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2009 Dodge Dakota Vehicle Overview

Introduction

The Dodge Dakota was a pioneer, just like those intrepid folks who first struck out into the real Dakotas. It was the first midsize pickup, one that cut the sizable gap between compact and full-size trucks. There's a definite market for such a Goldilocks choice, so much so that most of the Dakota's former compact competitors have bulked up in response. Although those competitors have made the 2009 Dodge Dakota seem rather unrefined and industrial by comparison, it continues to distinguish itself with its optional V8 engine while maintaining its in-class towing crown.

For 2009, four Dakota trim levels are eliminated, but their equipment is mostly redistributed among the ST, Big Horn and Laramie trim levels. In Texas, the Big Horn trim is aptly known as Lone Star (sadly, it's not "Show Me" in Missouri or "Bee Hive" in Utah). This follows the big changes made last year that included a revised V8, new entertainment options and tweaked styling inside and out.

This year's introduction of a V8 engine option to the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon twins means the Dodge Dakota is no longer the only vehicle in the compact/midsize pickup class to offer a V8. However, the Dakota maintains its best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 7,100 pounds. Of course, that beefy powertrain comes along with pretty beefy fuel consumption as well -- you'll be hard-pressed to get 15 mpg in mixed driving.

Although the 2009 Dodge Dakota remains a capable workhorse pickup, competing midsize trucks are better choices for those who spend as much time commuting and road tripping as they do hauling and towing. Especially when comparing the more expensive, more heavily equipped models, the Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma all offer more civilized on-road driving manners and exponentially nicer cabins. Their MSRPs are also significantly less. So unless you need the maximum amount of towing capacity and power one can get without stepping up to a full-size truck, this pioneering Dakota isn't the best choice.

2009 Volvo XC90 Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Volvo's sedan-based wagons were its bread-and-butter for years, but as American tastes moved toward taller wagons with poorer fuel economy -- i.e., SUVs -- the Swedish automaker was forced to follow suit. Although the all-new XC60 will soon be joining Volvo's stable, the 2009 Volvo XC90 remains the company's flagship SUV. It boasts sporty eye-catching style, a luxurious interior, safety gadgets galore and an optional Yamaha-built V8 engine.

We've been fans of the XC90 since its debut way back in 2003, but therein lies this voluminous Volvo's biggest problem. It's going into its seventh year of production, and newer midsize crossover SUVs like the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Lexus RX 350/RX 400h and Mercedes-Benz M-Class make the XC90 seem a little long in the tooth. Some of these vehicles boast more-up-to-date features, such as a power rear liftgate and factory Bluetooth, as well as better fuel economy.

That said, there's still a lot going for this premium midsize SUV. If you like the idea of avant-garde Swedish design inside your SUV, for example, or Volvo's innovative selection of safety features, the XC90 might just dissuade you from choosing a fresher competitor instead. This year's XC90 has a few improvements, too, including the new R-Design models, which are decked out with numerous upgrades inside as well as sporty interior and exterior design cues.

Overall, the 2009 Volvo XC90 is a wholly competent vehicle, and it could serve as a nice alternative for someone tired of the usual choices. But we suspect most people will want to check out the aforementioned models or even more affordable alternatives such as Mazda's CX-9 or Hyundai's Veracruz, which match or beat the base XC90's performance for thousands less. Note, too, that while the XC90's crash-test scores are almost perfect, the safety gap between Volvo and the rest of the pack has narrowed considerably.

Games And Stuff :Interior Design and Special Features

Interior design is on par with other cars in this segment, featuring standard leather upholstery and an attractive dash layout. Materials quality is a mixed bag, however, with too much chintzy plastic and Ford-grade switchgear. Lincoln's ventilated seats are a nice touch, as are the MKS's standard rear heated seats. Moreover, the 2009 MKS offers plenty of interior and cargo space -- the trunk will hold 18.4 cubic feet. Rear passenger room and comfort are particularly impressive.

Games And Stuff Management

The FX50 is built on Infiniti's latest version of its FM platform (the same one that underpins a variety of products, including the G-series and M-series cars) and is said to be considerably stiffer than before. These changes, along with an improved suspension with available adaptive dampers and active rear steering, deliver nimble, confident handling.

Regrettably, when it comes to the exterior of the 2009 FX50, the designers haven't adhered to quite the same exalted standard as the engineers. The new look is certainly distinctive, but some object that the gaping grille gives the car an unpleasant fishlike look. Moreover, form often trumps function -- the FX50's styling has been contrived in such a way that its swept-back form actually reduces the previous model's already limited cargo capacity.

On the positive side, the 2009 Infiniti FX50 boasts a gorgeous new interior that's crammed with inviting interfaces and a bevy of former options that are now standard. Driver and passengers are cradled in diamond-quilted leather seats. Chrome and brushed-metal accents tastefully adorn the instrument panel and frame the other control surfaces. Suffer from allergies? The FX50's climate-control system has you covered, with an advanced air purifier and allergen-neutralizing filter. There's also a new hard-drive-based navigation system and a bevy of safety features, including active braking and an advanced lane-departure warning system.

Overall, we think the 2009 Infiniti FX50 is a worthy, if still idiosyncratic, extension of its crossover SUV legacy. It's almost in a class of its own -- BMW's X6 is the only other luxury crossover that unapologetically prioritizes style and performance over utility. For better or worse, the FX50 also carries on the tradition of looking like nothing else on the road (other than the first-generation FX crossovers, that is). If you're drawn to a luxury crossover that has always had a distinctive identity, then we suppose standing out from the crowd is part of the fun.

The G8 also impresses inside, especially considering the plasticky depths to which Pontiac interiors had previously sunk. There are still too many hard surfaces, but the center stack -- save for a couple cheesy Atari-grade digital readouts at the top -- is more than a little reminiscent of Audi's industry-leading efforts. Passenger room is plentiful, particularly in back, where all but the largest riders will have space to spare. The rear center seat isn't so hospitable, however, as the wide center tunnel necessitated by the G8's rear-drive layout essentially eliminates legroom there.

At the G8's moderate price point, the Dodge Charger/Chrysler 300 twins are the only other roomy, rear-wheel-drive, full-size performance sedans available. The Chrysler siblings are certainly competent, but the G8's sporting character sets it apart. We're not fans of the G8's lackluster fuel economy, but then, the Charger/300 duo aren't likely to win any efficiency awards from the EPA either. Bottom line: If you want a large sedan with American attitude and Continental manners, the 2009 Pontiac G8 is in a class of its own.

Games And Stuff Tips And Tricks : Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Dodge Viper SRT-10 is offered as either a two-seat coupe or a soft-top roadster. For the standard price of admission, you get enormous forged-aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires measuring 275/35R18 in front and 345/30R19 in back. Inside, the Viper comes with race-inspired seats, power-adjustable pedals, full power accessories, a tilting steering wheel, keyless entry and an in-dash six-disc CD changer mated to a seven-speaker, 300-watt audio system. Since the Viper is more go than show, cosmetic and convenience options are scarce. Racing stripes, paint and wheel options, instrument-panel trim, a two-tone interior, navigation and satellite radio are all that is offered.

The big performance-enhancing option for the Viper is the American Club Racer (ACR) package, which is only available for the coupe variant. Though street legal, the ACR is clearly intended for track use. The package adds carbon-fiber aerodynamic devices, including a massive wing mounted high above the tail, a front splitter, fender-mounted dive planes and additional underbody treatments. All of this aero work results in a claimed 1,000 pounds of downforce at 150 mph. Lighter wheels shod with stickier tires (both slightly wider up front), lighter brake rotors, a stiffer suspension with 14-way-adjustable shocks and deleted foglamps round out the ACR package. In the end, the ACR weighs in 46 pounds lighter than the standard coupe.

In the spirit of "you can never go too far," the ACR package can be further enhanced with the Hard Core Package. Generally, one expects additional performance to cost more, but the Hard Core option is free -- primarily because the package removes options that are not track-essential. Deletions include the radio, speakers, amplifier, trunk upholstery, hood pad and tire inflator. Weight savings amounts to an additional 42 pounds -- not a whole lot, but every ounce counts on the track.

Games And Stuff Powertrains and Performance

A 3.5-liter V6 powers the 2009 Infiniti FX35. In this application, the familiar V6 makes 303 hp and 262 pound-feet of torque. Last year's five-speed automatic transmission has been replaced by a seven-speed automatic with manual shift capability. Rear-wheel drive is standard, though the FX35 offers an optional AWD system with a rear bias to preserve its sporty handling capabilities.

Fuel economy is slightly improved over the old model; the 2009 FX35 AWD gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined, while rear-drive models are rated at 16 mpg city/23 highway and 19 combined.

Games And Stuff Management The FX50 is built on Infiniti's latest version of its FM platform (the same one that underpins a variety of products, including the G-series and M-series cars) and is said to be considerably stiffer than before. These changes, along with an improved suspension with available adaptive dampers and active rear steering, deliver nimble, confident handling.

Regrettably, when it comes to the exterior of the 2009 FX50, the designers haven't adhered to quite the same exalted standard as the engineers. The new look is certainly distinctive, but some object that the gaping grille gives the car an unpleasant fishlike look. Moreover, form often trumps function -- the FX50's styling has been contrived in such a way that its swept-back form actually reduces the previous model's already limited cargo capacity.

On the positive side, the 2009 Infiniti FX50 boasts a gorgeous new interior that's crammed with inviting interfaces and a bevy of former options that are now standard. Driver and passengers are cradled in diamond-quilted leather seats. Chrome and brushed-metal accents tastefully adorn the instrument panel and frame the other control surfaces. Suffer from allergies? The FX50's climate-control system has you covered, with an advanced air purifier and allergen-neutralizing filter. There's also a new hard-drive-based navigation system and a bevy of safety features, including active braking and an advanced lane-departure warning system.

Overall, we think the 2009 Infiniti FX50 is a worthy, if still idiosyncratic, extension of its crossover SUV legacy. It's almost in a class of its own -- BMW's X6 is the only other luxury crossover that unapologetically prioritizes style and performance over utility. For better or worse, the FX50 also carries on the tradition of looking like nothing else on the road (other than the first-generation FX crossovers, that is). If you're drawn to a luxury crossover that has always had a distinctive identity, then we suppose standing out from the crowd is part of the fun.

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