Ford

(Continued from Sedans)

From the outset, it was easy to accept Audi’s claim that the A4 “represents a dynamic level of driving delight,” because this midsize sedan is a dream to drive.

The six-cylinder, 2.0 liter FSI engine produces more than 200 horsepower, which is perfect for climbing hills and passing semi-trucks on the freeway. (Continued below)

Paddle A Racy Acura

(Continued from Sedans)

With this kind of punch, I’m guessing the RL may stand for “Race Lover,” but you , of course, will leave the racing to racing professionals on approved tracks. While 90 percent of Acura RL drivers will probably opt for smooth daily driving with the automatic transmission, racing fans will make the choice to go for the fancy flip paddles behind the steering wheel to shift gears while the transmission is in the M or manual mode.

The paddle-shaped shifters hidden behind the steering wheel, allow drivers to maintain two-handed control while shifting, just like the Formula One racers do. The gear shifter paddles take a while to retrain yourself to enjoy, but the fun and control they offer you is worth the work.
OK, so if it wasn’t the snazzy shifters that turned off potential customers, perhaps it was the strange circular dial on the center console (pictured below) that gave them pause.

I can understand that feeling, because even after a week in the RL, I still hadn’t mastered the art of dialing for music, maps, or trip information on the LCD screen that shares a multitude of display options.

Great gadgets are worthless if you can’t figure out how to access them.

“This is too confusing,” repeated my 13-year-old daughter as she searched in vain for some of her hip-hop favorites with the dial. Fortunately for her, the standard XM radio was already preset for the Top 20 on channel 20, thus satisfying her desire for today’s teenage tunes. (Continued below)

Pontiac G6
(Continued from first page)

But at no time during a round trip through the desert from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, Arizona and back did our highway MPG ever reach the 34 MPG mark claimed for the vehicle's highway average. This was so, even though we made extensive use of the cruise control on smooth surfaces.

Perhaps long stretches going gradually uphill on the roadtrip through desert valleys did-in the mileage. Or perhaps it was our speed, presumably above the speed at which the estimate was based.

During the 100 plus degree days in Scottsdale, Arizona, the white exterior and light taupe interior kept the vehicle as cool as possible while parked in the sun. You probably want to avoid black leather seats if you live in a desert.

The G6 is a roomy midsize vehicle with plenty of room for four passengers. It's trunk fit three maximum-sized rolling carry-on suitcases, as well as a backpack, a tennis bag with four rackets and several partially filled shopping bags. All the above fit in the trunk, to be sure, with enough room left over to squeeze in a small water bottle.

To drive a Pontiac having only four cylinders of power, but that felt like a roaring road warrior, was a real treat. My formative driving experiences were in V8 Fords, Pontiacs, etc. In the G6 I felt the same raw power as was available in the old V8s, being applied by half the number of cylinders.

However, when the cruise control decided it needed to kick the mph up during hill-climbs to match my programmed expectation, a passenger in the G6 was heard to say, "Sounds scary, like the engine is working too hard."

To each their own feeling about the 2006 Pontiac G6. For me, it was a good feeling car that didn't excite or disappoint, except for its sticker price, around $20,000, four thousand more than the price of imported competition like the Kia Spectra 5 also reviewed here.

Chrysler Sebring convertible

Topless Tale

Following are the features and drawbacks of the Chrysler Sebring convertible that the couple speak about as they turn the vehicle south, driving along the Pacific Palisades Park in Santa Monica, California, a broad grass lawn atop cliffs with a great view of the ocean and with Catalina Island, hazy in the distance.

The Chrysler Sebring convertible comes with a next generation multistage driver and front passenger air bags. They inflate with exactly the right force appropriate to the severity of impact.

The Sebring ABS Plus antilock brake system is a sophisticated extension of conventional ABS, that automatically balances brake force at each individual wheel, helping to keep the Sebring stable while braking and cornering.

A rounded snub nose aims to be retro. An extra set of low fog lights and air scoop are cool.

The Sebring convertible offers some of the cushiest seats in recent memory, but paradoxically the driver’s seat is difficult to get comfortably adjusted.

Depending on what you're looking for in a driving machine, there could be a couple negatives about the Sebring. It can sometimes give you the sensation you're cruising in a ’60s Cadillac, in other words, it’s a bit of a boat.

Also, for taller folks, the seats are so low to the ground that getting in and out isn’t as effort free as in many vehicles.

The sun settles delightfully into the Pacific. The couple stops the Sebring convertible and takes a lovely walk.

Driving Delight
(Continued from above)

Audi’s well-known Quattro all-wheel drive system tackles the road with computer-generated responses that keep the vehicle safe and sound on the slippery streets. The system is so good, that Audi claims it was banned at one time from many touring car championships because it was too dominating for opponents to compete against.

The Quattro and other standard safety features earned the A4 and its cousin, the Audi S4, the honor of the “Top Safety Pick – Silver” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for occupant protection in 2005.

Another highly appreciated new-age safety feature in the A-4 is the Bi-Xenon headlights that not only illuminate the area in front of the car, but also swivel in the direction of your turn. Activated at any speeds above 7 mph, the swivel headlights illuminate twists and turns in the road far better than a traditional light system.

This technology proved especially satisfying just after sunset when the foothills deer are on the move and tend not be concerned with the “Look both ways before you cross” rule that their mothers must have taught them. The swiveling headlights are the first to pick up on the road ahead a fraction of a second before your eyes, giving you an extra moment to respond to any road issues the deer or others may produce.

Styling

The Audi A4 is an eye-catcher even when parked, with sleek styling and color (ours was Ocean Blue Pearl) that draws attention from passers-by. The striking grille and clear headlights give the A4 an aggressive look, while the body lines subtly produce a sense of comfort and confidence.

Speaking of comfort, the Audi is all that and more. The interior cabin is so insulated that road noise is nearly imperceptible, allowing for easy conversations among the five occupants. This also provides a perfect place to enjoy the Bose, 10-speaker premium sound system featuring the clear quality of Sirius satellite radio as we made our way through the chilly foothills.

Another fun feature offered by the A4 is the Bluetooth-prepared cell phone system, allowing you to program your phone into the vehicle’s sound system for hands-free driving.

Safety

Earning the IIHS honor didn’t come easy. The A4 offers an abundance of safety features to protect driver and passengers, including two full-size front airbags and several side airbag systems. An extensive system of crash sensors ensure that the air bags are launched at exactly the right moment and seat belt tighteners and limiters adjust to protect passengers during the impact of a crash.

Fuel economy

The A4 Quattro’s four-cylinder fuel injection engine is rated to achieve 22 miles per gallon and 30 on the highway with an estimated annual fuel coast of $1,710.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $31,540. The loaded model we drove added Navigation Plus ($2,100), Convenience ($1,900), which includes garage transmitter, auto-dimming mirror with compass, power seats, rain and light sensor and the swivel headlights, Premium ($1,900) sunroof and leather seating, and audio packages ($1,000) to max out at $40,660 including destination charge.

Chrysler's Sebring convertible and sedan now run on E85 making them some of the first vehicles in the Chrysler fleet to consume this alternative fuel.
E85 is a fuel containing a mix of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol.

Radical RL Review
(Continued from above)

Even more confusing was the wide array of control buttons on the steering wheel. In addition to the aforementioned gear-shift paddles, there are buttons for the cruise control, such as RES/ACCEL DECEL/SET and SEL/RESET, as well as up and down arrow buttons. See for yourself:

Buttons are also on the wheel for Bluetooth users and for vehicle information display. There are even blank buttons for items you may wish to add later.

The RL must hold some kind of world record for steering wheel buttons.

Outside the RL, a very nice exterior feature (on our sleek and stylish “Opulent Blue Pearl” sedan) were the lighted door handles that provided handy views of the handles in the dark with the touch on the remote unlock button.

Other fun features include power-adjusted lumbar supports in the driver’s seat, power-adjustable steering wheel and a color backup camera that provides a great view of the otherwise unseen area directly behind your rear bumper.

For safety, the RL features front and side airbags and curtain airbags for rear passengers, front seat belt pre-tensioners that cinch up in emergency braking and a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

The radar-driven adaptive cruise control allows you to set a specific cruise speed, and then adjusts the actual speed when another vehicle appears in your path. The cruise control will keep you a safe distance behind the vehicle until it leaves your air space, and you speed back up to the predetermined speed.

The RL is now available in three trim levels: the RL, the RL with Technology Package plus CMBS and PAX run-flat tires. In addition, the RL comes with a Technology Package that includes Acura Satellite Navigation System and AcuraLink with Real Time Traffic, Active Front Lighting and an upgraded wood interior.

Even with the extra power, the RL achieves fuel economy of 18/26 mpg (city/highway).

Base price for the Acura RL is $45,780, with the RL CMBS/PAX starting at $53,200. The test model drive included $670 destination and handling charge for a total price of $53,870.

	Pontiac G6 (Continued from first page) But at no time during a round trip through the desert from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, Arizona and back did our highway MPG ever reach the 34 MPG mark claimed for the vehicle's highway average. This was so, even though we made extensive use of the cruise control on smooth surfaces. Perhaps long stretches going gradually uphill on the roadtrip through desert valleys did-in the mileage. Or perhaps it was our speed, presumably above the speed at which the estimate was based. During the 100 plus degree days in Scottsdale, Arizona, the white exterior and light taupe interior kept the vehicle as cool as possible while parked in the sun. You probably want to avoid black leather seats if you live in a desert. The G6 is a roomy midsize vehicle with plenty of room for four passengers. It's trunk fit three maximum-sized rolling carry-on suitcases, as well as a backpack, a tennis bag with four rackets and several partially filled shopping bags. All the above fit in the trunk, to be sure, with enough room left over to squeeze in a small water bottle. To drive a Pontiac having only four cylinders of power, but that felt like a roaring road warrior, was a real treat. My formative driving experiences were in V8 Fords, Pontiacs, etc. In the G6 I felt the same raw power as was available in the old V8s, being applied by half the number of cylinders. However, when the cruise control decided it needed to kick the mph up during hill-climbs to match my programmed expectation, a passenger in the G6 was heard to say, "Sounds scary, like the engine is working too hard." To each their own feeling about the 2006 Pontiac G6. For me, it was a good feeling car that didn't excite or disappoint, except for its sticker price, around $20,000, four thousand more than the price of imported competition like the Kia Spectra 5 also reviewed here. Chrysler Sebring convertible Topless Tale Following are the features and drawbacks of the Chrysler Sebring convertible that the couple speak about as they turn the vehicle south, driving along the Pacific Palisades Park in Santa Monica, California, a broad grass lawn atop cliffs with a great view of the ocean and with Catalina Island, hazy in the distance. The Chrysler Sebring convertible comes with a next generation multistage driver and front passenger air bags. They inflate with exactly the right force appropriate to the severity of impact. The Sebring ABS Plus antilock brake system is a sophisticated extension of conventional ABS, that automatically balances brake force at each individual wheel, helping to keep the Sebring stable while braking and cornering. A rounded snub nose aims to be retro. An extra set of low fog lights and air scoop are cool. The Sebring convertible offers some of the cushiest seats in recent memory, but paradoxically the driver’s seat is difficult to get comfortably adjusted. Depending on what you're looking for in a driving machine, there could be a couple negatives about the Sebring. It can sometimes give you the sensation you're cruising in a ’60s Cadillac, in other words, it’s a bit of a boat. Also, for taller folks, the seats are so low to the ground that getting in and out isn’t as effort free as in many vehicles. The sun settles delightfully into the Pacific. The couple stops the Sebring convertible and takes a lovely walk.			Driving Delight (Continued from above) Audi’s well-known Quattro all-wheel drive system tackles the road with computer-generated responses that keep the vehicle safe and sound on the slippery streets. The system is so good, that Audi claims it was banned at one time from many touring car championships because it was too dominating for opponents to compete against. The Quattro and other standard safety features earned the A4 and its cousin, the Audi S4, the honor of the “Top Safety Pick – Silver” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for occupant protection in 2005. Another highly appreciated new-age safety feature in the A-4 is the Bi-Xenon headlights that not only illuminate the area in front of the car, but also swivel in the direction of your turn. Activated at any speeds above 7 mph, the swivel headlights illuminate twists and turns in the road far better than a traditional light system. This technology proved especially satisfying just after sunset when the foothills deer are on the move and tend not be concerned with the “Look both ways before you cross” rule that their mothers must have taught them. The swiveling headlights are the first to pick up on the road ahead a fraction of a second before your eyes, giving you an extra moment to respond to any road issues the deer or others may produce. Styling The Audi A4 is an eye-catcher even when parked, with sleek styling and color (ours was Ocean Blue Pearl) that draws attention from passers-by. The striking grille and clear headlights give the A4 an aggressive look, while the body lines subtly produce a sense of comfort and confidence. Speaking of comfort, the Audi is all that and more. The interior cabin is so insulated that road noise is nearly imperceptible, allowing for easy conversations among the five occupants. This also provides a perfect place to enjoy the Bose, 10-speaker premium sound system featuring the clear quality of Sirius satellite radio as we made our way through the chilly foothills. Another fun feature offered by the A4 is the Bluetooth-prepared cell phone system, allowing you to program your phone into the vehicle’s sound system for hands-free driving. Safety Earning the IIHS honor didn’t come easy. The A4 offers an abundance of safety features to protect driver and passengers, including two full-size front airbags and several side airbag systems. An extensive system of crash sensors ensure that the air bags are launched at exactly the right moment and seat belt tighteners and limiters adjust to protect passengers during the impact of a crash. Fuel economy The A4 Quattro’s four-cylinder fuel injection engine is rated to achieve 22 miles per gallon and 30 on the highway with an estimated annual fuel coast of $1,710. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $31,540. The loaded model we drove added Navigation Plus ($2,100), Convenience ($1,900), which includes garage transmitter, auto-dimming mirror with compass, power seats, rain and light sensor and the swivel headlights, Premium ($1,900) sunroof and leather seating, and audio packages ($1,000) to max out at $40,660 including destination charge. Chrysler's Sebring convertible and sedan now run on E85 making them some of the first vehicles in the Chrysler fleet to consume this alternative fuel. E85 is a fuel containing a mix of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol.			Radical RL Review (Continued from above) Even more confusing was the wide array of control buttons on the steering wheel. In addition to the aforementioned gear-shift paddles, there are buttons for the cruise control, such as RES/ACCEL DECEL/SET and SEL/RESET, as well as up and down arrow buttons. See for yourself: Buttons are also on the wheel for Bluetooth users and for vehicle information display. There are even blank buttons for items you may wish to add later. The RL must hold some kind of world record for steering wheel buttons. Outside the RL, a very nice exterior feature (on our sleek and stylish “Opulent Blue Pearl” sedan) were the lighted door handles that provided handy views of the handles in the dark with the touch on the remote unlock button. Other fun features include power-adjusted lumbar supports in the driver’s seat, power-adjustable steering wheel and a color backup camera that provides a great view of the otherwise unseen area directly behind your rear bumper. For safety, the RL features front and side airbags and curtain airbags for rear passengers, front seat belt pre-tensioners that cinch up in emergency braking and a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). The radar-driven adaptive cruise control allows you to set a specific cruise speed, and then adjusts the actual speed when another vehicle appears in your path. The cruise control will keep you a safe distance behind the vehicle until it leaves your air space, and you speed back up to the predetermined speed. The RL is now available in three trim levels: the RL, the RL with Technology Package plus CMBS and PAX run-flat tires. In addition, the RL comes with a Technology Package that includes Acura Satellite Navigation System and AcuraLink with Real Time Traffic, Active Front Lighting and an upgraded wood interior. Even with the extra power, the RL achieves fuel economy of 18/26 mpg (city/highway). Base price for the Acura RL is $45,780, with the RL CMBS/PAX starting at $53,200. The test model drive included $670 destination and handling charge for a total price of $53,870.