help offset logic in the M5. The M3 finally gets a V8 and everything else BMW has more power. Forget the horsepower numbers, they can’t begin to explain the spine tingling, addicting, and expensive pleasure these driving machines provide. Pay the man. Buick The Enclave is a loaded crossover that Buick that shares its platform for the well regarded GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. It comes loaded with features such as xenon headlights and can carry eight adults. You get your choice of all wheel or front wheel drive and it is quite elegant for the price. Meanwhile, Buick is also brining its LaCrosse and Lucerne vehicles into battle with a Super title going to those with a little jazzier exterior and a handling package. Some engine tweaks might create a minor buzz, but the big news here is 300 horsepower engines under the hood. Cadillac Cadillac continues to impress with fresh designs and potent powerplants. The CTS has been redesigned and has two engine choices of note. There is the 3.6-liter V6 with direct fuel injection that provides about 300 horsepower and one without this feature that has 263 horsepower. Cadillac is also tempting the younger buyer with a hard-drive enabled stereo and a V8 that could well bust through the 400 horsepower ceiling. The STS can be had as a supercharged 469 horsepower STS-V or a milder V6. The revamped styling makes a compelling reason to rethink Cadillac as an oldster’s car. Chevrolet Chevrolet Malibu gets a facelift and loses the handy Maxx version. The Malibu is a much more complete car than the one it replaces and you can add a panoramic sunroof and a 252-horsepower all-aluminum V6. This car easily competes with similar sedans from Ford, Nissan, and Toyota for value and features. Chevrolet’s Tahoe GMC Yukon hybrids now can operate at low speeds on electric power alone. If you need a really big SUV this might be of note, but the Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and are easier to live with, smoother, and good value. Chrysler/Dodge Chrysler’s Sebring convertible is a big convertible meant for vacations, people who like a convertible and still need the room of a sedan, and those who don’t want to be bothered with rough handling. We tested the Sebring and its cost in the $30,000 range makes it a bit dear. You can get it with a soft top or a retractable hardtop and still have room in the trunk. The Town and Country van is new and better. There is a delightful Swivel ’n Go seating system that features second-row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row. You also get a removable table that installs between the two rows, an integrated booster seat and power-folding rear seats as options. Better performing engine choices and better handling make this easily as good as the Honda Odyssey for families. However, the Kia Sedona is less expensive, albeit without some of Chrysler’s unique and useful features. Dodge’s Avenger is a smaller version of the Charger and comes with available all wheel drive. You can also get it with a sports tuned suspension, a hard drive for the stereo, and an easy to live with price. This is well worth a test drive if you are looking for a mid-sized sedan with a little attitude. Viper’s V10 now makes 600 horsepower and is a little easier to live with on the street. Ferrari The only news is the 430 Scuderia. For about $225,000 you can own a 503 horsepower coupe that weights just 2800 pounds. Since we can’t even get waited on in a Ferrari showroom let alone get a test drive, we don’t know jack about this Italian. Just pay the premium, pay the gas-guzzler tax, and drive around town all day in second to hear that glorious exhaust note. Ford Ford’s Focus looks different this year and has a suspension upgrade. The Shelby GT convertible, which loaded goes for over $35,000, can be ordered as a coupe or convertible. Nice looking, but the handling is the best part. The Shelby GT500 KR has a higher output engine that produces over 500 horsepower. The Ford previously known as the Five Hundred is now the Taurus. Finally getting some needed horsepower, this well regarded family vehicle has a new 3.5 liter 260 horsepower V6 and optional all-wheel-drive system. Still sedate, it is a comfortable ride with no pretensions of being something other than a safe sedan. Ford is also brings a Taurus X, a SUV that has a 3.5-liter V-6 and is the closest thing that Ford offers to the old LTD station wagon in terms of being useful. It is similar to the awfully good Ford Edge and both are the best SUVish vehicles Ford has ever produced.
Honda Honda's all-new Accord coupe and sedan are bigger. The ride and quietness are also upgraded in the new model. The new Honda fits into the middle of the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Camry, but isn’t much ahead of either and don’t forget competition from the Ford Fusion and the new Chevrolet Malibu. The Honda has three engines. The new 3.5-liter V-6 has 268 horsepower and delivers exceptional gas mileage with its running on three, four, or six cylinder technology. But our favorite is the midlevel 190-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Plenty of poke and gas mileage near the top of the 20 mph grouping. Brakes are okay, but someone has been a bit too smart with the interior and it takes getting used to some of the knobs and gauges. The rear seat does not split when folded down and the trunk is the same size as the last model. This will truly be a test for Honda loyalists, but the handling and fuel mileage should enable the Accord to appease the choir. Hyundai Every year we are surprised at the quality of the Hyundai products. This year the large SUV, the Veracruz, surfaced and it is a good one. A powerful engine, refined ride, lots of standard features, and a price well under the competition make this a value leader. However, do you really need to large SUV? Also keep your eyes out for a Genesis sedan with a large output engine. Infiniti The G37 Coupe with its V6 engine producing 330 horsepower is a looker. It can make the BMW look sheepish for a lot less money. In the wings is a new small crossover. Jaguar Jaguar XF and XJ have been redesigned. A XKR Portfolio with a 420 horsepower engine is coming and so is a smaller Jaguar. Our advice is to wait for the new S model if you are looking for a sedan. Regardless, with Jaguar’s quality numbers improving and its elegant looks, this is the car to own if you want to make a statement about class. Jeep Liberty The Liberty is slightly larger and has a “Sky Slider” canvas roof option. Bargain prices, it can be claimed with an entertainment system that includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive for storing music and files and the freshened Jeep has a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6. You can order a new Selec-Trac II full-time system or Command-Trac part-time system. The Grand Cherokee gets a face lift and the rest of the line is stable. Kia Nothing new here, but this manufacture has some stimulating bargains in the Sedona van and its small and large sedans. We absolutely adore the Kia Rondo. It is a must drive for families who want a tidy minivan that handles well and gets excellent fuel mileage. Lexus Lexus is clearly going after BMW, and also stepping all over the expensive manicured nails of the Porsche Boxter with its new high-performance IS-F featuring a 5-liter V8 engine with an estimated 400 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. If this isn’t too nose heavy there is simply no reason to buy the Porsche, and the free maintenance plan from BMW may be all that separates this Lexus from their M squad. Also new is the Lexus flagship, the long-wheelbase LS 600h L with a new 5-liter V8, dual-stage continuously variable transmission, and two electric motors, giving a peak output of 430 horsepower. And, this heavily equipped sedan also has all wheel drive. Priced at just under $110,000, this is the Lexus showpiece. Fairly fast, capable of consistent fuel mileage of about 24 mpg, and with enough options to make it the equal of much more expensive German sedans, this is one Lexus you need to drive to appreciate. Be warned, there isn’t much trunk space, but the backseat room is huge. Also online is a thirsty SUV dubbed the LX 570. With a to 381horsepower V8, this is a big SUV with pretty much everything as standard equipment. Mazda Mazda’s real sleeper is the M5 minivan. This handy sized van does everything well and, although not a speed merchant, can keep up on the highway. Well priced and it has an interior that is very well laid out. An underrated vehicle. Mazda’s Speed6 has all wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, but it is listed at nearly $30,000. Stick with the base model and save a bundle if you can live without the speed part. As always the car formerly known as the Miata is just plain fun. It comes with an available retractable hardtop and has just enough power to make driving a delight. A perfect sports car for those who like to drive, but don’t have a lot of money. Maserati Gran Turismo The GranTurismo coupe is eye catching and has 405 horsepower, but it isn’t quick and isn’t that great at handling a twisty course. On the other hand it is a magnificent grand touring machine and is elegant as well as athletic. This is one car that photos don’t do justice. Mercedes What an improved portfolio. The new C-Class is bigger, better, and comes in a diverse array of products including the C300 Luxury, C300 Sport and C350 Sport with engines yielding from 228 horsepower to 268 horsepower. You can also order all-wheel-drive and all models have a 7-speed automatic transmission. The smilemobile from Mercedes is the CL63 AMG, with 457 horsepower in a convertible no less. Call us smitten. Still our very favorite family vehicle is the E Class Bluetec sedan with the diesel engine that provides 35 mpg on the road and plenty of spunk in traffic. Starting prices are around $52,000, but worth every penny. The diesel also comes in other model Mercedes products, but is not available in all states. Nissan The Altima coupe is adorable. Smallish, lightish, and with an optional 270 horsepower V6, this is one mean dog. Nicely priced and it clearly shows that you don’t have to pay Porsche or BMW prices to have a canyon runner with legs. Rogue. This crossover style SUV is interesting looking, but hardly elegant. It almost looks old right out of the box. With a tight, but well planned interior the Rouge is certainly a much superior vehicle than the awful Hummer models. A lot of interior storage and a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder that is ample for most driving endeavors. The CVT works very well. Nissan seems to have the best version of this economic transmission marvel and we highly recommend it if you travel in traffic a great deal. You can even get paddle shifters to help you feel in control. The handling is super and you can easily get in the low 20-mpg range. Pricing is very competitive making the crossover SUV market the most interesting for buyers. Porsche Porsche is offering a more powerful 911 that is also more expensive. No wonder they are one of the biggest money making car manufacturers on the planet. We have found the 911s are good, but the others not. Our reward for publishing that information was that Porsche has refused to let us test any more products after doing it for over a decade. Our best advice is not to be swayed by the speed, but check the service department and talk to technicians before paying those insurance premiums and maintenance fees. Nevertheless, the Porsche cabriolet is a most solid open top car. You might want to check out the “Is Your Porsche a Lemon” article http://www.sportscarmarket.com/Legal-Files/2007/September/ The Porsche Cayenne has a more powerful engine, still gets questionable gas mileage, and has very little interior room. But, hey, it’s a Porsche, and who ever said buying a car had to be a rational decision. The expensive 911 Turbo Cabriolet is really a bargain considering it is one of the fastest convertibles available with a 480-horsepower engine. It can probably outrun the sun’s rays. But, check those insurance rates and maintenance fees first. If you can handle it, this is the ragtop to own. Mitsubishi Mitsubishi’s Lancer is nice looking, as all Mitsubishi products, but doesn’t have the solid feel we like for the money. Like Mazda, it is trying to capture the sporty but frugal buyer and that is difficult to do. The Evolution should be the big draw at the dealership, but this rocket is a bit too edgy for us. A good warranty and good looks keeps this company ticking. Pontiac Pontiac’s GXP version of the G6 comes in coupe of sedan form and is quite interesting in both appearance and interior appointments. However, the whole world is waiting for the rear-wheel-drive G8 with a 3.6-liter V6 or 362 horsepower 6.0-liter V8 engine choice. Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe. It costs over $400,000 uses gas like a broken pipeline, and has front opening doors. All this makes it special to those who are into conspicuous consumption. Saab A much better 9-3 breaks cover this year with less torque steer, very good fuel mileage, and excellent safety features. The convertible is stunning. Look for all wheel drive in future models and a 280-horsepower turbocharged V6 for the 9-3 sedan and SportCombi wagon. Saturn They are putting a lot of work into the new Saturn line and it is bound to pay off. The Astra is an excellent replacement for the Ion and the Vue is so much better than it s predecessor that it deserves a new name. The Vue comes in a hotted up Red Line version and a Green Line model with some hybrid features such as an engine that shuts off at stoplights. These two vehicles added to the already worthwhile Aura make the Saturn line up the strongest in the General Motors family for utility and gas mileage. Scion The xB is completely redesigned and the xD replaces the xA. The xB has been made more spacious. The xD is the smaller and has the lesser price tag. All this is very confusing. The best bet is to see them side-by-side and you are going to notice a huge difference. For a couple of extra thousand the xB offers more of everything including a 158 horsepower engine and room for five adults. You can get pretty much everything as an option, but the most appreciate feature is the higher output engines. We like the tossability of the xB, but it is hard to resist the extras you get with it big brother, the xB. If you need room, want to make a statement, and can’t resist cute these are good deals. Smart Well, the Smart is here, finally. The two models are the fortwo coupe and fortwo cabrio both of which are less than nine feet long making them easy to park, maneuver, and garage. Look for prices to start in the low $10,000 range with the cabriolets getting much more dear. Fuel economy isn’t all that great, but this is a handy vehicle and so the 40 mpg or so figure might not be its main selling point. A great delivery vehicle, the Smart does not feel small on the inside and can keep up with traffic but side winds get your attention. Subaru A new look, a few more horsepower are what Subaru is offering this year. As always a fun car to drive and very fuel efficient for all wheel drive models. Suzuki may have the best vehicle you never heard of for sale this year. The SX4 sedan is chassis has responsive handling, and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 143 horsepower priced under $14,000 this Suzuki is available with front wheel drive. Given the terrific warranty this Suzuki is deserving of a test drive. Tesla Roadster For just under $100,000 you can own a battery powered two seat roadster that can go up to 200 miles before recharging and is quite fast. Not for everyone, but the promised sedan might be. The Tesla uses lithium-ion batteries so do your homework about these before you buy. Toyota Where is the Corolla? While waiting for that much-anticipated model consumers will have the opportunity to buy a all new Highland with a better chassis and more room and power from an available 270 horsepower V6. A hybrid version is also planned with an electric only option until the car reaches 25 mph. Interestingly, the Lexus 400 RX hybrid we drove two years ago did this until over 30 mph. Volkswagen The GTI gets a anniversary edition, the Jetta gets a long awaited wagon version, the Golf gets a R32 all wheel drive version with 250 or so horsepower, and a terrific new small SUV called the Tiguan comes to life for Volkswagen. Look for more diesels, and a Touareg 2 large SUV. This could be the year that Volkswagen starts an upswing in sales, especially if they get those diesel models certified in all states. Volvo The Volvo V30 is a retro styled two-door hatchback that harkens back to the
Volvo P1800. If you can’t remember that don’t worry, this nice looking sporty
coupe is pricey, fairly fast, and has a subdued interior. The V30 is sure to be
noticed, but it priced way to high to bring in many youthful buyers and not
powerful enough to entice those who like to drive hard despite a turbocharged
five cylinder engine. Lots of safety features. For a list of all vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com and click on business.
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Wendy Shepherd :CREATOR : OWNER : FOUNDER : Studio Matrix