FC Member Blog

Howard Wilner New BMW Model Release

BY Howard Wilner | 02-16-2009 | 1:47 PM

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

Howard Wilner, Howard Wilner Framingham, Wilner Howard Framingham, Framingham Wilner Howard, Framingham Howard Wilner

Driving Impressions

Behind the wheel, the 2009 Lincoln MKS disappoints compared with its talented rivals. Power from the 3.7-liter V6 is merely adequate, and this engine doesn't sound sufficiently refined for luxury-sedan duty. With the optional 20-inch wheels, the ride is not as smooth as we'd expect from a large luxury sedan, and even the midlevel 19s produce a firmer ride than expected, which may not go over well with the average MKS shopper. Yet handling is borderline sloppy, with pronounced body roll, and steering feel is in short supply. The MKS's elevated driving position and formidable curb weight make it feel more like a crossover SUV than a flagship sedan.

Howard Wilner Audi 50

2009 Honda Pilot Vehicle Overview

Introduction

The first-generation Honda Pilot was a trendsetter, spearheading the initial wave of carlike SUVs that gave rise to the crossover SUV craze. The redesigned 2009 Honda Pilot seems designed to set a trend as well -- namely, a trend toward angular, Jeep-like styling in the midsize crossover SUV segment. We're not sure whether it will catch on, but no one will call the Pilot's new look generic. The real question, though, is whether the virtues of the first-generation Pilot -- one of our favorite midsize crossover SUVs -- have been retained.

The answer is yes and no. On the bright side, Honda has made a point of enlarging third-row accommodations so that actual adults can fit back there, in part by adding an extra inch of width and 3 inches of length. Traditional Pilot traits like a well-cushioned ride, a smooth powertrain and optional four-wheel drive are also present and accounted for. However, the 3.5-liter V6, which receives only mild revisions for second-generation duty, feels sluggish compared to other V6s in this segment. Despite this lack of power, fuel economy is about equal to more muscular competitors. More distressing, though, were the long stopping distances we observed at our test track -- this alone makes it difficult to recommend the Pilot.

Howard Wilner Audi A3

Howard Wilner: Powertrains and Performance

A 3.7-liter V6 is standard on every 2009 Dodge Dakota, producing 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on the ST, with a four-speed automatic available as an option. The rest of the trim levels get the automatic as standard. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all Dakotas, with optional four-wheel drive (standard on the TRX4). Fuel economy estimates with the automatic and rear-wheel drive are 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined. The manual and four-wheel drive minutely affect this mileage. When properly equipped, maximum towing capacity with the V6 is 5,000 pounds.

Optional on all but the base ST is a 4.7-liter V8 that produces 302 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. In performance testing, a 4WD Dakota Laramie crew cab with the V8 went from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. Estimated fuel economy with the V8 and 2WD is 14/19/15 mpg. Opting for 4WD drops consumption by 1 mpg. When properly equipped, max towing capacity is 7,100 pounds.

MY DOCTORS REPORT - Dr Howard Simon MY DOCTORS REPORT - Dr David Johnson MY DOCTORS REPORT - Dr Balan Nair MY DOCTORS REPORT - Dr Syed Zaidi MY DOCTORS REPORT - Dr Laura Otter

JUDGE THIS PERSON - Dr Malcolm Schulz JUDGE THIS PERSON - Dr James Scott JUDGE THIS PERSON - Dr Robert Schneider JUDGE THIS PERSON - Dr Herbert Shapiro JUDGE THIS PERSON - Dr Gregory Sensenich