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'.

2008 Mazda MAZDA6 - Review

The midsize sedan marketplace is for the most part full of rather lackluster and ambiguously designed vehicles. Fortunately, the 5 passenger 2008 Mazda MAZDA6 still provides more driving excitement and a sporty style than many others in this segment lack. Both the sedan and versatile hatchback body styles satisfy the driving enthusiasts need for an interactive driving experience, highlighted by optimized handling and performance and complimented by a comfortable ride and a highly functional design. Changes for the 2008 model year include a few feature upgrades and the discontinuation of the Sport Wagon trim. The Touring and Grand Touring models are now equipped with a smooth shifting 6 speed automatic as the sole distributor of power to the front wheels-a manual transmission is only offered on the Sport Value Edition.

The MAZDA6 sedan and hatchback are available in the Sport Value Edition, Touring and Grand Touring trims, as well as a Sport trim that is reserved for the sedan body style only. These model designations are further distinguished with 4 cylinder versions being identified with the letter 'i' preceding the model name, while 6 cylinder models are introduced with the letter 's'. The Sport sedan comes standard with 17 inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows, door locks and mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a 6 speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. The Sport Value Edition adds an in dash CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 8 way power adjustable driver seat. The Touring strives to improve passenger comfort and convenience during longer trips and adds heated leather seats and heated outside mirrors and also upgrades the stereo to a 7 speaker premium Bose audio system. The upscale Grand Touring adds a sunroof, xenon headlights, fog lights, a luminescent instrument panel, automatic climate control and an auto dimming rearview mirror. The few factory options that are available for the MAZDA6 include a navigation system and satellite radio. All models have a roomy and well built cabin and a nicely trimmed cargo area that increases in size when the rear seat is folded down and additional storage can be conveniently found under floor in the back.

All versions of the 2008 MAZDA6 are front wheel drive. The 'i' models are equipped with a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine that produces 156 horsepower and get about 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. The's' models have a more potent, 212 horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine with EPA ratings of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The Sport Value Edition offers a choice of 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic transmission, while the Touring and Grand Touring powertrains feature a 6 speed automatic. Both engines provide sufficient power and acceleration and can sprint from 0 to 60 in about 8 seconds.

Although several competing manufacturers have increased their sport appeal, fuel efficiency and passenger space, most are just catching up with the appeal of the MAZDA6, while others offer similar utility and features but include a higher price tag. Clearly the sports car of its class, the economical price, racy good looks and satisfying performance of the MAZDA6 Hatchback is worthy of serious consideration for those in the market for an exciting yet practical mid size car.

The 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3

The 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 is a limited edition, high performance version of the Mazda 3 in its hatchback form. Differentiating the version from the rest of the lineup is its higher and wider domed hood, which accommodates the MAZDASPEED3's turbocharged engine. The sharp looking, impressive handling and affordably priced MAZDASPEED3 was introduced for the 2007 model year and has received no significant changes for 2008.

The front wheel drive MAZDASPEED3 is equipped with a 263 horsepower, turbocharged 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine. Its sole transmission is a 6 speed manual and a limited slip differential and electronic torque limiter help to improve traction and provide smooth gear changes. Exhilaration thrives as the MAZDASPEED3 sprints from 0 to 60 in only 5.9 seconds, but all that power will only take you 18 miles per gallon of gas in the city and 26 mpg on the highway at best.

This sporty economy car is available in Sport and Grand Touring trim levels. The Sport comes well equipped to take you on an entertaining journey with 18 inch alloy wheels, high performance Bridgestone tires, a roof spoiler, a limited-slip differential, sport bolstered seats, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, automatic climate control, and an AM/FM/CD stereo with audio jack. In addition to all the features of the Sport, the MAZDASPEED3 Grand Touring adds rain-sensing wipers, an anti theft system, xenon HID headlights, LED taillights, leather upholstery, a trip computer and an upgraded Bose audio system with in-dash CD changer. Of the few options available, the most sought after include a navigation system and satellite radio.

For a base price of under $25,000, the MAZDASPEED3 combines serious speed and impressive reflexes with the practicality of a hatchback. The sport chic cabin features a high quality fit and finish that offers all occupants plenty of head and leg room and also offers 31 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded down and 17 cubic feet with the seat in the upright position. For driving enthusiasts on a budget, the MAZDASPEED3 should be on the top of the test drive list.