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2009 Dodge Viper Vehicle Overview

Introduction

When it comes to supercars, European automakers typically represent refinement, couture style and technological advancement, to the point of sterility. Here in the States, supercars are comparatively raw, visceral and rugged to the point of brutality. We're the sledgehammer to their scalpel, the bucking bronco to their show horse and the Bourne to their Bond. For better or worse, that's how we roll.

The current, third-generation Viper maintains the excitement and soul of the 1989 Carroll Shelby-inspired concept, with the obligatory low-slung body, long hood housing a massive V10, comically wide tires and gruff side exhaust pipes. The Dodge Viper doesn't ask permission and makes no apologies. Despite technological advances over the past two decades, the Viper has just enough safety equipment to make it legal, delegating the remaining responsibility to the hands and feet of the driver. If the performance numbers alone aren't enough to cause heart palpitations, consider that traction and stability control are not available, and circumstances can go from exhilarating to terrifying in short order.

It is this unfiltered, uncomplicated nature that makes the Viper so attractive to enthusiasts, hearkening back to eras when drivers were heroic, rugged and relied on the seats of their pants rather than electronic aids. For those seeking more comfort, refinement and everyday driving manners, there are always the Corvette Z06, various European offerings such as the Audi R8 and Porsche 911, and even Nissan's new GT-R. However, the 2009 Dodge Viper bests the Z06 in practically every applicable performance metric and is significantly less expensive than anything comparable from the Old World. In the end, it comes down to what you're willing to compromise -- performance or finesse.

Driving Impressions

With an even 8 inches of ground clearance -- up 0.2 inch from the previous model -- the 2009 Pilot should make quick work of light-duty off-road tasks when equipped with all-wheel drive. But most Pilot owners are about as likely to leave the pavement as the Pilot is to receive an official "trail rating." Around town, the 3.5-liter V6's relative lack of low-end torque makes it feel rather flat-footed off the line. Passing power isn't much better, as Honda's VTEC technology uncharacteristically fails to bring the V6 to life at higher rpm. And although the feel of the brake pedal instills confidence, the Pilot turned in an unacceptable braking performance at our test track, requiring almost 150 feet to stop from 60 mph. That's nearly 20 feet longer than some competing crossovers.

Dynamically, the 2009 Honda Pilot feels every bit as big as it looks. There's bountiful body roll, and brake dive is significant even at low speeds. The reasonably precise steering is extraordinarily slow but nicely weighted, and the soft suspension affords a comfortable ride over rough roads and on the highway. The latter traits should endear the Pilot to family-minded buyers.

US Online America Group News :Powertrains and Performance

The Flex is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that churns out 262 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission. The Flex is either front- or all-wheel drive, although the latter is available only on the SEL and Limited. We managed a respectable 8.8-second 0-60 gallop in the AWD Flex. EPA fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive Flex is 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined, which is on par with GM's full-size crossovers. Opting for AWD drops those numbers by about 1 mpg.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2009 Ford Flex's interior quality is top-notch, with abundant soft-touch materials and an attractive, upscale design. The spacious layout affords true seven-passenger seating -- even the third row is hospitable for full-size adults, offering surprisingly generous leg- and headroom, although the second-row seat tracks impinge on third-row foot room, and the third-row armrests aren't padded like the others. The available Microsoft Sync system imbues the Flex with a high-tech character, offering trick features like advanced voice-recognition software for MP3 players as well as cell phones. Other intriguing options such as the Vista roof, Sirius Travel Link and rear-console refrigerator extend the Flex's appeal.

One notable misstep, however, is the Flex's lack of a telescoping steering column -- an inexcusable omission at this price point. Our longer-legged editors found that they had to adopt a straight-armed driving position in order to reach the wheel. Also, the Flex's seats may be on the narrow side for larger folks. Moreover, the Flex's maximum cargo capacity of 83 cubic feet, which is more than adequate for most purposes, is smaller than GM's large crossovers and positively dwarfed by that of any minivan.

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Interior Design and Special Features

Although the overall design is fairly handsome, the H3T's rather plain interior doesn't quite match its macho exterior. Build quality is solid, but the H3T's competitors utilize nicer materials. Also, stereo and climate interfaces aren't as user-friendly as those found in other GM vehicles. Still, the versions with the leather seating have an attractive two-tone color scheme along with contrasting piping on the seats, which spruces things up.

The seats are comfortable, though many drivers may take issue with the high beltline and low-profile window design, as they lead to lousy outward visibility. Rear-seat passengers enjoy ample legroom and decent support, but taller folks may find themselves uncomfortably close to the roof. The cargo box is about 5 feet long; though this is about the same as the offerings from the H3T's chief rivals, they typically offer 6-foot boxes as well.

2009 Toyota Corolla Vehicle Overview

Introduction

About 400,000 people will buy a Toyota Corolla sometime during the 2008 calendar year. One-quarter of these likely buyers are in their 60s. Almost as many are in their 20s. Despite the huge age gap between these groups, their primary motivation for buying is the same: reliability. With such a steady and diverse following for its compact sedan, Toyota usually undertakes major redesigns with a light hand: Although changes underneath the surface may be significant, each new Corolla invariably retains its predecessor's basic styling cues and overall driving demeanor. And so it is with the redesigned 2009 Toyota Corolla.

That's not to say you won't appreciate the differences on the new Corolla. For instance, although it's not any longer or taller than last year's car, it rides on a wider track, and this opens up noticeably more hip- and shoulder room in the cabin. The addition of a telescoping steering wheel improves upon the Corolla's historically awkward driving position, while new features like an auxiliary audio input, keyless startup and a navigation system with real-time traffic updates bring Toyota's compact sedan into the 21st century in terms of feature content.

Since fuel economy is another big reason people buy Toyota Corollas, most versions of this sedan continue to use an efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder. This engine is heavily revised for 2009 and now features variable timing for both its intake and exhaust valves. Power increases are modest on paper, but the results are apparent on the road: In spite of a 200-pound weight gain, the 2009 Toyota Corolla is a touch quicker than the '08 model and capable of returning comparable gas mileage.

Most of the Corolla's rivals offer larger engine options, though, and for '09, Toyota is following suit. The high-line XRS trim level returns to the model line, and it's motivated by a 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-4, which promises to shave a second off the car's 0-60-mph time. In keeping with its heightened performance focus, the Corolla XRS has quicker steering, bigger wheels and a front strut tower brace.

With two engines and five trim levels at their disposal, most 2009 Toyota Corolla buyers will have little difficulty equipping one to taste. Although competitors such as the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer and Nissan Sentra offer comparable interior room and amenities, Toyota's compact sedan remains a fine choice for a commuter car given its composed ride quality, above-average gas mileage and high overall level of refinement. However, we question whether the company has done enough to meet increased expectations for performance and handling in this class. Even in sporty XRS trim, the '09 Corolla does little to engage its driver. Shopped against genuinely entertaining alternatives like the Mazda 3, Civic and Lancer, Toyota's economy sedan remains a tough sell.

About US Online America Group : Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Kia Borrego midsize SUV is available in two main trim levels, LX and EX. Rear-drive Borrego LX V6 models come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a back-up warning system, an integrated tow hitch, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering column and a six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB port and auxiliary jack. The EX V6 trim adds foglights, heated outside mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Borrego V8 models are also offered in the same LX and EX trim levels and are very similar in terms of equipment, but come standard with 18-inch wheels. Four-wheel-drive models are equipped similarly and also have a windshield de-icer.

In terms of options, there's a Convenience Package for LX models that adds leather seating and a power driver seat. Two additional option packages, Luxury and Premium, are available exclusively on the EX. The Luxury Package includes chrome wheels, leather upholstery, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, a memory function for the driver seat and heated front seats. The Premium Package adds running boards, a sunroof, a 10-speaker Infinity audio system, rear air-conditioning controls and a rear back-up camera. Additional options for the EX include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and voice-activated navigation.

US Online America Group Info Interior Design and Special Features

The Grand Caravan's design theme can be described as appropriately plain and utilitarian. Audio controls are mounted very high for easy viewing and use (although the optional touchscreen and its menus can be cumbersome). The climate controls are located a little too low and require a downward glance away from the road.

Like all minivans, the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan has its fair share of innovative interior features. The most notable are the various second-row seating choices. Standard Stow 'n Go features a pair of captain's chairs that disappear into the floor (as the third row does) creating a perfectly flat load floor and up to 140 cubic feet of cargo room with no hernia-causing seat lifts. Unfortunately, Stow 'n Go's short seatbacks aren't as comfortable as conventional chairs -- like those found in the optional Swivel 'n Go. As the name suggests, these can be spun around to create a trainlike face-to-face traveling experience for second- and third-row passengers. Fittingly, a pole-mounted table can be fitted in between both rows with Swivel 'n Go. Other innovative features include two rear video screens (one that swivels), a power-folding third row, huge under-floor storage, Sirius Satellite TV, ambient cabin lighting, a pop-out cargo-area-mounted flashlight and a driver-seat umbrella holder.

Despite these highlights, as earlier described, the Grand Caravan's materials quality is worse than all its competitors, while build quality is shoddy at best.

US Online America Group Info Interior Design and Special Features

Although the overall design is fairly handsome, the H3T's rather plain interior doesn't quite match its macho exterior. Build quality is solid, but the H3T's competitors utilize nicer materials. Also, stereo and climate interfaces aren't as user-friendly as those found in other GM vehicles. Still, the versions with the leather seating have an attractive two-tone color scheme along with contrasting piping on the seats, which spruces things up.

The seats are comfortable, though many drivers may take issue with the high beltline and low-profile window design, as they lead to lousy outward visibility. Rear-seat passengers enjoy ample legroom and decent support, but taller folks may find themselves uncomfortably close to the roof. The cargo box is about 5 feet long; though this is about the same as the offerings from the H3T's chief rivals, they typically offer 6-foot boxes as well.

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