Pony car lovers have a few reasons to rejoice with the new model year around the corner. However, the new 2009 Ford Mustang is largely a rehash of last year’s options, with a few additional options thrown into the mix. A few other options are now standard on all Mustangs; however, fans will be somewhat disappointed in the 45th Anniversary Edition ‘Stang. What does the new model year hold for this staple of the muscle car segment and the most popular sports can in the US?

The new Mustang sees nothing new under the hood. The engine options and transmission pairings remain the same from last year. The V6 is a 4.0-liter with a 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic (sorry, no 6-speeds!), that produces 210 horsepower in a SOHC setting. The GT and convertible are still available with the 300 horsepower V8. This 4.6-liter engine is also paired with the same 5-speed stick or 5-speed automatic transmissions.

So what is new for the 45th Anniversary Edition? Other than the inclusion of many previous options as standard fare, the glass roof is the only thing new. As an enhancement, it’s a fantastic offering, specifically geared towards the sports car market segment. However, it does not provide any performance enhancements, so diehard Pony fans may be left out in the cold (wait until 2010, folks!). [Read more →]

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The Toyota RAV4 has been grabbing attention since its debut back in the 1990’s. Today’s RAV4 is almost unrecognizable, compared to its earliest ancestors. Much in the way that Honda has changed their CR-V to match today’s market demands, the RAV4 has been completely remodeled for the new model year. Engines, transmission pairings and body panels have been revamped (along with the price); let’s take a look at what the new ride is all about.

The new Toyota RAV4 offers two different engines and three trim levels. You’ll find Base models, Sports models and the Limited Series rolling onto dealer lots in September 2008. The base model offers a 2.5-liter engine. This 4-cylinder provides 179 horsepower, with decent fuel mileage. The two-wheel drive versions can product 28 mpg on the highway with 22 mpg in the city. The 4-wheel drive version offers 27 mpg on the highway and 21 in the city. The 1 mpg difference is probably not enough to sway diehard 4×4 fans.

The upgraded models come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This produces 269 horsepower, with a mpg rating of 27 highway and 19 city. The 4×4 model offers the same 1 mpg reduction between city and highway driving as the smaller engine. That means that even drivers who want off-road capabilities can still realize fuel savings. [Read more →]

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