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Posts Tagged ‘All-wheel drive’

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton W12

February 8th, 2010 No comments

     There have been plenty of strange cars in the past 100 years, but this must be one of the most ridiculous.
     No, it can’t fly or drive underwater, and it doesn’t even look very weird. It’s fairly mundane at first glance — that is, until you see the badge on the hood.
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2004 Infiniti G35x

February 8th, 2010 No comments

     In a move that imitates expensive German sports sedans, Infiniti added an all-wheel drive model to its G35 lineup for 2004.
     At first glance, it seems odd to add the weight of an AWD system to a performance-oriented sports sedan like the G35, but the system has a couple of major advantages. First, it helps in low-traction situations, like on icy or wet roads. Second, it offers very neutral, predictable handling in corners, something all Andretti wannabes should love.
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2004 Audi A8 L

February 6th, 2010 No comments

     Automotive perfection is hard to define. Is it the latest technological wizardry, a smooth ride and a quiet cabin? Is it breathtaking performance? Is it a style that makes your friends and neighbors envious every time they see you drive by?
     Or, as Audi contends, is it the synthesis of all these things?
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2004 Audi S4 Cabriolet

February 4th, 2010 No comments

      Holy crap!
     German engineering, 340 horsepower, a lowered suspension, six-speed manual transmission, gorgeous body, and a convertible top that lowers with the push of a button — it’s got everything, plus a relatively comfortable back seat. What else can you say about a car like this? Read more…

2004 Lincoln Aviator

February 4th, 2010 No comments

All Aboard, This Ship is Pulling Out

     So what is the Aviator, a 7/8ths Navigator, or a rebadged Mercury Mountaineer/Ford Explorer? Well, about a year ago we took a Mercury Mountaineer to the northern part of Michigan’s mitten for a long weekend camping to determine its place in the stable. With that in mind, one can easily see we’re long overdue for an extensive jaunt across country. With that we packed up our gear, pointed the baby Nav north and gave it some gas. Destination: North Manitou Island, for a long weekend of driving, photographing, logbooking, swatting mosquitoes, and sleeping upon a fairly lumpy piece of good ole terra firma. Read more…

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2003 Mercury Mountaineer Premiere

September 30th, 2003 No comments

An Explorer In Business Attire    

     A rebadged Explorer? Well, yes, but also no. Consider the Mountaineer as an Explorer in business attire. It is worth a good first look, but don’t expect excess attention. We found that few heads turned when our Ceramic White tester came rolling through town. Soccer moms will appreciate the 7 passenger seating and dad will like the ruggedly upscale looks. Read more…

2003 Ford Escape

March 7th, 2003 No comments

     Why mess with a winning formula? Read more…

2003 Honda Pilot

January 29th, 2003 No comments

     Mary Poppins would have no need for a car — after all, why drive when you have a flying umbrella — but chances are she’d be awfully tempted by the Honda Pilot. Read more…

2002 Volvo S60

June 19th, 2002 No comments

       If you drive the new S60 sedan, expect to hear this from your buddies: “That’s a Volvo?” Read more…