Automotive Reviews
Archived
Back-catalog of reviews written before 2008.
2005 Honda CR-V EX
0529 days
When the backlash against big, gas-sucking SUVs happens and they begin to die out like the dinosaurs, we predict that the Honda CR-V will be among the survivors. In fact, Honda’s handy little errander just may be useful enough to survive a mass sport-ute extinction. This compact sport-ute is more like a tall four-wheel drive Civic station wagon than a truck. For 2005 the CR-V gets a major update, with new styling inside and out and a host of new safety features including standard side airbags.
Quiet and nimble, the CR-V has always been a suburban errand-runner’s dream. The high seating position and tall body ensure great visibility, and that hasn’t changed with the redesign. (more…)
2005 Honda Civic Hybrid
0529 days
A quick roadtrip from Detroit to New York City was required, and we had a choice of transportation. A HEMI V8, or a Honda Civic Hybrid? Raw power to deal with the mountains, or 51 mpg?
We’re happy to say that we went with economy over brute strength, and it turned out to be the right decision. Although their fuel-saving qualities are touted with city driving in mind, Honda’s hybrid-electric cars are actually more efficient on the highway. Unlike Toyota’s Prius and other hybrids, which are “full” hybrids that can shut off the gasoline engine when it’s not needed, Honda’s hybrid strategy keeps the gasoline engine running at all times. By using an absurdly small gasoline engine paired with an electric motor that provides additional torque, Honda’s hybrids are able to achieve excellent freeway fuel economy without sacrificing power or performance. (more…)
2005 Ford Freestyle
0529 days
Wagon fans, rejoice! The full-size station wagon is back! For that lunatic fringe of unabashed station wagon fans, the Ford Freestyle is just what we’ve been looking for. Forget the Dodge Magnum, whose butch posturing is just masking the fact that it’s a station wagon. The Freestyle is a big wagon in the Country Squire tradition, and it’s proud of it.
Well, maybe that’s overstating the case a little. After all, it’s wearing SUV-style contrasting color fender flares and tall tires instead of fake wood down the sides, and Ford calls it lots of things but never a “station wagon.” But we all know what this big boy really is, even if Ford’s afraid to admit it. The Freestyle hits the streets just in time to serve the needs of buyers who like the spaciousness of a full-size SUV but are tired of the poor handling and fuel economy common to those vehicles. The Freestyle shares underpinnings with the Ford Five Hundred sedan, as well as a 3.0 liter V6 engine, available all-wheel drive and an SUV-like high seating position. (more…)