Buick Rendezvous

Buick’s Rendezvous is designed as a luxurious go anywhere people, hauler. It is a comfortable on the boulevard as it is Aspen plowing through six inches of snow. As long as it stays on conventional roads, it does everything well. With its 7in. of ground clearance it is capable off the road, but that is not its strong built. Like its sister sports utility that shares the same platform, the awkwardly styled Pontiac Aztek, the Rendezvous is practical.

However, where the Aztek proposes rugged adventure, the 4-in, longer Rendezvous is more of a classy people hauler that can handle adverse rows of seats compared to the Aztek’s two. Two more models are being offered by Rendezvous having Color matched body cladding is standard on the CXL, as are a dual climate system, leather seats, an upgraded stereo and 16 in, alloy wheels.

A plethora of options is available for the both CX and CXL, the most useful being the third row bench seat that increases passenger capacity from five to seven. Also available is a head up display, OnStar, a self leveling rear suspension, three levels of leather trim, and parking assist that detects obstacles close to the rear bumper. Traction control is also available on the front drive CX.

BMW X5

BMW X5 Reps Bristle when the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle is compared to more conventional sports utes. For good reasons, too, because this Munich engineered, Spartan burg, South Carolina built vehicle really has more in common with BMW's 5 Series sedan than a Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Trail Blazer. With a unit body, a drive train lowered in the body for more handling friendly center of gravity, a sophisticated fully independent suspension incorporating aluminium links, and tires whose widths and profiles say Autobahn (not Audubon), the X5 does anything but tread lightly around corners, it attacks them mercilessly. Plus, for 2002, Munich’s mavens have crafted an Uber-ute , the X5 4.6is, that raises the bar even higher for sport-ute handling and performance.

But let’s back up and start with the $39,545 X5 3.0i. Powered by the 225 bhp 3.0 liter inline 6 that’s also seen in the engine bays of select 3 and 5 Series cars, it’s mated to either a 5 speed manual or optional 5 speed automatic with Steptronic sequential shift feature. All X5s boast automatic headlights control, an indash single disc CD player and the option of power adjustable rear seat backrest. For further, an adjustable 3 position ride height system in now optional, as is a plethora of Sport and Premium packages and wheel upgrades.

Acura MDX

Since its introduction, Acura’s MDX sport utility vehicle has proven the perfect answer to customer demands for extra space and rugged off-road styling without sacrificing carlike ride and handling. For 2002, this hot selling SUV adds four additional exterior color choices, plus enhancements such as thicker widescreen and roof liner to reduce noise and vibrations felt inside the cockpit.

On the outside, the MDX’s wide stance and chiseled front fenders give it a sporty fenders give it a sporty look. Inside, the Acura offers 7 passenger seating. The second row is 60/40 split bench, and the third row 2-seat combo stows flat on the floor. When the second and third row seats are folded, a generous 81.5 cu. ft. of cargo space is available for weekend runs to the local lumber yard.

Many luxury facilities come average on the MDX. These include 8-way power modification for fine modification the driver location, pelt trim for the first two rows of spacing, an AM/FM stereo with a single Disc player, and an exceptional climate control system offering independent cooling and heating for the back passengers. Acura’s most excellent in the industry 48-state direction-finding structure can be ordered as an option. Dual front and side airbags and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers are also standard.

Ford Ranger

Ford treated the Ranger to a number of power train and appearance upgrades, but the Ranger’s steady evolution from Spartan econo-truck to comfortable, do it all pick-up continues. The Ranger, like the other trucks in Ford’s stable, places renewed emphasis on off-road. The new brush-whackin’ package is labeled FX4, and should keep Ranger owners from having to raid their 401Ks to purchase aftermarket gear. Available on the 2 wheel driver SuperCab chassis, the FX4 option includes an 8.8 in. rear axle with 4.10:1 gear ratio, a Torsen limited slip differential, heavy duty springs, the 4.0 liter V6, a heavier front skidplate and fuel tank skidplate, tow hooks front and rear, FX4 graphics, front rubber ‘Slush’ mats and forged alloy wheels mounted with 31 in. x 10.5 in, BF Goodrich T/A KO tires.

Swimming against the industry tide, Ford has more manual transmissions models available for the Rangers. Each of the Ranger’s three available engines can be teamed with either a 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic transmission. Off-roading purist will appreciate that the FX4 Rangers with manual transmissions will also come with manual transfer case. Automatic versions come with electronic transfer case. The Ranger is aimed at a younger demographic than many of Ford’s larger trucks, so sound systems matter. The Ranger offers an optional MP3/CD player audio head unit, the first of its kind in a compact pickup.