Automotive Reviews
Archived
Back-catalog of reviews written before 2008.
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jan 20th
Although it lacks the iconic status of the Wrangler, Jeep’s Grand Cherokee remains a vital part of the lineup. It’s the Jeep most people are more likely to have met, after all. It’s got the same off-road capable design as anything else with a seven-slot grille, but the comfortable, domesticated Grand Cherokee is most likely to be found prowling the suburbs instead of the backwoods. Its civilized appointments and excellent poor-weather handling have made it a favorite among mid-size SUVs.
In 2004 the Grand Cherokee got a redesign, with an all-new, boxier face, better-handling suspension and the powerful HEMI V8 under the hood. For 2005 this familiar SUV remains the same, with the addition of stability enhancements and slightly improved fuel efficiency. More >
2005 Nissan Pathfinder
Jan 8th
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
Jan 8th
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 >