Sunday, August 15, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
2010 Volkswagen Routan
2010 Volkswagen Routan Rear Angle ViewVolkswagen Routan - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Volkswagen Routan ranks 5 out of 7 Minivans. This ranking is based on our analysis of 13 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Routan, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Volkswagen teamed up with Chrysler to produce the Routan. Like the partnership that created it, the Routan is something of a mixed bag.
The Routan is one of the few vehicles on the road today that's sourced directly from one company and sold by another. The Routan is a VW, albeit one that's heavily based on the Chrysler minivans -- the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan. While those two models are seen as the granddaddies of the minivan class, in recent years they've been outpaced by minivans from Asian manufacturers. With the Routan, VW tried to reverse that trend, taking a tried and true minivan platform, retuning the suspension for more exciting driving and upgrading the interior with nicer materials from VW's parts bin.
The results are somewhat mixed. Reviewers say that while the Routan drives slightly better than the Chrysler minivans, it still lags the Honda Odyssey. Inside, while the VW materials help the interior, some reviewers say that simply slapping nice coverings on a Chrysler interior is sort of like putting lipstick on a pig.
Despite these setbacks, however, the Routan has some strong points. Its passenger cabin is roomy, and while its interior isn’t as versatile as its Chrysler cousins', the Routan's seats are more comfortable. Though reviewers say the Odyssey outperforms the Routan, it's only by a matter of degrees, and the Routan has a lower starting price. Finally, the Routan has very good crash test scores. And while the Routan's warranty isn't longer than its competitors, it’s the only minivan to offer free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
The bottom line is, if you're shopping minivans, the Routan is a solid choice, but so is almost every other van in the class. Make sure you shop around.
The Routan comes in four trims: the S base model, the SE, the SEL and the SEL Premium. All Routans seat seven in three rows. The Routan was all-new in 2009. For 2010, little has changed.
The 2010 Volkswagen Routan ranks 5 out of 7 Minivans. This ranking is based on our analysis of 13 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Routan, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Volkswagen teamed up with Chrysler to produce the Routan. Like the partnership that created it, the Routan is something of a mixed bag.
The Routan is one of the few vehicles on the road today that's sourced directly from one company and sold by another. The Routan is a VW, albeit one that's heavily based on the Chrysler minivans -- the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan. While those two models are seen as the granddaddies of the minivan class, in recent years they've been outpaced by minivans from Asian manufacturers. With the Routan, VW tried to reverse that trend, taking a tried and true minivan platform, retuning the suspension for more exciting driving and upgrading the interior with nicer materials from VW's parts bin.
The results are somewhat mixed. Reviewers say that while the Routan drives slightly better than the Chrysler minivans, it still lags the Honda Odyssey. Inside, while the VW materials help the interior, some reviewers say that simply slapping nice coverings on a Chrysler interior is sort of like putting lipstick on a pig.
Despite these setbacks, however, the Routan has some strong points. Its passenger cabin is roomy, and while its interior isn’t as versatile as its Chrysler cousins', the Routan's seats are more comfortable. Though reviewers say the Odyssey outperforms the Routan, it's only by a matter of degrees, and the Routan has a lower starting price. Finally, the Routan has very good crash test scores. And while the Routan's warranty isn't longer than its competitors, it’s the only minivan to offer free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
The bottom line is, if you're shopping minivans, the Routan is a solid choice, but so is almost every other van in the class. Make sure you shop around.
The Routan comes in four trims: the S base model, the SE, the SEL and the SEL Premium. All Routans seat seven in three rows. The Routan was all-new in 2009. For 2010, little has changed.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
2011 New Toyota Highlander
2011 Toyota Highlander Official PictureThe Toyota Highlander was first unveiled in 2000 and it wasn’t until 2008 that the second generation went on sale. Now, in apparent record time for the Highlander, the crossover will be receiving its first major face lift. The new 2011 Highlander and will go on sale later this year.
The model will come with a redesigned front fascia that includes new headlights, a new grille with two horizontal lines instead of three, and the front bumper. While there are no details on the car’s specifications we expect to see a 273 HP 3.5 liter V6 engine under the hood and a 2.7 liter four-cylinder unit for the American market. A hybrid version will also be unveiled.
We have to inform you that even if you are looking at the European version, the exact same model will also be offered for the North American market. So what you see, is what you get!
The model will come with a redesigned front fascia that includes new headlights, a new grille with two horizontal lines instead of three, and the front bumper. While there are no details on the car’s specifications we expect to see a 273 HP 3.5 liter V6 engine under the hood and a 2.7 liter four-cylinder unit for the American market. A hybrid version will also be unveiled.
We have to inform you that even if you are looking at the European version, the exact same model will also be offered for the North American market. So what you see, is what you get!
Friday, August 6, 2010
2011 Toyota Highlander Unveiled


2011 Toyota Highlander Official Photos
The 2011 Toyota Highlander gets styling revisions and some equipment shuffling. It’s part of a mid-cycle freshening for a vehicle last fully redesigned in model-year 2008. The 2011 Highlander’s basic form doesn’t change. This Toyota remains a carefully calculated compromise between a minivan and an SUV. Styling is more masculine than any minivan’s, and although it has three versatile seating rows, it lacks a minivan’s easy sliding-side-door access and low step-in height. Highlander doesn’t boast the brawny bearing or off-road prowess of a true SUV yet offers all-wheel drive and elevates your eyes level above traffic. And the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the only gas-electric seven-seat crossover for sale in the U.S.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)





















































