The 2011 Honda Ridgeline remains unchanged from last year’s model. It carries on as a unique pickup, defying the usual body-on-frame rule for car-type unibody production. The 2011 Honda Ridgeline is conveniently strong, cleverly adaptable, amazingly comfortable and distastefully ugly.

2011 Ridgeline goes on with its sole crew-cab build and 5-foot long freight. It has also preserved its style, which make it look like a SUV mix strapped on a small cargo box. In fact, Ridgeline’s unibody construction makes a very stiff boxed framework This Honda is as hard as that of almost every body-on-frame competitor.

Performance

Its single engine-transmission combination is still the 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 and five-speed auto, similar to the Pilot. Acceleration is dynamic and smooth. Likewise, Ridgeline is basically a front-wheel drive vehicle. Ridgeline in fact comes with a standard four-wheel drive system that generally runs on front-wheel drive but can divert power to the rear wheels while accelerating and in low-traction conditions.

Ridgeline provides additional traction using the instrument-panel button. This locks in power to the rear wheels at up to 18 mph. It can also engage automatically on any surface without requiring driver intervention. The Ridgeline’s 5,000-towing capacity is similar to that of any crew-cab V-6 compact pickup. Towing equipment includes an integrated tow hitch, heavy-duty brakes, transmission and oil coolers and dual radiator fans. Ridgeline also comes with four-wheel disc brakes with antilock capability and an antiskid system to lessen sideway slides.

Ridgeline’s free suspension provides the most accommodating and sharpest handling ride of almost every small truck. According to an old wisdom, another frame and a hard axle at the back are important for good cargo limit. Honda takes credit by providing load capacity of about 1,500 pounds to the Ridgeline.

Exterior

The extraordinarily high-walled box blends flawlessly with the metal of the cab. Nevertheless, the high walls provide strength as well as enhanced aerodynamics. The bed is only 5-feet long, among the smallest of all pickups. But that maintains Ridgeline’s total span shorter than that of almost every compact crew-cabs, making it easier to park in the garage. Ridgeline’s secured compartment conceals a useful 8.5 cubic feet of storage space. The Ridgeline also features a double-action tailgate that opens and hinges to the side.

Ridgeline’s greenhouse as well as low hood line goes against traditional pickup designs. This pickup also features full-sized seats at front as well as backseat accommodations that are unmatched by some compact pickup and into medium sized SUV area. And as the slanting hood line and nerdy grille wipe out any idea of fist-in-your face style, they pay off in excellent frontal visibility.

The 2011 Ridgeline comes in four trim levels: the basic RT, the RTS, the improved RTL and the RTL with navigation. You may not notice much difference on these trims, but the RTS features 17-inch alloy wheels and body-color trim to the RT’s 17-inch wheels and darkened trim. The RTLs, on the other hand, have an 18-inch wheels as well as fog lamps.

Interior

A satellite-linked GPS with voice recognition is available only on the RTL as well as Bluetooth cell phone linking and a backup camera. The RT’s audio system consists of a six-speaker, 100-watt unit with a single-disc CD player. Other models have a seven-speaker 160-watt system with subwoofer, steering wheel audio controls and an auxiliary input jack.

Safety

Each 2011 Ridgeline has head-protecting curtain side airbags that deploys during side collisions or when sensors identify an imminent rollover. All trim also come with a trip computer that estimates immediate and average fuel economy, tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, cruise control, power windows and locks, an air conditioning system, a power sliding rear window and a 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage.

Competition

Comparable vehicles to the Ridgeline are the Toyota Tacoma 4WD (MSRP $27,025; 16 city / 20 hwy) and the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab (MSRP $31,530; 14 city / 19 hwy).

Overall Rating
70 out of 100

What others say:

“If you need a better-driving truck that can haul the goods on occasion, the 2011 Honda Ridgeline might be a better choice than a true full-sizer.”Car Connection

“Exemplary for a pickup. Comfortably controlled, spoiled only by minor thumping on washboard surfaces. Ridgeline’s independent rear suspension cushions bumps better than nearly all solid-axle-equipped competitors.”Consumer Guide

“Modest off-road and towing capabilities; lackluster power and fuel economy from V6; only one body style available; longish braking distances.”Edmunds

“If you’re looking for an open bed to occasionally haul stuff, but don’t require significant towing capability (or the perceived baggage that comes with driving a pickup), the Ridgeline is – at this point – the only game in town.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Truck	Base Price: $29,150.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 gallons	Miles Per Gallon: 15 city / 20 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 207 in. (525.7 cm)	Width: 77.8 in. (197 cm)
Height: 70.3 in. (178.5 cm)	Curb Weight: 4504 lbs (2043 kg)
Wheel Base: 122 in. (309 cm)	Ground Clearance: 8.2 in. (20.8 cm)
Payload Capacity: 1546 lbs (701.2 kgs)	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 24-Valve SOHC VTEC® V6	Displacement: 3471 cc
Horsepower: 250 HP	Max RPM: 5700 RPM
Torque: 243 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds	Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs (2268 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:RTS	MSRP: $31,855; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy
Option:RTL	MSRP: $34,730; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy
Option:RTL w/ Leather & Nav.	MSRP: $37,080; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy

If you intend to buy an SUV but wanting for something bigger than the compact SUV, the 2011 BMW X5 is one of the top twenty Luxury Midsize SUV’s today. Similar with most vehicles produced by the BMW, the X5 possess similar features in terms of driving performance, engine quality and luxurious design. The new model actually costs a thousand dollars less than the 2010 model but it is still quite a lot to pay when compared with other vehicles of the same class. They cost even more especially if you decide to avail of the best trim level such as the xDrive 50i would have an additional cost, pretty steep for a single SUV although if you have an eye out for an SUV that fuses luxury, sport and lifestyle then the 2011 BMW X5 is the ideal vehicle for you.

Features

X5 can seat up to seven people since there is an optional third row which makes this SUV an ideal family vehicle at the same time still having the comforts of any luxury car. It also has the best city/highway ratings among its competition since BMW added an extra two miles to its miles per gallon conversion to the 2011 model. The new X5 has a 17 city /25 highway mpg rating which is quite impressive for a luxury vehicle. Also, the X5 boasts a drive system of all-wheel, standard xDrive.

With minor revisions from the previous model, the 2011 X5 has incorporated the most recent version of the iDrive system created by BMW. The Active Cruise Control and lane departure warning system are among the new options included in the model. The BMW X5 comes in three different trim levels, namely the xDrive35i, xDrive50i and diesel-powered xDrive35d. The former, xDrive35i, comes in two sub-trims, the Premium and Sport Activity.

Performance

The engine performance and driving dynamics of the X5 are indeed intended to sporty driving and its new engines give the vehicle more practical fuel economy without compromising the power of the engine. Even the diesel-powered model has an impressive performance. The interiors and exteriors of the X5 are as stylish as most other models of the class; sporty and masculine yet still has a hint of luxury. The seven seat capacity is not the only attractive quality that the X5 possesses, it also has a lot of other up to date high tech facets although, the radio and climate controls are as not as user friendly as they should be. In terms of safety, the X5 lives up to its name in the quality of safety it gives the buyers.

Comparisons

If you want to look into other models from the same class and compare their features to the new 2011 BMW X5, a good contender with a fairly reasonable price would be the Acura MDX (MSRP $42,930; 16 city / 21 hwy) which costs about $4,400 less than the X5 and also has some similar features such as the three row seating and a standard all-wheel drive system but when looking at fuel efficiency, the X5 still is the better choice. Another option that you can look into is the Lexus RX 350 (MSRP $39,075; 18 city / 25 hwy), inexpensive and slightly more fuel efficient, this SUV can surely save you a few extra bucks. It compares in fuel economy to the X5 with a rating of 18/25 mpg and is the most inexpensive midsize luxury SUV in the market. The downside to this model is that it does not have a third row seating option so it does have a smaller area in terms of seating capacity although, in an overall view, it is the much practical choice.

Overall Rating
66 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 BMW X5 offers impressive handling and features, but lacks the styling and interior that makes competitors pop, while the X5 M offers nearly sports car levels of performance with all the utility of a standard X5.”Car Connection

“X5 M is one of the most potent SUVs you can buy, and its throttle response is excellent.”Consumer Guide

“Athletic handling, potent and efficient engines, luxurious and comfortable interior, huge list of features, steadfast high-speed stability.”Edmunds

“Because the X5 is substantially more expensive than competitors with similar capabilities, and its ride and handling balance is biased toward firmer road handling, you may be happier with something softer-riding and more affordable.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $47,200.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.5 gallons (85 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 16 city / 23 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 191.1 in. (485 cm)	Width: 76.1 in. (193 cm)
Height: 69.9 in. (177.5 cm)	Curb Weight: 4960 lbs (2249.8 kg)
Wheel Base: 115.5 in. (293 cm)	Ground Clearance: 8.3 in. (21 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 23.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 3.0L 24-valve, DOHC inline-6	Compression Ratio: 10.2 : 1
Horsepower: 300 HP	Max RPM: 6250 RPM
Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm	Transmission: 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds	Max Towing Capacity: 6000 lbs (2721.6 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:xDrive35i Premium Turbo	MSRP: $54,800; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy
Option:xDrive35i Sport Activity	MSRP: $57,300; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy
Option:xDrive35d Turbo-Diesel	MSRP: $51,800; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Option:xDrive50i AWD Twin-Turbo	MSRP: $63,800; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy

The 2011 Volvo V50 belongs to the second generation of the station wagon based on the Volvo S40 sedan. This second generation was released in 2004, and had a slight facelift in 2008. The V designation means “versatile”, alluding to the versatility of Volvo estate wagons. But is the 2011 Volvo V50 really versatile, and then some?

Exterior & Interior

First of all, we are going to look at the exterior. It looks very sporty, seemingly ready to shed the boring image that the V40 that it replaced. It looks muscular and sporty, thanks to widened fenders and a sculpted hood. Both young and old would surely appreciate its looks. And if that’s not enough, there is the R-Design option, featuring spoilers, side skirts, and modified exhaust pipes for a more aggressive looking ride.

As for the interior, it is very functional as well. It is spacious enough to seat 5 adults comfortably and gobble up a ton of baggage along for the ride. And if you fold the rear seats, more space can be generated. In addition, this car is constructed in typical Scandinavian fashion, with function dictating form. In translation, the design is mostly stylish yet very practical. Plus, the available sound system options are known to produce quality audio performances.

Performance

Power is provided by a several engines, the 5 cylinder turbo engine is capable of producing up to 230 horsepower. With this motor, it is more than capable to back up the newfound sporty image of the V50. This is mated to a Geartronic transmission, an automatic that has a manual function. This car is also economic, capable of going 30 miles to the gallon.

Safety

And then there’s the safety equipment. As a Volvo, you can expect the V50 to help you walk away from almost any accident unscathed. There are a host of airbags, including on the side and the head curtain. Active headrests and a rear view camera are also available. Driving aids such as traction control and anti lock brakes are present, and they perform impressively. And for those that have children, optional booster seats can greatly increase their kids’ safety inside the car.

Pros & Cons

There have been rave reviews for the Volvo V50. First of all, it lives up to being versatile. The interior has a lot of space for both people and luggage, and beats out most cars in its class in this department. In addition, the interior bits are quality made, simple to use, and functional.

Also, the integration of these features is elegant enough to make it stand out to the competition. And the performance is excellent, especially with the T5 engine. The engine is both strong and fuel efficient and the handling is sharp and seemingly capable of taking in more power. Lastly, the safety of this car is top notch, as expected in Volvo cars.

The 2011 V50 is the quintessential Volvo: comfortable, functional, sophisticated, and safe. And now you can add among its strong characteristics this: fun to drive. Packed with style and performance, it has banished the misconceptions about the car and the brand in one fell swoop. It might be expensive, but the price of acquisition is well worth it. Indeed, it lived up to its name: Versatile, and more.

Overall Rating
65 out of 100

What others say:

“The V50 has comfortable, supportive seats in front, but overall interior room is more compact than you might expect from Volvo–particularly in the back, where things get a little cramped.”Car Connection

“The 2011 Volvo V50 lineup shrinks, with manual-transmission and all-wheel-drive models no longer available.”Consumer Guide

“Not quite a luxury car despite premium pricing; handling falls short of true sport wagons; all-wheel drive is unavailable.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Wagon	Base Price: $29,000.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gallons (60 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 21 city / 30 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 178 in. (452 cm)	Width: 69.7 in. (177 cm)
Height: 57.4 in. (145.7 cm)	Wheel Base: 103.9 in. (263.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 3524 lbs (1598 kg)	Curb to Curb Turning Radius: 34.9 ft.
Luggage Capacity: 62.6 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 20-valve DOHC inline-5	Displacement: 2.5 Liter
Horsepower: 227 HP	Max RPM: 5000 RPM
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1500-5000 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds	Max Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs (907 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:R-Design

MSRP: $32,850; MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy

Cars have suddenly been turned into works of art. Bugatti in partnership with Konigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin which is a well-known manufacturer of automotive artwork has launched their newest version of the world renowned fastest convertible car, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc. This model is the first of its kind to have a body and cabin made from the finest porcelain.

What seems to be a rather uncommon material to be have cars built on especially if it is the world’s fastest convertible car, has turned into a masterpiece and a luxury item most car enthusiast would die to get a hold of. The recognition of such delicate materials and exceptional ideas is what the company Bugatti stands for while at the same time maintaining high quality standards and aesthetics.

The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc stands out amongst a sea of convertible cars not only for its porcelain material but for its color effect that resembles the delicateness of porcelain. The designers of this car were inspired by the Alps road and used a special Japanese tape to specially hand paint the car themselves with enamel.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SuperCar	Base Price: $2,290,000.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26.4 gallons (99 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: NA

Performance

Engine: 8.0L 64-valve DOHC W16 w/ 4 Turbochargers	Displacement: NA
Horsepower: 987 HP*	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 927 lb-ft* @ 2200 rpm	Transmission: 7-Speed Automated Manual
0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds	Maximum Speed roof up: 254 mph (407 kmh)

*Based on Modified Specs

This car truly is one of a kind and being unique, one model costs $2.29 million dollars (1.65 million Euros).

The 2010 Honda Insight is the latest in an attempt to compete with the Toyota Prius. The Prius, of course, is the standard of ‘green’ sedans with excellent fuel economy. Honda has tried to wrestle that crown from Toyota with the Honda Civic Hybrid, but the latter’s poor acceleration and design lines that don’t quite evoke ‘hybrid’ made it bow out in sales. Stepping up to the plate once more, Honda has created the 2010 Insight, but is it a hit or a miss?

Engine and Performance

The 2010 Insight runs on Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid setup. It pairs a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine good for 88 hp and 88 lb-ft of torque with an electric motor for an additional boost of 13 hp and 58 lb-ft. The Insight can run on this setup for up to 30 mph without assistance from the gas engine.

In addition to the great handling, the Insight boasts of a combined 41 mpg fuel economy, levels ahead of the Honda Civic Hybrid. Another great feature—also present on most Toyota hybrids—is the regenerative brake system, which captures energy from the brakes and stores it in the battery to be used again.

Exterior

Heavily borrowing from the Prius exterior design cues, members of the Auto Press have spoken on the functionality of these design lines: they reduce drag, which boosts fuel efficiency. The angular headlights evoke ‘hybrid’ as well as efficiency, and the shiny chrome grille is one visual feature that doesn’t hurt, either.

While similar in looks to the aforementioned Prius, the Insight is in fact 2.5 inches lower, making for a closer-to-the-ground driving experience that improves the car’s handling on tight corners.

Interior

The 2010 Insight’s driver seat provisions are ample, perhaps at the cost of the rear passengers. Tall drivers will get a kick out of the Insight’s telescoping steering column and the ergonomic dashboard is chic and characteristically Honda. The digital speedometer changes color to warn you about acceleration.

Many reviewers, however, have expressed dislike about the rear quarters’ lack of leg room, which is an upper hand the Toyota Prius gains on the Insight as well.

Safety and Reliability

Every 2011 Insight comes with standard antilock brakes, front and side-curtain airbags, as well as stability control and traction control on the EX upgrade. A gripe of many consumers is that the standard trim should come equipped with the latter safety features.

The Insight is covered by a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, good for 36,000 miles. Its hybrid power train warranty is valid for even longer, at five years and 60,000 miles.

Competition

The Honda CR-Z (MSRP $19,345; 31 city / 37 hwy) is a hybrid that runs on the same IMA system, although most buyers will probably take the Insight’s cramped rear quarters over the CR-Z and its two-seat setup. In terms of fuel economy, the Honda Fit (MSRP $14,053; 27 city / 33 hwy) and the Prius of Toyota (MSRP $23,520; 51 city / 48 hwy) are excellent alternatives. Although not a hybrid, the Fit’s gas mileage ratings are excellent, and the affordable price tag is a certain draw.

Recommendations for Insight alternatives will never be complete without mention of the Toyota Prius. Certainly the standard of everything the Insight and Civic hybrids have tried to be, the Prius touts an aerodynamic, drag-reducing exterior. The redesigned Prius’ gas mileage ratings blow the Insight’s out of the water, and is still the absolute elite ‘green’ car, despite being a few hundred dollars pricier than the insight.

Pros & Cons

One of the most affordable hybrids on the market, exterior design reduces drag and boosts fuel economy, power train setup is efficient. Cramped back seat, fuel economy could be better, stability and traction control not offered in base trim.

Overall Rating
68 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2010 Honda Insight is defined by its slippery silhouette and efficient interior.”Car Connection

“Insight is best described as “busy” on anything but the smoothest roads. The ride is generally free of harshness, but firm low-rolling-resistance tires and a short wheelbase contribute to considerable up-and-down motion and general choppiness.”Consumer Guide

“Affordable price, excellent fuel economy, seamless hybrid powertrain, pleasant driving experience.”Edmunds

“With a starting suggested retail price right around $20,000, the 2010 Honda Insight is designed to make hybrid technology affordable to buyers who otherwise would not be able to purchase a hybrid.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hybrid Hatchback	Base Price: $18,511.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons	Miles Per Gallon: 40 city / 43 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 172.3 in. (437 cm)	Width: 66.7 in. (169 cm)
Height: 56.2 in. (142.7 cm)	Curb Weight: 2723 lbs (1235 kg)
Wheel Base: 100.4 in. (255 cm)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 31.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 1.3LSOHC 8-valve inline-4	Displacement: NA
Horsepower: 98 HP	Max RPM: 5800 RPM
Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 1000 rpm	Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
0-60 mph: NA	1/4 Mile: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:2011 Insight Base	MSRP: $18,200; MPG: 40 city / 43 hwy
Option:2011 Insight LX	MSRP: $19,900; MPG: 40 city / 43 hwy
Option:2011 Insight EX	MSRP: $21,490; MPG: 40 city / 43 hwy
Option:2011 Insight EX w/Nav.	MSRP: $23,265; MPG: 40 city / 43 hwy