25 abril 2007

2007 Honda Accord


Our top-rated family sedan has a roomy cabin, agile handling, and a steady, compliant ride. Controls are logically arranged, and a telescoping steering column helps drivers find an ideal position. The automatic shifts very smoothly and responsively. The four-cylinder engine is smoother than many V6 engines. The V6 model is very quick and relatively fuel efficient. Like the V6 model, the hybrid delivers quick acceleration, but it gets only 25 mpg overall, just one mpg better than the four-cylinder, which may not justify its $30,000 price tag. Road noise is noticeable. V6 models have standard stability control. Crash-test results are impressive. Expect a 20
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $16,238 - $28,80308 redesign.

2007 GMC Yukon XL



Consumer Reports Overview
This redesigned SUV is a twin of the Chevrolet Suburban. The similar Tahoe had agile handling in our testing and better steering and brakes than its predecessor. The ride is supple and controlled. Interior quality and seat comfort are much improved. The Yukon XL can seat up to nine with cargo space left over, tow a heavy trailer, and swallow more cargo than most minivans, but the third row is too low and doesn't store within the vehicle. The standard 5.3-liter V8 is powerful, but our tested Tahoe delivered only 14 mpg overall. 4WD models have a selectable full-time system that can remain engaged at all times without worry. ESC is standard.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $33,458 - $37,656

2007 GMC Yukon


The redesigned Yukon is improved but doesn't break new ground. Handling is more agile, and the steering and brakes feel better. The ride is supple and controlled. Interior quality and the seats are much improved. It retains impressive trailer-towing capability. The 5.3-liter engine is powerful, but the similar Tahoe we tested delivered only 14 mpg overall. The Yukon typically seats seven or eight but offers little cargo space behind its cramped third-row seat. 4WD models have a selectable full-time system that can remain engaged at all times without worry. ESC is stand
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $30,688 - $34,745ard. A rear-view camera is available with the optional navigation system.

2007 GMC Sierra Classic 3500



Consumer Reports Overview
These trucks are much stiffer and ride less comfortably than the standard 1500 (1/2 ton). They are designed for hard work and a 1-ton capacity. The ride is bouncy but the available engines include a relatively refined, Isuzu-developed 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 and a huge 8.1-liter, 330-hp V8.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $20,360 - $34,625

2007 GMC Sierra Classic 2500HD



Consumer Reports Overview
These trucks are much stiffer and ride less comfortably than the standard Sierra 1500 (1/2 ton). They are designed for hard work with a 3/4 ton load capacity. The ride is bouncy but the available engines include a relatively refined, Isuzu-developed 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 mated to a smooth six-speed automatic. A huge 8.1-liter V8 is also available. These trucks are intended for commercial use or heavy-duty towing.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $19,669 - $33,709

2007 GMC Sierra Classic 1500


The GMC Sierra (and its Chevrolet Silverado twin) will be replaced later this year by a truck based on the new Chevrolet Tahoe. The 2004 Z71 Silverado that we tested had a stiff, choppy ride. Other trim lines ride slightly better. Braking is adequate, and fit and finish is unimpressive. The powertrain isn't as smooth as competing models from Toyota or Nissan. The Sierra's assets are a selectable, full-time, four-wheel-drive system and a generous load capacity. The Denali is an expensive AWD model with a 6.0-liter V8. The extended-cab hybrid version has a claimed 12 percent boost to fuel economy. Reliability of the 4WD model has dropped to below average; the 2WD mode
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $14,494 - $31,435l is average.

2007 GMC Sierra 3500HD



Consumer Reports Overview
Like the regular-duty version of the Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, the heavy-duty version has been redesigned. The 2500 and 3500 HD models are offered in two- and four-wheel drive as well as the "dually" dual rear-wheel setup. Three bed configurations are available: a six-foot, six-inch standard, eight-foot long, and the Dually long. The standard engine is a 353-hp, 6.0-liter V8. A 365-hp, 6.6-liter diesel is available, which produces 660 foot-pounds of torque. Both motors are mated to a standard six-speed transmission. A work-oriented interior is offered in addition to more luxurious one that is similar to the one in the GM full-size SUVs.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $21,147 - $35,294

2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD



Consumer Reports Overview
Like the regular-duty version of the Sierra Chevrolet Silverado, the heavy-duty version has been redesigned. The 2500 and 3500 HD models are offered in two- and four-wheel drive as well as the "dually" dual rear-wheel setup. Three bed configurations are available: a six-foot, six-inch standard, eight-foot long, and the Dually long. The standard engine is a 353-hp, 6.0-liter V8. A 365-hp, 6.6-liter diesel is available, which produces 660 foot-pounds of torque. Both motors are mated to a standard six-speed transmission. A work-oriented interior is offered in addition to more luxurious one that is similar to the one in the GM full-size SUVs.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $20,953 - $35,090

2007 GMC Sierra 1500



Consumer Reports Overview
This full-sized pickup truck, and its Chevrolet Silverado twin, has been redesigned for 2007. It shares a platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The new Sierra retains the previous model's selectable, full-time, four-wheel-drive system and a generous load capacity. Electronic stability control is standard in the crew-cab model, but optional in the extended cab. The new truck has more responsive handling and a steadier ride. The interior has been significantly improved, with better fit and finish.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $16,342 - $33,400

24 abril 2007

2007 GMC Savana



Consumer Reports Overview
Consumer Reports does not regularly test vehicles that are designed primarily for commercial purposes. Traditionally the big three have always offered full-size vans. Out of those, the Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana are the most recent redesigns --dating back to 1997. They offer a tall cargo bay with rear hinged doors that can be opened 180 degrees, allowing the van to more closely back up to a loading dock. Eight to twelve passenger capacity versions are also available. Stability control is optional.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $22,864 - $27,170

2007 GMC Envoy


The Envoy has an absorbent low-speed ride, but it trails its competitors because of sloppy handling, ill-fitting trim, and too much wind noise. The six-cylinder engine needs to be revved to supply thrust. In our testing, the engine sounded strained and returned only 15 mpg. Off-roading is not a strength. The uncomfortable seat-mounted front safety belts are hard to reach. NHTSA frontal crash-test results are unimpressive. Stability control is standard, making emergency handling secure. The seven-passenger XL was discontinued. Reliability has improved t
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $24,218 - $33,657o average, but the Envoy scores too low in testing to be recommended.

2007 GMC Canyon


Since the Canyon and its twin, the Chevrolet Colorado, debuted, competitors have come on the scene that surpass them in just about all categories. The unrefined five-cylinder engine lacks punch and doesn't offer a fuel-economy advantage over competing V6s. The 3.5-liter grows to 3.7 liters for 2007. It had to work hard to power our tested crew cab. Handling is sound but unexceptional. The ride is unsettled and the body constantly quivers. The huge 48-foot turning circle makes parking a chore. Reliability of the 2WD model has improved to average, but the 4
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $13,253 - $21,666WD model is below average.

2007 GMC Acadia



Consumer Reports Overview
The Acadia is one of three new large, car-based SUVs from General Motors that have three rows of seats. It uses a 3.6-liter, V6 engine that produces 275 hp. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, they combine to make a smooth and refined powertrain. It will be available with front- or all-wheel drive. The Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook share the same platform as the Acadia. Based on initial impressions of the Outlook, the ride is comfortable and the interior is quiet. The third-row seats are roomy enough to accommodate two adults when the second row is moved forward.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $26,475 - $33,820

23 abril 2007

2007 Ford Crown Victoria


The Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis twins are both dated, with stiff rides and noisy engines. Handling is safe enough, but feels ungainly. The optional traction control helps in slippery conditions. The soft front bench seat lacks support, and the rear seat isn't as roomy as you'd expect, though the trunk is suitably cavernous. Because there are better choices among large sedans, including the roomier Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, we no longer recommend the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis. IIHS side-crash tests were poor without the optional si
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $22,492 - $25,157de air bags, and marginal with them.

2007 Ford Edge



Consumer Reports Overview
The Edge is a car-based SUV that uses the Mazda6 platform as its base. The front end features Ford's new corporate styling, and it shares components with the Lincoln MKX, a luxury version of the Edge. The powertrain is a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available. The Edge doesn't offer a third-row seat like the family oriented Ford Freestyle. Instead, it is intended to be a stylish competitor to the Nissan Murano. Early impressions indicate that the ride is good, the powertrain is quite strong, and the interior is quiet. IIHS crash-test results are impressive.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $23,160 - $27,966

2008 Ford Escape



Consumer Reports Overview
A freshened 2008 Escape goes on sale this spring with curtain air bags and standard stability control, except on the hybrid. The older Escape has a roomy interior with a spacious rear bench seat. The 3.0-liter V6 provides adequate acceleration, but fuel economy is disappointing. Noise and ride comfort have improved, and handling is agile. Interior quality still isn't impressive. The hybrid model is noisy on the highway but quiet when running on electric power at low speeds. We got 26 mpg overall, compared with 18 mpg for the V6. We did not recommend the previous Escape because of a tip-up in the government rollover test.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $17,031 - $23,039

2007 Ford E-Series Wagon



Consumer Reports Overview
Consumer Reports does not regularly test vehicles that are primarily intended for commercial use. The Econoline is Ford's perennial entry among domestic-built full-size vans. It is an older design than the Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana. Its cargo bay is lower than that of the GM twins or the Dodge Sprinter's. Unlike the GM twins, the rear doors open only 90 degrees. Multiple-passenger seating arrangements are also available. A tip-up in government rollover test is cause for concern.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $22,053 - $27,253

2007 Ford Expedition



Ford freshened the Expedition for 2007, updating the interior and revising the independent suspension. The extended-length EL replaces the Excursion and adds 15 inches in length to the standard Expedition, riding on a wheelbase that is 12 inches longer. It has more cargo space behind the third row and seating for nine, with a third-row seat that folds flat into the floor. ESC, a roll-stability system, and three-row curtain air bags are standard. The V8 produces 300 hp and is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity increases to 9,000 pounds. Reliability has been below average in recent years.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.

2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac


Based on the Explorer, the redesigned Sport Trac uses that SUV's engines, a coarse V6 that delivers adequate acceleration and a more powerful V8. Our tested V6 returned just 14 mpg, on par with full-sized pickups. Despite the move to an independent rear suspension, ride and handling have improved only slightly. Full-time four-wheel drive is a plus. There is a useful storage bin beneath the rustproof composite bed, but it is hard to get to. Well-calibrated stability control and a rollover mitigation system are standard, adding security. Fit and finish is acceptable,
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $22,248 - $27,209and the awkward interior door-handle design is annoying.

2007 Ford F-150


This full-sized F-150 pickup has fairly responsive handling and a sound ride. The cab is roomy, with neat features such as movable overhead storage bins, a spring-assisted tailgate, and a power-opening center rear-window panel. The four-wheel-drive system is part-time only. The powertrain is not as smooth as that in the Nissan Titan, but it delivered reasonable acceleration and fuel economy. Braking performance was just adequate, with long stops in our tests. Reliability has been below average for the 4WD models, but average for 2WD models. A new heavy-duty diesel model has just been introduced.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $16,651 - $34,248

2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty



Consumer Reports Overview
The F-250 is a heavy-duty truck with a 3/4 ton capacity as opposed to the 1/2 ton of the F-150. The Super Duty line was freshened for 2005 with new exterior and revised engines. The ride is stiff and bouncy, especially compared to the F-150. Ford's 6.0-liter turbodiesel packs some real punch and is fairly quiet and free of vibration. Stepping into the cabin is more difficult because of the high floor. A redesign, with a new diesel, debuts for 2007.

Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $20,331 - $33,485

2007 Ford Five Hundred

Consumer Reports Overview
Highs:
Interior room, trunk, access, visibility, rear-seat comfort.
Lows:
Engine noise, braking.
The Five Hundred, like its Mercury Montego twin, is a roomy sedan that emphasizes comfort and good ergonomics over performance and style. It features an elevated seating position for good outward vision and cabin access. The rear seat is immense. The engine is an underpowered and unpolished 3.0-liter V6. Front-wheel-drive models use a six-speed automatic; all-wheel drive models, a continuously variable transmission. The AWD model was somewhat sluggish at launch. The Five Hundred has a comfortable ride and handles with commendable agility for its size. Crash-test results are good; side- and curtain air bags are standard for 2007. Reliability has been average.

The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $20,590 - $25,310

2007 Ford Focus


The Focus is agile and fun to drive, and it handles like a sports car. The seating position is high and commanding, controls are clear and logically placed, and cabin access is easy. The ride is firm, yet supple. Two more-refined engines, a 2.0-liter and a 2.3-liter from Mazda, improve acceleration, but fuel economy is not impressive. Interior quality is lackluster. The hatchback and a roomy wagon are practical choices. Reliability has remained average. Overall crash protection is good. But the Focus received a poor in the IIHS side-crash test without its optional side air ba
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $12,406 - $15,452gs. A freshened Focus with new sheetmetal goes on sale this summer.

2007 Ford Freestar


The Freestar lags behind the minivan competition and lacks any price advantage before incentives are figured in. It features a third-row seat that folds flat into the floor when not in use. The second-row seats are too low. Stability control is available. The engines are rough and noisy. Handling is secure but the ride is unsettled. Fit and finish trails the class leaders. Reliability has dropped to below average. The Freestar earned a poor score in the IIHS side-crash test withou
Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $17,709 - $26,275t its optional side and curtain air bags, but scored acceptable with them.

2007 Ford Freestyle


Ford combined the traits of a wagon, minivan, and SUV when building the Freestyle. Interior packaging is impressive and the third-row seat even has room for adults. Cabin access and visibility are commendable. The ride is firm but comfortable. Handling is fairly agile, but the Freestyle's tail slid easily in our avoidance maneuver. Stability control will not be available until the 2008 model. The V6 provides adequate performance and returns 18 mpg overall. Side and curtain air bags, and a more powerful engine, will become standard later, when the Freestyle is renamed the Taurus X. Reliability has improved to average.


Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price is the dealer invoice minus any holdbacks, national dealer incentives, and customer rebates.
Bottom Line Price Range: $23,170 - $27,638