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Auto Review: 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited

Posted by Portland Observer staff On July - 14 - 2010

Kathleen Carr

The Sebring is a mainstream mid-size family sedan that has been offered by Chrysler since the mid-’90s and is available in both sedan and convertible versions. The 2010 Sebring changes include a sleeker hood, new wheel designs, a revised instrument cluster, and driver and front passenger active head restraints. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS come standard on all 2010 Chrysler Sebring models.

The 2010 Sebring sedan is available in two trim levels, Touring or the up-scale Limited, with a choice of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6. Our tested vehicle had the 2.4 liter engine with 173 horsepower. It delivers the best fuel economy but sufficient power. Competition in this class has more to offer in power and handling.

The front passenger seat in the 2010 Chrysler Sebring folds flat for additional storage space as does a 60/40-split folding rear seat. SIRIUS Satellite Radio is standard. The premium Limited sedan adds a Navigation and Sound Package that includes UConnect GPS, a hands-free phone system and Boston Acoustics speakers. Additional Limited features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote engine start and heated and cooled front cup holders. It had plenty of room for the front passengers but would be uncomfortable for adults in the rear seat due to lack of leg room.

The Sebring offers an array of options at a reasonable price. It style seems to be just the essential, wishing for more. It is not an overall bad car to drive, it just needs more improve on style to bring the WOW factor.

Auto Review, Consumer News, Street Edition

Portland Observer Auto Review: 2010 Volkswagen Routan SE

Posted by Portland Observer staff On June - 22 - 2010

Tested vehicle information: 3.8-liter V6 engine; six-speed automatic transmission; 17 city mpg, 25 highway mpg; MSRP $30,600

by Kathleen Carr

Volkswagen started out with the bus version of a mini-van long before mini-vans were invented. The company then transitioned it to a microbus. For a time, Volkswagen has not had any van style vehicles. But in 2009 they returned to the market with the Routan.

There are four different tirm levels to choose from S, SE, SEL and SEL Premumiun, but not many changes from last year’s model. Volkswagen features a slightly different look via the company’s familiar headlight and grille design, as well as unique taillights for the Routan. It borrows from the Chryler family with it design, and still has room for improvements.

The 2010 Volkswagen Routan SE comes with a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 197 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 is sufficient in the power range, but of course if you want more power then you will need to move up to the SEL tirm level. The Routan stiffer springs, tauter shock-absorber settings and revised valving in the power steering system does exactly that, creating a package that’s firmer than the average minivan adding to the comfortable ride over long periods of time.

It is a seven passenger vehicle with a third row seat that lays down to adjust for large loads. The second row seating is very roomy and comfortable. Unfortunately there is not stow and go on the second row seating, but it can be removed when needed to haul a larger load.

The Routen SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, power-sliding rear doors, upgraded V-tex upholstery, heated front seats and tri-zone manual climate control. This trim’s standard features list also includes power-adjustable pedals, an eight-way power driver seat, removable second-row captain’s chairs, rear sunshades, Bluetooth and an upgraded audio system with a six-CD changer.

An option on the SE is the RSE (rear seat entertainment) it adds a rear-seat entertainment system as well as a power liftgate and satellite radio. The SE with RSE and Navigation adds that comes with a hard-drive-based navigation system with digital music storage capability and a back-up camera.

The overall opinion of the Routon is that exterior options like power sliding doors and a power rear liftgate make the Routan family-friendly. Its passenger cabin is roomy, and while its interior isn’t as versatile as its Chrysler cousins, the Routan’s seats are more comfortable. It may not have the refined suspension of it counterparts, but Routen is one that should be looked at as an option while in the market.

Auto Review, Consumer News, Street Edition

Autoreview: 2010 Lincoln MKT Ecoboost

Posted by Portland Observer staff On June - 16 - 2010

Tested Vehicle Information: 3.5 liter Ecoboost engine; 6-speed automatic transmission; 16 city mpg, 22 highway mpg; MSRP$49,200, Tested MSRP $57,375

The newest addition to the Lincoln lineup, having debuted in the summer of 2009, is the MKT. The MKT shares its basic platform architecture with Lincoln’s MKS sedan and the Ford Flex crossover. Like the MKS, Ford has done an outstanding job of visually differentiating this vehicle from its Ford sibling inside and out. The MKT may share its greasy bits with the flex but every piece of sheet-metal, leather and plastic is completely unique to the premium model.

MKT’s “EcoBoost” twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine puts out an impressive 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque and also gets a respectable EPA-estimated 22 mpg on the highway. It has a very smooth and quiet ride, and sound handling ability. The MKT has adopted the latest Lincoln design language that includes the split bow-wave grille, narrow, horizontal head and tail lights and the chamfered shoulder line that runs the length of the vehicle between the lights. A sharp crease reminiscent of a pair of tailored slacks runs the length of the body from bumper to bumper.

It’s list of standard and optional equipment that includes such options as a hard-drive-based navigation system, adaptive cruise control and a refrigerated box for rear-seat passengers, keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors and a power liftgate. Inside, you’ll find leather seating, 12-way heated and ventilated power front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, power-adjustable pedals, driver memory settings, a tilt/telescoping steering column, tri-zone automatic climate control, retractable second-row sunshades, a rear 110-volt power outlet and an 8-inch touchscreen that displays audio and climate controls and the image from the standard rearview camera. On the entertainment front there is a 10-speaker audio system with a 10-gigabyte hard drive, satellite radio, and the Sync system that offers voice control for MP3 players and cell phones.

The MKT maybe big and bulky when you drive it but the look is much more appealing than the ford Flex.

This crossover vehicle was more like a SUV to me than a crossover. It handles great, rides smoothly and easy to get in and out of .

Auto Review, Street Edition

Auto Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

Posted by Portland Observer staff On June - 8 - 2010

2010 Lincoln MKZ

Tested Vehicle Information: 3.5L 24 V6 Duratec engine; 6-speed selectshift automatice transmission; 17 city mpg, 24 highway mpg; MSRP $36,005 Test Vehicle MSRP $43,245.

Kathleen Carr

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ, which features a new look outside and in, as well as a host of refinements with better fit, improved materials, and premium leather.

Lincoln’s now-signature split-wing grille highlights the exterior modifications, which include new sheet metal from the A-pillar forward, a redesigned decklid, and larger LED taillamps.

Lincoln has adjusted the 3.5L, 263-hp V-6, recalibrating the ECU, incorporating a new induction system, and changing the shift points, resulting in a more pleasant sounding engine as well as a quicker 0-to-60 time, which drops from 7.7 sec to 7.1. The all-aluminum engine also incorporates intake variable cam timing for smooth idle and an impressive broad torque curve with good power. The six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission, which is front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive is standard on all 2010 MKZ’s.

The MKZ’s ride and handling was improved when Lincoln returned the springs and dampers, tweaked the rear suspension geometry, and, for enthusiasts, added an available sport package that includes firmer springs, larger anti-roll bars, and 18-in. alloys with 225/45 Goodyears (versus 225/50R17 Michelins). A new variable-assist power steering system and larger brakes round out the chassis upgrades, however the all-wheel drive remains an option with a price of $1,890.

The sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels of the Sport Appearance package makes the MKZ’s surprisingly nimble and far more fun to drive.

The interior of the MKZ ambiance is warmer, richer, and quieter than before. The changes to the interior from the old retro style dash to
the modern, round dials, an 8.0-in.-high-res navigation screen, real aluminum or wood trim, and an elegant, flowing dash reminiscent of that in the top-tier luxury vehicle. Lincoln MKZ offers the usual array of items such as automatic climate control, a moonroof, Sync voice activation, Bluetooth, keyless start and rear back-up sensors. Options include chrome wheels, an optional surround-sound audio system, a voice-activated navigation system, real-time traffic, ventilated seats and back-up sensors.

The MKZ is fun to drive, it offers increased power and a more luxurious look and presence. It improvements to the interior of the vehicle brings in into the luxury market from the past models. The refinements to the powertrain are complemented by improvements to cabin noise levels.

Auto Review, Consumer News, Street Edition