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Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD CRD: Performance
While the antilock four-wheel disc brakes felt capable around town, the numbers at the test track told another story. With 120-to-130-foot stopping distances from 60 mph becoming common in this age of crossover vehicles, this Jeep took 140 feet to come to a complete stop. Furthermore, the front end dove dramatically during extreme braking. Repeated stops didn't lead to longer distances thanks to the ventilated front discs (solid discs in the rear). The Grand Cherokee Limited comes with 17-inch (P245/65R17 1055) Goodyear Fortera H/L all-terrain tires.
Test Drive: 2007 Acura MDX - Performance
The 2007 Acura MDX is offered with just one engine, a 3.7-liter V6 that's good for 300 horsepower. All MDXs are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). That system is also a child of the '90s, as the current SH-AWD system's forerunner was developed for a car from a simpler era, when Simpson meant O.J. and not Jessica: specifically, the 1997 Honda Prelude Type SH. But the system in its current state debuted in the 2005 Acura RL. It splits torque not only front to rear, but side to side as well.
To complement the stellar all-wheel-drive system, all MDXs with the Sport trim level (such as our test vehicle) come equipped with driver-selectable suspension damping. The result is a vehicle with much of the utility of a traditional SUV, combined with the handling prowess of a sport sedan. The MDX is amazingly sure-footed and adept at tackling corners. Grip is provided by wide 255/55 Michelin tires on 18-inch wheels. The MDX ran our slalom at 62.6 mph, good for a midsize SUV.
For the adjustable suspension, there are two modes: Comfort and Sport. Comfort is best on the highway. Sport, naturally, firms things up a bit and can be fun around town or on twisty roads. But there is a price to pay in Sport mode, as uneven pavement tends to make the MDX feel bouncy.
Steve Giltner
Toyota Prius Performance
Fuel economy is likely foremost in the mind of the typical Prius buyer, and rightfully so. Cars simply do not get more fuel-efficient than the Prius for model-year 2009. With EPA ratings of 48 mpg city/45 highway and 46 combined, the Prius trounces the runner-up in the fuel-economy race, Honda's Civic Hybrid, which registers a mere 40 mpg city/45 highway and 42 combined. We recorded a slightly disappointing 39.5 mpg in this particular Prius, but we got 43.8 mpg earlier this year in a 2008 model, so our feet must have been particularly leaden this time around. Furthermore, in our fuel-sipper smackdown comparison, an identically equipped Prius achieved 52.4 mpg in a dedicated city driving loop.
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Who Should Buy This Vehicle?
Those who don't mind paying through the nose in order to transport up to seven passengers in extraordinary comfort — and like the idea of using less of a finite resource than the gas-powered version. Steven Giltner
Steve Giltner
Acura TL Design/Fit and Finish
We've already gone over the rather controversial exterior, so let's stick to the interior. Those who prefer a mostly stark, businesslike design will be pleased, but those who like pretty wood and flashy chrome should stick to Cadillac and Lexus.
Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV Sport: Function
No such complaints can be made about the iPod integration, which is the best solution for in-car iPod control we've seen to date. Plugged into the USB port beneath the center console bin, an iPod is completely controlled via the multipurpose knob and LCD screen menus that nicely mimic the iPod's actual controls. Playlists, songs, podcasts, etc., can also be selected with a toggle switch/button on the steering wheel, while lightning-quick processing speed sweetens the deal. This is a technology worth copying. Steven Giltner
Audi A4 3.2 Quattro
But don't consider this merely a super-sized version of the old A4. Responding to criticism that the outgoing model wasn't as sharp-handling as other sport sedans, Audi has utilized the new model's longer wheelbase to repackage the drivetrain. The engine is now farther behind the front wheels, which means slightly improved weight distribution from Audi's traditionally front-heavy 60/40 split to about 55/45.
Steven Giltner
Test Drive: 2008 BMW 1 Series 135i Convertible
Design/Fit and Finish
We've already touched on the 1 Series' strange styling, so we won't belabor the point. Inside, it's much more attractive. Our 2008 BMW 135i sported the optional leather seats, done up in Coral Red as part of the distinctive red and black two-tone interior color scheme. Along with real wood trim, this imbued the cabin with a suitably upscale ambience for a ,000-plus car. Build quality was tight with the exception of the wood strip over the center stack, which had a slight gap behind it.