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Introduced in 2005 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Cavalier, the 2008 Cobalt is in every way a more rewarding car to drive. Based on GM's Delta platform, which also underpins the Saturn Ion, the Cobalt adds a lot of refinements over its Saturn counterpart in both powertrain and chassis tuning. With two engine choices and three trim levels for each of two body styles, the Cobalt also offers buye..... |
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The Toyota 4Runner is offered in variants powered by V6 or V8 engines, and with rear- or four-wheel drive. V6 models are powered by a 4.0L DOHC engine making 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, while V8 models have a 4.7L "i-Force" V8 making 260 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. Both engines have an intelligent variable valve timing system, to improve response at low and mid revs, and b..... |
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Toyota's Avalon is available in four different models for 2008, ranging from comfortable and reasonably well-appointed to luxurious and technology-laden. Across the line, Avalons are powered by a 3.5L V6 engine with Dual VVT-i variable valve timing, making 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft. This engine is paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission that provides improved performance and has a ma..... |
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Three Outlander trim levels can be had with front-wheel drive: the base ES, midlevel LS, and top XLS. A driver-selectable multi-mode four-wheel-drive system is also available, with a convenient switch located on the dash that allows drivers to go from 2WD to 4WD auto or 4WD locked at a 50/50 torque split.
Two engines are available. The ES models sport a 2.4L I4 engine that produces 168 horsepower ..... |
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The new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, with its more upright styling and memorable front end, is only slightly larger than the model it replaces, though it's considerably sportier and more refined and is built on a completely new platform.
All Lancers are powered by a 152-horsepower, 2.0L four-cylinder engine (though the engine only makes 143 horsepower in California-emission states), which can be mated ..... |
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The 2008 Mazda CX-9 crossover sport utility vehicle is powered by a 273-horsepower, 3.7L DOHC V6 engine with variable valve timing and an electronic throttle. It is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, and delivers its power through either front-wheel drive or the Active Torque-Split all-wheel drive system, which uses sensors and a computer-controlled coupling to bring up to 50 percent..... |
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The Yukon and Yukon XL (a longer version for carrying more passengers or cargo) come in a rather wide range of models in regular 1500 (half-ton) or heavy duty 2500 (3/4-ton) spec, with several different trim levels, engines, and equipment packages, to suit a wide range of purposes from soccer-mom tasks to cross-country towing. The Yukon XL is about 20 inches longer than the Yukon overall.
A 291-ho..... |
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Suzuki's Grand Vitara, which can be equipped either with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive for 2008, is powered by a 185-horsepower, 2.7L V6 engine and either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
The four-wheel drive system that's available has a full-time mode for on-road driving, which sends power to the front wheels when it's needed, yet also comes with a low range ready..... |
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Toyota's Solara coupe models come with either an inline four-cylinder or V6 engine for 2008, while the convertible comes only with a V6. Both are offered in SE, Sport, or SLE variants. The four-cylinder engine is the familiar 2.4L that powers many other vehicles in the Toyota line; here it makes 155 horsepower and can be paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic transm..... |
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