Reviewing the Ford Explorer

December 17, 2010, 3:01 pm

By THE NEW YORK TIMES

In Sunday’s Automobiles section, Christopher Jensen evaluates the new Ford Explorer, which offers greater comfort for passengers and somewhat diminished off-road capability, Mr. Jensen writes:

What consumers will find is a radically changed Explorer with an emphasis on ride and handling, better fuel economy and some new features that will, Ford says, improve safety. Buyers will also find lower towing limits and less off-road ability.

The least expensive model, the plain Explorer with front-wheel drive, is $28,995. Up a step is the XLT at $31,995 and then the Limited at $37,995. All-wheel drive is offered on all trim levels for an additional $2,000.

Read the whole review, check out the slide show and let us know what you think in the comments, below.

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Reviewing the 2011 Audi A8

November 12, 2010, 3:00 pm

By THE NEW YORK TIMES

Writing in Sunday’s Automobiles section, Lawrence Ulrich reviews the 2011 Audi A8. Mr. Ulrich found the exterior styling to be surprisingly staid:

With newer models like the A5 and S5 coupes, the Q5 crossover and the exotic R8 sports car, Audi has produced designs so tastefully appealing, inside and out, that even staunch Benz and BMW fans could be tempted to switch. Despite the weak auto market this year, Audi is on pace to set a United States sales record.

Considering all that, I expected the designers to swing for the fences, to distill everything they know about exterior styling into their flagship sedan. Instead, Audi played it safer than an umpiring crew backed by high-def replay cameras.

But after putting in 1,500 miles, he was largely pleased with the A8’s interior appointments:

The A8’s cabin may be the segment’s new luxury standard as well, as beautifully finished as any competitor, but with leading ergonomics from its easy-to-use M.M.I. (for multimedia interface) and ancillary controls. No automaker does graphics and displays with such consistent elegance.

Read the whole review, check out the slide show and share your thoughts in the comments box below.

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Reviewing the 2011 Aston Martin V-12 Vantage

November 5, 2010, 6:04 pm

By THE NEW YORK TIMES

In Sunday’s Autos section, Lawrence Ulrich reviews the 2011 Aston Martin V-12 Vantage:

Compared with the V-8 version, the V-12’s brilliant carbon-ceramic brakes, lower body, stiffer springs and higher-rate antiroll bars create an Aston that can attack any curve with no excuses.

Still, partly because of its nose-heavy V-12, the car feels less spellbinding than the current supercar wizards like the Ferrari 458 Italia. And a slew of sports cars, including garden-variety ’Vettes, can beat the Aston’s 4.2-second sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour and its 190 m.p.h. top speed.

But I’ve yet to hear an Aston owner use the phrase “bang for the buck.”

Read the full review and check out the slide show. And let us know what you think in the comments box below.

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Reviewing the 2011 Honda Odyssey

October 29, 2010, 3:00 pm

By THE NEW YORK TIMES

In Sunday’s Automobiles section, Cheryl Jensen reviews the updated Honda Odyssey, the best-selling minivan in the United States for the last two years. As Ms. Jensen notes, several automakers have cut minivans out of their lineups — partly, one suspects, because consumers have begun buying more crossover vehicles. Of the Odyssey, she writes:

While the van shows improvements in features, room and fuel economy, its driving dynamics, which had previously made it the sportiest-feeling minivan, seem to have suffered.

This fourth-generation Odyssey, which went on sale Sept. 30, replaces a version that made its debut as a 2005 model. The new van is the first one developed by a team of Honda engineers in the United States — based in Ohio — and is built at the same Alabama plant where the previous model was made.

The new model is slightly longer, lower and wider. It not only looks more jaunty, with a body-side character line extending forward from the boldly shaped rear side window, its slicker aerodynamics aid fuel economy.

Read her full review of the Odyssey. Check out the slide show and comparison graphic. And let us know what you think in the comments box below.

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