Howard Wilner 2008 best SUV models

FC Member Blog

BY Howard WilnerMon Feb 23, 2009

This blog is written by a member of our blogging community and expresses that member's views alone.

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Howard Wilner Acura RL
2009 Kia Borrego Vehicle Overview

Introduction

There was a time not all that long ago when automakers couldn't
crank out SUVs quickly enough. During the 1990s and into the new
millennium, even companies that historically stuck to cars jumped on
the SUV bandwagon, developing their own versions of utility vehicles to
satisfy consumers' ravenous appetites for road-going monstrosities. But
oh, how times have changed. As fuel prices continue to rise, more
consumers are turning back toward smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles, and
some automakers have even responded by cutting back production of their
larger vehicles to focus on the small car market. But not Kia. The
Korean company is betting there's still some life in the midsize SUV
segment -- and the stakes are in the form of the new 2009 Kia Borrego.

Kia is hoping to lure customers to its seven-passenger,
body-on-frame SUV with the promise of luxury at a value price. The
Borrego is Kia's first model to offer gadgets such as voice-activated
navigation, Bluetooth, keyless start and a back-up camera. Other
options such as leather seating, an upgraded Infinity audio system and
a rear-seat DVD entertainment system may come as a surprise to shoppers
who may have previously considered Kia strictly a bare-bones brand.

Howard Wilner GMC Sierra
Driving Impressions

While the Lancer DE and ES are reasonably rewarding to drive, the
GTS model is the clear choice for anyone looking for a more spirited
driving experience. The new 2.4-liter engine has more low-end power and
doesn't sound like a giant blender above 3,000 rpm, making for a
friendlier drive whether you're on a twisty road or slogging through
traffic. The GTS also offers a sport suspension, and its 18-inch wheels
team with the taut chassis to provide solid handling.

Most folks will opt for the CVT, but the five-speed manual is a
much better choice with its slick shifter and easily modulated clutch.
With the base 2.0-liter mill in particular, the CVT tends to sap power,
pairing with this already noisy engine to fill the cabin with shrill
sounds reminiscent of irritated livestock. The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
GTS's greater power is a better match for the CVT, but while its paddle
shifters are a useful addition, the five-speed is still preferred.

Howard Wilner National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Howard Wilner Chevy Silverado: Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Audi Q7 is a large luxury crossover SUV that seats five
or seven passengers, depending on the trim level. The base 3.6 model
seats five and comes standard with 18-inch wheels, power front seats,
leather upholstery, a trip computer, dual-zone automatic climate
control and a premium audio system with a six-CD changer and satellite
radio.

The seven-passenger 3.6 models come in three additional variants:
Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The 3.6 Premium level adds rear
parking sensors, a power liftgate, Bluetooth, the Multi Media Interface
(MMI) with a display monitor, heated front seats, and Audi's music
interface with an iPod connector and an auxiliary jack. The midlevel
Premium Plus trim adds front parking sensors, a navigation system with
a rearview camera, driver seat memory settings and a Bose
surround-sound audio system. The range-topping Prestige trim adds xenon
headlights, a blind-spot warning system and voice recognition for the
audio and navigation systems.