pow

probably wanted to see how effective Saab's active head restraint is

They should retire or update that old guy... Side ratings - B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm) Pathfinder - Good (-16.5) 4Runner - Good (-12.5) Xterra - Good (-17) Explorer - Acceptable (-4.5) Grand Cherokee - Marginal (-2.5) TrailBlazer - Marginal (-0.5) In the frontal rating, all received "good" ratings except for the TrailBlazer, which got "acceptable", an improvement over the '02-'04 model's "marginal."

Yawn.

Cause a lot of strengths and weaknesses don't reveal themselves until after the purchase... .... like cars that: -won't downshift -won't find a gear -won't stay in gear -picks wrong gear -have to floor the throttle and hold it for like 5 seconds before the rpms go up and it kicks down -no soundproofing from road noise -engine drone buzz and vibration at low rpm drives me insane. my lawn mower sounds better -slow steering -dead steering -no roll stiffness -piss poor brake feel. brake fade -needs more power in low and mid range -looks fat and flabby -cheap ass stereo, a ten dollar emergency radio sounds better -interior is cheap -typical cheap ass sounding door locks -climate controls are cheesy and sheap looking -interior plastic gets extremely dirty and can't be cleaned -fking doors won't unlock when you get out of the car. you have to unlock them manually if you want to get your kid out of the back -no factory remote starter -cheap ass key and fob -power passenger seat, can't adjust height! -small gauges -radio and climate control should be up higher. -stupid dash top storage compartment is too far away and this is where the NAV should be anyways.

It's basically the automotive version of their famed colleges and universities report.

I agree 100%. The tan/brown and black interiors are much nicer. I'm looking forward to seeing the suede; the leather is too thin and plasticky. Black leather/cream suede/cream stitching, like in many Mercury vehices, would be awesome.

A Mariner Hybrid starts at $26,620, including destination, and has the same equipment as the VUE GL. Considering you get an actual increase in MPG over non-hybrid rivals, better performance, and a $3000 tax credit, it's a no brainer.

I just hope no one can hack into the system.

The front end looks pretty good. Funky, bold, and modern at the same time... not at all blobby. The Vibe is important for Pontiac because it attracts conquest buyers and because it's the most fuel-efficient vehicle in NA GM's lineup.

In our Bimmer and VW, pulling the door handle once unlocks the door, and pulling once more opens it. I think it's a good compromise.

Trunks are overrated.

Volkswagen Rabbit -- same level of engineering, comfort, and sophistication as those two, but in a more space-efficient package; hatchback means you can throw mountain bikes in easily without worrying about the trunk opening; lower MSRP than the other two; basically the European version of the mainstream family car Volkswagen GTI 5-door -- same advantages of the Rabbit, but with more luxury and performance; goes against V-6 Accords and Camrys Mercedes C300 Sport -- surprisingly affordable at under $32K; surprisingly roomy; premium engineering and driving experience Volvo V50 -- wagon helps make up for compact size; a more stylish alternative than the other two BMW 525i/530i (used) -- you can get an '03 with CPO warranty for under $30K; available as wagon; drives better and more stylish than the other two Pontiac G8 -- RWD performance; available V8 Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner Hybrid -- double the fuel economy of a regular Escape; roomy and practical; $3000 tax credit Mazda CX-7 -- turbocharged performance; unique looks; good lease deals

May I have a little bit of whatever it is you're smoking?

It starts at $24,795, including destination. Fuel economy and performance are likely to be worse than the old model's, because it now weighs 500 lbs more. If it gets a +2 MPG increase, like BAS does in the lighter Aura and Malibu, that will be 21/28 MPG, comparable to a non-hybrid RAV4 or CR-V. The tax credit for '07s was $600; technically the smaller the fuel economy increase, the smaller the credit. Included in the price are body-color bumpers, special alloys, floor mats, BAS, and hybrid auto A/C. For the same price, I'd rather get an XR FWD and drive less.

The Type-S version should be exciting. 260 hp turbocharged engine, six-speed DSG, and SUAIHICESCAWD. Kinda like the luxury version of the Evo or WRX.

An extreme case of vulgaritis today... black Gallardo, black V8 Vantage, red F430, all within 10 minutes of driving. All I wished for was a silver Camaro concept (with all four windows rolled down) to shut them all up.

I'd rather save the $2395 and get a regular XE I-4 with better acceleration and grip. The tax credit for 2008 is unknown, because the fuel economy increases are lower (+2 MPG city/highway).

Here it is...

I love how this shared experience degraded from a perfectly reasonable thread into endless, mindless, regurgitated rants about people you dislike...

The front end is kinda ugly (particularly the grille and hood vent) IMO, but everything else is fine. Those are the base V6 wheels, btw. GT models will get nicer five-spokes, like the ones on the 528i.

What gear were you in?

That's what I always do! It's great fun, and you save money. It also tells you how great an idea hybrids area. I was averaging 32.6 MPG before there was stop-and-go traffic. Then I was just staring at the gauge, watching to average drop to 32.4, 32.2, 32.0, 31.8, 31.6... It drops even quicker when accelerating from a stop. Usually that yields 3.2 MPG on the "instant" meter...

Agreed. Roomy back seat, wagon cargo space, fifty-state 40+ MPG economy, DSG gearbox...

DoD?

I kinda think they're cool, modern, funky in a Honda Element or '08 Scion xB sort of way. They're definitely practical and economical, too. I can imagine builders, landscapers, and florists being interested in such a thing, especially with a diesel.