Fuel Infection
Automotive Reviews
2005 Hummer H2 SUT
Dec 8th
Go ahead and hate the Hummer H2 if you feel that you must. With a growing backlash against SUV prices fueled (no pun intended) by rising gas prices, it’s an easy target. Rather like hitting the broad side of a barn, in fact. Bear in mind, however, that Hummer has never pretended to be in the business of producing family vehicles or suburban-bully SUVs. The Hummer H1 and H2 exist to be the most capable off-road vehicles available for sale. Ambitious neo-Yuppies who buy H2s as ego boosters and never take them off pavement are giving these trucks a bad name, to be honest.
To underscore its capabilities, Hummer introduced the newest iteration of the H2, the SUT, to the motoring press by taking the trucks to Moab, Utah, an off-roading mecca. There, we drove the trucks on some of the most challenging trails to be had—most of which were marked very clearly, “Stock Vehicles Not Recommended.” The H2 had no problem tackling slickrock slopes and stepped hills of boulders that conventional wisdom considers to be the province of specially modified trail trucks. I drove H2s up some hills that were almost too steep to walk up. More >
2005 Honda CR-V EX
Dec 7th
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
Dec 7th
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 >