2010 Bentley Continental GT

The 2010 Continental GT is a 2-door, 4-passenger luxury coupe, available in two trims, the Coupe and the Speed. Upon introduction, the Coupe is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, W12, 552-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 10-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. The Speed is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, W12, 600-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 10-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2010 Continental GT is a carryover from 2009. 

Standard Features

• Anti-Theft & Locks

  • Selective Locking/Unlocking
  • Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm, Anti-Lift Sensor, Engine Immobilizer, Exterior Monitoring and Interior Monitoring
  • Break Resistant Security Glass
  • Power Door Locks Operated Via Remote and Internal Switch

• Braking & Traction

• Doors

• Electrical

• Engines & Emissions

• Entertainment, Communication & Navigation

• Exterior Lighting

• Exterior, Design, Paint & Finish

• Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

• Instrumentation

• Interior Lighting

• Interior, Design, Decor & Floor Covering

• Remote Controls & Remote Releases

• Safety

• Seats

• Steering

• Storage

• Suspension

• Transmission

• Wheels & Tires

• Windows, Mirrors & Wipers

2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe

The 2011 Mustang is a 2-door, 4-passenger family coupe, sports coupe, convertible, or convertible sports car, available in 8 trims, ranging from the V6 Coupe to the GT Premium Convertible.

Upon introduction, the V6 Coupe is equipped with a standard 3.7-liter, V6, 305-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. The GT Premium Convertible is equipped with a standard 5.0-liter, V8, 412-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

The 2011 Mustang is a carryover from 2010.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin is a name that needs little introduction. It has always stood for fine, civilized high performance sports cars, designed and produced by skilled craftsmen. There is a special place in the market and in the hearts of owners for classic sports cars which conform to this ideal. These are cars which bring to life the freedom and enjoyment of the open road.
Even so, every Aston Martin is very much a product of today’s technology. New resources and new investment in the latest computer aided design and engineering facilities, in statistical process control and many other leading edge disciplines ­are ensuring that for Aston Martin, the future is every bit as bright as its illustrious past .

The model lineup for Aston Martin, one of the United Kingdom’s most storied carmakers, is small but impressive. Aston Martin started making sleek racing machines in 1915, but it didn’t start selling vehicles on this side of the pond until 1950. In 1987 the company was taken over by Ford Motor Co. and folded into the Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker’s Premier Automotive Group, which also included Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo. In 2007 a financially strapped Ford sold Aston Martin to a consortium of two international investment houses led by David Richards, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment. They continue to make compelling and exclusive sports and grand touring machines.

The Aston Martin DB9 is a thoroughbred sports car with GT levels of comfort and refinement. Combining Aston Martin’s unique character with an uncompromising design philosophy, the DB9 was borne out of a synthesis of traditional craftsmanship, high-tech manufacturing, modern components and use of the finest materials.
The Aston Martin is both a full-blooded sports car and a hugely capable grand tourer. Whether in Coupe or Volante form, it offers a supreme combination of driver involvement, character, luxury and refinement.

2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Bentley recently gave its Continental Flying Spur a modest exterior refresh for the current generation, with changes to the front and rear of the sedan. The automaker also extended the 600-horsepower 'Speed' treatment to the four-door car, after first debuting the high-performance edition for the GT coupe

The standard Flying Spur features a more upright grille and bolder lower air intake, while the new rear bumper delivers a more aggressive and sleek appearance.
The new Flying Spur can now be specified with a sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control system, which monitors traffic ahead and manages the throttle and brakes to maintain a pre-set time gap, up to a driver selected set speed.
As a further option, the new Naim for Bentley audio system features an 1100-watt amplifier, the most powerful unit offered in a production car, and 15 custom-built Naim speakers, including dual Naim sub-woofers.
The aluminum-intensive suspension of the Flying Spur features revised spring and dampers and a new bespoke 19-inch Pirelli UHP tire for outstanding levels of ride quality, comfort and refinement.
The double-glazed windows, a standard feature since launch, now feature a sophisticated acoustic laminate inner layer for all side and rear windows. In addition, new tri-laminate acoustic underbody trays and wheel arch liners absorb road noise.
High-performance 'Speed' edition
Like its GT coupe counterpart, the Flying Spur can now be ordered in Speed guise. Inspired by Bentley's legendary Speed models that first appeared in 1923, the Flying Spur Speed offers a range of headline performance figures including a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph.
The powerplant responsible for that world-beating top speed is VW's complex twin-turbo W12 engine. It delivers 600 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 553 pound-feet of torque at 1750 rpm.
A lowered ride height, uprated and redesigned suspension, as well as re-tuned steering deliver better agility and body control. Added grip comes from the 9.5Jx20 multi-spoke alloy wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero UHP performance tires.
The Flying Spur Speed is distinguished by subtle design cues which emphasize its performance credentials, including dark-tinted radiator and air intake grilles, wider rifled exhaust tail pipes and unique 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Background
The Flying Spur was introduced for the 2006 model year. A direct result of Bentley's new owners, the Volkswagen Auto Group, the sedan shares its basic underpinnings and some mechanical bits with VW's late Phaeton.
Bentley also decided to update the Flying Spur's electronic stability program and offer optional carbon ceramic brakes should owners try and test that 195 mph top speed. An optional three-spoke steering wheel along with improved Bluetooth capability round out the changes.
The standard Spur's engine offers 552 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. It transfers power to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rates the Spur's fuel economy at 10 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.
Standard equipment on the Spur includes twin HID headlights with washer jets, 19-inch alloy wheels, a tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a choice of 16 colors. On the inside, one has a choice of 17 colors for the leather-appointed interior and matching carpets and seatbelts, there are steering-column mounted shift paddles, a sunroof with electronic sunshade, a DVD navigation system, Sirius satellite radio, a six-CD changer in the glove compartment and voice dialing through the integrated Bluetooth system. The front seats feature lumbar massage, memory and heat settings. The rear seat's outer occupants enjoy lumbar massage and heating settings as well. The trunk is power opening and closing.
Options include a choice of three 19-inch wheel styles and a 20-inch wheel and tire package, and the sunroof can be had with a solar panel to power ventilation fans to maintain interior temperature when parked. Inside, three veneers are available in addition to the standard one, a choice of leather trims for the two steering wheels, and a full-length center console turns the car into a four-seater but adds electrically adjustable rear seats.
Convenience options include a cordless privacy handset with keypad in center console, a rear telephone system, and a rear-view camera to aid in parking.
Additions to the latest Flying Spur palette include two new hide colors (Linen and Imperial Blue) as well as three new standard exterior paint colors (Havana, White Sand and Onyx). Four unique duo-tone paint combinations (Havana, Dark Sapphire, Onyx and Midnight Emerald) are available for the first time on the Continental family.

2012 Subaru Impreza Debuts

 Talk about good timing. Just as gas prices are creeping perilously close to the psychological breaking point of five bucks per gallon, the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza is heading to dealers this fall with an emphasis on fuel efficiency. Subaru is attempting to catapult the 2012 Impreza into mainstream relevancy without abandoning its enthusiastic core.

An all-new 2.0-liter "FB"-series flat-4 engine churns out 148 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 145 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm, some 22 hp and 25 lb-ft less than the base 2.5-liter EJ25 in the outgoing Impreza. It's a safe guess that the 2.5-liter FB currently in thewill eventually find its way into the new Impreza, but at launch the 2.0-liter will be the only engine available.

Adopting a much more undersquare (its stroke is larger than the cylinder bore diameter) layout, the new boxer is heavily slanted toward fuel economy, although acceleration is said to improve slightly, too. In Subaru's testing, the 2012 sedan with CVT reaches 60 mph in 9.8 seconds, an improvement of 0.3 second to the outgoing car equipped with the automatic.

The view from the driver seat is impressive. Visibility has been markedly improved, a result of a lower dashboard and a window line that slopes down to a fixed corner window at the base of the A-pillar. The side mirrors are positively huge and the steering wheel adjusts for both reach and rake. Soft-touch materials have been added all around, too, raising the cabin's perceived quality.

he Impreza's basic layout remains intact — the front end is supported by MacPherson struts and the rear by double-wishbones, though the geometries are new. For sharper responses, engineers added rebound springs to the front struts to limit body roll, and replaced several rubber bushings with reduced-compliance spherical bearing attachments. The steering rack is more solidly mounted, too, which ought to add some precision to the helm.

We'll have a better idea of how these efforts have coalesced once we drive the 2012 Subaru Impreza in a few months. Stay tuned.

2011 Subaru Impreza

 2011 Subaru Impreza

That CVT (a five-speed manual is also available) is paired to Subaru’s new 2.0-liter boxer engine which has a longer stroke than before, variable valve timing and 148 horsepower. Overall, Subaru claims the new Impreza is 30-percent more efficient than the 2011 model. Depending on transmission choice, two different types of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD are offered. Manual-equipped cars get a continuous version with a viscous coupling locking center diff. CVT cars receive an active version that is managed electronically through a continuously variable transfer clutch, with settings based on throttle use and available grip.
Compared to the outgoing Impreza, the 2012 version retains the same exterior dimensions while gaining interior volume – both legroom and cargo space. Subaru moved the Impreza’s A-pillar forward by 8 inches, lengthening the front doors and pushing the windshield forward to make the cabin feel more spacious as well.
In keeping with current protocol, both four- and five-door Imprezas will continue to be produced and trim levels range from the base 2.0i with 15-inch steel wheels to the Premium and Limited versions, along with available sport packages.
While no official comment was available on when the next Impreza-based WRX might be available, we’d expect to see the first glimpses of a new version early next year, several months after the standard Impreza’s showroom launch this fall.
First, the matter of MPGs. Presently, today’s Impreza is EPA rated at 20/27 mpg (city/highway), provided the 2.5-liter boxer-four-cylinder is mated to the base five-speed manual transmission. Opt for the four-speed automatic, and those numbers drop to 20/26 mpg. Never mind the all-wheel-drive — that’s rather low for a compact car, and it’s hard for non-Subaru loyalists (or buyers who don’t demand all-wheel-drive) to wrap their heads around.
Thankfully, those figures take a giant leap upwards due in part to some new powertrain. The signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system remains, but the SOHC 2.5-liter flat-four is eschewed for a new DOHC, 2.0-liter boxer-four-cylinder. At 147 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, the engine does trail the outgoing 2.5-liter ever so slightly, but the reward is a thirst for fuel that’s vastly reduced.
Finalized EPA figures are still forthcoming, but at this stage, Subaru estimates a 2012 Impreza, fitted with the five-speed manual transaxle, will earn a 25/ 34 mpg rating. Opt for the new continuously variable transmission (which replaces the aging four-speed auto), and those figures rise to 27/ 36 mpg. An impressive improvement, and Subaru says that 36-mpg figure bests any other AWD vehicle presently for sale in the U.S.
Owners will appreciate the improved efficiency over time, but they’ll likely immediately appreciate the interior revisions. As is the case with the Impreza’s exterior, the new cabin borrows a number of cues from the larger Legacy sedan, and designers labored to rid it of the hard, plasticky materials that were peppered throughout the previous car. Softer materials were used liberally on areas frequently touched, including dash pad, arm rest, door panels, and more. It’s a refreshing departure, and we’re also happy to see Subaru crafted a new nagivation system from scratch. Our time with the system has been limited, but it immediately looks, feels, and functions much better than the current Impreza’s awkward TomTom-based system.
Pricing hasn’t been set, but officials tell us the new car won’t be much more expensive than the outgoing 2011 model, which starts at $17,495. Expect finalized figures to emerge this fall, when the 2012 Impreza hits U.S. showrooms.

2012 Chevrolet

2012 Chevrolet

The old saying "the rich get richer" can be changed to "the fast get faster" when talking about the 2012 Corvette.

Chevrolet is letting it be known that they are going to "elevate" the performance of 2012 Corvette with performance and interior upgrades to the Z06 and ZR1 models. This "elevation" will be debuted at a special event at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky. with production beginning in July.

“We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the track,” says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer. “For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance level ever, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several changes and new features inside the car.”

One of the ways the new Corvette is going to achieve higher performance levels can be found in the wheel wells. The Z06 and ZR1 will be available with optional Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires which are advertised to be “competition-oriented tires, optimized for warm, dry conditions to increase cornering and handling capability”.

Chevrolet is reporting that when combined with the Corvette’s exclusive Performance Traction Management technology which manages torque delivery,  the new tires are expected to achieve an estimate 8-percent gain in maximum lateral acceleration to more than 1.1g. Of course, the better grip supplied by the new tires will also improve braking distance and performance. According to tests done at Virginia International Raceway, the new tires improved lap times approximately three seconds per lap. The Performance Traction Management will be offered on the Z06 for the first time in 2012.

Developed by the same Michelin engineers who develop tires for Corvette Racing in the American Le Mans Series, the Cup ZP tires are essentially street-legal versions of a racing tire. They are included in the optional Z07 performance package on the Corvette Z06 and a new PDE performance package on the ZR1. The 285/30-19 (front) and 335/25-20 (rear) tires are matched with all-new aluminum Cup-style wheels in satin black or machined finishes. They are about five pounds lighter (2.2 kg) and stronger than the 20-spoke wheel offered in 2011.

Other performance upgrades include a full-width racing-style spoiler for improved aerodynamics which is included in both the Z07 and PDE packages. Also, the Z06 model will now offer Magnetic Selective Ride Control and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes will be  part of the Z07 chassis package (they are standard on ZR1).  A carbon fiber hood will be an available option on Z06 models, while the standard manual transmission for ZR1 will include taller gearing in fifth and sixth gears, for a 2-mpg improvement in highway fuel economy.

Inside, 2012 Corvette will have a new seat design and a new steering wheel. The seats feature larger bolsters on the seat back and cushion areas. Microfiber suede seat inserts are optional and improve tactile feel, as well as add additional support. There is also a revised steering wheel featuring model-specific badges, streamlined switch trim and wrapped spokes. Padded center console and armrests for all models are now included for 2012. An additional visual touch inside the car is contrasting color stitching which is available with the custom leather-wrapped interior.

For your ears there is a new Bose uplevel audio system, which includes nine speakers (compared to seven in 2011) for improved audio quality that is more precisely tuned to the cabin’s acoustics. New tweeters located in the instrument panel and improved Bose Nd next-generation bass performance is the main benefit that Corvette drivers will hear.

Last but not least, customers can now select brake caliper colors for more personalization of their Corvette. The calipers are offered in the red, yellow, silver or gray.

2011 Hyundai Accent

2011 Hyundai Accent 

The 2011 Hyundai Accent ranks 30 out of 33 . This ranking is based on our analysis of 58 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Accent, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2011 Hyundai Accent offers decent performance, adequate cargo space, good fuel economy and not much else for about $10,000. Looking for more features and a better performance? Check out the competition, but be aware that you’ll pay about $4,000 more.
The 2011 Hyundai Accent is the perfect car for hard-working Americans who want to save money. It’s one of the least expensive cars in the class, and reviewers don’t consider it a cheap car. They agree its well-executed interior, decent cargo space and high fuel economy ratings of 27/36 mpg city/highway are its best features.
The main drawback with the Accent is that it’s only a money saver if you choose not to equip it with air conditioning or an audio system. By the time you add these features, the Accent costs nearly $14,000. Other cars in the class are a much better value.
Hyundai designed the Accent for shoppers who can’t spend a lot of money on a car, but have to commute to work everyday. If $10,000 is your budget, get this car. You’ll have to sacrifice in a few areas, but reviewers say it’s a great commuter. But if your budget is larger, look at the competion. You'll pay more, but you'll also get a better car.
If you’re likely to buy the Accent, you should know that Hyundai is redesigning it in 2012. So far, one of the most noticeable changes is the Accent’s exterior styling, which reflects Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design trend.

Other Cars to Consider

The Hyundai Accent is $15 shy of $10,000, and there are few affordable small cars that match this low base price. The Nisan and the Kia are also in this price range, and their reviews are very similar to the Accent’s: they’re inexpensive daily drivers with high fuel economy ratings, are adequate, but unimpressive performers, have meager interior features lists and tight back seats. Of these three, the Versa might be your best bet. It receives the most positive reviews from the automotive press, has the most rear seat room and handles better than the Accent. It’s also less than $10,000 for the base model.
But it’s easy to get fooled by these low prices. The three-door Accent doesn’t come with air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel or an audio system. By the time you add these features, the Accent will cost nearly $14,000 for the GS trim. Don’t pay 14 grand for the Accent because there are better and more reliable drivers with more cargo space. Take a look at thewhich reviewers consider one of the best values in the class. It comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB auxiliary input jack. The Forte, however, doesn’t come standard with air conditioning. That’s an extra $1,600 with the Convenience Package.
If you’re looking for a car that’s safer than the Accent but costs less than the Forte, look at the Toyota Yaris. Its  scores are much better than the Accent’s. The 2011 Yaris receives the top score of “Good” in front offset and side impact tests and the second highest score of “Acceptable” in roof strength crash tests, while the Accent receives low scores in all three areas.

Details: 2011 Hyundai Accent

The 2011 Hyundai Accent comes in three and four-door models. The three-door starts at $9,985, making it the cheaper of the two. It is available in GL, GS and SE trims. The four-door starts at $13,965 and is only available in the GLS trim. Last year Hyundai offered the Accent Blue; it’s unavailable this year.
A redesigned Hyundai Accent debuts in 2012.

2011 Kia Sportage EX

The relationship between automotive writers and manufacturers is based on trust in the basic fairness (or pliability) of the writer, and usually it’s incumbent upon the writer to establish their  reliability before being trusted with a week-long tester. What many PR types and press fleet managers don’t seem to understand is that allowing even the snarkiest writer to actually spend time with a product actually helps create a more even-handed review than might result from a brief encounter.
Such was certainly the case with the 2011 Kia Sportage EX. My initial reaction was “boy is this thing cheap,” and had I spent only a day in the car, that would have been my major conclusion. The fact that two days earlier I had to turn in a $70,000 Jaguar XF Supercharged certainly reinforced that initial impression. And after a week with the Sportage I still think it pegs the
meter, so it’s a cheap car… but it’s an honest cheap car that delivers some real value.
The Sportage makes no pretensions of luxury, like the rental Aveo with fake wood on the dash that my mom rented while her Saturn got a new used engine. Everything on the Sportage interior is some kind of plastic in some shade of gray or silver. Some kind of hard plastic. True, at ~$28,000 it comes very well equipped (press cars, even from more modest marques, tend to come loaded with optional equipment and packages), with most of the conveniences that would satisfy just about every driver who isn’t used to luxury marques. Nav system, smart key, backup camera, leather seating surfaces, dual zone automatic climate control, power moonroof, heated and cooled front seats with forced ventilation on the driver’s side, 6 way power driver’s seat, satellite radio, USB port (I copied some music files to a thumb drive and discovered that you can look at photos with the nav screen – why you’d want to I don’t know but you can select Images from the menu).
Yet even with all those toys, Kia doesn’t try to hide the fact that they’re working the customers in the cheap seats. Well, perhaps, except for the exterior design. Everyone that saw the car commented on its good looks. Peter Schreyer’s team has done well creating an attractive styling identity for the brand and did a fine job on the Sportage. Okay, so maybe they indulged in a few pretensions. The Sportage sports (couldn’t resist it) some Audi-ish LED eyeliners that I suppose are fog lights but don’t do much to light up the road and were of no use in the scary heavy fog I experienced driving north through the Poconos. The regular headlamp units do a perfectly adequate job lighting up the road under normal circumstances.
Other than the styling, Kia’s penny pinching shows. Everything is there, just lacking in some capacity. The cheap seats those aforementioned customers will be sitting in, for example, are, well, cheap. They do have leather surfaces, at least that’s what the sticker says. I do machine embroidery in real life and work with motorcycle and car enthusiasts so I handle and sew lot of leather. If Kia says it’s leather, I’ll believe them. It’s just not very fine leather, though it is more supple than the vinyl used on the non-seating surfaces of the seats. Comfortable enough for long rides, the seats are hard rather than firm, and there isn’t much contouring in the bolsters. The inflatable lumbar support did make a long drive (1,300 miles in less than 30 hours) bearable, but only on the highest setting.
That kind of lack of refinement abounds in the Sportage. Even the sound effect for the turn signals sounds tinny and cheap. Yes the Sportage has four wheel disc brakes and big aluminum rims with black paint. The wheels, though, look cheap, dwarf the tiny brake rotors and rather than effect a Brembo-like look, the rough castings of the brake calipers reinforce the fact that everything on the Sportage has been designed to a price point. The glass moonroof works nicely but they left out the little tab that opens the sun visor below as the glass slides back. You could be driving around with a hole in your roof and not realize it for a while.
I will say that the nav/audio system controls were very good, integrating the touch screen with real buttons for instant access to features. I had to RTFM only once, to figure out how to activate Bluetooth, everything else was intuitive, and unlike some systems you don’t have to scroll through all the modes and bands just to turn on the AM radio. So the infotainment system was first rate, until you listen to it and you realize that just because a subwoofer looks good on the spec sheet doesn’t mean the system isn’t going to sound muddy. It’s nice having dual zone ACC, with great control features, it’s not so nice having it blow cool air on you when it’s 15 degrees F outside. The ACC units on the Mazdas, Honda and Jaguar that I’ve tested recently were all much less obtrusive. The Sportage made me think that Kia had a checklist of features that they wanted included, but they didn’t bother to make sure the implementation of those feature was done well. As long as the feature sheet is long seems to be the design brief. Even in Korea a C is a passing grade.
The Sportage comes with the now de rigueur nannies but between the way the DSC [stability control]  is programmed along with the aggressive traction control [TCS] and obtrusive ABS system, it makes the CUV harder to drive, at least for me. Though the Sportage was fine in most normal driving, some fairly common maneuvers seemed to confuse whatever electronic brain controls the Sportage’s dynamics. Sharp turns out of steep driveways would kick in the DSC as the rear wheels lost traction. Clipping a curb on a corner would do the same. Sometimes the Sportage would just react in a confused manner to steering and throttle inputs
Detroit didn’t get a ton of snow in the blizzard that took down the Metrodome’s dome in Minnesota, but there was freezing rain first and a wet snowfall here followed by bitter cold so the roads as I write this are about as slippery as they can get. I found the DSC, TCS and ABS to make it harder to drive in bad conditions than easier. They may keep average appliance operators out of harms way but they can be infuriating to folks who can drive.
I’ve been driving in Michigan winters for over four decades. Front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, AWD and 4WD (this was the FWD version of the Sportage, which also is available in AWD spec), I’ve driven them all and haven’t gotten stuck even a half dozen times. I’ve kinda liked FWD in the snow since first driving my brother’s original Mini but with the exception of F-body GM products and empty pickup trucks, I’d feel safe in just about any layout in winter. I also prefer to use smooth, light, control inputs, including a gentle braking foot. In today’s severe snow and ice, the ABS was kicking in almost instantaneously, creating skids where manual (pedual?) control on braking wouldn’t have caused skids. Also in bad traction the DSC and TCS were making it harder to drive, not easier. In addition to taking control of the brakes, the stability  system overrides the ECU. I’m trying to power my way through the crud out there and the damn DSC and TCS are conspiring against me,  killing the engine just because of some wheel slip.
The suspension is harsh, rather than just stiff, though it mellows out on Interstate asphalt. Concrete surfaces are a different thing, with the Sportage being darty on the freeway, needing constant corrections from steering that is possibly the least-road-feel-imparting steering in automobiledom. I’d call it speed-insensitive steering. Kia calls it “motor” assisted so I assume it’s EPS. When I say that the steering is numb, I mean that, like it’s been shot with Novocaine, at all speeds, in all conditions. As good as the Mazda 3 steering feels, the Sportage is the polar opposite.
There is not a single soft surface that a human being can touch in the Sportage. Hard plastics don’t just abound, they proliferate. Even the fabric headliner has a coarse feel to it. I thought that acrid off-gassing smells in Kias were an internet legend, until I noticed some funny smells myself. There’s a very clever niche for a drink bottle molded into the storage bin on the door panel. There’s also a pictogram molded into the hard, gray plastic of the panel warning people to not put their Slurpees and other non-bottled drinks in there. Real classy.
Still, for all of the Sportage’s cheapness, the people who choose to buy one will not have buyer’s remorse. I say that not to demean anyone, I’m not exactly rich myself, but it’s no secret that Kia’s business model is appealing to the budget conscious. If is self-aware and self-destructive, doesn’t “The Power To Surprise” translate to “Not as cheap as you think”?
The Sportage may be cheap but it seemed to be screwed together well. Fit and finish was fine, metal surface quality, like on all Korean cars, is world class. Nobody will be embarrassed by the Sportage’s looks.  Everything worked, all week long, even if somethings didn’t work outstandingly.  By the time I turned the Sportage back in there were over 5,000 miles on the odometer. With the caveat that this is a pampered press fleet vehicle, there were no rattles or buzzes and nothing to indicate that you wouldn’t get 100,000 or more miles out of the car.
Though I was left with grudging respect for the new Sportage, it’s not a driver’s car by any means, nor was it intended to be. It was intended to be an inexpensive family sized crossover. Frankly the similarly priced Mazda 3 Grand Touring that I tested not long ago was a much more pleasurable drive and had a level of refinement that the Kia just can’t touch. The Sportage, though, is a much larger vehicle. While a family might be able to use the Mazda 3 as a daily driver, camping trips in it would be a bit of a squeeze.  The Sportage dwarfed a Kia Soul that I passed on the highway (driven by a young black lady, not a hamster). The front seats are wide enough for my big tuchas, the back seat will fit adults so the kiddies won’t complain and there’s a nice CUV sized storage area with a large back hatch.
If space, features, good looks, and above all, price are what you’re looking for in a small CUV, the 2011 Sportage is probably on your short list already. It’s a new car with all the modern bells and whistles, and it comes with a long warranty. According to TrueDelta A fully equipped Sportage is about $1,000 less than a fully equipped Honda CR-V. It also comes with about $2,ooo worth of equipment that you can’t get on the CR-V. You can spec a Chevy Equinox with comparable options to the Sportage and, again, the difference is about $3,000.  For many consumers, that savings of 10% or so is very important. For others, it may be worth it to pay a little more and get a more refined car.

Kia Motors provided the vehicle for this review, along with insurance and one tank of gas.

2011 Ford Edge

The 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX mid-size crossovers have just earned Top Safety Pick Status
In this case, the accolade didn't come easy. The models had originally earned only 'acceptable' in the new IIHS roof strength test, withstanding 3.5 times their weight (at a specified area near the corner of the roof, and the driver's head). But Ford engineers made changes to the roof structure of both models, and on the retest, the roof of an Edge test vehicle was able to withstand about 4.7 times the overall vehicle weight (near the corner of the roof, and the driver's head).
Vehicles that are able to withstand four times the vehicle weight or higher have a lower chance of severe injury or death in the event of a rollover and thus earn the top 'good' rating.
In all other categories of frontal, side, and rear testing, these two models already had achieved top 'good' marks for occupant protection. That, along with standard electronic stability control, makes them a Top Safety Pick.

2010 Acura TSX

TORRANCE, Calif., April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Acura today announced the brand is now the official North American vehicle sponsor of the BMC Racing Team, an American-registered professional cycling team headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif. Acura will provide the BMC Racing Team with a fleet of specially-equipped TSX Sport Wagons for use as team cars at all North American races.

he BMC Racing Team is one of the top teams in professional cycling," said Steve Center, vice president of national marketing operations for Acura. "Their aggressive approach and commitment to the best technology and constant improvement make them a perfect match with the Acura brand."

BMC, makers of carbon-fiber racing bicycles used by top professional riders throughout the world, is coming on strong as one of the top teams to be reckoned with. In March, former world champion Cadel Evans won the Tirreno-Adriatico race, which currently has him in the top 10 of the WorldTour rankings, and the BMC Racing Team is set to compete in the famed Tour de France with a nine-rider team.

"A winning team is as much about having a top rider as it is about having a top support team," said BMC Racing Team President/General Manager Jim Ochowicz. "Thanks to its sporty driving character and ample cargo capacity, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon is a perfect match for the needs of our team."

BMC Racing Team Acura TSX Sport Wagons will serve as team cars at North American races including the Amgen Tour of California, the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, the Grand Prix of Montreal and Quebec and the all-new USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado. The vehicles are equipped with Acura's hard-drive-based Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and a custom Thule® roof rack system (capable of holding seven BMC bicycles and six spare wheels). During races, each modified TSX Sport Wagon will serve as a rolling command center, repair shop, hospital and cafeteria to support BMC Racing Team riders as they compete in grueling multi-day events through some of the most spectacular cycling terrain in North America. The BMC Racing Team Acura TSX Sport Wagons will debut at the week-long 2011 Amgen Tour of California, starting May 15 in South Lake Tahoe, CA.

About The BMC Racing Team

The BMC Racing Team is a United States-registered UCI ProTeam headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., and title sponsored by Switzerland-based bicycle manufacturer BMC. In 2010, the team achieved a number of successes, including leading both the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia (in its first participation in both events), a victory at Fleche Wallonne, two stage wins at the Tour de Suisse and one at the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah. The team's roster includes former world road champions Cadel Evans (2009) and Alessandro Ballan (2008), current Under 23 world time trial and U.S. national time trial champion Taylor Phinney, and past three-time national road champion George Hincapie (U.S.). For more information, visit.

About Acura

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2011 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and all-new Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

2011 Cruze

OVERVIEW

To say Cruze has been well received in Canada would be the understatement of the year. Fitting, as Cruze was recently named the 2011 Canadian Car of the Year by the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). It has also received an IIHS Top Safety Pick and 5-Star Safety Rating by the NHTSA. You can learn more about these awards in the Awards and Recognition section.

Cruze Eco has the best hwy mileage of any gas engine in America

Introducing the Cruze Eco and amazing highway fuel economy at 42 MPG that doesn't sacrifice the sculpted exterior design that sets Cruze apart from the competition

Get Used to More

Cruze offers upscale presence with the fuel economy(17) and price tag of a compact. And with its sculpted exterior and refined interior, it feels more like a sanctuary than a car when you're behind the wheel. Looks like you'll have to get used to more.

More Safety

The Cruze is designed to offer continuous protection to you and your precious cargo. It's more safety than you're used to, but you'll adjust.
With the fuel economy of a compact car(17) and the amenities of a mid-size, the Cruze gives you the best of two worlds. Making a choice can be difficult, so don't.
With all its upscale amenities and features like available navigation(18) and refined interior finishes, the Cruze offers a premium driving experience.
011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco fuel consumption ratings based on GM testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual consumption may vary. Competitive ratings based on competitive fuel consumption ratings based on Natural Resources Canada's 2010 Fuel Consumption Guide and Wards Upper Small 4-door sedan car segment and latest competitive information available at time of posting. Excludes hybrid models.

2011 Scion tC

The good: The 2011 Scion tC presents a stylish exterior, and it is easy to upgrade the cabin electronics. iPod integration comes standard.
The bad: The Bluetooth phone system is nearly Stone Age in its features, and the audio system destroys mids and highs.
The bottom line: The 2011 Scion tC's tech, both cabin and drive train, lags behind similarly priced competition, but the car is a solid platform to upgrade.
2011 Scion tC
Pros: great specs, great styling, very masculine, nice wheels, nice audio, sexy and thick steering wheel.
free maintenance program.
pure price, easy ordering through the web, place the order and just wait for the delivery, no hassle.
Cons: few blind spots due to thick pillars
a bit plastic-ky on the interior
single back up light, very unique and funny
cargo cover and signature floor mats come extra.

Summary: I have it for 5 months. Great car, very smooth transmission. If you like a smooth ride, this one is NOT for you. You will feel every bit of the roads which I like it. It will also cost you if you hit potholes. You would also take good care

Pros: Best bang for the buck. $19,000 gives you 180hp engine with 6spd tranny, 18in alloys, traction/stability control, great stereo, dual sunroof and many more.
Cons: Doesn't have a Ferrari engine and it's not free.

Summary: When is CNET going to have people that aren't ignorant of cars make a review.


"The bottom line: The 2011 Scion tC's tech, both cabin and drive train, lags behind similarly priced competition."

Pros: great specs, great styling, very masculine, nice wheels, nice audio, sexy and thick steering wheel.
free maintenance program.
pure price, easy ordering through the web, place the order and just wait for the delivery, no hassle.
Cons: few blind spots due to thick pillars
a bit plastic-ky on the interior
single back up light, very unique and funny
cargo cover and signature floor mats come extra.
Summary: I have it for 5 months. Great car, very smooth transmission. If you like a smooth ride, this one is NOT for you. You will feel every bit of the roads which I like it. It will also cost you if you hit potholes. You would also take good care of the low profile tires religiously, I mean "religiously".
Very smooth cruising ride along PCH with open sunroof.
Audio is also premium with very easy interface. I fit all my songs into one single USB memory stick the size of a penny. You don't even know it is there. I don't have to use my iPod or iPhone, even-though for Pandora, I just plug in my iPhone, no problem.
If you compare the specs in conjunction with the price, you would agree, a review is just a review, it doesn't mean anything until you drive one.

2011 Volvo S60

The all-new Volvo S60, launched at Geneva Motor Show 2 March, 2010 has been sculpted to move you - both physically and emotionally.

It has an extrovert attitude never before seen in Volvo showrooms. It is also without a doubt the most dynamic car model Volvo has ever presented - and its Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a groundbreaking safety feature. City Safety is standard in VolvoS60.

In summing up the 2011 Volvo S60 it is tempting to play the safety card early. After all, the Volvo brand has become synonymous with safety, and the S60 offers one of the most innovative safety systems ever introduced. Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake won't win many "catchiest name" contests, but it will save lives. Simply to dwell on the car's considerable safety initiatives, though, wouldn't do it justice. "Dynamic' and "emotional" are the key words Volvo engineers and designers use to describe their newest creation, and after driving it we can certainly understand why. Not only is the S60 the most attractive Volvo sedan ever, it is also much more fun to drive that the brand's safety reputation might suggest.

The all-new S60 is sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo. But it is still an unmistakeable representative of Scandinavian design at its best.

Virtually all the lines were penned to carve out the "coupe with four doors" profile.

 The C-pillar stretches sensually all the way to the tail lamps - and the slim coupe-like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body, creating a gentle yet poExterior styling kit

An exterior styling kit gives the customer an opportunity to further enhance the already sporty appearance. The styling kit comes as an accessory. It includes front and rear skid plates, a front deco frame, side scuff plates, exhaust tailpipe finishers and 18-inch alloy wheels.

werful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.

Exclusive quality inside

Volvo's designers obtained their inspiration from the racing track as they pursued the uncompromising sportiness inside the all-new S60. The graphic character of the racing track is clearly apparent in the instrument panel and in the doors. Every detail looks like it's in motion. The instruments and centre stack are angled towards the driver to create a sensation of focus and control. The new dynamic three-spoke steering wheel and new sports seats with extra side supports are standard.

The interior is lavish in terms of its driver-oriented details, but it is still a five-seater car offering comfortable space for all its occupants.

Beige and black are the main colours of the upholstery range, which is spiced up with the new highlight shade Beechwood Brown. The décor inlays are available in Charcoal, Shimmer Graphite aluminium or Urbane Wood.

New infotainment system

The S60 has an all-new infotainment system where information from the audio unit, navigation system, mobile phone and other functions is presented on a five-inch or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre console. The screen is installed high to make it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.

The driver has access to all infotainment functions via controls in the steering wheel.

Enhanced audio system

The audio experience in the all-new S60 has been enhanced compared with previous models.

The most advanced system, Premium Sound, has a class-D digital 5x130W amplifier with circuits from Sweden's Anaview, Dolby Digital in combination with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, the award-winning MultEQ from Audyssey Laboratories and 12 loudspeakers.

In addition to the top-of-the line Premium Sound, the all-new S60 is available with a choice of three other audio systems.

Chassis

The most dynamic Volvo ever

The all-new S60 is without a doubt the most dynamic car model Volvo has ever presented.

The sedan can be specified with a choice of two chassis. On the European market the newly developed dynamic chassis is standard, while most markets in North America and Asia will have the comfort chassis as standard with the sport variant available as an option.

The difference between the two chassis alternatives is to be found in the dampers and the front and rear sub frames. Here the comfort variant has a somewhat softer setting to give a smoother ride on poorer road surfaces.

Every detail refined

During the development process, the chassis team carved out a holistic solution featuring changes and refinements for virtually every single detail that influences a car's driving properties. This includes improved sModified All Wheel Drive system

The software in the AWD (All Wheel Drive) system has been modified to allow the four-wheel drive variants (four-wheel drive is standard in the T6 and optional with the D5) of the all-new Volvo S60 to exploit the sporty new chassis to the limit.

teering, stiffer springs and bushes as well as more damping than in any previous Volvo.

FOUR-C available on all variants

All variants of the new S60 can be specified with the advanced, self-adjusting FOUR-C active chassis. The FOUR-C active chassis has been modified and refined for better control and more comfortable feel compared to previous Volvos.

First sedan with Advanced Stability Control

The S60 is the first sedan model on the market with Advanced Stability Control. With a new roll angle sensor, it is possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. Advanced Stability Control is a great asset in dynamic driving involving considerable lateral forces, thus improving handling and rapid avoidance manoeuvres.

Corner Traction Control for tighter cornering

Corner Traction Control is a new feature that uses torque vectoring for smoother cornering. When cornering, the car's inner driven wheel is braked at the same time as more power is transmitted to the outer driven wheel. This allows cornering more tightly while reducing any tendency to understeer.

Driveline

The firm action to cut CO2-emissions has resulted in lowered fuel consumption throughout the engine programme.

More powerful T6 version

The T6 petrol engine has a displacement of 3.0 litres and has been improved still further, primarily thanks to lower internal friction. It now pumps out 304 hp and no less than 440 Nm of torque. At the same time, Volvo Cars' engine specialists have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption by about 10 percent to 9.9 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

The engine's power is delivered to the wheels via Volvo's second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission.

New direct-injected engines

The new four-cylinder 2.0T (GTDi as in Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine has a displacement of two litres and produces a generous 203 hp, with 300 Nm of torque available from 1750 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.7 seconds with the manual gearbox and 8.2 seconds with the automatic. The Volvo S60 2.0T with manual gearbox uses just 7.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

(Please check "Specifications" for the latest figures.)

The all-new S60 will also become available as a 2.0 GTDi variant (T5) producing 240 hp and torque of 320 Nm. Furthermore, there will be a 1.6-litre GTDi engine available in two versions: 180 hp (T4) and 150 hp (T3) with torque of 240 Nm.

All the GTDi engines will be available in combination with Volvo's automatic six-speed Power shift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.

Twin-turbo D5

The D5 high-performance engine with twin turbos produces 205 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds (manual and automatic). Fuel consumption is 5.3 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figure) with the manual gearbox, putting this engine in the running for best in class.

New 2-litre turbo diesel

The new five-cylinder D3 is in principle the same engine as the present 2.4D, but cylinder capacity has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. With a manual gearbox, fuel consumption (EU Combined, preliminary figure) is now down to 5.3 l/100 km with a manual gearbox. The D3 produces 160 hp and 400 Nm of torque.

Automatic or manual gearbox

Both turbo diesels are available with six-speed automatic transmissions or a six-speed manual gearbox. The D5 can also be specified with all-wheel drive.

DRIVe diesel below 115 g/km

During the course of the first year of production, a DRIVe version of the all-new S60 will also be introduced, featuring a 1.6-litre diesel engine. Fuel consumption is 4.3 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figure), corresponding to CO2 emissions below 115 g/km. The engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque, and will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Safety and Support

Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake - a world first

Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a groundbreaking technological solution. It can detect pedestrians who walk into the road in front of the car, warn the driver - and automatically apply full braking power if the driver does not respond in time.

In an emergency situation the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light in the windscreen's head-up display. At the same time, the car's brakes are pre-charged. If the driver does not react to the warning and an accident is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied.

Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds of up to 35 km/h if the driver does not react in time.

he 2011 Volvo S60 handles so well, we can't help wishing it offered more horsepower. But the S60 walks on the tightrope between green responsibility and pure driving hedonism. The in-line six-cylinder engine offers less than 3,000 cc of displacement, but with turbocharging, it whirs out 300 horsepower at a relatively steep 5,600 rpm. Happily, the 325 pound-feet of peak torque are available from 2,100 rpm all the way to 4,200 rpm. That means the S60 has sufficient low-end torque to accelerate briskly. A bonus is that the engine requires only "regular" grade gasoline, and the fuel economy (18 mpg city/26 mpg highway) is laudable in the luxury class.

City Safety standard

The all-new Volvo S60 also features City Safety as standard.

With City Safety, the car automatically brakes if the driver fails to react in time when the vehicle in front slows down or stops - or if he or she is driving too fast towards a stationary object. The system can lessen or even entirely avoid low-speed rear-end impacts at speeds up to 30 kilometres an hour.

Driver Alert Control is a unique technology to detect and alert tired and distracted drivers.

Blind Spot Information System helps detect vehicles in the offset rear blind spot on both sides of the car.

Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the car runs across the lane markers without the turn indicator being used. 

Adaptive Cruise Control also in slow queues

In the field of comfort, there are features such as the optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically maintains a set gap to the vehicle in front. What is new is that the Adaptive Cruise Control operates at speeds below 30 km/h, all the way down to standstill.

While the S60 offers styling and performance with great emotional appeal, it is still the cold, hard rational aspects of superior safety that make the 2011 Volvo S60 stand out among the crowd of mid-size luxury-brand sedans. With a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just around $38,500, the S60 is priced under all-wheel-drive competitors like the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS 350. The Audi A4 is less expensive than the Volvo, but it gives up nearly 90 horsepower to the S60. On the resale value front, though, the A4 offers better numbers, as does the 335i. Check our Fair Price to see what consumers are typically paying in your area.

2011 Honda Civic Sedan

2011 Honda Civic Sedan

The Aveo5 is a big-thinking car that's filled with the kind of features and craftsmanship you'd expect to find in a much larger, more expensive car. With a 100,000-mile/5-year(3) Powertrain Limited Warranty to guarantee the quality, you have an all-around value that's hard to beat.

Big on the inside

Aveo5 offers plenty of space to lug around your most important stuff. That's because the rear seat folds and flips completely out of the way to create a hefty 37.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo room(6).
Go ahead and stretch out. Aveo5 may look small on the outside, but it offers best-in-class front and rear hip room and front shoulder room.
Aveo5 offers 35 MPG highway(4). That's better standard highway fuel economy than Honda Fit and Nissan Versa(7). Every Aveo5 also boasts an ECOTEC 1.6L I-4 16-valve engine with Variable Valve Timing that generates ample horsepower and torque.

2011 Ford Fusion

2011 Ford Fusion is one of the most engaging family sedans from the driver's perspective. Body control through corners is impressive, yet the ride remains comfortable and hushed. The Sport model feels particularly buttoned-down thanks to its sport-tuned suspension. Performance from the base four-cylinder is adequate, and while the revised 3.0-liter V6 is still down on power compared to its rivals, it's plenty capable for most shoppers in this segment. Should you find the 3.0-liter unit lacking, the 3.5-liter V6 is a good match for competing V6s. On the downside, the electric power steering on non-Sport models is light and numb, and the four-cylinder engine makes raucous noises during spirited acceleration.

After last year's extensive refresh, the Ford Fusion sees only detail changes involving standard features for 2011. Blind-spot mirrors and the My Key system are standard for all trim levels, while one-touch up/down front windows, H.D radio and additional power adjustments for the front seats are found on the upper trims. Other changes include a new Luxury package and a standard manual-shift feature for the six-speed automatic transmission.
Introduction

You remember that overachiever in high school? The honor society kid who did extra credit work even though he didn't need to? That's how it is with the 2011 Ford Fusion. Earlier incarnations of the Fusion already had the basics down, including a pleasant driving demeanor, a comfortable ride and a high level of overall refinement. Last year's makeover of the Fusion vaulted the car to the front of the midsize sedan class, however, with sizable improvements in performance and efficiency. And this year, Ford goes for extra credit by chipping in a few more standard features.

The Fusion earns some of its high marks because of its architecture, which is a slightly stretched version of the first-generation Mazda 6 platform. The Fusion's slightly smaller size than some other sedans doesn't negatively impact interior room, and it gives the Fusion more agility than the norm. For power, there's a fully competitive 175-horsepower four-cylinder base engine, a 240-hp 3.0-liter V6 or a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 in the Fusion Sport. The mid level V6 is a bit down on power and acceleration compared to the V6s in most other models, but it still provides decent real-world performance.

The Fusion does have some downsides -- a button-happy center stack and numb steering being the most notable -- but overall the Fusion is very well-rounded. It drives well, is comfortable and has very good safety ratings. On top of this, it also offers Ford's excellent Sync multimedia voice-control system and available all-wheel drive. Certainly, there are other solid picks for a midsize family sedan, including the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Suzuki Kizashi and Toyota Camry. But no matter which one you end up with, know that a 2011 Ford Fusion is going to earn high marks for you.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan available in S, SE, Sport and SEL trim levels. The base S comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot mirrors, key less entry, the My Key system (limits top speed and audio volume), full power accessories, a trip computer, cruise control, air-conditioning, 60/40-split rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The SE adds 17-inch steel wheels (alloy-look covers), fog lamps, automatic headlights, dual exhaust tips, a fold-flat passenger seat, an eight-way power driver seat with manual recline and lumbar, steering-wheel radio controls and a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio.

The Sport adds a sport-tuned suspension and steering setup, 18-inch alloy wheels, exclusive styling cues inside and out, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a 10-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat, unique leather-trimmed seats and the Sync entertainment and communications interface. The Fusion SEL adds heated exterior mirrors, puddle lights, a numerical key less entry pad, ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and leather upholstery.

Options on the base S are limited to remote engine start (automatic transmission only) and all-weather floor mats, which are available across the lineup. SE options include an auto-dimming rear view mirror, Sync and a sunroof. The Sport model can be optioned with the SEL's standard equipment plus a blind-spot warning system, a back-up camera, a sunroof and a 12-speaker Sony sound system. On the SEL, you can get 18-inch wheels and the sport-tuned suspension by ordering the Appearance package. Optional on Sport and SEL models is a voice-activated hard-drive-based navigation system with Travel Link (includes real-time traffic and weather information).

Other options (depending on trim) include rain-sensing wipers and H.D radio. There are also several packages available (depending on trim) that include a Monochrome Appearance package that provides a body-color grille, a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels. The highlights of the Luxury package include chrome exterior accents, premium leather upholstery (with contrasting stitching/piping), unique alloy wheels and illuminated front door sills. Reverse parking sensors are a stand-alone option on all models except the S.
Power trains and Performance

The 2011 Ford Fusion features three different engines. The base power plant -- standard on S, SE and SEL models -- is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. This mill comes with a six-speed manual transmission by default, while a six-speed automatic with manual shift control is optional.

A 3.0-liter V6 (240 hp and 223 lb-ft) is optional on SE and SEL models, and it's only available with the six-speed automatic. The Sport model comes exclusively with a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 (263 hp and 249 lb-ft). The automatic is standard here, too. All-wheel drive is optional on the Sport and V6-powered SEL.

In testing, we found a V6-powered Fusion SEL went from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is a bit slower than most other V6-powered family sedans. Fuel economy ratings for the four-cylinder Fusion with the automatic check in at 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. The 3.0-liter V6 has a 20/28/23 mpg rating and the 3.5-liter V6 drops to 18/27/21 mpg.
Safety

Antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on all Fusions. In government crash testing, the Fusion earned a top five-star rating for its protection of front occupants in head-on collisions. In the side-impact test, the Fusion earned five stars for front passengers and four stars for those in the rear. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the Fusion earned a top rating of "Good" in both the frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Interior Design and Special Features

The 2011 Ford Fusion's cabin features soft-touch materials and a somewhat austere but attractive design. The center stack is a bit busy, however, with a lot of similar-looking and -feeling buttons. The available Sync system works great, integrating audio and Bluetooth functionality with voice-recognition technology to provide easy hands-free operation of cell phones and portable MP3 players.

There's plenty of room for passengers in the Fusion. While Ford's midsize isn't the largest car in its class, its generous interior dimensions prove that such sedans need not be as controversially large as the Accord or Mazda 6 in order to accommodate families' needs. A pair of adults will be content in back, and storage space is adequate. The 16.5-cubic-foot trunk is one of the largest around, and the split-folding rear seat enables larger items to be carried inside the car.

DX 5-Spd MT

 DX 5-Sp MT

Estimated Market Price (EMP) is the estimated price that people are currently paying dealers to buy a specific vehicle. EMP is based on real sales data, and factors in current supply and demand levels as well as information about dealer incentives and profit margins. EMP is calculated at a national level and is quoted at the base trim level, meaning that EMP is not adjusted to specific regional markets, nor does it include any tax, title, or license fees that a dealer is required to charge. Yahoo! Autos receives Estimated Market Pricing from Automotive Information Center (AIC).
Estimated monthly payments are based on Estimated Market Price, 20% down, 6.5% interest rate, 8% sales tax, 48 months.
 

Warranty

• Basic

  36,000 miles / 36 months
  Bumper-to-Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use.
  

  Powertrain

  60,000 miles / 60 months
  Part of New Vehicle Limited Warranty

• Rust

  Unlimited miles / 60 months
  Rust Perforation Limited Warranty. Covers repair/replacement of any body panel that rusts from inside out. Rust that does not perforate, but is caused by defect in material or workmanship is covered under Basic Warranty.

• Safety Restraint

  Unlimited miles / Lifetime
  Will repair or replace seatbelt component during useful life of the vehicle. Includes parts and labor charges.

• Original Battery

  Unlimited miles / 36 months
  Replacement Battery Limited Warranty. 100% coverage for the first 12 months, prorated thereafter for.
  

  • Replacement Parts

    12,000 miles / 12 months
    Replacement Parts Limited Warranty. Covers defects in materials and workmanship. Parts purchased from but not installed by Honda dealer are covered for 12 months. Parts purchased from and installed by Honda dealer are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, which ever comes first.
    
  e remaining two years. Credit is given towards purchase of new battery.
  

  • Adjustments

    12,000 miles / 12 months
    Does not cover such items as wheel balancing/alignment or air conditioning refrigerant after one year unless required by a warranty repair.
    
    
  
  
  
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