The Elantra Touring is one of the best affordable wagons in its category. It is a very well rounded vehicle making one of the best purchases you can ever have for you and your family. Elantra Touring boasts of quality and design, coupled with affordability, making it a truly competent vehicle in its own class and category.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact Wagon	Base Price: $15,995.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 gallons (53 liters)	MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 176.6 in. (448 cm)	Width: 69.5 in. (176 cm)
Height: 59.8 in. (151.8 cm)	Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Curb Weight: 2937 lbs (1332 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.9 in. (14.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 24.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 16-valve DOHC w/ CVVT 4-cylinder	Displacement: 2.0 liters
Horsepower: 138 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 136 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Elantra Touring SE

MSRP: $19,495; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy

Performance

With its sleek design and ample cargo space, one thinks that style and quality need not be directly proportional to its price. It is very stylish and it does not look cheap at all. The first thing you’ll notice is that the Elantra Touring does not resemble, not even remotely, the Elantra sedan. It is actually based on the Hyundai i30 which is marketed for the Europeans who think that economy cars need not feel cheap.

It is more of a competent comfort ride, a cruiser, but definitely not a sports car. They are both sporty cars. It comes with a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine with 138 horsepower. Most people say that is not enough, and the power even diminishes when there is heavy cargo (or people in the car). The standard in the five speed manual but there is also the four speed automatic transmission, most people recommend buying the manual version because it offers more power than the automatic one; it is also reportedly easier to operate. Fuel efficiency for the Elantra Touring is 23/31 mpg city/highway.

Trims

There are two models available for the Elantra Touring: GLS and SE. The 2011 has this one touch triple turn signal stalks and it has also keyless entry. The headlights turn on when the owner unlocks the car via keyless entry.

Exterior & Interior

The Elantra Touring’s exterior also exceeds expectations. Since compact wagons are not exactly known for sleek and swanky designs, the Touring delivers. The vertical tail-lights, the sculpted rear end and the lines make the car very stream lined.

The Touring has a large interior. It also has a clean layout. Some may call it Spartan but it would be better to accurate to call it simple and it can be elegant (depending on your taste). It is not lavish, but understandably so to keep costs down. After all, it is not a fancy car. It can have up to 65 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are folded (24.3 when the seats are up), making it one of the roomiest compact wagons in the market. In fact, that number can be seen in compact sport utility vehicles.

Pros & Cons

In terms of class and space, the Jetta takes the cake with its luxe interiors. The Touring’s chairs also offer good legroom and excellent support that prevents fatigue, making it a good thing for drivers. Bluetooth is available too. There are a lot of storage bins throughout the car, making it very useful for stashing things. Another good thing about the car is that the glove compartment has an aircon vent, in which you can actually store your drinks and keep it cold.

Safety & Reliability

Hyundai cars always receive high scores on safety and reliability. It comes with a lot of safety features like the four wheel disc brakes and anti-lock brakes. It has traction and stability control, and a total of six airbags from the front seats to the passenger seats. The warranty for this car is very long with the power train warranty that lasts for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The limited warranty lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Hyundai also offers a free 24 hour roadside assistance for five years.

The Competition

The car performs well in all aspects, although it is not for people who are looking for more power. They can be suited with the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen (MSRP $19,995; 23 city / 33 hwy) or the Mazda3 (MSRP $20,045; 20 city / 28 hwy).

Overall Rating
69 out of 100

What others say:

“The electric power steering is quick but feels a tad light. Tourings have sharp response and with strong grip. The brakes furnish fine stopping control and pedal feel.”Consumer Guide

“Large cargo capacity, spacious cabin, entertaining handling, smooth ride, plenty of standard features, generous warranty.”Edmunds

The 20111 Lexus LS Hybrid boasts of a luxurious interior plus a list of plush standard features to boot. However, if one is looking for some sporty handling, this car may not be up to the task. The car is simply not into the fast paced car arena but it does excel in its own “comfortable ride” class.

General Info

Vehicle Type: Luxury Hybrid Sedan	Base Price: $112,250.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.8 gallons (84 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 19 city / 23 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 203.9 in. (518 cm)	Width: 73.8 in. (187 cm)
Height: 58.3 in. (148 cm)	Wheel Base: 121.7 in. (309 cm)
Curb Weight: 5203 lbs (2360 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.3 in. (13.4 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 10.1 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 32-valve DOHC	Displacement: 5.0-liter
Horsepower: 438 HP	Max RPM: 6400 RPM
Torque: 385 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: ECVT-Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds	Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)

Performance

Currently there have been more and more hybrids that are making its way into the super luxury car class however, the Lexus LS Hybrid was able to arrive first on the spot. Truth to tell, this Lexus may not be as 100% environmentally sound compare to the Prius, yet the Lexus LS Hybrid does make for an outstanding alternative to some of the cars in the same class as it brings some slight fuel economy and greater power advantage. This hybrid is powered by 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 438 horsepower.

The Lexus LS Hybrid comes with just a single trim level. The car has the same platform as the Lexus LS. The Hybrid does come with a heftier price tag compared to the non-hybrid type. To cover for this discrepancy however, are the superb standard features of the Hybrid which includes an all wheel drive one-button start up, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, climate control, parking sensors w/ backup camera, power door closers, ventilated/heated front seats and steering wheel, and a surround sound stereo.

The Competition

There are actually cars that could rival the features of the Lexus Hybrid yet come at a lower cost. For instance, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 (MSRP $102,300; 17 city / 24 hwy) is a good alternative to the Lexus Hybrid. The good thing about the BMW is that it can match the Lexus Hybrid when it comes to fuel economy This BMW’s class interior however, is less luxurious than the Lexus Hybrid but it has great acceleration and excellent sport sedan handling. The BMW’s firmer suspension however makes it difficult for the car to be at par with the Lexus Hybrid’s silent and comfortable interiors while on the go.

Going back to fuel economy however, if this is one of your primary gauge in choosing the vehicle, then there is still the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (MSRP $91,000; 19 city / 25 hwy) and the 2012 Porsche Panamera Hybrid (MSRP $95,000) to choose from. Both cars just have an estimate of a yearly fuel price of $2,877 which is much lower than the Lexus Hybrid’s and the BMW’s 7-series.

The Mercedes S-Class Hybrid is also priced lower than the Lexus Hybrid but it is a good match to the Lexus model when it comes to luxury features yet can’t compete with the Lexus when we speak of power. However, if it is sporty handling, fuel efficiency & a cheaper price tag all-in-one that you are seeking, then it is the Porsche Panamera that you might be looking for. This model however isn’t as quick compared to the S-class or the Lexus Hybrid.

Pros

• The powerful engine and posh interiors
• Amazing surround sound stereo
• Cleverly designed intuitive electronics to enhance safety
• Impressive warranties since it comes with a 4-year 50,00 mile limited warranty plus even longer warranties for its power train and other hybrid parts.

Cons

• Doesn’t have the sports sedan handling that can be found in other cars of the same class
• Delivers just a mediocre fuel economy, nothing outstanding.
• Body design is too conservative
• Has not undergone crash testing from authorized organization; limited crash test data that is available for scrutiny
• Pricier than other brands of the same class

Overall Rating
80 out of 100

What others say:

“The LS 600h L is the flagship model for the Lexus model line, and it also serves as a halo vehicle of sorts for hybrid believers who want to be seen inside a very green yet very luxurious vehicle.”Car Connection

“Exquisite craftsmanship inside and out; supremely quiet and comfortable cabin; super ultralow-emissions vehicle (SULEV) rating.”Edmunds

Land Rover is a car manufacturer equated with powerful, efficient and sleek four-wheel-drive vehicles. With its headquarters located in the United Kingdom, it is the second oldest four-wheel-drive manufacturer in the world (the older companion being Jeep).

The original Land Rover Defender model was released just a few years after the Second World War. Now, it is a prime example of Land Rover’s capability to produce exquisite and versatile off-road vehicles. Moreover, the current Defender model has been in production since 1990 – a testament to the vehicle’s durability and class.

Nonetheless, Land Rover has recently unveiled the latest concepts for the Defender series. The Land Rover DC100 and DC100 Sport, these two new concepts will eventually replace the current model being offered to consumers.

Performance

The DC100 follows the conventional 3-door off-road vehicle template but will fittingly have a 2.0-liter turbo-charged diesel engine for optimal outdoor automotive strength. Unlike its predecessors, the DC100 will be manufactured with a 100-inch wheelbase.

The DC100 will feature various technological upgrades such as the Terrain-I scanning device. This nifty little gadget allows the driver to be warned of obstacles when off the road. The DC100 is projected to have Wade Air Sonar technologies to calculate water depth for semi-amphibious driving. Lastly, the Land Rover Terrain Response system prepares the car and more importantly, its driver for almost any type of environment.

With all of these in planning and development, Land rover aims to produce 60,000 to 80,000 units annually for the DC100 and DC100 Sport.

Lexus is the luxury car brand of Toyota Motors Inc. The goal of this article is to provide a product review for the 2011 Lexus GS. This review will focus on the engine/s available, performance and mileage, exterior design, interior design and material, safety & reliability reports, as well as the pros and cons of the 2011 Lexus GS. This article will also compare similar cars from different makers and models in the same class and range.

The Lexus GS is classified under the Luxury Large Cars category. Based on this classification the GS is ranked 7 out of 10. This is based on nearly fifty published works of reviewers, data and specification analysis of the make and model as well as test drives by reviewers and experts.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan RWD	Base Price: $46,900.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.8 gallons (71 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 19 city / 26 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 190.7 in. (484.5 cm)	Width: 71.7 in. (182 cm)
Height: 56.1 in. (142.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 112.2 in. (285 cm)
Curb Weight: 3704 lbs (1680 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.1 in. (12.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 15.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 32-valve DOHC V8	Displacement: 4.6-liters
Horsepower: 342 HP	Max RPM: 6200 RPM
Torque: 339 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm	Transmission: 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic
0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds	Maximum Speed: 140 mph (225 km/h)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:GS350 AWD	MSRP: $48,850; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:GS460 RWD	MSRP: $55,370; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy

Trims & Engine

The Lexus ES is available in two trims: The rear wheel drive is a 3.5 Liter V6 that gets 19 city and 26 highway miles per gallon. The All wheel drive, a 4.6 Liter V8 gets 18 city and 25 highway mpg.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior of the GS is considered conservative by most reviewers but proponents say that the exterior is simple but elegant with its sleek lines that is evidently Lexus in design.

Proponents are all praises and state that the interior is well appointed and opulent with high grade plastics, genuine wood and genuine leather. Interior sound proofing is excellent and minimal exterior noise can be heard from the interior. Deponents however insist that regardless of the high end materials, the way it was colored stained and arranged make them look cheap.

Seats are very comfortable and made of very soft leather. The front seats boast a ventilated heating system. However deponents fault the GS for having insufficient head and leg room that will hamper taller occupants.

Interior features are all well appointed but most reviewers believe that it could have been done better, or at least designed in a more sophisticated manner in order to be able to compete with top brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi.

Safety

A high safety rating is always a confidence booster, which the GS receives. Unfortunately the Federal government has yet to crash test the 2011 variant of the Lexus GS. Fortunately the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has. Front and side impact got the highest rating of “Good” while roof and rear impact is rated as “Acceptable.”

Standard safety features include:

1. An airbag system which consists of ten airbags. These are located in the front, knee area, rear and side.
2. Brake assist
3. Traction control
4. A Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, that aids the driver recover from a skid

Reliability

The 2011 Lexus GS received an 8 out of 10 rating in terms of reliability with 0 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. This is based on a three year reliability performance.

Warranty specifications are:

1. Basic warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
2. Powertrain warranty: six years or 70,000 miles
3. Wheel alignment: 1 year
4. Tire balancing: 1 year

The Competition

Competition in the large luxury class is vast. The advantages of the GS are the fact that it is quiet, elegant exterior, luxurious interior. Disadvantages of the GS are its overly simplistic interior technology and interface, as well as the lack of a manual transmission variant. All in all The Lexus GS is a good choice but if it is really interior opulence a person requires then the Mercedes E class (MSRP $49,400; 17 city / 24 hwy) is the better choice. If it is design and performance you look for, then you can look at the BMW series 5 (MSRP $45,050; 22 city / 32 hwy).

Overall Rating
72 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Lexus GS 460 looks, rides, and even drives like its GS 350 sibling, only the key difference is that it’s powered by a 342-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.”Car Connection

“No GS feels as agile as comparable German rivals. Still, cornering lean is modest, and grip and balance are both good.”Consumer Guide

“The 2011 Lexus GS 460 delivers plenty of performance and luxury features at a reasonable price, but is ultimately outclassed by its stout competition.”Edmunds

“The GS isn’t as sporty or engaging as some of its competitors. A 3.5-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 are offered.”MSN-ConsumerReports

Once again, the automobile giant Chrysler has resurrected another product that will do well in the automobile market—the 2011 Dodge Charger.

The 2011 version of the Charger is a full-size sedan that is available in but two fundamental trim levels. Bu for this year, it has undergone a lot of improvements from the old model to make it among the best in its class available in the market today.

Not only are the engines more powerful for this model; the styling, design and materials used were also taken a notch higher. More features were incorporated as a standard among all units from this model. And now, with all the improvements, the Charger has emerged to become an excellent choice for a full-size sedan that is performance-oriented.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: $25,395.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.1 gallons (72 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 18 city / 27 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 199.9 in. (507.7 cm)	Width: 75 in. (190.5 cm)
Height: 58.4 in. (148.3 cm)	Wheel Base: 120.2 in. (305.3 cm)
Curb Weight: 3961 lbs (179 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5 in. (12.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 15.4 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 24-valve DOHC Pentastar V6	Displacement: 3.6-liter
Horsepower: 292 HP	Max RPM: 6350 RPM
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds	1/4 Mile: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Charger Rallye	MSRP: $27,645; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy
Option:Charger Rallye Plus	MSRP: $29,395; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy
Option:Charger R/T	MSRP: $30,395; MPG: 16 city / 25 hwy
Option:Charger R/T AWD	MSRP: $32,545; MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy
Option:Charger R/T Max AWD	MSRP: $34,545; MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy
Option:Charger R/T Plus AWD	MSRP: $37,545; MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy

Performance

Under the hood of this model, you will find an all-new V6 Pentstar engine that is capable of up to 3.6 liters. It can also give you as much as 260 lb-feet of torque paired with 292 horsepower. Other versions or units of the Charger get an even more powerful V8 engine that has a capacity for 5.7 liters. And if you get this engine, you have an option for an all-wheel drive. Nonetheless, both engines are equipped with an automatic transmission with 5 speeds. This transmission also comes with a feature for manual shifting.

Exterior & Interior

In terms of the exterior design and styling, this model has been redesigned but with the same dramatic features as the models of the 1960s. As a matter of fact, the 2011 Charger is fully equipped with wide tail lights as well as a new sheet metal that is very much like the 1960s model. Thus, it gives you more of a retro look and feel.

And yes, this model definitely meets expectations for its muscle car name. It sports an aggressive and bold look.

As for the interior design and styling of the Dodge Charger, you will definitely love the upscale materials used for this model. The pillars are now covered with fabric and the dash comes with an aluminum trim. Reviewers, experts and users alike also love the improvements made in the interior technology of this model. Certain reviews are also commending the seating capacity and features of this model.

And while some reviews do agree that the interior of this model is roomy, they also converge at the point that the capacity of the rear area. All in all, there have been very useful and much-needed improvements from the old models that made this year’s version climb a notch in functionality and style.

Safety

When it comes to safety, you can be assured of that here in the 2011 Charger. As a matter of fact, it performed very well in the crash tests. But besides that, the manufacturers of this model also made it a point to incorporate standard features for safety in this model. Some of them are anti-lock brakes, airbags in different areas as well as active head restraints for the front.

Reliability

And lastly, in terms of reliability, this model only scored a meager 6 out of a total of 10 in the Predicted Reliability rating given by the J. D. Power. This model comes with a limited warranty of 36,000 miles or 3 years. Besides that, it also has a power train warranty that covers 100,000 miles or 5 years.

All in all, the Charger is really an excellent choice. It has a very powerful engine coupled with a generous room in the interior and good handling. However, you may find that the headroom for the rear area is a bit lacking. So if you still want other options, you can check out the Chevrolet Camaro (MSRP $22,805; 17 city / 28 hwy) and Ford Taurus SHO (MSRP $38,155; 17 city / 25 hwy) which are considered competitors of the 2011 Dodge Charger.

Overall Rating
73 out of 100

What others say:

“The Charger R/T is a passionate play in a niche full of milquetoast four-doors. You don’t have to wear a mullet to love it and own it.”Car Connection

“Charger R/Ts are stable at highway speeds, with linear, solid-feeling steering and a planted feel. They’re not nimble in quick direction changes, but they have fine balance and grip in turns.”Consumer Guide

“Thanks to a long list of improvements, the updated 2011 Dodge Charger is a great choice for a performance-oriented full-size sedan.”Edmunds