subject: Business cars [print this page] Business cars Business cars
Northwest Volvo
Northwest Volvo Ford Edge Limited
Design/Fit and Finish
The success of the Edge's eye-catching front end is underlined by the new Toyota Venza's snout, which is a good example of the sincerest form of flattery. Otherwise, the Edge's exterior shape is pleasant and modern but not especially memorable.
Northwest Volvo Test Drive: 2008 Lexus RX 400h - Function
Although the 2008 Lexus RX 400h is a loaded-up luxury vehicle, its Toyota roots are apparent in its clean, user-friendly cabin design. There are a lot of features to control here, but most interfaces are straightforward. The audio controls have the tried-and-true (and large) volume and tuning knobs on either side of the faceplate. There is sadly no auxiliary audio jack available, although the standard tape deck allowed us to get reacquainted with the Best of Van Halen.
Although the climate controls are split between hard buttons on the center stack and some on the touchscreen, they're easy to, umm, acclimate to. That multipurpose screen also displays the propulsion source being used at any given moment, the status of the battery pack and fuel economy information. The available heated seats offer a wide range of adjustment via twist knobs, as opposed to the two or three settings of most rivals.
Being an SUV, the RX had no problem with our child seat and luggage capacity tests. A child seat can be easily secured facing either way in the second row. It's also a cinch to stow a couple of large suitcases or golf bags in the cargo area thanks to the power liftgate and relatively low lift-over. Should you need more than that 38-cubic-foot hold, flipping the split rear seats down yields about 85 cubes.
Sandberg Volvo Northwest
Test Drive: 2008 Lexus RX 400h - Who Should Buy This Vehicle
One might argue that nearly all the attributes of the 2008 Lexus RX 400h can be had in the less expensive RX 350 meaning pampering isolation from the harsh outside world, peppy performance, SUV versatility, fine build quality and rock-solid reliability. But if you also want 25 mpg (and a hybrid badge) with all that luxury and performance, then what you really want is the RX 400h.
Sandberg Volvo Info
Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD
Design/Fit and Finish
Despite gradual improvement over the years, the Explorer's materials quality remains mediocre and its design rather antiquated. Despite being equipped with the latest technology such as navigation and Microsoft's innovative voice-activated Sync system, the controls look as if they've been carried over from the 1990s. In addition, hard plastics abound in the cabin, and various styling cues like the gargantuan gearshift lever and flat, sunken steering wheel further cheapen the Explorer's look. On the outside, the Explorer has evolved with a more contemporary look, but the keypad on the driver's door is a bit of an eyesore.
Sandberg Volvo Dodge Challenger SRT8
The modern Challenger turns willingly, stops quickly and provides ride comfort and isolation approaching that of a Chrysler 300 luxury sedan. The latter's not too surprising, considering the two cars (along with the Dodge Charger) are platform mates. But this means the Challenger is more of a high-performance luxury coupe at heart than a raw-edged tire roaster, though it'll certainly light 'em up whenever the mood strikes.
More results: Sandberg Volvo Northwest Sandberg Volvo Info Sandberg Volvo Cars
