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.
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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 any
body 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.
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