Vehicle Reviews

Review By Dr. David A. Zatz The Toyota 4Runner has evolved over the years from a simple capped pickup to a premium mid-sized SUV; from being moderately underpowered, it has gone to having more power than many competitors, with lots of good, healthy torque. The four wheel drive system, like so many others, has gone from being labor-intensive to turn-a-dial …

  Review Notes: 2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2-Door - 3.8 L OHV, 12-Valve SIMPI V6 / 4-speed automatic transmission Pros • Go-anywhere capability • Windshield still folds down • Doors still come off • Better interior Cons • Anemic engine • Tiny footbox • Disconnected steering EPA Fuel Mileage 15 city, 19 highway The Verdict Typical go-anywhere, in any weather condition, capability. Now with better interior, but still …

Review Notes: Volkswagen Touareg V8 Personality Luxury SUV with elegant looks and sports-car blood and user-interface issues Unusual features Height and shock absorber adjustments, tech-boosted off-roading Above Average: Smooth, quiet, powerful engine and great handling Needs Work In: Gas mileage, controls EPA gas mileage 14 city, 18 highway (V8; diesel 17/23, V6 15/20) Price Base, $43,000; as tested, $53,355 The …

Photos courtesy of General Motors Corp. The GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is an exploration of heavy-duty truck capability combined with greater off-road versatility. It is highlighted by a bold exterior design, enhanced all-terrain suspension and premium details expected of a GMC – all designed to enable greater access to off-road destinations. The new 2011 Sierra HD underpins the All Terrain …

(Photos courtesy of Suzuki)           BREA, Calif. – With the introduction of the 360cc Jimny in 1970, Suzuki became the first Japanese automaker to enthusiastically embrace the consumer side of four-wheel drive. Suzuki built on that landmark introduction and its versatile and dynamic product line with the 2009 introduction of the Equator, marking the company’s first …

(Photos Courtesy of Suzuki)         The Suzuki Grand Vitara continues to surprise and delight its owners – and prospective owners – with its balance of genuine off-road capability, on-road composure and day-in, day-out livability. The vehicle’s surprising off-road performance is enabled by a reinforced-for-rear-wheel drive (RWD) unibody chassis having more in common with luxury SUVs than the …

      The new 2011 Ram Laramie Longhorn today was named “Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). Truck of Texas is TAWA’s top honor, and is earned over the course of a two-day “Texas Truck Rodeo” organized by the professional journalists’ group. 2011 Ram Laramie Longhorn Named  “Truck of Texas” Ram named top pickup in …

It’s named after a nomadic, hearty Saharan tribe with the unusual-sounding name, TOUR-egg. Literally translated, the word means “free folk.” So what better way to test drive the Touareg — the first SUV offered by Volkswagen — than during an open-road, 400-mile round-trip journey to the famed Monterey Peninsula? Certainly, my chosen route south on Interstate 5 has long stretches …

Review By Dr. David A. Zatz Review Notes: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab LT, 5.3 V8 Personality SUV that happens to have a pickup bed and heavy-duty suspension Gas Mileage EPA estimates: 15 city, 18 highway Quirks DVD entertainment system Unusual features DVD entertainment system, OnStar, XM Radio, work and personal logs Notes Passed driveway test easily; written by …

Review by Dr. David A. Zatz Review Notes: Chevrolet Colorado LS Extended Cab Personality Real truck with carefully hidden advanced technology Quirks GM overloaded stalk, sheer truckness Unusual features Highly efficient engine, OnStar Above Average for Price Acceleration, handling, gas mileage (for power), stereo Needs Work In Cruise control placement, and, for some, comfort Driveway Test Passed easily The Chevrolet …