suv

2010 GMC Terrain Review

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MPG-o-Matic GMC Terrain Review Summary:
The 2010 GMC Terrain shares its platform with the Chevy Equinox, and like its cousin, delivers solid gas mileage results when equipped with the standard four-cylinder engine. The Terrain is a prime choice for fuel-conscious families swapping out of larger SUVs, with generous interior space, a comfortable ride, and plenty of in-cabin amenities.

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2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 Review

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MPG-o-Matic Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Review Summary:
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4×4 was built to travel the road less taken. The four-door Unlimited provides a unique combination of features: plenty of room for crew and cargo, time-honored four-wheel-drive capabilities, and strong resale values. While not one for poseurs, the Wrangler Unlimited is the only four-door convertible on the market.

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Chevy Tahoe Hybrid Review

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Chevy Tahoe Hybrid MPG-o-Matic Chevy Tahoe Hybrid Review Summary: The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a traditional truck-based full-size three-row SUV with a big difference. The Tahoe Hybrid’s two-mode hybrid system functions as promised, delivering a substantial jump in fuel economy when compared to the conventional Tahoe.

Make no mistake about it. The 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is a great big truck that integrates some innovative technology. With room for eight and plenty of hauling power, the traditional Tahoe has been a popular choice for large active families. The new two-mode hybrid system provides considerable benefits in lower-speed operation – whether you’re cruising through town or crawling through the parking lot at the local sports complex.

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Tahoe Hybrid

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We’ve just spent a week’s time with a 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. When the big SUV crept out of the driveway for the last time earlier today, I was still trying to get my head around the target market. While the Tahoe Hybrid delivers significantly improved fuel economy over the conventional version, it does so at a price. At today’s lower gas prices, it would seem that the added cost of the hybrid drive train presents a roadblock to sales. But just hours after giving up the keys to our blue granite metallic test unit, I saw my first Tahoe Hybrid in the wild – and in our town, no less – while performing after-school family taxi duties.

A quick trip to eBay is an indicator of the current level of discounting. At least one dealer was slashing seven thousand dollars off the Tahoe Hybrid’s MSRP. Buyers can also expect another $2,200 off for the federal hybrid tax credit.

It can take a while to get accustomed to driving the Tahoe Hybrid. Stomping on the accelerator pedal from a standing start is an interesting experience, to say the least. In this video, the system is in Auto Stop mode, with the engine off, as it launches.

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Hybrid SUV Milestones

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While the hybrid SUV phenomena can’t match the combination of peanut butter and chocolate for pure popularity, the blending of truck-based people-mover and electric propulsion technology has produced a notable oxymoron.

Justly or not, SUVs are frequently cast as the poster boy for conspicuous consumption. You won’t find the conventional press or hordes of lemmings (any similarities are purely coincidental) praising the vast majority of SUVs for their fuel-stinginess. Yet the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV achieves quite remarkable gas mileage in city settings. (We were able to hit the magic 40 MPG mark in-town in our Escape Hybrid review.) This unique quality has led the Escape Hybrid to sell out its production runs, year-after-year.

Earlier this week, Ford announced a notable milestone: the 100,000th Escape Hybrid has rolled off the line at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. With production constraints due to battery availability, 100,000 vehicles in a relatively short time frame is significant. It’s clear that many Americans aren’t keen on giving up their SUVs and the Escape Hybrid fills an important niche.

The economic climate and drop in the price of gasoline have not been kind to the market, and there’s little to trumpet on this front on the other side of town. With Chrysler putting a hold on production of the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid late last year, the twins have earned the distinction of being the first hybrid SUVs to be put on hold … two canaries in the coal mine. The market has further delayed the introduction of GM’s next-generation Saturn VUE Two-Mode Hybrid.

Nevertheless, there are seven hybrid SUVs available in America today. Over the last twelve months, we’ve had the good fortune to have opportunity to review four of the hybrid SUVs currently on sale:

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