Saab 9-4X Crossover

Although we've known about the 9-4x for quite some time, it's still a big deal for the newly reinvigorated Saab.  Even though Saab has never been big on SUVs,  they're an absolute necessity to have a complete product portfolio, and this 9-4 should go a long way to boosting the brand's sales.

It doesn't hurt to make your cars attractive, and this vehicle, along with the new 9-5, are the best looking Saabs in years.  It shares it's platform with the Cadillac SRX, though I'd say the Saab's exterior is the more successful of the two.  I especially enjoy the blacked out A-pillars, a design touch which seems to be popping up on a lot of cars lately.

Problems?  Well, considering it based off the Cadillac, expect it to be heavy, slow, and not so good at the pump.  Also, considering the asking price of the new 9-5 sedan, the 9-4X will not be cheap.

Cars You Can't Have - New Ford Ranger

Although pickup trucks are often thought of as a purely American concept, they're surprisingly popular thoughout the world, especially in developing nations.  They've found fans in all corners of the globe, from Central American coffee farmers to the Taliban.  Non-US pickups all follow the same formula: medium size, four doors, small bed, rugged construction, and a diesel motor. 

The new Ford Ranger is no exception, sticking to the tried-and-true formula.  It's pretty sharp looking, and should be as rugged as any vehicle can be.  Alas, we won't be getting it here, as Americans are simply too willing to step up to full size, gas powered F-150s and the like.

More Pics of Chrysler 200

If you check out rankings in Consumer Reports, the Dodge Avenger / Chrysler Sebring twins are near the bottom.  They're just not up to snuff in the ever more competitive midsize segment.

Chrysler's been unleashing new and updated products and now its the Sebring's turn.  Or should I say the 200.  It seems that Chrysler re-named the car to get rid of the Sebring's less than stellar reputation.

Although the front and rear clips looks vastly improved, the 200 still retains the Sebring's somewhat bizarre proportions and greenhouse.   No photos of the interior, which hopefully has been updated as well.  Expect new powertrains including the new, powerful Pentastar V-6. 

Chrysler's definitely on the right track, and this update should hold the car over until Chrysler can dedicate resources to an all new midsizer.

Hyundai Sonata Turbo For Less Than $25k

The new Hyundai Sonata is burning up the sales charts as well as winning accolades from all corners (I'm betting it'll be Motor Trend's Car of the Year).  The factory can't keep up as the car flies off the lots.  And this is before the Turbo model has even hit the market.

The Turbo SE model, with sporty wheels and trim, will be available for less than $25k.  Considering if offers just the right features for a low price, I'd say you're looking at the best overall midsize package you can buy.

It's by no means a enthusiast's dream car, but at least it won't embarass itself on the road.  And you'll look a damn sight better than the other commuters in their boring Camry/Accord/Altima appliance.

2011 Dodge Charger Official Photos

Chrysler's product onslaught continues with the first official photos of the 2011 Charger.  Although it retains plenty of the styling cues of the old Charger, the new car looks sleeker and meaner, both good things.  Out back is a new light bar that's achieves new level of retro.  

The Hemi will likely come with the new ZF eight speed which should be a boon to economy and performance.  The volume powerplant is the new Pentastar V-6, but expect a five or six speed tranny with that engine.

The Charger / 300 twins are two of the best American cars to come out of Detroit in the 2000s.  They found a sweet spot of American cardom that had seemingly been forgotten: big, V-8 powered, rear wheel drive sports sedans with style and swagger.  We would never have had the Pontiac G8 in this country without these cars.

I've always preferred the 300, but the new Charger looks very appealing in its own right. 

Ford Focus - It Ain't Cheap

Although I've lauded the 2012 Ford Focus several times now, it seems all that goodness doesn't come free.  Ford has priced the car for the first time, and it ain't cheap.  The hatchback starts at $18,065, about $400 higher than the already pricey Golf, and about $1,300 higher that a Toyota Matrix.  The stripped sedan starts at $16,270, a few hundred bones more than the popular Corolla and Civic.

Dynamically the Focus should stand up very well against the competition, and can be served up with near luxury levels of equipment  But the starting prices may give buyers pause, regardless of how many goodies the car comes with.

So a value proposition the Focus is not.  I'm sure it will be marvelous, especially in hatchback guise, but the mid-level SEL trim starts at $21k!  By that point you can get into a decently equipped midsizer.

We'll see next year if Ford can charge higher prices for their excellent compact car, when the Focus goes on sale.