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The tall 2008 Honda Element makes the most out of a vehicle that's actually quite compact and easy to park, with a van-like body, an extremely versatile interior, and rear-hinged back doors that allow wide loading access. Inside, a black urethane utility floor cleans up easily, and the seat upholstery is moisture-resistant, making the Element a good choice for those with pets, babies, or messy car..... |
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The most striking feature of the 2008 Sierra 1500, which GMC completely redesigned a year ago, is the interior. The new cabin offered on the top SLT trim is similar to that currently offered on GM's full-size sport-utility vehicles such as the GMC Yukon and offers standard luxury features like power heated front leather seats, six-disc CD/MP3-capable audio system, satellite radio, and heated winds..... |
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The 2008 MINI Cooper coupe, fresh off of a complete redesign for 2007, uses a punchy all-aluminum inline-four that is rated at 118 horsepower in normally aspirated form and 172 horsepower with the turbocharger. Fully variable valve lift and timing help deliver that power in an extremely smooth fashion, and also benefits fuel economy. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while an automatic ..... |
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The 2008 Cadillac CTS is now offered with either a 258-horsepower, 3.6L V6 with variable valve timing, or a new direct-injection 3.6L making 304 horsepower. Besides producing more power, the engine also has improved fuel economy and lowered emissions. Both can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control, and a performance-oriented all-whee..... |
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Toyota's minivan, the Sienna, is available in an accommodating long wheelbase configuration for 2008, and is powered by a 3.5L V6, making 266 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Buyers have a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive in most Sienna models; front-wheel drive models get fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city, 23 highway, which ar..... |
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The RAV4 offers two different engines, an in-line four-cylinder or V6, and both are available with either front-wheel drive or on-demand four-wheel drive.
The available 3.5L V6 has an impressive 269 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. The powerful V6 has variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust, to help optimize torque and fuel efficiency. The V6 is paired with a five-speed automatic tran..... |
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The 2008 LS600h L showcases Lexus Hybrid Drive, which follows the expertise gained in Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive but is geared more for performance and smoothness that befits a car in this exclusive crowd. The system pairs a 5.0L gasoline V8 engine with two strong electric motors, a system for recapturing power, and a large-capacity battery pack. Altogether, the hybrid powertrain can deliver 43..... |
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With its new 3.3L V6, which has 242-horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, the 2008 Kia Sorento offers an attractive engine alternative to the excellent 3.8L V6 that puts out 262-horsepower and 260 lb-ft. The 3.3L powers the base model as well as the LX, while the EX is powered by the 3.8. Both engines come with five-speed Sportomatic gearboxes.
The 2WD base model is anything but basic, and comes sta..... |
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Like its much larger stablemate, the F-150, the 2008 Ford Ranger pickup spans a broad price and equipment range and can be equipped to suit a wide range of uses. There are three different cab configurations (regular cab, and two- or four-door SuperCab), two different bed lengths (six- or seven-foot), three engines with rear- or four-wheel drive, and a bewildering array of four different trims, man..... |
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