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Reviews of the 2007-08 models.(automobiles)(Buyers guide)
This rundown of all the major 2007-08 models can start you on your search for a new car, minivan, SUV, or pickup. You'll find a summary of each model, often based on recent road tests that are applicable to this year's models.
Most models include Consumer Reports' predicted reliability rating, an indication of how problematic we expect a model to be. It is based on our 2006 annual subscriber survey, where we asked owners about any serious problems they've had with their vehicles in the previous 12 months. This data allow us to predict how this year's models are likely to hold up.
Recommended models ([check]) not only tested well, but also showed average reliability or better and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test. Recommended models that have earned a very good or excellent rating in our accident-avoidance testing, have been included in both IIHS crash tests, and provide very good or excellent overall crash protection are designated with a [check].
Entries include, where available, the date of the last road test for that model published in Consumer Reports magazine. These road-test reports are also available to subscribers of our Web site, at www.ConsumerReports.org.
The 2007-08 cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans
Predicted reliability is a judgment based on our annual reliability
survey data. New or recently redesigned models are marked "New."
NA means data not available.
Predicted Description/with last
Model reliability road-test date
([check]) Acura MDX b The redesigned MDX has a
refined and powerful 300-hp
V6. It is more agile and
quieter than its predecessor.
The third-row seat folds
easily into the floor. The
dashboard is a sea of tiny,
similar-looking buttons.
Crash-test results are
impressive. July 2007
([check]) Acura RDX b The RDX uses a turbocharged,
four-cylinder that provides
strong acceleration, but
lacks the refinement of a
six-cylinder. Handling is
agile and secure, but the
ride is stiff. The interior
shows good attention to
detail, but some controls
could be better designed.
Crash-test results are
excellent. Jan. 2007
Acura RL c The AWD RL is powered by a
powerful V6. The powertrain
is polished, but ride and
handling don't stand out. The
less-expensive TL has similar
interior room, and the RL's
driver interaction system
isn't particularly intuitive.
Sep. 2005
([check]) Acura TL a The TL provides a near-ideal
blend of comfort,
convenience, and sportiness,
all at a reasonable price. It
delivers taut, agile
handling, and the ride is
firm, but comfortable. The
car is very quick yet attains
commendable fuel economy.
Interior quality is
impressive. Feb. 2004
([check]) Acura TSX a The TSX four-door features a
smooth-revving engine and
slick transmission. Handling
is agile, but the ride is a
bit stiff and rear-seat room
is tight. Good crash-test
results and reliability round
out the package. Nov. 2004
([check]) Audi A3 c This sporty four-door
hatchback has a tasteful
interior. It uses a quick
turbocharged 2.0-liter,
four-cylinder engine, and the
optional S-tronic
transmission works well. An
AWD version with a 3.2-liter
V6 is available. Crash-test
results are impressive.
Sep. 2006
([check]) Audi A4 c The A4 handles nimbly. The
2.OT is noisy and the 3.2 V6
is refined. The low-speed
ride is a bit firm. The rear
seat is tight. AWD, wagon,
and convertible models are
available. Reliability
continues to be average.
Crash-test results for the
sedan are excellent, but the
convertible wasn't as good in
the IIHS rear-crash test.
May 2006
([check]) Audi A6 c The A6 sedan offers a V6 and
V8 engines with optional AWD.
The ride is firm yet
comfortable. A wagon version
is available with the V6. A
V10-powered S6 is also
available. Crash-test results
are excellent, and
reliability has improved to
average. Sep. 2005
Audi A8 d The A8 features a strong V8,
AWD, and an aluminum body. It
is quiet and agile, but the
ride isn't special. The
interior is well-crafted. A
V12 engine is optional. The
MMI driver interaction system
is cumbersome to use.
Reliability remains below
average. Nov. 2003
Audi 07 New The Q7 uses a 4.2-liter V8
mated to a six-speed
automatic, but lacks off-road
gearing. The third-row seat
is snug. It is fairly nimble,
but the low speed ride is
stiff. Braking performance is
excellent. A V6 is also
available. Nov. 2006
([check]) Audi S4 c The high-performance version
of the A4 uses a 4.2-liter
V8. AWD is standard. It has
very capable handling, but
lacks finesse. Wagon and
convertible versions, and a
super high performance RS4,
are available. Crash-test
results for the sedan are
excellent. Reliability has
improved to average.
Sep. 2004
Audi TT New The redesigned TT has
responsive but not sporty
handling. The ride has
improved. The turbocharged
four-cylinder engine is
punchy enough. The more
powerful 3.2-liter V6 is
carried over from the
previous generation, as is
the excellent S-tronic
transmission that shifts
automatically.-
([check]) BMW 3 c The 3 Series has agile
Series handling, a supple ride,
and smooth, six- cylinder
engines. The revised interior
is comfortable and luxurious.
Handling is taut and agile.
First-year reliability has
been average. Crash-test
results are impressive, but
the convertible didn't do
well in the IIHS rear-crash
test. May 2006
BMW 5 NA The 5 Series is impressive
Series and frustrating. We found the
Drive control system
tedious to use. Handling is
agile, and the ride is
comfortable and quiet. The
automatic transmission and
engines are smooth. New for
2008 is a turbocharged
six-cylinder engine, but
reliability is unknown.
Nov. 2007
BMW 6 c The 6 Series coupe is powered
Series by a smooth and punchy
4.8-liter V8. Handling is
agile for such a large car.
The ride is a little choppy
at low speeds. The interior
is quiet and luxurious. A
convertible and a high-
performance V10-powered M6
are available. Oct. 2006
BMW 7 e The 7 Series is quiet, quick,
Series and agile. The Drive control
system and other ergonomic
quirks add stress instead of
making the driving experience
comforting and luxurious. The
ride is steady, and the seats
are comfortable. Reliability
has been poor. Nov. 2003
BMW M3 New The new M3 coupe will go on
sale for 2008 sporting a
4.0-liter V8 engine. A
six-speed manual will be
standard. The car will
feature driver-controlled
settings for suspension and
stability control setup.-
BMW X3 d The X3 has a new 6-speed
automatic, a more powerful
3.0-liter, six- cylinder
engine, and a nicer interior.
Handling is agile, but the
ride is still a bit stiff and
choppy. The interior is quiet
and nicely finished.
Reliability has recently
dropped to below average.
Jan. 2007
BMW X5 New The redesigned X5 is longer
than its predecessor and
features a third-row seat
that is best for kids only.
The ride is still stiff and
choppy. Handling is capable
and secure. Both the six-and
eight-cylinder engines are
powerful. The shift lever and
Drive driver-interaction
system are both needlessly
complicated. July 2007
[check] BMW Z4 c The Z4 is a sporty two-seater
available as a coupe or
convertible. Our tested
convertible lacked agility.
The cabin is roomy, and the
3.0-liter six-cylinder is
strong. The power-operated
top is simple to use. The
M-badged versions offer 330
horsepower. Oct. 2005
Buick New This large car-based SUV has
Enclave three rows of seats and can
seat eight adults. It shares
a new platform with the
Saturn Outlook and GMC
Acadia, using GM's
contemporary 3.6-liter V6.
Based on our test of the
Outlook, we found the ride
comfortable and quiet, and
the powertrain smooth.-
[check] Buick b The LaCrosse is quiet and
LaCrosse comfortable, with fairly
responsive handling. The
interior is well-constructed.
Rear-seat room is tight. The
3.8-liter V6 engine is
thirsty and sounds coarse.
The 3.6-liter V6 is more
refined and stronger, and a
5.3-liter V8 is available.
Mar. 2005
([check]) Buick b The Lucerne comes with a
Lucerne standard 3.8-liter V6; a
4.6-liter V8 is optional,
and gained power for 2008.
The V6 is thirsty and coarse-
sounding. Braking and
handling are below par, but
the ride is comfortable.
Rear-seat room is good.
Reliability has been
above-average. Aug. 2006
Cadillac New The redesigned CTS has a
CTS nicer interior and more
power. A 258-hp V6 is
standard, and the direct-
injection version makes 300
hp. Both use a six-speed
automatic or manual
transmission. The V8-powered
CTS-V will return for 2009.-
[check] Cadillac b The DTS is a large front-
DTS wheel drive sedan powered by
a smooth 275-hp, 4.6-liter
V8. Accommodations are ample
and luxurious, and the rear
seat is roomy and
comfortable. The ride is
quiet and comfortable, but
handling is clumsy. First-
year reliability has been
better than average.
Aug. 2006
Cadillac New The Escalade uses a 6.2-liter
Escalade V8 engine. Acceleration is
strong, but fuel economy is
poor. A six-speed automatic
transmission and electronic
stability control are
standard. The interior is
quiet and the ride is
comfortable, but handling is
clumsy. Nov. 2006
Cadillac d This tall wagon is powered by
SRX a smooth V8 or a V6. Handling
is agile and secure. The ride
is taut yet supple. The
optional power-folding third-
row seat operates slowly.
2007 brought a freshened
interior and a six-speed
automatic for V8 models.
Reliability is unimpressive.
July 2007
Cadillac d The rear-drive STS uses a
STS 3.6-liter V6 or the 4.6-liter
Northstar V8. AWD is
optional. The ride is firm
yet supple. Handling is taut
and agile, and the cabin is
quiet, but the rear seat is
snug. 2008 brings more Lower
from the V6. Sep. 2005
Cadillac NA The XLR is based on the
XLR Corvette, but uses the smooth
Northstar V8 and a six-speed
automatic. It is quick and
elegant, but not sporty. The
more powerful XLR-V uses a
supercharged V8 and six-speed
automatic. The interior is
plush and inviting for its
two occupants. Oct. 2006
Chevrolet New The Avalanche is a full-sized
Avalanche crew-cab pickup with a
unified bed and cab. This
allows for an innovative
partition that can be folded
down to extend the cargo bed
into the back of the cab. The
ride is comfortable and
quiet. The 5.3-liter V8
provides decent acceleration
but is thirsty. There is a
very large rear blind zone.
Feb. 2007
Chevrolet d The Aveo sedan and hatchback
Aveo are Daewoos rebadged as
Chevrolets. They handle
clumsily but are ultimately
secure. Acceleration and fuel
economy are unimpressive for
an economy car. Fit and
finish is adequate. Antilock
brakes are widely available
and side air bags are
standard. Aug. 2004
Chevrolet d The Cobalt's 2.2-liter four-
Cobalt cylinder is a bit noisy and
not fuel-efficient. A more
powerful 2.4-liter is
available. Overall this sedan
is not competitive with the
best in the class. The Cobalt
sedan received a score of
acceptable in the IIHS side-
crash test with optional
head-curtain air bags, and
poor without them. The
supercharged SS has been
dropped. May 2005
Chevrolet d The Colorado's five-cylinder
Colorado engine is unrefined and has
worse fuel-economy than
competing V6s. Handling is
sound but unexceptional. The
ride is unsettled, and the
body constantly quivers.
Overall, it trails the
competition. Both engines
grew in displacement for
2007. The 2WD model has
average reliability.
July 2005
Chevrolet e The Corvette delivers
Corvette impressive performance. The
ride is comfortable, and
handling is capable but less
agile than other sports cars.
The sportier Z06 has a 7.0-
liter, 505-hp V8 and much
better handling. 2008 brings
a more powerful base V8 and
upgrades to the interior.
Reliability remains well
below average. Oct. 2005
Chevrolet d The Equinox has a roomy rear
Equinox seat that can move fore and
aft to increase passenger or
cargo room. Interior quality
is subpar, and the V6 is
noisy and unrefined. Handling
is clumsy. Reliability has
been below average. Stability
control is standard for 2007,
and remedied a tip-up in the
government rollover test.
Feb. 2007
Chevrolet c The HHR is a five-passenger
HHR raised wagon. Power comes
from 2.2- and 2.4-liter
four-cylinder engines, which
each received a small power
boost for 2007. Visibility is
compromised by the retro
styling cues, and interior
quality is unimpressive.
First-year reliability has
been average. Jan. 2006
Chevrolet c The Impala's 3.9-liter V6
Impala manages 20 mpg overall, but
sounds coarse. The optional
5.3-liter V8 is quick but
easily spins the front tires.
Handling is sound, but body
lean is noticeable. Interior
quality has been improved.
Rear-seat room is
unimpressive. Reliability of
the V6 is average, but the V8
is below average. Mar. 2006
Chevrolet New The redesigned Malibu is
Malibu based on the Saturn Aura and
Pontiac G6. The base
powertrain is a 164-hp four-
cylinder with a four-speed
automatic, a noisy
combination in our tested
base model G6. A refined
252-hp V6 and six-speed
automatic is also available.-
Chevrolet New The Chevrolet Silverado and
Silverado its GMC Sierra twin have been
1500 redesigned for 2007 and are
much improved. Ride,
steering, braking, and
interior appointments are
upgraded. The optional 4WD
is a selectable full-time
system, a plus. Crew-cab
versions have a usable rear
seat. Sep. 2007
Chevrolet New The heavy-duty Silverado has
Silverado a stiff ride, but is designed
250OHD for hard work and towing
rather than around-town
driving. The 6.6-liter
turbodiesel is strong and
is mated to a smooth six-
speed automatic. Sep. 2007
Chevrolet b The redesigned Suburban has
Suburban improved handling, steering,
and brakes and the ride is
more controlled. Interior
quality is much improved.
Stability control is
standard. We expect
reliability to be above
average. Aug. 2007
Chevrolet b The redesigned Tahoe has
Tahoe better handling, braking,
ride, and interior materials
than its predecessor. 4WD
models have a selectable
full-time system that can
remain engaged indefinitely.
Electronic stability control
is standard. First-year
reliability is above average.
July 2006
Chevrolet c A compliant low-speed ride is
TrailBlazer the TrailBlazer's only real
asset. Otherwise, it has
sloppy handling,
uncomfortable seats,
ill-fitting trim, and too
much wind noise. Reliability
has improved to average.
July 2006
Chevrolet e For 2007 the Uplander
Uplander received a standard 3.9-liter
V6. Removing the second-row
seats is cumbersome. The
third-row seat only folds
flat on the floor. Handling
is reluctant and the ride is
stiff and noisy. Reliability
has been well below average.
IIHS side-crash test results
are poor without the optional
side air bags. May 2007
([check]) Chrysler c The RWD 300 offers two V6
300 engines and a powerful V8.
Interior materials aren't
impressive. The
claustrophobic cabin and
limited outward visibility
are detractions. Reliability
of the V8 is poor; the V6 is
average. IIHS crash-test
results were poor without the
optional side air bags. A
long-wheelbase version is
new. Jan. 2005
Chrysler New The Aspen is a twin of the
Aspen Dodge Durango. The interior
has fake wood trim and an
analog clock, setting it
apart from the Dodge. The
Durango we tested was fairly
quiet but thirsty. Handling
was secure although less
responsive than some
competing models.-
Chrysler b This tall wagon has a
PT Cruiser versatile interior and
secure, predictable handling.
Acceleration with the two
turbocharged engines is
quick. The ride is somewhat
stiff, and the cabin is a bit
noisy, with wind noise
particularly evident in the
convertible version. The
convertible has a roomy rear
seat. Jan. 2006
Chrysler d The Pacifica combines the
Pacifica characteristics of a minivan
and a wagon. Ride and
handling are capable, and
the 4.0-liter V6 and six-
speed automatic work well.
Access is easy, and the third
row folds flat. A five-
passenger version is
available. Crash-test results
are impressive. Reliability
has been below average.
Aug. 2007
Chrysler New The redesigned Sebring isn't
Sebring competitive with most family
sedans. We found the 2.4-
liter four-cylinder and the
2.7-liter six-cylinder engine
noisy and unrefined. The ride
is unsettled and handling is
ungainly, but secure.
Interior panels are cheap
and don't fit well. An
optional retractable hard top
convertible is available, and
did well in the IIHS crash
tests. Mar. 2007
Chrysler New Chrysler is redesigning its
Town & minivans with more modern
Country features. Side windows will
roll down into the doors and
the suspension is more
modern. Three V6 engines are
offered, and a six-speed
automatic is available.
Curtain air bags and ESC
are standard.-
Dodge New The Avenger is Dodge's
Avenger version of the redesigned
Chrysler Sebring. Available
engines are a 2.4-liter four-
cylinder, a 2.7-liter V6 and
a 3.5-liter V6. Unlike the
Sebring, all-wheel drive is
offered. Head-protection air
bags are standard, but
electronic stability control
is optional.-
Dodge New The Caliber four-door
Caliber hatchback has a raised
seating position similar to
a small SUV. The engine is
noisy and fit and finish is
mediocre, but the ride and
handling are sound. Fuel
economy wasn't impressive.
The R/T trimline includes
AWD and a 2.4-liter, four-
cylinder engine. Sep. 2006
Dodge New Dodge is redesigning its
Grand minivans with more modern
Caravan features for 2008. Side
windows will roll down into
the doors and the suspension
is more modern. Three V6
engines are offered, and a
six-speed automatic is
available. Curtain air bags
and ESC are standard.-
Dodge New The Challenger is the Dodge
Challenger answer to the retro-styled
Ford Mustang and 2009
Chevrolet Camaro. It is
styled similarly to the
muscle-car from the 1970s,
but uses the basic platform
from the Chrysler 300. The
two-door will have seating
for four and likely offer the
Hemi V8, but a six-cylinder
should also be available.-
Dodge d This sedan has a very
Charger powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8,
but the 3.5-liter V6 is
adequate. The ride is stiff,
and the steering feels darty.
Rear-seat head room is
marginal. IIHS crash-test
results were poor without
the optional side air bags.
All-wheel drive is new for
2007. First-year reliability
is below average. Mar. 2006
Dodge d Our Dakota with the 4.7-liter
Dakota V8 accelerated slower than
many V6 pickups and returned
just 14 mpg. The 2008 V8
model gains more power. The
ride is buoyant, the truck
lacks agility, and body roll
is pronounced. Interior
quality could be better.
Reliability has been below
average. July 2005
[check] Dodge c The Durango handles soundly
Durango and securely, and the ride is
compliant. The cabin is
fairly quiet, but the engine
is a bit noisy. The third-row
seat is usable. Fit and
finish falls short.
Reliability has been average.
Stability control and curtain
air bags are standard for
2007. Mar. 2004
Dodge d The Magnum wagon is powered
Magnum by two V6 engines in the
lower-priced trims, or a V8
in the RT model. Stability
control and all-wheel drive
are optional. Outward
visibility is compromised by
the styling. Reliability is
below average. Dec. 2004
Dodge New Based on the Jeep Liberty,
Nitro this is the first non-Jeep
vehicle to use a Jeep
platform. The Nitro is very
noisy, lacks agility, and has
an uncomfortable ride.
Interior materials are cheap
and the cabin is narrow. ESC
and curtain air bags are
standard. May 2007
[check] Dodge Ram c The Ram has nervous ride but
1500 predictable handling. The
engines arestrong but noisy
and thirsty, particularly the
13-mpg Hemi V8. The cargo bed
in the crew cab is longer
than competitors, and the
Mega Cab has a larger cabin.
Sep. 2007
Dodge Ram c Like other heavy-duty
2500 versions, the 2500 has a
stiffer and bouncier ride.
The Cummins 5.9-liter diesel
six-cylinder has been
replaced by a very strong
6.7-liter engine. Chrysler's
5.7-liter Hemi V8 is also
available. The crew cab's
rear seat is tight and
upright. Sep. 2007
Dodge NA The Viper coupe and
Viper convertible feature a V10
engine with explosive
acceleration. The noise from
the V10 engine was loud and
not quite invigorating, and
the clutch is heavy. Handling
was capable but lacked
finesse. Oct. 2006
Ford Edge New The Ford Edge is based on the
Mazda6 platform. It has a
good ride and strong
powertrain, but lacks
refinement. The Edge isn't
particularly agile but
handling is ultimately
secure. Interior fit and
finish is unimpressive. IIHS
crash-test results are
commendable. Aug. 2007
Ford b The Escape has a roomy
Escape interior and a spacious rear
bench. Handling is relatively
nimble, and the ride is OK.
A 2008 freshening has been
introduced with standard
electronic stability control
in all models except the
hybrid, which doesn't offer
ESC. Dec. 2007
Ford New The 2007 Expedition has an
Expedition updated interior and revised
suspension. The comfortable
third-row seat folds flat
into the floor. ESC and
three-row curtain air bags
are standard. The noisy V8
returned 13 mpg over-all.
Reliability has been below
average in recent years.
Aug. 2007
Ford d The Explorer has adequate fit
Explorer and finish and controls. The
V6 engine returned 15 mpg and
the V814 mpg. Handling is
secure thanks to standard ESC
but the ride is stiff. The
4WD system is permanently
engaged. Reliability has been
below average. July 2006
Ford New The redesigned Sport Trac
Explorer still has a stiff ride and
Sport Trac so-so handling. The rust-
proof composite bed is now
slightly larger. The well-
calibrated stability control
system is standard. Our
tested V6 returned just 14
mpg. Fit and finish is
acceptable. Feb. 2007
Ford F-150 d The full-sized F-150 pickup
has sound handling and a
fairly stiff ride. The 4WD
system is part-time only.
The powertrain is not very
smooth, but it delivered
reasonable acceleration and
fuel economy. Braking
performance was just
adequate. ESC is not
offered. Sep. 2007
Ford F-250 New The new F-Series Super Duty
has a stiff and bouncy ride.
The 6.4- liter diesel is
relatively thirsty and rough,
but is strong when towing.
Stepping into the cabin is
more difficult because of
the high floor. Sep. 2007
Ford Focus New All versions of the Focus
tested very well, but fuel
economy was not impressive.
It is freshened for 2008,
with new sheet metal and an
interior that is said to be
quieter. Only sedan and coupe
versions are available.
Curtain air bars are
standard.-
([check]) Ford Fusion a This sibling of the Lincoln
MKZ and Mercury Milan has a
four-cylinder engine that
delivers adequate
performance, but is noisy;
the V6 offers more zip. The
ride is firm and controlled,
and handling is alert and
responsive. First-year
reliability has been well
above average. IIHS crash-
test results are good.
Mar. 2006
Ford d The Mustang offers a coarse
Mustang V6 or a muscular V8. The live
rear axle results in a stiff
ride. Handling is nimble but
lacks finesse. Interior
materials are unimpressive.
The convertible is free of
body shake. Reliability is
now below average. Apr. 2005
Ford c The Ranger is long in the
Ranger tooth. Handling is fairly
responsive, but the ride is
stiff and choppy. The V6
engines are adequate but
aren't competitive when
compared with more recent V6
engines. The seats are thin
and low, and the rear of the
SuperCab is suitable for
cargo only.-
[check] Ford Taurus c This large sedan has good
(Five outward vision and cabin
Hundred) access. The lack- luster V6
engine gains more power for
2008. Front-wheel drive is
standard, with AWD optional.
Crash-test results are good.
Reliability has been
average. ESC is optional
for 2008. Jan. 2005
[check] Ford c The Taurus X is a wagon
Taurus X version of the Taurus.
(Freestyle) Second- and third-row seats
fold flat. A more powerful
3.5-liter engine with a
standard six-speed automatic
arrive for 2008. Jan. 2006
GMC New The Acadia is one of three
Acadia new, large, car-based SUVs
from General Motors that have
three rows of seats and can
seat up to eight passengers.
It uses a refined 3.6-liter
V6 mated to a six-speed
automatic that is reluctant
to downshift. The ride is
comfortable, the handling is
responsive, and the interior
is quiet. Aug. 2007
GMC d The Canyon's five-cylinder
Canyon engine is unrefined and has
worse fuel-economy than
competing V6s. The ride is
unsettled, and the body
constantly quivers. Overall,
it trails the competition.
Both engines grow in
displacement for 2007.
Reliability of the 2WD model
has improved to average.
July 2005
GMC Envoy c The only asset of this
TrailBlazer twin is its
compliant low-speed ride.
Otherwise, it has sloppy
handling, ill-fitting trim,
and too much wind noise.
Reliability has improved to
average, but the Envoy scores
too low in testing to be
recommended. July 2006
GMC Sierra New The Sierra and its Chevrolet
1500 Silverado twin have been
redesigned for 2007 and are
much improved. Ride,
steering, braking, and
interior appointments are
upgraded. The optional 4WD is
a selectable full-time
system, a plus. Crew-cab
versions have a usable rear
seat. Sep. 2007
GMC Sierra New The heavy-duty Sierra has a
250OHD stiff ride, but is designed
for hard work and towing
rather than around-town
driving. The 6.6-liter
turbodiesel is strong and is
mated to a smooth six-speed
automatic. Sep. 2007
[check] GMC Yukon b The redesigned Yukon has
better handling, braking,
ride, and interior materials
than its predecessor. 4WD
models have a selectable
full-time system that can
remain engaged indefinitely.
Electronic stability control
is standard. First-year
reliability is above average.
July 2006
[check] GMC Yukon b This twin of the Chevrolet
XL Suburban is a longer version
of the Yukon. Handling is
more agile, steering and
brakes are better, and the
ride is more controlled than
the previous generation.
Interior quality is much
improved. It can seat up to
nine with cargo space left
over and tow a heavy trailer.
Stability control is
standard. Aug. 2007
Honda b A redesigned Accord goes on
Accord sale in September. It is
larger than the previous
generation and the four- and
six-cylinder engines are more
powerful. Models with
navigation get the annoying
driver interaction system
found in some Acuras. The
hybrid model has been
dropped.-
([check]) Honda a The current CR-V is an
CR-V improvement over its
predecessor. The four-
cylinder returned 21 mpg
overall. The five-speed
automatic is very smooth and
responsive. Handling is
fairly agile and secure, and
the ride is firm, yet supple.
Road noise has been reduced,
but the new styling has
compromised cargo space.
Feb. 2007
([check]) Honda b The Civic has responsive
Civic handling and a steady,
compliant ride. Road noise is
pronounced. The 1.8-liter
engine returned 28 mpg with
the automatic and 31 mpg with
the manual. The hybrid
returned 37 mpg overall.
Standard safety equipment
includes ABS and curtain air
bags. Crash-test results are
impressive. Feb. 2006
([check]) Honda a The Civic Hybrid returned 37
Civic mpg overall. Unlike the
Hybrid Toyota Prius, it can't propel
itself solely on electric
power. The interior has
generous storage space, but
the rear seat does not fold.
Standard safety equipment
includes ABS and curtain air
bags. Crash-test results are
impressive. Feb. 2006
[check] Honda b The Si is available as a
Civic Si coupe and a four-door sedan,
and uses a smooth, powerful
197-hp, 2.0-liter four-
cylinder. The manual
transmission shifts crisply.
Handling is nimble, with
tenacious tire grip. But the
electric steering feels
vague. The ride is stiff and
choppy, and road noise is
pronounced. ESC is standard.
June 2006
[check] Honda a This small SUV is based on
Element the CR-V. Styling is boxy,
with rear doors that are
hinged at the rear and no
middle roof pillar, creating
a huge loading port. A
freshening for 2007 brings
standard stability control,
seat-mounted safety belts,
and curtain air bags.
Feb. 2007
([check]) Honda Fit a The Fit is a small four-door
hatchback with impressive
interior room and
versatility. Cabin access is
easy and visibility is good.
The 1.5-liter engine is tuned
for fuel economy. The ride is
choppy, but supple enough.
ABS and curtain air bags are
standard. Dec. 2006
([check]) Honda c The Odyssey has good interior
Odyssey flexibility and impressive
fit and finish. The third row
folds flat. Handling is agile
and precise, and the ride is
steady. The V6 is smooth and
quiet, but road noise is
pronounced. Reliability is
average. Crash-test results
are impressive. Mar. 2005
([check]) Honda a The Pilot can hold eight
Pilot passengers and has a
third-row seat that folds
flat. Ride and handling are
competent, but road noise is
pronounced. Cabin access is
easy. Stability control and
three-row curtain air bags
are standard. Crash-test
results are impressive.
Apr. 2005
Honda c This crew-cab pickup has a
Ridgeline supple and steady ride. Its
5-foot-long composite cargo
bed features an all-weather,
lockable trunk. The 3.5-
liter, V6 engine is quiet,
smooth, and responsive.
Electronic stability control
is standard. Reliability has
dropped to average. July 2005
Honda b This uncompromising rear-
S2000 drive roadster has a small
four-cylinder engine that
delivers impressive power,
complemented by a crisp-
shifting six-speed manual.
Handling is precise and
predictable at its limits.
The ride is hard and noisy.
ESC is standard. Oct. 2005
Hummer e The H2 is based on the old
H2 Chevrolet Tahoe. Ride and
handling are fairly
civilized, with exceptional
off-road ability. The short
windshield and wide roof
pillars make the view out
difficult. A restyled
interior, more powerful V8,
third-row seats, and standard
electronic stability control
and curtain air bags arrive
for 2008.-
Hummer e The H3 is based on the
H3 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC
Canyon. The coarse engine
provides tepid acceleration
and so-so fuel economy. A
5.3-liter V8 arrives for
2008. Off-roading is
terrific, but access,
visibility, and ride comfort
come up short. First-year
reliability has been well
below average. Nov. 2005
([check]) Hyundai NA The Accent offers basic
Accent transportation in a sedan or
a two-door hatchback. The
ride is relatively quiet and
compliant. It is powered by a
1.6-liter, four-cylinder
engine. Standard curtain air
bags is a positive, but it
may be hard to find a model
with ABS. Dec. 2006
Hyundai a The Azera has a smooth
Azera 3.8-liter V6. The roomy
interior is well finished
and quiet, with straight-
forward controls. The ride
is comfortable and steady,
and handling is fairly
responsive. IIHS side-crash-
test results were acceptable.
First-year reliability is
much better than average.
Aug. 2006
Hyundai New The redesigned 2007 Elantra
Elantra is taller, roomier, and has
more responsive handling.
The ride is relatively
comfortable, but the engine
booms at high revs. Cabin
access is easy and the
interior is put together
nicely. ABS and curtain air
bags are standard. IIHS
offset-crash results are
good. Oct. 2007
([check]) Hyundai c This twin Kia Sedona minivan
Entourage has a refined 3.8-liter V6,
but fuel economy isn't
great. ESC and three-row
side-curtain air bags are
standard. First-year
reliability of the Sedona has
been average, and we expect
the same for the Entourage.
Sep. 2006
Hyundai New The redesigned Santa Fe is
Santa Fe larger than the previous
model and has a small,
optional third-row seat. The
standard 2.7-liter V6 does
the job, but the 3.3-liter is
powerful and refined. ESC and
curtain air bags are
standard. The new model
is roomy and quiet, with a
compliant ride. Head room
is tight for tall drivers.
May 2007
([check]) Hyundai 0 The redesigned Sonata is
Sonata bigger, more powerful, and
more refined than the old
one. The four-cylinder engine
returns 23 mpg; the V6 gets
21 mpg. Fit and finish is
very good. ESC and curtain
air bags are standard. First-
year reliability of the
redesign has been average.
Mar. 2006
Hyundai NA The GT V6 version of this
Tiburon sporty coupe delivers refined
power. The ride is stiff, but
handling is not so agile. The
car feels nose-heavy, and the
steering isn't particularly
quick. Even average-height
drivers will have to duck
under the low roof.-
[check] Hyundai b The Tucson is powered by a
Tucson 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
The optional 2.7-liter V6
delivers unimpressive fuel
economy. Handling is not very
agile, but standard ESC makes
it secure. The ride is
comfortable. Reliability is
better than average. IIHS
crash-test results are
acceptable. Aug. 2005
[check] Hyundai New This seven-passenger SUV has
Veracruz a 3.8-liter V6 engine mated
to a six-speed automatic.
Electronic stability control
and side and curtain air bags
are standard. The Veracruz
competes with other three-row
SUVs such as the Honda Pilot
and redesigned Toyota
Highlander. Aug. 2007
[check] Infiniti FX b The FX drives like a sports
sedan. The FX45 has a V8, but
even the V6-powered FX35 is
quick. Handling is nimble,
but the stiff ride transmits
bumps and pavement flaws to
the passengers. The cabin
feels snug, partly because
of the high doorsills
and low roof. Look for a
redesign in 2008. Sep. 2003
[check] Infiniti G b The redesigned G35 is a
quick, sporty, and pleasant
car. The 3.5-liter V6 engine
is punchy and refined,
and the automatic is
exceptionally smooth and
responsive. Handling is
quite agile and the ride is
taut yet comfortable. The
interior has better materials
and improved controls. The
cabin is snug and the trunk
is small. June 2007
([check]) Infiniti M a The M35 is a roomy,
contemporary design that is
competitive in its class. The
3.5-liter V6 is strong, but
louder than some competitors.
Ride and handling are quite
capable, and the plush
interior is well-constructed.
The audio and navigation
functions are relatively easy
to master. Reliability has
been above average. Nov. 2007
Infiniti OX e The Infiniti version of the
Nissan Armada has a powerful
V8 and a five-speed
automatic. Handling of our
tested Armada was quite
responsive. The ride was
stiff, and engine noise was
pronounced. Reliability has
been much worse than average.
A freshened QX arrives for
2008.-
Isuzu NA This midsized SUV is
Ascender essentially a rebadged
Chevrolet TrailBlazer. The
Trail Blazer we tested was
spacious, with a comfortable
low-speed ride and a
spirited, inline six-
cylinder, but emergency
handling was sloppy and
braking mediocre. Stability
control is standard.-
Isuzu NA These pickup trucks are
i-Series rebadged versions of the
Chevrolet Colorado and GMC
Canyon. The base extended-cab
truck has a 2.8-liter four-
cylinder. The 4WD i-350 is
similar to the Colorado crew
cab we tested. Both engines
grew in displacement and
horsepower for 2007.-
Jaguar e The S-Type lacks the interior
S-Type quality and quiet of its
competitors, and the rear
seat is snug. The 3.0-liter
V6 doesn't feel very
responsive. The 4.2-liter V8
is strong. The ride is supple
and well-controlled. Handling
is sound. Reliability
continues to be subpar A
redesign arrives for 2009.
June 2004
Jaguar e This entry-level Jag comes
X-Type with standard all-wheel drive
and a 3.0- liter, V6 engine.
It targets the Audi A4 and
BMW 3 Series but lacks their
refinement and driving
enjoyment. Reliability
continues to be well below
average. Stability control
is standard for 2007.-
Jaguar XJ d The XJ8 features an aluminum
body and luxurious interior,
but trails the leaders in the
luxury class. The powertrain
is strong, but the ride isn't
luxurious. Handling is
nimble, but steering is
light. A long-wheelbase model
is available. Reliability has
been worse than average.
Nov. 2003
Jaguar XK New The XK has a powerful
4.2-liter V8 and smooth
six-speed automatic. Handling
is athletic and capable. The
ride is very supple and
controlled. The touch screen
for heating, audio, and
navigation washes out in
sunlight and operates very
slowly. Oct. 2006
Jeep d The Commander is a Grand
Commander Cherokee with a third-row
seat, but the second and
third rows are cramped. Rear
visibility is compromised.
The 3.7-liter V6 is
lackluster and the powerful
5.7-liter Hemi is thirsty.
Handling is secure but not
agile. The ride is absorbent
but unsettled over
undulations. First-year
reliability has been below
average. July 2006
Jeep New This is Jeep's first small
Compass car-based SUV. The Compass
shares its platform with the
Dodge Caliber and the new
Jeep Patriot. Front-wheel
drive is standard; AWD is
optional, but this isn't a
true off-road Jeep. Interior
quality is on the cheap
side. Feb. 2007
Jeep Grand The Grand Cherokee features
Cherokee sound handling and a good
ride. The base engine is a
lackluster 3.7-liter V6. Fit
and finish isn't on par with
its competitors, and rear-
seat comfort is just so-so.
ESC and curtain air bags are
both standard. Reliability
has been well below average.
Nov. 2005
Jeep New The redesigned 2008 Jeep
Liberty Liberty uses the same
platform as the Dodge Nitro.
Our tested Nitro was very
noisy, lacked agility, and
had an uncomfortable ride.
Interior materials are cheap
and the cabin is narrow. ESC
and curtain air bags are
standard.-
Jeep New This is Jeep's second small
Patriot SUV based on the Compass and
Dodge Caliber. Front- and
all-wheel-drive versions are
available. It should be
capable for the occasional
trail excursion. An optional
off-road package with low-
range gearing will be
offered. Dec. 2007
Jeep New The redesigned Wrangler has
Wrangler improvements to the ride,
handling, and powertrain,
but vague steering and low
cornering limits. The ride is
steady but stiff. The 3.8-
liter V6 engine lacks punch
and delivers dismal fuel
economy. A four-door version
is available. Off-road
capability remains extremely
impressive. Jan. 2007
[check] Kia Amanti c The Amanti has a soft,
buoyant ride but has clumsy
handling, although its
optional ESC keeps it secure.
The V6 delivers only adequate
performance, and its 18-mpg
fuel economy is
unexceptional. The interior
boasts impressive fit and
finish. For 2007 the engine
grows to 3.8 liters and the
suspension is firmed up.
Jan. 2005
Kia Optima New The redesigned Optima is
longer and wider than the car
it replaces. Curtain air bags
are now standard, but ABS and
electronic stability control
are optional. While the old
Optima was an also-ran in its
class, the new one is a step
forward. Curtain air bags are
standard, but ABS and ESC are
optional. Mar. 2007
Kia Rio NA The Rio sedan and Rio 5
hatchback have a relatively
pleasant, 1.6-liter, four-
cylinder engine. Fuel economy
is good but trails the class
leaders. The ride is
comfortable and quiet.
Handling isn't particularly
agile. ABS is very hard to
find. Curtain air bags are
standard, but IIHS side-
crash-test results are poor.
Dec. 2006
Kia Rondo New This small minivan/wagon
offers an impressive amount
of room, with seating for
seven. The standard 2.4-liter
four-cylinder and optional
2.7-liter V6 are shared with
the Optima. Fit and finish is
very good and the ride and
handling are sound. Stability
control and curtain air
bags are standard. Dec. 2007
([check]) Kia Sedona c The redesigned Kia Sedona has
standard electronic stability
control and three-row side-
curtain air bags. The 3.8-
liter V6 and five-speed
automatic are refined, but
fuel economy is not great.
First-year reliability of the
Sedona has been average.
Sep. 2006
[check] Kia c This small SUV is larger than
Sorento most competitors.
Acceleration is spirited but
fuel economy is abysmal. The
roomy interior has good fit
and finish. The ride is
stiff, and handling is clumsy
though ultimately secure.
Stability control and ABS
are standard. Reliability
has improved to average.
June 2004
Kia c The Spectra is available as a
Spectra sedan or a hatchback. It is
relatively comfortable and
quiet but lacks agility and
has mediocre fuel economy.
The Spectra scored a poor in
the IIHS side-crash test
despite standard side and
curtain air bags. A hatchback
model is also available. ABS
may be difficult to find.
Aug. 2004
Kia e This Hyundai Tucson sibling
Sportage has a standard four-cylinder
engine with front-wheel
drive. It is relatively roomy
and comfortable but lacks
agility. ESC and head-
protection air bags are
standard. Reliability is much
worse than average. IIHS
crash-test results are not
impressive. Dec. 2007
Land Rover New The LR2 uses unibody
LR2 construction but promises
some off-road ability. It
uses a 3.2-liter, inline
six-cylinder and six-speed
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