Personal Picks: Luxury SUVs

Luxury SUVS…are there more politically-incorrect vehicles on the road today? The December test group of $58,000-$71,000 machines might seem like a head-scratcher now. But, surprisingly, our subscribers tell us in our Annual Questionnaire that they own these things: we have significant data on Toyota Land Cruisers, Porsche Cayennes, and Land Rover Range Rover Sports. However, we do not have enough data on the Hummer H2. It’s probably not a stretch to say that Consumer Reports subscribers and H2 owners usually don’t go together. So, why do we test them? To cover the full spectrum of mainstream models to empower our readers to make informed decisions.

What would we buy if we won the lottery? Here’s a look:

Tom Mutchler: If I’m in the market for a $60,000 SUV (trust me – I’m not), I don’t want to wind up annoyed every time I drive it. I don’t want the nagging feeling that a cheaper model was bigger and more capable. And when I drive it, I really don’t want people waving at me with less than five fingers.

That limits my choices here. The Porsche Cayenne annoys me: it has a stiff ride, tight seats, illegible optional $1,200 (!) brown-faced gauges, and inscrutable radio controls. A sweet exhaust note and good grip just aren’t enough to win me over. As nice as the Toyota Land Cruiser is, the Sequoia has a lot more space and tows more. (I can live without the LC’s cool “crawl” off-road mode for $10,000 less.) Unless I had to climb a rock hill everyday to get to work, a Hummer H2 isn’t in the cards. Passersby aren’t exactly afraid to share their opinions – pro and con – about the H2, either.

Even though I feel a bit guilty about it, I really like our Land Rover Range Rover Sport. It’s fetching in Lucerne green and pale leather; it’s no surprise that an identical truck was part of the prolific product placement on the aiming-at-the-upscale Bravo TV show “Top Design.” You sit up high and there are big windows. Power isn’t generous without the optional supercharger, but the HSE’s V8 sounds really good. Finally, the Sport handles a lot better than our 2005 LR3, which shares this truck’s platform.

I’m a logical guy. Land Rover is at the bottom of CR’s reliability ratings. An Acura MDX is a far more practical purchase. And the RR’s profligate with fuel. But I’m happy to put a (non-alcoholic) beverage into the Sport’s console refrigerator, go for a drive, and be happy that nothing’s broke on it yet.

Gabe Shenhar: If you’re going to be politically-incorrect and socially irresponsible, and still get your bonus this year, you might as well go all the way and treat yourself. Right? Truthfully, nobody actually “needs” any one of these four indulgent SUVs; there are other vehicles that do the same for less.

That said, I found myself enjoying two of these luxury SUVs for entirety different reasons. The Land Cruiser, with its comfortable ride, quiet cabin and utterly amazing off-road ability impresses the heck out of me. But as a suburban family three-row SUV, its tall stance, clumsy handling and compromised packaging detract. And, for that lofty price, I could get a Mercedes-Benz GL320 diesel that drives beautifully and gets decent gas mileage.

I also like driving the Cayenne. It’s one of the few SUVs you can truly hustle in corners, and it has the great steering and brake feel of a Porsche. The catapult and sound of the V8 is addicting. You put up with the stiff ride and some unintuitive controls, but what else do you expect for $70,000? Rationally speaking, however, there isn’t a whole lot the Cayenne does that the BMW X5 doesn’t do, other than being more exclusive.

Rick Small: I’m not a big fan of this group. The Cayenne is relatively sporty but heavy and large – seems like a rolling oxymoron. It really can’t do “sporty” very well and it’s too expensive. The Land Cruiser does a good job as a large luxury SUV. But for me it’s too big and clumsy to drive every day. If you need this size vehicle and want some luxury, the Cruiser is a good choice. The Range Rover is expensive and great off-road but not as comfortable or reliable as the Land Cruiser. I don’t think too many people do serious off-roading with a vehicle this expensive, anyway. The Hummer tows well but is not very roomy. It’s also expensive (do you see a pattern here?), thirsty and very awkward to drive. For my money, I would choose a three-row Mazda CX-9 or Honda Pilot. These are much less expensive, reliable, use less fuel and are better every day drivers than these luxurious beasts. The CX-9 favors the sporty side while the Pilot leans more toward comfort.

Mike Quincy: The Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and (especially) the Hummer are train wrecks: people can’t help but stare and be oddly fascinated by what they see. If I had to pick my 9-year-old son up from school or at a friend’s house, he loved it when I showed up in the H2. If my wife and I were going out, she was always a bit more jazzed to see the Cayenne. And I agree with Tom’s assessment of the Range Rover Sport: it’s surprisingly nice to drive. But to keep these brutes running means paying hefty bills – either for gas, maintenance or both. At least the Land Cruiser has a history of good reliability, but its 14 mpg overall makes me cringe.

The truth is that if I’m spending crazy money, I’d rather have a good pickup truck than any of the models we’ve covered here. But I’ll stick with the “luxury” theme and treat myself to a top-of-the-line GMC Sierra Denali crew-cab pickup. Though still a gasoline pig, it has style, luxury, one of the best sounding and smoothest V8s around, and I can actually haul stuff without worrying about it getting dirty. I’ll also save enough to buy a new road bike (hint, hint…Christmas is coming, honey). In reality, I can’t afford the truck, though, but maybe the bike.

Personal Picks: 3-row SUVs

Times are tough if you’re selling SUVs these days. While many families like the space offered by midsized and larger three-row SUVs, they’re often concerned about fuel economy. Once you add AWD and common options, these vehicles don’t come cheap, either – a problem in a tight economy. Finally, while big truck-based SUVs used to generate big profits, sales are moving toward car-based alternatives. So how do you sell such vehicles in this climate?

Gathered in the November 3-row SUV test group are some of the latest efforts from Detroit and Japan. But as far as fuel economy goes, if you want the best you have to pony up over $40,000 for a Toyota Highlander Hybrid—but it returns an impressive 24 mpg overall. At the other end of the spectrum are the old-style, truck-based SUVs, such as the Cadillac Escalade, Dodge Durango, Ford Expedition, and Nissan Armada, which all get 13 mpg overall.

But are these vehicles necessary? Here’s a look at what we would choose if we wanted a three-row SUV in our garage:

Rick Small: Within this category, I like to drive the Mazda CX-9 the most. It has quicker response and a sportier feel to it than other competing models. The driving position is pretty good for my tall frame. But fuel economy could be better – it gets just 16 mpg overall. The new Ford Flex was a pleasant surprise; it’s quiet and rides very well. It has plenty of room in the second-row seat and a useful third row. While I like the versatile cargo area is, I wish the driving position was more comfortable.

We also have the latest version of the GM’s three-row crossovers, the Chevrolet Traverse. So far it’s very similar to the Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook versions we previously tested. The Traverse has a good ride, fairly responsive handling, and a roomy second-row seat and useful cargo area. Unfortunately, the Enclave, Outlook and Acadia all have below-average predicted reliability. (We have no data yet for the new Traverse.)

The Honda Pilot does most things pretty well; it gets a little better fuel economy than the others here and we predict above-average reliability. You couldn’t go wrong by buying it – just don’t look for a sporty experience.

Tom Mutchler: As our Ratings show, the three-row SUV market is crowded with a lot of good choices. In fact, I’m having a hard time narrowing down which one I’d buy. I’ve very happily taken long road trips in our Mazda CX-9, Ford Flex, and our previously tested Buick Enclave. Which one you prefer depends on details: the CX-9 has sporty handling, the Flex has distinctive looks, and the Enclave blends room with luxury.

Maybe the reason I’m having a hard time picking a three-row SUV is that I’d rather own a minivan. (Indeed, I do.)

Beyond towing my someday-Airstream, there isn’t anything that I would need a SUV to do that a minivan can’t do better. My Honda Odyssey has much more cargo volume, allowing me to haul my whitewater kayaks and mountain bikes (standing up!) inside with room to spare. There’s more passenger space, with business-class accommodations in the second-row captains chairs. Like the CX-9, the spry Odyssey is surprisingly fun on twisty back roads, as proven convincingly on a vacation turn on Skyline Drive. On that same trip, I averaged 25 mpg, far better fuel economy than I got out of the SUVs. (Our test results show similar benefits.)

Sure, I don’t have AWD, but a set of Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires improve snowy road stopping and turning beyond just the traction gains of AWD. I do wish it was quieter inside, like the Flex and Enclave, but a Toyota Sienna rivals them.

Nope, a minivan isn’t cool. No one dreams of conquering the Sahara or the arctic tundra behind the wheel of a minivan. But for hauling your family or lots of stuff, you can’t do better.

Mike Quincy: Since my life doesn’t include towing heavy trailers or going very far off-road, I’m still sticking with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It’s the king here for fuel economy, predicted reliability is off-the-charts good, and it drives more like a nice car than a truck. I also find it more entertaining to drive (and quieter) than most minivans. I still like GM’s Traverse/Enclave/Outlook/Acadia lineup, but my wish that I made for these a little over a year ago for “a torquey turbo-diesel engine” still hasn’t come true. But now, more than ever, is the time for fuel efficiency. With improved fuel economy, GM could right the listing SUV ship.

Personal Picks: Sporty cars, part 2

Continuing our staff's personal insights into the October-issue sporty car test group. (Read: “Personal Picks: Sporty cars, part 1.”)

Rick Small: I was a bit disappointed in the new Subaru WRX/STi. The cars have more power but lost some of the sporty feel in acceleration and handling, thus losing some appeal. The Evo is much sportier with better low-end power and crisper handling. It is an enthusiast’s car with a stiff ride, limited driving position, and plenty of noise that may be too much for everyday use for some people. Definitely a “try before you buy.” And the Volkswagen R32 is nice. Still, I like the 135i best. It fits my tall body better than most competing models, and it’s quick, refined and sporty (but expensive). For a lot less money, the Cobalt SS is also quick, sporty and more fun to drive than you’d think.

Mike Quincy: I had the pleasure of buying the BMW 135i for the test program. When I drove it off the lot, I immediately knew this car was special. Didn’t take more than a few miles to realize that maybe (just maybe) this is the car that will help get BMW back on track. The 135i is a thrill to drive – it’s light, quick, has sensitive steering and fits me perfectly. But what turns the corner for this car is that its controls are WAY easier than any BMW we’ve tested for the last four or five years. There’s no iDrive, no confusing navigation system (although this stuff is optional…I wouldn’t bother). I wrote in the car’s logbook that the 135i is “magical.” I’ll also add that the 135i is a car that I’d drive for the rest of my life. Yes, it’s that good.

Gabe Shenhar: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo really gets my adrenaline going and puts a big grin on my face every time I drive it. This road rocket is a true driving machine with terrific handling; it’s essentially a go-kart with four doors. But you’ve got to be the most die-hard type to endure this car with its stiff ride and frenetic highway behavior.

That’s why my pick is the BMW 135i. It’s agile and fun yet smooth in every move, whether it’s the clutch action, shifter, steering, or the punchy, linear power delivery of the twin-turbo six-cylinder engine. It rides compliantly and lets you hear only the noises you want to hear. The seat, driving position, and interior quality are first class, as in every BMW. The car is perceived as small and expensive. But since it provides such a spectacular driving experience, close to, say, a Porsche Boxster, it’s a relative bargain in my opinion.

Tom Mutchler: For me, this group of sports sedans brought a bunch of surprises:

·    It’s amazing how enjoyable the BMW 135i is to drive, even beyond the high standards set by the various automatic-equipped 3 Series models we’ve tested. As I wrote before in “From the logbook,” it’s not perfect, but it’s a whole lot of fun.

·    What isn’t a whole lot of fun is driving the Subaru WRX and STi. Going beyond the turbocharged powertrain, I enjoyed driving our base Legacy 2.5i sedan more; it had better steering and body control. Tellingly, Subaru is making major revisions to the WRX just one year after introduction. Too bad they didn’t get it right the first time.

·    The Cobalt SS is the prime automotive example of making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. I liked the supercharged version we tested in 2005, but this turbocharged model is even more fun and refined. It’s truly a welcome surprise.

·    One of the few automotive regrets I have is not buying a first-generation (1991-1994) Nissan Sentra SE-R. The new car, while likely empirically better in every way, just isn’t fun to drive.

Since we combined two price classes here, I have two picks this month. (Let’s assume I need a back seat, so a Miata is out of the running.) For $24K, I’d buy a VW GTI four-door – it’s practical, fun, and well-equipped. At $37K, I would find it very hard to resist an Infiniti G37 coupe. This gentleman’s coupe looks awesome (without all of the boy-racer flippery of the Evo or STi), has a great powertrain, and is roomier than the tight 135i.

One last surprise might be on the horizon: Could the Hyundai Genesis coupe be a contender? The specs and tentative pricing look very promising, but Hyundai isn’t known for building sports cars. We’ll see…

Personal Picks: Sporty cars

In the October issue of Consumer Reports, and online, we reviewed several sporty cars that go beyond the mainstream to deliver true driving excitement in compact packages: BMW 135i, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, and Volkswagen R32.

Several of these cars scored very high in the class with impressive performance and packaging. Though, by definition, these vehicles each have very distinct personalities, and the raw numbers do not tell the full story.

We have rotated through the cars repeatedly, debating all the while over our preferences. It is a tough group, because often there is a car that appeals for a weekend and another that suits for the daily grind. Below, some editors and engineers share their personal takes on this entertaining group.

Jim Travers: Our October test group of sporty sedans and hatchbacks is a fun bunch to have around, and it includes a couple of cars I might actually want to have in my own driveway. That’s not always the case, given that our testing program is broad enough to include everything from family sedans to minivans to big SUVs. For my tastes, this has just been an especially good month. 

At the top of my list is the Volkswagen R32. What a sweet car: Refined, comfortable, and quick. The all-wheel-drive R32 offers buckets of grip, it is fun to drive, and it even has hatchback practicality. Although still expensive at $33,630, the R32 is still thousands less than our BMW 135i, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR.

At the moment, the Evo is sitting in my driveway, and it’s not too shabby, either. On the other hand, it is kind of shabby, especially in terms of fit and finish, build quality, refinement, and various other things that most people might want out of a daily driver. Especially those without regular access to a track, where the Evo makes a bit more sense.

The R32, on the other hand, doesn’t kick you in the pants at every bump, isn’t spinning along on the north side of 3000 rpm at 65 mph, and has a well-executed interior in the VW tradition. 

Eric Evarts: Unlike many of my automotive journalist colleagues, I’ve never been a devote BMW fan. Sure, there have been models I’ve liked—even loved. The Z8, the 1998 M coupe, the latest Z4 roadster, and even the current 535i have all been favorites. My experience with an old 2002 automatic left me unimpressed, though I did come to enjoy a certain 1983 320i. But the whole progression of 3 Series sedans and wagons that the rest of the automotive press corps has gone ga-ga over have left me cold.

However, the 135i we tested this month is the car all those recent 3 Series should have been. It wants to dance, wherever you go, but it is just as happy with either a smooth fox trot or a full-on break dance. The shifter is slick, the steering is lively, the handling is responsive, and power explosive. It’s always eager for you to punch the gas or throw it into a corner, yet never harsh, punishing, or abrupt if you don’t.

Really, if I were looking to put a 1 Series in my driveway, though, I’d skip the turbos and save $6,000 on the 128i. After all, I was happy with the underpowered 320i.

Jeff Bartlett: Reconciling these vehicles is a difficult task, as my needs and desires change through the week. And, as I’ve learned, my tastes have changed through the years. The previous-generation Lancer Evolution and WRX STi were thrill machines par excellence that could transform the most mundane drive into a blistering thrill ride that would end in either machine worship or prison. Having long crossed the 35-year-old milestone, the trade offs in noise, suspension punishment, notchy shifters, and general motoring brutality doesn’t carry the same luster it once did. (Yes, getting old sucks.)

The regular Impreza WRX with its more Buick-inspired suspension is entertaining for daily driving, though I do lament the loss of handling acumen. (Splitting this car into the Impreza 2.5GT and edgier WRX for 2009 makes tons of sense.)

The Sentra SE-R is the budget choice in this group, starting at about $20,000. Admittedly, it feels like an economy car given a quick aftermarket makeover. The benefit is a car with spunk, a few sporty details, and fuel economy that shames the force-fed cars in this group.

I agree with my colleagues: With a generous budget, both the engaging and livable 1 Series and R32 would be my choices. Bonus points go to the R32 for interior comfort, versatility, and AWD. Since budget is always an issue in my house, the Sentra SE-R stands out for its frugality and true four-passenger function. But, were I looking for a pure commuter in this class, it would be the base Mini Cooper. 

For more on this sporty group, read the road tests and watch our review videos. Also, read Jon Linkov’s “Nit picking the BMW 135i.”

Nit picking the BMW 135i

In driving our sporty blue 135i, the questions I heard a little too often were, “How much for the car?” and “Thirty-seven…what?!”

The love fest that surrounds the BMW 135i is pretty clear. It’s a fun little car that is a blast to drive, gets surprisingly good gas mileage, and performed well in our tests. It’s going to garner a lot of Personal Picks when the engineers and editors opine on the latest test group featured in the October issue. And I’ll weigh in there. Even though I’m not a died-in-the-wool Roundel worshiper, I really like this car.

But I’ve got some gripes that just can’t wait. So before the mushy adoration starts flowing, allow me to get in a few thoughts.

My nits to pick
At $34,900 base, the 135i is pricey. But it comes with some standard features you often have to pay for on less expensive vehicles: Xenon lights; rain-sensing wipers; cruise control (I’m looking at you, Volvo C30!); a power glass moon roof; and an auxiliary audio port (sadly, not the iPod connection we had in our 328i convertible).

But, come on BMW, can’t you put some sort of tie-downs or clips on the back of the floor mats for thirty-five large? Time and time again I found the driver’s side floor mat sliding forward onto the gas pedal. Not really what you’d expect in the Ultimate Driving Machine. Heck, Toyota had a recall in some Lexus and Toyota models because the mats slid forward. So let’s get some 10-cent clips, Velcro, or maybe chewing gum to hold these mats down, ASAP.

Next up, the radio display. Why is the climate control readable with polarized sunglasses, but not the radio? The BMW customer is probably more likely than most to sport an expensive pair of polarized sunglasses, so why should the radio be unreadable? And this isn’t new. A quick Web search shows owner complaints going back to the 2006 model year. Is this another case of “Germans know best” and we’re supposed to just deal with it? Sounds vaguely familiar to our complaints about iDrive, too.

Finally, we chose the optional Sports Package for $1,000, which included really great sport seats. Sure, the manual adjustment on a car costing $37,650 out-the-door is surprising, but the lack of motors is less complex and probably saves weight. (Makes you faster, right?) But how about a lumbar adjustment, BMW? I can tilt the front and rear of the seat independently, extend the thigh cushion, and set the recline, but there isn’t even a knob to give my back a bit more support?

Are these items deal breakers? Heck, no. While the floor mat can be a safety issue, the others, for me, are simple annoyances. For 2009 BMW is raising prices by an average of 2.1 percent. Let’s hope they can at least provide some Velcro and maybe a spare lumbar knob for that increase. Beyond addressing those nits, please don’t change a thing.

See more road test videos from the October issue sporty car group. And also check out our 300hp shootout: 135i, Evo, STi.

—Jon Linkov

Personal picks: Small SUVs, part 2

Continuing our staff's personal insights into the August-issue small SUVs test group. (Read: Personal Picks: Small SUVs, part 1.)

Gabe Shenhar: I really like the new turbocharged Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited. The car marks a big step forward over the original Forester, which is not something that can be said for every redesign these days. The new Forester provides effortless acceleration, a great ride, lots of room, a quiet cabin and lots of agility. As soon as I brought it home for the first time, I showed it to my wife and made sure it fit in the garage. It would really make a nice family vehicle for us, with enough rear seat room for two growing boys—which wasn’t the case with the original Forester. But after we finished testing it, I realized that it only got 20 mpg overall (on premium to boot). The excitement suddenly waned, which is too bad.

That brings me back to the Toyota RAV4. I’ve always had a soft spot for the RAV4, ever since it pioneered the segment in 1996. Although the design is two years old now, the current generation is still a standout. It looks good, rides and handles well, has many thoughtful interior features, and is roomy inside without being bulky. Even with the V6, I won’t have to feel guilty -- it gets 22 mpg on regular. Being quick, smooth and quiet, is the icing on the cake. So, if I were shopping for one of these today, the RAV6, as we call it here, would be my top contender.

Mike Quincy: I’m in three-row seat mode right now. Every car I look at or envision taking a permanent spot in my garage has to have this feature. Why? Well, like most households, if Mom’s happy, everybody’s happy. (Likewise, if Mom’s not happy… well, you get the picture.) Mom’s not too happy right now. See, we have two small boys who like to bring friends with them when they go places. My wife drives a Camry sedan. To keep everybody safe, all the kids ride in the backseat. Hence, with two boys and only three seating positions, only one can bring a friend. Also, Mom wants a dog. And Mom wants to build a garden. And Mom likes to buy antiques. So we need a vehicle that does everything: carry people, dogs, stuff. We don’t need to go off-road and, with a set of winter tires, we don’t need AWD. And, like everybody these days, it has to get good fuel economy and can’t break the bank. She’d love a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but they’re simply too pricey (nearly $40,000 with the third row).

What’s the best choice here? The Mazda5. It’s not a minivan, it’s not an SUV, and it’s not a wagon. But it can get done what Mom wants in her hectic life. Even a top-level Grand Touring model tops out at $24,000 (thousands less than most in the small SUV group when popularly equipped), and still gets 23 mpg overall. Exciting to drive? Well, she’s been driving that Camry for several years, which isn’t exactly a carnival on wheels, so the Mazda5 will likely feel like a new beginning. So, as it turns out, this isn’t exactly my personal pick, but it’s the pick for domestic harmony.

For more on this small SUVs group, read the road tests and watch our review videos.

Personal picks: Small SUVs

In the August issue, we tested several right-sized SUVs that represent where many buyers are heading: smaller and more fuel efficient. Among this group, the empirical standout was the redesigned Subaru Forester. It not only bested the other small SUVs in this month's small SUV Ratings (available to subscribers), its turbocharged and nonturbocharged versions also leapfrogged over the six- and four-cylinder versions of the Toyota RAV4.

We also tested the new Nissan Rogue and the four-cylinder Mitsubishi Outlander, plus we evaluated a couple old-school SUVs, the Kia Sorento and the redesigned Jeep Liberty.

To look behind the published ratings and road test, we offer personal insights on our picks for downsized SUVs:

Tom Mutchler: Even though I’m a big fan of wagons and hatchbacks, the Forester makes all of those cars in Subaru’s line-up redundant. (Same goes for the less-than-optimized Tribeca SUV.) The Forester has more room inside than an Outback wagon, and if you forego alloy wheels and heated seats, it’s less money than the smaller Outback Sport. You’re not giving up much in fuel economy or driving characteristics, either.

The Forester appeals to me because it is a refreshingly honest car. It stresses substance— like fantastic visibility, the ride/handling balance, interior space, and crash-test results— over flash. No, it doesn’t get the fuel economy of a Toyota RAV4 and it’s not as well trimmed as a Honda CR-V. But I’ll take the savings and get the more practical Forester.

One more thing: this month’s test revealed an overlooked player in this market, the Mitsubishi Outlander. It got me to the airport in an early morning snowstorm without any drama, and the huge interior easily swallowed a large laundry dryer, aided by its clever little tailgate. The steering is tuned toward sporty, and the newly-available four-cylinder is willing (if not overly powerful). While it’s likely to depreciate more than a three-year-old RAV4/ CR-V/Forester, the Outlander could make be a used-car bargain down the road.

Rick Small: The popular small SUV market is growing rapidly. These right-sized vehicles have many advantages over the older truck-based models, such as better ride, handling, and fuel efficiency. They’re also very roomy for their size; folding rear seats only add to there usefulness. Some offer third-row seats but they are mostly for small kids. The new Subaru Forester is larger and much improved over the previous model. The turbo version is more responsive and better equipped than the base, but gets two fewer mpg. Subarus all come with standard AWD, so they get less mpg than most base vehcles in this class —almost all competing models also offer FWD version. The Honda CR-V is reliable and gets better fuel economy. But I need a 3,500-pound towing capacity, which leaves the four-cylinder models off my list. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4 offer V6s that will tow and the new Mitsubishi Outlander has a standard V6 that can also tow the weight I haul. Of these, the Outlander is the sportiest of the group and it fits my 6' 3" frame the best as well—although my wife complains about the lack of leg room. The RAV4 is a good choice and gets good mileage even with the V6 (22 mpg), but the driver’s seat is a bit small and flat for me. My favorite, though, is still the Nissan Murano (admittedly a bit more expensive). But it’s quicker, bigger and sportier than most of these and still manages to get 19 mpg. The new redesign is not quite as sporty as the old one, but it rides better and has more safety features.

For more on this small SUVs group, read the road tests and watch our review videos.

Personal Picks: Gas-saving sedans, part 2

Continuing our staff's personal insights into the July-issue gas-saving sedans test group.

Gabe Shenhar: The small sedans we call entry-level cars here serve as mainstream family cars in many parts of the world. We see a lot of people looking down at these cars, but there’s no reason for this. Some of the better ones in this class are well-rounded, fun to drive, just roomy enough, and get great fuel economy.

I may be in a minority, but the Hyundai Elantra SE doesn’t really do it for me—it’s just not engaging enough to drive. And if that wouldn’t be a priority for me, I’d choose the Toyota Corolla for a slightly more mature demeanor and its excellent 32 mpg overall.

I like the looks and the spirited powertrain of the Honda Civic. But for me, taking into account handling agility, seat comfort, and decent interior quality brings me to the Mazda3. When I drive one, I feel like I’m driving a small package, but without being deprived of anything that would frustrate me.

Mike Quincy: How often can you get something for nothing? I recently drove from CR’s home office in Yonkers, NY, back to our test track here in CT – typically a two-hour trip. I spent those miles in the Chevrolet Cobalt. It drove OK, but I felt completely anonymous. However, when I drove a Mini Cooper last week to my son’s soccer practice, I (almost) felt like Beckham arriving at a posh L.A. nightclub. Even though the modern Mini has been around since 2002, this car still makes people smile. And I doubt any car in this month’s test group will get a wave or headlight flash from another driver of the same car. Compared to the Cobalt, for roughly $2,500 more, I can get a Base Mini (with minimal options) that gets superior fuel economy but have loads more fun. I understand that almost no one pays sticker price for a Cobalt (hence, the price difference argument is tougher to make), but I’d be willing to get something (an attractive, entertaining package) and not give up fuel economy. Bottom line: The beauty of the Cooper is that you don’t feel like you’re driving a cheap-o tin can or a forgotten rental car.

For more on this gas-saving sedans test group, read the road tests and Personal picks: sports sedans, part 1, and also watch our car review videos.

Personal Picks: Gas-saving sedans

This month’s group couldn’t be timelier. With gas hovering at $4.00, all of us at Auto Test and the CR Autos Editorial group are being bombarded with questions from friends, neighbors, and readers about finding a more fuel-efficient car. As the Ratings (available to subscribers) show, overall fuel economy ranged from thrifty 32 mpg for the Toyota Corolla to a so-so 24 mpg for the Chevrolet Cobalt.

Here’s a look at our Personal Picks for cars with slow-moving fuel gauges.

Tom Mutchler: Two little letters here make a big difference: SE. With the addition of stability control, larger tires, and a telescoping steering wheel, the Hyundai Elantra SE scores considerably better than our well-liked Elantra GLS. It just goes to show what good dynamics can do for a car. Hopefully, shoppers using our Top Pick list or the July-issue road test pay attention and buy the SE instead of the more popular GLS. Getting the top-grade SE won’t break the bank either: with incentives, you can buy an automatic Elantra SE for under $16,000.

Sure, a Honda Civic is more fun to drive, but the Elantra is quieter, rides better, and has stability control that most Civics lack. (Note to Honda: You’re falling behind in that regard.) The Elantra’s dashboard doesn’t look like it was taken from a Klingon interceptor, either.

That said, if I was plunking down my own money for a car in this price range, it would be a hatchback. That body style adds cargo hauling flexibility with very little downside. So for now, I’m recycling last month’s Personal Picks—a Mazda3s hatchback or VW Rabbit. But the Elantra SE’s qualities have me looking forward to the fall introduction of the Elantra Touring (read: wagon).

Rick Small: These small sedans are enjoying a surge in popularity due to the ever-rising gas prices, but they are not all created equal, nor fit my needs. The Subaru Impreza is a nice car but only comes in AWD, which hurts fuel economy. Plus, the driving position doesn’t fit my tall body as well as some. The Hyundai Elantra SE is very nice, has a long warranty, and good fuel economy. The Toyota Corolla gets very good fuel economy but, again, I don’t fit in it so well. The Ford Focus has lost some of its grip and with it went braking distances and its once wonderful fun-to-drive factor. The Focus’ driving position is decent for tall drivers, but it has no rear headrests--a serious safety omission. The Saturn Astra has a nice ride, but it is slow responding and fuel economy falls short for this class. Of this group, I like the Volkswagen Rabbit the best. It feels more solid and sporty than the others here, plus it has a good driving position for taller people. I also really like the Mini but not this Clubman version. It does provide a little more room in the back but I dislike the split rear doors and big blind spot they create. The bigger Mini’s handling is not as crisp as the other versions, either. The Base or S are a blast to drive, get very good fuel economy and -- surprisingly -- have a very good driving position for tall drivers. The back seat is petty much for storage or very small passengers. Fuel economy for all these models are pretty good here, but if you want even more mpg get the manual transmission version.

For more on this gas-saving sedans test group, read the road tests and watch our car review videos.

Personal picks—Convertibles, round 2

Back in April when we published our picks of the recent crop of drop-tops, a reader posted this comment: “With 75% of VW Beetle convertible buyers [being] women and 68% Camry Solara convertible buyers women, it would have been nice to hear what your women testers thought of these cars.”

Fair question. So we tracked several female Cars staffers and asked them which convertibles they’d most like to see in their driveways. Here are their responses:

Jennifer Stockburger: The truth is, with two little kids, coupes and convertibles are a bit tougher to classify than other vehicle types into my "Personal Picks." But, if I fast-forward a few years to a time when moving child seats and backpacks in and out won’t be such a concern, I think I’d have to go with the Volkswagen Eos.

From the first time I saw it on the show floor at the New York Auto Show a couple of years ago, I loved its styling and hoped performance would come to match it. Following our testing, it not only proved a good performer, but included many really well thought-out additions that set it apart from the rest. Things like the sunroof, the iPod dock and the really nicely finished interior make you want to show this car off. It’s easy to love. The biggest thing to get used to, for me, would be the initial lag in the throttle response. Though the car does seem to be marketed toward a younger driver, who’s to say that a middle-aged Mom (like me) won’t be just as happy in it?

Shawn Sinclair: The first car I owned was a 1976 MG Midget. Once I got most of the Lucas parts replaced and worked out a few other problems, the car was a blast to drive. In this convertible group, I find myself migrating toward the VW Eos and the BMW 328i. I really liked the Eos even though it has a few quirks. Regarding the BMW, it’s a nice car to drive, but if I had $50K to spend on a convertible, it would be a Chevrolet Corvette. However, the model that trumps them all is one with a reasonable price and is fun to drive: Look no further than the Mazda Miata.

Liza Barth: I agree with Jennifer that choosing a convertible would be the last car type that I would think of considering since I have a toddler and another baby on the way, but it may be something to consider in another stage of life. The Eos is definitely a car I could live with (if it were just my husband and I driving, since the back seat is snug). I also like the BMW 328i as it was fun to drive and has a sporty feel, but I can’t imagine spending $50k on a car with a small trunk and cramped rear seats. I guess I’m just too practical.