We tried to do it all, from taking up to Snoqualmie Pass to shopping downtown. In the end, the Forester handled it all like a champ. It was very comfortable.

I happened to park next to an elderly couple at the grocery store who owned a 2008 version of the Forester. They noticed the newer version was bigger and asked me about it. In turn, I asked them what they liked about theirs and the husband summed up the Forester in a nutshell:

“It’s not the most exciting car in the world, but we didn’t want an exciting car. It [the Forester] does a lot of things well, and we love it because of that.”

My thoughts exactly!

Handling 

The first thing I noticed was how well the symmetrical all wheel drive system works. A run along Interstate 5 didn’t tell much, but taking it through some steep downtown Seattle hills in the rain had the car begging for more. You really do feel the Subaru Boxer engine and the power it delivers to all wheels. For a SUV, it handled much better than I thought it would. Whether it’s city or long distance driving, the Forester’s handling is crisp and outstanding.

Power

The Forester feels like a V6 with it’s 224 horsepower turbo engine. In actuality, the power comes out of a surprising 2.5 liter 4 cylinder Subaru Boxer engine. In fact, it’s one of the more powerful 4 cylinder I have ever driven. The Forester had no problem going up a steep hill with a fully loaded car with passengers, as well as accelerating past smaller cars on I-90.  Unofficially, it went 0-60 in about 7 seconds, and that was without redlining. 

Cargo

The 2009 Forester has a total of 63.0 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. While it can hold a load of groceries in the trunk, it wouldn’t necessarily do well with moving furniture. So for for day to day tasks, the trunk provides more than adequate space. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Features

The dashboard and seats are somewhat plain, but they get the job done. The car we had offered Sirius radio –  which was nice – but like all satellite radio, cuts in and out when going thru tunnels and heavily wooded areas. The steering wheel transfered inputs well and offered easy to use buttons for the cruise control and stereo system. The red/blue color scheme on the display was unique and easy to read.

Motor Trend named the Forester the Sports Utility Car of the Year for 2009. Does it live up to that billing? Yes and no. No, in that there are more luxurious and more fuel effcient vehicles out there. Yes, in that it performs well in just about every other area. So for the do-everything Seattleite, the Forester may truly be the car of the year.

2009 Forester 2.5XT Specifications

Engine-2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged aluminum-alloy 16-valve 4-cylinder horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Active Valve Control System.

Power - 224 hp @ 5,200 rpm

Fuel Efficiency - 19 City /24 Highway MPG (EPA estimate)

Chasis- 4-wheel disc, ventilated front. 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Wheels - 17 x 7.0-inch 5-Spoke aluminum alloy

Locally, word of the 2010 Prius is already at loud buzz, with many potential buyers waiting for this new Toyota hybrid rather than saving thousands now on the 2009 version, by using the Washington state tax exemption. Lets consider the numbers on that, people would rather pay a premium price a new hybrid technology car(maybe $27,500 loaded), rather than save thousands of dollars(over $2500) on a new 2009 Prius.

“People are excited about it(2010 Prius),” claims Matt Page from Toyota of Bellevue. ”The people who asking about the 2010, are sure they want to buy it. It’s supposed to be more efficient and they want that new hybrid technology.”

The 2010 will supposedly get better mileage than the older generation model, by 4-5 miles per gallon. If that’s true, that will be close to 50 mpg. The 2010 is reportedly bigger than in years past as well, 3-4 inches longer and an inch wider. Even with the increases capacity and efficiency,  the 2010 will also have more horsepower, rumored up to 160hp from 110hp.

But of course, Toyota didn’t just stop at the 4-door sedan. News out of the Detroit unveiling, is that later in the year, the Prius will come in a wagon and/or mini van model. There will also be newer upgraded versions(think iPhone) where buyers will have the option of buying the Prius with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, that would allow drivers to plug-in their vehicles.  

In the Seattle area, the 2010 will be available around spring time, expect the price tag to start around the mid-$20,000 range. But you’ll just have to wait and see on everything else.

“Unfortunately I have to be vague about them(2010 Prius’), ” says Page. “They’ll be here no later than May, but other than that, all I can tell you is there are plenty of people asking about them.”

Being that they’re reportedly bigger, stronger, and saves more in fuel, it’s no wonder that Toyota’s Prius is the world’s top-selling hybrid. From all accounts, the 2010 version will do things even better and thus, living up to the hype.

According to Consumer Guide Automotive here are the preliminary specs for the 2010 Toyota Prius

Drivetrain
Drive wheels: front
Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with battery-driven electric motor
Horsepower: 100 gas engine, 160 combined
Torque: NA

“It drives like a car with the utility of an SUV,” says Ken Thompson of Doxon Toyota of Auburn. ” But with the Venza you don’t have the stigma of having a big bulky SUV, yet it has all the features that you’d need in a utility vehicle, most notably having the carrying capacity of an SUV.”

Toyota based the Venza, not on a RAV4 or a Highlander, but on it’s most popular car. The Venza’s chassis is based on that of a Camry, in theory making it very maneuverable. What’s the most impressive could be the efficiency of the engine. The 6 cylinder AWD will get  roughly 18/25hwy while the front wheel drive 6 cylinder will get 21/29hwy. With a 1000 lb. towing capacity and 268 horsepower, the numbers are impressive.  Toyota dealerships are getting in a few at a time, starting with the 6 cylinders followed by the 4 cylinder sometime in January.

Looking at it, and considering all the cross features like gas mileage and the sleek lines, the Venza was built for the Seattle driver. It handles like a sedan, has the Star safety system for security on those long trips over the pass, and has the efficiency for everyday use. Since it’s a true crossover, you can drive it like a car or SUV, it has versatility for almost anything.

“Wow is the word I hear from people who ask about,” claims Thompson standing by the Venza display at the Seattle Auto Show. ” I just heard one guy say to another, ‘looks like Toyota came up with another winner.’ ”

The folks at Toyota call it a crossover sedan, not an SUV. It’s similar to that of the Nissan Murano and Subaru Tribeca. Starting price for a new 2009 Toyota Venza is between $25,000-$29,000 based on FWD or AWD.

Toyota may have taken it’s time to enter into the true crossover category, but it’s Venza may end up of being the best of them all. 

Check out the specs

• 2.7-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) 16-valve dual independent VVT-i 4-cylinder; 182 hp @ 5800 rpm, 182 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm    
• 3.5-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) 24-valve dual independent VVT-i V6; 268 hp @ 6200 rpm, 246 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm
• Seating Capacity for 5 Adults
• 1000lb Towing Capacity
• 70.1 Cubic Feet of Cargo Capacity
• P245/55R19 Tire Size – 4 Cylinder
• P245/50R20 Tire Size- 6 Cylinder

See the full 2009 Venza specs

(The test drive feature article is coming soon. Dealerships are just having a hard time keeping them in stock.)

“Whatever assistance might be forthcoming should be focused on speeding the changes that are absolutely essential to ensure that our companies are competitive in the global marketplace. When I was vice president, I initiated a program called the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles. The federal government invested over a billion dollars in partnership with the Big Three to focus on the accelerated development of advanced high-efficiency vehicles. But as soon as they felt they were off the hook at the end of 2000, they pulled the plug and walked away.”

(Link: http://www.newsweek.com/id/171252?from=rss)

While Al Gore is known famously for being pro-environment, how accurate are his claims? Well, the fact is that the Big Three US automakers were indeed given funding from the government back in 1993 to produce affordable, fuel-efficient, low emission cars that met all consumer needs. As Gore mentioned, this program was called the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV, for short) with the challenge to: “”Build a car with up to 80 miles per gallon at the level of performance, utility and cost of ownership that today’s consumers demand.”

The program was led by the US Department of Commerce, with participation of the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Defense, the EPA, NSF, NASA, over 20 Federal laboratories and 350 universities and suppliers.

In seven years, GM developed a working prototype of an 80 mpg diesel-hybrid, Ford came out with a similar 72 mpg diesel hybrid and Chrysler unveiled a 72 mpg diesel-hybrid as well. They did so by reducing vehicle weight, boosting gas efficiency, using fuel cells and regenerative braking (as seen in modern day Priuses) and also developing new carbon applications and treatments. In fact, one of the biggest breakthroughs was figuring out how to reduce the cost of fuel cells from $10,000/kW down to $300/hW in a matter of six years; one of the primary reasons that hybrids are available on the market today.

Yet, in 2001, the program was on it’s scheduled time line, when it was derailed by the Bush administration, with support of the Big Three automakers. The program was replaced by the FreedomCAR program, which redirected the focus from efficient vehicles to hydrogen powered vehicles instead; in essence, using the same inefficient vehicle, but providing another source of power.

I repeat, the PNGV started back in 1993, exactly 15 years ago. Yet, to this day, the best that Detroit has come out with is hybrid SUVs and a still-in-development Chevy Volt that is slated to come out for full production in 2011 at a conservative price tag of $40,000.

If American automakers are asking for their much needed bailout, they have a lot of explaining yet to do.

Usually the ATV and UTV’s of the world have next to nothing to do with being earth conscious or eco-friendly. The Bad Boy vehicle brings both worlds together.

“This electric buggy option is great especially when it comes to wildlife,” explains Selah Willard, Executive VP of Bad Boy Enterprises. “The Bad Boy is so quiet it won’t disturb the environment. It’s like going to a petting zoo when I’m on it, I can get real close and not threaten or scare the wildlife, like if I was on an ATV.”

The Bad Boys efficiency gets about 35 miles per battery charge and can reach up 20mph. There are actually two 15.5 DC motors on the front and back which provides power and a drive train that is nearly silent. The low noise decibels have become the biggest selling point. In fact, the company’s slogan is, “They’ll Never Hear You Coming.” 

Going into their sixth year, the Mississippi based Bad Boy Enterprises has sold well over 11,000 of their electric charged buggies in the United States. However, the majority of their sales are coming from the South where the vehicle is primarily used for hunting. However, Bad Boy wants to expand their client base and connect with an eco conscious demographic as well.

“This [Seattle] is the perfect area for it,” says Willard at the Seattle Auto Show. “We certainly have a built in customer base with folks who like to hunt, but we would love to expand that and be considered by Earth conscious urban dwellers who want to vacation at the beach or mountains.”   
 
At $9,995 for the base model, the Bad Boy Buggy is competitively priced. In terms of popularity, the electric Bad Boy has star appeal. On the company’s website, there are celebrity testimonials from various country music stars and hunting experts. ESPN’s Bow Hunting Pro Tom Miranda says “If you think the Bad Boy is a golf cart of steroids you haven’t driven one. A better definition is a “mini electric Hum-Vee.”

 
Bad Boy Buggy Specs (website)
Engine
Engine Type: Dual Electric DC Motors
Horsepower: 2 – 15.5 hp – 31 hp total
Torque: 170 foot pounds
Drive Train
Drive: Direct drive front & rear
4WD: Auto & full time 4WD, switch on the fly
Tires
Front Tires: 22 x 9 -10
Rear Tires: 22 x 9 -10
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 69 in
Length: 113 in
Width: 53 in
Height: 83 in
Dry Weight: 1650 lbs
Turning Radius: 14.58 ft
Ground Clearance: 8.25 in
Clearance @ Center of Frame: 16.5 in
Load Capacity
Cargo Bed: 800 lbs
Front Basket: 40 lbs
Roof Rack: 75 lbs
Vehicle Payload: 1000 lbs
Colors
Camo, Hunter Green, Red, B

Do you know how many hourly jobs GM has laid off from 2006 to July 2008? Take a guess. How about 34,000? And now, they’re talking about another 5,500 layoffs.

…

OK, here’s a better question. How many hourly jobs has Toyota’s American production system laid off in the same time frame? Zero. That’s right. ZERO. How? Isn’t Toyota experiencing the same slow down in auto sales as GM is? Yes, it is. And yes, Toyota has halted production at its Texas and Indiana plants for the past 3 months. But the 4,500 people who work at those plants have not been laid off. 

 

The answer: Toyota has a special culture, deep-rooted values, and respect for their workforce. Toyota’s tradition is to NOT lay off employees during hard times. This tradition hasn’t really been put to the test until now. And Toyota has stuck to its guns and its values.

“This was the first chance we’ve really had to live out our values,” says Latondra Newton, general manager of Toyota’s Team Member Development Center in Erlanger, Ky. “We’re not just keeping people on the payroll because we’re nice. At the end of all this, our hope is that we’ll end up with a more skilled North American workforce.”

 

For the full article: What Toyota knows that GM doesn’t

My thoughts on this is two fold. First, I’m impressed with Toyota as a consumer. Second, I’m sentimental to the fact that this really is the end of the American car industry. 

Back in the 80s, when America stopped importing “cheap” Japanese cars and Lee Iacocca was making history at Chrysler, the American car industry seemed pretty much unstoppable. The “Big Three” were called that because they were actually the biggest – not because they are the only ones left standing – as is the case today. 

Through mergers and acquisitions, the industry, even with all it’s clashes with the union, the auto industry had the history of supporting it’s workers and ensuring a career out of tens of thousands of skilled laborers at a time that many corporations dumped their workers en masse. 

But that was then and this is now. 

In a surreal flip, it would now appear that those clunky Japanese car companies are the industry leaders today; and have been for more than a decade. While Detroit was drinking the oil-is-forever koolaid and pumping out beefier and bigger engines, the Japanese were hard at work perfecting their engines and builds to six-sigma and improving efficiency.

With gas hitting $4 a few months ago and the credit crisis, it wasn’t so much that the Japanese won the bet, but rather, Detroit found itself with an empty hand. Saddled with factories meant to churn out beefy SUVs, Hummers and trucks, the new paradigm in energy and economics poured cold water all over the roaring party up until this point. 

GM is losing a billion dollars a month and will likely buy out Chrysler. Layoffs in the 30,000 – 40,000 range are to be expected, along with 12 factories closing. Morale is no doubt at an all time low, with every worker wondering if he’s next on the cutting block. Even if GM is able to magically survive with an infusion of cash (bailout), the Volt is still years out and a grasp for straws.

Meanwhile, Toyota has taken a page straight out of the American automaker book by proving its loyalty to the company workforce. Though Toyota is halted on much of its production, they are taking the down time to train their workers to be even better skilled, educated and efficient workers. When the economy picks up again, Toyota will be the equivalent of a fully rested team going to the playoffs against a miserable and beat-up team that has just played 10 losing games in a row. It’s no contest who will win. 

If the Seattle Auto Show was any indication, the consumers have already voted, as we saw crowds around Toyota, Honda and Jetta. All the while, the sprawling 2-ton Ford F150 rotating 360 degrees might as well been invisible. Chevy and Escalade Hybrids were looked on more with a sense of derision or perplexed bewilderment rather than consumer curiosity (though this is Seattle). 

The new automotive landscape is already here – it’s just across the sea. 

Recently at the Seattle Autoshow, mini vans made a small and brief impression. Maybe it’s just the sign of the times and what local car buyers are looking for.

“They just seem past their prime,” explains Dan Wheeler who was looking at an American made mini van with his two sons. “They put a lot of stuff into them, but most of it is unnecessary and I wouldn’t want to spend that kinda money on something like this. I don’t like the way it looks. I like the Ford Flex or the Volvo(XC90) better.”

Automakers like Volvo, Ford, and Mazda have other family vehicle options these days. Considering the price and fuel efficiency, the mini vans are not the first option for many family buyers anymore, there’s just more to choose from.

A list of mini vans at the Seattle Autoshow

• Volkswagen Routan SEL  17/25 MPG-Approximately $39,000
• Toyota Sienna 17/23 MPG-Approximately $29,000
• Chrysler Grand Caravan 17/25MPG-Approximately $38,000
• Chrysler Town and Country 17/25 MPG-Approximately $43,000
• Chevy Traverse AWD 16/23 MPG-Approximately $45,000
• Honda Odyssey 17/25-Approximately $29,000

These were just the mini vans observed at the Seattle Autoshow. Some had more bells and whistles than others, thus the price differences. However they all received attention, people still looked at them, but the consumer observations were eye opening.

“It just seems like they’re trying to cram a motor home into these,” says a mother of three from Bellevue.  “If I were buying today, it would be something else.”

A list of popular mini van alternatives

• Ford Flex
• Volvo XC90
• Mazda CX9
• Honda Passport

It wasn’t just the unique cars that caught our attention however, as we spent hours at the show interviewing both dealers of all types, from startups like Zenn Motors, a Washington based all-electric car manufacturer, to the possibly soon-to-be-gone Chrysler reps. With hundreds of photos, video, business cards and frantic scribbles, we’ll be gunning out quite a few articles in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, here’s a quick round-up of some quick observations we had during the 2009 Seattle Auto show:

Cars to Make Your Head Turn
Park Place LTD always has an impressive collection of exotic autos and this year was no different. This is where we found the eye-candy Lotus Exiges and an army of expensive Aston Martins, including the 007’s famous Aston Martin DBS. Audi stepped up to the big boys league with their rubber melting R8, while Mercedes drew a constant crowd with their raw meets refined CL 63 AMG. Oddly, the Maserati section was a ghost town, as if people suddenly realized these and the other head turners cost more than what most people make in year. That’s why we also nickname these the “museum cars” – great for looking, but no touching unless you can afford it!

The Big Hit: Green Cars
Not surprisingly, the green machines are getting a lot of love this year. In past seasons, most of the electric and alternative fuel vehicles would be stuck in the back or in some lonely (and probably inexpensive) corner.

Not this year. In fact, some of the big boys are pushing their fuel efficient autos, while it seems most automakers have a hybrid of some type in production or development. Surprisingly, Chevrolet has one of the most prominent green displays in the whole building, pushing their hybrid SUVs and prototype hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

Being stuck in the corner didn’t seem to hurt Mercedes owned Smart Car, which drew oohs and aahs from guys and girls alike. The Green Car Company, based in Bellevue and various other electric car companies were getting a good share of attention. Ferrari won the competition for most photographs, but the green cars were the winner in popularity it seemed.

Subaru’s Gran Turismo Simulator
With three monitors and a seat that makes you feel the experience along with every bump, Subaru’s Gran Turismo Simulator will be popular with kids of all ages. The wait may be long, and everyone sees you crashing all over the place, but it’s a fun diversion when you need a quick break from the propaganda machines.

Things to Keep an Eye On
There was a constant buzz surrounding the Toyota Venza. The sales reps were constantly busy fielding questions on when it would hit the market for sale (early 2009) and how much it would cost. Those kind of questions are usually indicators of serious consumer interest. If the Seattle Auto Show is any indication, the Venza will sell well when it’s out of hush-hush mode and in production.

It might be hard to keep an eye on, because it makes almost no noise. We’re talking about The Bad Boy Buggy, which is an electric off road vehicle built in Mississippi. Will the off-road crowd buy (literally) into a plug-in ATV is up to speculation.

Potential Disappointments
Chrysler has one of the coolest looking concept cars in the Akino. With a space age looking exterior, Scion xB style frame, right-side steering wheel, curved back seats and rear-facing passenger seat, it made for one heck of an impression.

But, despite this all and despite being displayed smack dab in the middle of the event center, the Akino remains a the big mystery. None of the Chrysler people were allowed to comment on it, or give any type of information. They wouldn’t even tell us the fuel efficiency of this futuristic vehicle. While automakers have every right to be secretive about their concepts, this felt like yet another routine Detroit ploy to build up intrigue.

Lastly, in a world of green and hybrid cars, there is the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Visually it’s still a monster. And looking at the specs, it only offers 20MPG. Seriously, a 20MPG hybrid? We were hoping for more from the American automakers in the green category, but Lincoln and Dodge didn’t really go green at all. They kept with the big car, big horsepower approach that has worked well in the past. But if observation is any indicator, they sorely missed the spot with this crowd.

How much emphases will there be on fuel efficiency in this years show?

What exhibits will get the most attention?

Of the new vehicles, which ones will stand out?

Here’s a list of the things to look for at the Seattle Auto Show

The New Toyota Venza-Toyota has always been successful with their family vehicles i.e. the Sienna, Highlander, and Prius. The newest member to the family brings a different body style than their traditional SUV’s. Where it actually fits into their fleet and will consumers respond? Those questions are still unanswered.
 
The Smart Fortwo-You can’t help but notice the small compact energy efficient looks, but what about inside the car itself. There aren’t that many out there, so to get a look and sit in one should be interesting.

The Latest Hybrids- Besides the Prius, and Civic Hybrids, it will be interesting to see if any of the other automakers steps up to the plate in the hybrid category. It’s a constantly emerging market, so I would say there should be something.

The Super Cars-The super cars are the biggest draw. These are the Lamborghini’s, and Bentley’s of the world that most people can’t afford. It’s why a lot of people even go to auto shows in the first place. The Lotus Elise SC, the Ferrari F430 , and the Bentley GTC Convertible are in the Seattle Auto Shows Top 10 in Super Cars.

The Bad Boy Buggy- It’s almost a contradiction in terms, a “green” off road vehicle. It’s the first of its kind and the Seattle Auto Show website says it, “saves 75% on fuel costs. Travels 25 miles on one charging. And its sound rating is 0 dB, compared to 87 dB for most gas utility vehicles.”

Now if we can only get the Qwest Field people to let us test it in the stadium. It’s the most action the football field has seen all year Seahawk fans!

Enter the Yoga Mom.

This defines today’s upper middle class (possibly career) woman, who obviously goes to yoga class, but could also include book clubs, happy hour with the PTA, and rolling up to an eastside Whole Foods in a Lexus 400h hybrid.

In the advertising world, one classification led to another. The term “soccer mom” was a broad marketing term. The yoga version is more specific yet harder to satisfy. Yoga moms are more exact in their needs and must have certain things. However, they’ll spend money to get it. Therefore, Yoga Moms are a goldmine and advertisers know it.

For automakers, this meant having to step up their game and make the family class vehicle worth buying, because Yoga Moms, by definition, are shrewd spenders.

Yoga Mom Vehicle Needs

The northwest yoga mom needs a little more of everything. You can tell the difference between them and soccer moms based on what they drive.

• Style: It has to look nice, because no one wants the same thing. But even if it’s the same kind of car, it has to be a unique color.
• Efficiency: Gas Mileage and Green Vehicles are the biggest differences. Soccer moms never cared about gas, just fill it up! But northwest yoga moms are more earth conscious, and if they are going to drive an SUV, it better be a hybrid.
• Dependability: A yoga mom is busy, often times juggling career and family. The vehicle can’t be in the shop all the time, because the family must run like a well oiled machine.

Popular Yoga Mom Vehicles

• Toyota Prius
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Lexus 400 H
• Chevy Tahoe Hybrid
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Soccer Moms Vehicle Needs

Soccer moms have different needs than the yoga types. However there can be some overlap.

• Size: There has to be enough room for at least 2 kids and all their things.
• Dependability: This is true for both soccer and yoga moms.
• Safety: If the kids are riding in it, it better be safe. The old thought was bigger is safer.
• Extras: It’s great to have a DVD and swivel chairs in the back of the Town and Country to keep the little ones interested.

Popular Soccer Mom Vehicles

• Toyota Siena
• Subaru Forrester/Outback
• Mazda 5 Touring
• Chrysler Town and Country
• Jeep Commander