2014 Hyundai Tucson SE FWD- Enterprise Rent-a-Car Review

            INTRODUCTION: Hyundai introduced their Tucson compact SUV in the United States in 2005. While a reliable and nice “entry-level” SUV, it was apparent that it desperately needed a redesign. In 2010, Hyundai introduced the newly-redesigned, second-generation Tucson. With an all-new design, new power plants, and an affordable price, Hyundai had a hit. Today, let’s take a look at the 2014 Hyundai Tucson SE FWD, as rented from Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

            EXTERIOR: Walk up to the Hyundai Tucson, and you’re greeted by a smiling front end. The hood integrates nicely into the front grille, and, for 2014, the Tucson borrows LED-accented headlamps from Hyundai’s Kia brand of vehicles. Continue around the exterior, and you’ll see that the Tucson SE includes 17” alloy wheels, tinted dark gray. The tail lamps flow nicely into the tailgate. This particular Tucson was finished in Sterling Gray Metallic. Note that the Tucson SE doesn’t designate its trim level on the tailgate.

            INTERIOR/TECHNOLOGY: Step inside the Hyundai Tucson, and you’re (kind of) reminded of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Firstly, there is no push-button ignition, not even on the Limited trim level. All Tucson trim levels use a standard keyless entry remote that Hyundai has been using on most of their vehicles since at least the late 1990s. The separate key is also one that Hyundai has used on most of their vehicles since the mid-1990s. This particular Tucson featured the Ebony interior. The seats are leather, but include a rather odd-looking cloth insert in the seat centers. Both front seats are two-stage heated, and they are rather comfortable. The driver’s seat is power-adjustable with basic adjustments, but the passenger’s seat is manually-adjustable. The steering wheel integrates controls for the cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, voice command system, and stereo system. The gauges are easy to read (they tilt towards the driver for easier viewing), and the monochromatic central display in between the two gauges is easy to read as well. A basic driver’s information center comes standard. The radio was an A/M-F/M radio (no HD radio, unlike its siblings), a single-disc CD/MP3 player, iPod/USB jacks (they require a special adapter to be purchased from Hyundai in order to function correctly), and a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary input jack (these are all located in the lower center console). The radio featured SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio with an active subscription. The four-inch color touch-screen display proved tedious to use, though one could get used to using it on a daily basis. Voice recognition, powered by Nuance, understands voice commands well, though it takes its time to perform the action requested by the user. The six-speaker non-premium sound system sounded excellent and crisp. The steering wheel isn’t leather-wrapped, and should be on a sport trim level like this. The glove box, center console, and other storage compartments inside the car are very large, and provide an abundance of storage for larger items. The rear seat is comfortable, and, since this is a Hyundai Elantra-based SUV, it sits low to the ground for easy entry and exit. The rear seat folds, though only the backrest. The rear seat also features a fold-down center armrest, though it doesn’t offer any storage. There is a temporary, non-matching “doughnut-style” spare tire under a nice, folding rear cargo mat. 12-volt DC power outlets are naturally located throughout the vehicle, and a single-zone, manual climate control system with manual rear controls is also included. This particular Tucson didn’t include the panoramic moonroof that is available on the top-of-the-line Limited trim level.

            PERFORMANCE/DRIVING: The Hyundai Tucson offers two GDi (Gasoline Direct injection) inline four-cylinder (I4) engines: a 2.0-liter and a 2.4-liter. The 2.0-liter, available exclusively on the base GLS trim level, offers 158 horsepower. The larger 2.4-liter, standard on the upper-level SE (this trim level) and Limited trim levels, offers 182 horsepower. A towing package is available, though this did not have it. For 2014, Hyundai dropped both the GL trim level, making the GLS trim level the base trim level, as well as the previously-available six-speed manual transmission, leaving only a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting modes as the only available transmission for 2014. FWD (this vehicle) or AWD are offered across the Tucson lineup. On the road, the Tucson drives just like a car, more particularly, its Hyundai Elantra counterpart. Fuel economy is rather good, considering this is an SUV. Steering was effortless; though I had to stretch my legs a bit in order to reach the pedals (they weren’t power-adjustable). The interior was surprisingly quiet, considering its buzzy four-cylinder engine. The Tucson would be a good candidate for longer trips with the family or a group of friends.

            SUMMARY: In summary, the 2014 Hyundai Tucson SE FWD is a great vehicle for those looking for a compact SUV on a budget, but don’t want something as compact as a Jeep Compass or Patriot. This particular 2014 Hyundai Tucson SE FWD, without options, retailed for $23,603.00, based upon a paper I found in the vehicle’s glove compartment.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Base Price, Without Options, MSRP: $23,603.00

Options on This Vehicle: N/A, No Options

This Vehicle’s Price, With Options, MSRP: $23,603.00

Exterior Color: Sterling Gray Metallic

Interior Color/Style:

Engine: 2.4L GDi (Gasoline Direct injection) Inline Four-Cylinder (I4), 182 HP

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic, Manual Shifting Available

Drive: Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD)

Mileage, at Review: 10,094 Miles

-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews

Dodge's All-New 2015 Challenger

            Dodge has unveiled the latest iteration of its popular Challenger sports car for 2015, and it’s better than ever. With new styling cues reminiscent to those of the original Challenger from 1971, new technology features to bring it even more up-to-date, and new engines and transmission options that make it possibly the most badass sports car manufactured by an American car company ever to hit the streets, it may be the best Challenger yet.

            The 2015 Dodge Challenger features an all-new exterior, with a front grille that splits in the middle to mock that of its 1971 predecessor, as well as new LED rear tail lamps that’ll most definitely make people wonder which sports car they’re behind. The Challenger will also be offered in many striking exterior colors, including a classic plum purple, a striking lime green, and a hot bright orange, giving buyers the freedom to make their car exactly the way they want it. But this is only the beginning of what makes the latest version of the Challenger one epic sports car.

            Inside the 2015 Dodge Challenger, Dodge’s commitment to be one of the most technologically-advanced car manufacturers in America is evident. Offering three of Chrysler’s latest U Connect radio options, ranging from a standard five-inch touch-screen, and offering up to an eight-inch touch-screen with “connected car” features such as U Connect ACCESS services with one-touch 911 assistance and even a Wi-Fi hotspot using 3G connectivity, plus Chrysler’s award-winning U Connect interface with voice command, this is easily one of the most technological sports cars currently sold in America. In addition, retro-inspired gauges integrate a color information display in the center, while still keeping a familiar analog speedometer and tachometer, blending modern-day convenience features with familiar 1970s-esque touches. A new steering wheel is thicker and adds more controls for the infotainment features of the car. Retro-inspired interior color schemes add to the fun of the car.

            In regards to power, there’s a whole lot to love in the 2015 Dodge Challenger. Base models keep the familiar and award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with variable valve timing and 306 horsepower, the most power from this engine in Chrysler’s lineup. The R/T models get the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with multi displacement system (MDS) technology for saving fuel on the highway, and making 370 horsepower. Working up the line, the SRT models feature a 6.4-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine with multi displacement system (MDS) technology and 470 horsepower. But perhaps the biggest news is the addition of Dodge’s most powerful V8 engine yet: the Hellcat. While Dodge hasn’t released power ratings for the Hellcat yet, they do say it will make “over 600” horsepower. There is a special SRT Hellcat model for those who want this engine. Transmission choices will be either a new eight-speed “Torq-Flite” automatic with paddle shifters available on all models, or a six-speed short-throw manual transmission for at least the V8-powered models (there is a possibility that Dodge will allow buyers of V6-powered Challengers to opt for this transmission choice, however). Of course the Challenger will retain its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture.

            The 2015 Dodge Challenger will be available in four basic models: the SXT, the R/T, the SRT, and the SRT Hellcat, with special trim packages ranging in between each model, such as the Superbee and the R/T Classic trim levels. Pricing will start around $26,000 for the base SXT model with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and will climb all the way up to over $60,000 for a top-of-the-line, fully-loaded SRT Hellcat model with a six-speed manual transmission. The 2015 Challenger will go on sale in late summer 2014, along with its all-new 2015 Charger sibling, and is offering prospective buyers the option to lease a 2014 Challenger (or Charger, for that matter) for a year and then upgrade to a 2015 Challenger (or Charger) for the same lease rate (or purchase one). Those details are available on Dodge’s website.

-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews

1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee "WJ": A Buyer's Guide

1999-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE: A BUYER’S GUIDE:

INTRODUCTION:

            The Jeep Grand Cherokee was one of the most popular SUV’s of the 1990’s. In 1999, Jeep decided to redesign its flagship midsized SUV, dubbed the “WJ” generation. Sharing only about 127 parts with its “ZJ” predecessor (mostly bolts and fasteners), the all-new Grand Cherokee was also dubbed “The Most Capable Sport Utility Ever”. This version of the Grand Cherokee sold so well, that it remained largely unchanged until 2004, when the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee “WK” replaced it.

TRIM LEVELS:

            Throughout the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee “WJ”’s lifespan, it was offered in many different trim levels. The two main trim levels were the Laredo and the Limited, both of which were offered throughout the Grand Cherokee’s lifespan, from 1999-2004. The Laredo served as the base trim level. Still, it offered many creature comforts that were still only options on its competitors. Those features were an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player (later, a single-disc CD player), six speakers, sixteen-inch alloy wheels, cloth seating surfaces, a keyless entry system with two remotes, power front driver’s seat, split-folding rear 60/40 bench seat, and the tried-and-true 4.0-liter high-output “Power- Tech” inline six-cylinder engine, making 195 horsepower and 220 lb. ft. of torque, paired to a four-speed automatic transmission. Still, the Laredo trim level offered options, such as a stereo with cassette and single-disc CD players, a premium Infinity Gold 120-watt sound system with six speakers, security system, leather seating surfaces, dual power front seats, heated front seats, a power sunroof, and other features that allowed a Grand Cherokee buyer to option up their vehicle to luxury specifications, without having to upgrade to the Limited trim level. The Limited trim level offered an even greater amount of luxury features to even the most demanding buyers, such as an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player and ten-disc remote CD changer (later, cassette and single-disc CD players with remote ten-disc CD changer), a premium 120-watt Infinity Gold sound system with six speakers, leather seating surfaces, dual power front seats with driver’s two-person memory system, a security system, and more. Also offered on the Limited were a stereo with cassette and single-disc CD player (this became standard equipment later), a power sunroof, heated front seats, and gold-painted trim accents on the sixteen-inch alloy wheels and side cladding panels (this option was later discontinued). Beginning in 2002, an Overland trim level was offered, adding even more luxury items to the already well-equipped Limited trim level. Adding feature such as an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and single-disc CD player and remote ten-disc CD changer, chrome-clad seventeen-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, heated dual front seats, a 4.7-liter high-output “Power-Tech” V8 engine that produced 250 horsepower and 305 lb. ft. of torque, and a five-speed automatic transmission with Quadra-Drive all-time four-wheel-drive. About the only option offered on the Overland trim level were side-impact SRS airbags for the front and rear seats (this option was also offered for both the Laredo and Limited trim levels, starting in 2002). Power-adjustable foot pedals were also available on all trim levels, starting in 2002.

SPECIAL EDITIONS:

            There were also many special editions offered throughout the production years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee “WJ”. The 60^TH Anniversary Edition was one of the first, adding many desirable features onto the already well-equipped Limited trim level, while celebrating Jeep’s 60^TH anniversary in 2001 (this edition was only offered for 2001). Some of the features were heated front seats, seventeen-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, power sunroof, and special 60^TH Anniversary Edition badges. The Sport, priced below the Laredo trim level, was only available for 2002. It offered prospective buyers the options that they would otherwise have to add onto the Laredo trim level, such as an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and single-disc CD players, a 120-watt Infinity Gold premium sound system with six speakers, leather seating surfaces, dual power front seats, heated front seats, a power sunroof, security system, and more. Cloth seating surfaces were also available on the Sport package, as was an option to delete the standard power sunroof. The Special Edition was offered from 2002-2004, and added many desirable features to the Laredo trim level, such as a 120-watt Infinity Gold premium sound system with six speakers, power dual front seats, a security alarm, and body-color side cladding panels and front and rear bumpers. Available on the Special Edition package were options such as leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power sunroof, a stereo with cassette and single-disc CD players, and other options. The Freedom Edition was offered from 2003-2004, and added desirable options onto the Laredo trim level. These options were an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and single-disc CD players, a 120-watt Infinity Gold premium sound system with six speakers, power dual front seats, and seventeen-inch graphite-finished alloy wheels. A power sunroof was about the only option offered on the Freedom Edition. Finally, the Columbia Edition was offered only in 2004. It added styling cues onto the Laredo trim level, such as silver-painted front and rear bumpers and side cladding panels, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and single-disc CD players, two-tone cloth seating surfaces with ‘Columbia Edition’ embroidery, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, a security alarm, and more. The only options offered on the Columbia Edition were a 120-watt Infinity Gold premium sound system with six speakers, a power sunroof, side-impact SRS airbags for the front and rear seats, and power-adjustable foot pedals. Buyers of the Columbia Edition received a complimentary Columbia parka through Jeep’s partnership with the Columbia Sportswear Company.

ENGINES, TRANSMISSIONS, AND 4WD SYSTEMS:

            The Jeep Grand Cherokee “WJ” offered three main engine choices during its production run from 1999-2004. The first was the tried-and-true 4.0-liter “Power-Tech” high-output inline six-cylinder engine, making 195 horsepower and 220 lb. ft. of torque, and paired to a four-speed automatic transmission. It was available with all Grand Cherokee trim levels, of all years, except for the Overland trim level. The second engine that was available was the 4.7-liter “Power-Tech” high-output V8 engine, making 235 horsepower and 305 lb. ft. of torque, and paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. It was available with all Grand Cherokee trim levels, of all years, except for the Overland trim level. Finally, a 4.7L “Power-Tech” high-output V8 engine, making 250 horsepower and 305 lb. ft. of torque, and paired to a five-speed automatic transmission, was available between 2002 and 2004, and was offered on the Limited and Overland trim levels. Rear-wheel-drive, or two-wheel-drive, was offered on the Grand Cherokee “WJ”, though Selec-Trac, Quadra-Trac, and Quadra-Drive four-wheel-drive systems were available.

PRICING FOR A USED 1999-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE “WJ”:

            There is an excellent point about the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee “WJ”’s: they can be obtained for very cheaply. You should expect to pay $2,500 for a 1999 Laredo trim level in fair condition, to all the way up to $11,500 for a 2004 Overland trim level in excellent condition. Check eBay, Craigslist, dealership lots of both new and used car dealerships, and auto auctions throughout the United States. Vincent from Vincent’s Auto Reviews recently purchased a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for $3,500 off of Craigslist that was in good condition. As soon as you find the right 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee “WJ” for you, go ahead and make your purchase, and you’ll be very happy you did.

-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews

2014 Ford Explorer Limited FWD (Avis/Budget Rent-a-Car) Review

2014 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED RENTAL CAR REVIEW:

            Ford first introduced its compact (now midsized) Explorer SUV in 1991 to replace its aging compact Bronco II SUV that had changed little since it was introduced in 1984. Now in its fifth generation, this style of Explorer, first introduced in 2011, still proves to be popular with American families in need of a large and capable vehicle. Competing with the likes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee (also redesigned from 2011), and Nissan’s Pathfinder (redesigned in 2013), among others in the midsized SUV category, the Explorer has some fierce competition, but still comes out on top. Let’s take a look at the 2014 Ford Explorer Limited.

            The Explorer shares its basic platform with, believe it or not, the Taurus full-sized car (redesigned in 2010), which it switched to in 2011, and also switching the assembly plant to Kansas City, Missouri. The front end is rounded and the Explorer has a rugged-looking grille. The sides of the Explorer are free of any unnecessary cladding, and the rear end is simple with tail lamps that flow with the rest of the exterior of the vehicle. This particular Explorer was finished in Sterling Gray Metallic, and is one of the more popular colors of the Explorer. The Limited trim rides on P255/55R20 Hankook Optimo BSW all-season tires with 20” alloy wheels. The exterior looks attractive and is quite large on the outside.

            Inside, the Explorer is full of technology. While this Explorer did not come equipped with any options, the Limited trim still comes equipped with an abundance of standard features. As soon as you sit in the driver’s seat of the Explorer, the leather trim hugs you, and the cushioning is adequate. The front seats are also heated; though you can get perforated leather trim with ventilated AND heated front seats. The instrument cluster is basic, consisting of only a single analog speedometer surrounded by dual color LCD display screens, which are customizable depending on which information you would like to have shown while driving. The Limited trim also features an oblong-shaped keyless entry remote with standard remote engine start, keyless access via touch sensors on both front doors and the tailgate, an “invisible” touch-sensitive code keypad for remotely unlocking and locking the vehicle via a PIN without your key or remote, and a push-button ignition switch. The driver’s seat also moves to a set position in a 3-position memory system when the starter button is pressed. This Explorer featured an Ebony leather interior, with wood interior trim. The wood trim is not too overbearing, and flows well in the interior of the vehicle. The MyFord Touch system also comes standard on the Limited trim, though a navigation system was (surprisingly) not included, as it is on its top-trim competitors. The system worked well, and pairing your Bluetooth-enabled phone to the SYNC System is not a difficult process. The voice command system functioned well, and performed all actions pertaining to the commands that were given. The 390-watt, twelve-speaker 5.1-channel Sony surround-sound system had excellent sound quality. This Explorer also did not feature a panoramic sunroof, which is available. The 2^nd-row seats are comfortable, with a flat floor and plenty of legroom. While the 3^rd-row seats were not tested, they look to only be intended for young children, and the folding process is tedious if you do not have the power-folding 3^rd-row seat option (this should be standard equipment on a vehicle like this). Overall, the interior of the Explorer is excellent, and rivals that of more expensive vehicles.

            On the road, the Explorer has plenty of power, thanks to a 3.5-liter, 290-horsepower V6 engine (E85 ethanol capable) that is right on-par with its competitors. The six-speed automatic transmission offers manual shifting capabilities, but only via buttons on the side of the selector lever. Steering was effortless, and driving the vehicle does not feel like you are driving a large SUV, thanks to the Explorer’s Taurus-sourced chassis and platform. This SUV rides like a standard car. Fuel economy was not great, though still better than some of the Explorer’s competitors. A rear backup camera comes as standard equipment on the Limited trim, as does rear-mounted backup sensors. Overall, the Explorer’s ride and handling was excellent. The fuel economy is not as good on four-wheel-drive (4x4) models of the Explorer (this one was front-wheel-drive or FWD).

            To sum up, the Ford Explorer is a great vehicle for anyone looking for a larger SUV that drives like a car. You may want to also check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee, another great competitor, which has run with the Explorer for almost its entire life. –Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews

BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT AVIS/BUDGET RENT-A-CAR’S 2014 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED FWD:

Exterior Color: Sterling Gray Metallic

Interior Color: Ebony (Leather)

Engine: 3.5L FlexFuel-Capable V6, 290 HP

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic, Manual Shifting Modes

Tires: Size P255/55R20 Hankook Optimo BSW All-Season

Wheels: 20” Alloy

Starting Price (MSRP) for 2014 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5L FWD: $38,100.00 (Excl. Destination)

Total Price (MSRP) for 2014 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5L FWD: $38,100.00 (Excl. Destination)

Mileage at Rental: 14,380 Miles

Required Fuel Time: Regular (87 Octane) or E85 Ethanol 

NOTE: I was NOT paid by Ford nor Avis/Budget Rent-a-Car for this review.