Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Double Header Edition




Greetings!! As promised, I'm posting the first two reviews in my three part series about summer convertibles. Checkout my take on the Volkswagen Eos 3.2L and the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Stay tuned for the third review, where I'll be discussing the Honda S2000. As always, let me know what you think of my take, or any other thoughts you have about goings on in the automotive world. Happy reading!

Retractable Hardtop Shines on Volkswagen Eos

Fast Forward
By Marcus MacFarland

OVERVIEW

Over the next few weeks I’ll be reviewing cars whose purpose is rooted less in practicality and more in fun. While each of these cars is quite different from the others in many ways, all have one common denominator. They are convertibles, and they are all about fun. Considering summer is now in full swing, reviewing three "good time" convertibles seems quite appropriate. Further, the fact that you’re reading this review means that you live in one of the most affluent regions of the most prosperous country in the world, which means that your automotive buying decisions aren’t always only about needs. So, let’s get to it, shall we?
The all-new 2007 Volkswagen Eos 3.2L is a two-plus-two with front-wheel drive and a retractable hardtop. Considering its size, sticker price, and luxury options, there isn’t a lot of competition. Pontiac’s G6 power hardtop and Volvo C70 are the Eos’ closest competitors.

PERFORMANCE

The Eos comes in three trim levels but offers only two choices for power. The first, available in the base and 2.0T trim, is a 2.0-liter turbo charged four cylinder making 200 horsepower. My tester featured the second choice, a 3.2-liter VR6, making 250 horsepower. Despite the Eos’ rather porky curb weight for its size, the 3.2L model is pretty quick. It’ll reach 60 mph in just six and a half seconds.

HANDLING

When putting the little Eos through its paces around my local testing facility- aka country roads- it proved to be rather responsive and crisp. When I really pushed hard, front grip gave way to the more than 3,500-lb. curb weight. One characteristic I expected but was conspicuously missing was torque steer at corner exit. Overall, the Eos is a competent cornerer.

STYLING

I made up my mind about the Eos’ styling just about the time I took it to my local gym. Almost as soon as I pulled into the parking lot my mind was spinning up reasons for driving this chick car: The jacked-up SS393 Chevelle wasn’t running. My wife took my Harley shopping. Whatever. I felt my manhood under scrutiny immediately. Not only are the exterior lines cutesy, but my tester was a shade of blue that could almost be described as periwinkle.
Inside, the surroundings are comfortable and rather luxurious. Its retractable hard top features a panoramic sunroof that can be opened without lowering the hardtop.

JUDGEMENT

On the whole, I liked the Eos. I would liken my feelings about it to that of many guilty pleasures, like singing in the shower or romantic comedies. Men, if your wife decides to buy one of these cars, you’ll likely complain about it, and then find yourself asking to drive on summer afternoons.

MX-5 Miata Adds Retractable Hard Top
Fast Forward
By Marcus MacFarland

OVERVIEW

Now in the second year of its third generation, Mazda’s MX-5 Miata isn’t resting on its laurels. The sporty little two-seater, which practically single-handedly brought back the classic roadster from the dead, has kept true to its roots while continuing to get better with age. For this year, a rather surprising option has been added, the retractable power hardtop, which is normally associated with more option-laden luxury automobiles. What’s more, the hardtop neither added an inordinate amount of weight nor sacrificed truck space in the MX-5.

PERFORMANCE

While the marketing for the MX-5 Miata states that it has "the soul of a sports car", I don’t think it got the engine of one. This most recent generation has more horsepower than has ever been available before, but considering brute force has never been a strongsuit for the Miata, that’s not saying a whole lot. The current mill is a 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder that makes 166 horsepower. This engine could be called lively, but in no way fast.

HANDLING

This is where the little roadster earns its reputation as one of the most fun cars on the market. Spend a beautiful spring day blasting through the country with the top down and you’ll not only appreciate the Miata, but also the 50’s and 60’s British roadsters that inspired it. This is really one of the more forgiving and neutrally handling cars I’ve driven. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not fast, but really fun to drive around twisties.

STYLING

So, this generation of MX-5 Miata is more sporty looking and less cutesy than previous generations. But, stylistically, the most significant part of this year’s model is the retractable hardtop. Kudos to Mazda for this addition. Not only does it only add 80 lbs. over the standard convertible model, but it also can be put up or down in a mere 12 seconds. Oh yeah, it also doesn’t absorb any trunk space.

JUDGEMENT
This year’s MX-5 Miata has kept everything that makes it a Miata, but now has received a noticeable jump in sophistication courtesy of the new retractable hard top. This is a characteristic that hasn’t exactly been overwhelming in years past. The fact that they’ve been able to add this to such a great niche vehicle, and keep it under 30 grand is pretty impressive. I wish the MX-5 Miata had a bit more horsepower, but hey, I doubt anybody who has ever bought one of these cars would care about that.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Grand Vitara XSPORT & Upcoming Three Part Series



Hello all! It's been awhile since I've updated the blog with new reviews. You know how it goes, it being summer and all. I will certainly be making up for that in the very near future. First things first, checkout my take on the Suzuki Grand Vitara XSPORT I recently drove. If you are thinking about a crossover vehicle, but working with a tight budget, this is definintely worth a closer look. Second, starting next week I'll be doing a three part series on good time summer convertibles. Just because you've been patient, I'm going to give you two of the three reviews in next weeks edition. As always, please dont' hesitate to email me or post comments about anything on the blog or auto related. Happy reading!!




Grand Vitara XSPORT Offers Value over Luxury
Fast Forward
By Marcus MacFarland

OVERVIEW

I suppose it’s true that there is a time and a place for everything. I came to believe the old adage a little bit more this week when I discovered the 2007 Grand Vitara 4WD XSPORT sitting in my driveway. I say that, in part, because, this year’s Grand Vitara is largely unchanged after last year’s major redesign. Between that, and the fact that small SUV’s don’t usually get my blood pumping, I have to admit that I was expecting to be pretty bored. When I climbed inside, I discovered something particularly unusual about this tester. This Grand Vitara wasn’t completely loaded with options. I must admit, at first, this didn’t improve my expectations for the impending week. However, when I stopped to consider the demographic that would likely be interested in the Grand Vitara, the lack of options seemed rather appropriate.

PERFORMANCE
If you purchase a Grand Vitara, you can have any engine you want, so long as it’s a 2.7-liter V6. You got it, there’s only one choice. This small displacement V6 churns out 185 horsepower, which is about average for this class. While I’ve driven slower cars and SUVs, this one certainly sounded like it was working harder than the others. I found that getting on highway on-ramps and having conversation with my passengers to be completely at odds in the Grand Vitara.

HANDLING

If you are considering buying a Grand Vitara, be advised that the two-wheel drive version is rear wheel drive. If you are trying to save a few bucks, I don’t recommend doing it by passing on four wheel drive, unless you live in Florida, California, or someplace else that doesn’t get snowy or icy conditions. Come January, you’ll appreciate spending the extra $1400.00 bucks, especially when you see some poor schlub pointing the wrong way in a ditch next to I-695. Otherwise, the Grand Vitara handles about as I expected. Its ride quality isn’t great, but it’s livable.

STYLING

Since last year’s redesign, the look of the Grand Vitara is unchanged. Its exterior lines look like the traditional take on a small SUV but with some added edginess. Nothing too wild here. The XSPORT is the mid-level package, so my tester came with smaller 16" wheels and black cloth interior. Otherwise, this trim level is nicely equipped. The interior features tilt steering and a seven speaker audio system with subwoofer.

JUDGEMENT

The moral of the story here is that the Grand Vitara represents a pretty good deal if you go easy on the options. If you are looking for inexpensive five passenger transportation with four-wheel drive, it can be had for around $21,000.

Monday, June 18, 2007

All New Mitsubishi Outlander XLS AWD



Redesigned Outlander a Step in the Right Direction

OVERVIEW
Like virtually every major auto manufacturer, Mitsubishi offers a car-based crossover vehicle featuring AWD. In and of itself, that fact isn’t exactly a bombshell. In fact, today there are so many choices out there it’s easy to get them confused, especially considering that many of them look a lot alike. Mitsubishi’s entrant in this class is called the Outlander. It was introduced back in 2002 as a 2003 model. This year it gets its first major redesign. And with this redesign, it does something many manufacturers in this segment fear. The Outlander dares to be different.


PERFORMANCE
Okay, so from a straight-line performance standpoint, the Outlander doesn’t reinvent the wheel. I apologize if my lead-in indicated otherwise. It’s acceleration is adequate compared with that of its competition. Another 20-30 horsepower would really improve this aspect of the Outlander’ personality. Despite its lack of brute force, the Outlander does feel sporty. Its aluminum paddle shifters aid in creating a crossover that is quite fun to drive.


HANDLING
The Outlander will cut corners with any of the crossover SUVs I’ve driven. When I hustled through some of my favorite local twisties, I detected limited body roll courtesy of the Outlander’s rather firmly sprung fully independent suspension. I was also a little surprised to find that despite its AWD, the Outlander doesn’t feel sluggish or heavy in transition between corners.


STYLING
I think that the Outlander’s styling is the main area where it distinguishes itself from the bulk of its competition. The exterior is modern, sporty, and bears a slight resemblance to the Nissan Murano. Slide inside, and you’ll find a cockpit that is comfortable and well-appointed. Like the Galant Ralliart and Lancer GTS I recently tested, the Outlander is available with Rockford Audio, which includes a subwoofer. The Outlander also boasts optional third row seating. However, like the majority of the small SUVs making this claim, these seats are mainly fit for small children. Fold down the third row and there is plenty of room for luggage. The Outlander also comes with the Flap Folding Tailgate, which opens close enough to the ground to make loading heavy items a snap.


JUDGEMENT
Mitsubishi’s slumping recent U.S. sales has been due, in large part, to forgettable cars and SUVs. The Outlander is a big step in the right direction. If there is one thing you can say for the Outlander, it’s not forgettable. If you like the Murano, but can’t afford the near $40,000 price tag, take a look at this crossover.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Brand New Mitsubishi Lancer!!!


Brand New Lancer Big Improvement

OVERVIEW
After spending the 2007 model year on hiatus, the Mitsubishi Lancer is back. Engineers for the ailing Japanese manufacturer took last year to create a completely new Lancer with hopes to turn around lackluster U.S. sales. This redesigned version is offered in three trim levels, the DE, ES, and the sport-tuned GTS. The base level DE version starts at $14,615.00, while the GTS tester I had came to $22,615.00. All come standard with an inline 4 cylinder and get the option of a five-speed manual transmission or CVT. Conspicuously missing is the Evolution X trim level. This high performance favorite of sport-compact enthusiasts will return next year.

PERFORMANCE
The standard Lancer engine is a MIVEC DOHC 2.0-liter inline four cylinder. Most states get the standard version, which churns out a less than earth shattering 152 horsepower. If you happen to live in California, in addition to paparazzi induced traffic jams and constant media coverage of Paris Hilton, you’ll also be getting robbed of another nine horsepower. Yep, the emissions friendly version makes 143 horsepower. My tester came with the optional CVT transmission, which because of its lack of horsepower, felt as though it had inadvertently slipped back into neutral. In short, this car needs more power.

HANDLING
Okay, enough of the negative talk. Outside of the Lancer’s lack of power, this is a really fun car to drive. The sport-tuned suspension features a Macpherson strut/ rear multi-link setup. Driving the Lancer over rough city streets, the firm suspension provides surprisingly good ride quality. What’s more, under high speed cornering, it is smooth, predictable, and quite stable in transitions. That, coupled with impressive brakes, make the GTS’s handling a superb bridge between the entry-level DE and what has historically been bone jarring Evolution X suspension.

STYLING
The look inside and out of the new Lancer is a hit. This is a car that was in desperate need of restyling. The 2006 Evolution I had last year looked so dated I could have sworn it came straight from the mid-nineties. It now features a prominent front end, great wheels, and a wing, that while sporty, won’t scare small aircraft flying overhead. Inside, the Lancer is easy to operate and is extremely well appointed for the price. My tester came with the Rockford Fosgate audio with subwoofer and navigation system. This is the first time I’ve seen a tester under $23,000.00 that included these features. Additionally, seating in the GTS features unusually good lateral support.

JUDGEMENT
Add another 25 horsepower and this is one of the best values on the market.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

WELCOME EVERYONE


So, this is the first ever Fast Forward blog. I have never written a blog before. So, please bear with me. I'm learning as I go. Let me just take a moment to tell you a little bit about what this blog is and what I intend to do with it. First, the Fast Forward blog is, in part, an online version of my automotive reviews, which appear each week in 15 community papers in the Baltimore area. So, with this space, I'll be posting my reviews of current cars, trucks, and SUV's. Second, beyond giving you my take on each of these vehicles, I want to create an informal online discussion about cars and trucks in general. I'd like to keep this part of the blog as general as possible. While each of us has our own passions, I hope this site will become a meeting place for auto enthusiasts of every kind. So, without further adieu, I'll post one of my recent reviews. Please let me know what you think and what, if any, questions you may have. Happy reading!



SRT8 Adds Real Muscle to Charger

Fast Forward
By Marcus MacFarland

OVERVIEW

One of the largest and most famous mergers of the 1990’s was Daimler Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler. During this partnership, the Dodge division of the Chrysler group flourished with a variety of models ranging from the PT Cruiser to the Dodge Viper. However, a common denominator for many of these popular vehicles has been below average fuel efficiency. As times have changed Chrysler has struggled to keep pace with the many changing consumer demands. This mega-merger ended less than happily, however, when DaimlerChrysler sold the Chrysler group to Cerberus Group, a move that was announced the same week I had one of their more specialized offerings, the Dodge Charger SRT8, which is extraordinarily muscled version of the sedan carrying that hallowed moniker.

PERFORMANCE

This rough and tumble version of the full-sized sedan has enough Hemi-inspired horsepower to make any muscle car fanatic grin with approval. Consider that this 6.1-liter Hemi produces 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. As if that wasn’t enough, this Charger will stop too. Unlike the muscle cars of yesteryear, which might have been better served by a parachute rather than the drum brakes they came with, the SRT8 is outfitted with marvelous Brembo pieces that haul this bruiser to a halt in a hurry.

HANDLING

You want corners? The SRT8 can handle those too. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this 4160 lb. Behemoth didn’t feel nearly its actual size. In fact, not only does it turn in without major understeer, but even with all of that torque, the rear-end remains stable all the way through a corner to the exit point. Also, under normal driving conditions the firmer suspension doesn’t make ride quality suffer, which is impressive considering that it comes equipped with massive 20" rims.

STYLING

The appearance of the SRT8 is consistent with its content. It has an aggressive stance, muscular lines, and looks like it’s going 100 mph even when sitting still. Just looking at it might make the average sedan owner whimper as you roll by. Inside, the appearance of the interior, with its two-tone leather and suede seats, is simple and sporty. The gauge cluster is made to look almost as if it was borrowed from a Nextel Cup car. Slide into the backseat and you realize that practicality ample legroom for most adults.

JUDGEMENT

The SRT8 is one heck of a muscled family car. However, don’t think you’re going to get all of this fun without paying the piper. Not only will the SRT8 set you back about forty grand, you’re also gonna pay at the pump.