2012 Kia Forte Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The Kia Forte is a new entry into the compact car field with contenders like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus, and Chevrolet Cobalt. By comparison, including exterior, interior, performance, and price, the Forte looks awfully good.

The Forte boasts class-leading interior space, and, in our opinion, class-leading looks. The interior is classy and intelligently designed, which is to say everything is there where you need it. The seats are comfortable and supportive.

The Forte uses modern four-cylinder engines, notably a 2.4-liter in the upscale SX, which also has an available five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic manual shifting.

The 2012 Kia Forte and its 5-door hatchback sibling remain relatively unchanged from the 2011 model year. Fuel economy for the Forte and Forte 5-door improves for 2012 to 26 mpg city/36 mpg highway, a 1 mpg city and 2 mpg highway improvement over previous years.

Lineup

The 2012 Kia Forte is available as the bare-bones LX, the well-equipped EX, and the fully equipped SX.

Forte LX ($13,695) uses Kia\’s trusty 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with double overhead cams, and a 5-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed automatic optional ($1000). Upholstery is cloth. Air conditioning and a 60/40 split rear seat are optional ($1500), while power windows, door locks and cruise control are not available. Standard equipment includes a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 satellite sound system with USB and aux input jacks, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Forte EX ($15,795) comes with air conditioning, a six-speaker sound system, power windows, power doors, power mirrors, keyless entry, 60/40 split rear seat. The manual transmission comes standard, but there are two optional automatic transmissions, a four-speed and a five-speed. Wheels are the same 15-inch steel, but five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels are optional. Options include leather upholstery with heated front seats and a power moonroof.

Forte SX ($17,195) uses a 2.4-liter engine with a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic ($1000). A sport-tuned suspension is standard, along with larger front brake rotors, and 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. The upholstery is a sporty cloth, with metal-finish interior trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Full leather is optional. Fog lamps are standard.

Safety features that come standard on all Kia Forte models include frontal and front side airbags, airbag curtains, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, and a tire pressure monitor.

Walkaround

The new Kia Forte is a looker. It\’s an excellent example of clean styling, nothing really fancy but with all the right lines. It\’s not a big car, and it doesn\’t look big.

It\’s shaped like a wedge, or appears to be, from the swept-back grille and headlamps carrying through climbing shoulders on the sides of the car, back to the short rear deck. From some angles it looks aggressive, from others subtle. Even the rear door seams carry this wedge line. The Coefficient of Drag is a low 0.29, reflecting the clean wind-cutting shape.

Refreshingly, there are no squared flares over the rear wheelwells. The large taillights have nice angles, and wrap horizontally around the corners of the car and into the trunk lid. The roofline is coupe-like. The 10-spoke alloy wheels on our SX were especially terrific looking. Body-colored mirrors and door handles, hooray.

The front fenders are subtly boxed, but there are no trendy flares there, either. The front valance between the grille and low air intakes is not bulky, as with too many cars, and the three black screened intakes that run the full width of the chin are tidy and businesslike.

The hood, too, is short, accenting the wedge. The short hood and deck mean efficient construction with no excess in overhangs, because the overall length is correct for the compact sedan class. It\’s got a long wheelbase and wide track for its size, which is the key to all the good proportioning.

Interior

The short hood and rear deck pay off in interior space. The Kia Forte has one of the roomiest interiors in the compact sedan class, with a total of 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. That\’s 3.3 cubic feet more than the 2009 Subaru Legacy. And the Forte\’s trunk space of 14.7 cubic feet is best in class, matching the redesigned and enlarged midsize 2010 Legacy.

Headroom is good front and rear, while front legroom is ample and rear legroom is 35.0 inches, good for a compact sedan.

The front bucket seats are excellent, in classy leather out of its league for a compact sedan. Great firm but not tight bolstering. Nice 60/40 split rear seat with fold-down armrest with two cupholders.

Driving Impression

The Forte EX gets an EPA-estimated 25/34 mpg City/Highway with either the manual transmission or four-speed automatic, compared to the 23/31 mpg of the 2.4-liter Forte SX with the five-speed automatic. Given the performance difference, fuel mileage and lower base price by $1400 would be the only reason to choose the EX. And, considering there are many other worthwhile SX features, the loss of meat is not worth the savings. In other words, we\’d spring for the SX.

However there might be an exception. There is a Fuel Economy Package with the EX, including five-speed automatic, electric power steering, a smart alternator, silica tires for low rolling resistance, and an aerodynamic kit that costs $1600, making an Eco EX about the same price as a sporty SX, but it raises the fuel mileage to 27/36 mpg. So if fuel economy is your priority, this is the best choice.

Kia\’s 2.4-liter engine can\’t match the reputation of the Mitsubishi 2.4-liter that powers not only the Lancer, but also many Chrysler products, from Jeep Patriot to PT Cruiser. The SX makes a fine 173 horsepower, and its 168 pound-feet peaks at 4000 rpm. It\’s fun to work the transmission to use the power; the Sportmatic manual mode in the five-speed automatic makes shifting easy.

Forte is a brand-new car and it uses a new ground-up chassis, caging 63 percent of the cabin with high-strength steel, plus ultra high-strength steel in the side sills. This increases rigidity and improves handling. The Forte replaces the Kia Spectra and there\’s like no comparison in the chassis feel, if not overall quality.

Front suspension is your basic MacPherson strut with coil springs, while in the rear there\’s nothing fancy, a torsion beam axle again with coil springs. The SX front brakes use 11.8-inch vented discs, and the rears 10.3-inch solid discs, employing an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Plenty big and responsive for a car of this weight, we can say after using them hard through a twisty section. EX brakes are the same, but with 11.0-inch front discs.

2012 Kia Forte Price :

MSRP range: $15,200 – $19,600
Invoice price range: $14,900 – $18,670

2012 Kia Forte specs :

Drivetrain : Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 2729
City (MPG) : 25
Hwy (MPG) : 34
Horsepower : 156@6200
Torque (lb-ft) : 144@4300
Wheelbase : 104.3
Length (in.) : 178.3
Width (in.) : 69.9
Height (in.) : 57.5

2012 Volvo XC90 Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The XC90 is Volvo’s premium midsize SUV that debuted at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show and went on sale in the fall of 2002. The XC90 V8 was added during the middle of the 2005 model year, the most powerful Volvo ever, powered by a 311-horsepower 4.4-liter Yamaha-built V8 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction. For 2007 the XC90 gets new exterior styling featuring a new grille, bumpers and taillights, the 3.2 also adds color-coordinated wheel arch moldings. The 3.2 is now powered by a new 24-valve inline 6-cylinder normally aspirated engine with 235 horsepower and mated to a new standard 6-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic.

The Volvo XC90 offers classic Volvo attributes in a midsize SUV. An IIHS Top Safety Pick several years running it\’s safe, comfortable, and practical. For 2012, Volvo has moved to a trim lineup which includes Premier, Premier Plus, and Platinum trims. The V8 engine is no longer available.

The XC90 seats up to seven people. Rear and front passenger seats fold down to provide more cargo room. A second-row child booster seat is standard equipment. The 240-hp 3.2-liter inline-six is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, matched with a Geartronic six-speed automatic transmission, allowing driver selectable shifting. When equipped for towing it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth are standard features. Safety features include electronic stability control, side-impact and side curtain airbags, Roll Stability Control, Blind Spot Information System, and all-disc anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

EXTERIOR

Slim, exclusive lines

The Volvo XC90 boasts a modern and elegant appearance. It is a spacious and flexible crossover model that combines the passenger car\’s handling and comfort with excellent get-you-there ability and flexibility. The XC90 is designed to give an elegant, muscular and robust impression.

Exclusive Executive and bold R-Design

The XC90 is also available in an even more exclusive Executive version with a number of features that further elevate its level of cosseting luxury. The R-Design version boosts the XC90\’s sporty aura and gives the car a more driver-focused character.

INTERIOR

Seven seats

The passenger compartment is very spacious and features a modern uncluttered design. Seven seats are standard on most markets. On some there is also a five seats alternative.

The seating position gives the driver a commanding view over the traffic and the passengers a comfortable seating position. All the passenger seats can be folded to create a fully flat loading floor.

The tailgate is divided into an upper and a lower section. This makes the Volvo XC90 a very flexible and versatile car in every day usage.

CHASSIS

Passenger car drive

The XC90 is built as a passenger car, with a unitary body and the same type of chassis as that found in Volvo\’s sedan models. The chassis, with spring struts at the front and Multilink axle at the rear, are tuned for a stable, controlled drive and alert steering response.

The Multilink rear axle is an independent rear suspension system featuring a number of links and it is designed to offer a good combination of controlled wheel movements and high ride comfort. A long wheelbase and wide track, together with a very torsionally rigid body, contribute to the predictable, controlled driving manners.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced stability

All-Wheel Drive is an electronically controlled system that distributes engine power between the front and rear wheels quickly and automatically, depending on which wheel pair (front or rear wheels) has the best grip at the moment. The system helps enhance stability and reduces understeer and oversteer, contributing to increased driver control and a comfortable ride.

The system is equipped with PreTension® which improves take-off speed and delivers higher traction on slippery surfaces.

Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC)

Volvo\’s Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system continuously registers the car\’s roll rate, making it possible to detect slowly building skids at an early stage. Generally, the system helps stabilise the car in evasive manoeuvres, particularly when the car is exposed to high lateral forces.

DRIVELINE AND ENGINES

3.2 AWD naturally aspirated petrol engine

The in-line six-cylinder 3.2-litre naturally aspirated engine has been upgraded and features an improved crankshaft and less internal friction. It now offers 243 hp and maximum torque is 320 Nm. 
It meets the Euro 5 legislation.

D5 and D3

The Volvo XC90 can be specified with the high-performance D5 engine that produces 200 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. There is also a front-wheel drive (FWD) 2.4 five-cylinder D3 turbodiesel with 163 hp available. Both engines the Euro 5 legislation.

2012 Volvo XC90 Price :

MSRP range: $38,400 – $44,300
Invoice price range: $36,096 – $41,642

2012 Volvo XC90 Specs :

Engine Gas : I6, 3.2L
EPA Class 4WD : Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name : AWD 4dr
Drivetrain : All Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity : 7
Passenger Doors : 4
Body Style : Sport Utility
Transmission : 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission w/OD, winter mode

Changing Your Car Engine Oil, what car reviews, The heart of your car is its engine. When this part has problems, you want to pay attention and get them resolved before any major damage occurs. Knowing when you need to call a mechanic who can do some engine troubleshooting and what the engine light means on your instrument panel can provide peace of mind when things go wrong.

From adding power steering fluid to checking and adding antifreeze, there are a few things you can do yourself to maintain the life of your engine.

Changing your engine oil is an absolute necessity. Regular oil changes can prevent serious engine damage to your car or truck. You should change your engine oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. You could pay someone to do this job for you, or you can do it yourself.

Materials:

* 5 quarts engine oil
* Oil filter
* Jack
* Jack stands
* Funnel
* Sealable oil pan
* Rags
* Mechanic\’s dolly
* Kitty litter
* Oil filter wrench
* Complete socket set

Steps:

1. Preparation. Allow your car to run for 10 to 15 minutes so the oil can warm up. You don\’t have to do this, but it makes draining your oil much easier. Make sure that you have your car on a level surface, as this is also going to allow your oil to drain easier. Jack up the front tires of your car just like you would if you were changing the brakes or tires. You might want to place the new oil on the hood so you don\’t forget to refill the oil when you are all done.

2. Drain. Crawl under or use a mechanics dolly to slide under the car. Locate the engine oil drain plug, which is typically located near front of the car, toward the center. If you can\’t find it, then check either the appropriate repair manual, or your owner\’s manual. Place the sealable oil pan (opened) under the drain. Use a socket wrench to loosen the drain plug and finish removing it by hand using a rag or cloth. The oil is going to be somewhere between warm and hot and the rag will help protect your hand from the heat and absorb some of the oil. Allow the oil to drain, repositioning the pan as necessary. Wipe off the drain plug and the drain and then reinsert the drain plug. Tighten first by hand then with the socket wrench. Do not over tighten.

3. Filter. Reposition the oil pan so that it is underneath the oil filter. This is usually located to one side of the engine. Remove the old oil filter with the oil filter wrench, allowing any oil that comes out to drip into the oil pan. Once the oil has finished dripping, take a rag and wipe the area where the filter was mounted and make sure that the old rubber seal is not stuck on the engine.

4. Replace. Lightly coat the rubber seal of your new filter with some of the new oil that you are going to put into the car. Attach the new filter by hand, using the oil filter wrench if you need to, but hand tight is good enough. Locate the oil filler cap near the top of your engine and remove it. Using a funnel, pour new oil into the engine. The average vehicle takes about 4 or 5 quarts of oil, but I would start checking after the third quart, just to make sure you don\’t overfill.

5. Clean. Replace the oil filler cap and if you have any spills, use kitty litter to help clean up the spilled oil. Take your old oil to any auto parts store and they can dispose of it there for you properly.

Safely Using a Cell Phone while Driving, what car reviews, Just about everyone seems to have a cell phone in today\’s society. In fact, according to some recent data, roughly 89% of adults in the United States have a cell phone and use it regularly. A rash of new laws across America reflects this, since more and more states are passing laws that designate cell phone usage while driving as a form of distracted or impaired driving.

States such as California, Connecticut and New Jersey all have bans that prohibit the use of all cell phones while driving unless in the case of some emergency. As many as seventeen states have passed laws that prohibit the use of cell phones by novice drivers and a similar number of states also prohibit the use of cell phones by school bus drivers. With such laws being passed, the safest thing to do when it comes to using a cell phone while driving is simple—don\’t do it. However, if you find yourself either unwilling or incapable of putting down that phone, then there are a few things that you can do to be a little more careful and safe when driving and talking.

* Hands-free. Many cell phones either come with, or have available, hands-free headsets that you can use when talking. These units are basically a simple little earphone and microphone set up that you can talk into, instead of having to pick up the phone itself. Often these units have a little button that you can push, on the microphone, that is going to allow you to answer the phone. Such units are the best things to use if you have to talk while driving. It allows you to focus more of your attention towards where it should be.

* Bluetooth/OnStar/Synch. These are an upgrade of the hands-free technology just mentioned. Essentially these are the same thing, but with a few differences. These systems allow you to hook your cell phone up to the car itself, allowing you to hear through the radio, or a completely wireless headset, your conversation. Most, if not all, of these systems are truly hands-free and rely on voice recognition software. While these are more expensive, they are orders of magnitude more safe than normal hands-free or normal cell phone usage.

* Texting. While you are driving do not text at all! In some states, it is even illegal. Most people while they are texting have to look at the cell phone, and if you do then you are removing your eyes from the road and cannot see if anything bad is going to happen.

* Use the Off button. The safest option of all is to just turn the phone off while driving.

2012 Nissan LEAF Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The LEAF is Nissan’s all-new electric hatchback that seats five adults and offers a driving range of more than 100 miles. Nissan describes the LEAF as the first medium-size practical electric vehicle that is affordable and motorists will want to use every day. The distinctive front-end styling of the LEAF features a sharp upright V-shaped design with long LED headlights that reflect blue and consume less energy than conventional headlights.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Nissan Leaf is an all-electric four-door hatchback available in SV and SL trim levels.

Standard equipment on the SV includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, heated exterior mirrors, a battery heater, keyless ignition/entry, full power accessories, cruise control, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a heated tilt-only steering wheel, heated front and rear seats and 60/40-split-folding rear seats. Also included are cloth upholstery made from recycled materials, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, an advanced trip computer, a navigation system and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The Leaf SL adds a spoiler-mounted solar panel, automatic headlamps, foglamps, a rearview camera and a cargo cover, along with a quick-charge port that facilitates charging to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes at high-voltage public charging stations.

Every Leaf comes standard with Nissan Connection, a remote vehicle access system that reports battery recharging data and can activate the climate control via a cell phone. A home-charging station is optional.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Nissan Leaf is powered by an 80-kilowatt electric motor (107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque) fed by a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The EPA estimates a driving range of 73 miles, but real-world range may vary and depends on driving style, traffic conditions, cruising speed and battery age. In fact, even ambient temperature plays a role in determining cruising range, because extreme temperatures are detrimental for battery performance. The EPA has given the Leaf an energy efficiency equivalent rating (MPGe) of 106 mpg city/92 mpg highway and 99 mpg combined.

Safety

The 2012 Nissan Leaf comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is optional on the SL. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Leaf its highest rating of \”Good\” in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Leaf\’s battery pack is located under the floor beneath the seats. This space-efficient placement is partially responsible for the car\’s roomy rear seats, which provide comfortable accommodation for adults. There\’s no shortage of headroom in the first row, though taller drivers may find their legs a little crunched. The cargo area is on the small side for a hatchback, however, and even when you fold the rear seats, the cargo floor is not flat.

A split-level instrument cluster dominates the cabin. The center control panel features a touchscreen, which controls the standard navigation system and shows special displays for things like cruising range and energy efficiency readouts. You can even program the start time for the recharging system to take advantage of lower electricity rates. Interior quality is about the same as that of other compact cars, but overall fit and finish is noticeably a cut above.

Driving Impressions

If you\’ve driven a hybrid, you know how silent they are in electric-only mode. The 2012 Nissan Leaf cruises with this kind of serenity at all times, with only a vague high-pitched whine detectable under heavy throttle. Even the high-pitched noise the Leaf generates to alert pedestrians at low speeds is largely undetectable in the cabin. The downside is that wind and road noise are more noticeable at highway speeds, but overall the Leaf is impressively quiet.

As an electric car, the Leaf offers abundant torque. Acceleration is brisk from the first tap of the throttle, and the car gets up to speed with little fuss — this Nissan certainly shines as an urban runabout. Press on the brake and the pedal is firm and sure, without the sort of strange, vague feel indicative of most regenerative braking systems.

With its battery pack mounted low in the body and a well-tuned electric power steering system, we\’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well the Leaf takes turns. Its responsiveness is typical of that seen in other well-engineered compact family cars, and in most ways the Leaf feels pretty normal to drive.

2012 Nissan LEAF Specs and Price :

4dr HB SV

Specs :
* Transmission: Automatic
* Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
* MPG: NA
* Engine: Electric
* Horsepower: 107 @ – TBD -
* Torque: 207 @ – TBD -

Price :
* MSRP: $35,200
* Invoice: $33,707
* Nat\’l Avg. Paid: $36,190

4dr HB SL

Specs :
* Transmission: Automatic
* Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
* MPG: NA
* Engine: Electric
* Horsepower: 107 @ – TBD -
* Torque: 207 @ – TBD -

Price :
* MSRP: $37,250
* Invoice: $35,668
* Nat\’l Avg. Paid: $38,245

2012 Acura ZDX Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The ZDX is Acura’s new 4-door luxury crossover which Acura refers to as a 4-door sports coupe. With a steeply sloped roofline and a rear hatch for access to the cargo area, the ZDX joins the growing segment of crossovers that are more carlike and focus on luxury, offering less utility than a traditional SUV design due to the dramatic roofline. Joining the Acura lineup between the MDX SUV and the RL sedan, the ZDX was designed and developed for the North American market where it is manufactured. The now-familiar Acura grille dominates the front fascia and styling cues tie the ZDX to other Acura models, particularly the TL sedan. Unique elements include the world\’s longest panoramic glass roof, concealed rear door handles, and hand-stitched leather covering for the dash, center console and door panels.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Acura ZDX is a midsize crossover SUV offered in a single trim level that seats five.

Standard features include 19-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, heated outside mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, ambient cabin lighting, a back-up camera with a rearview mirror display, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, power heated front seats (10-way-adjustable driver seat with memory, eight-way for the front passenger), leather upholstery and interior trim, a trip computer, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and a power liftgate. An eight-speaker stereo with an in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio and a USB/auxiliary audio jack is also standard.

There are two significant option packages for the ZDX. The Technology package adds keyless ignition/entry, perforated premium leather seats, a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather, a multi-view back-up camera, added Bluetooth phone functions with streaming audio and an upgraded 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with digital music storage. The Advance package includes these features plus electronically adjustable suspension dampers, a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, a collision warning and mitigation system, heated and ventilated front seats and a sport steering wheel.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 ZDX is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual shift control is the only available transmission. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg in combined driving. The ZDX\’s maximum towing capacity is an underwhelming 1,500 pounds.

The ZDX features the same Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system found in other Acuras, capable of transferring different levels of power to individual wheels to maximize traction and grip through turns and in inclement weather.

Safety

Standard safety equipment for the 2012 Acura ZDX includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The optional Advance package adds blind-spot monitoring and a collision mitigation braking system paired to the adaptive cruise control. This system detects the likelihood of a front-end collision and alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings. If the driver takes no action, the system engages the brakes and tightens the driver\’s seatbelt. If the system deems a collision inevitable, it increases braking force and tightens both front seatbelts.

In government crash tests, the Acura ZDX received a top overall score of five out of five stars, with four stars for overall front crash protection and five stars for overall side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the ZDX its highest score of \”Good\” in frontal-offset crash tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2012 Acura ZDX features an appealing cabin, notable for its intriguing design and liberal use of leather. Controls are arranged similarly to other Acuras, but a monolithic center stack that fades to black when the car is powered down is unique to the ZDX. There is an abundance of buttons within reach of the driver, but for the most part, operation is fairly simple. Adding in the Technology or Advanced packages tends to clutter the center stack\’s appearance, though. Hand-stitched leather graces the dash pad, center console and door panels for an upscale look and feel.

Front seat passengers are treated to comfortable and supportive seats, but those relegated to the rear will likely find accommodations less hospitable. The sloping roof line reduces headroom to the point that even average-sized adults will brush up against the headliner. Legroom is also notably lacking, exacerbated by seat cushions mounted uncomfortably close to the floor.

The ZDX also comes up short in terms of useful cargo space. Behind the rear seats, up to 26 cubic feet are available. With the seats folded flat, maximum cargo space is only increased to 56 cubes, well short of other midsize luxury SUVs.

Driving Impressions

Despite its sporty, rakish appearance, the 2012 Acura ZDX doesn\’t perform any better than the MDX crossover on which its based, although this conventional utility vehicle is admittedly one of the most athletic SUVs on the market. The SH-AWD system provides a surprising level of cornering grip by distributing torque to the wheels that need it most. Opting for the Advance package and its adjustable suspension is an intriguing performance upgrade, though the base suspension works just fine.

The 3.7-liter V6 provides an inspiring soundtrack, but the power it generates lacks low-end torque and falls just short of impressive. The six-speed automatic transmission executes upshifts quickly and smoothly.

2012 Acura ZDX Specs :

Drivetrain : All Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 4410
City (MPG) : 16
Hwy (MPG) : 23
Horsepower : 300@6300
Torque (lb-ft) : 270@4500
Wheelbase : 108.3
Length (in.) : 191.6
Width (in.) : 78.5
Height (in.) : 62.8

2012 Acura ZDX Price :

MSRP range: $46,020 – $56,570

2012 Lexus RX 450h Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The RX 450h is the luxury hybrid crossover SUV from Lexus, which is redesigned for 2010 and replaces the RX 400h, which has been the top trim level of the RX lineup since it debuted for the 2006 model year. The new RX 450h designation is indicative of the updated Lexus Hybrid Drive, which delivers 295 horsepower and improved fuel economy. The 3.5-liter V6 engine adopts the Atkinson-cycle combustion system, and the 288-volt DC nickel-metal hydride battery pack is lighter and more compact. Available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, the redesigned RX 450h features a new version of the Lexus L-finesse design language while retaining the distinctive RX appearance. The original Lexus RX 300 was the first luxury crossover SUV when it arrived in 1998 as a 1999 model, and the RX 400h followed as the first luxury crossover SUV hybrid.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Lexus RX 450h is a five-passenger midsize luxury SUV available in front- or all-wheel-drive versions. It comes in one well-appointed trim level.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, 10-way power front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, wood interior trim, sliding and reclining second-row seats and a nine-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD changer, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

Options are bundled in a number of packages. The Premium package adds leather seating, a sunroof, a power tailgate, driver-seat memory, a rear-seat armrest and an iPod interface. Additional option bundles require the Premium package. The Comfort package tacks on adaptive xenon headlights with automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, heated/ventilated front seats and an upgraded 12-speaker audio system.

The Luxury package includes 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, power-retractable outside mirrors, upgraded leather seating, side-view cameras, a wood and leather steering wheel and extendable front seat cushions. The Navigation package features a hard-drive-based navigation system (with real-time traffic and voice control), the Lexus Remote Touch interface, a back-up camera, increased Bluetooth functionality and Lexus Enform telematics.

Individual options include park assist, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo system, a rear-seat entertainment system with twin headrest-mounted displays, a head-up display and adaptive cruise control with a pre-collision system (AWD only). Some of the various package features are also available as stand-alone options.

Powertrains and Performance

Powering the 2012 Lexus RX 450h is a combination of a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine and electric motors. Front-wheel-drive models use two motors: one acting as a starter/generator and the other providing propulsion. The all-wheel-drive version adds a third electric motor to drive the rear wheels. Total output amounts to 295 hp that is routed through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Safety

Standard safety equipment for the 2012 Lexus RX 450h includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front- and rear-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and dual front knee bags. Safety Connect, a telematics service with automatic collision notification, a stolen-vehicle locator and an emergency assistance button, is also included. Optional is the pre-collision system that comes packaged with adaptive cruise control. It determines when an accident is unavoidable and tightens the front seatbelts and initializes brake assist.

In government crash tests, the RX450h received a total score of four stars (out of five). It earned four stars for overall frontal crash protection and five stars for overall side crash protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the related RX 350 earned a perfect \”Good\” rating for its performance in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

Upscale appointments, exceptional cabin materials and cutting-edge tech features make the 2012 Lexus RX 450h look and feel much more expensive than its midlevel luxury status would suggest. Authentic wood trim and high-quality leather lend an air of opulence, and the optional Mark Levinson audio is one of the best sound systems on the market.

Another noteworthy option is the navigation system that features the Remote Touch interface, a mouselike controller that replaces the traditional touchscreen operation. The controller features haptic feedback when rolling over on-screen controls, allowing the user to \”feel\” the buttons. We found this system to be immediately intuitive and easier to use than other competing interfaces.

Rear passengers will find the seating roomy and comfortable thanks to reclining and sliding adjustments. Luggage and cargo space are accommodating as well, allowing up to 40 cubic feet behind the 40/20/40-split-folding rear seats and 80 cubes with them stowed.

Driving Impressions

The 2012 Lexus RX 450h doesn\’t disappoint when it comes to a smooth ride. The compliant suspension and plentiful sound insulation ably isolate passengers from the outside world. The hybrid powertrain is also pretty silent, though at full throttle the V6 does make a surprising amount of noise. The softly sprung suspension never feels uncontrolled, but it\’s far from athletic.

The RX 450h is capable of approaching 30 mph in electric-only mode, which improves fuel economy, especially in stop-and-go traffic. An \”EV\” mode is also at the driver\’s command, which allows electric-only propulsion at low speeds over short distances.

2012 Lexus RX 450h Price :

MSRP range:$45,235 – $46,825
Invoice price range:$41,164 – $42,611

2012 Lexus RX 450h Specs :

Drivetrain : Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 4520
City (MPG) : 32
Hwy (MPG) : 28
Horsepower : 245@6000
Torque (lb-ft) : 234@4800
Wheelbase : 107.9
Length (in.) : 187.8
Width (in.) : 74.2
Height (in.) : 66.3

Cleaning Your Engine, what car reviews, We have all heard the horrendous news about rising gas and oil prices. One of the best ways to help conserve gas, and therefore money, is to make sure that your vehicle\’s engine is properly cleaned. By cleaning your engine on a regular basis, and making sure that you do it properly, you are taking steps to ensure that your engine works the way it should. Unfortunately, cleaning an engine is not the same as cleaning the seats or windows in your car. Have no fear! Using this guide, your engine is going to be the cleanest it has been since you bought the car.

Thing to get:

* Goggles or other eye protection
* Grease cutting dish detergent
* Engine degreaser (obtained from car parts stores)
* Stiff bristled brush (plastic, not metal)
* Garden hose
* 5 gallon bucket
* Duct tape
* Plastic bags

Things to do:

1. Collect all the materials needed and move your vehicle to a place where you can rinse it. The best location would be at a do-it-yourself car wash, although this might cost you a little more money since you are going to be using their water system. The important thing is to do this somewhere that can handle the drainage of a lot of oil, sludge, and dirt. By moving the vehicle you are also going to warm it up a bit, which is what you need to do. Do not drive too far, or allow the engine to warm up to complete operation temperatures (water and heat don\’t mix well, and you could end up damaging something).

2. Remove the terminal cables from your battery. Remove the negative cable, then the positive. You do not want to let the water hit the terminals if the cables are still connected as it could cause a short or some other damage. Remember, water and electricity do not play well together. Take plastic bags and duct tape and cover any electrical systems that are exposed.

3. Using the plastic bristled brush, or maybe a large paint brush, remove any loose debris, dirt, and gunk from the engine\’s surfaces.

4. Create a cleaning solution by using detergent and water. Mix 2 cups of detergent for every gallon of water. After mixing, brush the solution onto the engine. Take special care to apply and work it into the dirtiest areas.

5. Using either your water hose or the pressure hose from the car wash, rinse off your engine completely. Apply the engine degreaser as directed on the back of the package. It is important to follow the directions as closely as possible to avoid causing any damage to your vehicle.

6. Rinse off the engine degreaser and allow the engine to dry completely. As the engine is drying, completely remove the plastic and duct tape. You need to remove this, or you could end up with melted plastic on your engine block, and that is a completely new problem to deal with.

7. If the engine is not completely dry prior to you restarting the engine, you may notice that it is running roughly. It should return to normal once the engine has completely dried out.

2012 Jeep Patriot Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The 2012 Jeep Patriot version is essentially going to be unchanged from the 2011 model which is already released and available at dealers across USA.

The 2012 Jeep Patriot is caught between a vision of Jeep-style off-road authenticity and suburban-style everyday utility. It\’s a difficult mix to make, and the process is complicated by the demands of a low sticker price and high fuel economy.

A car-type unibody platform like the Patriot\’s can be made to deliver trail-rated performance, as the Jeep Grand Cherokee has proven for several decades, so we shouldn\’t be surprised to see that the Patriot can be fitted with an optional off-road option package. It gives this small crossover surprising capability in the dirt thanks to increased ride height, skid plates and a four-wheel-drive system complete with a transfer case that has dual-range gear ratios for low-speed crawling.

New Features

In 2011, Jeep made some changes and introduced features like plastic body cladding, new grille and fog lamps, redesigned rear end with new-design bumpers, new side cladding, black mufflers, and 17-inch alloy wheels to bring about an aggressive feel to the exteriors. Some fancy touches could be seen on the inside as well with a new steering wheel, panel with illuminated switches, softer trims on the doors, and a new media center with the voice-command option. With so many changes, we can expect the same in 2012 with some minor additions that would appear in other vehicles as well.

Handling

At very slow speeds on the road, the Jeep Patriot does need some maneuvering, while it is very responsive on the highways. It has sufficient power for a 2.4 liter engine and affords a comfortable ride on the roads. The added frills on the inside and ruggedness on the outside is quite comparable with some of the other vehicles in the class, though it is still not the best. Off-road driving is safe and the SUV does have a firm grip even on ice. It is a safe compromise for buyers who are looking to change from the compact range into 4x wheelers, as the vehicle is very stable on the road but also offers a very decent ride off the road as well.

Interior Design

At first glance the Patriot\’s interior looks nice enough, if a little utilitarian. On closer examination, however, the extensive use of easy-to-clean but hard plastics in the off-road style keep the interior from feeling comfortable. Almost every compact crossover is nicer. The front seats are comfortable enough, but rear seat legroom is tight in the outboard seats and virtually nonexistent in the center position.

Large, easy-to-read gauges and user-friendly controls reinforce the Jeep\’s off-road heritage. Other positives include clever ideas like the cargo area lamp that pops out to become a rechargeable LED flashlight and the optional Boston Acoustic speakers that flip down from the raised liftgate to provide tunes for your next tailgate party.

Which brings us to the Patriot\’s undersize cargo hold, the interior\’s notable weakness. With just 23 cubic feet of space behind the 60/40-split rear seats and 53.5 cubic feet with both sections folded down, it\’s significantly smaller than those in crossover competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. That said, the standard fold-flat front passenger seat makes it possible to squeeze long items inside and still get the tailgate closed.

Safety

Safety features are already in place for some time now, and the 2012 Jeep Patriot is not going to change what is already working which includes 4 wheel ABS, electronic stability control, energy management feature, child seat lower anchorage, and adjustable upper belt in front, advanced air bag features with a front head airbag, pretensions, tire pressure monitor, and trunk release.

2012 Jeep Patriot Price :

MSRP range: $15,995 – $25,330
Invoice price range: $15,805 – $24,327

2012 Jeep Patriot Specs :

Drivetrain : Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 3111
City (MPG) : 23
Hwy (MPG) : 29
Horsepower : 158@6400
Torque (lb-ft) : 141@5000
Wheelbase : 103.7
Length (in.) : 173.8
Width (in.) : 69.2
Height (in.) : 65.5

Top 10 Ways To Save on Gasoline, what car reviews, These days, it doesn’t matter whether you drive a small little hybrid or a gas guzzling SUV, we all want to find ways of saving money of gasoline, and getting as much distance for the gallon as we can. With gas prices consistently on the rise, miles per gallon have become quite a talking point

for car companies and enthusiasts. The following tips should assist in saving money, improving fuel economy, and alleviate the blow high gas prices may have on your bank account. These pointers are simply ways to improve your vehicle’s MPG, and if you execute them properly, you can really save on gasoline over the long term!

1. Drive Slowly

A great way to enhance fuel efficiency is by reducing speed and acceleration. As the speed of your vehicle increases, fuel economy decreases at an exponential rate. So basically, if you’re a perpetual violator of speeding regulations, you may just be doing yourself quite the disservice as well. Try obeying the posted limits, it will not take you too much longer, and you’ll be saving money in the long run.

2. Check for tire pressure

If your tires are simply under-inflated, you’ll find that your miles per gallon with surely suffer. Most tires will naturally lose air over time, and temperature changes cause deflation as well. But the problem is that under-inflated tires carry more rolling resistance, and thus require more gasoline to keep it in motion. Try purchasing a more reliable tire gauge and check tires at least once monthly, monitoring their status in the cold. Make sure to review the owner’s manual for further information about specific tire pressure data unique to your vehicle.

3. Check air filter

A dirty or outdated air filter can cause complications in regard to airflow into the engine, which does nothing but stifle fuel economy. But not to worry, these air filters are relatively easy to check and change out if necessary. Most of the time, it will require you to simply remove the filter and hold it up towards the sun, checking for light. If no light shines through, consider purchasing a new one. It is recommended that you select a permanent filter that can be cleaned as opposed to constantly changed; they will prove to be more liberating than disposable options and will be better for the environment as well.

4. Accelerate Responsibly

Quick starts and stops are quite a waste of fuel, but this doesn’t mean you need to spend minutes accelerating. When driving an automatic, accelerate at an even pace so that the transmission can shift up to higher gears. When operating a manual stick shift, shift early to keep revs down without lugging the engine. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for slowdowns on the road ahead, as accelerating just to brake quickly is certainly a waste of fuel you don’t need to be wasting.

5. Move With the Trucks

In traffic jams, you may notice eighteen-wheelers rolling where automatic transmission cars speed up and slow down to move from spot to spot. Well what these trucks are doing is not only easier on the transmission, but also on the fuel economy of any vehicle. A constant speed will keep shifting and fuel usage to minimum, causing more saved fuel, and less stop and go.

6. Roll Down the Windows

Often it will prove more efficient to simply shut down the air conditioner, open the windows and drive to the breeze. While it could be a tad warmer or windier depending on your speed, at the lower speeds it will safe you some fuel. When traveling at high speeds, the A/C may actually be efficient in preventing wind resistance from slowing down your vehicle due to open windows.

7. Moderate Your Ride’s “Pimping”

While a new set of wheels and tires may appeal to your desire for urban luxuries (and perhaps they contribute to an improved handling) they’re likely to create greater rolling resistance and will decrease fuel economy in the long run. If you upgrade to a new set of wheels and tires, hold on the older ones. When you embark on longer, more extensive drives; you’ll find stock wheels offer a smoother and more fuel-efficient experience.

8. Clean the Car

That’s right, even keeping your car clean can assist in saving money on gasoline. From time to time, go through your vehicle and decide what can be thrown out or even brought back into the house for alternative storage. Small things can add up to some serious weight in extra stuff, and the more heavy your load, the more fuel your vehicle will burn in the driving process.

9. Downsize

When shopping for a new vehicle, take into consideration how much you really need. Obviously smaller sized vehicles will prove more fuel efficient, and you’ll find that today’s smaller options are getting roomier than ever before. Subcompacts such as the Nissan Versa offer fantastic interior capacity that promoted the EPA to classify it as a mid-size vehicle. The understandable fear is that of crash protection, but automakers are designing compacts with this in mind, allowing these smaller cars to survive crashes with bigger ones with side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and more.

10. Drive When Necessary

While this may sound rather out there, like anything else: you save when you use on a “as-needed” basis. If you can avoid driving for trivial or unnecessary reasons, you’ll save quite a bit of money on gasoline. For instance, taking the train, carpooling, and the like can really save you cash on unnecessarily utilized fuel. In the summer, spring, or even autumn, biking or walking can be an alternative that satisfies your budget and your body. Just evaluate hownecessary vehicular application is in any situation, and you can find yourself saving a fortunate!

So there it is, if you truly dedicate yourself to using a few of these tips in conjunction with each other, you’re likely to reap the benefits and most of all, know how to survive the ever rising fuel costs and gasoline prices.