The 2011 Subaru Outback is ranked number 1 out of 3 among Affordable Full Size Wagons. It is a full-sized wagon that is a cross between a sport utility vehicle and a station wagon. It has been redesigned adding a much-needed space to the backseat. Despite the redesign, it still offers the same value and versatility as the old Outback since it received only a few changes. But unlike the old model, the 2011 Outback diverges further from its wagon roots to the crossover trend.

Subaru added new folding exterior mirrors that can be more useful in tight parking spaces. It is perhaps the most versatile vehicle on the road with a well-design interior and supple suspension, plus 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback is the perfect vehicle for weekend adventures.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Midsize Wagon	Base Price: $23,195.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters)	MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 188.2 in. (478 cm)	Width: 71.7 in. (182 cm)
Height: 65.7 in. (167 cm)	Wheel Base: 107.9 in. (274 cm)
Curb Weight: 3386 lbs (1535 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.7 in. (22 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 34.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 16-Valve SOHC, 4-Cylinder w/ i-Active Valve Lift System	Displacement: 2.5 liter
Horsepower: 170 HP	Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 8.1 seconds	1/4 Mile: 16.4 seconds

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Outback Premium 2.5i	MSRP: $24,495; MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy
Option:Outback Limited 2.5i	MSRP: $28,495; MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy
Option:Outback 3.6R 6-Cylinder	MSRP: $28,195; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:Outback Premium 3.6R 6-Cylinder	MSRP: $29,195; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:Outback Limited 3.6R 6-Cylinder	MSRP: $31,495; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy

Performance

The Outback comes in four and six-cylinder engines. Both engines have three trim levels each. The 2.5-liter engine has trim levels 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited. The 3.6-liter engine has trim levels 3.6R, 3.6R Premium, 3.6R Limited. The four-cylinder 2.5-liter can achieve 256-horsepower with 170-pound feet of torque. Fuel economy in the automatic transmission is 22-mpg in the city and 29-mpg in the highway while 19-mpg in the city and 27-mpg in the highway for standard six-speed manual transmission. The bigger six-cylinder 3.6-liter engine can achieve 256-horsepower with 247-pound feet of torque that can run 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg in the highway. This engine has a speed automatic transmission.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior of the Subaru Outback has few changes in 2011 but has added features such as the rear vision camera available in Premium and Limited Models, a sun roof is also available in the two mentioned models. Auto-dim mirrors and manual mirrors have also been added. The Outback has adjustable roof rails for carrying extra cargos.

Interior features of the 2011 Outback include a more spacious and more comfortable seating. The rear seats have been adjusted to carry enough adults comfortably. The cargo volume in the rear seat gives 34.3 cubic feet with all the seats in use and gives more 71.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The streamlined design and abundant standard features of the Outback gained good impressions from reviewers. The base models features power windows and door locks, cruise control, an auxiliary audio jack, remote keyless system and tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Additional features on the Outback are leather-covered seats, a power driver’s seat, heated seats, moon roof, and a dual-zone climate change control.

The Premium and Limited models have 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat. Bluetooth hands free connectivity is available on Premium and standard on Limited models. The 2011 models are equipped with an upper level audio system that can receive XM Satellite radio.

Safety & Reliability

Safety features on the Outback include all-wheel drive, four wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side-seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, traction control. A ring-shaped reinforced frame made of high-tensile strength steel is designed to shield and protect in a collision.

Safety scores earned by the 2011 Subaru Outback has not yet been released by the federal government. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), on the other hand gave the Outback a top score in frontal, side rear impacts tests and roof strength test.

The Predicted Reliability Rating given by the J.D. Powers on the Outback is 6.0 out of 10.0. This is particularly based on the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).

The Competition

The Outback’s competitors are the Toyota Venza (MSRP $27,125; 21 city / 27 hwy) and Honda Accord Crosstour (MSRP $29,990; 18 city / 27 hwy) which possesses the same niche as the Outback with wagon-like design.

The Toyota Venza offers a standard automatic transmission but does not offer a standard all-wheel drive is more expensive that the base Outback. On the other hand, the Honda Accord Crosstour has an almost similar price to the Outback but only comes with a six-cylinder engine. Compared to its Honda counterpart, the Outback has more cubic feet of cargo space and comes with standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Pros:

• Styling is simple
• Good safety records
• Excellent off-road capability
• Spacious interior
• Good mileage

Cons:

• Some models offer limited power
• Limited features on audio system

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Subaru Outback is the equivalent of a good cross-trainer—offering satisfying on-road performance, modest trail capability, and enviable interior versatility and space, all with just a taste of luxury, too.”Car Connection

“Outbacks have linear, predictable steering. Some body lean is present, but on the road these Subarus behave more like a car than an SUV. During light off-road duty on dirt trails and rutted gravel roads, Outback remains confident and sure footed. Brakes are strong with good pedal feel.”Consumer Guide

“Handling is good in routine driving but clumsy when pushed to the limits. Acceleration is just adequate, though, and that engine can be noisy when pressed. Fuel economy is quite good thanks to the CVT transmission.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2011 Subaru Outback is an appealing alternative to conventional wagons and crossovers.”Edmunds

“If you’re looking for an economical wagon with an emphasis on safety, features, fuel-economy and true off-road ability, the Outback is pretty much your best bet.”KBB

It was in 2006 when the Mazda CX-7 made its first public appearance. It came out with its own identity. It is known to have great style and powered by a new base engine, a 2.5-liter, four cylinder engine with an optional turbocharged engine. The 2011 Mazda CX-7 ranked 10 in the rankings out of 23 compact SUVs that were affordable.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Midsize SUV	Base Price: $21,990.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.4 gallons (62 liters)	MPG: 20 city / 28 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 184.3 in. (468 cm)	Width: 73.7 in. (187 cm)
Height: 64.8 in. (164.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 108.3 in. (275 cm)
Curb Weight: 3496 lbs (1585 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. (20.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 29.9 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.5L 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder w/ VVT	Displacement: 2488 cc
Horsepower: 161 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 161 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic
0-60 mph: NA	Max Towing Capacity: 1500 lbs (680 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:CX-7i Sport	MSRP: $22,795; MPG: 20 city / 28 hwy
Option:CX-7i Touring	MSRP: $26,390; MPG: 20 city / 28 hwy
Option:CX-7s Touring	MSRP: $26,255; MPG: 18 city / 24 hwy
Option:CX-7s Grand Touring	MSRP: $31,640; MPG: 18 city / 24 hwy

Performance

The Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a four-cylinder 2.5 liter engine with a base power of 161 hp. The engine is coupled with an automatic six-speed transmission. With the maximum power of the engine (244 hp) and a torque of 258 ft lb, the CX-7 can move to a speed of 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds. Handling the car is easy especially if you are used to handling sporty car. But there are cases when the brakes suddenly gets stiff so it is encourage to pick other cars if you are riding with your family.

Exterior

One reason why you would pick Mazda CX-7 is that it has exceptional exterior design than other SUVs. The style is very distinctive and it is integrated with prominent features like the bulging arches of the rear wheel, the glass tail lights that were frosted, double pipes for exhaust, a spoiler roof, a grille that is two-tier, and alloy wheels 18 inch in diameter.

Interior

Though the interior of Mazda CX-7 is smaller since it has a cramped seat in the rear part, it is still better than the others because a DVD system is integrated in the front of the rear seat. The materials used in the design are of high-quality. The interior is mostly black that has silver trims or linings. Other interior features include Bluetooth, a monitoring system for the blind spot, and a keyless entry.

Safety

The 2011 CX-7 still hasn’t been tested for car crashes but it has almost the same safety features of the 2010 model. The 2010 model received the highest five-star grade for the protection of the passengers/driver on the front and side part of the SUV. The rollover score of four-star is also given to the 2010 model. 2011 CX-7 is also carefully designed to address the needs of the safety of the occupants. All the necessary standard features that should be included in a car are present in CX-7 like the airbags on the front side and the air curtains on the side part, control system for the traction and many others.

The Competition

Compared to other SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox (MSRP $22,995; 22 city / 32 hwy), Mazda CX-7 is a little behind since Equinox has more interior space. The seat on the second row of Equinox is more comfortable and you can fit more valuables in the cargo area.

The CX-7 is also comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan (MSRP $23,720; 18 city / 26 hwy). Driving Tiguan gives more fun but its starting price is higher than that of CX-7. Choose CX-7 over Tiguan because it offers a better economy of the fuel.

Pros & Cons

Mazda CX-7 is perfect for you if you are looking for a compact SUV to enjoy driving its sporty performance. The exterior design is irresistible because it has a unique style. Above all other pros, CX-7 is equipped with an engine that would definitely give you a fast and enjoyable ride. But if you have a growing family, then you need to think twice before deciding to have CX-7 in your garage because all the members of the family will not fit inside the car. The rear seat is cramped and it has little cargo space. There are also times when the suspension is stiff since it is designed to be a bit like a sports car.

Overall Rating
69 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Mazda CX-7 remains a good compromise vehicle for small families—especially if you want a driving experience that’s closer to that of a sport sedan and can’t be seen in a minivan.”Car Connection

“CX-7 is less car-like than advertised but is agile for an SUV of this size and weight, abetted by fine steering and a well-planted feel. Its turning radius is also impressively tight.”Consumer Guide

“Fuel economy is not particularly good. The interior is well put together, but the rear seat is not very roomy and is too low.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Thanks to a sharp design and sharper handling, the 2011 Mazda CX-7 brings some much-needed fun to a practical but mostly bland segment.”Edmunds

“Mazda didn’t pioneer the crossover sport utility vehicle, but with the introduction of the 2011 Mazda CX-7 it certainly made the SUV more fun to drive.”KBB

The midsize car market is one of the most competitive segments in the car market. With just about every brand having a say, it is almost imperative to create a great midsize car, or at least make something that is going to stand out from the crowd. Chrysler, one of the big 3 companies in the USA, is something that is not exactly known for its midsize cars. This is especially true during recent times. Following behind the Chrysler Sebring, which was deemed horrible by just about every automotive reviewer, this new model isn’t exactly what people are expecting. However, Chrysler is trying to change all that with the new 2011 Chrysler 200.

Exterior & Interior

The Chrysler 200 is an entirely new car. Released in 2011, it replaces the much maligned Sebring. First of all, the exterior is totally redesigned. And in a positive way, it is completely different from the model that it replaced. It has a refreshed look that at last has a semblance of effort or thought on making it a good looking car. And even though it resembles some of the styling cues of other cars and it might be deemed average compared to its competition, it is still considered to be a step to the right direction.

As for the interior, the changes are evident. The seats are wrapped in leather, materials used are much improved, and the attention to detail is much better compared to the Sebring. As for safety numbers, the Chrysler 200 has no safety ratings yet as it hasn’t been tested as of press time.

Performance

The Chrysler 200 has 2 engine options. There is the 4 cylinder engine that produces a maximum of 173 horsepower, and a V6 engine that produces 288 horsepower. That is a serious power upgrade compared to the Sebring, and it brings a lot considering its price tag. This power is then transmitted to the front wheels for both engine trims. The transmission equipped for the 4 cylinder is a 4 speed automatic gearbox, and for the V6 engine, an upgraded 6 speed automatic is offered. As for the handling, it has much better characteristics than the car that it replaces.

While it can’t beat some of its competition such as the Mazda6 in handling, it turns much more sharply, and is now more stable when coming to turns. However, its suspension can still take a fair amount of impact, ensuring a smooth ride.

The Competition

With Chrysler putting themselves in the mix against other midsized sedans with the addition of the 200, you will find other brands under the same class. Those who compete closely against the 200 are the Chevy Malibu (MSRP $21,975; 22 city / 33 hwy), the Honda Accord LX (MSRP $21,380; 23 city / 33 hwy), and the Ford Fusion (MSRP $19,850; 22 city / 29 hwy). You’ll find the Chrysler 200 LX FWD as the least expensive vehicle amongst this collection of sedans.

Pros & Cons

The Chrysler 200 is a new car that is trying to make a dent in the midsize car business, and so far so good, according to some of those that were able to drive the car. It is managing to erase the negative connotation created by the Sebring: outdated, boring, poorly made, and lethargic. The exterior design, while it is possible that it can still do better, is a considerable upgrade.

People like that it has some serious performance capabilities for its price, although for the 4 cylinder engine, it seems like its transmission has ruined its potential. Its suspension is sufficient: while it is not a sports car type that you can throw in around the corners, it now feels much more stable at the corners while still being able to absorb impact. As for weaknesses, people don’t like that some of the things that remind them of the Sebring, like poor choice of interior material, bland styling, uncomfortable seats, still remains.

Finally

The Chrysler 200 is not a perfect car. But it is a step in the right direction given that it is an upgrade from the car it replaces. A few more improvements, then perhaps Chrysler will be back on the midsize car wars sooner than later.

Overall Rating
62 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Chrysler 200 covers up many of the Sebring’s sins with creative new sheetmetal and a striking new interior.”Car Connection

“Not exceptional, but not a dullard either. Steering feel is fine, and body control in turns is decent. The brake pedal on one test car had a slightly mushy feel, but it stopped straight and true.”Consumer Guide

“The 200 is a freshening of the mediocre Sebring sedan and convertible. The extensive update for 2011 includes improved ride, handling, and interior quality, as well as the name change.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“While the 2011 Chrysler 200 isn’t a completely new vehicle, the upgrades here are so significant that we think it’s now worthy of consideration for midsize sedan and convertible shoppers.”Edmunds

“If the 2011 Chrysler 200 has a super sweet spot, it’s in the way the car drives. Equipped with the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine, the 200 can rocket to highway speeds or pass slow moving traffic with utter confidence.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan	Base Price: $19,245.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 gallons (64 liters)	MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 191.7 in. (486 cm)	Width: 72.5 in. (184 cm)
Height: 58.4 in. (148 cm)	Wheel Base: 108.9 in. (276 cm)
Curb Weight: 3389 lbs (1537 kg)	Ground Clearance: 6.1 in. (15 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.6 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 16-Valve DOHC Inline 4	Displacement: 2.4 liters
Horsepower: 173 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds	1/4 Mile: 14.7 seconds

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Chrysler 200 Touring	MSRP: $21,245; MPG: 20 city / 31 hwy
Option:Chrysler 200 Limited	MSRP: $23,945; MPG: 20 city / 31 hwy
Option:Chrysler 200 S V6	MSRP: $26,240; MPG: 19 city / 29 hwy
Option:200 Convertible Touring	MSRP: $26,445; MPG: 18 city / 29 hwy
Option:200 Convertible Limited V6	MSRP: $31,440; MPG: 19 city / 29 hwy
Option:200 S Convertible Limited V6	MSRP: $31,940; MPG: 19 city / 29 hwy

A four-seater concept car designed by Julliana Cho for Porsche, the 2011 Porsche 929 Designer Concept was produced to operate as eco-friendly as feasible, you would not on average assume that Porsche can be the most environmentally-friendly car manufacturer. However, this inventiveness seems to revolutionize the way we perceive the company.

The 4-door coupe is by now standard practice in car design. The Porsche 928, Lamborghini Espada and Ferrari 330 GTC all hold fast to this blueprint with remarkable outcome.

Julliana Cho’s Porsche 929 concept combines sleek styling and environmental awareness. The 929’s proportions is shorter than the Porsche Panamera but lengthier than the 911.

The car concept from Cho will require a thinking man to enjoy it aesthetically. This attempt by Porsche to enter the fray of “Eco-friendly” vehicles is seen as positive from different quarters of the automotive community.

If you are working on a tight budget but you still want a new vehicle that can be a great alternative to other sports utility vehicles that are compact, then the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara would be an excellent choice.

Essentially, the 2011 version of the Grand Vitara is a crossover SUV that is also compact. For this model, you actually have three trim levels for your options. Actually, its best asset appears to be its affordability. As a matter of fact, this is considered to be among the most affordable cars in its class.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact SUV	Base Price: $19,299.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.4 gallons (66 liters)	MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 177.2 in. (450 cm)	Width: 71.3 in. (181 cm)
Height: 66.3 in. (168 cm)	Wheel Base: 103.9 in. (263 cm)
Curb Weight: 3468 lbs (1573 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.4 in. (18.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 28.4 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 16-Valve DOHC inline 4	Displacement: 2.4 liter
Horsepower: 166 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: NA	Max Towing Capacity: 3000 lbs (1360 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Premium RWD Auto	MSRP: $21,099; MPG: 19 city / 25 hwy
Option:Limited RWD Auto	MSRP: $23,449; MPG: 19 city / 25 hwy
Option:Premium 4WD Auto	MSRP: $22,549; MPG: 19 city / 23 hwy
Option:Limited 4WD Auto	MSRP: $24,949; MPG: 19 city / 23 hwy

However, you do not have to worry about compromising quality for the low price because this model is fully equipped with a lot of standard features that are very useful. It is also known for its great performance even off the road. And you will also be surely delighted by the fact that the warranties for the Grand Vitara is actually among the longest ones in its class.

Performance

Under the hood, you will find an inline engine with four cylinders for this model of the Grand Vitara. This engine is capable of as much as 2.4 liters. More so, it can give you as much as 162 lb-feet of torque as well as 166 horsepower. In terms of transmission, the standard for all models is a manual transmission with five speeds. However, you can opt to go for an automatic transmission with four speeds for certain versions of this model.

On the other hand, users do not seem to be very happy with the fuel economy ratings of this model. As a matter of fact, the ratings are actually on the low side for its class. When it comes to the handling and performance of the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara, a lot of users are actually very much satisfied with the off-road performance of this vehicle. But when it comes to the ride around town, there appears to be some user complaints.

Exterior & Interior

When it comes to the exterior design and styling of this model, it seems that this version of the Grand Vitara has received some upgrades from the previous versions. As a matter of fact, the reviewers and users of this model are very much satisfied with the exterior style and design.

And essentially, the same upgrade also seems to hold true for the interior design, styling and features of this version of the Grand Vitara. As a matter of fact, reviewers, critics and users alike are very much pleased with the interior space and features of this vehicle.

The interior is not only comfortable, it is considered to be upscale as well. When it comes to the seats, they are comfortable and durable enough as they are leather-trimmed. The front seats are heated as well for all the units of the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara—and this is actually a standard for luxury and high-end models for its class.

Interior features are complete with high technology devices and additions for navigation, entertainment as well as for practical and recreational purposes. However, a lot of reviewers are actually a bit dismayed over the limited cargo of this model of the Grand Vitara.

Safety & Reliability

In terms of safety, you can definitely be assured of the well being of the passengers of this model since it comes with standard features for safety. Some of which are the Electronic Brake-force Distribution as well as the Electronic Stability Program that comes with the Traction Control System. You will also love the fact that the manufacturers made it a point to fully equip this model with airbags as well as a rear view camera.

However, on a sad note, this model of the Grand Vitara only scored 4 out of a total of 10 in the Predicted Reliability Rating of the J. D. Power and Associates. However, you will be delighted with the fact that the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara comes with a limited warranty for 36,000 miles or 3 years as well as a power train warranty of 100,000 miles or 7 years.

Overall Rating
67 out of 100

What others say:

“The Grand Vitara’s clean, forgettable lines strike a nice balance between tougher-bred SUVs and softer crossovers…”Car Connection

“Grand Vitara exhibits some body lean but good grip in fast corners. The steering is nicely weighted and the turning circle is commendably tight. ”Consumer Guide

“Our tested 2.4-liter four-cylinder was noisy and sluggish and yielded just 19 mpg overall. Handling is reluctant but ultimately secure. The ride is stiff and jittery. Side and curtain air bags and stability control are standard.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Though it’s outclassed in many areas, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara still represents a potentially worthwhile alternative to other compact SUVs, especially if you’re on a tight budget.”Edmunds

“Despite the Grand Vitara’s age – and lack of an optional V6 powertrain – it remains an attractive combination of practicality, capability and affordability.”KBB