Not sure what you’re looking for in a new car? Look no further than these four cars for your next automotive purchase. All different, but all worth the time it takes to consider what you want to drive off the lot, you can choose from the sporty Acura, the diesel-powered Mercedes, the Toyota Camry (tried and true for any driver) or the retro-style FJ Cruiser, these three manufacturers are definitely making sure that no consumer goes away unhappy when it comes to buying the next big thing.
Acura TSX
This car is a no-brainer when it comes to ruling the road. A four-door, five-passenger sports sedan, the Acura TSX comes in the six-speed MT or the five speed AT with a navigational system thrown in for good measure. While the 2007 model is a carryover from 2006, notice the features that are timeless like the stability system to help the driver maintain control while driving, the exterior fog lamps and the nine-spoke alloy wheels. The only change in the 2007 is the tire-pressure monitoring system, but the other safety features were already a part of the game. Remember too, this car resembles Europe’s version of the Honda Accord and with that, all the European tweaks have been made starting out with the edgy performance that this Acura is known for all around.
First and foremost, even in the luxury-level sedan at the low-end you get a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with a 205 horsepower and 164-feet of torque. In safety, you can expect the standard equipment that consumers demand these days like the four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control and side airbags for front passengers along with front and rear side-curtain airbags. A hands-free telephone connection is available and for perfect seating the perforated leather seating surfaces and dual-zone automatic climate controls are a must. For sound, you’ll get a 360-watt Acura premium sound system with XM satellite radio.
Miles Per Gallon: Try 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31-mpg on the highway – not bad.
Price Tag: Anywhere from $28,090 to $30,090 depending on your choice of add-ons.
Mercedes Benz E320 Bluetec
First of all it’s a diesel. You can barely hear that diesel rumble, but sometimes you will be reminded. Not that big of a deal though, this is the diesel-powered version of the Mercedes E-class series and for the most part all I could was smile as I was driving it – especially when I thought of how great the gas mileage was on this car. I felt right at home with the standards like leather and wood-trim, a dual-zone climate control, rain sensing windshield wipers and power (just about every button is a power button for something). One really fun feature for the driver and passenger in the front seat is the power seat controls located on the door panel. The steering is made to order with a tilt up and down option and it also telescopes in and out so you can find just the right angle as you are toddling along. I was more than surprised at the 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds, but I found it to be true. While it doesn’t seem to have the power in standstill mode, acceleration is amazing as you put the pedal to the floor to pass everyone else on the highway.
Standard bells and whistles I can’t live without include the six-disc CD changer and power glass sunroof. With a 3.0, V6 engine and 208 horsepower with 400 pounds per foot of torque, the word “Bluetec” signifies Mercedes’ clean diesel technology. Safety, as always in a Mercedes, has been well thought out with six airbags including front and back, an emergency traction and electronic stability control, belt tensioners front and back, an emergency calling system, disc brakes with ABS and brake assist and speed-sensitive power steering.
Miles per Gallon: This car got better gas mileage than I ever thought it would – it seemed I didn’t have to fill the tank up for days with 26 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway.
Price Tag: $52,550 up to as high as $68,000.
Toyota Camry
It has undergone changes that you will notice in 2007 and from the revived look with a more aggressive front grill, slanted headlights and a raised, squared-off trunk with sloping tailights you will like the new look. Bigger and better all around, the the new Camry is 2.2 inches longer in the wheelbase and there is over a one-inch wider front and rear track. Also available in the foor-door sedan option, both the four and six-cylinder options have engine choices to choose from with the money-saving CE, the well-known LE, the sporty SE and the luxurious XLE.
You will find that Camry actually offers three different choices of engines so no matter what you like you can find. The 2.4 liter inline four-cylinder offers 158 horsepower and 161 pounds per foot of torque; a 3.5 liter V6 offers a 268 horsepower, 248 pounds per foot torque and the hybrid gas-electric option has 147 horsepower with 137 pounds per foot of torque from the gas engine and 45 horsepower, 203 pounds per foot of torque from the electric motor.
Miles per Gallon: Models vary, but the standard is 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. This car is definitely a steal no matter how you look at it.
Price Tag: You can find the Toyota Camry anywhere from $18,470 to $28,020, still not a bad high-end price in today’s car market.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
I like it, I really like it and you will to. There is nothing not to like about this new vehicle and I hear that Range Rover and Land Rover fans are trading in for this funky new vehicle that is “oh, so now.” It seats five and sits on a modified 4Runner platform with 17-inch steel wheels, four-wheel disc brakes and a star safety system that includes Vehicle Stability Control and traction control, an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist – all standard. Another fun feature is that the trim matches the exterior color and the vehicle’s rear seats fold flat to create additional cargo space – who could ask for more. The FJ Cruiser has really been designed for the younger set, but don’t worry it’s still good for anyone. Even the low-end package comes with options that include remote keyless entry, cruise control, power outside mirrors, a rear parking sonar, privacy glass, a rear wiper, and daytime running lights and front side and full-length side curtain air bags.
There is only one engine option and that is the 4.0-liter, V6. There is also the dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and the VVT-i variable-valve-timing system. You can expect the aluminum-alloy block and head construction and the 12 orifice fuel injectors. With a 239 horsepower at 5,200rpm and 278 lb-ft feet of torque at 3,700 rpm acceleration works for everyone and then some.
Miles per Gallon: It’s 19 miles per gallon in the city and a pretty good 21miles per gallon on the highway.
Price Tag: Built to fit within anyone’s budget starting at $25,000 and going up to $30,000.
