Dodge Challenger SRT8

Many longtime muscle car buffs recall the cars of their youth with similar accuracy, or lack thereof. To hear these gearheads tell it, every car they owned could blister the quarter-mile in 12 seconds flat. The reality is that the bark coming out of those dual exhausts was sometimes meaner than the car's bite. And those fans' selective memories usually forget the mediocre handling and braking, the finicky engines that were prone to overheating in traffic, the Nautilus-machine-level clutch effort and the lack of passenger comfort. The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 manages to offer all the nostalgia without any of the negatives conveniently left out of all those selective memories.

Ryan Binkley News: Saturn Astra XR Coupe Performance

Now, about that fuel economy. The EPA estimates the 2009 Astra XR Coupe with the manual transmission gets 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined, compared with 21/30/24 mpg for the 2009 Rabbit with the manual transmission. However, our combined observed fuel economy for the Astra coupe was only 22 mpg, although our results might not be in line with those of the average driver. But even using published numbers, the long-term fuel savings might not justify the Astra's higher sticker price. According to EPA estimated fuel costs, the much more powerful 2009 Rabbit is only 8 more per year to drive. In this respect, the Astra can't necessarily claim to be a better overall value.
Pontiac Vibe GT Performance

The artificially low limits of its non-defeat stability control system serve to hamper the Vibe GT's performance in skid pad and slalom testing. On the skid pad, the wagon managed an unspectacular 0.75 g, with abundant body roll. On the slalom, its average speed was a lackluster 59.1 mph. However, our test-driver did note that while the Vibe feels tall through transitions, it never feels dangerous, as its limits are kept in check. When driven less aggressively around town, the GT's steering is reasonably responsive, and the wagon tackles corners with poise.

Pontiac's wagon offers ride quality that manages to be most things for most people. It's taut enough to satisfy those seeking some connection with the tarmac, but not so stiff as to put off those whose mandate is comfort. (Ryan Binkley Texas - Sunday 18 January 2009)

Ryan Binkley Dallas : Honda Fit Base
Comfort

By moving the 10.8-gallon gas tank forward under the driver seat, some additional space has been created in the backseat. This not only improves legroom but also allows for easy storage of tall items such as potted plants. For a small car, the backseat hiproom is above average for two people — three occupants would make it very tight.
Ryan Binkley Magazine
Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Prototype
Who Should Buy This Vehicle?

Not applicable, as this is simply a prototype that's not available to the public. And frankly, we're not sure it will be in the future. With the 0,000 Tesla Roadster showing the way, plug-in electric cars may ultimately steal hydrogen's thunder, offering adequate range and performance without the need for a vast investment in refueling infrastructure. (Wednesday 31 January 2007 : Ryan Binkley Bio)


Ryan Binkley Web Bio Ryan Binkley Articles Ryan Binkley