2009 Suzuki Gran Vitara

November 30th, 2008 by Justin

Suzuki has been impressing even the most jaded 4×4 critics over the years and while it still is known as a low cost, base brand the value and reliability it is offering has made incremental increases. Suzuki is definitely a brand to watch in the future and if the 2009 Suzuki Gran Vitara is any indication, better days are definitely here for this brand. The 2009 Suzuki Gran Vitara is quite surprisingly a solid performer. While the 2008 was decent, this newer model grows on the previous one and offers a new more peppier engine that not only increases fuel economy, but reduces emissions as well. While on the smaller size, if you are looking for a budget SUV that offers many of the comforts you would expect in larger ticket prices, this vehicle definitely doesn’t disappoint.

2009 Suzuki Gran Vitara Tech Specs
Under the hood, new for this year is a 230 horsepower V6 3.2 liter 24 valve aluminum block which is overall nicely done. It replaces a 2.7 6 cylinder engine. Available with the new engine are either a 5 speed manual transmission or a four speed automatic transmission. This vehicle comes with front and rear independent suspension. As far as 4×4 is concerned you can access it by either electronic single mode or Four Mode. The Four Mode system offers 4 Hi and 4 Lo settings.

Off Roading with the Gran Vitara
While the Suzuki Gran Vitara has a low ground clearance- 8 inches, it did remarkably well on the off road trails. This includes almost everything we could find whether loose dirt, hills, some rocky terrain, the vehicle was a winner. Priced below $25k, if you are looking for a budget friendly SUV, definitely check out this vehicle.

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Toyota FJ Cruiser

November 30th, 2008 by Justin

The Toyota FJ Cruisers is a stylish SUV that is perfect for both couples and families. This fine automobile continues to impress even die hard 4×4 enthusiasts on a wide range of levels including engineering and component choices, comfort, styling and reliability. If you are looking for a good looking vehicle that scores high on practically every mark, this is the vehicle to look into. Toyota has been riding high these last couple of years with plenty of great products that are perfect for not only the road, but off road and in the snow. The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a fine choice.

Under the Hood of the Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is similar to the Tacoma, and while it doesn’t have a huge engine, the power it does have is perfect for most uses. Under the hood you will find a very peppy 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces a very revvy 239 hp. While you may think this may not be enough for the trails or the mountains, most who have driven it have no complaints, especially when paired with a 6 speed automatic transmission. Besides the peppy engine, you will find a great suspension including components such as: Bilstein shocks that are sport tuned, lever actuated transfer case and much more.

Plenty of Features
While the Toyota FJ Cruiser is incredibly fun to drive and has good road manners both on the road and off, it isn’t that economical. Gas mileage is about 15 mpg and while this vehicle has a decent base price of about $23K, with the features you want, you are looking in the area of $30K. All in all, this vehicle does ride great and looks very stylish.

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Chevrolet Avalanche 2009

November 30th, 2008 by Justin

Chevrolet makes some good, solid trucks and while they are not as much their bread and butter as Ford, you can count on a wide variety of Chevy trucks to get you from point A to point B and do it in style with lots of comfort and utility. This is exactly what the Chevrolet Avalanche is all about. This is a very comfortable truck and if you use your truck as an office when off site or like to enjoy your commute to work either on road or off, the Chevrolet Avalanche definitely impresses. While I wouldn’t go as far as saying it is the best on the market, it does have great styling, plenty of features and a lot of components that make this truck top rated in my book.

Under the Hood of the Chevrolet Avalanche
The Chevrolet Avalanche has plenty of power and is perfect for both on and off road driving. The Avalanche comes with a large 5.3 liter V8 engine. This engine is smooth, but does provide plenty of torque when you need it. And while this engine is paired with a 4 speed (some say economy) transmission it is just time before this bad boy is probably paired with a six speed auto with overdrive. The 4 wheel drive capability is done very nicely and off roading is quite easy with this vehicle. In the rear are rear leaf springs that are a perfect match for the truck bed. If you haul off road on trails, you will love the suspension- it is perfect for the trails.

All in all, this truck is very well done. While it is on the pricier side of about $36K base it offers plenty of power, convenience, comfort and utility. The Avalanche is a definite winner by Chevy.

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Lexus LS 570

November 29th, 2008 by Justin

For those that are looking for lots of luxury in their 4×4 vehicle, one of the best choices you can make is the Lexus LS 570. And while this 4×4 offers plenty of power, a nice cushy ride and lots of features and creature comforts, if you are looking for a serious trail vehicle- this is not it. However, this doesn’t mean that the LS 570 is a sub par vehicle, it’s just not practical for moderate to serious off roading.

What the Lexus LS 570 Offers
In one word, the Lexus LS 570 offers its owners Luxury with a capital L. It really is breathtaking the amount of luxury and cushy ride ability you receive in this vehicle. I doubt with its wonderful suspension you would even notice if you road off a cliff. OK, all joking aside, the LS 570 comes with great technology and components including a 5.7 liter DOHC engine that produces a very respectable 383 horsepower and 403 ft lbs of torque. In addition, the suspension is done up very nice with front and rear electrohydraulic IFS, double wishbone suspension, a 9.5 inch solid axle and a bunch of other high end components. The LS 570 comes with nice 20 inch wheels and Dunlop tires. The exterior is very stylish, but the front and rear overhang is the main problem for why this vehicle won’t satisfy true 4×4 enthusiasts. With low ground clearance, you have to worry about taking this vehicle off road.

While the LS 570 is an extremely expensive 4×4 with a base price of $74K, it definitely delivers in both the luxury department and with a very comfortable ride. However, once again serious 4×4 off roaders don’t look at this vehicle as you do the Range Rover.

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Dodge Dakota Crew Cab

November 29th, 2008 by Justin

The Dodge Dakota has been around for more than 20 years and during this time it has won over the truck loving crowd. While a mid size truck, the Dakota is absolutely solid and offers great components, technology, styling and reliability. With decent horsepower and plenty of utility, the Dodge Dakota is a favourite for those that use trucks for work or just like to tow their toys around. The 2008 Dodge Dakota continues to impress and while not the biggest truck on the road, it does make its owners quite satisfied owning it.

Under the Hood of the Dodge Dakota Crew Cab
The Dodge Dakota has an impressive power plant and delivers top rated performance. Starting with a 4.7 liter SOHC 16 valve V8, the Dakota produces 302 horsepower and 329 lb ft torque. The suspension is nicely done with independent upper and lower A arms, gas pressure shock absorbers link type stabilizer bar, ultileaf two stage longitudinal springs, and staggered gas pressure shock observers. As far as wheels are concerned, the Dakota has 16 inch OWL Rugged Trail tires, a wheel base of 131 inches a curb weight of 3 tons and a max towing capacity of 6,750. Fuel economy is ok with about 21 on the highway.

Inside the Dodge Dakota Crew Cab
The interior of the Dodge Dakota Crew Cab is nicely done with quality materials. Again, the styling of this truck is done up very well. There is more room than expected and plenty of features for those that use their truck for their office when off site. While mostly positive, the only downsides are pretty much the small tires and its low ground clearance. However, all in all, Dodge lovers will appreciate the many benefits of owning a Dodge Dakota. The base price of this vehicle is an ok $30K.

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