2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S

Value-packed sedan with exceptional cargo capability
By Nina Russin

2008 Nissan Sentra

The simplest way to save money at the gas pump is to drive a car rather than a truck. Cars have a lower coefficient of drag than trucks: they are slipperier in the airstream, and have a lower center of gravity.

Here’s an example of how big a difference aerodynamic efficiency can make. The Nissan Rogue crossover vehicle I drove last week and this week’s Sentra sedan are built on the same platform with an identical wheelbase. Both have a four-cylinder engine, though the Rogue’s is slightly larger to compensate for about 300 pounds of extra vehicle weight, and both have a continuously variable transmission.

The Sentra averages 29 miles-per-gallon city/highway versus 25 for the Rogue. While differences in engine size and curb weight account for some of the difference, the Sentra’s lower coefficient of drag, and lower center of gravity contribute as well.

Assuming the average driver puts 12,000 miles on his vehicle per year, the Rogue will consume about 480 gallons of gas compared to 414 for the Sentra. If gas costs three dollars per gallon, the Sentra driver finishes off the year two hundred dollars richer. Two hundred dollars is not chump change.

Both vehicles hold five passengers: head, leg and shoulder room for both rows of passengers is almost identical. The Rogue has more cubic feet of cargo space due to its two-box design, but both vehicles meet our bicycle friendly standards.

The Sentra’s ace in the hole is an exceptionally large pass-through designed to accommodate snowboards, hockey sticks, and bicycles. Second-row seat cushions flip forward so the seatbacks can fold completely flat. The test car also has an optional divide and hide trunk system: a removable divider wall with hooks on the outside surface for securing grocery bags.

Tuned for fun

The Sentra comes in three grades: a base model, S and upscale SL. The mid-grade 2.0 S (tested) has sixteen inch wheels compared to fifteen on the base Sentra, an upgraded audio system, remote keyless entry, cruise control and antilock brakes. Base price is $16,780, not including a $625 destination charge.

Like the Rogue, the Sentra is no barn burner, but it’s a fun car to drive. Engineers made ninety percent of peak torque available at 2400 rpm: average highway cruising speeds. So the Sentra has excellent pickup for merging into traffic, or making the occasional emergency evasive maneuver.

The larger wheels, combined with standard front and rear stabilizer bars makes it a fun car to toss around in the corners. The independent front and torsion beam rear suspension do a good job of providing a compliant but not overly soft ride.

Though the wheelbase on the sixth generation Sentra is almost six inches longer than the model it replaces, the sedan still handles like a compact car: easy to weave through traffic, and capable of squeezing into a small parallel parking spot. Overall length increases by just over two inches.

Engineers moved the wheels closer to the corners of the car, and made the Sentra slightly wider and taller to enhance interior space. The passenger cabin on the new model is 9.2 cubic feet larger: a noticeable improvement for the second-row seats.

Well-equipped interior

As price conscious cars go, the Sentra offers a high level of standard convenience features: keyless entry, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD player with speed-sensitive volume controls, six-way power driver’s seat, tilt steering column, redundant wheel-mounted audio and cruise control buttons, air conditioning, and intermittent wipers. A convenience package on the test car adds Bluetooth connectivity, a leather wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition, and the divide and hide trunk system.

Audiophiles can upgrade the standard entertainment package to an eight speaker Rockford Fosgate system with XM satellite radio. Buyers can also add an optional moonroof to both S and SL models.

Cupholders in the center console and rear seat armrest are large enough to hold water bottles. The glove box is large enough to hold a writing tablet or large map book. There are enough small bins and cubbies around the driver for cell phones, garage door openers, and other electronic devices. A 12-volt outlet is standard on all models.

A good choice for commuters

I put about a hundred miles on the test car on a week that saw some rather heavy rain, and heavier than normal traffic due to the influx of visitors at this time of year. I found the seats quite comfortable on a commute through town that took over an hour and a half. The interior is quiet enough to drown out the constant roar of construction trucks on the 101 freeway that runs through the east valley.

The car also feels extremely solid and safe. I had to make a couple of panic stops to avoid the tail ends of out-of-state cars making sudden lane changes: the brakes were solid without being grabby. Antilock brakes are standard on the S and SL models, and optional on the base car. All models come with front discs and rear drums.

Rear drums aren’t a big problem in the southwest where roads are typically dry and there’s no road salt. People living in the snow belt will have a harder time servicing the drum brakes, since rust ridges that build up on the rims of the drums can be hard to break free.

Other standard safety features include side and side curtain airbags, front seat active head restraints to prevent whiplash, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Stylish exterior

The new Sentra is more stylish than the car it replaces: it looks like a more expensive car than it is. The wider stance and larger wheels on the two up-level grades give the car the stance of a European sport sedan.

Designers made the headlamps and tail lamps interesting without being gaudy. Ditto for the grille.

Car payments for the real world

MSRP on the test car is $18,560, including options and destination charge. The 2008 Sentra is available for test drives at Nissan dealerships nationwide.

Likes: An affordable compact car that looks and feels more expensive than it is; the Sentra is a fun car to drive, and gets excellent fuel economy. The oversized pass-through and unique cargo divider system make the Sentra ideal for people with active lifestyles. It meets our bicycle-friendly standards.

Dislikes: Rear drum brakes are harder to service, and may not stop as evenly in wet weather.

Quick facts:

Make: Nissan
Model: Sentra 2.0 S
Year: 2008
Base price: $16,780
As tested: $18,560
Horsepower: 140 Hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque: 147 lbs.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: Not available
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Comments: Base price does not include a $625 destination charge. Floor and trunk mats cost $165 extra.

2008 Buick Enclave CXL

By Jim Woodman

2008 Buick Enclave

Okay, I don’t want to be too harsh here but, sorry GM, I’ve never been a Buick fan. Sure, one could argue Buicks are well built, reliable luxury cars. But there’s always been something just a little off … something missing. When it came to competing with the imports, Buick just couldn’t deliver the goods. And, lest we forget, only old people buy Buicks, right?

Well, Buick bashers, prepare to have everything you’ve ever thought turned upside down. There’s a new kid on the block - the Enclave - and it’s not only turning heads but it may just be the ticket Buick needs to shed its decaying dinosaur image.

The Buick Enclave is a Crossover SUV and arguably the best Buick ever, one that breaks the mold and will get many folks like me rethinking this battered brand. My wife fell in love with the Enclave and, without a doubt, this car will be on our short list when shopping for a new family vehicle.

Crossover SUVs

Crossovers are the latest buzz in automotive jargon. They’re sort of a cross - or mix if you prefer - between SUVs, minivans and sedans. If you consider what we’re doing here at Active.com with our annual Active Lifestyle Vehicles (ALV) awards, a Crossover is probably the closest example of an all-around ALV. The Enclave fits our ALV mold like a glove.

The Enclave shares its foundation with GM’s latest batch of Crossovers, including the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. But the Buick is positioned as the most luxurious and, in that regard, it doesn’t disappoint.

Inside the spacious cabin, you’ll be dazzled by the array of luxury touches. A mahogany wood steering wheel contrasts well with authentic-looking faux burl woodgrain. I really liked the aluminum accents and chrome rings around the recessed and blue-lighted speedometer, tachometer, voltage, fuel and temperature gauges. A round analog clock, very similar to Infiniti’s signature style, sits above an in-dash AM/FM Stereo/CD/MP3 player.

My vehicle was also outfitted with XM Satellite Radio and, one of the very cool features, mostly because of its simplicity and practicality, was that I could mix my station settings across bands. Simply stated, instead of having to switch bands to listen to Satellite or FM radio, I could mix the memory settings so that some buttons could be Satellite, while others could be my favorite AM or FM stations. A digital display, above each button, also shows what station each button is programmed to.

A tilt and telescoping steering wheel, tri-zone climate control and smart-slide second row seat round out an impressive collection of standard features we’ve come to expect in a luxury vehicle.

A bold Buick front grille, rounded corners and stylish Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps give the Enclave a distinct, handsome appearance. My CXL came with 19″ chrome wheels, a $1,495 option, which only accentuated this stunningly good-looking vehicle.

The Enclave comes in CX and CXL trim levels. Leather is included in the upscale CXL trim. Both have a standard seven-passenger seating configuration via second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench seat. An optional second-row bench seat, available for no extra charge, increases capacity to eight. Second and third row seats are a cinch to fold flat, and moving between the second and third rows is much like a minivan.

The 60/40 split third row seat allowed me to easily place my bike in either the 40 or 60 portion while one of my sons sat in the other seat. I had the captain’s chairs version which makes for a very elegant interior.

With all three rows of seats in place, there was still plenty of storage area behind the third row. The Enclave also boasts a power liftgate for accessing the rear cabin behind the third row of seats. Call me soft, but I’m starting to really like having a power liftgate that can be activated from the remote or button on the liftgate. There’s actually nothing more convenient than having an armful of groceries and simply clicking a button and watching the gate close automatically.

Installing my two year-old’s car seat into one of the captain’s chairs was a breeze. Latches and tether hooks were well placed and easy to get to.

Perfect Minivan Alternative

Essentially, the Enclave is a perfect minivan alternative for those that don’t want to digress to soccer mom or minivan status. Not that there’s anything wrong with it. I’ve been a happy minivan owner for over five years but, I’ll have to admit, these large Crossover SUVs are way cooler looking and just as functional from a cargo and passenger carrying perspective.

But what really impressed me was how whisper quiet the Enclave was inside. Thanks to Buick’s focus on reducing noise, the Enclave is one of the quietest vehicles on the road. Tire, wind, and road noise are virtually non-existent thanks to the engineer’s focus on damping all the bad sound.

For those - me included - who’ve always thought of Buicks as “soft,” you’ll be shocked and surprised to find the Enclave boasts tight steering and suspension to give you a terrific feel of the road. Interestingly, I had just tested the Saturn Outlook, a formidable cousin of the Enclave, and found its steering to be the typical soft I’ve come to expect from American automakers. While Americans have traditionally loved power steering, today’s driver wants variable power steering that tightens up nicely as you increase speed. The Enclave is outstanding in this regard and nothing like Buicks of the past.

The 3.6 liter 6-speed automatic transmission spits out 275 horsepower and is an adequate accelerator. For stat geeks, 0-60mph is achieved in 8.2 seconds. If there was one negative to the Enclave it was that every once in a while, and this only happened at slow speeds (less than 25 mph), there was a hesitation to downshift. Other than that, the automatic transmission performed flawlessly. Shifting was crisp and smooth.

The Enclave also comes in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive version, which delivers slightly less fuel economy. For a vehicle this size, the 16/24 city/highway driving EPA is pretty impressive. Many SUVs don’t even get over 20mpg on the highway. If you step up to AWD, your Enclave delivers 16/22 mpg.

The Enclave also features traction and stability control systems in addition to a tire pressure monitoring system and all the typical safety features you expect nowadays: antilock brakes plus front, side and curtain side airbags. Enclave also received five star government safety ratings for both frontal and side crash impacts.

As I mentioned up front, if you’re inclined to steer away from Buick because of past impressions or perceptions, the Enclave is sure to change your thinking. In a crowded field of SUVs, Crossovers and Minivans, the Enclave is not only a breath of fresh air, but it may very well restore your faith in American ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Quick Facts:

Base price: $34,255
Price as tested: $37,780
Horsepower: 275 Hp @ 6600 r.p.m.
Torque: N/A
0 to 60: 8.2 seconds
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: No
Towing: Yes
Off-road: No
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Fuel economy: 16/24 m.p.g. city/highway

2008 Chicago Auto Show Focuses on a Sustainable Future

By Nina Russin

GMC Sierra Hybrid at the Chicago Auto Show

When the going gets tough, the tough get hybrids. While the Chicago Auto Show didn’t have  the green car focus of Los Angeles last November, sustainable energy was part of almost every press conference.

Troy A. Clarke, president of GM North America, set the stage with his keynote address at the annual Midwest Automotive Media Association breakfast.

“The buyers say who wins and loses,” said Clarke. Recent GM focus groups indicate that customers don’t want to sacrifice full-sized utility for fuel economy. While small, fuel efficient cars might be the easiest road to a sustainable future, General Motors is forging an alternate route: hybrid, full-sized sport utility vehicles and trucks.

The automaker revealed two in Chicago: the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid, and 2009 GMC Yukon. Both vehicles use the same two-mode system as the Tahoe: they run on pure electric power at low speeds, and on four or eight cylinders on the highway, depending on engine load. Like the Tahoe, the Yukon Hybrid offers V8 power with fifty percent better fuel economy than a comparable gas-powered vehicle. The two-mode system on the Sierra pickup yields forty percent better gas mileage. Most of the improvement is in stop-and-go driving, since the gas engine cuts out at idle.

Despite its unusual power train, the Sierra Hybrid has the same hauling capabilities as its gas-powered cousin. The truck will come in either two- or four-wheel drive configurations with an available crew cab. Towing capacity is 6100 pounds.

General Motors also took the wraps off the Chevrolet Traverse, a mid-sized crossover with three rows of seating and a 4500 pound towing capacity. The Traverse rolls into showrooms at the end of the year. Like its Saturn counterpart, it will appeal to families with active lifestyles via a interior that can be reconfigured for large cargo, and a high level of standard safety features: stability control, traction control, and side curtain airbags for all three rows. The automaker did not announce pricing.

A new-generation Chevy HHR is on the boards for the 2010 model year: it will be the automaker’s first E-85 compatible four-cylinder car.

The Denali XT concept, designed in Australia, is an E-85 compatible hybrid that appeals to sports car fans with aggressive styling. Designer Brian Nesbitt described the concept as “industrial sculpture.” Its low roof and large wheel arches give the Denali XT a lean, mean look, in keeping with its pickup truck roots. The concept truck can carry up to 1100 pounds of cargo in its bed, and tow up to 3500 pounds. A convertible midgate extends the cargo area for longer items.

Toyota 1/X concept

Pronounced “1/Xth,” Toyota’s hybrid concept has vast economy gains over current models due to its extremely lightweight body. The concept was first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show; it makes its North American debut in Chicago.

The 1/X has the interior space of a production Toyota Prius, but weighs a third as much: 926 pounds. The body is made of lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The roof is a bio-plastic produced from kenaf and ramie plants: the material improves heat insulation, emits less carbon dioxide, and increases the amount of light entering the car.

Power comes from a 500 cc flexible fuel engine paired up with a plug-in hybrid unit. The lithium ion battery can be recharged at home. Driving range is 600 miles on a four-gallon tank of gas. According to the manufacturer, the 1/X has the same acceleration and performance as the current Prius.

BMW clean diesel

BMW is bringing a fleet of clean diesel cars to the states that can pass emissions in all fifty states. Diesel versions of current models will see a twenty-five percent boost in fuel economy. Unlike hybrids, the improvement for diesel applies to highway as well as city driving.

BMW also unveiled a new generation of M3s, including a sedan, coupe and convertible. The BMW  1 Series tii concept car is a tribute to the 2002, BMW’s legendary two-door compact first introduced in 1968. Power comes from a 300 horsepower twin turbo engine. The body is made primarily of carbon fiber reinforced plastic to save weight. Alcantara upholstery keeps the driver positioned in the seat during aggressive turns. Fins on the hood that optimize air flow are a tribute to the 3.0 CSL: the BMW that won the twelve hours at Sebring race in 1975.

Hyundai fuel cells

Hyundai is initiating fleet programs to test fuel cell versions of the mid-sized Santa Fe and compact Tucson sport-utility vehicles. At the same time, the Korean automaker is testing third-generation fuel cell technology in a vehicle called the iBlue.

The fuel stack is under the car’s floor, to maximize interior space and maintain a fifty/fifty front-to-rear weight distribution. Hyundai hopes to have production fuel cell cars on the road within ten years.

New production cars include a refreshed Sonata that goes on sale later this month, and the Elantra Touring: a five-door crossover vehicle that competes against the Toyota Matrix, Dodge Caliber and Mazda3. The Elantra Touring goes into production later this year.

Dodge SRT Challenger

The 2009 Dodge SRT Challenger, a tribute to the classic muscle car with a modern twist, appeals to drivers who would rather save time than fuel. The Challenger has a top speed of 170 miles-per-hour, and it gets there in a hurry, thanks to the most powerful naturally aspirated hemi engine Chrysler has ever made. The Challenger accelerates from zero-to-sixty miles-per-hour in 4.9 seconds.

A 425-horsepower engine produces 420 foot-pounds of torque, making the  SRT Challenger an even faster ride than the original. Of course, it’s also a little more expensive: $37,995 as opposed to $3000 for the 1970 model.

SRT stands for “Street and Racing Technology: the division produces high-performance versions of Dodge and Chrysler production cars. Brian Nielander who oversaw design calls the SRT Challenger “the holy grail version of the car.”

Jim Press, Vice President and Chairman of Chrysler commented: “Goosebumps, right?… When you get inside, it makes you richer and younger than you really are.”

The 1970 Challenger was known for its exceptional straight-line performance, but like most muscle cars, it had marginal brakes and didn’t corner well. Not true for the 2009 model. High performance Brembo brakes stop the car as quickly as it accelerates: it can go from sixty to a dead stop in 110 feet: zero to a hundred and back to zero in 16-1/2 seconds. The Challenger rides on 20 inch wheels with Z-rated tires.

A five-link independent rear suspension gives the Challenger a more compliant ride than competitive models with solid rear axles. Engineers lowered the Challenger’s ride height and gave it a specially tuned electronic stability program to enhance cornering. On the skid pad, it pulls .9 Gs.

The instrument panel includes “performance page:” on-board telemetry that allows the driver to record and store performance data at the track.

The model comes with a monster sound system as well: thirteen speakers and 552 watts, plus Sirius satellite radio, MyGig programmable hard drive, available navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, electronic stability program, traction control, side and side curtain airbags, and high intensity discharge headlamps. The SRT Challenger rolls into dealerships this spring, but don’t be surprised if Dodge’s hot new muscle car is hard to find: the manufacturer had 4300 pre-orders the first day after plans for production were announced.

Vans for work and play.

A new Volkswagen minivan called the Routan combines the automaker’s “fun to drive” attitude with a configurable interior geared towards active lifestyles. Volkswagen is using its microbus heritage to appeal to boomers who want the practicality of a minivan, but not its soccer mom image.

“The Routan meets our (customer’)s functional and emotional needs,” said Stephan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of North America. The van’s Euro-style exterior and  two rows of leather captain’s chairs give it an upscale appearance, while features such as a rear seat entertainment system, touch screen navigation, power folding third-row seats and power tailgate appeal to urban commuters who play hard on the weekend.

The base model runs on a 197 horsepower V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can upgrade to a four-liter V6 rated at 251 horsepower, with 259 foot-pounds of torque. Standard safety features include all-season tires, traction control and electronic stability program. Pricing begins under $25,000.

The Routan is part of the automaker’s effort to move from a niche player to a major supplier here in the states. Volkswagen hopes to sell 800,000 cars a year in the United States by 2018.

Ford is bringing the Transit Connect, a small commercial van currently sold in Europe stateside. First introduced in 2003, the Transit Connect has the ride and handling of a passenger car, but enough cargo space to move goods for small businesses. With a 6′8″ clearance height, it fits in a parking garage, and the wheelbase is small enough to fit into the average parking spot.

Sliding doors on both sides, and rear doors that open 270 degrees on the XLT model make the car exceptionally easy to load and unload. To demonstrate, Ford invited My Chef Catering of Naperville, Illinois, a wine distributor, and blues musician Eddie Shaw to load up models and bring them onto the convention floor. The My Chef was able to load in enough food to feed a pack of several hundred journalists, while Eddie Shaw, brought in his band, the Wolf Gang, and all of their gear.

Fuel economy averages 22 miles per gallon for city and highway driving.

Mid-sized pickup from Suzuki

Suzuki is shifting gears from small cars to mid-sized trucks, hoping to attract motorcycle and ATV owners who need vehicles to haul their toys. The production four-wheel drive Equator rolls out this fall. In the meantime, Suzuki unveiled three concepts: the Equator RMZ, Equator Quad, and Equator Quay.

The Equator RMZ is a high-performance desert-runner with a custom-built bike mount and off-road lighting package. The Equator Quad is a cross-country vehicle with an optional long bed for ATVs or motorcycles, safari-style front bumpers and all-terrain tires. The Equator Quay has a 6500 pound towing capacity for hauling boats, navigation system, and Windows media input.

“The Equator is a truck entry to support the Suzuki way of life,” said Gene Brown, vice-president of marketing and public relations for Suzuki North America. “In the United States, Suzuki has an eighty percent brand awareness for its motorcycles.” The Equator is a response to the opportunity dealers see for outfitting Suzuki motorcycle owners with four-by-four pickups.

Pet friendly cars

Volvo, a company known for its innovative safety engineering, is partnering with Bark Buckle UP: a San Diego based educational initiative that promotes pet safety in cars. Spokesperson Christina Seltzer explained that it’s important to properly restrain animals in cars to prevent secondary accidents after a collision.

“EMTs were telling us that one of their biggest problems is dogs jumping out of vehicles after a collision,” she said. The dogs run into traffic where they may be hit, causing a second accident, and often causing more injury to themselves. In addition, a frightened dog may attack strangers, including EMTs who are trying to help the accident victims.

Many states, including California, will cite drivers who have unrestrained animals in the car. In an accident, an unrestrained animal can injure other passengers. A sixty pound dog can cause an impact of 1200 pounds. Bark Buckle UP recommends using a carrier for smaller dogs and cats, and a kennel or crate for larger dogs.

The Volvo 240 wagon was the first car with an integrated dog cage. The current XC90 sport-utility vehicle has crates that integrate into the cargo area to hold logs in place.

The ultimate sport-utility vehicle

Class eight trucks aren’t typically described as lifestyle vehicles, but that may change, thanks to the new Lonestar from Navistar International. The manufacturer that produced the first school bus and one of the first sport-utility vehicles, the International Scout, unveiled a class eight tractor that’s a living room on wheels.

The Lonestar tractor runs on a new diesel engine for maximum fuel efficiency. Navistar is offering forty-two factory accessories, so the truck driver can customize his cab, much as a biker customizes his Harley.

The average truck driver puts about 100,000 miles per year on his rig: it’s a home away from home. The Lonestar has a cockpit reminiscent of a Lexus, with cushy leather upholstery and steering wheel mounted controls. In back, the galley area has a couch, television, refrigerator option, sleeper berth and wood floor.

Game day

Bridgestone, the official tire of the NFL, wrapped up media days with an appearance by Tennessee Titan, Eddie George, and the introduction of two new Potenza high-performance tires.

Bridgestone collaborated with Eddie George on two Eddie George Experience projects: Tour de Nash- a competitive walk and ride across his home town of Nashville, Tennessee, and a weight loss program for NFL moms.

The Chicago Auto show celebrates its hundredth anniversary this year, occupying 1.3 million square feet at the McCormick Place convention center. The show opens to the public on Saturday February 10 and runs through February 17. Show hours are 10 a.m. till 10 p.m. daily through February 16, and 10 a.m. till 8 p.m. on the 17th: admission is ten dollars for adults, five dollars for kids 7-12 and seniors 62 and older. Kids six and under get in free.

2009 Dodge Journey R/T FWD

Dodge’s first crossover is a toolbox on wheels.
By Nina Russin

Dodge, a brand best known for high-performance cars and trucks, enters the crossover segment with the mid-sized Journey. Based on the Avenger

2009 Dodge Journey

platform, it combines minivan versatility with sport-utility styling: i.e. a fuel efficient, seven-passenger car that doesn’t scream “soccer mom.”

Two rows of seating come standard on all three trim levels. The upscale SXT and R/T models have optional third-row seats. A variety of cleverly concealed bins and cubbies stowe everything from soup to nuts. For example, the front passenger seat has a storage bin under the seat cushion with enough room for a small pack or purse.  A chill zone on one side of the glovebox keeps drinks cold. An optional iPod port on the other side interfaces with the center stack screen: the screen displays the iPod menu.

Two storage bins under the floor are big enough to hold drink chests: removable liners make them easy to clean. Both two and three-row models have storage areas under the cargo floor. The spare tire and jack are underneath the car. A trap door at the bottom of the under-floor compartment makes them easier to reach.

Car-like ride and handling

Engineers modified the Avenger chassis to make room for three rows of seating. The wheelbase is almost five inches longer, although the difference in overall length is only 1.7-inches. Engineers moved the front wheels forward two inches, and raised the vehicle just over two inches so that it has more ground clearance for traveling through snow.

There are two available engines: a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine on the base SE model that comes with a four-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic on the SXT and R/T. While the four-cylinder engine averages about 22 miles-per-gallon as opposed to 19 for the V-6, it’s pretty anemic. Anybody planning to haul loads or drive in mountainous areas would be better served by choosing the larger engine.

Those who want to venture off road or travel in inclement weather can add all-wheel drive: a $1750 stand-alone option. It requires upgrading all but the R/T model to nineteen-inch wheels. The wheels come as part of two option packages that also add touring tires, performance steeering and suspension.

Test drive across southern Nevada

Chrysler invited a group of journalists to test drive the new Journey on a route beginning in Las Vegas, that included some two-lane roads around Lake Mead. My partner and I had the front-wheel drive R/T that comes standard with the nineteen-inch rims and V6 engine.

Leather trim is also standard on the upscale model, though I’d prefer the Yes essentials fabric on the mid-grade SXT. The fabric is stain and odor resistant. Not only does it stay cooler in the summer, but it eliminates the need for people like myself to use seat covers, in order to avoid staining the seats after tough workouts.

The seats are pretty comfortable, though lumbar support isn’t exceptional. The power six-way driver’s seat is easy to adjust, and a standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel makes it easier for smaller drivers to maintain a safe distance from the front airbag.

The test car has available Bluetooth connectivity and a rear back-up camera. Visibility around the car is good enough to park without the backup camera, but it’s a useful safety feature for parents with small kids who might run behind the car below the driver’s sight-line.

Quiet, smooth ride

Engineers spent a lot of time reducing noise intrusion into the passenger cabin by moving the engine forward and using a new mounting system, injecting polyurethane into cavities to deaden sound, and improving door seals. As a result, the interior of the car is extremely quiet. My partner and I had no problem communicating with a Dodge exec riding in the second-row seats.

The fully independent suspension yields a buttery smooth ride on a variety of surfaces. Some of the roads around Lake Mead have rough patches that come close to older concrete roads in the Midwest. The car was able to travel over those surfaces at speed without beating up the passengers.

The nineteen-inch wheels improve the car’s cornering capabilities. They are a worthwhile upgrade on the SXT model that comes with seventeen-inch rims. Steering is responsive at all speeds, and the four-wheel discs with standard ABS do a good job of stopping the car without being grabby. The six-speed automatic transmission comes with autostick, that allows the driver to manually select gears.

Everything within reach.

The Journey’s instrument panel controls are easy to find and reach from both front seating positions. The R/T grade comes with standard automatic climate control, that includes separate settings for the driver, front and rear passengers. The driver gets redundant steering wheel mounted audio controls.

The center console is adjustable to move fore or aft so that the armrest is in the right place for the driver. There is a large bin under the armrest for storage, and two large cupholders forward of that. An open storage area between the console and center stack holds cell phones, PDAs and other small electronic devices.

All three rows of passengers get their own twelve-volt power points, and there’s a 115-volt inverter for plugging in computers.

Legroom in the second row is limited unless front-row passengers keep their seats forward, but head and shoulder room are not a problem. The Journey has theater-style seating, elevating second and third-row passengers for a better forward view. Second-row doors open up to ninety degrees, easing access and egress, especially for parents installing child seats.

The sixty-percent second-row seat slides further forward than the other half: it allows parents to move a child in the center position closer to the front row. An optional tilt and slide feature makes it easier to access the third row by using a single lever to tilt the seatback and slide the seat bottom forward.

Configurable seating

Both second and third-row seats fold completely flat. The front passenger seat also folds flat, creating a nine foot-long load floor. Not only can the Journey hold bicycles inside, it can also hold surfboards.

The rear cargo floor is reversible: carpeting on one side looks stylish, while vinyl on the flip side is stain and scratch resistant. Slots to the sides of the cargo floor keep it partially folded: it can hold grocery bags in place without additional hooks or nets. An optional LED flashlight in back makes it easier to load up after dark, or light the side of the road in case of an emergency.

Entertainment options

Audio upgrades allow buyers to add MyGIG multimedia entertainment systems to the standard audio, and upgrade the standard speakers to Infiniti, with a 368-watt amplifier. A rear seat DVD system, available on all models, upgrades the standard audio system, and adds an eight inch screen visible from the second and third rows, with wireless headphones. Sirius satellite television, currently available on Chrysler minivans, comes on board this fall.

Standard safety

All models come with standard antilock brakes, side curtain airbags that protect all three rows of seating, electronic stability program and electronic roll mitigation. The roll mitigation also limits trailer sway on uneven roads. The Journey can tow up to 3500 pounds with the optional towing prep package.

Pricing begins at $19,985 for the SE, $22,985 for the volume-leading SXT, and $26,545 for the upscale R/T. All prices include a $625 destination charge.

North American models roll out in April. European models include right-hand drive and diesel models, arrive mid-year.

Likes: An extremely versatile crossover vehicle with available all-wheel drive. The Journey incorporates a lot of interior features currently found on Dodge minivans and trucks. All three rows of seats on the passenger side fold flat, creating an extremely long load floor.

Dislikes: Uninteresting exterior styling. The Journey doesn’t look like a minivan, but it won’t exactly turn heads either.

Quick facts:
Make: Dodge
Model: Journey R/T FWD
Year: 2009
Base Price: $26,545
As tested: N/A
Horsepower: 235 Hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 232 lbs.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
ABS: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Towing: Yes*
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Off-road: No
Fuel economy: 16/23 mpg city/highway
Comments: 3500 pound towing capacity requires optional towing prep package.