SUV in review: The 2008 Volvo XC90-4 V8 SUV

Whenever I think about cars and safety features, one name comes up: Volvo. I think they are one of, if not the, safest vehicles plying the streets today. With that trail of thought in mind, I wanted to zero in on one of their latest models: The 2008 Volvo XC90-4 V8 SUV.

According to the KBB Editor's Overview, the 2008 Volvo XC90 strikes the perfect balance between car and SUV. Riding atop the previous-generation S80 chassis, the roomy and safe XC90 comes wrapped in a manageable size and equipped with a choice of a V6 or V8 engine. Although more expensive than similarly-sized vehicles from Nissan and Honda, many consider Volvo's more luxurious SUV as something of a status symbol. Regardless of how you view the XC90, there is no arguing with the vehicle's rugged construction, all-weather capability, exemplary safety rating and strong resale value.

Look at how these babies look!

Exterior

Passenger interior view

The engine. Wow.

Now don't you wish you had one of these, too? I sure wish I did.

2008 the top 10 Most fuel efficient SUVs

Given the rising costs of fuel, it got me thinking which among the current SUVs we see everyday are actually living up to their promise of fuel efficiency.

According to Edmunds, the top 10 Most fuel efficient SUVs for the current year are:
Ford Escape Hybrid — 34/30* (tie)The Ford Escape Hybrid offers a potent hybrid drivetrain and a roomy interior.

Mazda Tribute Hybrid — 34/30* (tie)Exceptional mileage makes the Mazda Tribute a king among hybrids.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid — 34/30* (tie)Like its corporate twins, the Tribute Hybrid and Escape Hybrid, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid offers class-leading fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions.

Saturn Vue Hybrid — 25/32* The Saturn Vue Hybrid's affordable price makes it one of the true bargains of the hybrid bunch.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid — 27/25*Performance and fuel economy achieve harmonious coexistence in this sterling Toyota.

Lexus RX 400h — 27/24*The RX 400h is expensive, but it offers all the quickness and luxury you'd expect from a Lexus.

Jeep Compass — 23/28The Compass comes armed with a low price tag and the sort of compact dimensions that enhance maneuverability.

Ford Escape — 22/28 (tie)Even without the benefit of a hybrid powertrain, the Escape is thrifty enough to earn a place on our list.

Mazda Tribute — 22/28 (tie)Ditto for its twin, the capable Tribute; this Mazda also offers a long list of safety features.

Nissan Rogue — 22/27*Turn to the Rogue for a carlike driving experience and a well-crafted cabin.

Ford Escape Hybrid — 34/30* (tie)The Ford Escape Hybrid offers a potent hybrid drivetrain and a roomy interior.

Mazda Tribute Hybrid — 34/30* (tie)Exceptional mileage makes the Mazda Tribute a king among hybrids.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid — 34/30* (tie)Like its corporate twins, the Tribute Hybrid and Escape Hybrid, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid offers class-leading fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions.

Saturn Vue Hybrid — 25/32* The Saturn Vue Hybrid's affordable price makes it one of the true bargains of the hybrid bunch.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid — 27/25*Performance and fuel economy achieve harmonious coexistence in this sterling Toyota.

Lexus RX 400h — 27/24*The RX 400h is expensive, but it offers all the quickness and luxury you'd expect from a Lexus.

Jeep Compass — 23/28The Compass comes armed with a low price tag and the sort of compact dimensions that enhance maneuverability.

Ford Escape — 22/28 (tie)Even without the benefit of a hybrid powertrain, the Escape is thrifty enough to earn a place on our list.

Mazda Tribute — 22/28 (tie)Ditto for its twin, the capable Tribute; this Mazda also offers a long list of safety features.

Nissan Rogue — 22/27*Turn to the Rogue for a carlike driving experience and a well-crafted cabin.

Rankings were ascertained using the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) miles-per-gallon ratings for city and highway travel. All ratings apply to base models equipped with manual transmissions, except where indicated otherwise with an asterisk. All ratings apply to 2WD models, with the exception being the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Hope you guys pick up something from this. At this day and age, it really does help to know which SUVs you can count on when it comes to fuel efficieciency. Agree? I hope so!

2008 Ford Ranger: Simply, wow!

Long time, no blog. Sorry about that. Been busy browsing through some of the latest reviews on a number of my SUV favorites. For today, I would like to talk, erm, write about America's best-selling compact pickup for 17 years running: the Ford Ranger.

For me, Ford is synonymous to safety. This notion was actually confirmed by NHTSA Frontal Crash Test where the Ford Ranger actually scored 5 stars for Driver Front and 4 stars for Passenger front. In layman's term, this means you are pretty much safe when you are riding the 2008 Ford Ranger.

According to AOL's review, the Ranger is offered in four trims: XL, XLT, Sport and FX4 Off-Road. A four-cylinder as well as two different V6s are the three available engines. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generates 143 horsepower. The 3.0-liter V6 and 4.0-liter V6 engines produce 148 and 207 horsepower, respectively. Four-wheel and rear-wheel drive are offered. Available transmissions include a standard five-speed manual gearbox and an optional five-speed automatic. Safety features such as four-wheel antilock brakes and dual-stage front airbags come standard.

Since pictures do speak a thousand words, let us just take a look at what this baby looks like:









Simply, wow, dont you think?