Test Drives, Trends & Events

The Ford F-150 is a class leader and it’s not at all difficult to see why after driving in one for 7 days. Ford has continued to build upon a solid foundation of success year after year and this year is no different except that the Ford F-150 is better than ever. It’s more powerful, has better fuel efficiency and performance and its rugged good looks alone could pretty much be the main selling point.

The exterior although muscular and strong in appearance, also demonstrates a certain graceful appeal as well. The lines are smooth, flowing seamlessly from one panel to the next. The front face of the F-150 is bold with either a black or chrome grill and painted bumper matching the body. The mirrors and door handles, as well as the back bumper, have painted accents that also match the body. Ford has made the F-150 available in seven different exterior colors: Ebony Black, Ingot Silver Metallic, Oxford White, Sterling Grey Metallic, Race Red, Blue Flame Metallic, and Red Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (additional cost). The F-150 FX4 (as test driven) is equipped with a 5.0L V8 FFV engine and electronic 6 speed automatic transmission which provides plenty of continuous power. With 302 horsepower and a 5000 max towing capacity, there isn’t much room for decent fue...

Scion introduced the xD as a vehicle that would cater to younger generation car buyers, and they definitely have hit the hip and trendy generation Y mark. With a wide selection of accessories and modifications available, anyone can build their Scion to their liking. Since its debut in 2008, the Scion xD sub-compact hatchback has made huge strides over the last couple years, not only with available features but overall design inside and out.

The 2011 Scion xD Release Series 3.0 (as test driven) is equipped with a 1.8L 4-cylinder DOHC 16V Dual VVT-I engine with 128 horse power ; a class-leading power plant under the hood. While the Scion xD and competing class members share a similar fuel efficiency of 27 city and 33 highway, (note: the Fiesta gets 37 on the highway and has a 16 gallon tank whereas the others have 10/11 gallon tanks) it does rise above the rest with 125 lbs of torque whereas the others range from 98 to 112; a notable difference in off-the-line power. The xD driven had a front wheel drive 4 speed automatic transmission, but has the available option of a 5 speed manual transmis...

Who knew the Toyota 4Runner could be anymore further enhanced for off-road conditions; but it seems Toyota has done it and done it very well. The 4Runner not only comes in a SR5 and Limited trim, but is now also available in a Trail edition 4x4 4.0L V6 and is more than well-equipped to take on any situation on or off the road.Sharing a few of the off-road touches of the FJ Cruiser, the 4Runner Trail has protruding taillights, and stronger, more distinct lines giving it a muscular appeal making it look fiercer than ever before. All exterior assets, such as bumpers, mirrors, door handles, mudguards, grille and utility roof rack are black adding more 4x4 appeal; let’s face it chrome or painted assets might make it a little too prissy amongst Mother Nature’s rugged animals.

The 2011 Toyota 4Runner Trail comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and a part-time 4WD system with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) which compensates for wheel slippage and loss of traction in off-road conditions. Most off-road vehicles would be expected to have a more rugged feel and slightly rough around the edges in terms of drive and ride, however the 4...