Automotive Reviews
Archive for November, 2010
2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty
0543 days
Even though it’s a tremendous gas hog, there’s a certain appeal to piloting the 2011 Ford F-250 around the suburbs, far outside of its towing and hauling comfort zone. The F-250 feels like a locomotive, some kind of sheetmetal giant among the scurrying crossover SUVs and minivans, and it rumbles with a certain regal majesty that’s lacking in many cars. The F-250 is a tall, powerful and noble steed, and because of that there are people willing to pay the extra price at the pump.
The fact that this truck is also a fantastic tool for doing a wide variety of very hard jobs makes the deal that much sweeter. The F-250 and the rest of Ford’s Super Duty lineup benefit from a round of major upgrades for 2011, including all-new powertrains and a new range of work-friendly features. (more…)
2005 Saab 9-7X
0543 days
Have you seen the new Saab ads, touting the Swedish brand’s airplane heritage? It’s a corporate reflex, a retreat to the safe haven of “heritage” in response to a recent, major departure from Saab’s traditional course.
Weary of losing customers to other people’s SUV offerings, Saab has added a sport-ute to its stable. Obviously, this quirky Swedish manufacturer has never been a purveyor of off-road vehicles–it hasn’t even dabbled in all-wheel drive much, until last year’s Subaru-based 9-2X–but times change, and cars gotta change with them, right? (more…)
2006 Saturn VUE
0543 days
They’re still uncomplicated cars for uncomplicated people, but be prepared to change your impression of the Saturn brand in 2006. It’s not enough to just be inexpensive and simple these days. Subcompact and other entry-level products are displaying heretofore unprecedented levels of refinement and quality. Materials are getting better, and there’s more to the interiors of economy cars than gray plastic these days. In that kind of environment, the no-frills ergonomics that we’ve grown used to from Saturn just don’t hold up so well in comparison. To this end, Saturns are getting a makeover, and the 2006 VUE demonstrates this new direction.
The 2006 Saturn VUE crossover SUV is the first product from the brand to demonstrate a new commitment to style and comfort, while retaining the “uncomplicated cars for uncomplicated people” vibe that make Saturn unique. (more…)