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

Ford Escape Hybrid

Ford Escape Hybrid is a full hybrid, with a combination of computer-controlled systems optimizing efficiency and a sealed high-voltage battery allowing electric-only operation.Ford Escape Hybrid's list of interior electronics options is short, and what is present isn't up to snuff. The efficiency gain doesn't make up for the compromised performance and solidity, especially.Ford Escape Hybrid still feels unfinished. Despite a commendably advanced power

train, the rest of the vehicle disappoints, and the overall ownership experience won't be salvaged by a few extra miles per gallon.ull-hybrid production vehicle, the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid is an important technological step for a domestic manufacturer. It's perhaps predictable that the vehicle in question is Hybrid's collection of computerized vehicle systems is impressive.

With two electric motors complementing the optimized Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, as well as an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission to sort out the drive mode and ratio through a set of planetary gears, Ford Escape Hybrid needs serious computing. Seven separate microprocessor modules make up Ford's vehicle system controller, which oversees it all.

Acura TL

Acura TL comes nicely tech equipped, with touch-screen navigation, Bluetooth, satellite radio, DVD-audio surround sound, and voice control for the lot.Some of the 2006 Acura TL's features, such as Bluetooth and the audio system, aren't fully realized, and some kind of auxiliary input is noticeably absent. the measure of its class rivals in terms of features and value, but it's

somewhat uninspiring in looks impressively outfitted with electronics for entertaining and informing its occupants, as well as propelling them down the road. The expected chassis systems are in place for controlling the car's generally forgiving front-wheel-drive behavior, while the driver and the passengers are treated to surround sound, satellite radio, voice-operated navigation, and cell phone operation.

Materials and hues inside work harmoniously, creating a feeling of comfort, if not quite luxury. The exterior styling left us somewhat cold in contrast, looking quite derivative and bland, like sort of a softer, reclining Audi A4. This flat impression was probably made worse by our car's pearlescent-white paint.

Power is plentiful and the ride is smooth, with minimal jouncing and good shock absorption over rough surfaces. However, the overall exciting in any way, making the 2006 Acura TL memorable more for its gizmos than being especially fun to drive.

Mercedes-Benz S550

Tech and luxury fuse in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 as in few other cars. Well-designed interior systems, a panoply of practical safety features, and impressive performance deliver a truly top-notch driving experience.With options, the price of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 can easily sail into six-figure territory. main control interface is better than iDrive but still requires a day with the instruction manual to master.2007 S550 is a fitting flagship for Mercedes-Benz, offering cutting-edge technology to go with excellent performance for a full-size sedan. It's
expensive with trumps the competition in nearly every respect.Mercedes-Benz S550 is an all-new luxury sedan presenting the best the iconic German car manufacturer has. Like previous generations of the S-Class line, the S550 coddles driver and passengers alike in luxurious surroundings, while taking electronic control over interior systems and driving aids to a new level.

The extensive list of technological features starts with an infrared night-vision-assist system, which neatly combines a high wow factor with real safety benefits. Distronic radar-based cruise control and brake incorporate safety and convenience by automatically maintaining distance from vehicles up ahead. Features include full stops and starts in traffic cruise-control stalk enables the car to resume speed from rest in tandem with traffic flow; no pedals needed), as well as preparation for heavy braking when cars in the S550's path are slowing rapidly.

Volkswagen GTI

The Volkswagen GTI has been a performance icon since its debut on American shores in 1983, when it offered a high degree of fun and performance nearly matching those of much more expensive German sports sedans for a very reasonable price. The original American hot hatchback persevered through three increasingly generations but perhaps lost some of its cheeky attitude along the way. The 2006 Volkswagen gets a major attitude adjustment with the

introduction of the fifth generation of Volkswagen's pocket rocket. With Volkswagen's high-tech 200-horsepower 2.0T FSI engine under the hood, driving the front wheels through a choice of six-speed manual or DSG automatic-shift manual transmissions, performance is a given. Tech options, including satellite radio and Volkswagen's navigation system, can give it an upscale . And it compares very well with any current sport compacts and even some more expensive German and Japanese sports-luxury sedans in a manner that would make its ancestor 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged direct gasoline-injection twin-cam, 16-valve four-cylinder engine works well in the larger Jetta sedans, with admirable performance and economy. It turns the lighter 2006 Volkswagen into, well, a pocket rocket. Both manual and automatic transmissions are six-speed units--all the better to further improve both performance and economy. And the automatic isn't the regular power- and response-sapping torque-converter variety; it's VW Group's competition twin-clutch automatic-shifting manual gearbox. It can be shifted by the console-mounted lever or paddles mounted on the steering column.

Saab 9-5

2006 Saab 9-5 offers a turbocharged engine that zips along nicely at freeway speeds. A premium Harman Kardon audio system with built-in XM radio offers crisp, full sound, and an accurate parking-distance sensor helps slot the car into tight lag and torque steer make for a wishy-washy ride around the city and at slower speeds. Goofy design elements kept us searching for some of the most basic features--including the trunk release. Mushy brakes and a slushy

gearbox don't scream performance.2006 Saab 9-5 cruises easily on the freeway, accelerating quickly and smoothly at higher speeds and over steep terrain. A great-sounding stereo system makes long drives even more enjoyable. dwellers beware: The car falls short when it comes to stop-and-go driving. By the time the turbocharger kicks in, it's time to stop at the next red light.might not be the brightest star in the galaxy of near-$40,000 passenger cars, but the Swedish four-door certainly isn't the dimmest. This newly redesigned model shines best on long road trips. Its 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine cruises the freeway comfortably and passes with ease. An as-standard Harman Kardon stereo system with a six-CD changer and integrated radio pairs a range of entertainment options with high-quality sound. Gas mileage is decent car, despite our test model not meeting the documented EPA ratings. On the downside, the 2006 Saab 9-5 is hesitant and sluggish at lower speeds, which doesn't exactly live up to the Saab's aviation-inspired reputation. Our test car lacked the navigation option

Honda Fit

The 2007 Honda Fit is a peppy subcompact with surprisingly good handling for a car of its class. Clever interior design offers multiple seating configurations and loads of space. Its stereo sounds fine and is very MP3-friendly puny 1.5-liter engine chokes uphill and when trying to pass on the freeway. The Fit doesn't have traction control, navigation, or Bluetooth as options.2007 Honda well-designe purpose vehicle that can tackle a wide range of tasks. It works well as a commute

vehicle and for running errands around town, but it isn't good on hills and will make its occupants suffer on longer trips.Honda Fit doesn't look a car jealousy in the hearts of onlookers. But if the window sticker was still attached, it would definitely do so, as this car is an excellent value for the money. The Honda Fit is just now making its debut in the United States, but it has been tooling around roads in Europe and Asia for some time. Honda hopes this new addition will be fit (pardon the pun) for a fan base here in the States.

The most impressive feature of the Honda Fit is its incredible interior space. Both front- and backseats fold down into several different configurations, schlep stuff of just about any size. The car is also surprisingly zippy, as long as it's relatively empty and driving on a flat surface. But once it gets weighed down or enters hilly territory, the 1.5-liter engine that could turns into the little engine that might if the throttle is depressed hard enough. The small power train yields big benefits at the gas pump, however high gas-mileage will be easy on the wallet. Its emission rating is OK but could be better for a car with such a small engine.

Honda Civic Si

The 2006 Honda Civic Si packs serious drivetrain technology and excellent front-drive handling into a less-than-$20,000 package. A superior navigation system and satellite radio are also available.electronic throttle can be tough to modulate. Bluetooth integration is not available in the 2006 Honda Civic Si. 2006 Honda Civic Si is a real performance bargain that also offers good mileage and emissions ratings. The quality of the electronics is equivalent to that found in much . Simple standard features fit the car's mission well, signaling the Si's return to form.

Our first short drive in the 2006 Honda Civic Si left us with a very positive impression, and the car's recent headquarters did nothing to change this. Praise for the rev-happy engine and slick transmission was universal, and everyone who drove the Si came away smiling.

The previous-generation Honda Civic Si was largely a disappointment to the Si faithful, without the zip and the agility that had defined the earlier versions. This eighth heavier and larger than the car it replaces but is also substantially quicker, making it both more comfortable and inspiring behind the wheel.

Also satisfying longtime fans is the return to a true two-door coupe layout, with decidedly aggressive styling further car from the unloved hatchback it replaces. Rated trunk volume is down slightly from the hatchback's capacity, but the 2006 Honda Civic Si's rear seats and trunk both offer usable space, given the car's overall dimensions.

Interior tech features are well designed, with satellite navigation differentiating the two available trim levels. Our test car wasn't outfitted with the voice-recognition navigation system, which also includes an in-dash reader and an XM radio tuner, but the auxiliary audio input and the MP3 WMA playback capability are fine standard features. We tested the navigation unit in our earlier review of the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and concluded that it's a first-rate, worthwhile option.