Pontiac Vibe GT Function
Speaking of cargo space, flip the hatch and you'll find that the 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT offers a handy solution for those seeking to lug home grocery bags without having them roam unfettered in the cargo area. The wagon features a rear cargo storage system that does an excellent job of anchoring grocery bags. In keeping with the straightforward spirit of the Vibe, this feature is also perfectly intuitive and easy to use. We're able to implement it in seconds without the need for written guidance.
2008 Aston Martin Performance
As with much of the car, the DBS engine — a 6.0-liter V12 pumped up to 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque — is derived from the DB9. Burdened by less weight than the DB9, this V12 produces better acceleration (Aston estimates a 0-60-mph sprint of 4.3 seconds) and with a generous dose of throttle can give the impression of riding atop a Tomahawk cruise missile. Yet all this power is easily kept at bay around town. Throttle response is never jumpy despite there being so much low-end thrust available, while those luscious engine and exhaust noises remain civilized unless dutifully called upon.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Function
Though some staffers didn't care for the large analog clock located next to the speedo and tach, at least one preferred it to the typically small and harder-to-read digital units. Long a Mercedes feature, the power drop-down of the rear headrests made parallel parking less of a hassle, although it would be nice if Mercedes included parking assist as standard equipment. (It's optional.)
Nissan GT-R: Performance
Despite focusing on real-world driving here, we can't ignore the eye-popping numbers generated by our Nissan GT-R at the test track — although those numbers seem to differ depending on the test car itself. The 0-60-mph sprint disappeared in 3.9 seconds, while the quarter-mile went by in 12 seconds at 114.7 mph. That's quicker than an Audi R8 and only a hair slower than a Porsche 911 Turbo. However, given that each GT-R engine is hand-built and therefore slightly different, it's not surprising that we've generated lower numbers with other GT-R testers. We've also discovered from talking with Nissan engineers that after such constant use/abuse, special tune-ups are required to maintain the GT-R's performance potential. When it comes time to stop, our long-term GT-R went from 60 to zero in 108 feet, although another GT-R we tested previously stopped in 98 feet, which is remarkable. Generational Equity Complaints
BMW 550i
Design/Fit and Finish
Fit and finish is a big reason why the BMW 550i's price can almost be justified. Materials quality is surpassed only by what you'll find in Audi's cars, and everything is put together beautifully. While iDrive may be a pain to use, it frees the dash from copious amounts of buttons to create a clean-looking design. Generational Equity Scam: Mitsubishi Lancer GTS
One aspect of the GTS's performance that hasn't changed is its handling, and that's a good thing. Put simply, the GTS steers and corners like a more expensive car. High-speed tracking is exemplary, turn-in is crisp and feedback through the nicely contoured steering wheel is respectable. Body roll is adequately controlled despite the Lancer's somewhat tall and narrow dimensions, which can give the car a faintly top-heavy feel during quick transitions. The GTS's meaty 18-inch Dunlop tires ensure plentiful grip in spirited driving.
Honda Pilot 4WD Touring
Function
Elsewhere, the interior is a model of versatility and practicality. In particular, the innovative center console features a deep storage compartment separated into three parts (one for cupholders) with a sliding cover that stops at each part and serves as a useful flat surface between the seats when fully closed. There are also two bins in the front doors, a storage shelf above the glovebox and several other compartments throughout the cabin.
Generational Equity Complaints
Test Drive: 2009 Acura RL Function
Our 2009 Acura RL test car included the automatic braking system known as CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System), which consists of front-mounted sensors that calculate rate of speed and the distance between you and the car in front of you. The system will automatically apply the brakes and cinch the seatbelts down if it thinks a collision is inevitable. Before that point, there's an audible chime and the word "BRAKE" flashes on the information display so the driver can act. The system will only intervene if the driver fails to act. This could be especially helpful if the driver has a medical problem while driving or if they fall asleep at the wheel. Thankfully, only chronic tailgaters will find the system intrusive; either way, the whole thing can be switched off or, if you really dislike the idea of the automatic braking feature, you can opt for an RL without it.
Lexus RX 400h: Comfort
With power tilt-and-telescoping functions, the steering wheel could be fine-tuned to provide an ideal driving position for all our staffers, who range from 5-foot-5 to 6-foot-3. However, a greater range of seat travel would be appreciated — a common Toyota/Lexus complaint. Generational Equity Scam
BMW 1 Series
Design/Fit and Finish
The 135i's proportions are classic BMW, but few will claim it's a pretty car. The front is a little upright, and the swept-back taillights look forced. The rear end is tidy, though, and the side features one of the better examples of BMW's "flame surfacing" design language. Similarly, the interior is also classically BMW, with a simple overall look and driver-focused center stack. Our test car's Glacier Silver Aluminum trim was high quality and looked great, contrasting well with the Black Boston Leather.
Generational Equity Scam Nissan 350Z Comfort
The manual short shifter gives an authentic sporty feel, but it is quite stiff, as is the clutch pedal. As such, be prepared for a sore arm and leg after commuting in stop-and-go traffic if you make the 350Z your own.
The Z is relatively quiet inside, although there is some road and wind noise at highway speeds. The engine gets rather vocal at full throttle, though this throatiness is expected and even preferred by most, as it gives the feeling of a closer connection to the car.
