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2013 Dodge Durango SXT RWD…”I want that!” That’s what she said!

Auto Review Archives - SUVs, Crossovers & Trucks

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I know it’s a corny joke, but that’s what I heard EVERYTIME I was either getting in or out of the 2013 Dodge Durango SXT RWD.  I credit it all to the Rallye Appearance Package. From the onset the body color accouterments like the Rear and Front Fascias, Wheel Lip Moldings, Sill Molding, 20-inch Polished/Painted Aluminum wheels and Accented Color Grille…even the License Plate Brow was incorporated into the design cues of the Durango.  There is a sexy and mysterious vibe to the Durango. Past model’s bulkiness has been replaced with smoothed out corners. The changes not only kick up the style factor, but also increase the aerodynamics of the Durango. Changes that give the Durango a respectable 19 combined MPG.

 

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Injected with a heavy dose of testosterone, the Durango packs a lot of power via a 3.6-Liter, V6 24-Valve VVT Engine paired up with a 5-Speed Automatic Transmission.  I looked forward to straightaways on the freeways to get a feel of how the Durango handled…and I wasn’t disappointed. The Electronic Stability Control and Hill Start Assist came in handy rolling through the Hollywood Hills and virtually eliminated any rollback.
  
The main issue that I have had with some SUVs in the past is the heavy feel of the ride; almost tank-like. The Durango SXT RWD was far from G.I. Joe’s preferred mode of transportation offering a relaxed ride.
 

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The comfortable riding style of the Durango was complemented by the cool interior of the Durango.  The interior came filled with all the creature comforts of SUV driving that included Uconnect Voice Command System with 6-Speakers, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Audio Jack for Mobile Devices, SiriusXM, Steering Wheel-Mounted Audio Controls, Tilting and Telescopic Steering Column. The versatility of the inner cabin also provided a space saving options with second row folding and tumbling Captain Chairs. If all that wasn’t enough, the swag factor is kicked up with the cabin’s ambient lighting.

  

So to the admirers who hit me with the ‘I want that!’ look…check out the 2013 Dodge Durango SRT RWD and other fine vehicles here.

 

MSRP $34,175

2013 Ford Escape SE FWD…An Enchanting Ride

Auto Review Archives - SUVs, Crossovers & Trucks

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The very embodiment of the crossover segment, the 2013 Ford Escape truly has the best of both worlds…the agility and ease of a car and the utility of a SUV.  While the Escape is undeniably dripping with Ford DNA, it definitely has its own persona. The body-length crease adds a sporty flair to the Escape.  It’s painfully obvious that there was a lot of time and care put into the look and feel of this crossover.
  
You can just imagine the designer in the studio with the clay model perfecting and eyeballing the lines of the Escape. Exciting design cues like the side chrome accents, 5-point aluminum wheels, wrap-around halogen headlamps, body color handles, a perfectly integrated (smaller than previous models) front grille flanked by Active Grille that reacts and kicks up the fuel economy (a combined 26 MPG; 23 city and 33 hwy, respectively) when wind resistance comes in to play.
 
A 1.6-liter GTDI EcoBoost engine and 6-Speed Select Shift automatic transmission made the Escape a viable contender on the urban terrain of greater Los Angeles. Quick on take off, the Escape is agile and up for any adventure with 178 hp @ 5,700 rpm, 184 lb.-ft. torque @ 2,500 rpm.

 

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Whipping around the city was actually fun in the Escape. This sporty road bandit is full of all the creature comforts to make city driving not only bearable, but also enjoyable.  The MyFord Touch system with navigation, steering wheel mounted controls and SYNC Voice Activated System allowed me to hit the road like Lewis and Clark exploring in total comfort.  At the tip of your fingertips or the utterance of commands lies the ability to create the total experience with music, climate control and blue tooth access.

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Much like what Goldie Locks discovered, the Escape was just the right fit for my weeklong activities. My constant four-legged riding companion, Lyric had all the room he wanted to stretch out with 34.3 cu. ft. (behind the second row). My human road dogs also had plenty of legroom and headspace for passengers.

  

The interior of the Escape served as my own little cocoon. Sealed to perfection the outside world is shut out and tranquility ensues with the ice blue interior lighting. Adequate space is optimized with 60/40 split folding rear seats.

 

Visually the Escape is as cute as button so much so that if it were the 8th dwarf it could be named…Snazzy! See for yourself at www.ford.com

 

MSRP $28,255

2013 Buick Enclave AWD Premium…Bold and Beautiful

Auto Review Archives - SUVs, Crossovers & Trucks

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When I first saw Michael Burton, Buick's Director of Interior Design in the Enclave commercial a few years ago, with Oleta Adams’ rendition of “A New Day” wafting in the background, I knew the Enclave would have a legacy of refinement, luxury and class. The new 2013 Buick Enclave keeps that legacy going and does not disappoint.
 
The bold design slaps you in the face with a velvet glove at first glance. Silky lines ooze up, over, down and around the sexy body of the Enclave. It’s like watching what the Commodores called a ‘brick house’ strut her way around town.  Ample chrome accents that frame the windows, base of the doors, bumpers, 19” wheels and exhaust offer up some sexy jewelry for this diva. Even the grille makes a bold fashion statement with the Buick badging nestled in its center.
 
The ride of the Enclave proved to be just as exciting. Supported by a 3.6L, V6 engine and Hydra-Matic 6T75 6-speed AWD automatic transmission, the Enclave AWD pushes out 288 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque. Gas mileage was respectable for the luxury crossover segment at a combined 18-MPG.  The distribution of weight throughout the ride of the Enclave was solid and extremely level. Never was there a feeling of top-heaviness even with its base of a 4,922 lbs. curb weight. Whether it was on hills, straight a ways or banking a sharp turn, the Enclave held its own via the Stabilitrak – Stability Control System with Traction Control.


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Just as the exterior of the Enclave was inviting; the interior of quickened the pulse too. Crafted like elegant room in a dream house featured on HGTV, the Enclave has a mature and established charm about it.
 
Filled with exotic woods, butter soft leather seating and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, the Enclave definitely tips the hat to luxury. Equipped with 4 Captain Chairs (Power 8-Way Front Seats with Recline and Lumbar) and a 3-Row Split Bench Seat, the Enclave AWD has all passengers literally sitting in the lap of luxury!
 
The technology of the Enclave is innovative as well. The new IntelliLink feature (now a standard feature on every 2013 model) gives the dashboard a technological upgrade with a designable touchscreen and smartphone integration for more “hands on the wheel” functionality. Additionally, Buick is offering services to ease new owners who aren’t technologically savvy into this new technology. Based in Austin, Texas, the Customer and Relationship Service (CARS) Infotainment Customer Support Team will provide one-on-one guidance for owners.

 

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Still committed to providing unparalleled luxury to the crossover segment, the Enclave’s Luxury Package includes: Power Folding Outside Mirrors that are heated and auto dimming, HID and Direction Adaptive Headlamps, Ambient Lightning, Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column, XM Radio with a Bose Premium Audio System. Power Lift Gate and Remote Vehicle Starter System…plus a whole lot more. If those features weren’t enough, other upgraded options include a Rear Seat Entertainment that includes Color Touch Navigation System with XM NaviTraffic and a Power Sunroof. Another cool feature for the rear passengers is a 2nd Row Skylight to gaze at the stars.
  
As Michael Burton says, “It’s the best of a Sport Utility with the luxury amenities of a car.” Boom, and there you have it!
  
MSRP Standard $47, 625 or nicely upgraded $52,090. For more info click here.

 

 

 

 

 

2013 Nissan Altima…A Fresh Perspective

Auto Review Archives - Sedans

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The Nissan brand has long been associated with affordable quality and style. Those monikers are still in place in the all-new redesigned 2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL. Sometimes called a family-friendly sedan; the Altima has a duality about it. While families will find the luxurious nature of the Altima appealing, hipsters will appreciate the sleek design cues. Subtle lines frame the exterior of the Altima flanked by chrome accents, HID Xenon Headlights and LED Tail Lights add just the right amount of flare without being too flashy.

 

 

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The drive of the Altima was controlled and very responsive. Backed by a 3.5 Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 Engine and coupled with Continuously Variable Transmission, the Altima holds its own in the mid-sized sedan segment. 270 ponies and 251 lb-ft of torque spark the speed and agility of the Altima. Standard features like Active Under-steer Control, Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control Systems (VDS) offered up a solid and driver controlled ride. Out of the gate the Altima hits 0-60 just over 6 seconds, pretty impressive for a “family” sedan. The mileage proved not to be the sacrificial lamb of the all-new Altima. At a combined 25 city/highway rating, the Altima is a blessing at the pump for this size sedan.

 

 

Safety is also paramount in the design of the Altima. Filled with Driver and Passenger airbags, as well Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System, safety was definitely in the forefront of the Altima’s design strategy.

  

interiorThe interior of the all-new Altima transcends various demographics. Families and singles alike can appreciate the design and attention to detail of the all-new Altima. Spacious and well-designed, the Altima puts luxury at your fingertips.

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On the SL trim level (the crème of the cop), the upgraded interior of the Altima includes top-notch features like leather appointed and heated front seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel (a featured that came in handy with California’s cold snap), 5” color audio display, RearView Monitor, USB/iPod connectivity, Push Button Ignition, Moonroof, Sirius/XM Satellite and Dual Zone Auto Temp.

 

 

The sound system rocked with a 9-Speaker Bose Premium Audio System including Woofers. Listening to an eclectic soundtrack of tunes like J. Moss’ “Good and Bad,” Bob Marley’s “Cornerstone,” and Alexander O’Neal’s “All True Man” all the colors and nuances of the songs vibrantly leaped from the speakers.

 

Like the tagline says, “The Most Innovative Altima Ever!”

 

MSRP $32,135 for more info visit www.nissanusa.com

 

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Turbo…You Never Forget Your First Time

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Auto Review Archives - Coupes & Convertibles

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My first time was everything that I thought it would be. Get your mind out of the gutter. I meant my first time behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Beetle. Now with a wider frame (3.3 inches more than the 2006 version), longer wheelbase (6.0 inches compared to the 2006 version) and even snazzier than its predecessors, the Beetle is a definite head turner.  Sitting in the lot, I actually thought I saw it wink at me. With a sense of fun oozing from every nook and cranny, the VW Beetle Turbo was ready to hit the road.

 

 

 

vw_engineOn a particular “somewhat” warm day in January I was able put the top down (of course with the heat blasting) and catch a few sights of the coastline.  Flanked by the Turbo engine and fun-loving façade, the Beetle taps into its inner power source with 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Giving up 21/29 MPG (city and highway respectively), hitting the road without breaking the bank or the tank was sooooo cool. Through sturdy design and craftsmanship, the VW engineers developed a solid and dynamic gem. The turbocharged dual-overhead-cam, 16-valve, 2.0-liter direct-injection, 4-cylinder engine had me feeling like the dude in the “Live or Memorex” commercials back in the day. Sticking the corners on 17-in aluminum- alloy wheels dipping and diving through the urban terrains of the greater Los Angeles area, the Beetle set the road on fire.

 

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As you know, I am quite proud of my 4’11 stature, but I did ponder how my friends who hit the 5’9 and taller range would fair. Surprisingly they were very comfortable and had room both above head and around the knees. When the top was down, they actually reveled in the experience. I really appreciated that I could perform this function rolling down the street and not at a complete stop. At my whim, the ragtop came down in one swoop in about 9 seconds and up in under 12 seconds. Properly sealed, there was very little wind noise in ‘up’ position, which provided a quiet cabin.

 

 

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The interior of the Beetle Turbo was just as innovative and refreshing as the exterior. Leather sport seats, and accents, ambient lightening, navigation, top-notch Fender sound system, a cool extra glove box on top of the dashboard, leather-trimmed steering wheel and Bluetooth technology kick up the swag and style points of the Beetle. While it definitely has the DNA of Beetles from years gone by, it stands out as a car of the new millennium.

 

MSRP $32,295 for more info click here.

 

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