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 traction during slippery conditions. Other Siennas are configured as front-wheel drive.

The Sienna comes with a long list of safety features that should lend some peace of mind. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist are standard, as are front seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain bags for all three rows. Driver knee airbags are also included. All-wheel drive models are also fitted run-flat tires which allow the Sienna to go up to 100 miles at 55 mph once the tire loses air.

Interior accommodations in the Sienna include three rows of seating and a capacity of either seven or eight. The 8-passenger configuration-offered on LE and XLE trims-includes a second-row bench seat that can slide fore and aft. The 7-passenger models substitute two captain's chairs for the bench. Toyota has dropped "Split & Stow" seating for 2011, claiming few Sienna buyers actually used the feature. Second and third-row seats are removable to expand cargo space however.

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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 engine. The combination delivers 177 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain also incorporates electronic throttle control (ETC), which replaces the manual linkage between accelerator and throttle with a control unit that calculates the optimal throttle position from a number of sensors. It is available in either front wheel drive or 4-wheel drive

Standard safety features include front side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Ford's Safety Canopy (a side curtain air bag technology), SecuriCode keyless entry and a tire pressure monitoring system. The base XLS comes with a minimal amount of standard comfort features, but they do include keyless entry and power doors, mirrors and windows. Major options on the Escape include larger 17-inch wheels, a 320-watt audiophile sound system, Sirius satellite radio, a DVD-based navigation system, leather-trimmed power seats, a power moonroof, a roof rack, ambient lighting, steering wheel audio controls, auxiliary audio input jack and a 110V AC power outlet on the Hybrid model.

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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 world.

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