WILLOW LABORATORIES INC

2009 Acura TSX Who Should Buy This Vehicle Those who are looking for a feature-laden, well-built luxury sedan at an attractive price should consider the 2009 Acura TSX. Driving enthusiasts who value involving dynamics more than the latest high-tech features would be happier with a true sport sedan. If we had our druthers, we'd take a livelier, base BMW 328i over this more mundane, feature-rich Acura.

BMW 1 Series 135i Convertible Function Since it's a convertible, we expected our 135i's rearward top-up visibility to be lacking, and indeed it was, thanks to the top's thick sail panels. Of course, these concerns are immaterial when the top is down. An unusual and appreciated feature is the heat-reflective seating, which supposedly reduces the seats' surface temperature by 20 degrees in direct sunlight, rendering the "Yoww, these seats are hot!" complaint a relic of summers (and convertibles) past.

BRIAN J STRASNICK  WILLOW LABORATORIES NEWS  WILLOW LABORATORIES INFO  WILLOW LABORATORIES INC  BRIAN J STRASNICK NEWS  

Volkswagen Jetta SE Who Should Buy This Vehicle? The Volkswagen Jetta has always been a stepping stone of sorts for young professionals who can't yet make the financial leap to an entry-level Audi, Benz or Bimmer. These folks value the Jetta's European breeding and more expensive look and feel over its mostly bland competitors' superior long-term reliability records. Although this generation has lost some of that sporty Euro flavor (full-strength GLI excepted), the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta SE still presents a tempting package of an enjoyable drive, key luxury features and an attractive price that anybody can appreciate.


Audi TT Coupe 3.2 Quattro Click. The magnetic ride suspension is engaged. Clack. The S tronic transmission gearlever slides into manual mode. Click. The left paddle shifter labeled "-" is pressed. Vroom. The transmission blips the 3.2-liter V6 as it instantaneously drops itself into 3rd gear.

Pontiac Vibe GT Function Everything from the Vibe's stereo to its HVAC system features controls that are within reach and obviously placed. Chances are, most won't need to crack the owner's manual to get things up and running. We also appreciate the Vibe's spaciousness. The wagon shines when it comes to cabin room. Headroom, especially, is plentiful relative to others in its class, and rear legroom is adequate; these two factors make the Vibe an adequate choice for those faced with the challenge of child safety seat installation. With 20.1 cubic feet of luggage capacity on tap, the Vibe is near the top of its class when it comes to cargo room, easily accommodating a standard-size suitcase. The wagon's 60/40 fold-flat rear seats are a cinch to deploy, should you need more room for storing longer cargo.




Test Drive: 2009 Acura RL Function In our test RL, the power rear sunshade, excellent Bose stereo and keyless ignition all gave the impression of modern luxury while being anchored by a healthy dose of technology. Even on the base RL, you can opt for the Technology package, which adds features like adaptive xenon headlights and Acura Link, a bundle of navigation-related features that includes real-time traffic and weather conditions displayed right on the main screen.

Nissan Rogue SL 2WD Performance Our positive previous impressions of the Rogue's steering and handling haven't changed. Unlike some other electric power steering systems, which tend to feel as though they're connected to a boat's rudder rather than a car's wheels, the Rogue's rack is actually well-weighted, and it transmits useful information to the driver's hands. Only when you're trying to pull a U-turn or maneuver into a parking spot does the steering lighten up to a video-gamelike effort level — where it's actually welcome. Around turns, the Rogue's tall profile and compliant suspension produce a fair amount of body roll, but it feels secure and well-planted in a way that many competitors don't.























VALERIE HOFFMAN  VALERIE HAWK HOFFMAN  VALERIE HOFFMAN  VALERIE HAWK HOFFMAN HERBALIST  HOFFMAN VALERIE HERBS  VALERIE HOFFMAN HERB