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Author Archives: Bob Plunkett

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Bob Plunkett is a veteran automotive reporter whose articles have appeared in industry and consumer magazines for 30 years. He currently produces syndicated automotive reports published weekly newspapers across North America, putting the reader in the driver's seat for a hands-on feel of a vehicle. An adventurer, Plunkett has raced cars, scaled mountains, dived with sharks and run on foot across entire countries to research his articles. For the decade of the 1980s he reported on automotive subjects for an Arkansas newspaper, and during that time wrote speeches for a young Arkansas governor, Bill Clinton. Today, Plunkett still writes from his Arkansas home, but he travels extensively, crisscrossing the globe to drive new cars.

2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP Compact Sport Utility Vehicle

That zero-to-60 time may seem like an eternity for a sports car, but for a big, SUV-like vehicle it’s actually quite impressive. Pontiac Torrent GXP (2008) – enlarge What Was Tested: 2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP ($29,995). Price as tested: $29,995 Pontiac has spent decades telling us its cars are about excitement. That makes sense when you think about all the ... Read More »

2008 Scion xB Compact Wagon

The new xB is 650 pounds heavier, not as distinctive looking and not nearly as fun to drive as the old one. Scion XB (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Scion xB automatic ($17,275). Options: Premium audio ($425), carpet mats ($155). Price as tested (including $580 destination charge): $17,855 The first-generation Scion xB is an icon. Even if you ... Read More »

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

It’s an SUV even Greenpeace can love. Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited ($39,950). Options: Navigation system/audio upgrade ($2,655), floor mats ($299), remote security system ($275). Price as tested (including $735 delivery fee): $43,914. GATLINBURG, Tenn. — I took my family for a quick trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, and I ... Read More »

2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ Mid-Size Sedan

It’s a world-class car that can finally beat, and in some ways top, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Chevrolet MALIBU (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ ($27,445). Options: Special paint ($295), rear power package ($250), power sunroof ($800). Price as tested (including $650 destination charge): $29,440 I hate to sound ungrateful. But after you’ve driven ... Read More »

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

It’s the spiritual antithesis of the Prius, getting only 13 miles per gallon in town. Toyota Land Cruiser (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser ($63,200). Options: Upgrade package ($7,245), factory wheel locks ($89), cargo net ($79), carpet mats ($249). Price as tested (including $735 destination charge): $71,597 HOOVER, Alabama — Outside this car, it’s pandemonium. Vehicles ... Read More »

2008 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring Compact Roadster Sports Car

It drives like a go-kart, has the reliability of a Japanese car and simple, timeless styling. Mazda MX5 (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring ($26,520). Options: Premium package ($1,250), suspension package ($500), satellite radio ($430). Price as tested: $28,700 As a guy who worships two-seat sports cars and has owned a few Miatas, you’d probably ... Read More »

2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Compact Sedan

It’s not as exciting as some of its competitors, especially the razor-sharp Honda Civic Si. Nissan Sentra SER (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R ($19,680). Options: XM Satellite Radio ($150), splash guards ($140), stereo upgrade ($750), moonroof package ($750), floor mats ($165), intelligent key ($250). Price as tested (including $625 destination charge): $22,510 The first time ... Read More »

2007 GMC Acadia AWD SLT-2 Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

While the GMC Acadia looks like a traditional SUV, it's actually a car-based crossover vehicle. The solid unibody construction is rare on such a big vehicle. Three rows of roomy seats make the Acadia almost as spacious as a full-size SUV, but - thankfully - it comes without the sloppy road manners that typically mar vehicles this size. Read More »

2007 Honda Civic EX Compact Coupe and Sedan

Available in two- and four-door varieties, the 2007 Honda Civic is actually bigger than it looks in pictures. It's closer to the size of an Accord from a few years ago. Digital gauges and distinctive instrument pods make the Civic's interior look like something out of a science-fiction movie. Read More »