Kia is known for producing inexpensive cars with long warranties. That has been the basis of their success in the United States for 15 years. Producing exciting cars has not. Until now. Enter the 2010 Kia Soul, a fun, four-door boxy hatchback that is clearly designed to compete with the slightly larger Scion xB.

Taking a complete 180 from its traditional boring style, Kia makes the funky new Soul in wacky colors such as Java, Molten and Alien. Interiors are available in two-tone, houndstooth and even glow-in-the-dark upholstery. The interior space is quite impressive, given the Soul’s overall small size. High-mounted seats and a tall roofline offer even tall passengers sufficient head and legroom. Cargo room is significantly less than its Japanese competitors, but the Soul’s boxy shape can still haul reasonably large items.

The 2010 Kia Soul is available in four ridiculously named trim levels – Base, +, ! and Sport. The base model comes decently equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, rear drum brakes, air-conditioning, full power accessories, tilt steering, a 60/40-split rear seat and a four-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB and auxiliary audio jacks. The Soul + has a larger engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, cruise control, keyless entry, tinted rear windows, a height-adjustable driver seat, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The Soul ! adds 18-inch wheels and two-tone upholstery. The top level Soul Sport has an upgraded audio system, a sport-tuned suspension, red-black two-tone interior and special exterior trim. A sunroof is optional on the ! and the Sport. Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.

The quirky Soul is equally fun to drive, staying reasonably tight and planted in the corners. The ride is comfortable at “tooling around town” speeds, but can get a bit choppy on the highway. The based Soul offers a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 122 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. The +, ! and Sport trim levels get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 142 hp and 137 lb-ft of torque. The base model is available only in a five-speed manual, but the upgraded trims offer a four-speed automatic. The 5-speed manual Soul Sport reportedly goes from zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. Not too shabby for a lunch box on wheels.

(Photo courtesy of Kia Motors.)

Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester has become more like an SUV, but it still retains much of the charm of the old, beloved wagon.  Still based on the same platform as the compct Impreza, the 2009 Forester has a slightly longer wheelbase, is an inch taller, and has more ground clearance than last year’s model.  It still has its car-like handling, but with more legroom and cargo space.

The new Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged version is also available that puts out 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque.  Most Foresters come with an automatic transmission, but some trims are available with a 5-speed manual.   The Forester comes standard with Subaru’s famous AWD, and it gets an estimated 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway (19 city/24 highway for the turbo).  The Forester also keeps your family safe with standard antilock brakes with brake assist, traction/stability control, front seat side airbags as well as front and rear side curtain airbags.

The 2009 Subaru Forester is available in five trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited. The base 2.5X is comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, power windows/locks and a four-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. The Premium package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a power sunroof and a reclining rear seatback.  The 2.5XT model gives you 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof and rear spoiler, fog lights, roof rails, a telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, reclining rear seats and a six-speaker / six-CD audio system. The 2.5XT Limited adds heated mirrors, automatic climate control, a power driver seat, heated front seats, and full leather.  A navigation system is optional on both Limited models.

The improvements to the Subaru Forester earned it the 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the Year award.  Combine that with Subaru’s solid reliability history and commitment to “green” manufacturing practices, and you have truly a unique and special family vehicle.

Is it an SUV or a wagon?  Yes… sort of.  The new Toyota Venza is a new breed of vehicle - a true crossover between an SUV and a wagon.  (On Toyota’s website, it is classified as a car.)  The brand new, five passenger Venza falls somewhere between the Camry and the Highlander in size and shares mechanical components from both.  The Venza is based on the Camry platform, but it is nearly 6 inches taller than the sedan and boasts slightly more interior room.   The Venza shares the width and ride height of the Highlander, but lacks the third row seating and extensive cargo capacity of the SUV.  

The Venza also shares the Highlander’s 2.7 liter 4 cylinder and 3.5 liter V6 engines, although with slightly less horsepower (182 hp for the 4 cylinder and 268 hp for the V6.)  Both engines are married to a six-speed automatic transmission, and front- and all-wheel drive models are available.  Fuel economy falls nicely between the Camry and the Highlander at 21/29 mpg for the smaller engine and 19/26 mpg for the V6.  (All-wheel drive yields 1 mpg less on both.)

The 2009 Venza is available in just two trim levels, which correspond to the two engine sizes.  The four cylinder Venza starts at $26,695 and features standard 19 inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, dual-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, a power driver seat, a 60/40 split rear seat (that reclines!), a universal garage door opener, cruise control with trip computer, and a six-speaker stereo system with six CD changer and auxiliary audio jack.  The V6 Venza starts at $28,520 and adds 20 inch alloy wheels.  A fully loaded, all-wheel drive model will set you back about 40 grand.

Most options on the Venza are grouped into packages and vary slightly by region.  Premium Package 1 includes the “Smart Key” system with push button start, a power closing rear door, chrome-accented door handles, HID headlights with automatic high beam, leather trimmed seats, shift knob and steering wheel, mahogany wood grain-style interior trim, 4-way power front passenger seat with lumbar support, anti-theft alarm, engine immobilizer and a rear backup camera.  Premium Package 2 adds multi-level heated front seats, heated power exterior mirrors and a windshield de-icer.  Other options include a panoramic sunroof, JBL premium stereo system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, DVD-based navigation and a rear entertainment system.

The best thing about the new Venza is its interior design and upgraded materials.  The ergonomic center console features a high-mounted shifter, which frees up space for a series of nifty storage bins designed to hold everything from Big Gulps to Blackberries.  The rear cargo space can hold up to 70 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seats folded down (nearly 35 with them up).   The Venza’s driving experience is far from sporty, but it is quite comfortable and responsive.  And, for a vehicle its size, the Venza is relatively easy to maneuver through a grocery store parking lot.  Families looking for a stylish, versatile alternative to the tired old SUV, Minivan or wagon may find a perfect fit with the new Venza.

Most people have trouble thinking of a Hyundai as a luxury car. Other critics complain that the styling of the Genesis too closely resembles Mercedes and Lexus. In my opinion, Hyundai took the best features of its rivals and created a true luxury vehicle that is as comfortable and fun to drive as it is beautiful.

The brand new Hyundai Genesis hit the market last summer and quickly became the 2009 North American Car of the Year. The full-size Genesis is available in just two trim levels, which correspond to the engine size. The 3.8 liter V6 model produces 290 hp and comes with 17 inch alloy wheels, heated power front seats, full leather, dual climate controls, cruise control, and a 7-speaker stereo system with a CD player, MP3 jack and satellite radio.

The more powerful 4.8 liter V8 makes an impressive 375 hp and upgrades to 18 inch wheels, chrome accents, rain sensing wipers, a wood and leather trimmed steering wheel, power rear sun shade, and a premium audio system with six CD changer. (A Premium Package makes most of these options available on the V6 version.) Both models offer a Technology Package that includes xenon headlights, a trip computer, front and rear park assist, a cooled driver seat (V8 model only), a surround-sound audio system, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic, a rearview camera and Bluetooth.

The rear-wheel-drive Genesis is surprisingly quick, for a large luxury sedan. The V8 model takes just 5.9 seconds to go from 0-60-mph and still gets a very respectible 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway. The V6 is a little slower off the line, but gets 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway. Although safety test ratings are not yet available, the Genesis comes standard with anti-lock breaks, stability/traction control, active front head restraints, and a full compliment of airbags. 

Where the Genesis does not complete with Lexus, Mercedes or BMW is on price. The V6 model starts at $33,000, and a fully load V8 will only set you back $42,000. And, through the Genesis Forest Project, Hyundai will offset the carbon footprint of every 2009 Genesis produced by planting 3000 acres of trees in the Brazilian rain forest. Financially smart and environmentally friendly - the Genesis is truly the luxury car for the 21^st century.

(Photo courtsey of Hyundai Motors.)

The Charlotte International Auto Show is not the largest or the flashiest car show in the world.  Most of the auto makers don’t show off the wacky concept cars and space age technologies that comprise the centerpieces of the big shows in Detroit, Los Angeles and Paris.  You won’t even find many exotic cars except for a single Ferrari, one Aston Martin, and a couple of Maseratis tucked back in the far corner surrounded by velvet ropes and large “DO NOT TOUCH” signs.  In fact, the highlight of the Charlotte Auto Show is usually Santa Claus and Chubby Checker.  However, they do have nearly every mainstream production car currently on the market that the average person can afford. 

The Car Chick spent 3 days crawling through every car, truck and minivan to identify the good, the bad and the ugly for 2009.  (Click the links for pictures from the manufacturers!)

THE GOOD

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:  Although labeled a 2010 model, the redesigned Fusion Hybrid will start showing up on dealer lots in spring of 2009.  Ford boasts that the new Fusion has better fuel economy than the Toyota Camry Hybrid (by 5 mpg in the city) and can go up to 47 mph in all-electric mode, thanks to a more powerful lithium-ion batter.  (Most hybrids kick into gas mode at 35 mph.)   Cutting edge hybrid technology combined with the latest and greatest techno-gadgets - I think Ford has a winner here!  (Did I mention the eco-friendly seats made from 100% recycled materials?)

2009 Volkswagen CCVR6 Sport:  Strange name, beautiful car.  It’s hard to believe that this sleek, sexy sport sedan is actually a Passat that has undergone an extreme makeover.  With its radically sloped roofline and luxurious, two-toned leather interior, this car could easily be confused with the popular Mercedes CLS – until you look at the price tag (think 50% off)!

2009 Hyundai Genesis:   This amazing new car came in a close second for my Pick of the Show this year.  Featuring the roominess of a BMW 7-series or a Mercedes S-Class ($100,00 cars) and the styling and comfort of a Lexus GS or Infiniti M ($50,000 cars), the Hyundai Genesis is a champagne car for a beer budget ($30,000 – 40,000).  In fact, the only thing “Hyundai” about this rear-wheel drive luxury sedan is the “H” badge on the grill and trunk.  (It doesn’t actually say “Hyundai” anywhere on the car.)  This is the luxury car for the post-financial crisis, when function, safety, and the bottom line are more important than status and image.  Hyundai will also offset the carbon footprint of every 2009 Genesis by planting 150,000 trees in Brazil.  Frugal and green! 

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible:  Ever since I bought my G35 sport coupe in 2005, I have been saying that Infiniti needed to turn it into a drop top (like it’s cousin, the Nissan 350Z).  They finally listened to me!  Although they didn’t actually have one at the Charlotte show, the Infiniti rep assured me that the G37 convertible will hit the showrooms this spring.  The 2 + 2 seater convertible will feature a 3-piece retractable hard top, and will offer active rear steering, all wheel drive and a 7-speed automatic transmission.  The bad news?  This much fun will run you 60 grand.

THE BAD

2009 Nissan Xterra and Pathfinder: These cars aren’t new (or even redesigned for 2009), but I had never noticed just how small the rear doors are.  To make things worse, the door opening is partially blocked by the rear wheel well, making it difficult for even the skinniest person to get in and out without bruising a hip.   Only Chinese acrobats have access to the 3rd row.

2009 Kia Borrego:  Kia calls the newest vehicle in their lineup “a new kind of luxury SUV”.  Kia has certainly put more effort into the Borrego in the areas of performance, styling and even fuel ecomomy, I’ll give them that, but no one is going to confusing this vehicle with a Lexus any time soon.  While decent looking on the surface, a closer look at the Borrego reveals cheap-feeling interior materials that undoubtedly keep the price tag down.  The seats are hard and uncomfortable on the bum, and the rear storage space (with 3rd row seat option) is non-existent.  Oh, and I did I mention that it comes in “metallic pumpkin”.  Where’s a fairy godmother when you need one?

Chrysler, Dodge and Chevy:  Although they brought some hot muscle cars and monster pickup trucks to the show that impressed the locals, it is painfully obvious why these American auto makers are in trouble.  Particularly disappointing were the Dodge Journey and the Chevy Traverse SUVs.  (Chrysler brought a minimal inventory and looked like they already had one foot out the door.)  The Journey has a boxy, plastic interior that seems to be a significant step down from the Chrysler Pacifica it replaced last year.  The Chevy Traverse does have some nice features like blind spot mirrors and good 2nd and 3rd row legroom, but the interior materials still felt cheap and certainly not worth the $42,000 price tag.  If the bailout goes through, maybe these guys can spend some of it to make a vehicle that I would actually like to sit in.

2009 BMW 1-Series:  The 1-Series is supposed to be an entry level vehicle for BMW, priced and sized between the Mini Cooper and the popular 3-Series.  So, you can imagine my shock when I saw a $50,000 price tag on the 1-Series at the auto show.  What happened to “entry level”?  Granted, this particular vehicle was tricked out with every performance and luxury option in BMW’s arsenal, but I was appalled nonetheless.  Perhaps they should have slapped an “M” badge on it instead.  I think I’ll stick with my Mini.

THE UGLY

2009 Saab 9-5 Aero:  I have always found Saabs fun to drive, but both the styling is more bland than iceberg lettuce.  In fact, GM hasn’t given the 9-5 (or any other Saab) much more than a mild face lift since 1998!  The spartan interior has no distinctive design accents or trims, a set of boring controls that are angled towards the driver, and a single cup holder that hangs lifelessly from the dash.  The only “distinctive” feature is the ignition – it’s down by the gearshift!  I realize that Saabs are designed by aircraft engineers, but I had hoped that they would take their styling cues from first class instead of coach.

2009 Saturn Aura XR:  Don’t get me wrong – the Saturn Aura is a reasonably attractive and well-appointed sedan that I normally like quite well.  However, the particular vehicle they selected for the auto show had an orangish-brown, two tone leather interior that looked like a beat up, “leatherhead” football helmet, circa 1920.  If George Clooney had been sitting in the car, I might have been able to stomach it.

Ford Airstream Concept Car:  Ford’s latest idea for the future of crossover vehicles looks more like a cross between the space shuttle and a 1930s motor home.  But, then again, concept cars are supposed to be bizarre, and this one is actually so ugly it’s cute.  The aluminum exterior features asymmetrical, orange trimmed windows, and the interior sports pod-shaped, swiveling captains chairs in bold red fabric.  On a more serous note, the Airstream prototype is powered by a new plug-in hybrid fuel cell technology that is half the weight and cost of today’s systems.  It operates under electric power at all times and delivers 41 mpg.  While the funky styling may not make it to production, Ford promises that the technology will.  And soon.

[Disclaimer:  This review of the 2008 Charlotte International Auto Show and the vehicles displayed there is merely the opinion of the Car Chick and not reflective of Women’s Automotive Solutions as a whole.  If I have bashed your favorite car or heralded the accolades of one you despise, please do not take offense.  Again, these statements are just my independent thoughts and ramblings offered in the spirit of keeping my audience both informed and entertained.]

These vehicles also tickled my fancy at the 2008 Charlotte Auto Show and merit an “honorable mention”.   (Click the links to see pictures of these vehicles.)

Nissan GT-R:  Known in Japan for decades as the Skyline, the much-anticipated GT-R is finally for sale in the US market.  With a mind blowing zero-60 time of 3.3 seconds, full time AWD and a price tag in the $70s, the GT-R is a supercar in every way except the bottom line.  And, after all, we came here to drool.

2010 Ford Mustang:  A lightly refreshed design and a much improved interior that no longer screams “Rent me!”  The Chevy Camaro may have more power, but falls short on the quality.

2010 Mercedes GLK Class:  Built in Germany on the new C-Class platform, this entry level SUV looks sports an angular dash, brushed nickel with chrome accents and a square exhaust.  It’s luxury with a modern twist and an attractive price. 

2009 Buick Enclave:  Tiger Woods must have had input on the design of this SUV.  It features very easy 3rd row access, lots of 2nd and 3rd row legroom and good rear storage space.  Combine that with comfy seats, large windows and skylights, and it’s the perfect vehicle for you and your golf buddies.

2009 Subaru Forester:  Subaru redesigned it’s quaint little eco-wagon into a seriously competitive crossover, winning the 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the Year award in the process.  The Forester is now the size of a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV, but it only gained 66 pounds, keeping it fuel efficient and nimble.

My “Pick of the Show” for the 2008 Charlotte International Auto Show is the 2009 Mazda CX-9.  Believe me, I was as surprised as you are.  The CX-9 hasn’t changed much since its introduction in 2007, so don’t ask me how I missed it last year.  Mazdas, in general, have always been solid cars (with a few exceptions), but they have never held my attention for more than a few seconds.   Yet, this year, I found myself enthralled with their sleek, sporty designs and impressive interior styling. 

The CX-9 is a large, 7-passenger crossover SUV that looks like it wants to be a luxury sports car when it grows up, and it is truly fun to drive.  As nimble as a vehicle this size can be, the CX-9 is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 with 273 hp, 270 lb-ft  of torque, and a respectable zero to 60 time of 7.4 seconds. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and all trim levels are available in either front- or all-wheel drive.   A stiff suspension system makes for tight handling, which is considered sporty by some, but can be construed as uncomfortable by others.  Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway, which is average for the class.

All 2009 CX-9s come standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control with a rollover sensor, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. (A blind-spot warning system is standard on the Grand Touring model.) The CX-9 aced the front and side crash tests administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing, scoring five out of five stars.

The CX-9 also boasts excellent build quality inside and out.  Available with beautiful two-tone leather, red and blue instrument lighting, brushed nickel-look accents and elegant piano black or wood trim, the CX-9’s interior boasts a sporty style that easily competes with many luxury SUVs.  The cockpit hugs the driver, lending to the sports-car feel, and most of the controls are ergonomically friendly and easy to use. My only complaint is that the CX-9 doesn’t have many useful cubby holes for storage.  At least there is a decent amount of storage space (about 17 square feet) behind the third row.

Speaking of the third-row, it’s one of the roomiest you’ll find, and is quite suitable for two, normal-sized adults.  This third row is easily assessable for those two adults, thanks to large rear-door openings and fold-and-slide second row seats.  (The long rear doors can be hard to open in tight parking spaces, but I wouldn’t want to park this beauty anywhere near door-dingers and shopping carts anyway!) 

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 is available in three trim levels. The entry-level Sport starts around $30,000 and comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The more upscale Touring model adds heated mirrors, two-tone leather seating and heated, powered front seats for around $32,000. The $34,000 Grand Touring boasts 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless ignition/entry, memory driver seats, interior wood accents, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, funky blue cabin illumination, and a blind spot warning system.   Available options (on most trim levels) include a surround-sound Bose audio system with a six-CD changer, a sunroof, a power rear liftgate, a navigation system with a rearview camera, a stand-alone rearview camera (with rearview mirror display), satellite radio, remote engine start, video game docking station and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. 

For all you moms (and dads) who need to haul around kids but still want to have fun and look good doing it (without breaking the bank) – this is the one to buy!  Zoom Zoom, indeed.

The Volvo brand is practically synonymous with safety, and the 2009 Volvo S80 midsized luxury sedan is no exception. In fact, the S80 has received top marks in all categories from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) since 2001.

Redesigned in 2007, the S80 may not be the most stylish luxury sedan on the market, but it boasts a dizzying array of safety technology that makes even the most paranoid occupant feel secure.

The S80 features standard dual stage front airbags and dual chamber side airbags, which inflate from the vehicle seat to better protect the occupant against a lateral impact. The S80 also comes standard with a blind-spot warning system and a NASCAR-like whiplash protection system. The optional Collision Avoidance Package gives you adaptive cruise control and an audible alert that warns you if you are about to rear-end the car in front of you. It even applies the breaks if you don’t. Together with the Lane Departure Warning, which signals when the car crosses road markings without obvious reason, the alert is designed to address the risk of accidents caused by driver distraction. (Heaven forbid anyone actually pay attention to their driving.)

Worried that some nefarious character might be stowing away in your car? Opt for the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) system (part of the Convenience Package), which includes a security system with a heartbeat sensor that gives you advanced warning of an intruder in your vehicle. The PCC system also automatically unlocks the car upon your approach, provides keyless drive, and tells you whether or not you locked your car – in case you forgot. The Convenience Package also features an indoor air quality system with humidity control, front and rear park assist and a 12 speaker premium sound system with rear controls and headset jack. A DVD-based navigation system and a dual screen, rear seat DVD entertainment system are also available.

If you still don’t feel safe enough, I’m sure you’ll find the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) particularly reassuring. Using rear-facing digital cameras installed in the door mirrors, BLIS monitors the traffic on either side of the car and alerts you if a vehicle enters your blind spot and warns you not to change lanes.

The 2009 S80 is available in three trim levels. The front-wheel-drive S80 3.2 starts at $40,425 and comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, active bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a sunroof, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, eight-way power front seats with driver memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker stereo with an in-dash CD changer and an auxiliary input jack. This base model sports a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that generates an insufficient 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

The mid-level AWD S80 T6 has a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that cranks out a more impressive 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T6, which starts at $42,875, also adds an electronic parking brake and upgraded instrumentation.

The top level AWD S80 V8 jumps all the way up to $52,675 and features a 4.4-liter V8 that boasts 311 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque and a zero to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The AWD V8 also comes with 18-inch wheels, headlight washers, satellite radio, massaging ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, a classy analog clock, and an optional rear seat refrigerator complete with two crystal glasses.

All versions of the S80 use a six-speed automatic transmission and are eligible for the Sport Package, which provides 18-inch wheels, Volvo’s Four-C adaptive suspension (with three driver-selectable modes), speed-sensitive power steering (with driver-adjustable assist levels) and ventilated front seats.

EPA fuel economy ratings for the S80 are slightly lower than the competition. The base model 3.2 gets a mere 16 mpg city/25 highway and 20 combined, while the T6 manages 15/23/18 and the V8 a nearly identical 15/22/18. For that, you should just go for the swanky V8 and get the fridge.

When Honda released the new body-style Accord sedan last year, it looked remarkably similar to its upscale cousin, the 3rd generation Acura TL.  This begged the question, “Why pay nearly 40 grand when I can get a nearly identical car for under 30?”  Acura answers this question with the newly redesigned 2009 TL, which hit the showrooms this week.   The new styling, which sports a guillotine-like chrome wedge in the center of the grille, has received mixed review.  However, you have to give Acura kudos for engineering.  In fact Acura describes the 4th generation TL as being “by far the most technologically advanced sedan in Acura’s history.”
 
Certainly, Acura has pulled out all the stops in redesigning what has been America’s best selling luxury sedan since 2005.  Despite a significant increase in size (it’s a full 6 inches longer and 2 inches wider - nearly the size of the 2008 RL flagship), the TL has only gained about 85 lb in total body weight, thanks to the use of new, high-strength steels and an aluminum hood.  This increase in size affords more legroom to rear-seat passengers and plenty of trunk space for golf clubs, luggage or even a full size cooler for tailgating!

The 2009 Acura TL is also more powerful than its predecessor.  The base front wheel drive model has a 280-hp (254 lb-ft torque), 3.5-liter V6 engine that Acura claims will see 26 mpg on the highway.  The performance-oriented, “super-handling” all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD) version is powered by the 305-hp (273 lb-ft torque), 3.7-liter V6 engine currently used in the RX and MDX sport utility vehicles.  Both TL’s currently feature a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, but a 6-speed manual transmission will be available on the SH-AWD model in 2010.

Another new piece of technology is Acura’s Electric Power Steering, which improves fuel economy, but feels a bit loose in medium-speed corners.   The suspension provides a nice balance between comfort and handling, making the car equally suited to a daily commute or a weekend trip up a twisty mountain road.  The 2009 TL comes with standard front and side airbags, and it earned a top rating of five stars from the NHTSA and IIHS in all crash tests.  Who says fun can’t be safe?

Equal attention has been given to the vehicle’s interior with an ergonomic central control stack, hands-free Bluetooth wireless telephone interface and comfortable, bolstered seats.  An optional Technology Package gives you a 440-watt sound system with 10 speakers and DVD-Audio, push-button start system, a voice-command navigation system with rearview camera, real-time traffic routing and real-time weather reporting.

The front-drive TL hit showrooms on September 24 with a starting price just north of $35,000.  The SH-AWD will follow in early November and start around $39,000.  These price tags are slightly higher that those of the TL’s competitors from BWM (328i) and Lexus (IS), but they are still quite reasonable considering the wealth of standard features as well as the car’s increased refinement, power and size.  And, it’s really fun to take through a corner.
 

One of the least expensive cars to insure is the Honda Pilot, which comes fully redesigned for 2009.  Honda maintained the tradition Pilot traits of a comfortable ride, smooth powertrain and optional 4WD, but added significantly more third row legroom.  Honda also gave the new Pilot a much tougher look, both inside and out, much like its brawny cousin, the Ridgeline. 

The new Pilot sports a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque, but it has been criticized being a bit more sluggish than anticipated.  The fuel economy has improved slightly due to Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system, which shuts down half of the V6’s cylinders when they’re not needed. The 2WD models should achieve 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (and only 1mpg less for the AWD models), according to EPA estimates.  The 2009 Pilot also received 5 stars in both front and side impact crash tests from the NHTSA.

The 2009 Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV (now called a “crossover”) that comes in four trim levels, each offered in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The base LX starts at $28,265 and comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, trailer hitch, power mirrors, keyless entry, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, cruise control, 60/40-split second- and third-row seats and a seven-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack. The mid-level EX starts at $31,065 and adds foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, six-CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, tri-zone automatic climate control and satellite radio. The upgraded EX-L starts at $34,265 and includes to leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof and a back-up camera. The top end Touring model (new for 2009) starts at $37,465 and features a 10-speaker audio system, a voice recognition navigation system with integrated back-up camera, Bluetooth, a power liftgate and a USB audio interface.

Many accessories are available for the new Pilot, including ski, snowboard, kayak and surfboard attachments.  Less adventurous types may prefer the cargo organizers, running boards or the remote engine starter.  A DVD rear entertainment system is optional on the both EX-L and Touring models.   This represents a significant improvement over the previous Pilot design, which did not allow for both a navigation system and a rear entertainment system at the same time.  The navigation system is satellite based (not DVD based) and is one of the best in the business.  Now, you can keep the kids happy AND figure out where you are going.