2009 Pontiac Vibe: Affordable, Practical and Sporty

Pontiac Vibe is a compact four-door wagon that comes in two trim levels, either the base model or the sporty GT. Vibe is roomy enough for a family of five and all their stuff. Redesigned for the 2009 model year, there’s new exterior styling, a more powerful engine option and an significant upgrade to both the looks and the quality of the interior.

I test drove the base model Vibe, a front wheel drive car powered by 132-hp, four-cylinder engine. Without a doubt that’s small motor that’s unarguably a little thin on horsepower. Nonetheless, acceleration was strong enough to please. Only with the proviso that in order to get strong acceleration I had to stay in lower gears, keeping rpm higher in the horsepower. Naturally it follows my lead foot sucked up more gas, eroding mileage enough to send a shiver up and down my spine.

Since most people interested in the small engine choose it for its mileage it seems reasonable those drivers will be content with sedate acceleration that rewards them with good mileage. On the other hand, for those drivers who demand stronger acceleration, there’s a more powerful 2.4 liter motor rated 158 hp.

Both of the engines burn regular gas and come standard with a five-speed manual transmission. Optional with the smaller 1.8-liter motor is a four-speed automatic while an optional five-speed automatic is paired with the bigger 2.4L. Note that All-Wheel-Drive is optional and limited to a four-speed automatic Vibe towing capacity is a modest 1500 pounds.

As for the interior, sightlines are great thanks to a steep windshield and sloping hood. Behind the wheel the hood seems to disappear. Handling manners are enviably good. Suffice it to say base model Vibe is lots of fun to drive on long and winding roads.

New for 2009 is a standard item telescoping steering wheel along with increased front seat track travel. That pays big dividends by way of a more comfortable driving position for a greater range of heights. I was also pleased to see upgraded materials and improved fit and finish Cloth front bucket seats are standard with leather-accented seats optional.

Vibe stands tall, so there's plenty of headroom. One nice surprise is the roomy backseat that comfortably seats either two adults or three kids. It splits 60/40.

During a walk around I noticed a rear cargo organizer handy for holding a week’s worth of grocery bags. Hooks in the sidewalls hold plastic bags securely so they don’t dump canned goods and instant mashed potatoes all over the floor. I also noticed rubberized strips affixed to the plastic cargo floor and seat backs, the strips designed to grip suitcases. It also occurred to me that the hard plastic floor would easier to keep clean than traditional carpet. The second row seats fold flat for more cargo room (when headrests removed). Another plus is Vibe’s optional cargo management system with a built-in divider, that when raised up from the floor, sections-off space. The front passenger seat folds flat, except on the base model. Alas, no car is perfect. Road noise levels were higher than I like.

Vibe is generously endowed with safety items like StabiliTrak (an electronic vehicle stability system), a tire pressure monitoring system, dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing system, head curtain side air bags, side thorax air bags for the front passengers, active head restraints, three-point safety belts in all seating positions, front safety belt retractors, rear-seat LATCH child safety seat provisions in all three seating positions and OnStar with GPS and hands-free calling.

Base model Vibe is modestly equipped. Most of the items have already been mentioned.. I recommend jazzing it up with the Preferred Package ($945), which adds power windows, front and rear intermittent wipers, power door locks, keyless entry and the can‘t-do-without cruise control. Order air conditioning a la cart for $950. Check with your insurance company and determine whether it offers a discount for the theft deterrent system replete with an alarm ($295). I’d also be temped to add an engine block heater for a mere $75. An automatic transmission costs $850 more.

Interesting to note, Vibe is produced alongside its near twin, the Toyota Corolla, in Fremont, California. The two share basic components like engines, transmissions and suspensions, but not sheet meal exteriors. Finally the Pontiac basic warranty runs for three years or 36,000 miles with the drivetrain and roadside assistance term running for five years or 100,000 miles. The rust through protection term runs a little longer, at six years and 100,000 miles.

Wheelbase 102.4”
Engine 1.8L I-4
HP 132 @ 6000 rpm
Transmission 4-spd-automatic
Mileage 25/31 mpg
Fuel capacity 13.0 gallons
Curb weight 2855 pounds
Base price $15,985
As tested $16,835.

2009 Subaru Forester: Which Is It: An SUV or a Station Wagon?

The all new Subaru Forester is downright pretty. Redrawn for the current model year, it stands taller and is more spacious inside. Every single body panel is new. The good new gets even better. Forester boasts higher ground clearance, pronounced fender flares and a wider stance. Inside, seats are eminently comfortable and the large sunroof contributes to roomy feel. But I’m getting a little ahead of myself. Let’s go back to the beginning and visit upon performance details.

Under the hood resides one of Subaru's flat-4 engines that are available as either naturally aspirated or turbocharged. In the base model Forester 2.5X, the single cam 2.5-liter makes 170 hp. The standard item transmission is a 5-speed manual. While the horsepower rating hasn't changed from last year the torque is four lb.-ft. higher and the torque curve proper is significantly broader. Simply put that means stronger acceleration because the horsepower is strong from slow to fast engine speeds. So how fast does this car run? With all the seats occupied by adults, and zooming onto the Interstate, you’ll need all 170 horses to keep from getting run over. But at the gas pump you’ll celebrate the good mileage by dancing an Irish jig. Don’t misunderstand. The car’s not slow, but neither is it very fast.

For those who need more zoom, there is a worthy option. I drove the 2.5XT with its more powerful turbocharged motor (224 hp versus 170 hp). With 54 more hp its zero to sixty mph elapsed time is an impressive 6.7 seconds. Accelerating hard, right about 3000 rpm I could feel the turbo boost kick in. On the downside, you’ll have to burn premium fuel to get there. Techies take note that for 2009 the DOHC engine was modified with a tweaked intake, bigger valves and an upsized intercooler. Figure on mileage averaging about 20 mpg.

You should also know every Subaru car comes equipped with symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. AWD isn't unique. But symmetrical AWD is. The technology flows power at the same time it manages road grip and wheel slip. The net result is stronger acceleration and greater safety on slick roads.

As for handling manners, steering is crisp. The turning circle is tight. Forester is wonderfully maneuverable in close quarters. The ride is firm without being harsh. As for creature comforts, entry and egress is a delight. Blessed with a height-adjustable driver seat replete with power lumbar support and a steering column that tilts and telescopes it was easy to get very comfortable behind the wheel. I could drive this car all day and never get tired. Traveling faster than 65 mph wind and road noise sounded louder than I liked

In the interest of due diligence I sat in the back where the seat cushion is elevated so it seems like you’re looking down on those in front. Legroom is ample even when sitting behind a 6-footer who’s oblivious to your comfort. Back seat upholstery is delightful comfortable. Although the rear center rider is on top of a rock-hard hump. One nice discovery was the way the center console folds out of the middle rear seat, providing cupholders and a storage tray.

The cargo hold area swallows a multitude of suitcases and bags. Fold the rear seat flat and a mountain bike slides in with room to spare. The sunroof, a de facto Subaru tradition, is positively gargantuan. In fact, it slides so far aft that rear passengers benefit from the opening.

Standards items include cruise control, keyless entry, a four-speaker audio system with single-disc in-dash CD player, MP3/WMA capability and vehicle-speed-sensing volume adjustment Though a better deal is the 2.5X Premium ($22,495) with raised roof rails, brake assist, a rollover sensor, a steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches, reclining rear seats, and rear privacy glass.

Spending a couple thousand more for the 2.5X Limited brings an automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT® manual control, fog lights, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle, heated front seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver seat, automatic climate control, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors, a six-speaker audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA capability, SRS Circle Surround Automotive® audio enhancement and vehicle-speed-sensing volume adjustment.

Forester 2.5XT, with T as in turbo motor, sports a rear spoiler and special aluminum-alloy turbo type wheels, aluminum-alloy pedal covers. It also gets a very nice sound system.

The top of the line Forester XT Limited adds a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, premium audio, and a glitzy panoramic moon roof.

Finally the 11-year old 2009 Forester has evolved from a tall wagon into a cute, sport Ute.

Wheelbase - 103.0”
Engine - 2.5L H-4
Horsepower - 170 @ 6000 rpm
Transmission - 4-spd automatic
Mileage - 19/24 mpg
Fuel capacity - 16.9 gallons
Curb weight - 3440 pounds
Base price - $19,995
As tested - $28,195

2008 Suzuki XL7 Limited: an Affordable, compact SUV

For 2008 Suzuki’s midsize SUV remains largely unchanged. Available with third row, seven-passenger seating, XL7 is the largest and most comfortable SUV the Japanese carmaker has ever built.

XL7’s engine is a 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 engine rated 252 horsepower. Said powerplant is a technophile’s delight. For it is nothing less than General Motors' High Feature V-6. (HFV6) . Did I just say General Motors? Truth be told Suzuki and GM have had cooperating in manufacturing and joint-venture agreements for a number of years. Also, worthy of note, the HFV6 is a family of DOHC V-6s designed to be expandable from 2.8 L to 4.0 L. Key components include an aluminum block and cylinder heads, Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection, a forged crankshaft and connecting rods, a variable intake manifold, twin knock control sensors and coil-on-plug ignition. It all adds up to strong acceleration and fuel efficient operation.

With this potent V-6 under the hood the XL7 zooms from zero to 60 mph in about eight seconds. Regular fuel burns fine. Standard equipment is a five-speed automatic transmission with manumatic shifting . Towing capacity is a modest 3,500 pounds. Both Front Wheel Drive and electronically-controlled on-demand All-Wheel Drive is available. Except that the base model is only available le with FWD.

Rider comfort is very nice thanks to the fact that XL7 was not derived from a truck. Up front are fully-independent MacPherson struts with a multilink setup in the back. The suspension is tuned moderately firm. That and the relatively long wheelbase lends a smooth ride so the car feels like a big sedan. Self-leveling Nivomat shocks at the rear come standard with the seven-passenger models and help maintain stability when cornering. Nivomat’s self-leveling feature also automatically compensates for heavy loads.

Safety features include dual front airbags along with curtain side airbags for all rows of seats, and anti-lock brakes replete with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Electronic Stability Program with traction control, and side impact beams. XL7 boasts a five-star safety rating in front- and side-impact crash tests. There’s also a tire pressure monitor and daytime running lights.

Head and leg room are abundant. The steering wheel tilts but does not telescope. Power window switches are mounted on the console. I found it annoying at first, but after a couple of days got used to it. Second row headroom is adequate for a car of this class. When the driver slides her seat back, second row leg room diminishes. But to compensate the driver seat sits up high and creates under seat foot room. The third-row seat is intend for kids. Adults would have to be contortionists get back there, let alone to ride.

Cargo space is respectable, with room for about a week’s worth groceries. Fold down the third- and/or second-row seats for an even larger area. Important to note this SUV is fairly narrow. For example the cargo bay is not wide enough to load 4 x 8 sheets of plywood. The lift gate does not have an opening glass window.

One really nice surprise was the rear-view camera. This one is different because it doesn't display its color images on the navigation system screen. Instead, its small screen is embedded in the rear-view mirror, a more intuitive location.

XL7 is available in four different trim levels: Base, Premium, Luxury and Limited. The base model is well equipped with air conditioning with a pollen filter and automatic climate control, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM/CD player, trip computer, a compass, intermittent windshield wipers, a rear window defogger, a rear wiper washer, rear privacy glass, a theft deterrent system and roof rails. Upholstery is cloth.

The Premium and Luxury models are available in either five or seven passenger seating configuration, while the flagship XL7 Limited features standard seven-passenger capacity


Moving up to the Premium adds air conditioning and the previously mentioned load leveling suspension. The Luxury model gets leather upholstery, heated front seats, a six-way power driver seat, leather cladding on the steering wheel, a power sunroof and redundant radio controls on the steering wheel hub.

The top of the line Limited adds rear air conditioning with rear controls, a very nice Pioneer sound system with satellite radio, a DVD entertainment system or a navigation system with voice recognition, remote engine starting, fog lights, and an automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Suzuki backs the XL7 with a 100,000-miles, seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible power train limited warranty. You also get a free, full tank of gas.

Wheelbase - 112.4 inches
Engine - 3.6 L V-6
Horsepower - 252 @6400 rpm
Transmission - 5-spd automatic
Mileage - 16/22 mpg
Fuel capacity - 18.6 gallons
Curb weight - 3886 pounds
Base price - $21,349
As tested - $27,299

2009 Acura RDX

The 2009 Acura RDX is largely unchanged from last year‘s model. But for those who are unfamiliar with this premium compact SUV, know that it seats five passengers and boasts All-Wheel Drive. And you didn’t hear it from me but Acura RDX is actually a sport sedan disguised as a small SUV.

The only powertrain offered is a potent (240-horsepower) 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbo motor flowing torque to a sequential five-speed automatic transmission replete with paddle shifters. Without bogging down in details, suffice it to say this is a very sophisticated power plant that wrings nearly every drop of horsepower out of a gallon of gas. RDX speeds from zero to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, a reasonably quick elapsed time for a crossover of this class. The intercooler turbo kicks in with a whoosh and big burst of power that sends a thrill upon and down my spine.

You should also know Acura uses a variable flow turbo that combine the best qualities of both small and large turbochargers. In other words, it spools up quickly and flows massive CFMs of air. I also appreciate the fact that when the engine is turned off, coolant continues to circulate and cool the turbo, preventing fried bearings.

Fuel economy is just OK, with an EPA estimate of 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. I averaged 18 mpg. You also need to know turbo motors drink premium fuel. Towing capacity is a modest 1,500 pounds.

Handling manners are nimble thanks to a firm suspension and big tires (P235/55R18 Michelin Pilot on alloy wheels) that grip the road like there’s no tomorrow. Long and winding roads are an absolute delight. In a parking lot RDX turns tight little circles. RDX is so responsive the car qualifies as one of the best handling SUVs. As far as comfort is concerned the ride is undeniably firm. Rolling over a deep pothole you‘ll feel the bump.

I am particularly fond of Acura’s Super Handling AWD for the way it not only distributes torque between the front and rear axles, but also selectively between the left and right wheels. That maximizes traction and substantially improves cornering. More specifically SH AWD flows a higher proportion of power to the outside rear wheel under hard cornering, keeping the car on track.

Thanks to leather seating, metallic accents, blue gauge illumination and symmetrical dash design, RDX’ interior fulfills the promise of a premium car. The ambiance is quite pleasing. Though cabin space is a little tight for both the passengers and cargo. But thanks to the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and the ten-way adjustable power seat with memory I was able to dial in a very comfortable position. The deep center storage compartment strategically located between the front seats secures either a briefcase or a laptop bag. Another plus, the passenger seat is also power adjustable. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seat opens cargo room, more than a sedan but less than some competing crossovers. Rear passenger seats don't recline or slide fore and aft, which is a limitation.

Crash results tests are excellent RDX earned a top five-star rating for protection of its occupants/crash test dummies in both frontal and side-impact crashes. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the RDX a top score of Good in its frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing. Safety items include front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, active front head restraints, antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control and traction control.

Acura RDX, the base model, boasts leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moon roof, a Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, XM satellite radio, Xenon high intensity headlights with fog lamps, and four-wheel disc ABS with electronic brake-force distribution. A seven-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an auxiliary audio jack is also standard

For only a little more money the RDX Tech model that I tested features the Technology Package. It features a 10-speaker, 410-watt sound system designed by legendary recording engineer Elliot Scheiner, a navigation system with voice command, rearview camera, and the AcuraLink Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic (A valuable commodity in downtown Solon during rush hour). Seriously, the Real Time Traffic system covers 76 major metropolitan areas with 32 more coming on line soon.

Finally, the basic Warranty term runs for 48 months or 50,000 miles with the power train term running for six years or 70,000 miles. Worried about rust-through? The body gets a five-year no mileage limited warranty.

Wheelbase 104.3“
Engine 2.3L I-4
Power 240 @ 6000 rpm
Transmission 5-spd automatic
Fuel capacity 18 gallons
Mileage 22/17 mpg
Curb weight 3933 pounds
Base price $33,695
As tested $36,995

2009 Chevrolet Impala: Big and Comfortable

No one can argue the fact that the 2009 Chevy Impala is a very popular car. The reasons why are as simple as road salt. It seats six passengers in goodly comfort. It boasts both respectable fuel economy and horsepower. As for handling, it’s fairly nimble. The good news gets better. New for 2009, all Impalas get anti- lock brakes, traction control, dual zone climate control and thorax side-impact airbags as standard items. Let’s delve into the details.

Four trim levels are offered, the LS, the LT, the LTZ and the fire-breathing SS. Base price Impala LS comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated 211 horsepower. Available on the LT and standard on the LTZ is a slightly more powerful 3.9-liter V-6 with 233 hp. Impala SS, with its 5.3-liter V-8, boasts a tire squealing 303 hp. But what’s most exciting is the simple fact that the 3.9L V-6 and also the 5.3 V-8 have Active Fuel Management technology. Whenever braking and coasting AFM shuts off fuel and ignition spark to half the cylinders, thereby conserving fuel. Mileage improves by as much as eight percent. Both of the V-6 engines are capable of burning E85 ethanol-blended fuel. With the V-6s 87 octane fuel is no problem but the V-8 demands hi octane. All four models flow power through a four-speed automatic transmission.

For testing purposes I was blessed with a Chevy Impala SS from the press fleet. So how fast is fast? Impala SS zooms from 0-60-mph in just 6.4 seconds. Its quarter-mile elapsed time is an eyebrow-raising 14.5 seconds. Obviously a majority of drivers will be more interested in a more frugal balance of horsepower and fuel economy. For this either one of the V-6s are a good choice, especially, the 3.9 liter with AFM.

As for handling manners, Chevy Impala feels solid and substantial. Its ride is complaint. But remember this is a big heavy car. So naturally it follows the big car ride comes with a downside. While handling is very nice, and the car is lots of fun to drive, it’s hardly sports-car-like taut. That is unless you’re behind the wheel of the Impala SS warhorse. Thanks to a sport suspensions and 18-inch performance tires, it is positively agile. But once again, when the price per gallon of gas is an issue, the plenty powerful 3.9 liter V-6 models may be the better choice.

As for creature comforts, Impala is a sizeable car with room enough for up to six people along with all their luggage. Shoulder room is ample. Legroom is good, but not great. Trunk space is generous. The spare tire is a mini. Sound levels were pleasing low, meaning I could hear only a little wind and tire noise. The V-6 speaks up pretty good, so does the V-8 but I forgive it because its voice is the sound of raw hp.

Well equipped base model LS features air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, a power driver seat, a single-CD audio system with an MP3 jack, and keyless entry. LS options include a special package that includes front bucket seats with leather, a flip-and-fold-flat rear seat, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, OnStar, a rear spoiler and antilock brakes with traction control.

Moving up to an LT adds dual-zone climate control and remote vehicle start. LT has two sub packages (1LT and 2LT) with leather seating, a six-CD changer, satellite radio, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels. A sunroof is optional.

Gussied up LTZ boasts big 18-inch alloy wheels, a performance suspension, heated leather bucket seats, a Bose audio system and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Because LTZ is so well-equipped it’s only options are a CD changer and a sunroof

Splashy Impala SS features monochromatic exterior paint, a performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler. Options include heated seats, a power front-passenger seat, Homelink transmitter and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

In NHTSA crash tests Chevrolet Impala earned five out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact tests Impala scored five stars for the front passengers and four stars for those sitting in the rear. In IIHS frontal offset crash testing Impala scored an Acceptable rating, the second highest out of four, while side-impact tests resulted in a Good rating, the highest possible.

Finally there is the all important warranty. Chevrolet’s powertrain term runs for five years or 100,000 miles, with the bumper to bumper warranty term good for either three years or 36,000 miles. Roadside assistance is offered for five years or 100,000 miles and corrosion perforation is good for six years or 100,000 miles.

Wheelbase - 110.5”
Engine - 3.5L V-6
Horsepower - 211 @ 5800 rpm
Transmission - 4-speed automatic
Mileage - 24/29 mpg
Curb weight - 3555 pounds
Fuel capacity - 17.5 gallons
Base price - $23,045
As tested - $30,000