Acura MDX

Acura MDX gets a ULEV-II emission rating, comes with Honda's useful voice-command system, and offers three-row seating with decent cargo space and a very.MDX's big touch-screen navigation display doesn't control other car systems or display XM Satellite Radio information.few frustrating tech shortcomings let it down, but the 2006 Acura MDX is still a good mix of comfort and utility at its price.Acura MDX is at the end of its current product cycle, with an all-new version scheduled to debut sometime in 2007. It has aged well, with only minor face-lifts and upgrades contending in the increasingly crowded luxury-SUV space.

The 2006 Acura MDX roster of tech features is full, especially when outfitted with navigation and the rear-seat entertainment system, but not all of these amenities are as useful as they could be. A few simple oversights unfortunately spoil an otherwise satisfying tech experience, but on balance, it's easy passengers entertained while on the road.

The familiar Honda/Acura 3.5-liter V-6 engine provides adequate performance, along with decent fuel economy and emissions ratings. Variable torque management and stability control work to enhance driving feel and safety handling is comfortably carlike both around town and at highway speeds.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota Camry Hybrid is a comfortable, well-appointed sedan, equipped with a bevy of technology, from the economical hybrid propulsion system to a raft of standard in-car devices, including a Bluetooth interface and a premium audio system.Camry's optional navigation unit struggles with voice commands and can lose its bearings when out of town. Alternating between power sources can lead to a jerky ride.Easy on the eyes and the pocketbook, user- as well as Toyota Camry Hybrid is a fitting front-runner in the new generation of hybrid sedans.Following


the roaring success of the Prius, Toyota has a lot to live up to with the release of its next hybrid car, and the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid doesn't disappoint. Hybrid technology found in its egg-shaped little brother, the Camry powers driver and passengers around using propulsion from its 105kW battery and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. You could write a thesis on all the technology under the hood, and it wouldn't have been surprising if Toyota had cut back on cabin electronics, if only to save on solenoids.

However, the 2007 Camry Hybrid comes loaded with cabin features, most of which are standard factory installs. These include a JBL stereo system with MP3 playback both CDs and portable devices via an auxiliary input Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calling, and the unique Plasmacluster ionizer Also standard on the Camry Hybrid are voice-activated GPS navigation and XM Satellite Radio. Toyota equips the Camry with a well-appointed interior from which to control this array of tech; our test model had heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a snazzy, digital instrument panel.

Toyota Camry

Toyota asserts that the all-new 2007 Toyota Camry's looks are a bold and assertive answer to the ordinary styling of the previous car. Toyota may be attempting to respond to critics who consider the Camry an appliance approach, as opposed to making an emotional appeal, to the car business. But Toyota's conservative approach with the Camry has earned it the top sales spot for a passenger car during eight of the last nine years. The new design allows a roomier cabin with a host of fine features. Both engines have added power with good fuel economy and excellent
emissions ratings. An auxiliary audio input is standard, and Bluetooth is available separately from the navigation package.The new Toyota Camry is smooth and quiet over a variety of road surfaces, and handling is precise without punishing occupants with a harsh ride. The cylinder engine has adequate power for family chores and delivers 25mpg/34mpg (city and highway, respectively) fuel economy with a standard transmission. For added enthusiasm, the 3.5-liter V-6 from the Avalon model provides 268 horsepower, enough to surprise some sports sedans at a stoplight. All instrument displays and an oil change reminder. All audio systems have MP3 and playback capability, digital sound processors, and an auxiliary input for iPod and other portable audio devices. Bluetooth and GPS navigation are available as options.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Mercury Mariner Hybrid has typically excellent full-hybrid fuel economy around town and in slow traffic. Its low-speed acceleration is solid, and it boasts a small, easily parkable footprint.Mercury Mariner Hybrid's suspension manages to give both excessive body roll and harshness over poor surfaces. entertainment information system needs a serious upgrade in order to be even second rate.Although the hybrid system performs well in the 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid navigation and audio system quickly lower the techie value of this small

SUV.Mercury Mariner shares its underpinnings with the 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is mostly the same under its skin as the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. Although the two have the same chassis and power train, as well as a fair amount of sheet metal, the Mariner does have different suspension tuning and a more upscale interior. But its luxury leanings don't extend to the electronics. The Mariner Hybrid's navigation and audio systems are the same as the ones we weren't impressed with in the Ford Escape Hybrid.Like the Escape Hybrid Mercury Mariner is a full hybrid, capable of running under gasoline or electric power--or a combination of the two. It runs quietly in pure electric mode at speeds less than 25mph, and to further save fuel

Acura MDX

Acura MDX gets a ULEV-II emission rating, comes with Honda's useful voice-command system, and offers three-row seating with decent cargo space and a very carlike drive.Acura MDX's big touch-screen navigation display doesn't control other car systems or display XM Satellite Radio information.few frustrating tech shortcomings let it down, but the 2006 is still a good mix of comfort and utility at its price. of its current product cycle, with an all-new version scheduled to debut sometime in 2007. It has aged well, with only minor face-lifts and upgrades required to keep it contending in the increasingly crowded luxury-SUV space.

The 2006 Acura MDX's roster of tech features is full, especially when outfitted with navigation and the rear-seat entertainment system, but not all of these amenities are as useful as they. A few simple oversights unfortunately spoil experience, but on balance, it's easy to keep all passengers entertained while on the road.The familiar Honda Acura 3.5-liter V-6 engine provides adequate performance, along with decent fuel economy and emissions ratings. Variable torque management and stability control work to enhance driving feel and safety, and the MDX's handling is comfortably carlike both around town and at highway speeds.

Mazda Mazda6 i Grand Touring

Mazda Mazda6 i Grand Touring has an impressive list of standard cabin and safety tech. Standard Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming. The peppy engine really shines when paired with the manual transmission.clutch pedal is very light and has a vague engagement point. Voice command is difficult use without knowing exactly what to say. The lack of iPod or USB connections seems like a huge oversight.Mazda Mazda6 i Grand Touring has grown into a formidable competitor sedan market, though its impressive array of cabin tech is marred by a few glaring omissions.

As you approach the Mazda Mazda6 i Grand Touring, your walkway is illuminated by the Welcome Lighting on the underside mirrors. Don't bother taking the smart key out of your pocket, a mere touch of the door handleunlock vehicle. Don't bother futzing with the headlamps or windshield wipers either, it's automatic. Just settle into the heated leather-trimmed seats, press the start button to bring the peppy engine to life, and you're off.

For 2009, the Mazda6 has grown in both size and ambition. When viewed from the front or rear quarter, this midsize car bulging fenders, a low nose, and a sweeping roofline, which makes it look absolutely sporty. However, when viewed from the side, its slab-sided profile belies its newfound size. No longer can detractors complain about compared with the Toyota Camrys and Nissan Altimas of the midsize sedan segment, because the Mazda6 has grown in nearly every dimension.

Chevrolet Impala LTZ

Chevrolet Impala LTZ has an eight-speaker Bose audio system with an auxiliary input, which comes standard in the LTZ trim level. The interior has nice quality, and the car's highway manners are solid.Chevrolet lacks any navigation or Bluetooth options, and the hands-free telephone system can be used only as a separate telephone line through OnStar.Chevrolet

Impala LTZ makes for a comfortable commuter and gives occupants a little low-priced luxury, but average fuel economy will pinch pocketbooks for longer drives.Chevrolet Impala received a styling makeover for the 2006 model year, but the look is still bland. The interior on our test car, which had level, was refined and well built, but not everyone will find the seats comfortable. includes a nice Bose stereo unit that offers a number of customization and sorting options for radio, XM Satellite Radio, and MP3 CDs, and it also has an auxiliary jack other MP3 player. Unfortunately, both Bluetooth navigation are absent from the options list. The 2006 Chevrolet Impala telephone service available through OnStar, but that means the car must get its own telephone number. The 2006 Chevrolet gets a 3.9-liter V-6 engine with variable valve timing, which is a first for a pushrod engine. With 242 horsepower delivered to the front wheels, acceleration is acceptable but not remarkable. On the highway, the Impala well, but this isn't the car for a fun driv Passenger safety comes in the form of traction control, ABS brakes, and front and side air bags