2011 Honda Odyssey Review

Honda Odyssey is a unique vehicle in the highly competitive world of mini-vans. Its uniqueness sets the tone for the model which could easily leave other mini-vans makers thinking again about what their vehicle offers its customers as the 2011 Honda Odyssey is good step up from its predecessor and the competition.

The interior of Honda Odyssey is built with one thing in mind: flexibility. The second row comes with full customisation so that passengers can easily adjust their seating before traveling. The third row is foldable which provides extra room for small families for longer travels. Some complain about the Odyssey’s dashboard because of the buttons but it’s another addition to improve passengers’ customization.

The interior is not the only impressive feature for the 2011 Honda Odyssey. Superior handling due to its sleek box design complements the powerful V6 engine. Normally, a V6 engine in a mini-van would run louder than normal but the Odyssey offers something different because it runs with very minimal noise. It even features 27/18 mpg in city and highly setting. Additional traction and stability control increases maneuverability of the vehicle.

Amazing interiors, quiet engine and additional control functions come at a price. The base rate of the 2011 Honda Odyssey is $27,800 which is one of the most expensive in its category. Additional options could easily bump up the rate of the vehicle. But to those who have the financial capability, the vehicle is top in its class and should provide the needed service and comfort for the driver and multiple passengers.

Read More

2011 Ford Transit Review

The Ford Transit is one of the few vehicles from the European market that has eventually found its way to North America because of its practicality. Some say that the design is a little bit quirky because of its bulky design but the Ford Transit is not about looks. The 2011 Ford Transit is focused on functionality and in that area it could easily impress any businesses looking for a vehicle with great hauling power and impressive fuel efficiency.

Practical Body for Hauling and Power

The 2011 Ford Transit is like a pickup with a very tall hatchback. The tall hatchback is the main attraction of the vehicle because it can provide significant space for many different types of cargo. For example, a mobile office or even a small laboratory can be setup without any problem. The dashboard is also extendable for various purposes depending on owner preferences.

The vehicle is configurable to add more passengers. But the vehicle’s 2.0-liter cylinder that yields 136HP might not fare well when dealing with too many additional passengers. The vehicle performs well when hauling objects but it might have some problem when more than three passengers use the vehicle.

Affordability and Mileage

The main reason why many owners of small businesses will have chosen the 2011 Ford Transit will be for its price and mileage. The base price of $21,200 comes with basic features but also includes an MP3 player. Complementing the base price of the vehicle is its mileage, as the vehicle was rated by the EPA with 21/26mpg which is very impressive for a vehicle with hauling power.

Read More

2011 Jeep Compass Review

Jeep continues to improve their design and the latest iteration the “compass” is no exception. Last year’s model wasn’t great with a lackluster interior design and what felt like plastic seating. The current version now features softer interior that has significantly improved the comfort for passengers. Even the cars shell design shows signs of improvement with the model no longer appearing like a box-type vehicle.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Jeep Compass is available in a variety of different options but we wouldn’t suggest the base model due to its many limitations we suggest going with a mid range version of the vehicle with many of the optional features. The base is only front wheel drive with 2.0 Liter cylinder while the rest comes with 4WD and 2.4 Liter engines. As an off-road vehicle, the base model might not perform on rougher terrains. The only advantage of the base model is the fuel economy which is 23/29 mpg while the 4WD model has 21/26 mpg. A few kilometers could spell the difference for city drivers but for light off road transportation, power is a lot more important.

Maneuverability and Storage

With stability and traction control, the 2011 Jeep Compass performs well. Unfortunately, this is the only advantage for future owners once they are inside the vehicle. Almost everything is optional which means it requires many additional fees. Even the side and curtain airbags will require additional payment. Storage is also lackluster for an SUV.

Overall, the 2011 Jeep Compass is an impressive upgrade from last year. But it still has a long way to go when it comes to design. Fortunately, it can still draw interest for its fuel economy and pricing.

Read More

2011 Nissan Cube Review

The Nissan Cube is undoubtedly the most unique people carrier for a family. The quirky and unique look of the Nissan Cube should be more than enough to attract would be car owners who are looking for something highly personal. It’s not something that you will see often on the street but the 2011 Nissan Cube is definitely something that will be noticed.

Like a Big Kitchen

The exterior design of the 2011 Nissan Cube is not like your regular car. It’s a box-type vehicle only a little bit larger than cars like the ford focus and VW Golf. Although it looks constrictive from the outside, the car is surprisingly spacious not only for passengers but even for additional baggage. The extra space in the back should be more than enough for a large family.

The only concern with the 2011 Nissan Cube is the dull interior. For such a quirky car, you would expect something unique or at least creative in the inside of the vehicle but it’s just a basic vehicle with a traditional dashboard and basic road information.

City-Specific Engine Power

The 2011 Nissan Cube is not built for heavy hauling but its engine is good enough for demanding city conditions and long distance driving. The wagon features a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine under the hood with manual transmission. Maneuverability is never a problem with the 2011 Nissan Cube because it also comes with stability and traction control which makes it easier to weave through busy streets.

Aside from its quirky exterior, the 2011 Nissan Cube is an impressive vehicle. It’s also has a very competitive price starting at only $14,700.

Read More

2011 Chevrolet Aveo Review

The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo is an impressive sedan in almost every category. It has good mileage (27/35) and maneuverability is never a problem. The 2011 Aveo even comes with a relatively powerful 1.6L 4-cylinder engine. Although the base price includes manual transmission, the price $11,600 price tag is still attractive.

The upgrades made to the 2011 Aveo are very minimal. The new version comes with cabin air filter which is now standard in every vehicle and the sedan also comes with six months subscription with select OnStar services. Everything else is the same compared to the previous iteration of the Aveo.

The 2011 Aveo’s interior is not necessarily groundbreaking but it’s not disappointing either. The dashboard features a CD/MP3 player with AM/FM transistor and an additional jack for optional inputs. The leather seats should be good enough for casual driving and the back seats can easily fit two to three adults.

The only challenge for the Aveo is its exterior design. Although the design for the Sedan is relatively simple, Aveo has the stouter look which feels bulky from the outside. Of course, this doesn’t have any affect in its performance but many drivers tend to look for stylized design with performance. Unfortunately, Aveo fails to score in styling.

Another challenge for the 2011 Aveo is the competition. Although the vehicle is priced below the $12,000 mark, there are other vehicles that feature the same price point with better performance and design. The 2011 Aveo is only geared for those avid fans of Chevrolet who wanted the latest from the well known car manufacturer.

Read More

2011 Toyota Yaris Review

The 2011 Toyota Yaris is one of a handful of models from Toyota that were recalled due to handling problems. With the reputation of Toyota, there are only two things you will expect – a perfectly working car or something that should be recalled. Fortunately, the 2011 Yaris is something that should be praised because it works well and offers something great to car owners.
The 2011 Yaris is a hatchback with very impressive mileage. It’s rate at 29mpg on city which is very impressive in its class. It can even reach up to 25mpg in an open road which pushes the boundary of an earth friendly vehicle. Of course, it comes with some disadvantages such as a lack of power but hatchbacks are built for city driving and the mileage alone is a very impressive feature.
But aside from mileage, the hatchback is built for family-type handling. The 2011 Yaris is offered in two transmission modes – the five gear manual transmission or the four gear automatic transmission. Either way, handling is a breeze in this vehicle. And because of the physical makeup of a hatchback, storing items for a long haul is not a problem.
If there’s one thing that should be criticized about the car, it is its slightly cramped seating. The seats are pushed forward so that additional space could be added in the back. But with a little bit of adjustment, this should not be a problem. Another concern is that the base price ($13,655 - $14,415) comes with very basic amenities and add-ons could be costly.

Read More

2011 Subaru Impreza Review

Many car owners choose hatchbacks in order to save on expected fuel efficiency. Hatchbacks are relatively small but have impressive boot space at the back which is perfect for small families or people who just wanted to have a good, reliable car to use. The 2011 Subaru Impreza tries to be a great reliable vehicle however it comes with a higher price tag than the average hatchback on the market.
While the 2011 Subaru Impreza is a bit expensive, it tries to make up on performance and safety. The 2.5 liter, V-4 engine could churn out 170hp for its base price model with up to 4,400 in torque. But aside from power, the 2011 edition comes with all-wheel drive which increases the vehicles power. This is also complemented with wider track which increases handling. If you’re looking for power and precision control in a hatchback, this is a good choice.
However, most hatchback owners are looking for vehicles that have enough safety, good road performance with add-ons even at a base price. The 2011 Subaru Impreza unfortunately, does not come with additional upgrades on its base price. Car owners have to spend more so that they could upgrade to WRX model of the Impreza. The same base price with the expected add-ons and safety ratings have been achieved by Suzuki on its SX4 and by Mazda’s 3.
Overall, the 2011 Subaru Impreza is an impressive hatchback. However, it’s a bit more expensive and an upgrade is necessary to have something more powerful with improved handling.

Read More

2011 Toyota Tacoma Review

The Toyota Tacoma is considered a leader in its class. It’s one truck that has successfully bridged the capability of a powerful hauling vehicle with impressive pricing. The 2011Toyota Tacoma is no different from its previous predecessors with additional features that would impress even non-truck user. The company’s latest version has some serious economy considerations that will allow the company to sell the impressive trucks in the distant future.
Impressive Features for 2011 Edition
The best new feature for the 2011 Tacoma is the availability of automatic transmission. Gas guzzling vehicles are already a thing of the past and Toyota has adjusted. The result is 21mpg average which is a very impressive number for a truck. All versions of 2011 Toyota Tacoma will also come with air conditioning.
Interior Design
If there’s something any Tacoma owner would complain about their truck, it’s the interior. Although it’s not bad certain things could have been changed to make it look more esthetically pleasing. The seats are designed with big people in mind which means those on the smaller side will be required to adjust a little bit. It’s not uncomfortable although there are better seats in most of the competitor’s trucks.
Driving and Power
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma doesn’t push the boundaries on its engine. With a 2.7 liter, 4-cylinder engine, it gets the job done in simple hauling tasks. Of course, those who wanted more power will be disappointed but rarely will a truck driver use something bigger than what the Tacoma could already handle. It’s one truck that gets the job done with a base price of $19,000.

Read More

2011 Kia Sedona Review

Minivans don’t grab many headlines when a new version is released and Kia is not a brand that constantly attracts attention within the car industry. However Kia is silently pushing their minivans into the market with a remarkable response thanks to the vans capabilities and price range. The 2011 Kia Sedona is an average-priced minivan with impressive features.

The 2011 version of Kia Sedona features 3.5L V6 engine. With this engine, the minivan can produce up to 271hp and 248 of torque. There is only one setting for control: six-speed automatic but this is regarded as an improvement, as the 2010 version was only fitted with a five-speed automatic gear box. The minivan also averages 21mpg in fuel efficiency.

One disadvantage about the Kia Sedona is its interior. Although it contains all the features expected from a good minivan, its upholstery and design is not on par with many other minivan manufacturers. However this is a small inconvenience as many electronic add-ons are already included within the base price. Another disadvantage is that the lack of optional third row seating in the back. Although often used for baggage, it is a needed feature for customers with big families.

Even with the dull design, the 2011 Kia Sedona offers something uncommon in minivans – increased traction control. Although other minivans handle the road as expected, the latest Sedona has significantly improved maneuverability. This allows better steering control which would be helpful in unexpected terrains.

Base price for the 2011 Kia Sedona is at $24,595. The minivan is offered in LX and EX versions.

Read More