Archive for the 'Reviews' Category

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Review: 2010 Dodge Nitro

What comes to mind when someone says the word nitro?  TNT, explosions, gold rushes, strip mining?  Well, Dodge played off this when they introduced the Nitro in 2007, and the first time you give the compact SUV a healthy dose of the gas pedal, all of those mental images will come rushing back.  This is the first compact SUV I’ve driven that actually pushes you back in your seat, but feels refined at the same time.  What else has Dodge done in the Nitro’s creation?

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Review: 2010 Ford F-150

2010 F-150 Profile

Ford’s new 2010 F-150 is a direct shot at the recently redesigned Chevrolet and GMC trucks, as well as the new Dodge Ram.  I have yet to review the Chevy or Dodge, but the F-150 impresses.  For the last 15 years or so, American drivers have been switching from cars to trucks in droves, using them for more than just work.  Automotive manufacturers have responded by adding more and more and more creature comforts and giving them more car-like rides.  The fuel price spike in 2008 sent a lot of these buyers scrambling for hybrids and compacts, but many American drivers still need their trucks, and Ford has stepped up  to the plate with a more refined ride and a redesigned interior.  Ford hopes to keep truck buyers in the Ford family, as well as draw shoppers from competing brands (GM, Dodge and Toyota) with the new F-150, but have they created a compelling vehicle to keep the F-150 on top of the truck heap?

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Review: 2010 Chrysler 300 Touring

2010_Chrysler_300_FrontThe Chrysler 300 started its life in 2005, the successor to the 300M and Concorde.  At the time, Daimler-Benz had controlling interest in Chrysler, so they donated the Mercedes-Benz E Class’ underpinnings.  The Chrysler 300 was most noted for its exterior styling, reminiscent of the “gangster” cars from the 1930′s and 1940′s, with it’s “gun slit” windows, long hood and trunk.  Since its introduction, the Chrysler 300 has yet to see a major refresh, only receiving minor styling, interior and engine modifications.  How has the design of the 300 dated since it was first put on sale?  Read on to find out.

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Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Originally introduced as a 2006 model, the Ford Fusion is a mid-sized car slotted between the compact Focus and the full-sized Taurus.  Redesigned for 2010, the Fusion has been an instrumental part in Ford’s reinvention of itself as a quality American car maker.  I put emphasis on “car” because Ford’s F-150 truck has been the top-selling truck for a long time, but their cars, as of late, have not garnered much positive praise.  To better compete with their rivals, Ford has begun offering a hybrid version of the Fusion, the subject of this review.

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Review: 2009 Lincoln MKS

In the interest of full disclosure, this review was completed on the author’s own 2009 Lincoln MKS.

2009 Lincoln MKS ProfileIn mid-2008, Ford introduced the 2009 Lincoln MKS.  It is to be Ford’s halo car in the American car market.  Built off of a modified Volvo S80 platform, which is also shared with the 2010 Ford Taurus, the MKS is the technology-laden car that is supposed to pull Lincoln into the 21st century.  While some will argue that it is the successor to the Lincoln LS, which was discontinued after the 2006 model year, I believe that the smaller Lincoln MKZ actually follows more in the LS’ footsteps.  That begs the question of where in the Lincoln lineup the MKS is supposed to fit.  It’s got front wheel drive, unlike the Town Car and LS.  Unlike the MKZ, It also has comparable front seat room to the Town Car, while being a few inches shorter in the rear leg room department.  Rumors abound though, that the 2010 or 2011 model year will be the Town Car’s finale.  Add to that the sporty intentions of the MKS (with optional 20″ wheels), and it is a true quandary as to where exactly it fits into the Lincoln lineup.  For right now though, the MKS is Lincoln’s flagship car.

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Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

2010 Mustang GT FrontWhen I began the process of setting up this site and creating a schedule of which cars to review, I wanted to take an in-depth look at one of the most iconic American cars, the Ford Mustang.  Introduced in 1964, the Mustang broke sales records in its first year of production.  The Ford Mustang has a distinct shape to it, and throughout the years it has developed a cult following, even outliving its competition.  Each iteration of the Mustang has continued major design themes, based on the original’s short-trunk lid/long hood design.  When Ford redesigned the Mustang for the 2005 model year, they melded visual attributes of the 1967-1969 Mustangs with modern running gear and electronics.  Now the 2010 model has been introduced, with some very visible changes from its predecessor both inside and out, but do they make it better?

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