Honda Pilot 4WD Touring

Unfortunately, there are three nasty strikes against the Pilot that
send this big hitter in Honda's lineup back to the bench. What could
have been an easy vehicle to recommend instead became one that we
can't. We walked away ultimately disappointed by the 2009 Honda
Pilot...and it had nothing to do with the fact that it looks like a
Pilgrim hat.

Honda Civic Hybrid:

Pros: Admirable fuel economy, exterior design doesn't scream "I'm a hybrid!"

Cons: Painfully slow 0-60 acceleration, small trunk compared to competition, no split-folding backseat, poor braking distances.

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Dodge Dakota

In other words, as a truck, the Dakota did all that was expected —
plus, its innovative under-seat rear storage was an added bonus. When
viewed in a broader context, though, the Dakota was less impressive.
Even though our Laramie tester featured items nothing else in the class
even offers, it was still frightfully expensive given its industrial
interior and punishing ride. This truck feels old, even though it's
only been around since 2004.

Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited: Performance

We paid the price for this plucky performance at the pump, as our
Forester managed a decidedly SUV-like 18.1 mpg over 871 miles of mixed
driving. The EPA rates the Forester XT at 19 mpg city/24 highway — by
comparison, the aforementioned RAV4 V6 is rated at 19/26, and we
managed a cumulative 21 mpg with our long-term RAV4. Handling is also
SUV-grade, as the Forester rolls and bounces its way through tight
corners like a four-wheeled pogo stick. Our best 60-0-mph stopping
distance was an indifferent 125 feet, with the brake pedal evincing a
consistently spongy feel.

2008 Aston Martin Function

Although the interior is a near clone of the DB9 and V8 Vantage,
the DBS features Aston Martin's next generation of controls. Chrome
buttons and white lettering contrast with piano black trim to create an
easily deciphered interface complemented by a smart climate/audio
display borrowed from Volvo. However, some of these buttons can be hard
to reach when the bulky shifter is in 3rd or 5th gear — especially the
multipurpose knob that controls the hard drive navigation system, whose
LCD screen flips up from the dash top. We could also live without the
gauge design, which despite looking quite snazzy, isn't particularly
user-friendly. The tachometer rotates in the wrong direction and the
speedometer features tiny numbers, with 0-80 mph annoyingly residing at
the bottom from 5 to 8 o'clock. The cupholders are also next to
useless, and get in the way of shifting.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD CRD: Performance

The full-time four-wheel-drive option comes with a low-range
transfer case that even allows the driver to select Neutral. This means
it can be towed behind an RV without being put on a trailer. Antilock
disc brakes with brake assist, hill start assist, hill descent control,
as well as stability control and traction control are welcome safety
features to manage off-road and bad-weather driving. In
government-conducted crash tests, this Jeep earned five stars in all
categories except for rollover, where it scored four stars. The Grand
Cherokee comes standard with front and side curtain airbags.

Test Drive: 2008 Audi TT Coupe 3.2 Quattro

Who Should Buy This Vehicle

Someone who adores the styling. Otherwise, the 2008 Audi TT should
appeal to sport coupe shoppers who need more practicality than a BMW Z4
coupe or Porsche Cayman can offer. It should also appeal to those who
want something smaller than a BMW 335i or Audi's own A5. However, its
sport-tuned suspension, taut ride and high price may detract
traditional TT buyers who are just looking for a comfortable and
well-built cute coupe.

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