Automotive Reviews
Posts tagged 4×4
2006 Hummer H3
Dec 8th
The notion of a “smaller, gentler Hummer” seems like an oxymoron, but here it is. The latest vehicle from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s favorite brand downsizes the burly paramilitary look even further, creating a more affordable and easier-to-drive variant. Hummer’s first mid-size SUV retains the brand’s larger-than-life look and extreme off-road ability, but it’s got a more realistic size, the better to adapt to life in the ‘burbs, right?
Well, sort of. Since it’s based on the Chevrolet Colorado, sharing a platform and powerplant with that pickup, it’s easy to assume that the H3 is intended to be a mass-market family-hauler. Like the rest of the Hummer lineup, though, the H3 is part highly specialized off-roading tool and part boutique vehicle. More >
2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Nov 23rd
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 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
Nov 23rd
With buyers sick of ponderous handling and poor fuel economy heading back to station wagons and sedans, many sport-utility vehicles have responded by becoming more carlike. Crossover SUV’s work hard to have it both ways with softer suspensions and lower bodies.
Not the Chevy TrailBlazer. This big mid-size SUV stands proud as a Truck, with a capital T, and it’s just looking for things to tow or haul. The TrailBlazer soldiers into 2005 with two body styles, two engines and a collection of new safety and comfort features. This is a Truck, after all, so it’s best to keep things simple. More >