January 13th, 2008 — Tags:2008 ford taurus x, crossover, cuv, ford, taurus, taurus x
I always get a kick out of reading other people’s reviews of a car that I’m about to test, so it was cool that Wes Siler from Jalopnik had a similar Taurus X last week. Fortunately, our tester had a more photogenic colour combo than the two tone deal that Wes had.
I suppose the first thing we should discuss is the branding issue. Ford has been trying hard to try to rectify some of the branding nightmares they’ve created recently by resurrecting the Taurus nameplate. The Freestyle moniker hadn’t struck a chord with consumers, so rather than let it continue they renamed it the Taurus X in deference to the available awd. Really, all it seems to have done is confused the brand recognition even more. Most people sort of scratch their heads & say…”so you’re driving a Ford 500 right?” Maybe they should have stuck with Freestyle.
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December 24th, 2007 — Tags:crossover, cuv, Dodge, dodge journey
Dodge announced the pricing for their new 2009 Journey crossover first reveled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this past fall. This is Dodge’s first plunge into the segment.
Offered at a little under $20,000, Dodge is hoping that the price point steers some potential buyers away from the Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Veracruz, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Edge.
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June 16th, 2007 — Tags:crossover, cuv, edge, ford, murano, nissan
When I first saw the new Ford Edge, I couldn’t help but think that Ford had set their sights squarely on the successful Nissan Murano. Visually, designers have taken a decidedly Japanese shape and moulded it into a package that there is no mistaking for a Ford product. The 5 door crossover sport utility looks great from every angle and from the reaction we’ve gotten around town it seems to have made it’s presence known with the public.
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June 11th, 2007 — Tags:crossover, edge, ford, lincoln, mkx
The first time I saw a new Ford Edge, I thought it looked like a clever copy of Nissan’s successful Murano. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say that Ford outdid Nissan in the style department. This is one great looking vehicle.
It would appear that the consumers agree with me, as sales of the Edge and it’s upscale sibling the Lincoln MKX are soaring. In fact, in May new car buyers bought more of the Edge than any other crossover including the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander or the Nissan Murano! They are doing so well that sales are 20% ahead of Ford’s own predictions.
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December 4th, 2006 — Tags:350z, crossover, fx35, infiniti
I’ve got to admit, that I may not be the best person to review a sports cross over mini suv/sportscar like the 2007 Infininti FX 35. Why? Because I really don’t get the whole sport crossover suv market segment. As regular readers know, I’m a car racing fanatic. What only a few astute readers may have noticed (or cared, for that matter) is that I’ve also spent a bit of time on the trails as well. As much as I love fast cars, I also love trucks. In fact, for daily driving, I have come to prefer the utility of a truck based suv. If I want to win the stoplight grand prix or carve up a country road, I’ll drive a sports car. If there is a bit of dirt, or kids to haul to hockey a funky box on wheels like an Xterra is my choice. What do we accomplish with a sports crossover? A sports car that is heavy and slow, or a truck that hauls butt, but can’t go off road.
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September 7th, 2006 — Tags:crash-test-ratings, crossover, mazda, nhtsa
Mazda’s new crossover SUV the CX-7 has just received the highest possible crash test ratings for all tests. In NHTSA testing, the CX-7 received a 5 star rating in frontal and side impact tests. It also received a 4 star rating for it’s roll over test. These are the highest ratings available for an SUV, and have never been acheived by any currently available competitor. Mazda must be proud, this is one tough cookie.
Press release after the break.
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June 26th, 2006 — Tags:crossover, mazda-motor, mazda-suv, new-york-auto, new-york-auto-show, press-release
Mazda seems to be on a roll with their cross over SUV’s lately. The new CX-7 looks great and folks who’ve driven it seem to agree so far. I hope to drive one in the next few weeks. Hot on it’s heels, Mazda is set to release yet another crossover. Officially unveiled at the New York auto show in April, this 7 passenger ute is due to appear in dealerships in early 07. Curious, but today’s press release from Mazda actually bears the release date of April 12. This must a be Ford influence.
Mazda press release:
| Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) unveils its all-new 2007 Mazda CX-9 seven-passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle at the New York International Auto Show.Arriving in Mazda dealerships in early 2007, the CX-9 is designed and engineered specifically for North America. The Mazda CX-9’s design sets new standards for style, while incorporating an interior of sophisticated elegance with class-leading space and unmatched versatility. Best of all, CX-9 - like all Mazdas - has the Soul of a Sportscar.Like the Mazda CX-7 presented earlier this year, the CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the US market, deftly blending sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality.
“The North American market continues to play a leading role in Mazda Motor Corporation’s global future and financial health,” emphasizes Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “The all-new CX-7 and CX-9 were engineered specifically for North America to help us fulfill ambitious goals. The CX-9 has traits only a Mazda SUV could have: strong performance, agile handling, precise steering and superior quality and craftsmanship.”
Mazda CX-9 targets young couples and modern families with a focus on family interests, yet haven’t lost their desire for high-intensity leisure activities, learning experiences and social interaction. It is also ideal for couples with grown children who pursue an active lifestyle.
Every CX-9 is powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine driven through a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Final drive is through either front- or all-wheel drive. Brakes are large ventilated discs on all four wheels.
More detail on specific model content will be available closer to launch, but standard features on all trims include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, and six airbags. To help avoid accidents, all CX-9s are fitted as standard with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS). An optionally available power-operated lift gate provides one-touch opening and closing access to the cargo hold. |
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