JulesOnWheelz

To muscle or not to muscle…that is the question.  Most shoppers look for practicality, space for the kids and their stuff, and/or super-sized mpg when debating their next car purchase.  Ford however, has thrown a wrench into that thinking for the last 53 years.  Thank God for the designers who had more than cargo in mind…my recent test drive of one of the most legendary sports cars ever built-in America gives testimony to that fact.

Power, performance and pure ego bubble-up inside just looking at the fine lines of the Mustang GT.  Seeing that 5.0 stirs emotions that no van ever will.  Gazing at the design features that make my ride prime, sharpens senses.  Opening the door is like entering the cockpit of a fighter jet.  Where is my helmet?  My flight plan?  Oh yea, I’m just coming home from golf, but boy does it feel good.

I’m lowered into a body hugging surround of power and placement.  Everything is at my fingertips.  The clutch is tight, I feel power under me.  This is not your Mama’s grocery getter.  The six speed manual transmission is a must and directing the symphony that is Mustang begins.

Purring like a tiger, not a kitten, I rumble from the clubhouse to longing looks from jealous spectators.  Angels in heaven could not sing a more beautiful aria than the flow of air that rockets out of those pipes.  Just a little rev for the crowd and I’m off…

If you’re new to the Ford Mustang GT or just love hearing that exhaust note click here.

For $33,195 Ford presents it’s Mustang GT 5.0L 302 cu. In. Ti-VCT V8 engine.  Seems like a small price to pay for the head turns and feel of pure power off the line.  435-hp and 400 lb. ft. of torque assure its success every time.  My beauty actually rides for a combined 18-mpg in the dancing 6-speed manual transmission that I wouldn’t trade for the world.  Perfecting it’s dynamics is short in tutelage and killing the engine at the line is no option, so rev it up and launch your dream.

The rubber on my 18″ wheels grip the pavement and the Advance Trac® with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) pepper my enthusiasm with reasonability…but not too much.  Selectable-effort Electric Power-Assist Steering (EPA) helps me focus on the drive, not the iron I’ve neglected to pump.

 

As I settle into the spacious cabin and enjoy the surprising amount of leg-room for both driver and passenger, my dream is complete.  I pass the vans with vim and vigor and peer around to enjoy the envy of those passers-by intrigued by the aforementioned exhaust note.

Important to mention is that the trunk, even without the 50/50 fold down seats in use, holds two sets of clubs easily.  That weekend away is the perfect use for this baby.

Ford offers ten models for 2017 in the Mustang line.  The V6 base model will be discontinued as they refresh for 2018.

Flex your muscles in the Ford Mustang GT, an American icon built at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, MI.

 

 

The compact sport-utility vehicle segment is becoming as crowded as a high school math class these days, but one of the standout students continues to be the Toyota 4Runner. Homework complete and the curve carefully considered, the Toyota 4Runner crafts an easy A.

Experience plays a big part in the lure that Toyota creates in all segments.  The Body-on-Frame construction of the 4Runner furnishes added strength and safety while reducing noise and vibration.  Body-on-Frame weaves major considerations of expense and mpg together in a way that benefits consumers.  It’s a more economical build and the mpg sacrifice, due to increased weight, still retains a 17/21 ratio in the base SR5 that retails for $34, 210. Click here to see the Body-on-Frame assembly process from Toyota.

Keeping up with the technology of others in its class, the 6.1-inch high-resolution touch-screen keeps the Entune Premium Audio with  Connection or Integrated Navigation and App Suite ready and waiting for instructions as the driver navigates everything from the school-year to the wilderness.  The third row seating is perfect for  extra cargo whether it be human or gear. This seven-passenger provides front and rear 12v power outlets and up to 88 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down.  An available slide-out rear cargo deck can support up to 440 lbs.; tailgating just got real.

The 4.0 Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6  Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing engine with intelligence reaps a robust 270 hp @5600 rpm and 278 lb.-ft. of torque through a 5-speed automatic transmission.  Sporting around town  eliminates the need for a 4WD option in place of the standard RWD, but still renders the hauling capacity that most soccer Moms and Dads dictate.  For those off-roaders moving up the model scale to the TRD Off-Road or Off-Road Premium pushing the limit is granted with a part-time 4WD system that includes Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) standard.  Hill Start Assist Control (HSA), Multi-terrain Select, Crawl Control (CRAWL) and locking rear-differential authorizes wheels to function independently to manufacture the true off-road experience that many 4Runner customers need and desire.

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is a racing division backed by Toyota that has been equipping the toughest of dirt-seeking mudders for years.  The TRD Pro is easily spotted with its TRD 17-inch matte-gray alloy wheels and other standard features in-line with the goal of earth exploration like Performance air filter, brake pads, oil filter, Pro Blisten® shocks and TRD-tuned front springs to go with its personalized TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate.  TRD Pro rings in at $42,400.

Options abound in the 4Runner realm.  As the owner of a 4Runner myself, I find it to be a vehicle I would choose again.  Loyalty is a cornerstone for Toyota and I am a faithful member.  Features that I enjoy are the versatile cargo/seating options, traction control, cabin comfort, smooth ride and reliability; ours has over 160,000 miles.  The 4WD adds a bit of spring to the general handling, but essentially gives the feel that most off-roaders enjoy.

No matter which SUV you choose, be sure to test-drive the Toyota 4Runner.  It shoots to the top of the class by satisfying  your need for safety, reliability, style, and versatility.

 

Subaru’s Impreza 2.0i enlivens an already stacked lineup of award-winning models for the brand.  Impreza doesn’t disappoint and flaunts safety, fuel economy and style as well as lively performance via its 4-cylinder Boxer® engine.

Subaru of America conducts a year-long party approaching the 50th Anniversary, culminating in a celebration like no other in February 2018.  With the donation of “50 cars for 50 years” for a charity to be named later this year, Subaru will also release special edition models to commemorate the occasion.

Founded by American businessmen Malcolm Bricklin and Harvey Lamm on February 15th 1968, Subaru continues its successful run with current day accolades like KBB’s 2017 Best Overall Brand and 2017 Lowest Cost to Own.

$18,395 starts the bidding for the 2.0i sedan honors.  Premium, Sport and Limited trim packages include a 5-door option that gives a 4-inch bump in trunk width for those weekend adventures that Subaru is famous for.  A 60/40 split makes tossing the golf clubs in for a quick nine after work,  a breeze. With 100-cubic feet of passenger space, the Impreza bestows a spacious feeling in its class.

Living in the Sport sedan as I did, garnered thrills from the 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder, 152 hp, horizontally opposed Boxer® engine used in Subaru models for the last 50 years.  Click here if you would like to see live action renderings of how the Boxer® positioning lowers the center of gravity in the engine compartment to improve handling, balance and stability.  Taking the curves of your own “C” road in the Impreza will not disappoint. Click here to see why Subaru is in a class by itself with road hugging technology.

Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Adaptive Control and Incline Start Assist comes standard on the 2.0i Premium and 2.0i Limited.  CVT is included on my Sport as an $800 option and is worth every penny as I accessed the 7-speed manual mode on more than one tour.  A 432 Watt Equivalent 8-Speaker Premium Audio system with Harman Kardon® speakers sparked pure joy.  Five-spoke 18″ rims added a beauty that rivaled the blooms of spring.  In all, including the $820 delivery and destination charge, its price tag comes in at $27, 165.

Marking time on your commute will yield a combined city/hwy mpg in the 30s.  The SUBARU STARLINK™’s Infotainment system includes Safety and Security options as well as Multimedia  and serves as the hub in a 6.5″ or 8″ display. Click on the links to see how each functions to make the Subaru an easy choice for any driver.

Weather is no issue with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD.  Stability and drivability video versions are yours for the viewing via these links.

Lastly, one would be remiss without mentioning autonomous features when it comes to the Subaru Impreza 2.0i.  EyeSight® technology notches each unit possessing it to the highest possible IIHA Safety rating for front crash prevention.  Stereo cameras mounted where the map lights are housed produce a 3-D image of objects in their path.  Adjustments are made automatically to avoid impact.   Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) are included in EyeSight® as well.  Lane Keep Assist must be turned on.  When functional it will give an alert to prevent “drowsy driver” issues and Adaptive Cruise Control, when activated, can be set by the driver to a particular distance from the car in front for alerts to engage the pre-collision throttle management system and avoid rear end collisions while in cruise.

A 3-year/36,000 mile New Car and Wear Item Limited Warranties plus 24-hour roadside assistance are included in addition to the 5-year/60,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.  A luxury for cold weather climate owners is the 5-years, unlimited mileage Rust Perforation Limited Warranty.  It’s no wonder that 97% of Subaru Impreza vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road.

Marion Subaru in Marion, IL gets a special thanks for my Impreza experience this week. Sales Manager James Shimkus and his staff,  including Service Advisor Jim Gooden and Sales Associate Grant Thurmond, made for a flawless affair.

Reasons are endless when considering Subaru for your next road experience, just ask the owners who have loved them for the last 50 years.

The Subaru Impreza is built in Lafayette, IN.