February 2, 2010

Crossovers remain in demand, but some automakers are looking to take “car-like” to a whole new level. No longer are crossovers only providing a car-like ride , but more crossovers are also car-like in terms of styling.

Honda’s all-new 2010 Crosstour, based on the Accord sedan, is the epitome of this new trend. Perhaps a bit more like a five door Accord wagon than true crossover vehicle, the Honda Crosstour is looking to compete against other hard-to-define CUVs like the Toyota Venza or Ford Flex.

The base Crosstour begins at $29,670 with fully-loaded four-wheel drive versions going well into the mid-$30,000 range. The higher-end models include attractive features such as Honda’s easy to use voice-activated navigation and a rear view camera.

Interested buyers have only one engine to choose from, the Accord’s 3.5-liter V6 that produces 271 horsepower. Mated to a smooth shifting five-speed automatic, customers at Honda Parts Warwick are particularly intrigued by the Crosstour’s Variable Cylinder Management system which deactivates cylinders to improve fuel economy. Two-wheel drive models offer a commendable 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Despite the Crosstour’s increased size and weight, Manchester CT Honda Service notes it handles very closely to the Accord sedan, which is very good. Handling is crisp and compliant, just like the Accord sedan, but steering is moderately slower due to a different steering ratio setup. The crosstour is proof that the term “crossover” is used rather loosely these days, especially considering this vehicle only offers a modest six inches of ground clearance. That said, the Crosstour’s available four wheel drive system should provide outstanding traction for inclement weather say Honda dealers Denver, but this is by no means a rugged off-roader. For those interested in a vehicle between the Honda CR-V and the Honda Pilot in terms of size, ruggedness, and price, the Honda Crosstour may be a good fit. If you’re also considering a vehicle similar to the Toyota Venza, Subaru Outback, or Ford Flex, you should certainly look at the Crosstour as well.


January 10, 2010

The first Chevrolet Malibu was produced in 1964. Since then it has been one of the most recognized cars of General Motors.

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu for sale is the seventh generation of the vehicle and is built on a revised version of the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform shared with the Saturn Aura, the Opel Signum, and Pontiac G6. This is the smaller of Chevy’s two midsize sedans and it is assembled in Kansas City and Lake Orion, Michigan.

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is available for sale in four trim levels (LS, 1 LT, 2 LT, LTZ), with a choice of two engines and three transmissions. LS and LT have a 169-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, which is now capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. LT and LTZ versions use a 6-speed automatic, while LS has a 4-speed automatic transmission. LT and LTZ have an optional 252-hp 3.6-liter V6 that teams with the 6-speed automatic.

All Malibu cars are equipped with: seat-mounted thorax airbags, side-curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and tire pressure monitor. Another advantage is a one-year subscription to OnStar’s Directions and Connections plan, including: automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance, remote door unlock, emergency services and roadside assistance, hands-free calling, and vehicle diagnostics. When it comes to gas mileage, the estimated MPG is 22 in the city and 33 on a highway.