Automotive Reviews
Posts tagged do-all
2010 Honda Element Dog-Friendly Edition
Dec 8th
The multi-tasking, category-busting Honda Element is no longer the only boxy, upright vehicle on the market–Scion, Nissan and Kia are fielding boxes of their own these days. The Element got in at the ground floor of more than one trend, in fact. In addition to being one of the first aggressively cubist vehicles of the new millennium, it was also one of the first crossover vehicles, combining SUV and automotive traits into a versatile package.
With the market nearing saturation with both crossovers and box-cars, does the Element, which hasn’t changed significantly since its 2003 introduction, still have anything to offer? As a matter of fact, it does. This cube has always stood out from the rest of the square cars by being larger and more capable. Thanks to reverse-opening rear doors and clever interior design, the Element does a good job of thinking outside the box, if you’ll forgive the pun. For 2010, Honda updated the Element with new “Dog-Friendly” edition designed to appeal directly to the four-wheeled family members of Element buyers. 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 >
2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Nov 13th
Like the Mazda Miata and Volkswagen Beetle, Chrysler’s PT Cruiser is a feel-good sort of car. It’s hard not to be in a bad mood when driving one, because there’s just something about the little retro-commuter that makes people smile. The PT may not be as universally adored as the Miata, but it’s a great companion. The tall body, good road manners and versatile cargo-carrying ability make it the perfect break from the ordinary when it comes to mundane day-to-day tasks.
For 2006, Chrysler has given the PT Cruiser a quick redesign, with a revised front and rear that give it a bit more of a family resemblance to the rest of the Chrysler lineup (Remember, the PT Cruiser started life as a Plymouth, before that brand’s demise). More >