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We also climbed in the back seat and crawled around a bit. There was room to do so, only 10 percent less than in the front seat, according to the SAE volume index. In people terms, the rear seat's measurements come within an inch of the front's except in legroom, where the rear seat gives up just over an inch and a half to the front. The 60/40 split rear seat seats three people, but a wide, center armrest with cupholders drops down to make it more comfortable for two. There's plenty of head clearance despite the roofline, which poses no rear visibility problem for the driver. Even so, the chopped-top proportions left us feeling a touch claustrophobic in the back seats. credit pacific service union

The driver should have no problem finding a comfortable position. The steering wheel offers both tilt and telescope adjustments and the pedals are power adjustable. Adjustable pedals can help people of small stature (petite women, for example) position themselves farther away from the airbag-equipped steering wheel, lessening the chance of airbag-related injuries. credit first service union

Fabric covers the seats in the SE and SXT. Leather comes standard in the R/T and the SRT8 and is optional in the SXT. We found the regular seats generally supportive. The SRT8's deep-dish sport seats were especially effective in keeping our backside in place during aggressive motoring. However, all of the seats were somewhat short in thigh support. card credit mobile service

The four-spoke steering wheel is sharp, with buttons for cruise and sound control. We really like the Magnum's gauges, handsome and all business, white background with black numbers and stainless trim rings. We dislike the Mercedes-Benz column stalks with the turn indicator lever drooping down around 7 o'clock and the wimpy cruise control stick perched up at 11 o'clock. (We dislike these controls just as much on Mercedes cars.) It's too easy to turn on the cruise control when you meant to signal a lane change. card credit discover service

The center stack is clean and tidy in black, with switches that were easy to click and knobs where knobs should be for the climate control and radio. The navigation system's screen displaces the stereo faceplate, with controls for both functions arrayed around the perimeter. credit public service union

The console compartment is decent sized, with two levels, the upper stamped with recesses for holding sundry items, and contains practical coin holders. There's also a sunglasses holder within the driver's reach. And speaking of specialized holders, the optional cargo organizer keeps grocery bags from topping over and incorporates a nook designed for holding a one-gallon milk jug. card credit processing service

The Magnum takes an innovative approach to placement of the entertainment system's video screen. In lieu of suspending it from the ceiling or planting it in the backside of the front seat head restraints, Dodge pivots the Magnum's up out of the front center console. This positions it for viewing between the front seats at just above knee level. We're not sure what this will do for passengers susceptible to motion sickness, but it does preserve the driver's view out the back window. Speaking of things in the way, don't pop for the upgraded sound system that parks a monster subwoofer in the cargo area right behind the rear seat if your Magnum is to be used to haul stuff. center credit service union

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However, it's not called a station wagon, at least not officially. The EPA classifies it as a sport utility. Dodge calls it a sport tourer. Some call it a sport wagon. That's what it is in our book: a sporty wagon, a cross between muscle car and station wagon, a hot rod hauler for grown-ups who haven't grown up, or haven't needed to, but eminently civilized, of course. card credit service wireless

The grille is clearly from the Dodge Ram truck family, but it's smaller, softer and classier. The headlamp units are a nice integrated wedge shape. We like them better than those on the Chrysler 300, a Magnum sibling, which try harder to be retro. The air dam/bumper cover wraps up under the headlamps and grille, and looks impressively beefy and functional. The SRT8 gets a mesh grille insert surrounded by a blockier fascia with a more aggressive air dam and enlarged, brake-cooling ducts. credit security service union

From the side, the Magnum looks like it could be rolled onto the floor of a custom rod show. The wheel cutouts are profound, especially imposing with the 18-inch, 10-spoke wheels on the R/T and borderline brutish with the SRT8's 20-inchers and ultra-low profile rubber. A big visual effect is created by the tinted glass and roofline sloping back and pinching the rear window. This serves an innovative purpose. The one-piece liftgate is hinged about two feet up into the roof, providing a vast and liberating opening to the cargo area. It requires less ducking to reach things in there, and will be easier on lower backs of all ages. credit report service

The SRT8's roof-mounted wake diffuser is deeper, and its rear bumper mirrors the front's blockiness, with cutouts for the two, oversize, chrome exhaust tips. blogspot com christian

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NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Northern California. christian counseling credit

Additional Pictures New Car Test Drive, NewCarTestDrive.com Introduction | Interior | Walkaround | Review Introduction The 2008 Scion xD replaces the Toyota division's cute, efficient xA. Introduced four years ago, the xA was a popular subcompact. Scion's grand plan is to offer new models frequently, so it was time for the xA to go. While the xD is all new, shoppers can think of it as the second generation of the xA. In spirit and execution, it remains essentially the same: A small, efficient, relatively inexpensive four-door hatchback aimed at young, stylish buyers.

The new xD has a boxier roofline and more bulbous hood. We think it has lost some of the distinctiveness of the xA, but the xD can be dressed up into a unique, good-looking car, and that remains part of the Scion plan. The new xD is designed for easy personalization, and Scion offers dozens of dealer-installed parts, starting with an array of custom wheels. credit federal service union

On paper, the Scion xD has the right stuff. It has a longer wheelbase and wider track yet virtually the same overall length as the xA; that means shorter overhangs for a sportier appearance suggesting more agile handling. With a 1.8-liter engine making 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, the xD is substantially more powerful than the 1.5-liter xA model it replaces (by 20 hp). The new xD's engine also benefits from the latest version of Toyota's VVT-i, or variable valve timing, technology for strong power and good fuel economy. credit monitoring service

The xD comes well equipped, with air conditioning, a high-watt Pioneer stereo and a full complement of power accessories. credit division service

The xD sets the class benchmark for safety equipment. Front, side and curtain-style airbags are standard, as is a sophisticated anti-lock brake system. The xD is available with optional electronic stability control, which isn't even offered on most cars in its class. card credit online service

In some respects, however, the xD falls short of the xA it replaces. The xD is heavier than the xA, by 300 pounds, so acceleration is diminished, particularly with the automatic transmission. Also, EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are poorer, but that's complicated by the EPA's new testing methods for 2008 models which degrade on paper fuel economy for most cars. The xD is rated at 27/33 mpg City/Highway with the manual transmission. And despite its slightly larger exterior dimensions, the xD provides less interior space than the old xA did, and less than key competitors such as the Honda Fit. The xD's interior loses 1.5 cubic feet of volume overall, and a significant four inches of rear legroom. consumer counseling credit inc

The good news is that the Scion xD is a roomy little car, with lots of headroom and comfortable space for four medium-size adults. The new rear seat is particularly handy. It reclines, slides fore and aft to maximize passenger or cargo room, or quickly folds totally flat, creating an excellent cargo space measuring a maximum 35.7 cubic feet. card credit fleet service

The xD's overall performance is spry. Ride quality is acceptable in most circumstances, and while it isn't the sportiest performer in its class, it can be fun to drive. We recommend the five-speed manual transmission, because the weakest link in the xD package is the optional automatic. It's a conventional four-speed and, with the XD's free-revving engine, it feels like it needs more gears. card consolidation credit

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Materials used inside the xD are generally good for a car in this price range. The expansive plastic that covers the dash and door panels has a woven-grain, matte finish, and it's more appealing than the glossy hard stuff in some inexpensive cars. The shiny black plastic trim pieces look like piano lacquer, and better than fake wood or metal. credit free online report

The seats are covered in dark charcoal fabric and are quite handsome, especially when compared to the cloth that comes with some other cars in this class. The upholstery isn't plush, but it feels sturdy. The front seats are firm but not too firm, and provide decent bolstering, which is good because many xD owners will be ripping around corners after they add Toyota Racing Development suspension components. credit federal first service

Switches are well placed, with the audio system above the air conditioning controls in the center stack. All the knobs are big and easy to find, though those for the climate controls have a slightly loose, jerky feel. consumer credit service

The gauges are mixed bag. The primary display, which Scion calls a concentric combination meter, is a speedometer and tachometer in one package, centered over the adjustable steering column. It's designed to be different, but in this case it's not better. With the tachometer and speedometer needles moving in opposite directions around a circle, it's hard to process the information at a glance. The gas gauge is a bright, easy-to-read LED to the left of the steering column, and the xD comes standard with a multi-information display that allows the driver to toggle between the odometer, trip meters, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, distance-to-empty and average vehicle speed. Not long ago, such trip computers were reserved for luxury cars. center credit family service

The 160-watt Pioneer sound system with six speakers is loud and clear, and plenty for a car this size. Dealer-installed upgrades are available for buyers who want more. The standard system is wired for iPod, MP3/WMA, and satellite, and includes an auxiliary input jack. Like the trip computer, the redundant audio controls on the steering wheel spoke are the exception in this class. credit reporting service

Somehow, despite gaining three inches in wheelbase, the Scion xD has less interior space than the xA model it replaces. It's lost one inch of legroom in front, and passenger volume overall has decreased, from 86.0 cubic feet to 84.5. cca credit division service

The xD's rear seat is quite roomy when rear-passenger space is maximized. The rear seat easily slides forward or backward six inches, adding space for either cargo behind the seatback or passengers in front of it. With the rear seat moved full forward, there's enough legroom for a 12-year old; with the rear seat moved back, there's room for medium-sized adults. Head room is expansive, and with the front seat set for a 5-foot, 10-inch driver, there was enough rear legroom for a 5-foot, 9-inch rear passenger. Moreover, the rear seatback reclines 10 degrees, which remains a rarity in all cars. The rear-seat headrests rise a long way from the seatback, allowing more comfort for passengers when the seat is occupied, and better rearward visibility for the driver when the seat is empty. credit free report service

Cargo volume is good, which is important if it's stuff you carry more than passengers. The rear seat folds totally flat, opening 35.7 cubic feet of space behind the front seats. That's less than the Honda Fit (41.9 cubic feet) and substantially less than the Nissan Versa hatchback (50.4). Small compartments under the xD's cargo floor hold the jack tools and leave some extra room, though not enough to hold and hide a laptop. A cargo blind to cover whatever is behind the seats is available from Scion dealers. card credit customer discover

Small storage areas are plentiful in the xD, or at least in the forward half of the interior. There's a 5.3-liter upper glovebox and 5.7-liter lower glove box. There's a box in the center console between the seats, a small compartment for change, a small storage tray that slides out of the dash, and five cup holders, including two molded into the hard bins at the bottom of the doors. There are no pockets on the seatbacks, so it's a different story for rear passengers. They get a cupholder molded in each door and a third at the rear of the center console. credit repair report service

The xD's air conditioning motor and vents have been redesigned to be more powerful and less noisy. We found the air conditioning works well. The interior is airtight. With just the driver's window slightly open, there's a thump in your ears, so you have to crack a second window to let the air out. Much sound-deadening material has been used in many places. The xD is not the quietest small car around, and it's one of the noisier Toyota products we tested in a while. But with that excellent Pioneer stereo blaring, you may not notice. credit legal repair service

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The xD is only half an inch longer than the old Scion xA, on a wheelbase that's 3.5 inches longer. That means shorter overhangs, engineering that should result in a better ride and more room inside. cic credit monitoring service

We're a bit disappointed with the styling, and the more generic look Scion is taking across its new line. The new xD looks too much like the new xB. The old xA was a sporty little thing and the old xB was a unique box; now the xD and xB are each sort of a blended box. There are significant differences between them, but those differences may not be as apparent to people on the street as they should be, especially for a brand whose cornerstone is distinction. ccs credit division service

The xD roofline is boxed in at the rear corner with a wide C-pillar (like the xB). Its fender flares have lost some of the xA's smooth shapeliness, and its hood is longer and quite bulbous, in place of the xA's cool steep slope from the top of the windshield to the front bumper. The halogen headlights are sleek, but they're pinched in a shape at odds with the roundness of the hood, which has a chrome Scion emblem stuck on the front. credit service union worker

The standard steel wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, and the wheelwell gaps have been tightened, which is good. But none of the three wheelcover styles do much for the car. A sharp set of wheels goes a long way toward bringing the xD alive, and that's part of Scion's personalization platform. We've seen xDs with the six-spoke, 18-inch polished alloy wheels available from Scion dealerships, and they totally change the bulky looks of the car. The 17-inch black alloys look great too, and those who don't want to spring for new tires can choose 16-inch alloys. With wheels and a rear spoiler to extend the lines of the roof, the xD looks more like something worth showing off. 1st credit service union

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Sam Moses reported to NewCarTestDrive.com from Hollywood, with J.P. Vetttraino in Detroit. card chase credit customer

RoadLoans.com - The 1998 Chevrolet Corvette RoadLoans.com Car Finder - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette - World class performance, world class quality. Let us help you finance this vehicle with an auto loan from RoadLoans.com. Main Picture Tony Swan, NewCarTestDrive.com Introduction | Interior | Walkaround | Review Introduction What could possibly be cooler than a new C5 Corvette

You guessed it: a new C5 Corvette Convertible, one of the most formidable blends of performance, panache, and price on this planet. (Or, as far as we know, any other.) card chase credit service

So what you could say. You can open up the top of the Corvette coupe, too. citi credit monitoring service

And technically, you'd be right. Although a hardtop version is planned, every C5 coupe that's rolled out of the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to date is a T-top. The twin glass panels that make up the middle of the roof lift out easily when it's time for motoring al fresco. And this costs about $7, 000 less than the convertible. credit plus service union

But there's an essential difference in style here, a carefree brio that no coupe can match, no matter how many roof panels are removed. And in this case, the brio is not only carefree, it's also hair-raising, literally, as well as figuratively. credit farm service

Unlike most convertibles, the new Corvette ragtop weighs the same as its coupe counterpart, which means its acceleration performance is undiluted: 0-to-60 mph in less than 5 seconds with the 6-speed manual transmission, about 0.4 seconds slower with the automatic. 1st credit federal service

The automatic is standard in all Corvettes, the six-speed an $815 option. But automatic or stick, the new Vette is fast traffic--quick at the starting gate, beautifully balanced, surprisingly comfortable, and built to a far higher standard than any Corvette in history. credit paychex service tax

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The convertible top is simple to flip up or down and it stows neatly under a flap that folds flat at the forward edge of the trunk lid. The top is made of high-quality material with a glass rear window. The top seals well--there were no leaks in our car wash test or our high-speed wind test. credit service tax

There is more interior noise in the convertible than the coupe and the coupe isn't exactly quiet. However, this is a sports car and noise--particularly the calculated growl of that terrific new V8 --is part of the deal. If you want quiet, go to the library. aeon credit service

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While the basic concept is the same as it was back in 1953--a two-seat plastic-bodied all-American sports car--the C5 is about as all-new as all-new ever gets in the car business. The wheelbase is longer, the track is wider, structural rigidity is far higher, and there are far fewer pieces in the whole assembly, which improves rigidity and quality. credit one service union

Like the car, the LS1 V8 engine is all new. Although it shares the same cylinder bore spacing as the previous LT1 V8 and the same old reliable overhead valvetrain, it's all aluminum, and shares almost no parts with previous Chevy small-block V8s. And, as befits a Corvette, it's also potent--345 horsepower, 350 pound-feet of torque. bad cell credit phone service

With its aerodynamically inspired broad hindquarters, the styling of the new coupe has been controversial. The convertible version looks a bit more graceful, particularly when the top is down. If stares of envy are part of your sports car enjoyment, it's hard to imagine a better choice than the ragtop Vette. counseling credit debt service

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The similarly priced Mercedes-Benz SLK, BMW Z3 2.8, and Porsche Boxster are all delightful and competent players, but they play at a more modest pace. When it comes to real pavement-ripping prowess, none can match the Corvette's sheer power and corner-gobbling grip. card credit payment service

The Dodge Viper does rival the Corvette's dynamic capabilities--indeed, it's even faster--but it requires a single-minded focus on brutish performance to enjoy it. When it comes to civilization and comfort, the Corvette wins hands-down. card credit merchant

To get a similar blend of comfort and true sports car performance, you'll find yourself in a Porsche store looking at 911s, but the 911 can't compete with the Corvette's price. counseling credit family

The Corvette is no longer this country's only sports car, and it's certainly evolved well beyond the realm of what we call affordable. But coupe or convertible, there doesn't seem to be much question that the latest generation of this all-American is also world-class. annual credit report request

RoadLoans.com - The 2002 Pontiac Grand Am RoadLoans.com Car Finder - 2002 Pontiac Grand Am - A lot of flash for a little cash. Let us help you finance this vehicle with an auto loan from RoadLoans.com. Pontiac's Grand Am is a major sales success. Although compact in size, it looks big and important; at a quick glance it could be easily mistaken for its bigger brother, the Pontiac Grand Prix. Inside, Grand Am's elaborate cockpit could make any Walter Mitty feel like an airline pilot.

That impression wouldn't evaporate the first time Wally opens the throttle because Grand Am backs up its racy looks with frisky performance and sport-coupe handling. area bay credit service

For 2002, Grand Am features a new base engine designed for smoother operation, better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs, with no significant loss in performance. atlanta consumer counseling

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