Automotive Reviews
Emmy Jackson
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Posts by Emmy Jackson
2005 Nissan Pathfinder
0497 days
With the introduction of the all-new 2005 Pathfinder, Nissan moves its familiar sport-ute nameplate from the “They still make those?” category to “Gotta have one!” This ground-up redesign returns the Pathfinder to its off-roading roots with a new, truck-based chassis, larger body and a more powerful engine.
As the Frontier has become a mini-Titan, so the Pathfinder is now a mini-Armada. The familial resemblance isn’t accidental; underpinning the Pathfinder is a version of Nissan’s strong truck platform, making this mid-size SUV a direct descendant of the tough Titan pickup and Armada full-size sport-ute. The tougher platform marks a return to the Pathfinder’s roots; long before the SUV craze hit, the Pathfinder was crawling down gnarly trails and making a name for itself. Subsequent years softened the truck up, but the ’05 model is keen to remind you that its name is more than just hype. (more…)
2006 Jaguar XJ Super V8 Portfolio
0497 days
How do you feel about classic lines, a spacious and comfortable back seat, sumptuous leather and wood and a supercharged V8 under the hood? It’s hard to argue with Jaguar’s vision of luxury. The unique XJ has been prowling the automotive jungle for decades now, and its long, low silhouette has been a part of the Jaguar lineup through thick and thin. Mention the name “Jaguar,” and chances are this is the car people will think of. Even the iconic E-Type of the 1960s can’t quite compare to the sheer staying power of the XJ’s basic design. For 2006 Jaguar introduces the most luxurious XJ ever: the Super V8 Portfolio.
The seventh-generation XJ was introduced in 2004; the long wheelbase (LWB) version followed later that year as a 2005 model. The wheelbase has been stretched five inches, and most of that is devoted to improved rear legroom. Does it work? The LWB model accounts for more than half of XJ sales. For 2006, the lineup gets subtle design tweaks, a higher level of standard content, and, most significantly, the Portfolio limited edition, of which only 150 will be brought to North America. Inspired by Concept Eight show car that hit the circuit in 2004, the XJ Portfolio builds upon the impressive, all-new platform introduced in the same year. (more…)
2005 Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab
0497 days
Not many people have a use for a piece of equipment as serious as one of Ford’s Super Duty pickup trucks. That doesn’t stop plenty of people who don’t need ‘em from buying them, of course, but that’s between them and their credit cards. For the Super Duty’s many loyal, hard-working customers, Ford has introduced a round of revisions and updates that should keep the Super Duty on top of the best-seller list.
Before we noticed the new design and refinements to our test truck, however, we noticed the color. This just might be one of the most overwhelmingly yellow vehicles ever built. The hue is called “Screaming Yellow,” to be specific. Unfortunately you can’t get this cool color unless you’re in Texas, Colorado or California; it’s part of the special “Amarillo” edition, of which just 1500 will be built. Luckily, the rest of the new Super Duty’s good points are available to all. (more…)