By Tom Crosby
These vehicle reviews may help you choose from the more than 250 different 2008 models. Base prices are quoted.
MITSUBISHI LANCER GTS - $17,490
Loaded with ergonomic features normally found in more expensive vehicles and resized for 2008 to improve performance and handling, the sports-tuned GTS is fun to drive and the top model in Mitsubishi’s compact sport sedan Lancer line-up (there is a base DE and mid-line ES). Bluetooth, 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome tailpipe tip and a high rear spoiler (which slightly hinders visibility) are standard, along with a 4-cylinder 152-horsepower engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
Handling is excellent and braking strong. There are seven air bags, including
one for the knees. Range is over 320 miles a tankful.
LIKES: Value, gas mileage, features
DISLIKES: Rear visibility
BOTTOM LINE: Fun to drive and affordable, perfect car for newlyweds
MAZDA TRIBUTE S 2WD TOURING - $22,330
After sitting out model year 2007, the Mazda Tribute returns for 2008 with a complete redesign for the company’s five-passenger, four-door compact SUV. The front fascia was redone, exterior chrome reduced, the beltline raised, a roof rack added and 16-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels made standard. It looks like an SUV, unlike Mazda’s CX-7 and CX-9 wagons. Comfort and cargo space are ample, with plenty of storage bins. Safety features are strong, with tire pressure monitoring; side-impact air bags and curtains; and dynamic stability,
traction and roll stability controls. A fully independent body construction aids handling.
LIKES: Comfort, space, looks
DISLIKES: No coat hangers, gauges in sunlight
BOTTOM LINE: Tribute brings some true SUV pizzazz to Mazda lineup
FORD ESCAPE HYBRID 4WD - $26, 825
For 2008, Ford tweaked the power steering and the transition between gasoline and/or electric power, to improve gas mileage 14 percent for its popular compact sport utility hybrid. Priced lower than hybrid sedans, it has found a market for those who want to be “green” but still have space for children and luggage. Power is equal to a V-6, gasoline-powered Escape, reaching 60 mph in under 10 seconds. Inside, Ford uses 100 percent recycled fabric for interior seating. Escape hybrids come with continuously variable transmissions, which keeps rpm’s high during gear shifts, but leaks engine noise into the cabin. Inside, an info screen sits atop the dash but is hard to read in sunlight. Steering is responsive and inside comfort is strong. Good safety features include rollover side curtains.
LIKES: Power, gas mileage, versatility
DISLIKES: Dashboard utility, noise
BOTTOM LINE: Ford helps you “Escape” high gas prices in comfort.
AUDI TT COUPE 3.2 QUATTRO S TRONIC - $42,900
No Audi TT was built in 2007 as the German automaker revamped its award-winning coupe and roadster for 2008 with a new look, increased wheelbase and lengthy and a new power train. Still attractive and pure joy to drive, our tester had race-car-like thumb paddles behind the steering wheel when choosing manual shifts rather than automatic. It can cause an adrenaline rush with rack-and-pinion steering worthy of NASCAR and getting to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. A rear spoiler emerges at highway speeds and a redesigned dynamic sports suspension reduces the center of gravity nearly half an inch. Seating is comfortable in front, crowded in back. The interior remains luxurious with leather seating, aluminum and dimpled steel trim, a flat bottom steering wheel, a digital speedometer and slimmer side pillars that aid visibility.
LIKES: Power, looks, handling, fun
DISLIKES: Rear seat and cargo space
BOTTOM LINE: Once you start driving, it’s hard to stop.
Ready to buy that new car?
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Tom Crosby is Vice President of Communications at AAA Carolinas.
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