Vehicles
>>View fewer Vehicles
 |
Yakima Rocketbox 11 Cargo Box Review
Going on a long road trip but don't have enough room in the car? What about too many kids in the family for the luggage room in your vehicle? Wife (or husband) that packs too much? Take the anxiety out of packing with the Yakima Rocketbox 11 Cargo Box.
Yakima Rocketbox 11 Cargo Box Features
- Cargo Capacity: 11 cu ft
- Dimension: 89" x 22" x 14"
- Weight: 35 lbs
- Bar Compatibility: Round, Square, most factory crossbars
- Price: $329.00
Yakima Rocketbox 11 Cargo Box Review
Our family car used to be a Toyota Corolla. For any long or gear intensive trips the Yakima Rocketbox 11 Cargo Box was a trip saver, especially after we had kids. Long gone are the days of being so crammed in the car with gear. In terms of capacity 11 cu ft doesn't sound like much but I was pleasantly surprised with how much we could fit in the box. A typical trip the Rocketbox will be packed with a climbing pack with a full rack, rope, kid carrier backpack, umbrella stroller, camp chairs, fishing poles, family tent, and a few other smaller items with some room to spare. In the winter time the Rocketbox 11 is great for hauling your planks (single or double) to and from the mountain. The 89 inches of length will fit just about any pair of skis and boards are no problem. It's a great way to keep your boards from getting coated in road salt and grime. I've been able to fit two pairs of skis, a board, and two pairs of poles in the Rocketbox 11. There may have been enough room to fit another pair of skis or another board but I haven't tried. I have the slightly older model of the Rocketbox. Even so, it was extremely easy to install. The updated hardwear is even easier. Just place the box on your rack, slide the clamps until they engage the crossbars, and then tighten the knobs to fit. I have been able to install the box myself (read pick it up off the ground and lift it onto the car) without any issues. The 35 lbs of weight isn't bad, it's just a little awkward with it being so long. Security hasn't been an issue for me. The single lock keeps the box locked down tight. The three latches, one at each end and one in the middle, help prevent the lift from being lifted. I've tested this with just my hands and the lid wouldn't budge. The price could seem daunting but it's really not. We've been rallying our cargo box for almost over 3 years and it still looks and functions like brand new. We will get more than enough use to make up for the cost. The Rocketbox 11 is the most economical choice of the long boxes in the Yakima line. The Good- Extremely durable
- Easy to install
- Secure
- Can fit a lot of gear
- Price
- If you have a big family or a LOT of gear to carry, get a bigger size
Bottom Line:
The Rocketbox 11 is a great value and can give you that extra bit of cargo capacity you need. We've never looked back on our decision to go with the Rocketbox 11. Buy Now: Pick up a Yakima Rocketbox 11 Cargo Box today [gallery]... Read more...
 |
The Jeep Tiki Hunt… Win One of Three Jeep Wrangler Islanders
The iconic Jeep Wrangler has always been a symbol of adventure. From its early days in military service to today when you can hop in and head out to the mountains or beach--the Wrangler is a go-anywhere machine. Now, Jeep has announced the Tiki Hunt contest where sleuths in three locations, Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago, can track down and win one of three Jeep Islanders. Visit JeepTikiHunt.com to follow the clues and head out in search of your new Jeep! Hurry, the contest is already underway and the three cities have been revealed (Denver, LA and Chicago). The 4th clue is up now with only two more go to before the Jeeps are found and driven off. Get out there and have fun! Jeep Tiki Hunt Resources: Official Site: www.JeepTikiHunt.com Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Jeep Twitter: www.Twitter.com/Jeep...
Read more...
 |
2010 Toyota Tacoma – Recalls Happen
An amazing event happened to me this year. 10 days into 2010 I did not father a child, get a new job, or win the lottery. The keys to a 2010 Toyota Tacoma were passed my way. Oh yes, pulled the trigger on what the dealership calls, 'the taco'. When I heard about the hub bub of recalls happening with the '10 Tacoma models from Toyota I hadn't noticed any problem with my accelerator. I found out quickly there wasn't a recall on my truck which doesn't surprise me. I was never worried, I'm not worried, and I never will be worried. I mean, these machines are tough. And one fun fact I picked up this last week;
"Tacomas hold their value more than any car on a lot." - Anonymous Passerby
The Tacoma Skinny
I'm impressed with my truck overall. It has the TRD package, back-up camera, and even a wall outlet plug in the bed. The upholstery is made to resist dirt and water. I am bummed about a couple things though. Before you get all, "I can't believe you drive a vehicle to work and blast emissions into our poor atmosphere" on me, I think this is a valid discussion to have as a auto-owner.Tundra Vs. Tacoma
I drove a Tundra for about 6 months and the first thing I noticed when pulling the Tacoma out of the lot was a good solid small feel. Well obviously, I mean, Tundras are HUGE! What do you miss out with having a Tacoma and not the Tundra? Funny you ask, I feel some bullet points coming.- Miss out on 'the driving a suburban' feel. (Which I don't miss.)
- Don't get the V8. (V8 is gross, I'd much rather have orange juice.)
- Don't get to visit the gas pump as often. (Less Red Bull runs, this does make me a little sad.)
- Bed space is obviously smaller with the Tacoma. (No comment.)
Here Is What Bugs Me About The 2010 Tacoma
- The tailgate doesn't slowly open. They have this feature on the Tundra and it really bothers me it didn't carry over to the Tacoma.
- I consider my model to be somewhat high-end, did they forget to install the electric seat adjustment? Lame.
- No heated mirrors = makes my "Bugs Me List"
Why Do They Even Make A 2WD Model?
The constant storming that you have been hearing about on the news in NM is right where I live. I've been really happy with how quick the 4WD activates and deactivates when 10 inches of snow covers my streets over night. Toyota must have modified the weight distribution over the past couple of years because I don't feel like I need to weigh down the bed with sand to drive on snowpack. I may have answered my 2WD question. Tacomas make sick low-riders. Throw on some spinny rims, faded flames paint job, and tint those windows up 750 notches.BOTTOM LINE
I love my truck. My first experience with Toyota was a '95 4Runner and I cried the day I sold it. My reunion with Toyota these past couple months in the form of a Tacoma has been intoxicating. BUY NOW....or LATER Can you really buy a vehicle online? I guess so, at Toyota.com/tacoma.... Read more...
 |
2010 Subaru Outback Roof Rails… Should I Say Roof Rack FAIL?
Like most Subaru owners, I've been very loyal over the years. Since 1996, I've owned 5 Subaru wagons--one Legacy wagon and 4 Outbacks. When I consider purchasing another vehicle, I really don't wander much from the Subaru lineup because of the overall value Subaru provides. They are also a very progressive company with environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes. Now all that may change with the 2010 Subaru Outback. Not only is it built unnecessarily like a wanna-be SUV with extra plastics and "tough" styling, they've completely missed the mark on one of the most important features--the factory roof rack! Most roof racks are simply an open rail going front-to-back on the vehicle. This allows for easy installation of any aftermarket crossbar from Yakima, Thule or others. Being stuck with the factory crossbars is an extremely limiting factor, in my opinion and here's why:
- Subaru is in the car business, Yakima and Thule are in the roof rack business... 'nuff said
- Genuine Subaru accessories are typically 4-5 years behind in technology
- The factory crossbars typically have lower load ratings
- Factory crossbars are funky shapes, thus limiting the bike and ski rack attachments
- Factory crossbars are limited in width and will only allow 2-3 bikes or a small box and a single bike... aftermarket bars can be set up wider to accept more bikes, skis and a larger box AT THE SAME TIME
So we’ve had several of the Outbacks in our shop now, and I’ve got good news and more bad news.Good news–the Yakima Skybox 16 will work. This will be the biggest box we can go with, and it will hold your 185cm skis. The Thule Atlantis 1800xt is officially too big to clear the hatchback, though. More good news–Thule will let you use the Crossroad 450 setup, and Yakima approved the Railgrab. Bad news now–the crossbar spread for the above options are an almost pointless 21″–less than you will need for boards or boats over 8′, and too narrow for any cargo baskets or boxes. Skis and most bike racks will be OK. Yakima grants you 150lbs capacity, and Thule will only let you slide with 110lbs.Well, that pretty much sums it up from the rack experts at RackAttack.com. As a loyal Subaru owner, this is disappointing, but my disappointment is tempered because my next vehicle will likely be of the 7-passenger variety. Just so long as the Subaru Tribeca doesn't lose its standard roof rails (hint, hint, Subaru!), it may still be in the running against the Volvo XC90 and other similar mid-size SUV's with 3 rows of seating. Look at the pictures to the right... one of these roof rack rails is not like the others. More Info: See the Rack Fail for Yourself at Subaru.com... Read more...
 |
Tesla Roadster – All Electric Sports Car
There has been lots of talk around electric cars, for years and years, and Tesla Motors knows this. I knew a guy when I lived in Key West who had 2 or 3 little 2-seater electric cars from the 70s that he used to get around. And two days ago I was in DC having dinner with a consultant from Georgia who lives in a town (not just a little golf course community) that has hundreds of miles of golf cart paths for residents to get around to the store and school and work in golf carts. The cart paths are only for bikes, pedestrians, and golf carts -- and they are entirely separate from the roads (for safety reasons) and give you a very secluded, tree-lined experience to get around your day. You can run 20-mile loops on these cart paths, through tunnels and over bridges, and never have to run alongside a noisy & dangerous road. For years I've felt that Park City could connect the Rail Trail to its Redstone and white barn paths to make a similar huge belt loop around the greater Park City area. But as idealistic as those sorts of communities sound, it isn't realistic that we change where we live and how our communities are designed just so that we can use low-impact transportation. Even using a Prius doesn't seem all that exciting, though it is practical. Enter the Tesla Roadster. It is a gorgeous 2-seater roadster run 100% on electric power. Not only that, it has so much torque that it can go 0-60mph in less than 4 seconds! It's also built in concert with Lotus, so you know it has a good pedigree. And here's the best part: it claims a range of almost 250 miles on a single 16-hour charge. Of course, as you see in the attached clip from Top Gear, that may not be a perfect representation of battery life under extreme driving conditions. The guys at Top Gear said it only lasted about 50 miles when driven hard, and then they had mechanical issues driving the backup car while the first car was re-charging. One cool thing is that you can charge the car from any wall plug if you want -- meaning it costs just a couple cents per mile to re-fuel. No more trips to the gas station --- except to pick up a soda and some beef jerky, of course. Now, you may say that that isn't really low-impact on the environment because most of us use electricity from coal-fired power plants. That's because many locations have laws that require the energy companies to default to the lowest-cost source for all customers. But I know that in the state of Utah anyone can request that the Rocky Mountain Power Company supply their household only with electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydro --- which are all quite plentiful in the state. So it only costs an extra 12 bucks or so per month to go 100% green for your household power. Of course, it costs much more than that for the Tesla Roadster. The Tesla's price tag runs a little over $100,000USD and has a waiting list. I'm sure the price will come down, as mentioned on the Top Gear clip, when early adopters have purchased several and the unit cost of production comes down with economies of scale. But in the meantime, assuming you don't live in a golf cart friendly community and you want to have a ripping fast sports car without the impact of oil consumption, the Tesla Roadster just may be your brand of luxury. Next electric car to drool over: The Tesla Model S, due out in 2011, that reportedly seats 5+ passengers and looks like an Aston Martin. And with a price tag under $50k USD. Sick!...
Read more...
 |
Midwest Subaru Owners Unite for Record-breaking Parade: July 11 – Itasca, IL
Subaru of America, in participation with the Village of Itasca, will attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record for the “Largest Parade of Subaru Cars” in the world on July 11, 2009. The opportunity to be part of this historic event is open to all Subaru owners. Participants are welcome to decorate their cars (not required), bring family and friends, and even your pet to ride in your Subaru during the parade. We will have an official adjudicator from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ to observe and confirm this record. In addition to setting a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record, Subaru Great Lakes Region will make a donation of $15 per Subaru that participates in the parade to two great organizations. The total donation will be shared equally between PAWS Chicago and Salute, Inc. For more information on these groups, click on the logos to the left or visit www.pawschicago.org and www.saluteinc.org. Event Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009 Location: 500 Park Blvd, Itasca, IL Event Time: 8:00 a.m. participant check-in (rain or shine) Register by: Wednesday, July 8, 2009 (advanced registration required, open to the first 500 cars/drivers registered) CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Following this exciting event, participants are welcome to attend Itasca Fest. This fest includes live entertainment, carnival rides, food, bingo, kids’ entertainment, a three-on-three basketball tournament, and NASA’s “Journey to Tomorrow” exhibit. For more information click on the Village of Itasca link visit www.itasca.com. Participants are also eligible to receive a special event room rate of $89 per night* at The Westin Chicago Northwest hotel. For your convenience, this four-star, four-diamond hotel is located within walking distance from the start of the parade. To make your reservation, simply click on the Westin Hotels and Resorts logo to the left. More Info: Click Here to Register...
Read more...
 |
2010 Subaru Legacy & Outback Unveiled at NY Auto Show
Like most outdoorsy people, I've owned my fair share of Subaru's. They are (in my mind) the most versatile vehicles on the market for those who love adventure and drive in snowy climates. I've driven in some nasty snowstorms and on rough roads and my Subaru Outback has always delivered. My favorite feature is the anger that I feel and sometimes see on the faces of other drivers of inferior, two-wheel-drive vehicles as I pass by them on a snowpacked road. In Utah, it happens ALL THE TIME. Over the past few years, Subaru has gone through a little bit of an design identity crisis. Though many people didn't like the initial front-end design of the Subaru Tribeca, I quite liked it because it was different and still quirky (sometimes that's a good thing). The new 2010 Subaru Legacy and upcoming Subaru Outback will feature more modern styling with a more rounded roofline, aggressive headlights, bolder grille and an updated interior with plenty of stylish touches and silver accents. Engines look the same with a 4-cylinder Boxer (standard and turbocharged) or the H6 Boxer, but transmissions are stepping into the modern day with 6-speeds and CVT options (view full specs). Expect the 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback to hit showrooms early this Summer. I'll have to see the new Outback design in person, but the back end of the wagon looks a bit odd to me and the overall design is soft. On top of that, the roof rack is now nearly unusable with only a couple of feet exposed in the middle. Interesting. Do you like or dislike the new Subaru design? More Info: Visit Subaru.com...
Read more...
 |
SylvanSport GO Camping Trailer Now Availabe Direct-to-Consumer
In my rush between booths at Outdoor Retailer and back-and-forth to my vehicle (usually to check if I got a parking ticket), I had passed by the SylvanSport GO trailer several times, but it didn't register. I have no idea why it didn't click how amazing this product is until a simple email in my Inbox this morning. A quick click and now I'm stoked on this thing. It's like the Transformer of the camping and utility trailer world. Pop-up camping trailers have always been interesting to me, but they have a limited purpose--camping only. Where the Sylvan Sport GO shines is in its versatility. It can go from pop-up tent camper to ATV hauler, gear hauler and crap hauler in a matter of minutes. Take a look at a few of the images to the right to see the various configurations. Take note that some of the accessories (bike racks, storage, etc.) are not included, but you get the idea--this little trailer can be accessorized to the hilt for whatever adventure you and your crew are into.
SylvanSport GO Trailer Overview (from SylvanSport)
GO is for fun. Our crack design team made the GO selfishly for themselves. But I guess that’s okay, because like a lot of us, they're into every imaginable outdoor pursuit. We love to camp, boat, bike, surf, sleep, and indulge in just about any other activity that includes family, friends, adventure and fun. GO is flexible. Mobile Adventure Gear is more than a trailer. Like a Transformer™, it changes from a sleek, low-profile, you-hardly-know-it’s-there trailer, to an ATV-hungry hauler, to a secure, comfy camp in just minutes. GO carries the load. It easily hauls, stores and organizes all of your toys, from boats, to bikes, to moto-machines and even tools and garden gear. So whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment mini vacation or a trip to the home improvement megastore, GO works. And it’s smart! GO gets around. With its LED lighting, custom wheels with high-floatation tires, and intelligent suspension geometry, GO is easy to hook up to your tow vehicle and easy to tow—even by first-time-towers. GO light. At 800 lbs. GO can be towed by almost any vehicle out there. This efficient ‘backpack on wheels’ allows you to have the benefits of an RV without the gas credit card. GO knows. From GO’s hyper-engineered™ all-aluminum frame, to its Thule-compatible rack system, to its Kelty tent structure, GO is the most refined small towable ever.SylvanSport GO Trailer Features
- Low profile design for minimum drag and super fuel efficiency
- All aluminum hyper-engineered™ frame
- Torsion suspension for smooth load control
- Very light weight at 800 lbs.
- 13” ground clearance and high flotation tires for off-road use
- UV resistant plastic storage boxes for years of maintenance free watertight storage
- Waterproof gear storage in top camping pod
- Lockable waterproof gear storage in front storage pod
- Rack system frees up space from your tow vehicles’ roof rack
- Rack system compatible with Thule, Yakima, and other brand accessories
- 800 lb. load capacity
- Control-Tilt™ cargo bed with hydraulic dampening system
- Easy to own with very low-maintenance
- Excellent suspension geometry and handling characteristics make it easy to tow
- Cast aluminum wheels
- Self lubricating hubs
- Spare tire
- LED lighting for safer, long lasting service
- Waterproof electrical system suitable for use as a small boat trailer
- Reinforced diamond-plate flooring for heavy loads
- Multiple tie-down points
- Multiple configurations for carrying gear
- Download SylvanSport GO Configuration PDF
Sylvan Sport GO Camping Tent Features
- Innovative Kelty tent system
- Insulated bed platforms for snug sleeping
- Stargazing windows
- Excellent ventilation
- Custom self-inflating air mattress from Pacific Outdoor Equipment
- Equal to a king-size and a half of sleeping surface
- Secure entry awning with optional larger awning
- Zippered entry / screen door
- Multiple living space configurations
- Center beds convert to table
- Overhead camping pod with gas struts for safe and easy tent set-up
- Convenient rear step also functions as a tailgate.
- Stabilizer jacks in all four corners provide secure stability.
 |
Cheap Gas and the Audi A6 Quattro
Cheap gas. What could be better? Lots and lots of cheap gas. Unfortunately, that's not what you often find lately -- especially during the summer driving season. What's worse, you can't find cheap gas here in Utah at all --- in fact, Nevada has lower gas prices than Utah right now. In fact, most of the US has cheap gas compared to Utah where the price is still upwards of $4.25 per gallon in many places. But I recently picked up an Audi A6 Quattro, silver with a 3.2 liter engine. And I have been very pleased with one particular aspect of it: it doesn't require premium gas. So cheap gas is no longer a pipe dream for someone who wants to drive a luxury all-wheel drive car. What's more, its fuel economy is so good that it gets roughly the same gas mileage as a Subaru Outback wagon. You know, I heard a quote (and I can't remember the reference) that the automobile companies' goal is to make the average guy dissatisfied with his existing car about every 1.5 years so that he'll pick up a shiny new one with a cool new design. I guess I am definitely guilty of succumbing to their strategy sometimes, but this time around I think I've picked up a keeper: the Audi A6 Quattro. I had been driving a Subaru Outback, but decided to be "sensible" and pick up a simple Ford Fusion sedan about 2 years ago when they first came out. But here's the problem: In the winter I do dawn patrol backcountry ski tours at least once or twice a week in the morning before work. And on snowy days, I would take my wife's '05 Toyota 4Runner. But I always felt awful leaving her with the Ford, because then she couldn't really go anywhere that day --- it was just front-wheel drive, and we live right at the bottom of the Cottonwood Canyons in Salt Lake (20 minutes from Snowbird). She would have plenty of snowy, hilly roads to maneuver. So my quest for a good all-wheel drive car began... I went through a lot of choices: Another Subaru? A different wagon like the Volvo XC70? A BMW 325xi? And I even considered an AWD Ford Fusion. But frankly, none of them had the polish and powerful engine I was looking for at the price point I wanted to hit. Plus, many of the luxury brands required premium gas. Then I came across the Audi A6 Quattro. It has a 3.2 liter engine, all-wheel drive, leather seats, built-in turn-by-turn navigation system, etc, etc, etc, etc......I couldn't list all the options. But I found one at roughly the same price as an LL Bean Outback, which doesn't even have all the high-end features of the Audi. Then the kicker --- it didn't need premium gas, it could take mid-grade gas just fine. So here I had found it --- an all-wheel drive car for my wife to drive on snowy days when I take the 4Runner, but at the right price, and it doesn't require premium. Cheap gas was no longer totally out of the question --- compared to the BMW and Volvo cars that all required premium. I've been monitoring the mileage I get too, and even with driving it hard and in the city a lot I am getting just over 25 mpg. That's not bad for an all-wheel drive luxury car with a 3.2 liter engine. I know some will think that's not such great mileage, and others will think it's dumb to go for a luxury car. But for me it was the right combination of top end features, price, and practicality. I certainly think the Audi A6 Quattro is worth a test drive, especially if you live in the Rockies....
Read more...
 |
BRP Can-Am Spyder Roadster: Three Wheeled Motorcycle
Leaving from my office a few weeks ago, I looked in my rear-view mirror only to see two strange-looking vehicles coming up from behind. At first glance, they looked like snowmobiles with wheels. I slowed down so they would slide into the lane next to me for a closer look. Looking them over, I was interested to see who made them and just what the heck they were. All I saw was "Can-Am" branding on them. After that encounter, I quickly googled them to find out that they were the Can-Am Spyder Roadster from BRP. After digging through a bunch of details on the Spyder Roadster, I'm still intrigued and would love to ride one to experience how they feel on the road. I'm not a big fan of bullet bikes and I've heard too many motorcycle horror stories over the years to really want to ride a motorcycle on the road all the time. Though the Can-Am Spyder Roadster does provide a bit more saftey than a traditional motorcycle, they still put flesh and blood a little too close to several tons of iron and steel for blood. These are definitely a step up from the cheesy three-wheeled motorcycles you see on the roads that are typically a motorcycle conversion. Most riders of those three-wheeled bikes are old biker dudes who just can't give up the wind in their face and are willing to face being ridiculed at a local Hells Angels rally. Those three-wheeled motorcycles make me laugh, while the Can-Am Spyder seems legitimately cool. With gas prices rising and innovation plugging away, it seems like there will be more and more options on the road that don't involve 4 doors and a V8 engine. Here are a few specs on the Can-Am Spyder Roadster:
- Engine: BRP-Rotax 998cc V-Twin, 2-cylinder
- Transmission: Sequential Manual or Electronic 5-Speed with reverse
- Brakes & Safety: ABS disc brakes, Vehicle Stability System, Traction Control, Stability Control System
- Warranty: 2 years
- MSRP: Starts at $15,499
- More Info
 |
Is that a Subaru Tribeca or a Chrysler Pacifica?
I'm a Subaru fan... have been for years. I love their cars because they are practical and can't be stopped in the snow. The Subaru Outback has been wildly successful in snowbelt areas and with mountain-folks alike. I'm sure most of their sales come from Utah, Colorado and Washington State, but with the release of the Impreza WRX earlier this decade, Subies are all the rage with the rice rocket crowd as well. Because Subaru owners are loyal (I've owned 5 of them), Subaru introduced the B9 Tribeca for the 2006 model year with the intent of wooing Subie owners who have outgrown their Outback wagons. The result has been less-than-stellar for the bottom-line of Subaru corporate. Sales have been sluggish because of the polarizing front-end styling. Some love it... others hate, hate, hate it. I fell into the LOVE IT camp because it was unique and different. I thought it made the B9 Tribeca stand out and it looked much sportier than Subies of the past. This styling was also mated to the last two years of the old Impreza body style. Again, I loved the aviator look on the Impreza. Apparently, the powers that be at Subaru have listened to the haters out there for the 2008 model year because they turned the Tribeca into a Chrysler Pacifica. All you haters... rejoice! Subaru has effectively turned the cool-looking Tribeca front-end into a Chrysler Pacifica. Take a look for yourself... the styling is eerily similar.
2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
2008 Subaru Tribeca (no more B9 necessary)
2008 Chrysler Pacifica
So, all you haters can now be satisfied... you effectively took a unique and cool-looking vehicle and turned it into one of the most vanilla, "me too" vehicles on the road. I wouldn't be surprised if Subaru sells even fewer of the new Tribeca as a result.
What are your thoughts? Am I completely off my rocker here? Did you like the old B9 Tribeca's styling or hate it?...
Read more...
 |
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport
So, it's taken a few months, but I'm starting to really dig the new Subaru Impreza body style for 2008. The old body style with the aggressive "love it or hate it" front end styling has been replaced by a more subdued and perhaps somewhat boring front end. Yeah, it's got some good and bad attributes, but I think I can appreciate more now. The wagon-esque style has now been replaced with more of a hatchback look. Overall size has increased and interior room expanded as well. Fuel efficiency isn't world-class, but it's still respectable at 27 mpg highway--especially considering the Outback Sport has Subaru's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and weighs much more than comparable front-wheel-drive vehicles. Though I like the new design overall, I've still got some gripes with the new design that I must point out:
- When will Subaru finally put the outdated two-tone paintjob to bed? The available paintjobs on the 2008 Outback Sport are not all that great. A nice monotone paintjob would be preferred.
- The Outback Sport looks kind of wimpy when compared to the WRX and especially the curvy and downright sexy WRX STi. Maybe a non-functional hood scoop or some fender flares might make it feel more like the off-road-capable vehicle it is.
- The roof rack is no longer a rail system, but now two built-in crossbars, which reduces rack options.
- Did I mention that you have to buy a two-tone?
More Info: Visit Subaru.com
... Read more...
 |
2009 BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe
Look, so we're not Road and Track or even Consumer Reports, but can't a guy salivate over a nice new set of wheels? Even more justified if it is a driving machine like a BMW. But, even more than that is when that particular BMW is the all-new BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe. Yeah, I know... with gas prices where they are, I shouldn't even care about the 20 mpg X6, but I can't keep my eyes off the thing. It's like someone put a Subaru Outback sedan into the "make me sexy and make me drive like a sports car" machine, then added a much more usable hatchback rear end. Oh yeah, did I mention that it's a BMW? The X6 is new for 2008 and comes in two twin-turbo variations: 3.0 liter inline 6 or 4.4 liter V-8 engine. Either one comes chock full of everything under the sun with leather and beautiful driver's interior. Of course, the drive system is BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive to keep the rubber side down under even the nastiest conditions. With only 4 seats, the X6 isn't a family hauler, but it looks to be an amazing guy's car with enough room to haul bikes, skis or a weekend's worth of camping gear. No, it's not practical and there's no way I would fork down $65,000 to get one, but I can still dream and drool. This is one of the sweetest looking and I'm sure best-driving vehicles on the market while still maintaining some semblance of a do-anything, go-anywhere SUV. Anyone have one I could demo for a weekend?