Mon Mar 31 2008

1. Honda CR-V MSRP $20,700.00 INVOICE $19,257.18
A 2.4L four-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic transmission is the
only powertrain combination offered on the 2008 Honda CR-V. The engine makes
166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. A drive-by-wire throttle control
matches with the transmission for better drivability on hills. Front-wheel
drive is standard on the CR-V; the optional Real Time 4WD system is tuned
for on-road driving, with power going to the front wheels during most
driving but with some sent to the rear wheels as needed on slippery
surfaces. Fuel economy is near the top of its class, at 23 city, 30 highway
for the front-wheel-drive version. With a four-wheel independent suspension
(MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link setup in back), plus a rigid
body structure, the CR-V has good handling for its class. The interior has
several storage compartments and numerous clever features, such as a
retractable center tray table, dual gloveboxes, and various cup holders. Two
rows of seating can accommodate five passengers. Three trim levels are
available: LX, EX, and EX-L. There's no stripped-down base model; the LX
includes a wide range of standard equipment like air conditioning, a CD
sound system with MP3 compatibility and auxiliary input jack,
tilt/telescopic steering adjustment, and power windows, locks, and mirrors.
The EX adds a moonroof, chrome trim, a dual-deck cargo shelf, upgraded audio
with six speakers and a six-disc changer, among other additional equipment,
while the top EX-L brings leather upholstery and a top audio system that has
XM satellite radio compatibility and a subwoofer. A navigation system with
voice recognition and a rear-view camera is available only on the EX-L. On
EX and EX-L models, a dual-deck cargo shelf can hold up to 20 pounds of
cargo on top while leaving space for full-size grocery bags on the bottom.
The back seat is split 60/40 and can fold forward as needed to expand the
cargo floor. The CR-V adopts Honda's ACE Body Structure, which improves
frontal crash performance and allows better crash compatibility with
vehicles of varying sizes. Front-seat side air bags and full-length
side-curtain bags are standard on all CR-Vs, along with active head
restraints. Vehicle Stability Assist and four-channel anti-lock brakes with
electronic brake distribution are standard on all CR-V models as well.   <<
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2. Toyota RAV4 MSRP $21,250.00 INVOICE $19,655.00

The RAV4 offers two different engines, an in-line four-cylinder or V6, and
both are available with either front-wheel drive or on-demand four-wheel
drive. The available 3.5L V6 has an impressive 269 horsepower and 246 lb-ft
of torque. The powerful V6 has variable valve timing for both intake and
exhaust, to help optimize torque and fuel efficiency. The V6 is paired with
a five-speed automatic transmission, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less
than 7 seconds, yet also gets an EPA fuel economy of up to 22 city, 29
highway. A 166-horsepower, 2.4L four-cylinder engine is standard on the
RAV4, matched only to a four-speed automatic transmission. With the optional
tow package, V6 models can tow a maximum of 3500 pounds. The available
on-demand four-wheel-drive system seamlessly distributes power between the
front and rear wheels in the ratio needed. It also includes a locking mode
for low-traction situations below 25 mph, such as through mud or deep snow.
The RAV4 uses an advanced Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system instead of
a hydraulic system. EPS allows more precise control, improves fuel economy,
and interfaces with the standard stability control system. Inside, the RAV4
features plenty of storage, with dual gloveboxes, a center console box, and
a recessed rear compartment. The third-row seating, optional on base and
Limited styles, folds completely flat into the cargo floor. On models
without the optional third row of seating, there are two additional
concealed compartments under the cargo area. Standard features on the base
RAV4 include air conditioning, cruise control, a 60/40-split folding rear
seat, and keyless entry. Equipment on the Sport model includes larger
18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, fog lights, roof rails,
smoked headlamp trim, and heated power mirrors. The Limited adds a number of
luxury amenities such as dual-zone climate control, a six-disc in-dash CD
changer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, but brings a
chrome grille and 17-inch six-spoke alloys. Options on the Limited include
leather-trimmed heated seats, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and
standout Blizzard White Pearl paint.   << collapse text


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3. Ford Escape MSRP $19,005.00 INVOICE $17,979.00

New Car Test Drive Review: The Ford Escape has been thoroughly updated for
2008, reinforcing the character and appeal that have made it America's
perennial best-selling small sport-utility vehicle. The improvements nearly
cover the spectrum, and inject a new level of refinement. The Escape's
standard safety features are upgraded significantly for 2008. We'd call the
Escape a little truck among small SUVs. Its new styling deliberately invokes
Ford's larger, truck-based Expedition and Explorer sport-utilities. Escape's
ride height and seating position are a bit higher than competitors such as
the Honda CR-V, and it can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is substantially
more than most other vehicles in the class. Yet the Ford Escape still
delivers the advantages of unit-body, car-based competitors such as the
Honda CR-V. Its smooth ride and agile handling make for enjoyable driving,
and its compact dimensions make the Escape easy to park. The base
four-cylinder is adequate for all-purpose driving while the V6 offers
quicker acceleration performance. It's a well-executed package. It offers
better fuel economy and lower emissions but demands little additional effort
or knowledge from the driver. The new 2008 Ford Escape still provides
comfortable seating for four, or five in a pinch, but with noticeably more
headroom than in pre-2008 models. Folding the rear seats opens a good sized
cargo area with a flat floor, and space behind the seat surpasses that in
the trunk of the typical sedan. Interior storage options have improved
considerably. The finish is more upscale and pleasing, and feature function
and switches are among the best. Safety features that were extra-cost
options on lower-trim models are now standard across the board, including
Ford's Roll Stability Control system. Escape now sets the class benchmark
for safety features. The 2008 Ford Escape remains one of the best vehicles
in Ford's lineup, and competitive in a crowded field of small
sport-utilities, regardless of price. Yet model for model and feature for
feature, Escape prices are very good. Considerable improvements for 2008 add
safety features, refinement, comfort and more style. Fuel mileage for all
models, and towing capacity, rank with the best. For all-purpose, reasonably
efficient daily transport on the road, the Escape rates among the best
smaller SUVs.   << collapse text


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4. Chevrolet Tahoe MSRP $34,630.00 INVOICE $31,686.44

New Car Test Drive Review: The Chevy Tahoe has been the best-selling vehicle
in its category since 2001, accounting for more than 25 percent of all
full-size SUV registrations in the United States, and it's easy to
understand why. It hauls loads of passengers and gear, it can pull heavy
trailers, and it holds up well to abuse and rugged terrain. Tahoe can
accommodate five to nine passengers, and the first two rows offer spacious,
even luxurious, seating. Fold the second and third rows of seats and the
Tahoe offers nearly 109 cubic feet of cargo space. A properly equipped Tahoe
is rated to tow up to 8,200 pounds; based on the same platform as the
Suburban and Silverado, the Tahoe makes a stable rig for pulling trailers.
The 5.3-liter V8 engine features GM's Active Fuel Management technology to
save gas, but you can't even feel it switching between four and eight
cylinders whether on the highway or around town. The 5.3-liter V8 provides
all the power most customers will need, and there's a less-expensive
4.8-liter V8 available. Safety features include dual-stage front airbags;
full-coverage head-protecting curtain side airbags with rollover sensors;
four-wheel antilock brakes; Stabilitrak stability control system with
rollover mitigation; LATCH child safety seat anchors; and a tire pressure
monitor. The 2008 Chevy Tahoe offers lots of cargo space, comfortable
passenger accommodations, and a big towing capacity. It's a full-size truck
and handles like one, but the Tahoe offers a smooth ride and a pleasant
interior. With the addition of the Hybrid model, it can get sedan-like fuel
economy. The Hybrid is a good choice for a daily driver with a lot of cargo
and passenger carrying capacity, and the other models are excellent choices
for those who need to tow.   << collapse text


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5. Ford Explorer MSRP $26,010.00 INVOICE $24,589.00

New Car Test Drive Review: Ford Explorer is a traditional midsize SUV with
body-on-frame construction. Available with V6 or V8 power, the Explorer
competes against the Chevy TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner,
and Nissan Pathfinder. For 2008, Ford adds new standard and optional
features. Side curtain airbags are standard on 2008 models, voice activation
is added to the optional navigation system, and top-line Limited models get
standard power adjustable pedals and a universal garage door opener. Due
later in the 2008 model year are three new options: a capless fueling
system, 20-inch wheels and Ford's Sync entertainment and communication
system. Explorer has earned the best possible impact protection rating in
the federal government's crash tests: five stars for the driver in a frontal
impact, the front-seat passenger in a frontal impact, front-seat occupants
in a side impact, and rear-seat occupants in a side impact, according to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2006 model year New Car
Assessment Program. Ford says the Explorer is designed to meet all known
federal frontal- and side-impact crash requirements through 2010. Safety
features standard on all Explorers are dual-stage front airbags;
seat-mounted, torso-protecting side-impact air bags; head-protecting curtain
side air bags with a rollover sensor; antilock brakes with brake assist and
electronic brake force distribution; tire-pressure monitor; traction
control; and Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid control with the same roll
stability control system used by Volvo and Land Rover. Though car-based
SUVs, or crossovers, such as the Ford Edge are gaining in popularity for
their smoother ride, better handling, and easier interior access, the
Explorer remains a good choice for families that tow. Explorer's truck-based
chassis gives it towing capability, while its clever independent rear
suspension smoothes the ride for back-seat passengers. The Ford Explorer has
never been better and represents an excellent choice among midsize sport
utilities. It gets the basics right while paying attention to the details.
We find the Explorer fully competitive in a tightly contested segment,
succeeding as both an excellent machine and a high-value purchase. It's
handsome, smooth, quiet, comfortable and competent.   << collapse text


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6. Chevrolet TrailBlazer MSRP $27,405.00 INVOICE $25,623.68

The 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer seemingly provides something for everyone.
All trim levels provide a comfortable ride for five passengers, good towing
capability, and ample cargo space. There are two trim levels available: LT
and the SS. The LT trims come standard with a 4.2L inline six-cylinder
engine that makes a healthy 285 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 277 ft-lbs of
torque at 4600 rpm. The optional 5.3L V8 engine is available and makes 300
horsepower at 5300 rpm and 321 ft-lbs of torque at 4000 rpm. The 5.3L V8
sports the impressive active fuel management feature that deactivates four
of the eight cylinders and propels the vehicle on just four cylinders in
instances where extra power is not needed. The transition from eight to four
cylinders and back is virtually undetectable and helps boost fuel economy.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel anti-lock disc
brakes, power windows and locks, OnStar, cruise control, air conditioning, a
CD player with XM satellite radio, and StabiliTrak stability control system.
The LT trim adds features such as a roof rack, fog lamps, power mirrors,
power front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and
automatic dual-zone climate control. For those wanting a sporty SUV, the
TrailBlazer offers its SS trim level in either 2WD or AWD versions. The SS
TrailBlazer includes a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, heavy
duty front disc brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, quicker ratio
steering, and the Corvette-based LS2 6.0L V8 engine, as well as other
changes. These enhancements create an aggressive look outside and some
serious acceleration with sub six second 0-60 mph times. Power reaches 390
horsepower 6000 rpm and 400 ft-lbs of torque at 4000 rpm. Notable options on
all trim levels include a rear seat DVD entertainment system, Bose premium
speaker system and power sunroof. At less than $28,000 the 2WD LS offers
impressive standard equipment for the price. A loaded 4WD LT V8 TrailBlazer
can push just past the $38,000 mark. Pricing for the 2WD SS TrailBlazers
start at $31,990 with destination charge. An AWD SS TrailBlazer will run a
minimum of $34,090.   << collapse text


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7. Ford Edge MSRP $25,565.00 INVOICE $24,135.00

Ford's Edge is offered in SE, SEL, and Limited models for 2008. All three
are powered by a 265-horsepower, 3.5L V6 engine and six-speed automatic
transmission, and each one offers a choice of an intelligent all-wheel-drive
system for all-weather driving, or a more economical front-wheel-drive setup
good for warmer-weather states. The active, on-demand all-wheel-drive system
can deliver more torque to the wheels that can use it most, even before the
other wheels slip, and it's paired with the AdvanceTrac traction control to
transfer torque front to back and side to side. All Edge models get the
AdvanceTrac with roll stability control system, which helps enhance safety
and stability on slippery surfaces or in quick maneuvers. A four-wheel
anti-lock braking system, front side thorax air bags, and Safety Canopy
side-curtain bags that protect both rows are all standard as well. The Edge
can seat five; the second-row seatback reclines, and the seat is also split
60/40 and folds forward providing a level load floor. A fold-flat front
passenger seat is also available and provides space for items as long as
eight feet. Depending on the model, the rear seat folds either manually with
a release or automatically with the EasyFold remote release. With
car-derived underpinnings, including a MacPherson strut front suspension,
four-link rear independent suspension, and isolated front subframe, the Edge
is tuned for a smooth on-road ride with crisp handling. The base SE comes
well equipped, including power accessories and keyless entry, but the SEL
adds appearance add-ons and convenience features, including fog lamps,
chrome exhaust tips, unique upholstery, leather trim, an aluminum instrument
panel finish, automatic headlamps, an upgraded sound system, and a reverse
sensing system. At the top of the range, the Limited adds heated memory
front seats, heated side mirrors, leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate
control, a fold-flat front passenger seat, and a high-end Audiophile
nine-speaker sound system with six-disc changer. The available Panoramic
Vista Roof, which offers two large glass panels, a front tilt-and-slide one
and a rear fixed one, to provide plenty of natural light when wanted. It
comes with power-operated cloth shades. Other standout options include a
reverse sensing system, voice-activated navigation, a universal garage door
opener, 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, a rear DVD entertainment system, and the
Sync hands-free communication and navigation system, which can interface
with cell phones and media players, either wirelessly or via USB, using
voice commands.   << collapse text


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8. Toyota Highlander MSRP $27,300.00 INVOICE $24,297.00

New Car Test Drive Review: The Toyota Highlander is completely new for 2008.
After seven successful model years, the Toyota Highlander has been
redesigned and re-engineered to enhance its strengths. The new version is
bigger and roomier. It's also been made more powerful, though not at the
expense of fuel economy. The 2008 Toyota Highlander is larger than its
predecessor in every dimension. Those larger dimensions add up to increased
cargo and passenger volume. The 2008 Toyota Highlander is an even better
people mover than its predecessor. The second row can slide forward and
back, and the third-row seat changes from an afterthought to a space
hospitable for children and capable of carrying adults. Getting in and out
of the first two rows is easy, and Toyota provides both a walkthrough and a
fold and slide forward second-row seat to ease access to the third row. The
Highlander is moving slightly upmarket for 2008. A four-cylinder engine is
no longer an option and the base six-cylinder engine has been upgraded. The
standard 3.5-liter V6 is larger and dramatically more powerful than last
year's engine. Rated at 270 horsepower, it offers an increase of 55 hp over
the old engine. In spite of this, fuel economy has been slightly improved.
The 3.5-liter V6 is buttery smooth, as is its five-speed transmission, which
downshifts seamlessly to provide ample passing punch. Front-wheel-drive
Highlanders get 18/24 mpg City/Highway. All-wheel drive models are rated
slightly lower at 17/23 mpg. Get behind the wheel and you soon find that the
2008 Highlander is a pleasant family vehicle. Most notable is the ride
quality, which is luxurious. Even with the available 19-inch wheels, the
suspension smoothes all but the most jarring bumps. There is a bit of
unwanted float on highways, though. Sport models and Hybrids have slightly
more road feel, but are still quite comfortable.   << collapse text


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9. Jeep Wrangler MSRP $18,660.00 INVOICE $17,596.00

The 2008 Jeep Wrangler is yet another descendant of the legendary military
Jeep that evolved into the CJ series built from the 1950s to the 1980s, and
then the first Wrangler after that. These days, the tried and true two-door
Wrangler is also available as a four-door Wrangler Unlimited model, with a
back-seat designed to hold two adults or fold forward for increased cargo
space. The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are available in three trim
levels-X, Sahara, and Rubicon-and all models are powered by the same
202-horsepower 3.8L V6, mated either to a standard six-speed manual
transmission or optional four-speed automatic. All Wranglers are four-wheel
drive, while Unlimiteds are available in either rear- or four-wheel drive.
Wranglers feature rugged recirculating-ball steering, removable doors with
exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield, and removable soft tops, yet it has
modern safety features like seat-mounted side air bags, ESP stability
control, traction control, and four-wheel anti-lock braking. The Wrangler is
available in many different configurations, appearances, and equipment
levels, and can be everything from a reasonably comfortable road cruiser to
a serious rock crawler. The Wrangler's off-road ability benefits from 8.8 to
10.2 inches of clearance, depending on trim, and all Wranglers and
Unlimiteds feature a heavy-duty Dana 44 solid rear axle. Wrangler X and
Sahara models get the second-generation version of Jeep's Command-Trac
system, a part-time 4WD system with two-speed transfer case. A limited-slip
differential is available. The especially rugged Rubicon model gets a
Rock-Trac transfer case with a crawler 4:1 low range, along with front and
rear axle lockers, and serious 32-inch B.F. Goodrich off-road tires.
Wrangler interiors offer a fair amount of room, and plenty of convenience
features are available. Standard amenities across the range include air
conditioning and a CD stereo with MP3 capability, while popular options
include power windows and locks, a full-screen navigation system, and a
six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 sound system with Sirius satellite radio. Several
top arrangements are available, including a three-piece Freedom Top hard top
that can be removed and installed by one person, as well as a Sunrider soft
top that features a fold-back, 52-by-30-inch "sunroof" position in addition
to the top-down position. The Sunrider comes standard on Sahara and Rubicon
Wranglers.   << collapse text


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10. Jeep Grand Cherokee MSRP $28,520.00 INVOICE $26,208.00

New Car Test Drive Review: The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV, like
the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet TrailBlazer, but it offers superior off-road
capability comparable to that of the upscale Land Rover LR3. Outside, the
Grand Cherokee is edgy and angular, clean and contemporary, uncluttered by
body cladding. Yet it is instantly recognizable as a Jeep. Inside, the
atmosphere is light, comfortable, and enveloping, with lots of seat
adjustments, and excellent outward vision around relatively slim windshield
posts. Switches and controls are clearly labeled and easy to find and use.
In back is nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space. For 2008, the grille has
been lengthened, the headlamps made more circular, and the front fascia has
been redesigned as a two-piece unit with a lower section that can be removed
to allow more clearance over rugged terrain. While conventional SUVs, such
as the Dodge Durango, are built on a separate frame like a truck, the Grand
Cherokee uses an unusual construction scheme Jeep calls Uniframe, a close
marriage of a welded steel unit-body and underlying front and rear modules.
This is an extremely sturdy and rigid concept developed back in Jeep's days
with unit-body pioneer American Motors. The Grand Cherokee has earned a
five-star safety rating in both front and side impact tests from the federal
government. Jeep Grand Cherokee combines mountain-goat agility in rugged
terrain with stable and responsive handling on the paved roads where most
buyers will spend most of their time. The Grand Cherokee offers a nicer ride
and better cornering than any other Jeep in history. The Jeep Grand Cherokee
is an icon among sport utility vehicles and this latest-generation version
is far better than older models. It looks wonderful. It's powerful and quiet
at the same time. It offers good space efficiency and comes loaded with
standard and optional features. The Grand Cherokee is a great choice for
those who want to tow, go off-road, or both. And if fuel economy is your
goal, the available diesel has it without sacrificing power.   << collapse
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