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Like those that came before it, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is a strong entry in the already crowded full-size crossover SUV segment. If you're looking for a solid-performing people mover that seats up to eight (and doesn't exclude adults from the third row), hauls a lot of cargo and doesn't cramp your ego, the Traverse deserves your serious attention. Those considering a GM crossover who haven't made up their minds on which one should note that, at a starting price just over $28,000, the Chevy is the least expensive in the family. So if the styling and options specific to the Traverse speak to you, this latest addition to the brood may be just the right pick. But if the Traverse or its siblings don't work for you, the Ford Flex, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander are all worthy competitors and merit a close look.

The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is a large crossover SUV available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. Standard equipment on the LS includes 17-inch steel wheels, eight-passenger seating, split-folding second- and third-row bench seats, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, full power accessories, OnStar and a six-speaker CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.

The midrange LT trim level actually comes with the choice of two packages: the moderate 1LT and the more upscale 2LT. The 1LT package offers 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear parking sensors and remote vehicle start. Select the 2LT package and get all that plus Bluetooth, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker Bose system, rear audio system controls, seven-passenger seating featuring second-row captain's chairs, a power liftgate and a rearview camera integrated into the rearview mirror. The Traverse LTZ improves upon the 2LT with 20-inch wheels, leather seating, heated and cooled power front seats with driver memory settings, a navigation system with real-time traffic and a rearview camera.

Many of the features on upper trim levels can be added to the lower ones via optional packages. Also available are dual sunroofs and a rear-seat entertainment system. Should you wish to take advantage of the Traverse's 5,200-pound towing capacity, a trailering package is available on all trim levels and includes a heavy-duty engine cooler and trailer hitch.

2009 Nissan Murano Vehicle Overview

Introduction

It's a balancing act that would test a Cirque du Soleil performer: the task of redesigning a popular vehicle without diluting its appeal by making it too different. Such was the challenge Nissan faced when it decided to revamp its popular Murano midsize crossover SUV as an early 2009 model year release.

The first-generation Murano (it debuted back in 2004) was known for its sporty styling and sharp handling. For that first quality, not much changed for the new 2009 Nissan Murano. At a glance, especially in profile, one might have trouble discerning the new model from its predecessor. The same kicked-up beltline and triangular rearmost side windows remain, as does the general silhouette. The face is more aggressive, however, with its rather strange grille that incorporates squinty headlights. The tail retains the unique back window design (that's thankfully a bit bigger) but takes on new, more horizontal taillights.

It's also more of the same in regards to handling ability. Part of the old Murano's handling credentials came about as it shared some lineage with Nissan's athletic Altima sedan. The 2009 Murano continues that trend, though it's now related to the latest-generation Altima that recently debuted. Meanwhile, the peppy 3.5-liter "VQ Series" V6, already highly regarded, gains 25 horsepower for a total of 265, while the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) -- one of the old model's more disappointing qualities -- has been tweaked for sharper response.

Ouissam Youssef Adress :In 1999, Audi expanded the range with the introduction of more powerful versions: a 1.8 Turbo with 180 PS (132 kW)) and a 1.9 I4 TDI Diesel with pumpe-düse technology and variable geometry turbocharger. The four-wheel-drive A3 1.8T quattro used either the 150 hp (110 kW) or 180 PS (132 kW) engine and the same Haldex Traction-based all-wheel drive system as the Audi S3 and the Audi TT. 1999 was also the year Audi was forced to bow to market demands and introduced a hastily-conceived five-door body that the company had not previously intended to produce.

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Interior Design and Special Features

The 2009 Mazda 6's control layout is generally intuitive, with all major knobs and buttons clearly labeled and easily manipulated. It's attractive, too, with red backlighting for the gauges and a sleek center stack sweeping forward toward the windshield, although the odd black-and-silver patterned plastic trim in Touring models and above won't strike everyone's fancy. Materials quality is hit-or-miss, as the rich-feeling soft-touch material on the passenger side of the dashboard contrasts with cheap hard stuff on the driver side. The emergency brake also feels a bit chintzy for this price point. The generously proportioned seats are quite comfortable, however, with ample leg- and headroom all around. On the downside, power-adjustable lumbar support is unavailable, and the optional manually adjustable driver-side lumbar support operates via a labor-intensive knob.

In the audio department, the 6's standard stereo is just adequate, and while the optional Bose system sounds markedly better, it lacks the clarity and rich bass response of the best stereos in this class. There's better news on the cargo-carrying front, where the 16.6-cubic-foot trunk sets a new standard for family sedans. Moreover, it's enhanced by upscale strut supports that don't impinge on the cargo area, and the 60/40-split-folding rear seats add to the 6's impressive hauling capabilities.

Interior Design and Special Features

Getting in can also be a challenge. Because of the trademark side exhaust, the side sills can get hot enough to singe your calves, and taller drivers will find that the smallish door opening hampers entry and exit.

The overall design of the Viper's interior is rather drab, though it can be livened up a bit with optional two-tone color schemes and dash panel inserts. The black-on-white-faced gauges are easy to read and well-placed. The large tachometer is mounted centrally in the instrument pod, beside the 220-mph-max speedometer. The center console accommodates additional gauges, the audio system with the six-CD changer, climate controls and a racy red starter button to fire up the V10.

Ouissam Youssef Wise : Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Dodge Caliber is a compact four-door hatchback. Buyers have a choice of four trims: SE, SXT, R/T and SRT4. The budget-priced SE is sparsely equipped, with 15-inch wheels and a CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack highlighting the standard features list. If you want air-conditioning or power windows and mirrors, you have to get them as options. With the midgrade SXT, the picture improves, as its standard features include 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a 60/40-split rear seat (that folds and reclines), a fold-flat front-passenger seat, satellite radio and a 115-volt outlet. Main options for the SXT include a sunroof, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates ("Uconnect GPS"), heated front seats, Bluetooth and color-keyed instrument panel trim. Dodge also offers upgraded audio choices in the form of a six-CD changer, a hard-drive-based digital music server ("Uconnect tunes") and a special Boston Acoustics MusicGate speaker package.

The Caliber R/T comes with 18-inch alloy wheels as well as heated seats and the MusicGate speakers. The R/T also has a sport-tuned suspension and steering system. Options include leather seats and 18-inch chrome-plated wheels. The performance-oriented SRT4 trim adds a high-output turbocharged engine, a unique hood with an aggressive-looking (and functional) air scoop, 19-inch wheels, sport seating, a lowered suspension, upgraded brakes and a performance metrics display. The hard-drive music server also comes standard. Options on the SRT4 largely mirror the R/T's, although the SRT4 offers an exclusive 13-speaker Kicker audio system.

Ouissam Youssef Adress Powertrains and Performance

The 2009 Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque -- increases of 6 hp and 13 lb-ft over last year's model. A five-speed automatic is the only available transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all Pilot models are available with an all-wheel-drive system that automatically apportions power to the rear wheels -- up to 70 percent -- when front slippage occurs. This system also has a driver-selectable "lock" feature that routes the maximum 70 percent of torque to the rear wheels at speeds below 19 mph.

Having gained a few horsepower as well as a few pounds, the 2009 Pilot was projected to be about as fleet-footed as its forebear. Imagine our surprise, then, when our test vehicle loped from zero to 60 mph in a leisurely 9.7 seconds -- that's roughly a half-second slower than the previous-generation model despite similar gear ratios. At least fuel economy has increased slightly thanks to Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which shuts down half of the V6's cylinders when they're not needed. According to the EPA, 2WD models should achieve 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined, while AWD models come in at 16/22/18.

Ouissam Youssef LLC Interior Design and Special Features

The 2009 Mazda 6's control layout is generally intuitive, with all major knobs and buttons clearly labeled and easily manipulated. It's attractive, too, with red backlighting for the gauges and a sleek center stack sweeping forward toward the windshield, although the odd black-and-silver patterned plastic trim in Touring models and above won't strike everyone's fancy. Materials quality is hit-or-miss, as the rich-feeling soft-touch material on the passenger side of the dashboard contrasts with cheap hard stuff on the driver side. The emergency brake also feels a bit chintzy for this price point. The generously proportioned seats are quite comfortable, however, with ample leg- and headroom all around. On the downside, power-adjustable lumbar support is unavailable, and the optional manually adjustable driver-side lumbar support operates via a labor-intensive knob.

In the audio department, the 6's standard stereo is just adequate, and while the optional Bose system sounds markedly better, it lacks the clarity and rich bass response of the best stereos in this class. There's better news on the cargo-carrying front, where the 16.6-cubic-foot trunk sets a new standard for family sedans. Moreover, it's enhanced by upscale strut supports that don't impinge on the cargo area, and the 60/40-split-folding rear seats add to the 6's impressive hauling capabilities.

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