Review Audi V12 sedan

Audi W12: A Lot of Money a Lot of Car

by The Car Family

Besides a 12-cylinder engine Audi’s flagship is stuffed with features, but at a price over $120,000 that is what you would expect. What is a surprise is that this hunkered down purposeful appearing beauty just doesn’t handle or perform much better than its less powerful brother, the Audi 8L. Of course the additional cost of the big brother does bring some significant upgrades when fully loaded. You get what you pay for as there are massaging, heated and cooled 12-way power leather front seats, four different climate zones, remote start, DVD player with remote control for those in backseats, adaptive cruise control, satellite radio, a terrific audio system, a steering wheel that warms to the touch on cold days and a solar powered fan that cools the interior on hot days, and, yes, a small refrigerator in the rear arm rest area. The air suspension allows the driver to select ride comfort levels as well as height and there are also a rearview camera, parking sensors, and fabulous adaptive headlights that should be an industry standard.

To this mix add rear bucket seats, all wheel drive, and a 12-cylinder engine that produces 450 smooth horsepower. Unfortunately, that engine also gets tagged with a

$1700 gas guzzler tax as the 121-inch wheelbase all wheel drive sedan needs plenty of juice to get the DOCH 6.0 liter engine to push the Quattro power through the six speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

All these features are difficult to ignore, but the reality was that even though this is the ultimate Audi sedan, the lesser equipped A8 L sells for tens of thousands less and is nearly as good. It gets better fuel mileage, and is about as quick, and its exterior is extremely similar to its more luxury-laden big brother. Audi knows there is a limited market for this German cruiser and is not making many W12 units, but if you can afford one they are well worth a test drive. Overall the uber Audi is fashionable, fast, and understated. This is a unique car with few equals if you live where inclement weather and uniqueness are prized.

Mom’s view: I adored the 12 cylinder Bentley, but the Audi just didn’t leave me with the same feeling. No doubt it will appeal to those who like to blend in and still enjoy the opulence of the Audi’s interior and electronic features. I love to drive and the 12-cylinder engine didn’t give me the push in the back of other cars in this price segment. It certainly has a nice ride and you can’t fault the massive feel or handing of the big Audi. However, the gas mileage was nearly the same as the far faster Bentley at 17 mpg and the transmission wasn’t nearly as smooth under pressure. Personally, I would get the A8 and be quite happy, if a bit slower. If I desired more legroom for my rear passengers the A8L, which is over five feet longer than the standard A8, would be the answer. With the W12 you can order rear bucket seats, which is nice, but we couldn’t even take a friend to dinner in this abundance of aluminum and leather conveyance because it only holds four people with this seating option. Overall, a splendid looking sedan with a stunning interior and thoughtful features such as make-up mirrors with two settings and a superior sound system.

Dad’s view: This is an elegant vehicle that does not pretend to be sporty even with all wheel drive and a 450 horsepower engine. It is a grand touring vehicle with a 23-gallon tank and enough gadgets to keep you occupied on the longest of journeys. There are some shortcomings; nevertheless, such as brakes with little feel, a transmission that needs to be poked too hard to kick down, and a needlessly complicated control system. On the other hand the xenon headlights are fabulous and offer great vision to the front and side. The seats are heated and cooled and comfortable and adjustable and leather and they even give you a massage. I would not order the bucket seats in back as it limits the use of the Audi, but I did find the optional refrigerator in the rear armrest cool.

Audi calls this a W12 to describe the engine’s appearance, and it works as the 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine provides 450 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. Excellent numbers, but most of the V12 competition does better. Despite all these numbers the 4700 pound sedan feels underpowered until you are underway. Anyway you cut it the A8 L Audi is almost as good. The W12 is one understated ride that reveals in the treatment of its passengers and is eager to please.

Safety wise you can get front and rear side airbags, front knee airbags, and curtain side airbags, ABS, traction and antiskid control, a navigation system, an excellent rearview camera, front and rear obstacle detection, keyless entry/starting, and adaptive cruise control.

Audi has built a terrific vehicle, no doubt, but do you really need a V12? That was our only qualm about this extensively aluminum bodied luxury sedan. After all, even though you get 450 horsepower is it worth the extra cost and fuel over the V8 that comes in the standard A8? Well, since you get so much more with the V12 it is impossible to measure what that extra $50,000 buys outside of more power. Terrific rear seats, a stereo systems that is virtually unmatched, vibrating seats, a touch close rear hatch, and much more are difficult to justify and explain to those who own more pedestrian products. We constantly head, “I could buy a house for that.” However, those who can afford such a vehicle probably have a couple of houses anyway and an art collection to boot. They want the best and this Audi is prepared to answer their request.

Rating this Audi against the rest of the German super sedans places it second to the Mercedes and well ahead of the BMW V 12 when it comes to interior, comforts, and amenities. The Mercedes is a hammer with the ability to crush distances. The BMW lives for the corners, but neither offer the hospitality of the Audi.

Working woman’s view: I found the transmission reluctant to downshift, even when using the manual shifter, and I also didn’t like the electronic doodads that control most everything. On the other hand, the interior is stunning and the ride road flattening. You press a button and the truck lid closes by itself, you click another button and a screen covers the rear window and tones down bright headlights and the sun’s rays. The
6,250-rpm redline takes a while to reach, but the power is consistent, if not overwhelming probably due to its significant weight. Getting to 60 mph in under six seconds shouldn’t be difficult, but your gas mileage is going to suffer significantly as I recorded some 12 mpg figures at times. The Audi’s 23.8-gallon tank is needed for long distance traveling. Figure 400 miles between fill-ups.

I was rather surprised that the A8 L W12 does not come fully loaded. Such special features as the adaptive cruise control and solar sunroof are options. You can add to that
$1500 for the refrigerator for $1,500 another $2,000 for the 20-inch rims and tires. Regardless, this is a stunning interior. Everywhere you look there is something to be proud to show-off and that is what this car is all about.

College going male’s view: The air suspension provides a soft, yet sporty feel and the wealthy people who can afford this sedan aren’t going to find much to complain about in terms of performance. I felt the brakes were too soft and needed too much pressure to yield a quick stop probably due to the long pedal travel or the weight (4800 pounds) of the vehicle. It is not a quick vehicle, but the flow of propulsion is well above reproach. It is grand touring car, not a sports touring one despite the space frame style construction and use of vast quantities of aluminum. To get the maximum out of the large engine you need to keep the rpms in the 4000 range and that is best done with the shift paddles mounted in back of the steering wheel.

Inside, the rear view camera is remarkably clear and the comfortable ventilated seats even have a massage feature. However, it is not nearly as good as the one in the Bentley. The fact that this review is comparing the massage feature shows you the direction comforting drivers of luxury vehicles is heading. The Bang & Olufsen audio system sound system with 5-channel surround sound, subwoofer, and a center fill speaker is superb as well as fairly easy to operate. However, the navigation system isn’t as good as that on a Honda or Infiniti even though it has a neat retractable screen. Perhaps best of all are the headrest mounted monitors so that those in the backseats can enjoy their DVDs without having a screen dangling from the ceiling liner . This Audi is impressive, but not overwhelming even with the best night lighting and exceptional use of LEDs.

No doubt that the exterior of the Audi is going to draw interest. With that grill shell hanging conspicuously out in front and the way large SUV drivers park by feel there is no doubt that there is going to be money in replacement grills as long as they make Hummer H2s, Cadillac Escalades, and Lincoln Navigators.

I would have to say that this “who’s your daddy” Audi is an appealing vehicle for those that appreciate the joy of all wheel drive, the linear power of a 12 cylinder powerplant, and the fun of having enough electronic toys to keep the most attention deficit afflicted inhabitant amused.

Family conference: There is an abundance of fun in this Audi, but the admission to the amusements is high. It is well worth a drive if you can afford the entrance fee, but don’t expect it to be the fastest ride. For a list of all vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

Dodge Nitro review: Looks are Everything

Dodge Nitro: Looks are Everything

By The Car Family

For more reviews go to http://www.motorists.org/new/carreviews/index.html

And http://thecarfamily.blogspot.com/

In your face styling, an attractive price, and a lengthy list of options make this SUV with attitude an interesting ride. First of all if you don’t like that snow plow grill and upright styling you aren’t going to be reading this review anyway so let’s leave opinions on looks out of this review and stick to the facts.

Number one this vehicle gets a lot of attention and is very versatile while still returning good gas mileage. You have a high seating position giving you good visibility to the front and sides, but the high back window reduces rear visibility.

Dodge has made the suspension fairly firm, but not jolty, and the brakes are adequate, but not exceptional. It feels like Dodge spent more on the styling than the handling and so you have a good vehicle for the base $20,000 (US) price, but not one as smooth as some of the competition. Of course, they don’t get the looks the Nitro does either. Indeed, this Dodge has DUB written all over it. Just add large rims and blacked out windows.

Dodge has placed the Nitro at the lower end of its Durango and Liberty lineup in terms of size, cost, and fuel mileage. You have your choice of the standard 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 or the optional 255-hp 4.0-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the base models with the upscale R/T version getting a five speed automatic. You can order all wheel or four wheel drive, but there isn’t a low speed transfer case available. Look for gas mileage around 20 mpg with little difference in town or on the highway due to the exterior shape.

Standard equipment includes four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, an antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. The more expensive models get a Load ‘n Go cargo floor that slides rearward 18 inches to form a table surface that holds up to 400 lb. It makes loading heavy objects easier and we have only seen it on the much more expensive BMW wagons before. Other major options are a navigation system, DVD entertainment, and a wireless cell phone link.

Mom’s view: Only a mother could love this face. And, to be frank, it is the face that is going to sell the Nitro. The suspension that includes an independent front set-up and a solid rear axle with stabilizers and coil springs is basic. You can get larger rims, but we have learned from past experiences that these are frequent targets of thieves and do little to improve handling on stock vehicles and add braking distances while reducing fuel mileage in around town driving and commuting.

The ride is such that you aren’t going to be alarmed going over most road surfaces, but it isn’t going to put you to sleep either. I didn’t mind it until the road became heavily pock marked when it reminded me of how important seat belts are. I recommend the two-wheel d rive model for a better ride.

The main gauges are large, easy to read and the controls uncomplicated to master, but not really ergonomically satisfying. The cabin plastic and trim are off-road in nature meaning they aren’t at all luxurious. It has an open feel, especially with the high roofline, but the cabin storage is very limited with only a small glove box and center console being significant.

Taking corners at a modest speed isn’t recommended since the rack and pinion steering is off-road vague and the body does lean a fair amount. If you just drive as a mature adult the Nitro is a good friend. If you insist on pushing it you might have to remind yourself why it is called a Nitro.

Overall, this really isn’t a bad vehicle once you learn to duck your head while entering, can live with some ergonomic irregularities, and don’t mind being stared at by men who worship at the overpriced alter of Hummer ownership. It is easy to park, has good visibility in all directions but to the rear, and was frugal for what it is.

Dad’s view: This is a 4000 pound SUV and so accelerating with base engine takes some patience, especially considering the fact that the 210 horsepower does not come on until 5200 rpm. We got about 20 mpg, which is darn good considering the block shaped front that is being forced into the wind. You can expect four to five miles per gallon less with all wheel drive and the optional 235 horsepower engine. I found the base engine adequate except going uphill with the family onboard. Look for 0 to 80 times in the mid 7 to 8 second range. The transmission is not always willing to kick down without coaxing, but when it does the response is good. Be warned that any frivolity is going to take that 20-mpg average down into the mid-teen area in a hurry.

On the road you quickly get a grip on why the Nitro is probably going to be a good seller and that is the fact that is doesn’t offer any surprises. It has good interior space, acts politely in daily use, and outside of a soft feel to the brake pedal, is a nice place to be. The three-pod gauge cluster gets your attention and is easy to read and the controls are simple to master. The interior isn’t offensive, but it isn’t a show place either. There is a
115V power outlet and useable cupholders.

You can get five adults into the Nitro and the rear seats can be folded with a 60/40-split. The back seats can also recline. I found the front bucket seats comfortable, but they could use a bit more firmness for long hauls. On the other hand for some reason the front wheel wheels are very slender making those with large shoes a bit uncomfortable, as they have to put their feet nearly under the brake pedal. There is an abundance of headroom for all, but more storage areas would have been a nice touch.

Our base model tester had 16-inch tires, but the SLT has 17-inch tires and the more expensive R/T rides on 20s. I had no problem with the smaller ties and thought they did a better job over badly pitted roads. Larger rims and tires seldom provide better ride quality and usually result in longer stopping distances and less fuel economy in mixed driving. They are better for cornering, but if the road is wet are more prone to hydroplaning. We have found ordering tires and rims that are one size larger than stock is a great way to improve vehicle behavior. Anything more is subject to vehicle dynamic reactions to a larger degress. We know people with large 20-22 inch rims that have had these stolen on several occasions as well. You must tell your insurance carrier when ever you modify your vehicle with more expensive add on from stereos to rims.

The Nitro is not a heavy-duty vehicle and if you need to tow order the optional Trailer Tow Group with better cooling and a full sized spare. You can tow 5000 pounds with a special hitch and this package. Be aware that the soft brake pedal feel may be exasperated while towing. I found the Nitro quite a good value. However, I like the Liberty better.

Working woman’s view: Safety wise the Nitro appears to do well, but make sure you always order all the safety options. The long stopping distances of large SUVS with their high front bumpers and poor handling always make this a good idea for more environmentally aware drivers. Remember that the Nitro is not light on its feet so avoidance and anticipating other driver’s actions is essential to a safe drive.

There is 32 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats and 65 with the rear seats folded flat. This places the Nitro in the same ballpark as the RAV4, but I doubt people will cross shop these two vehicles or any other crossover SUV. They are going to want the Nitro because of the way it looks. Case closed.

The SXT models have a reversible cargo floor with a molded-in tray to help provide order for smaller objects, but it does not appear to be well-made or very useful for large packages or grocery bags. The upscale SLT and R/T trim lines have the Load ‘N Go cargo floor that pulls out 18 inches to make loading heavy objects much easier. I really didn’t like the look or feel of the small plastic clamps that held these panels in place.

For some reason the high roofed Nitro has low door openings. So be prepared when entering and wearing a head covering. As well, I did not find the seat adjustments adequate, as the pedal positioning appeared to be too far away unless I moved the seat close to the steering wheel making it uncomfortable to place my arms out in the recommended 10 and 2 o’clock positions. If I had longer legs this wouldn’t have been a problem, but that is why I never played basketball in school either. While wearing even modest heels finding a comfortable position for your left leg is difficult.

As for my business sense, I cannot ignore the Nitro. It is less expensive than the Liberty and even the competition in the form of the Nissan Xterra. The RAV, and CR-X are thousands more for just a touch more performance, styling, and room. I would say that the Nissan is probably going to lose sales to the Nitro, but the others are just more roadable and the extra money they demand is made up in higher resale.

College going male’s view: You can get the Nitro with the MyGIG navigation system that integrates Satellite Radio and a Bluetooth-based UConnect cell phone system while offering a 20GB hard drive to hold music and images. The 6.5-inch screen is a good size and you can use a USB flash drive. Real time traffic reports can reroute you using the GPS. Also available is a 7-inch overhead screen for those in the backseat with remote headsets. Dodge is really doing its best to get into the technology and entertainment market and it shows. The sound system in stock form is not adequate and I highly recommend upgrading to take advantage of the potential the cave shaped interior represents.

There is plenty of rear legroom and passengers have excellent visibility as well. If you fold the split seats you get more cargo room, but it is not generous compared to others in this class. There is a small storage area under the rear floor as the spare tire is mounted under the Nitro.

My take on the Nitro is that it is a good value, but isn’t going to attract attention from the more meek. Certainly worth a test drive, but perhaps too many people aren’t even going to do this due to its snow plow looks. There loss.

Family conference: The Nitro is neither fish nor fowl. It is adequate in fuel mileage, acceleration, and braking, but offers little outside of its distinct shape to make it worthy of purchase over the much more off roadable Liberty. It is not equipped to be a true offroader and not as polished onroad as some of the competition. Its forte is cargo space, versatility, looks, and pricing. It is easy to live with and, if you like its looks, fun to own. We think it is a winner and long overdue from Dodge. For a list of all vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

Audi A4: 38 mpg

Audi A4: 38 mpg

Posted by carfamily under consumer , Car Reviews , car buying , fuel mileage , automobile , audi

Audi A4 with CVT: 38 mpg
By The Car Family

For more reviews go to http://www.motorists.org/new/carreviews/index.html

For a list of all vehicle manufacturers go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

Okay, we didn’t average 38 miles per gallon, but we did average nearly 35 mpg in mixed driving with the air conditioning on full and a family onboard for a 180-mile trek. What can we say but amassing. And, we might add, this is all due to the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Don’t order an Audi without trying this option. It takes the perky, turbocharged 2.0 four-cylinder engine and calms it down, especially in traffic. Of course, it has its quirks as it does not really like to leave a stop under light acceleration, but that just might have been the test car. On the road acceleration is linear being that the transmission does not shift like a convention automatic. Add to that the optional paddle shifts that allow you to control the transmission when the need arises and you have a car for all seasons, albeit without all wheel drive. You can also order the six cylinder 3.2 engine with the CVT, too, but there was more than enough poke from the smaller motor for us with 200 horsepower continually on tap.
Mom’s view: We had the S handling package and it was okay for smooth highways, but too stiff for roughened roads. If you want to go around corners fast it might be fine, but you are going to pay the price in daily driving. The seats were above average in comfort and the interior was quite nice and the night lighting exceptional inside and out.
In the past I have been critical of Audis with the turbocharged four cylinder and automatic transmission as they were jerky in bumper to bumper traffic as the boost would come on suddenly and at the same time the car would downshift resulting in way too much go for moving slowly. The CVT makes this a mute case. Indeed, I wouldn’t buy an Audi without this transmission unless I wanted all wheel drive. As for the 3.2 liter V6 optional engine with its 255 horsepower, it simply provides more torque with little extra acceleration in real time driving situations.
Cargo wise the Audi is a bit on the thin side, but provides useful room for four and adequate luggage room. There are ample storage areas, but the cupholders need to be deeper for a car so dedicated to sporty driving. Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, power driver seat, and a six-CD changer.
Safety wise this Audi has Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, BrakeAssist and stability control, front airbags and side curtain airbags. Crash scores are above average.
Dad’s view: Priced right, this sedan offers you a little frolic as well as a heavy dose of frugality as it combines sporty aspects and common sense amenities as well as some controversial items such as a dent me front grill. Options extend from the S-line sport suspension to satellite radio to a cold weather package, HID headlights, auto-dimming mirrors and a navigation system.
Driving the Audi requires a little practice as the brakes have a soft feel until you get serious and after that it is all business from the ABS four-wheel discs. The turbo does have a bit of lag, but it really doesn’t make much difference as the CVT transmission smoothes it all over. It feels for all the world like a jet plane taking off, as the acceleration is linear and consistent for such a long period of time. A good vehicle for family travel and commuting. Easily better than any BMW for mileage and ride quality.
College going male’s view: There are lots of little things to like about the Audi, which I seriously believe is going to replace the BMW as the car of choice for drivers. Although the Audi needed premium fuel the gas mileage was superior. The dash gauges were very easy to read and stylish. I didn’t like the position of the handbrake near the center armrest. It makes getting to it difficult with gloves on and if you are wearing a large ring. The climate control is overly complex and there isn’t a turbo boost gauge, which is strange. The cup holder placement needs a rethink, too. This Audi is the best Audi. It isn’t too small or too large, is easy to park, gets positive attention, and is less demanding than the competition. The price may be a little too dear for some and resale is not in the same category as BMW, but I expect that to change.
Family conference: The A4 comes as a sedan, convertible, and wagon and can even be ordered with hotted-up options. It is not the handler of the BMW, but it is more comfortable and except for the stereo it has a first rate interior. Easy to live with and the best Audi 4 ever once the manufacture figures out why it stumbles at time when starting out. For a list of all vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com and click on business.

Best cars under $15,000: Mileage and Room

The Best Cars Under $15,000: Mileage and Room
By The Car Family
For more reviews go to
http://www.motorists.org/new/carreviews/index.html

for a list of all vehicle websites go to
http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

Okay, we let a few cars in that were a tad more than $15,000 but the reality is that with some good bargaining you can get all of these cars under MSRP. On the other hand the new Toyota Corolla is due out next year and is the 800-pound gorilla in the room and cannot be ignored. Indeed, even the existing version would have done very well in our battle at the bottom of the suggest retail price ladder.

We tried to make this a test of the newer vehicles and so the Ford Focus, PT Cruiser, Chevrolet Cobalt, the Scions, and others of that ilk were left out. All of these are good vehicles, well priced, and offering a great many family amenities, but we wanted to limit ourselves to the newest kinders on the block.

Thus we tested both the Nissan Versa hatchback and sedan with manual transmission and automatic respectively. Add to that the Dodge Caliber, the Suzuki SX4, Chevrolet Aveo, the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Kia Spectra, and the Hyundai Accent. Neither the Hyundai Elantra nor was the Pontiac G5 was available for the testing. The Jeep Compass would have made our test, but the only vehicle available was priced at $21,000 even though they list just under $15,000. The Mitsubishi Lancer was also unavailable.
Where to start? Well, the Nissan Sentra was sensational with the CVT, but the price as tested pushed it close to $19,000. Is it a great car with excellent brakes, above average handling, superior gas mileage, and plenty of storage room? But you just can’t compare it to the huddled hatchbacks that make up the bulk of the under $15,000 crowd. So out it went.

Next up was the controversial Suzuki SX4 starting at $15,000 with all wheel drive. It was a great ride, but the all wheel drive unit sapped its power and fuel mileage. However, we decided to leave it in anyway because it shows how much technology you can get for the price of four-year-old Toyota Camry XLE. Besides, that Suzuki warranty is very family friendly extending to 100,000 miles.
We liked the handling of the Volkswagen Rabbit, but if you option it with anything it is over the price range. Besides, the fuel mileage and performance just weren’t up to the others even though the quality and handling were excellent. We think that Rabbit is a good car, but the pricing of our test model put it at $19,000 well loaded. As such we dropped it from the test where it would have finished mid-pack based on our emphasis on operating economy, cargo space, and value. If we wanted to run a road race we would take the Rabbit. As for fit and finish, the Rabbit would place well there, too.
To save you time here is a list of our favorites and why:
Exceptional
For versatility and price the Nissan Versa is an easy winner. It gets well over 30 mpg, costs under $13,000 and never feels small. On the down side it does not handle well and the seats catch every bit of hair and hold on to it tenaciously. The seat covers look like velour and grabs like a drunken sailor. By the way, the seats are very comfortable and the car never feels small. We must warn you not to judge this car by its looks. This is easily the car of the year for the frugal.
Second place goes to the Honda Civic. It is fun to drive, has a fold down rear seat and gives excellent fuel mileage. It ranks up there with the Mazda 3 for handling, but its manual transmission isn’t as good as the Mazda’s. It is more expensive than the Versa and you never forget you are in a small car while driving one with its low seating position and reduced side visibility.
Next was the Dodge Caliber which had a vast and trendy interior, but the large blind spots and the in your face interior were a bit much. Fun is fun, but bright red and white upholstering and painted metal interior require a more youthful slant. That being said, you aren’t going to get more car for less money. It is the best Dodge product at this time outside of their minivans/
Fourth place was the Honda Fit. The reason is simple it is just plain fun with a fine combination of handling, economy, room, and spirit. It does feel small and rough roads aren’t’ its forte. It cost considerable less than the Civic, but it less of a car. If Honda would just put their hybrid unit in the Fit it would be the best such vehicle made. As it is this is a terrific vehicle, but too closely priced to the base Civic.
The Mazda 3 is next in line for appreciation. Along with the Volkswagen Rabbit it is the best handler of the group and quite enjoyable to romp with. However, its fuel mileage isn’t up to snuff and you don’t get as much with the base model as others moves it to the fifth spot. It isn’t as much a family friendly car as a family fun car. It loves to romp, but the torque steer can get your attention in a hurry. Easily a better vehicle than the much more pricey Audi 3. The best choice is you really like to drive.
Good
A nasty spat occurred with the Suzuki SX4 based around the unfairness of comparing an all wheel drive vehicle with front wheel drive economy cars. Anyway, the result was a fifth place finish for the nicely prepared and versatile SX4. Its busy engine and aforementioned fuel mileage relegated it to this placement. If Suzuki would make this an all wheel drive model and cut the cost it would be a much stouter competitor. As it stands, it is the low cost all wheel drive champion.
Needs improvement
The Kia Spectra and Chevrolet Aveo just aren’t as much car as the others. We also believe that the resale will not be as strong. They are price cars that deliver, but they never make you feel special or offer anything other than a compact ride and feel. If you are a good shopped get the vastly better Chevrolet Cobalt that is eager to please, gives nearly as good fuel mileage and with some good bargaining can be only slightly more expensive than the small Aveo. As for the Spectra, the same could be said, as the Kia Optima is a great car with some exceptional lease deals being offered. Like the Cobalt it offers the same excellent fuel economy of the Spectra, but is more spacious and family oriented although it does cost more.
Mom’s view: I like a small car that doesn’t feel like a small car. So, it’s the Versa all the way. It just does what you ask, holds plenty of everything, and if you opt for the CVT you get exceptional drivability and easily surpass 32 mpg without having to shift. I wouldn’t get the manual transmission simply because it was so difficult to shift in a hurry and the high clutch take up made it difficult to modulate wearing shoes with just one inch heels. The interior fabric is a bit grabby and difficult to clean and the stereo volume control is a bear to operate with fingernails that haven’t been bitten down. Overall a great bargain of the car. Forget the sedan and get the hatchback even with its gawky looks. The head and legroom is remarkable and the 122 horsepower 1.8 liter engine is much more potent than one would think. Get the optional CVT and relax with the welcoming seats, good visibility and plenty of standard features. Unfortunately, the low price tag means common sense items such as anti lock brakes are options.
I liked the Suzuki, too. It was cute and comfortable. But, its 2.0 liter four cylinder engine provides just 143 horsepower to move the 2800 pounder around. Although it is eager to please and can be frisky with the five speed manual you have to work that transmission hard to get to 60 miles an hour in under ten seconds. The interior isn’t badly done and there were a number of useful storage areas, but I found it rather bland. Mind you this is a very nice car and one that would have been my first choice if it was a tad less costly and didn’t have the all wheel drive unit to hamper performance. As it now stands this is an underrated vehicle that has plenty of visual appeal and a lot of useable storage area. Quite good and certainly a strong consideration if you drive where inclement weather is a concern, the SX4 carries a warranty that is as good as it gets.
Of the others, the Honda Fit didn’t fit me, the Mazda was just too boy racer, the Dodge was too stiff legged, and the Aveo didn’t have enough perkiness. The Yaris was a disappointment from every aspect except visual appeal. Too low and too slow. Give me that Corolla.
Dad’s view: I liked the Civic, but the Honda Fit grabbed my attention. It was so easy to maneuver and the fold flat rear hatch area was simple and honest in its operation. Both vehicles offer the best fuel mileage with an easy 32-mpg with a manual transmission, but the Fit just was more to my frugal tastes. However, if I had long distances to commute the short wheelbase of the Fit would give way to the more relaxed fit of the Civic. Either way these are good value.
Call it a manly compact, but the Caliber is a whole lot of vehicle for the money. Keep to the standard 148 horsepower 1.8 liter four cylinder engine and the CVT and you are going to get 25 mpg. If you want to throw out the $15,000 or so mandate, order more powerful engines and get yourself a wicked wagon. The versatility of the Caliber is everything as the handling isn’t really up to its husky stance. If you like the look of the interior with its body colored plastic and loud color pallet, this is a very worthy buy. However, the Fit and the Versa felt more connected to the road. A good family car with a high seating position and lots of funky features such as fold down rear speakers. Fun, but not frisky.
I don’t like to kick a company when its down, but the Chevrolet Aveo isn’t the best General Motors can do. The Cobalt is much better and not that much more money. The Aveo gets good fuel mileage with about 28 mpg with the automatic, but it always feels underpowered. The 1.6 liter four cylinder has but 107 horsepower and getting to 60 miles per hour is going to take you about 11 seconds. If you have a family onboard it takes much longer. Obviously, this is a commuter car and does that job well. It looks nice, has plenty of storage spaces, and getting in and out is easy. The brakes are not up to the competition and the car is a bit noisy on the road. If you just need basic transportation consider the Aveo, if you want a car that handles and is better pay a bit more and get the very good Chevrolet Cobalt and pay the extra few dollars a month.
Let me make this as simple to understand as possible. The Yaris isn’t what Toyota is about. We were unimpressed in every way. It was small inside, the 1.5-liter engine and its 106 horsepower weren’t enough, and the whole car felt cheap. The only plus was the exceptional fuel mileage of 35 mpg in mixed driving. Buy the Scion or wait for the all-new Corolla pricing before getting involved with this Camryish looking sedan.
Working woman’s view: The Mazda has snap even though it costs you at the fuel pump. Indeed the all wheel drive Suzuki nearly returned the same fuel mileage as the Mazda with 24 for the SX4 and the Mazda giving us 25 mpg. It was the handling, looks, and personality of the Mazda that won me over. Although a bit boy racer for my tastes, the interior was well done and the engine always on call. The Mazda 3 is a lot of car for under $15,000 and the equal to the much more expensive Audi 3.
College going male’s view: The brakes on the Chevrolet Aveo were weak and the pedal feedback was soft and not reassuring. Perhaps that was because this was a very new model, but I just couldn’t help but feeling that it could have been improved. The feel of the interior controls and the way the seat backs fold down also weren’t as good as I wanted. There is no question that the Aveo is a price leader and there is also no question you get what you pay for. If you want an economical car that returns over 30 miles per gallon with the manual transmission and costs about $13,000 the Aveo is your best answer. But for me the Chevrolet Cobalt is much better. I think it is one of Chevrolet’s best vehicles. As for the Honda Fit, it just was too small for me. The Civic was terrific, but it is priced well above even the price of a base Honda Accord. My favorite was the Dodge Caliber. It had everything and was a huge bargain. There was plenty of room, great interior design, and enough engine to provide good fuel efficiency and not intrude on acceleration and performance. However, you need to get the standard transmission with the base engine. If you want an automatic get the six-cylinder engine. You’ll need it as the Caliber’s energy is drained dramatically with a full family onboard.
Second would be the Mazda 3, but only because I felt the ride was too sporty for those who use their vehicles mainly for commuting on crowded roads. It was edgy and fun in the open spaces, but in town it was tiring to drive.
Family conference: This is easily the second best category of family friendly vehicles that is expanding. The first is the cross over SUV where the Toyota RAV 4 rules. As such every car is worth considering and it is a good idea to seriously shop only you have driven each one on a rough road, in heavy traffic where visibility can be a problem, and at night. Sadly, some of these vehicles have less than terrific night lighting with low cost headlights and only a small dome light for the interior. None of these models even came close to our lighting standards set by the big Cadillac. Don’t just take these for a zip around the block. At highway speeds the engine noise can be a distraction and you need to do at least one fast lane change and fast braking test where it is safe. Since these vehicles are new they have not gone through the government safety-testing program. Thus it is best to order as many safety features as you can afford on these vehicles. For a list of all vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html