2008 Acura RDX

The 2008 Acura RDX is a sharp-looking compact crossover SUV that offers a phenomenal all wheel drive system, an appealing upscale contemporary style interior and a powerful turbocharged engine-all of which present an interesting challenge to the likes of the BMW X3. With its aggressive yet angular appearance, the RDX seats 5 adults and its car based body structure with a fully independent suspension gives this highly functional vehicle the smooth riding experience associated with a luxury sedan.

Standard equipment is generous on the base model RDX and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, super bright xenon headlights, a moon roof, power windows and door locks, heated leather front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A seven-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an auxiliary input jack is also part of the standard equipment package. Adding the Technology package to the Base mode RDX nets the new owner a navigation system with real-time traffic information, a rearview parking camera, and a 10-speaker premium surround-sound audio system.

The 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine delivers 240 horsepower and is combined with a 5 speed automatic transmission with manual shift over ride capabilities. All four wheels receive power through a unique all-wheel-drive system that is very similar to the one found in the Acura RL luxury sedan. Not only does this all wheel drive system distribute torque between the front and rear axles, but it also distributes torque between the right and left wheels to maximize traction and handling. One of the fastest vehicles in its class, the RDX goes from 0 to 60 in just under 7 seconds. However, those looking for tremendous fuel economy and tow ratings may be disappointed with a 2008 EPA estimate of 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway and a towing capacity of a mere 1,500 pounds.

The appeal of the 2008 Acura RDX lies within its luxurious style and amenities and its sport performance. The powerful engine and all wheel drive system allow for an optimized driving experience on dry as well as snow covered roads, while the view and the ride from the cabin is truly smooth and comfortable and filled with more convenient features than most other cross over vehicles.

The 2008 Acura TSX

The 2008 Acura TSX is a luxury sports sedan with a single trim level and an energetic 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine. The unique feature of the i-VTEC engine is that its valves open for a longer period of time and at a wider aperture above 4500rpm to let in more air. This enhances acceleration and improves fuel economy. Another improvement in the engine's performance comes from Variable Timing Control which, as the name implies, advances or delays the timing to decrease emissions and improve gas mileage.

As an entry-level luxury sedan, most people will be really pleased with the generous list of standard equipment. Relax in the comfort of the TSX's fully adjustable seats, dual zone climate control with air filtration, and steering wheel controls for Bluetooth HandsFreeLink. Voice activation is also available for phone, air conditioning, and navigation.

The interior of the Acura TSX is outfitted with luxurious seating surfaces, eye-appealing textured dashboard and steering wheel, and ambience lighting that is both calming and illuminating at the same time. Storage of gloves, maps, and other necessities is accomplished with clever bins and nooks throughout the cabin. Visibility through the windows and windshield is nearly panoramic with minimal blind spots.

While the 2008 Acura TSX offers all of the performance of a sports sedan, it plays a dual role in that it is also a fuel efficient vehicle, with 19mpg city and 28mpg highway for the models with the manual transmission. Even better fuel efficiency comes for the models with the automatic transmission, in the vicinity of 20mpg city and 28mpg highway.The TSX handles the road skillfully with excellent cornering and respectable acceleration, especially at higher rpms.

For those who are looking for an exciting yet affordable way to enter the luxury sport sedan segment, the 2008 Acura TSX is every bit a contender. There may be luxury sport sedans out there who jump off the starting line a bit faster, but this one gives you loads of standard features and the quality you are looking for in a reliable car.

2008 Acura TL - Review

Very popular in its segment, the 2008 Acura TL is also the most popular Acura out there. It is an economically priced luxury sedan that has it above its European competitors in value, reliability and standard features. Returning to the Acura stable this year is the TL-S, a hopped up, high performance version with a 285hp 3.8L V6 engine sitting on a road-tuned suspension and big brakes. The TL received some styling and performance refreshing this year and is as good-looking as ever.

The exterior design of the TL is accentuated by the bold angular grille, whose lines continue on down the sides of the vehicle in clean, sharp lines. The headlights address the same lines as they flare up and back. The interior is clean and functional with logical placement of all gauges and controls. Tastefully elegant upholstery treatments contrast with a utilitarian Bauhaus feeling. A three-spoke steering wheel is a control center in itself with buttons for audio, navigation and phone inset.

Many owners purchase Acura TL accessories to individualize their sedans. Add the distinctive touch of wood grain or carbon fiber to the console and steering wheel. Imagine the difference a wing spoiler, nose mask or a moonroof visor would make to the outside of your 2008 TL. Nothing adds more style to a car that the look of 17 or 18-inch chrome wheels.

While many people are impressed with the performance of their TL, many more appreciate what Acura puts into the TL for the sake of safety. The Acura TL installs dual-stage dual-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, side and curtain airbags, and child-proof door locks. With as much effort Acura puts into building a performance-oriented luxury sedan, there is no reason for them to skimp on safety.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback - Review

The 2008 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback is a compact and stylish 5-door wagon that combines plenty of comfort, driving excitement and luxury features with functionality, fuel efficiency and an economy car price. If your soul yearns for a sports car, but a spacious, fuel efficient and low priced vehicle is necessary to support your lifestyle and driving habits, the Mazda3 Hatchback provides an outstanding compromise with little, if any, sacrifice. With the exception of an increased number of airbags, the Mazda3 Hatchback is unchanged for the 2008 model year.

All versions of the Mazda3 Hatchback are front wheel drive and come with a peppy 156 horsepower 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine. Acceleration is more than ample for this compact, nimble handling 5 passenger car. EPA ratings are average for its class and fall between 22 and 24 mpg in the city and 29 and 32 mpg on the highway depending upon transmission and trim level.

The Mazda3 Hatchback is available in 3 trims -the's' Sport,'s' Touring and's' Grand Touring. The s Sport comes extremely well equipped and features 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, keyless entry, a 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, air-conditioning, cruise control, a premium AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack, a leather wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio system controls, a height adjustable driver seat and power windows, door locks and side view mirrors. The s Touring version replaces the wheels with 17 inch alloys and adds body side sills, while the top of the line s Grand Touring also includes rain sensing wipers, heated leather seats, a trip computer, automatic climate control and automatic xenon headlights. Options include a moon roof, an in-dash CD changer, satellite radio and a navigation system.

The aesthetic appeal of the Mazda3 Hatchback's cabin is achieved with high quality materials and solid craftsmanship. The result is a distinctive, upscale look that is typically associated with much more expensive luxury sport sedans. Controls are user friendly and cleverly positioned and head and leg room are generous in both the front and the back. With the rear seat in the upright position this hatchback offers 17 cubic feet of cargo space, but with the seat folded down an impressive 31 cubic feet becomes instantly available.

Complimenting the interior of the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback is an edgy, aerodynamically designed exterior and a performance oriented chassis that provides responsive steering and outstanding traction control. Those in the market for fun to drive compact car with an abundance of creature comforts, a distinctive style, hatchback utility and an economical price need look no further than the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback for the best value and combination of interior features on the market.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan - Review

The 2008 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan offers a near perfect combination of speed and practicality in an inexpensive, stylish 4 passenger sedan. As entertaining to drive as it is visually appealing, the Mazda3 has a relatively low sticker price, is fuel efficient and chock full of standard features. Though the price is slightly higher than some other economy cars, it can be justified by its solid build, functionally designed and comfortable interior and impressive handling. The only changes for the 2008 model year are the addition of front seat side and full length side curtain airbags to the standard equipment list of the 's' trim models.

The compact Mazda3 sedan is available in the i Sport, i Touring, s Sport, s Touring and s Grand Touring trims. All models are front wheel drive and models with the 'i' prefix come standard with a 148 horsepower 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine, while those with the 's' prefix are equipped with a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine that delivers 153 horsepower. Both engines come standard with 5 speed manual transmission., but a 4 speed automatic with manual override is optional for 'i' models, while the 's' models can be equipped with an upgraded a 5-speed automatic with manual override. Gas mileage is admirable, with EPA estimates of 23 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway for the 2.0 liter engine with 4 speed automatic transmission. The 2.3 liter mated to the 5 speed automatic is rated almost as well at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

All Mazda3 'i' sedans come standard with a convenient 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest and an AM/FM/CD stereo system with an auxiliary audio jack. The i Touring has 16 inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, an upgraded audio system, keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver seat and power windows, door locks and mirrors. Mazda3 's' models come with all of the features found in the 'i' Touring and adds distinctive interior and exterior styling cues including fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with built in audio system controls. The s Touring upgrades the wheels to 17 inch alloys and adds sporty side molding, while s Grand Touring adds heated leather seats, automatic climate control, xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a trip computer. Additional options include satellite radio, a moon roof, a navigation system and an in-dash CD changer.

Refined yet exceptionally entertaining, the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has a chic interior a sharp exterior style that definitely deserves favorable mention. For a small, affordably priced economy car with plenty of acceleration and luxury features, the Mazda3 Sedan is simply hard to beat

2008 Mazda Mazda5 - Review

When Mazda introduced the Mazda5 in 2006, it was introduced as a 'multi-activity' vehicle. Appearing to be a micro version of the traditional 7 passenger minivan, this vehicle's combination of minivan versatility, sport style, sedan ride, and affordable price have resulted in a sensibly sized, fuel efficient vehicle that offers plenty of room for 4 adults, 2 small children and an ample amount of their stuff. The 2008 Mazda Mazda5 lineup receives its first refresh with new front and rear fascias and an improved center control panel with a more user friendly design. In addition, replacing last years 4 speed automatic transmission is a 5 speed automatic that is now part of the standard equipment for both the Touring and Grand Touring trims.

The Mazda 5 is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The Sport comes standard with 17 inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rear-seat air-conditioning vents and controls, full power accessories, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, fold-flat second- and third-row seats, a trip computer, electroluminescent gauges and a six-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Mazda5 Touring adds fog lights, a rear spoiler, a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an in-dash CD changer. The upscale Grand Touring builds upon this impressive foundation and also includes automatic xenon headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated leather seats, and Bluetooth. All versions are prepared to accept satellite radio and both the Touring and Grand Touring can be equipped with a navigation system.

All Mazda5's receive power to the front wheels via its 153 horsepower, 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine. The Sport comes with a 5 speed manual transmission, while its optional 5 speed automatic comes standard on the Touring and Grand Touring trims. Although its power to weight ratio is less than favorable, fuel economy is impressive with EPA ratings of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for Mazda5's equipped with the manual gearbox and achieving 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission.

The European admiration for vehicles with both sporty handling and compact dimensions is apparent in the Mazda5, which suits the needs of most families very well without compromising fuel efficiency while offering a thoroughly enjoyable drive. Although the 3rd row seats are designed for small children only, both the 2nd and 3rd row seats conveniently fold flat, opening up 44 cubic feet of cargo space. It's dual sliding rear doors effortlessly open wide and the 2nd row seats slide forward and aft for easier entry and exit. The 2008 Mazda Mazda5 is an excellent choice for those who need the versatility of a traditional mini van in a compact, easy to maneuver size that boasts just enough 'zoom-zoom'.