The 2011 Buick Enclave is considered as the newest large crossover SUV additions in the market. It has been redesigned and re-engineered ready to give owners the satisfaction they deserve. This is why the 2011 Enclave remains the top favorite of drivers and has become a top competitor in its class. This vehicle has unique features that combines luxury, style and comfort for the whole family. The minor change in this vehicle include the removal of the 2-way ARS (Advance Remote Start) feature. Other added features are the standard OnStar Directions and Connections program which are subscribed to by the owner.

Features

It has three trim levels namely the CX, CXL1 and CXL2. The CX is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, headlights, heated mirrors, cloth upholstery, power lift gate, and auto-dim rearview mirrors. The CLX1 features a heated power front seats, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory functions, back-up camera and rear parking sensors. The CXL2 features active headlights, ventilated front seats, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 115-volt power outlet, and a 10-speaker surround system.

Performance

The Enclave comes in all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. Its engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 288 horsepower. It can also achieve 270 lbs ft of torque. The standard transmission is six-speed automatic.

The front-wheel drive’s fuel economy achieves 17 mpg in the city and 24 in the highway. The all-wheel drive on the other hand achieves 16 mpg in the city and 22 in the highway.

The six-speed transmission engine works efficiently with the 3.6 V6 288 hp engine with direct injection and the variable valve timing. These two brilliant engine features gives it maximum performance.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior is described as sleek and stylish. It was engineered to stand-out and catch everyone’s attention. Both ends are smoothly curved. The xenon headlights give a brighter light compared to halogen to give a better sight on the road and road signs. Its waterfall grille goes around the vehicle. A sun roof is featured on the CXL1 and CXL2 trims. The chromed portholes on the sides of the hood have been considered as either tacky or classy.

The interior of the Enclave features a spacious cabin that can accommodate eight passengers plus cargo. It has the roomiest cabin among the crossover SUVs in the market. The cargo space behind the third-row seat is 19 cubic feet and gives out more 68 cubic feet when the third row seat is folded. It can give out more space when the second and the third row seats are folded up to 116 cubic feet. The cabin has a very stylish dashboard. The chrome trims that illuminates with the sun’s reflections giving out more light inside the cabin.

Other important interior features of the 2011 Enclave include the tilt/ telescoping steering wheel, a tri-zone automatic climate control, and OnStar Directions and Connections program. It also offers plenty of technological options such Bose sound system with USB Bluetooth, Audio system with a rear-seat entertainment system and an XM radio 5. A navigation system can also be added as an option to the vehicle feature.

Safety & Reliability

Safety features of the Enclave includes stability control, 6 air bags, traction control, brakes with 4-wheel antilock and 4-wheel disc, rear parking assist, rear view camera system, daytime running lamps, door locks with rear child security and tire pressure monitoring system.

It also earned top ratings for over-all performance. It scored four stars for front impact protection and scored five stars for the side impact protection. The IIHS gave the Enclave top score in side –impact and frontal-offset crashes.

The Competition

The Buick Enclave is closely compared to the Lincoln MKX (MSRP $38,845; 18 city / 25 hwy) which offers a more luxurious interior. The downside to the Lincoln MKX is that can seat only five as compared to the Enclaves 8-passenger seating capacity.

The Buick can also be compared to the Chevrolet Traverse (MSRP $29,370; 17 city / 24 hwy) and the Acura MDX (MSRP $42,230; 16 city / 21 hwy).

Pros:

• Sleek design
• Spacious cargo
• Huge cargo space
• Top safety rating
• Smooth and quite ride
• Comfortable seats

Cons:

• Outward visibility is compromised
• Fuel economy is average
• No optional engine
• Higher price compared to competitors
• Inconsistent quality if interior materials

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Buick Enclave is very conservative looking, but its curvy exterior and most of the interior are enough to impress most shoppers looking for a practical and luxurious vehicle.”Car Connection

“Enclave holds the road with impressive stability and agility for a vehicle of this size, with direct, well-balanced steering.”Consumer Guide

“Sleek design inside and out; smooth and quiet ride; all three rows are spacious; ample cargo space; top crash-test scores.”Edmunds

“If you appreciate the refinement of a luxury car but also need the flexibility of a crossover SUV, we think you’ll like the 2011 Buick Enclave.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $35,865.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 gallons (83 liters)	MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 201.8 in. (512.5 cm)	Width: 79 in. (200.6 cm)
Height: 72.5 in. (184 cm)	Wheel Base: 118 in. (299.7 cm)
Curb Weight: 4780 lbs (2168 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.4 in. (21 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 23.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 24-Valve DOHC V6	Displacement: 3.6L
Horsepower: 288 HP	Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed shiftable Automatic
0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds	Max Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs (907 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Enclave CX AWD	MSRP: $37,865; MPG: 16 city / 26 hwy
Option:Enclave CXL-1 FWD	MSRP: $38,980; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Enclave CXL-2 FWD	MSRP: $42,345; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Enclave CXL-1 AWD	MSRP: $40,980; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Enclave CXL-2 AWD	MSRP: $44,345; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy

Chrysler has been known for its demanding, superb manufacturing, elevated to a height of opulence and performance. Among the initial recent American V-8 engine to generate 300 horsepower, the first Chrysler 300 or the C-300 developed by Virgil Exner that completely revamped the entire Chrysler line in 1955.

They made the innovative 2012 Chrysler 300 sedan, which is currently performing at a top-notch experience.

They aim to distribute Chrysler’s dominating line to produce maximum performance models through The Street and Racing Technology (SRT) performance engineering team that has been dynamically assembled.

Other cool innovations that are beneficial for all Chrysler 300 SRT8’s include auto mode, improved horsepower, increased navigation visibility, brake torque, choke site and lateral/vertical designs that produce stylish lines.

Chic proportions and amazing on the new 2011 Chrysler 300 captures the the imagination and brings a new driving experience all the time by combining global standards with an American approach, the all-new Chrysler 300’s interior features are a well-designed masterpiece.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Sedan	Est. Market Price: $47,170.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.1 gallons (72 liters)	MPG: NA

Dimensions

Length: 200.3 in. (508 cm)	Width: 74.2 in. (188 cm)
Height: 58.3 in. (148 cm)	Wheel Base: 120.2 in. (305 cm)
Curb Weight: 4365 lbs (1979 kg)	Ground Clearance: 4.4 in. (11 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 16.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5

Performance

Engine: 16-Valve V8 OHV	Displacement: 6.4-liter
Horsepower: 470 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 470 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds	Top Speed: 175 mph / 281.5 km/h

The 2011 Scion tC ranks eighteen out of thirty-three small cars. This is a fair ranking which means the Scion tC is included on the highly recommended cars for people that are looking for reasonably priced cars with strong features. An evolutionary car from its predecessor, this Scion has not been impressive.

Performance

Some people say that the engine of the 2011 tC is not powerful enough on the road, but is a step-up from its 2010 version. From the previous 2.4L four cylinder engine, the new tC now takes 2.5 liter four cylindered engine. This gives it 180 horsepower and 173 pounds per feet torque which is a 20 horsepower and 10 pounds per feet upgrade. Moreover, the Scion tC also has a hugely improved fuel economy with its newly installed hydraulic assist. Those additions helped give it a rating of 3.5 stars on its engine and performance.

Exterior & Interior

The 2011 tC is modest in terms of its exterior. It retains its size from its previous version which is the reason why it gained some bad reviews. On the other hand, the company artfully tightened its exterior styling. This makes it more muscular and more fitted for a variety of drivers. Moreover, the car has an 18 inch wheel which is very noticeable and is a good upgrade from its previous edition.

As for the interior, the Scion tC includes a lot of great things. Installed is a very comfortable seat that is wide and luxurious. Another good thing about its interior is its steering wheel which is wrapped by classy leather and a little wider than BMW’s. Scion also has included a great audio system having a 300 watt sound system in its base, USB input ports with iPod connectivity, and an auxiliary audio. Overall, the tC gains 4 stars on its exterior and interior.

Safety & Reliability

In terms of safety and reliability features, the tC received a good review from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and some companies from insurance company. The 2011 Scion was rated 4 out of 5 in rollover crash test and front crash test, while rated 5 out of 5 in side crash test. That’s a pretty good ranking right? Aiding its safety and reliability, are traction control, anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, system monitor on tire pressure, and front safety airbags. Scion car can be rated 5 stars on its safety and reliability.

The Competition

Compared to other cars alike, the Scion tC is competitive. For those people who want to look at other makes, you may want to consider the Mazda 3 (MSRP $20,045; 20 city / 28 hwy) and the Ford Fiesta (MSRP $15,500; 28 city / 37 hwy) might be a good choice for them. The only problem on those cars is that they cost a little higher than the Scion tC.

Pros & Cons

Some of the things that pulled the ratings of the car down are the power of its engine, the unattractive plastic used for its interior, and the lack satisfactory warranty. Despite those, the Scion tC is still a good bargain for consumers.

As for the pros and cons of the cars, the 2011 Scion tC is a great buy but is not a must have. It has some strong features and is really cheaper than most cars in its class.

Overall Rating
69 out of 100

What others say:

“Though ride comfort is decent, the 2011 Scion tC is barely adequate with respect to interior space, and many will find it short on headroom.”Car Connection

“The controls are mostly simple, handy, and clearly marked. The gauges are well lit and have distinct markings. The tC’s beefy, sporty steering wheel feels good to the touch and adds some sporty character.”Consumer Guide

“The all-new Scion tC packs a wallop on the road, with more horsepower, more gears and more fun than ever before.”MSN Auto

“The new 2011 Scion tC is a good choice among compact coupes thanks to its roomy interior and generous cargo capacity. Just don’t expect it to drive as sporty as it looks.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hatchback	Base Price: $18,575.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons (55 liters)	MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 174 in. (442 cm)	Width: 70.7 in. (179.5 cm)
Height: 55.7 in. (141 cm)	Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Curb Weight: 3060 lbs (1388 kg)	Ground Clearance: 6.3 in. (16 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 14.7 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Inline-4	Compression Ratio: 10.4: 1
Horsepower: 180 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 173 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds	1/4 Mile: 15.7 seconds

Available Trims & Engine

Option:2012 RS tC 7.0

MSRP: $21,635; MPG: NA

The 2011 Kia Sedona puts its best foot forward as one of the most comfortable, safe, and affordable minivans today. Interesting upgrades were incorporated in its engine totally repackaging its performance. The exterior and interior designs of the 2010 models were generally carried over by the 2011 Sedona.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Minivan	Base Price: $24,900.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.8 gallons (75 liters)	MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 202 in. (513 cm)	Width: 78.1 in. (198 cm)
Height: 69.3 in. (176 cm)	Wheel Base: 118.9 in. (302 cm)
Curb Weight: 4374 lbs (1984 kg)	Ground Clearance: 6.5 in. (16.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 32.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 3.5L 24-Valve DOHC V6	Displacement: 3470 cc
Horsepower: 271 HP	Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 248 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Sportmatic, OD
0-60 mph: NA	Max Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs (1587 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Sedona EX

MSRP: $29,195; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy

Performance

The Kia Sedona is equipped with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, which helped it achieve an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg city and 25 highway. It has a straightforward acceleration at higher speeds but its cornering capability is a bit lopsided. The model is heavier than its counterparts but it feels lightweight on the road.

Exterior & Interior

Aside from the new front grille and turn signals added on the side mirrors, there’s really nothing more to say about its exterior. Majority of those who have tested the Sedona describe its appearance as passable otherwise very bland compared to its spiky contemporary, Honda Odyssey.

The seven-seater 2011 Kia Sedona is obviously bigger in value than in style. The cabin is spacious but lacking in feature. The seats are spacious and comfortable enough though not as jazzy looking. There is an abundance of plastic inside the car that is commensurate to the low pricing scheme of the Sedona.

The trunk has generous cargo space that could expand up to a whopping 141.5 cubic feet when the third row seats and second row captain’s chairs are tucked away and a lot of room for small stuff such as purses, cell phones, iPod and snacks. It has standard features such as a radio/CD audio system, keyless entry, power front windows, USB/iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted audio control, and cruise control to give sheer comfort while on the road.

Safety & Reliability

Aside from value and comfort, safety is another hallmark of the Kia Sedona. With an efficient accident prevention system consisting of an electronic stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist for its four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a tire-pressure monitoring system, back-up warning system, and full-gear air bags on the front and side areas, there can be no doubt about its excellent safety performance. It fared excellent in insurance industry crash tests and generally garnered outstanding scores on other safety performance checks in the front, side, and rear impact and rollover categories.

The Competition

The minivans class is filled with many excellent performers. Two of them are the newly remodelled Toyota Sienna (MSRP $31,930; 17 city / 23 hwy), and the Honda Odyssey (MSRP $28,225; 18 city / 27 hwy). The other option is the Dodge Grand Caravan (MSRP $20,995; 17 city / 25 hwy).

The Toyota Sienna has a four-wheel drive option and offers a couple of dollar savings. However, if you add other useful options and talk about its fuel efficiency, the Sedona will prove to be a wiser choice in the end. Meanwhile, the Honda Odyssey flaunts its outstanding gas mileage and EPA rating of 19mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Pros & Cons

The hefty interior is a plus point to the satisfactory ratings given by most reviewers to the Kia Sedona. They also like the seating arrangement inside and overall comfort it provides passengers. It is praised for its strong acceleration, and of course, high safety ratings.

Some people note that the power train lacks in treatment and the minivan does not showcase high technology and entertainment options that much. Handling the Sedona was so-so for some. Others suggested that it would be better if the third row could be folded more easily.

Finally

Although lacking in tech savvy and handsome features other leaders in the minivan category sport, the 2011 Kia Sedona does not disappoint when it comes to comfort and value for money. This is highly recommended for those who are not so much concerned about aesthetic qualities but functionality and price.

Overall Rating
74 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Kia Sedona is the South Korean automaker’s minivan. Like every other full-size minivan offered for sale in the United States, the Sedona is being spruced up for the 2011 model year, though with the Kia, the changes are less significant than those on the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.”Car Connection

“The Sedona is pleasant with generous standard equipment and a roomy, flexible interior.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2011 Kia Sedona delivers most of the features, comfort and safety of its more popular rivals without breaking the bank.”Edmunds

“In the world of minivans, the 2011 Kia Sedona is a giant.”KBB

The Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 has new technologically advanced performance akin to set its position as the brand’s definitive current American rear-wheel-drive muscle coupe.

Performance

This 470 horsepower machine promises a reasonable approach with exceptional straight-line acceleration, top-notch ride and behavior, elevated braking performance and the most modern machinery that allows driver exhilaration and power.

It gets up to 23 miles per gallon on the highway, amidst the automatic transmission it departs from 0 to 100 to 0 mph in the low down 15 seconds, hitting a top speed of 182 mph with the manual and 175 mph with its five speed automatic, fuel economy is at14/22 mpg with the automatic and 14/23 with manual transmission.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 sprints from 0-60 mph in the high 4-second series and dashes the quarter mile in a median 12 second sort. It has the new Ready Alert Braking system, this helps the driver to release the accelerator pedal and go into an emergency brake stop.

Its exterior styling continues to exhibit what makes it a Dodge. The rear features rectangular exhaust tips.

Subsequently, the electronic stability control prove to be crucial for any brake function. The transformation is understated; however, they put together a superior car, an actual fact of the honest intent of the SRT brand.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe	Est. Market Price: $43,995.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.1 gallons (37854 liters)	MPG: 14 city / 23 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 197.7 in. (502 cm)	Width: 75.7 in. (192 cm)
Height: 57.1 in. (145 cm)	Wheel Base: 116 in. (294.6 cm)
Curb Weight: 4170 lbs (1891.5 kg)	Ground Clearance: 4.8 in. (12 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 16.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5

Performance

Engine: 6.4-liter HEMI V8	Horsepower: 470 HP
Torque: 470	Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds	Top Speed: 182 mph