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The Patriot shares much mechanically, with both the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber, including a layout that's much more car-like than any of Jeep's larger models. With a MacPherson strut front suspension and rear multi-link setup, quick-ratio rack-and-pinion steering and a very manageable 174 inches of total length (nearly two feet shorter than some mid-size sedans), the Patriot is very maneuverab..... |
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The 2009 GX 470 occupies a spot in the Lexus lineup between the RX 350 compact SUV and the full-sized LX 470. Based on Toyota's venerable 4Runner, the GX 470 offers buyers all the luxury expected of a Lexus with the versatility of a truly capable off-road truck.
The GX 470 comes only in one trim, but that lone model is loaded with plenty of standard luxury, convenience and safety features. A bevy ..... |
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The 2009 Nissan Armada sport utility comes in two models, SE and LE, both available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. All Armadas are powered by a 317-horsepower, 5.6L V8, which puts out 385 ft-lb of torque. A 5-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode is standard.
The available four-wheel-drive system has a full-time automatic mode that normally sends all torque to the rear..... |
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The Ford Expedition comes in two sizes for 2009-standard-length, and the extended-length EL, which allows more cargo and seating space in the back. There are also four different models in each size, XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited, and King Ranch, ranging from well-equipped to very luxurious. All four models are powered by a 5.4L Triton V8 making 300 hp and 365 ft-lb of torque. Power is put to the wheel..... |
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Three different trim levels and three engines are offered on the 2009 Jeep Commander, along with rear-wheel drive or one of three different four-wheel-drive systems, each of which can equip the Commander for a wide range of performance requirements and budgets. A 210-horsepower, 3.7L V6 is standard on the base Sport model. The mid-range Limited model gets a 305-horsepower, flex-fuel-capable 4.7L V..... |
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The 2009 Honda Pilot has bulked up thanks to its new styling, adding over an inch to its height and width and nearly 3 inches to its length. That additional length is noticed and appreciated with winder front and rear doors, allowing for easier access for all passengers.
Honda coupled these cosmetic improvements with several significant mechanical upgrades to further distinguish the 2009 model fr..... |
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The 2009 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, which share underpinnings with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, are lines of full-size sport-utility vehicles that are very similar, but the Yukon XL model is 20 inches longer.
Both the Yukon and Yukon XL are offered in SLE, SLT and Denali models, with either rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive for each. Yukons can be specified either as standard-duty 1500 models or..... |
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The Grand Vitara seats five, and with the 60/40-split rear seat folded forward, also called Fold-and-Tumble, its already roomy 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space can be expanded to nearly 69 cubic feet. Side-hinged rear cargo door allow for even more, larger cargo to carried.
The 4-wheel drive system has a full-time mode for on-road driving, which sends power to the front wheels as needed. Named F..... |
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A 179-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is now standard on the RAV4, with a 269-hp, 3.5-liter V6 available. The new 4-cylinder engine utilizes variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves, along with a variable induction system to assure good low-RPM torque. The 4-cylinder includes a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 is matched to a 5-speed automatic; both transmission..... |
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