Toyota Sienna

The Sienna is a complete redesign for 2011. Two engines are available for this year: a 187-horse 4-cylinder and last year's 265-horsepower 3.5L V6. Each engine comes linked to a new-for-2011 6-speed automatic transmission. What the 4-cylinder lacks in power, it more than makes up for in fuel economy--it's capable of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway-a class-leading achievement. The Sienna is the only vehicle in its class to offer optional all-wheel drive. Toyota's system utilizes a center differential to split power 50/50 between the front and rear wheels under normal driving situations, but transfers more to the wheels that have...

Read More

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is available in three trims: the base XLS, the workhorse XLT and the more luxurious Limited. The base engine is 2.5L Duratec 4-cylinder that makes 171 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. Also available is a 3.0L Duratec V6 engine making 240 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. All models, including the Hybrid, offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard with the 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all V6 engines and available with the 4-cylinder. The Escape Hybrid powertrain includes a 2.5L Duratec gasoline 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle...

Read More

Opel Manta

In 1971, the era of the large, big block pony car was reaching its apex. These cares were noteworthy for their astonishing power, their humongous engines, their thirstiness at the pump, and the near complete inability to turn out of a straight line. Behind the scenes, however, another revolution was already taking place, one that would ultimately have far reaching consequences in the modern auto worl...

Read More