Nissan Rogue is as good as the Murano

OVERVIEW

Having read my header, you may be thinking that I’m going to either launch into a rant about environmental responsibility and buying smaller or, perhaps I’m going to allege that the Nissan Rogue offers better value than its big brother. Well, the second part of that isn’t far off. Actually, the new Rogue does offer good value, and part of that can be attributed to the success of the Murano. The Rogue, like many in the burgeoning small crossover segment, borrows much of what is good and marketable in the Murano, and repackages it in a smaller, more economical version.

PERFORMANCE

Interestingly enough, the first time I drove the Rogue, I had the exact same oh jeez moment that I did with the Murano. As an uber-smart and perceptive automotive enthusiast, it only took me a few miles behind the wheel to realize that either the transmission in my tester was just about to let go, or it had a CVT unit. This is where the Murano and Rogue roads diverge. Whereas the Murano offers enough horsepower to nearly mask the CVTs identity, the Rogues 2.5-liter DOHC four banger can’t replicate this feat. Don’t get me wrong, it is better than most CVTs I’ve driven, just not great.

HANDLING

I had the opportunity to drive the Rogue around country roads a lot. As it turned out, my wife had our first baby during my week with the Rogue. So, there were many, many trips between our house and the hospital. For lesser vehicles, this kind of familiarity can breed much contempt. Not so, with the Rogue. It proved to be an agile corner carver. ( For and SUV, of course ).

STYLING

Taking a look at the Rogue for the first time, you could be fooled into thinking it was a mini-Murano. Exterior lines have been changed only slightly from its big brother. Although, there is an added cuteness that comes with its smaller stature that you won’t find in the Murano. Inside, the cabin is user friendly, but in no way luxurious. Due to its price point, much “luxury” is sacrificed to keep cost down. A perfect example of this is the fact that there is noticeable drone from the CVT that wasn’t evident in the Infiniti EX35, which is the Infiniti version of the Rogue. Clearly, the addition of more sound-deadening material would help to this end.

JUDGEMENT

There is a lot to like about the Rogue. It is a good small crossover offering significant value, in an attractive package. If Nissan was able to add a slightly more elegant interior, with more sound-deadening materials, and a few more horsepower, it would be a 10.

2009 Volvo XC70

OVERVIEW

The Volvo XC70 has a lot in common with the Subaru Forester I wrote about just last week. Like the Forester, the XC70 is an AWD, off-road capable, SUV-like tall wagon. Additionally, much like the Subaru, folks who buy Volvo’s tend to have great loyalty for their brand of choice. Let’s be clear. The Volvo XC70 and the Subaru Forester are not competitors. No, the XC70 is a luxury wagon based on the flagship S80 sedan, and it competes against the BMW 5-series sport wagon and Audi A6 Avant to name a few. The reason I draw the comparison is that the Volvo seems like a natural progression in terms of price and luxury.

PERFORMANCE

Power in the XC70 comes in two flavors, both based on an inline six-cylinder. The weaker of the two choices is a 3.2-liter version that makes 235 horsepower, which is certainly ample power for what is normally required of a wagon. The zestier of the two comes in the T6 trim, and is a 3.0-liter turbo that makes 281 horsepower. My tester came with the more powerful version. Horsepower is smooth, and comes on quickly. Unfortunately, the gas goes nearly as quickly. Consider that a rear wheel drive Toyota 4Runner with the 4.7-liter V8 gets precisely the same gas mileage in town. Ouch!

HANDLING

The XC70 might get the same gas mileage as a 4Runner, but it sure doesn’t handle like one. Perhaps that biggest reason to opt for a wagon or crossover is the visceral enjoyment that happens between the straightaways. While I wouldn’t necessarily pick the Volvo over the 5-Series Beemer or the Audi A6, it sure is more fun around corners than any SUV I’ve driven, and has better ride quality.

STYLING

Like other Volvos I’ve reviewed, you either love the XC70’s styling or you don’t. Despite the brand’s rather vanilla looks, some just don’t like it. Taking a walk around this wagon, its ride height immediately distinguishes it from other wagons on the road. Otherwise, its exterior lines are very reminiscent of the S80 upon which it’s based. The interior is a comfortable environment swathed in leather, even if bland. It should also be said that Volvo does a superb job of sealing out engine noise to such a degree that one feels almost totally removed from the outside elements.

JUDGEMENT

If you liked the XC70s of the previous generation, the new version certainly won’t change your mind. Its fuel economy is a bit underwhelming. But, when you’re shopping for a luxury wagon, this probably isn’t the top of your priorities. All in all, the XC70 is basically a S80 with additional cargo space for better or worse.

Range Rover Supercharged Equals Opulence

OVERVIEW

With a fairly soft economy and escalating gasoline prices, many Americans are having to make some tough choices with their monthly budget. For many families, this means a smaller SUV or Crossover, or even a return to a sedan. However, if a Range Rover is either sitting in your driveway or among the list of your potential purchasing options, these are not likely major concerns for you. I say all of this as a preface to this review in large part because in order to evaluate the 2008 Range Rover, I have to forget, or at least suspend any thoughts about my normal everyday real life. With that said, let’s talk about an SUV for those who don’t have my ”little people” problems.

PERFORMANCE

For those fortunate enough to purchase a Range Rover, there are two engine choices; Big powerful V8 or big powerful supercharged V8. Either way, you have the ability to get to the country club in a hurry. My tester was the supercharged variety, so it came with a 4.2-liter V8 making an even 400 horsepower. This engine provides ample horsepower in a hurry. Plus, power comes on so smoothly it won’t disturb your venti mocha chi soy latte.

HANDLING

The Range Rover Supercharged may be smooth and fast, but it still handles like a big truck. Now, in every day driving circumstances, it offers a comfortable soft ride. But, no amount of money is going to turn this near 6000 pounder into a corner carver either. Finally, if you are concerned about getting around in bad weather, this is, after all a Land Rover. So, it comes with some of the best four-wheel-drive equipment money can buy.

STYLING

Last year’s Range Rover got an interior facelift. So, there isn’t much new inside to report. The same can be said about the exterior. Land Rover’s flagship continues to be a statement in luxury and comfort. Owners are treated to all the options, including seating swathed in soft leather with heating and cooling capabilities, a superb multimedia system, and three-zone CFC free climate control. What can you say? It just has everything.

JUDGEMENT

No big surprise here. If you have $95,000 to spend on an SUV, you get cargo space, a big V8, and every available comfort and convenience option you could ever imagine. Oh yeah, you can also take it off-road without fear of getting mud on your Armani or Luis Vuitton. This is essentially the poster-truck for Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Mini Cooper Goes Practical

OVERVIEW

If you grew up in the sixties, especially the mid-sixties, you undoubtedly remember the British invasion. For all of you whippersnappers, no, we were not actually attacked by the Brits. During this period, America’s fascination with all things U.K. didn’t end with bubblegum rock n’ roll. There were also cool and quirky automobiles that made their way stateside. Many of these cars, like the MG and Austin Healy, became the object of fascination and affection of many baby boomers. So, it was no big surprise that when BMW revived one of these quirky British cars back in 2002, the boomers went bananas. For the last six model years, Americans have rediscovered their passion for this featherweight. Looking like nothing else on the road, the Mini Cooper not only conjures up nostalgia for baby boomers, but is also a fuel efficient and trendy option for younger motorist. However, due to its size, there have been a number of consumers who wouldn’t or couldn’t consider buying a Mini. Enter the Cooper Clubman.

PERFORMANCE

After allegedly redesigning the Mini in 2007, this year’s version goes basically unchanged. This is the case under hood as well. No matter what trim level you purchase, Coopers come with a 1.6-liter four-banger. However, depending on trim horsepower output ranges from 115 to 172. Considering the negligible difference in miles-per-gallon, I don’t know why all models don’t come with the more powerful version. My tester came outfitted with the 118 horsepower iteration. While I certainly wouldn’t call it quick, its short hood and low ride height go along way towards making low speeds seem faster.

HANDLING

Driving the Cooper Clubman around corners, it becomes pretty obvious why people are so passionate about these little cars. Is it going to give a Corvette a run for its money? Of course not! But, will it make you feel like Juan Fangio? Without a doubt!

STYLING

Okay, here comes by first bone of contention. As enjoyable as driving the Clubman can be, operating the instrumentation can be equally irritating. Some of the symbols used don’t seem to match their function. And, some knobs and switches are downright hard to find. Also, I question the wisdom of a single suicide door on the passenger side as the only access point to the back seat. On the other hand, there is more storage space than in the Cooper, and once you fight your way to the backseat, there is more room than you might imagine. Plus, it just looks pretty cool.

JUDGEMENT

Generally speaking, I get the allure of the Cooper. The Clubman version certainly adds an element of practicality that was previously missing.

Jaguar's XJ Super V8 is All Class

OVERVIEW

“Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?” I’m sure you remember these commercials from a few years ago. This is precisely the phrase that crossed my mind the first time I laid eyes on the Jaguar XJ Super V8. I know, I know, the pretentious Brit uttered the phrase from the back seat of a Bentley. But, you get the point. Jaguar’s XJ, while less expensive than a Bentley, Rolls Royce, or Maybach, is still built with one group in mind, the uber rich. From its supple leather interior to airplane-style tray tables mounted on the backs of the front seats, the XJ is all about sophistication and class.

PERFORMANCE

The XJ Super V8, not surprisingly, comes equipped with a V8, though “super” might be a bit of a stretch. Don’t get me wrong, this 4.2-liter V8 is by no means weak. Its 400 horsepower comes on swiftly and smoothly. Frankly, compared to Audi’s A8, the Mercedes S class, and the BMW 7 Series, the Super V8 is quite competitive. Maybe it’s my state school pedigree and penchant for the small block V8 talking, but it just seems like you should get more horsepower for this kind of money. I guess it shouldn’t be shocking to anyone that XJ buyers might fancy me white trash.

HANDLING

If your idea of ride quality means that you want to be able to hit a curb at 100 mph and not spill your tea, the XJ is your kind of car. Every time I drive a Jaguar at speed around corners I’m amazed at their ability to get around a corner with speed and precision, yet not feel stiff in day-to-day driving conditions.

STYLING

The exterior of the XJ is certainly classic Jaguar. Clearly designers in Coventry aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel with this car, and their loyal buyers wouldn’t stand for it, either. The exterior can only be described as sophisticated and sporty. Big 20 inch rims, an aggressive stance, and its wire mesh grill help toward this end. If you are trying to imagine the interior styling, just think of a cross between first class seating on a trans-Atlantic flight and a modern luxury car. It should also be noted that its floor mats feature a kind of shag-type carpeting that makes driving barefooted so relaxing as to almost become a distraction.

JUDGEMENT

Those who would be interested in this kind car probably have very little in common with me. Therefore, I suspect that their hot buttons likely relate more to styling and image than performance or handling. On this basis, a Jaguar certainly communicates a certain message about someone that may be particularly attractive to this kind of buyer.

Big is the New Luxury

OVERVIEW
Like many Americans, my wife and I have made a tradition of spending the 4th of July holiday on a grassy knoll watching fireworks. Since my wife is now seven months pregnant, we chose to spend this year away from the large crowds that accompany fireworks displays. Instead, we opted to spend the three day weekend in Bethany Beach, Delaware with family. When I found the Chrysler Aspen Limited on my schedule for the holiday, it seemed like the perfect occasion for a road trip. This year is the second time I’ve had the Aspen, and the second year of its production. So naturally, it makes for a comfortable choice on long trips. This year, the Aspen has received a few upgrades, including a 4.7-liter E-85 compatible V8. In an effort to provide more fuel efficient choices, Chrysler also will be introducing a hybrid version for 2009.
PERFORMANCE
While fuel efficient motoring is easier on the wallet, nothing is better for passing on two-lane state highways like a big, bad, Hemi. This 5.7-liter V8 makes 335 horsepower and 370 lbs.-ft torque. Let me tell you, it feels more powerful than that. Whether slicing through beach bound traffic or hauling a jet-ski, this V8 has plenty of power on tap for normal duty.
HANDLING
Since nobody buys full-size SUVs for their cornering ability, let’s be honest. Ride quality is really what separates the men from the boys. This is especially the case with the more upscale models. The Aspen has a lot going for it. But, the first area where one can tell the difference between a $70,000 dollar Cadillac Escalade and the $43,000 Aspen is ride quality. Its ride quality is good, just not as smooth as some of the more expensive choices.
STYLING
Chrysler refers to the Aspen as the 300C of full-size SUVs. If what they mean is that it is almost as good as its more expensive counterparts, they are correct. Furthermore, looking at the Aspen, it’s immediately recognizable as a Chrysler, and not a Dodge. A distinctive hood and 20” inch chrome wheels certainly go a long way towards that end. Inside, the cabin is very comfortable. Driver and front passenger are treated to leather seating surfaces with warmers, navigation, Bluetooth, and much more. The second and third rows are a bit of a different story. While the second row gets heated buckets, there isn’t much leg room due to the third row, which is actually pretty roomy.
JUDGEMENT
The Chrysler Aspen is actually one of my favorites. It’s bigger than a midsize SUV, but a little more manageable than most full size choices. Additionally, it is extremely well equipped for its price.

Dodge Offers Midsize Alternative

O VERVIEW
To describe today’s midsize sedan market as crowded is a little like referring to the overwhelming nausea following your Thanksgiving dinner binge as a little full. The reality is that today’s fuel prices are driving more and more former SUV owners back into the sedan fold. Chrysler is hoping that offering a muscular-looking sedan, combined with creative dealership incentives, and shrewd marketing will drive sales to their all-new Dodge Avenger, which was re-introduced in 2007 as a 2008 model after a seven-year hiatus. Only time will tell if this strategy will ultimately be successful. However, after only one week of the “Refuel America”$2.99 per gallon gasoline promotion, their website traffic went up by 25% percent increasing internet leads by 34%. We’ll see if that can be chalked up to projected five-dollar-per-gallon summertime gasoline rumors perpetuated by mainstream media.
PERFORMANCE
Of the four available trims on the Avenger, there are three powerplants. They are a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 2.7-liter flex-fuel V6, and a 3.5-liter V6, which is available with AWD. My tester being the SXT, it came equipped with the all-new 2.7-liter flex-fuel V6. Based solely on horsepower, engine noise, and sophistication, this engine is not terribly impressive. I can only assume that Chrysler’s reason for offering it is to demonstrate their commitment to more fuel efficient choices. After all, they say they are investing three billion dollars in powertrain and axle development for their next generation models. Unfortunately, if you compare this engine against the competition’s larger and more powerful choices, you’ll find that any increased fuel efficiency is marginal at best.
HANDLING
Since AWD is only available in R/T trim, I couldn’t tell you how the Avenger stacks up against its competition. However, comparing the SXT to its front-wheel-drive competitors, I can tell you that it doesn’t stack up very well at all. While its ride quality is passable, putting the Avenger through its paces around corners reveals its less sophisticated personality. Abundant body roll, imprecise steering, and incommunicative suspension is immediately noticeable. It’s a bit like taking that really hot chick from the trailer park home to meet the folks for dinner.
STYLING
Taking a walk around the Avenger reveals good and bad. It has an aggressive stance, big wheels and tires, and appears to be lurching forward standing still. It also has cheap black plastic inserts inside the rear windows above awkward-looking rear shoulders. The Avenger’s interior reveals the biggest deficiency between Dodge and the rest of the field. The biggest problem is the abundance of cheap-looking plastic. However, the Avenger’s MyGig multimedia system features 20 gigabyte disc drive and one of the best MP3 interfaces I’ve used to date.
JUDGEMENT
The Avenger doesn’t offer enough reasons to pry away buyers from Toyota or Honda.