2010 Honda Crosstour 4WD EX-L

By:  Bill Z. and Cathy D. – Two for the Road USA

Cathy & Bill:  The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is an all-new 5-door hatchback from Honda based on the Accord platform. It’s definitely a change from the rather staid history of the Accord and its usual pursuit of function as the Crosstour sports a bold, muscular appearance highlighted by a higher beltline that sweeps upward towards the rear hatch.

Bill:  The Crosstour shares the same V6 engine and 110-inch-wheelbase as the Accord however the Crosstour EX, and more luxurious EX-L are 5-door, 5-passenger vehicles. The base Crosstour EX is equipped dual-zone climate control, a moonroof, a 7-speaker 360-watt sound system, and niceties to give the appearance of luxury.

Cathy:  The test car was the 4WD EX-L which the NavSystem, leather seating and leather wrapped steering, and Bluetooth are just some of the added features that are standard on the EX-L. The pricing range on the Crosstour is $39,670 up to around $36,220 and the test car was $36,930 with the $710 destination charge.

Bill:  Both the EX and EX-L interiors are similar inside, with a touch of wood trim highlighting the curving dash and soft materials on the armrests. Legroom is especially generous in the large cabin for both front- and rear seat passengers, but the sloping rear roofline makes headroom in the rear seats a bit tight for over six footers.

Cathy:  The rear hatch opening allowed easy access to the carpeted 

cargo area. It offers a good 25.7 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up and 51.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The rear section of the floor flips up in three pieces, reversing to an easy to clean plastic deck for “Doc’s” muddy paws and “Slim” the English bulldog’s constant drool. Under the floor, a cargo hold features a large, lift-out tray for easy toting of dog food, pet toys and Slims skateboard. At the sides, nicely detailed handles release the rear 60/40 split-folding seatbacks, which then automatically flip forward to make a large, flat loading floor. Four tie-down points and a 12-volt outlet complete this large, adaptable cargo space.  I thought it was cool and safe for both the grandchildren and the dogs.

Bill:  The Crosstour is powered by a 24-valve 3.5-liter V6 engine with 271 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. The Single-Overhead-Cam engine benefits from Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system which allows the V6 to operate on six, four or three cylinders as appropriate for increased fuel economy. The Crosstour gets an EPA estimate of 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway in FWD trim and 17/25 mpg as an AWD vehicle.

Cathy:  The Accord Crosstour's 5-speed automatic transmission has several features engineered specifically to match its performance requirements, including extra-wide gear ratios for good low-end response and comfortable highway cruising. The transmission also features Honda’s Grade Logic Control technology is designed to hold the vehicle in a lower gear when climbing or descending a steep grade for improved performance and for manual gear operation using the gear selector, the Accord Crosstour exclusively features automatic RPM rev-matching when downshifting. The system uses the Drive-by-Wire throttle control's ability to "blip" the throttle and more closely match the engine's RPM to the transmission.

 

Cathy & Bill: Honda’s Crosstour tries to be a lot of things to a lot of people. It's practical in town and has a touch of élan, and it offers comfort with the option of exploring dirt roads while carrying more than an average carload of gear. I am intrigued by the fact that Accord is intended to be the flagship of the Accord line so it will be interesting to see how that works out for Honda.

New From Honda:  You’ve seen crash test dummies but never one like Honda’s new dummy.  The pedestrian test dummy is the most sophisticated in the world.  It has instruments that measure the level of injury in eight regions of the body.  This helps us identify the areas of the vehicle closely associated with injuries.  They then design the vehicle to help minimize injuries to pedestrians and dogs.

2011 Shelby GT500

The Boss is Back Better Than Ever

Every so often I have to pinch myself when I find out a certain test vehicle is heading my way for a week, and such was the case with news the 2011 Shelby GT500 was coming. The Special Vehicle Team, SVT, kicked the high performance bar a bit higher with this car, due in no small part, to an all-new aluminum-block engine, better driving and handling characteristics, with more horsepower and believe it or not, better fuel economy and wicked good looks. The Shelby sports a stance that embodies muscle accentuated by the SVT performance package that came on my tester which includes a lowered ride height and all-new lightweight 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels in the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear.

The look of the Shelby GT500 harkens back to the glory days of the 1969 Boss 429 Mustang, one of the coolest pure muscle cars ever built. Due to smog equipment requirements and other restrictions that were imposed, the Boss 429 wasn’t the fastest car on the street but it was definitely one of the coolest. Any doubt about that was eliminated once you opened the hood and saw the massive wall to wall engine. Once you slid inside and fired it up and heard to the sweet sounds emanating from the exhaust it was all over. The Boss was indeed the Boss. I got exactly the same feeling when I popped the hood to check out the engine, then slipped into the cockpit and fired up the 2011 Shelby GT500. It was a very cool step back in time for me.

 

The new all-aluminum engine is 102 pounds lighter than the previous cast-iron engine, for a better power-to-weight ratio, and uses Ford-patented plasma-coating technology. According to Ford, the process applies a 150-micron composite coating made of nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores instead of the usual cast-iron sleeves you’ll find in aluminum engine blocks."

The 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 powerplant produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque and the crème de la crème is that Ford’s Special Vehicle Team delivers the new Shelby GT500, not only with a 10 horsepower increase, but the 2011 model will be the first modern Shelby without a gas guzzler tax thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it’s said to deliver.

For those that want their Shelby to be all it can be, the SVT package provides racetrack ready driving dynamics and handling along with unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs, and yes, the SVT package is available on both the convertible and coupe. To control the horsepower and maximize handling, Ford worked directly with Goodyear to develop an all-new Goodyear Eagle tire for the SVT Performance Package. The SVT Performance package moves the 2011 Shelby around a 2.3 mile test track a full 3 seconds faster than the 2010 model.

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team has improved the Electric Power Assisted Steering for a dramatic contribution to the GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, with increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers.

Driving the Shelby GT500 was pure joy. I loved the raucous exhaust note that bellows from the 2.75-inch exhaust so much so that I rarely had the 500 watt Shaker Audio System turned on and in truth, that was part of the plan from Ford. They clearly understand that anyone wanting 550 horsepower wants to hear the power so Ford reduced road noise by some 20 percent and tuned the exhaust to perfection.

I could go on for days about being behind the wheel of the GT500 but nothing can replace the exhilaration one feels behind the wheel of this car. Unfortunately having to keep the car on city streets, I couldn’t put the car through it’s paces but knowing the beast that lurked just below the surface and toying with it once in a while was a whole lot of fun. This was one of the very few vehicles I’ve driven over the nearly 2 decades of reviewing cars that I absolutely hated to give back.

There is a whole lot more to the Shelby GT500 than just raw power. Some of the niceties include leather in all seating areas with Alcantara inserts in the seats and steering wheel. Another cool feature that I appreciated was the classic white shift-knob with the iconic “H” pattern; very cool indeed. Other standard features include High-Intensity-Discharge headlights, the MyKey programmable key, fold down rear headrests, Ford’s popular Sync System, Sirius Satellite radio and for those that want the sun streaming in, an optional glass top roof is available.

Pricing on the Shelby GT500 starts at $48,645 and with options and delivery charges on the test car, the sticker came to $55,300. That may seem like a lot of money at first blush, but there is an awful lot of bang for the buck. And I can promise you, if you’re like me and love the grunt of pure muscle and miss the aforementioned glory days, try and build a 69 Boss today and you’ll quickly see that the 2011 Shelby GT500 is a steal.

For an old gear head like me, it’s great to have the pony car wars going full on again without sacrificing fuel economy, and the original pony car has once again set the bar. So if you’ve been waiting for Ford to finally catch up in the horsepower war wait no more. The Shelby GT500 is one bad motor scooter and whether you’re looking to take to the strip and have some fun, or just cruise the streets in extreme coolness, the Shelby GT500 will satisfy the most discriminating performance driving enthusiasts. For more on the Shelby, visit www.ford.com. 

The All-New Naughty 2011 Volvo S60

By: Two for the Road USA

Cathy D. and Bill Z.

July, 2010…Phoenix, Arizona

When Bill and I were invited to the All-New-Naughty Volvo event we were honored and intrigued.  I was hoping I would see some male models with their shirts off demonstrating the Volvo S60.  However, as we pulled in to Sanderson I realized it had nothing to do with my fantasies or Bills.

Bill and I visited with some of our favorite people over at Sanderson Volvo on Bell Road last week.  The owner, David Kimmerle, was there along with his dealership staff and the crew from Volvo Corporate.

After a very nice breakfast and chatting with Sanderson experts, press association journalists and executives from Volvo corporate, we went to the showroom floor to see just how naughty Volvo had become.

Much like the automotive days of old, the new Volvo was covered under a black satin drape waiting for the unveiling of a lifetime.  We stood around the sleek silhouette, listening intently to the corporate voice of Volvo and then just like that, a tug at one corner of satin and the unveiling of the new S60 Volvo exploded.  Three seconds past in silence and then you heard… WOW!

At first look, you are dazzled and a little confused.  The S60 looked more like an Audi A4 than the safest car in the world?  I guess that is why their advertising campaign shouts out “New Naughty Volvo” as opposed to “Same Old, Same Old Volvo”.

I sat inside the car; Bill checked the wheels and slid his hands along the sleek lines.  I found the interior lush and ergonomics easy to “figure out”.  Bill popped the hood and was lost in there for what seemed like an hour.  There were some hidden treasures, that when pointed out, made you realize, this wasn’t your father’s Volvo.

The press was able to get a demonstration of the Standard City Safety with available Pedestrian Detection and Full Auto Brake.  Now that was an experience.  It wasn’t easy to let go of the brake, especially for Bill, as you approached a pedestrian (not a real one) and experienced the car coming to a complete stop.  Don’t ask me how they do it; I just like the technology that did it.

There are so many other bells and whistles for the Naughty S60 ( which I like to say over and over again) like the standard 7-inch high resolution color LCD screen, driver control interface with steering wheel mounted thumbwheel and available lane departure system. 

The car is filled with many more surprises as well as the standard features that have given Volvo the distinction of being the safest car ever made.  We think it is safe to say that not only is Volvo the safest car on the planet, but the naughtiest.

Price about $36,300 and for more information go to www.volvocars.com

http://lalaxeh.angelfire.com/

2011 Ford Fiesta

Let The Party Begin

Several years ago one of my sons owned a Fiesta and we called it, well never mind what we called it but one thing we didn’t call it was cool. Enter the much talked about 2011 Fiesta burdened with the difficult task of living up to the hype. Not to worry. This is one very nifty little car.

For over a year now Europeans have been driving the Fiesta and apparently loving every minute of it. According to the Fiesta Movement participants we met, Europeans love it with good reason and it appears the U.S. market will love it just as much.  With EPA numbers at 40mpg on the highway the Fiesta makes a great case for econoboxes but after spending a week in my test car, the Fiesta brings a lot more to the party then just economy.

Let’s start with the styling. Fiesta’s edgy aerodynamic design helps minimize air flow resistance which of course contributes to better fuel economy.  Even the side view mirrors are designed to allow better air flow over them allowing Ford to squeeze every mile possible out of a gallon of gas possible. There’s an optional Super Fuel Economy Package that offers even more resistance cutting options including underbody shields and splitters on the lower part of the grille.

The test car was the SEL and came with the comfort package that includes heated front seats and keyless entry and starting. My test car was the Green Orchid with a crème interior and it’s a great combination albeit for a younger demographic than mine perhaps. While the interior isn’t plush, you will find a plethora of amenities including Fords renowned SYNC® in-car connectivity system, ambient interior and exterior lighting, Intelligent Access with Push-Button start, a centrally located LCD Message Center, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches.

The standard 1.6-liter twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) Duratec® I4 Engine is far from a powerhouse but it isn't exactly anemic either. Mated to the available class-exclusive* PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that provides torque to the wheels 100 percent of the time, it’s plenty potent for merging onto freeways and passing at highway speeds.

The transmission is equipped with leak-free dry clutch technology and a neutral idle mode that helps eliminate drag and contributes to fuel efficiency. It’s also maintenance-free with a fill-for-life transmission fluid that requires no dipstick and is designed to last up to 150,000 miles.

The Fiesta features electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), and class-exclusive* available Hill Start Assist, which contributes to Fiesta's overall driving experience. EPAS uses speed-sensitive steering and active nibble control technology, and interesting name for a system that selects a suspension damping factor based on changes in vehicle speed. The system helps provide feedback and confidence at highway speeds.

Long and the short of it is, the All-New Fiesta is much more than just a quirky modern face, it’s a whole new movement and one that’s picking up steam. Starting at just over $13,000 the Fiesta offers a lot for the money and based on the feedback I got during my week in the Fiesta, you’ll be seeing and awful lot of them on the road very soon. 

2011 Mustang Convertible

Drop Top Fun In The Sun

It was a long time coming but Ford finally jumped smack dab in the middle of the horsepower wars and I have to say, once again they’ve done it right. The 2011 Mustang convertible is sleek and muscular and a bit edgier than its predecessor and now powered by a V6 with V8 horsepower under the hood. The original pony car once again will keep up with or out perform just about anything comparable on the road, and yes I am talking about the Dodge Challenger SE and the Camaro V6. Oh by the way, it does it while getting up to 31mpg on the highway

From any angle there’s no mistaking the 2011 Mustang for anything but a more sophisticated iteration of the original pony car. It sports the iconic grille and hockey stick side lines and muscular haunches at the rear quarter panels which gives the car a “ready to rumble” stance reminiscent of the iconic ’69 429 Boss. The car looks great from any angle but it’s especially aggressive looking if you see it approaching in your rear view mirror.

The big 3 may not dominate the car market in the U.S. any longer but the pony car wars live on, and when two of the three entries generate over 300 horsepower while getting 29 and 31 miles to the gallon, it’s nice to be able to say that. Ford accomplishes this task with their new 3.7 Liter 24 valve Ti-VCT V6, and the alphabet soup denotes Twin-independent Variable Valve Timing. That’s as technical as I plan to get but suffice it to say, you get performance without sacrificing mileage.

Inside you’ll find a seamless one-piece soft-touch Olefin Skin instrument panel and Ford’s classic conical gauge cluster with a center stack and lockable storage console on the floor.  The Mustang also has the seven color ambient interior lighting which is actually pretty nifty. The seats are supportive yet comfortable and make driving the Mustang a pleasure.

The test car came with SYNC which accommodates most popular MP3 players and Bluetooth phones by using voice commands. SYNC provides roadside assistance and a vehicle health report. SYNC also allows for 911 Assist^{TM which} that connects you to a 911 operator through your paired mobile phone in an accident that deploys the airbags as long as the electrical system hasn’t been damaged and become inoperative.

But what the 2011 Mustang V6 is all about is driving and driving this car is nothing but fun. I happen to be a big fan of convertibles so I was thrilled that my first ride in the new Stang was the convertible. I’ve had the pleasure a driving a lot of cars that cause folks to pull out the camera phone and the Mustang convertible is one of them, much to the chagrin of my wife.

The pricing on our test car based at $30,845 and with the Rapid Spec Mustang Club of America package, 6-speed automatic transmission, the 3.31 Axle ratio, security package and HID headlights the estimated total price was $35,000. Not back for a drop top Mustang with over 300 horsepower and 31 highway mpg.

Bottom line, the all-new 2011 Mustang V6 is one potent pony car that once again can claim to be the top dog of V6 muscle. It’s fun, fast and a blast to drive while being miserly when it comes to fuel consumption. There will always be pushback from people that think you ave to drive econoboxes to get mpg but clearly that’s no longer the case. If you’ve been waiting for Ford to kick the Mustang up a notch, your wait is over.

2010 Outback limited

Great Function and Nice Form

All-new for 2010, the Outback is Subaru’s all-wheel-drive wagon with SUV styling based on the same platform as the Legacy sedan replacing the Legacy Wagon in the lineup. The 2010 features updated styling and an all-new chassis and a new Lineartronic continuously variable transmission.

The Outback comes in three trim levels with two engine choices starting with the base 2.5i and 2.5i Premium which designates the 2.5 liter engine. The 3.6 liter engines sport the R designation as a 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited. While the 2.5 is sufficient, I much prefer the 3.6R which adds about a grand to the $27,900 base price.

The 3.6R is the big-engine version with a new-for-2010 3.6-liter boxer six that replaces the '09 version's 3.0-liter six. The new powerplant increases horsepower by 11 to 256 horsepower but more importantly it boosts torque to 247 up 32 lb-ft of. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission available in the 3.6R lineup.

The 2010 is larger on the outside, with a longer wheelbase and wider track. This allows for more cargo space to haul soccer gear or make trips to the hardware store. With the rear seats down, the outback has 71.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, which enhances the Outback’s ability to serve many functions.

If the commercials are true, a lot of Subaru Outback owners love to take their Outback off-road, not rugged hill climbing but back roads that conventional cars can’t take and the little bit we did of that, the Subaru was flawless. With it’s 8 plus inches of ground clearance and heralded all-wheel-drive, it handled road imperfections with ease, taking ruts with no problems and in relative comfort.

I've always considered the Subaru Outback a vehicle that appealed to the “quirky” owner but there’s no doubt that it’s becoming more mainstream. It’s bigger, better looking and actually much more refined and more fuel efficient, the 3.6 is rated at 18/25 mpg, making it a very good choice for those that don’t want an SUV or Crossover but something that offers the best of both. So if you’ve never considered the Subaru Outback, maybe now is the time.