Why you should buy this car: Handling, handling, handling, five-speed manual and handling. And while I find the appearance of the Fusion only half-baked, I know there are those out there who think it snazzy looking. The low price and relatively large size are a rarity in today's autodom. A similarly equipped Accord LX costs $2,000 more. The back seats are for real people. Even driving like a rev-happy dummy, the mileage was consistently better than advertised. The Fusion SE really is an outstanding value.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: Where's the beef? 9.3 seconds to get to sixty is not good. While the handling is top shelf, you'll never get going fast enough to exploit the chassis through quick, back-to-back turns. The upmarket SEL's V6 is an old dog. The engine from the Mazdaspeed6 is not an option. Neither is the wagon. It looks like a safety razor. The taillights look like they came off an Accord owned by a 17-year-old Korean kid. The interior makes Honda chuckle with schadenfreude and an Accord is worth the extra $2000. You are a big UAW booster and don't like that the Accord is built here, while the Fusion is hecho en Mexico.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: Yes
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Ford
· Model tested: Fusion I4 SE
· Model year: 2007
· Price as Tested: $20,460
· Engine: 2.3L 16V I4
· Horsepower: 160 hp @ 6250 rpm
· Torque: 156lbs. ft. @ 4250
· Redline: 6500 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 17" aluminum painted wheels; P225/50R17 V Rated tires
· Drive type: Front-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 9.3 seconds
· 1/4 mile: (don't ask)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 23/31
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/4/4

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Ford Fusion SE, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why You Should Buy This Car:

Loverman: You want a reasonably priced, comfortable ride that is iPod-friendly, decent on gas and way up off the ground. You don't want to ever bend your knees when entering or exiting the vehicle. Your friends describe you as a serious on-roader. You look good in orange.

Austin: You want to buy American and not feel like you're trading down to do so. Or, as the Ford marketing people told us, your name is Phil and you're an active, on-the-go kind of guy who's social and likes to try new things.

Loverman: You know, Ted Bundy fit that description.

Why You Shouldn't Buy This Car:

Austin: You need three rows of seats. You don't own sunglasses dark enough to handle with the excess chrome. And finally, the usual anti-SUV argument: You can get better performance and more space in a station wagon. Then again, you would look like a huge nerd in a wagon.

Loverman: Dude, both Ted Bundy and the Night Stalker drove wagons. Phil would go for the AWD model with the Vistaroof and navigation but realizes $35,000 could get him into an Infiniti G coupe, a Shelby GT, a Dodge Magnum with a Hemi, an Audi A3 or a Subaru WRX Wagon with $10,000 worth of chips, catbacks and sway bars (sit and spin, Davey). Turns out Phil was dating Dave, and a gay man would never be caught dead in an Edge.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: Yes
· Nascar Dads: Yes
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Ford
· Model tested: Ford Edge SEL AWD
· Model year: 2007
· Price as Tested: $35,000 (estimate)
· Engine type: 3.5L V6
· Horsepower: 265 hp @ 6250 rpm
· Torque: 250lbs. ft. @ 4500
· Redline: 6250 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 18" Polished Aluminum/Wheels wheels w/ Continental All Season tires
· Drive type: AWD
· 0 - 60: n/a
· 1/4 mile: n/a
· Fuel economy city/highway: 17/24
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: n/a

– by Mike Austin and Jonny Lieberman

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Ford Edge, Special He Drove / He Drove Edition, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why You Should Buy This Car: You are passionate about driving. You like embarrassing Solstice drivers. Power slides are your thing. You drift in your sleep. You understand that for the money, this is the best car on the road.

Why You Shouldn't Buy This Car: You absolutely need to lug around surfboards and half-stacks. I can't really think of another reason. Oh yeah — it's kind of slow.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Mazda
· Model tested: MX-5 Miata Power Retractable Hardtop (pre-production)
· Model year: 2007
· Price as Tested: (estimated) $23,995
· Engine type: 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cyl with variable valve timing
· Horsepower: 170 hp @ 6700 rpm
· Torque: 140 ft.-lbs. @ 5000 rpm
· Redline: 7000 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 205/45 R17 tires on 10-spoke alloy wheels/Michelin Pilots
· Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: n/a
· 1/4 mile: n/a
· Top speed: n/a (at least 115 mph)
· Fuel economy city/highway: n/a
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: n/a

[by Jonny Lieberman]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata Power Retractable Hardtop, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: You're the type of person who thinks "Jeep" is a cartoon character named Eugene from the 1930's Popeye comic strip. You're someone who doesn't give a rat's ass what other people think about them and wants an inexpensive and useful vehicle to go from one place to the next — sometimes even in snow.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: Haven't you been listening — it's not a Jeep! Oh, and the Dodge Caliber's got a water bottle cooler in the glove box. And your iPod may not fit, either.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: Yes
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Jeep
· Model tested: Compass
· Model year: 2007
· Price as Tested: $21,185
· Engine type: 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve Dual VVT four-cylinder
· Horsepower: 172 hp @ 6000 rpm
· Torque: 165 ft.-lbs. @ 4400 rpm
· Redline: n/a
· Wheels and Tires: P215/60R17 all season
· Drive type: four-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 10.15 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 17.5 seconds
· Top speed: we had it up to 92, it may go higher than that — but police go faster.
· Fuel economy city/highway: 25 / 29
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: NT/NT/NT

[By Ray Wert]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Jeep Compass, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: All that watching "Top Gear" has you believing British cars truly are the best in the world. You want a classy, fast, comfortable full-size luxury car that doesn't have an aftertaste of bratwurst.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: It's four cylinders short of over-the-top luxury. Ford hasn't exactly fixed Jaguar's questionable quality issues. It's still a little too retro.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: Yes
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: Yes (rich ones)
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Also Consider:
· Mercedes-Benz S600
· BMW 760Li
· Audi A8 W12

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Jaguar
· Model tested: XJ Super V8
· Model year: 2006
· Base Price: $91,330
· Price as Tested: $91,995
· Engine type: Supercharged 4.2-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8
· Horsepower: 400 hp @ 6100 rpm
· Torque: 413 ft.-lbs. @ 3500 rpm
· Transmission: 6-speed manumatic
· Curb Weight: 4001 lbs
· LxWxH: 205.3 x 76.5 x 57.3 in
· Wheelbase: 124.4 in
· Tires: P255/40ZR19 Pirelli PZero System
· Drive type: rear-wheel-drive
· 0 - 60 mph: 5.0 sec.
· Fuel economy city/highway: 17 / 24
· NHTSA crash test rating: not tested

[by Mike Austin]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Jaguar XJ Super V8, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: You're an SUV-driving parent who wants to buy American, but still wants to be different from the 10 other Ford drivers in your subdivision. Or, you're a man who drives a Jeep Liberty, but looking for something slightly less feminine.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: You enjoy driving, but don't tow, drive off-road, or use the third-row seat and you don't want to suffer through 14 mpg in the city.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: Yes
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: Yes
· Nascar Dads: Yes
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Also Consider:
· Honda Pilot
· Nissan Pathfinder
· Dodge Durango

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Mercury
· Model tested: Mountaineer
· Model year: 2006
· Base Price: $35,500
· Price as Tested: $40,800
· Engine type: 4.6-liter SOHC 24-valve V-8
· Horsepower: 292 hp @ 5750 rpm
· Torque: 300 ft.-lbs. @ 4750 rpm
· Transmission:6-speed automatic
· Curb Weight: 4742 lbs
· LxWxH: 193.5 x 73.5 x 72.8 in
· Wheelbase: 113.7 in
· Tires: P235/65R18 Michelin Cross Terrain SUV
· Drive type: all-wheel-drive
· 0 - 60 mph: 8.0 sec. (est.)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 14 / 20
· NHTSA crash test rating: front: 5/5 (driver/pass.); side: 5/5 (front/back); rollover: 3

[by Mike Austin]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Mercury Mountaineer, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: It's one of the most stylish, fast, and comfortable cars available on the market. And it's got more technology in it than the Space Shuttle.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: The A6 isn't nearly as fun to drive as the performance number or price tag would suggest. Also, for anybody that can't afford a $65,000 car, it's not worth a second mortgage.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: Yes
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: Yes
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Also Consider:
· BMW 550i
· Mercedes-Benz E500
· Infiniti M45

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Audi
· Model tested: A6 4.2 Quattro
· Model year: 2006
· Base Price: $53,770
· Price as Tested: $64,640
· Engine type: 4.2-liter DOHC 40-valve V-8
· Horsepower: 335 hp @ 6600 rpm
· Torque: 310 ft.-lbs. @ 3500 rpm
· Transmission: 6-speed manumatic
· Curb Weight: 4145 lbs
· LxWxH: 193.5 x 79.2 x 57.4 in
· Wheelbase: 111.9 in
· Tires: P245/40R18 Continental ContiProContact
· Drive type: all-wheel-drive
· 0 - 60 mph: 6.0 sec.
· 1/4-mile: 14.5 sec. @ 98 mph
· Fuel economy city/highway: 17 / 23
· NHTSA crash test rating: not tested

[by Mike Austin]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro, Part 1; Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: The Mercury Milan is a decent value and a stylish alternative to blandmobiles like the Camry and Impala. Plus, it's almost fun to drive. And you can feel all warm and fuzzy about buying American, even if it's made in Mexico.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: The Mazda 6 shares some of the Milan's architecture, and despite being older the 6 is still more fun to drive.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Mercury
· Model tested: Milan V6 Premier
· Model year: 2006
· Base Price: $22,845
· Price as Tested: $25,496
· Engine type: 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6
· Horsepower: 221hp @ 6250 rpm
· Torque: 205 ft.-lbs. @ 4800 rpm
· Redline: 6550 rpm
· Transmission: 6-speed automatic
· Wheels and Tires: P225/50VR17 Michelin Pilot HX MXM4
· Drive type: front-wheel drive
· 0 - 60 mph: 8.5 sec.
· Fuel economy city/highway: 21 / 29
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/5/4

[by Mike Austin]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mercury Milan, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: Although the '06 Altima is not quite "the cure for the common car" (I'm going with the Pagani Zonda), it's about as peppy a family four-door as money can buy — especially now that the '07 refresh is on its way and big discounts on '06's are on offer.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: The '07 Altima will be at least 30% better in all major categories. And wouldn't you really rather have a proper rear-wheel drive car?

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Nissan
· Model tested: Altima SE
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $29,805
· Engine type: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6
· Horsepower: 250hp @ 5800 rpm
· Torque: 251 ft.-lbs. @ 3600 rpm
· Redline: 6600 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: P215/55R17 Bridgestone Turanza all-season tires
· Drive type: front-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 6.9 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 14.6 sec @ 97.5 mph
· Top speed: 125 mph (electronically limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 21 / 27
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 5/3/4

[by Robert Farago]

Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Nissan Altima SE, Part 1; Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: Vee Dub's $25k cruise missile is the financially challenged pistonhead's Porsche. We're talking maximum bang for the buck (discounting the cramped MINI Cooper S and pricier, harder-riding Subaru WRX STi and Mitsubishi Evo). The GTI is also an ideal chariot for less adrenal enthusiasts with kids and an aversion to gas stations, who still like to fart around from time to time.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: VW's reputation for reliability disappeared about the same time luftballoon singer Nena declared "Denkst Du vielleicht grad' an mich" ("Back at base, bugs in the software"). Only time will tell if the new Golf has the ICBM-proof build the brand needs to reestablish the whole German-quality shtick.

Suitability Parameters
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: Yes
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: Yes
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Volkswagen
· Model tested: Golf GTI DSG
· Model year: '06
· Price as Tested: $23,880
· Engine type: 2.0-liter inline-4, fsi, intercooled turbo
· Horsepower: 200 hp @ 5100 - 6000 rpm
· Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1800 - 5000 rpm
· Redline: 6500 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 17J X 17: alloy wheels, 225/45 R17W summer performance tires
· Drive type: front-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 6.3 seconds
· 1/4 mile: 14.8 seconds
· Top speed: 130 mph (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 25 / 31
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: Not Rated

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews, 2006 Volkswagen Golf GTI, Part 1; Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: Because you re a badge snob who doesn t feel the need to read our review.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: Because it s an expensive Ford Fusion.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Ford
· Model tested: Lincoln Zephyr
· Model year: 2007
· Price as Tested: $33,145
· Engine type: 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline six
· Horsepower: 221hp @ 6,250 rpm
· Torque: 205 ft. lbs. @ 4800 rpm
· Redline: 6650 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: P225/50-R17 93V tires, 17 x 7.5-inch aluminum or chromed aluminum wheels
· Drive type: Front-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 8 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 16.2 secs.
· Top speed: NA
· Fuel economy city/highway: 20 / 28
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/5/4

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: You love Mercedes! The big EZ makes you feel safe, secure, satisfied, loved, respected and admired. The sedan s four-wheel-drive let s you believe you don t have to pay for/install snow tires every year.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: You enjoy driving, perhaps more than you should.

Suitability Parameters
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Mercedes
· Model tested: E350 4Matic
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $52,300
· Engine type: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6
· Horsepower: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6
· Torque: 258 ft-lbs. @ 2400-5000 rpm
· Redline: 6000 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 225/55 HR 17 all-season
· Drive type: four-wheel-drive:
· 0 - 60: 6.9 secs.
· 1/4 mile: NA
· Top speed: 130 (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 18 /24
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/5/5

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mercedes E350 4Matic, Part 1

Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mercedes E350 4Matic, Part 2

Why you should buy this car: You live in a world of snow, sleet, rain and loose gravel; you love BMW s, you don t have kids, you don t drive fast and you re never, ever going to sell your car.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: The 325ix may get you out of/through the muck, but it drives like an alcoholic after root canal surgery: slow and numb. Anyone who ponies-up forty-large for a fully-specced 3-Series sports wagon is also looking at the kind of cliff-face depreciation normally reserved for Ferraris and 12-cylinder luxo-barges. You have been warned.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Manufacturer: BMW
· Model tested: 325xi Sports Wagon
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $43,140
· Engine type: 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline six
· Horsepower: 215hp @ 6250 rpm
· Torque: 185 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
· Redline: 7250 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: Bridgestone Turanza E42 205/55R-16
· Drive type: four-wheel-drive
· 0 - 60: 7.7 secs.
· 1/4 mile: NA
· Top speed: 130 mph (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 20/27
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: NR

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 BMW 325ix Sport Wagon, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: The Five Hundred is exactly what middle America needs: an old school Yank tank with reasonable gas mileage and laudable safety. If you re in the cop or carriage trade, or have a wife whose idea of packing light squares with Joan Collins , the Five Hundred s cavernous trunk will whale your Jonahs with ease. And the Five Hundred s all-wheel-drive option ($1700) may do nothing for the barge s handling, but it s snow joke for cold climate commuters.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: Because you have a pulse.

Suitability Parameters
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Manufacturer: The Blue Oval Boys
· Model tested: Five Hundred Limited AWD
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $27,930
· Engine type: 3.0L 4V Duratec 30 V6
· Horsepower: 203hp @ 5750 rpm
· Torque: 207 ft.-lbs. @ 4500 rpm
· Redline: 5800 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: Pirelli P6 Four Seasons, P225/55R-18 97T M+S
· Drive type: AWD
· 0 - 60: 8.0 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 16.3 sec @ 88 mph
· Top speed: 112 [governor limited]
· Fuel economy city/highway: 19/26
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 5/5/4

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Ford Five Hundred SEL AWD, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: For a commodious family four-door, the Fusion s priced right, undercutting its rivals by some margin. (Depreciation is another matter.) The Fusion s also a bit of a handler, both nimble and tenacious through the twisties.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: If you want to drive a rental car, why not rent one?

Suitability Parameters:
· Manufacturer: FoMoCo
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs; No
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Model tested: Fusion SEL
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $22,360
· Engine type: 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6
· Horsepower: 221hp @ 6,250 rpm
· Torque: 205 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
· Redline: 6550 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: P205/60TR16 on 16 x 6.5-inch steel wheels
· Drive type: front wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 7.5 secs
· 1/4 mile: 16.2 secs.
· Top speed: better you than me
· Fuel economy city/highway: 21/29
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/TBR/4

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Ford Fusion, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: V-8 boeuf, solid handling, decent hauling capacity. If you're a family of four or less with at least one enthusiast driver in the mix, the Magnum should definitely be on your list of potential buys.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: A minivan, an SUV or a luxury car it isn't. For the same money there are smaller cars that get better mileage, vehicles that can carry more that get better mileage, or more luxurious cars that get better mileage. But there's no direct competitor to the Magnum. You know if you want it; if you're not sure, you probably don't.

Suitability Parameters
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: Yes
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: Yes
· Nascar Dads: Yes
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Dodge
· Model tested: R/T
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $34,095
· Engine type: 5.7 litre Hemi V8
· Horsepower: 345hp
· Torque: 375 ft.-lbs.
· Wheels and Tires: P225 / 60 R18 Touring
· Drive type: rear-wheel-drive
· 0 - 60: 6.1 secs
· 1/4 mile: 14.7 secs. @ 97 mph
· Top speed: 143 mph
· Fuel economy city/highway: 17/25
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/4/10%

[by Davey G. Johnson]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Dodge Magnum R/T, Part 1, Part 2 [Internal]

Why you should buy this car: Because you like the way it looks, love the way the leather feels and revel in the fact that your local Lexus dealer will kiss your ass with brand-appropriate comprehensiveness.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: It s slow, whiney and hard-riding, with interior touches that serve an unwelcome reminder that you re not in a real Lexus.

Suitability Parameters
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Lexus
· Model tested: GS300
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $51,579
· Engine type: 3.0-liter six, DOHC w/VVTi
· Horsepower: 245hp @ 6200 rpm
· Torque: 230 lb.-ft. @ 6200 rpm
· Redline: 6500 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 17 alloy, Dunlop 225/50R all-season tires
· Drive type: rear wheel drive: 0 - 60: 6.8 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 15.4 secs.
· Top speed: 130mph (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 21/27
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: Not rated

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Lexus GS 300, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: Because it s so damn sensible it hurts.
Why you shouldn t buy this car: Because it s so damn sensible it hurts.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Hyundai
· Model tested: Sonata LX
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $23,495
· Engine type: 3.3-liter V-6, aluminum block and heads
· Horsepower: 235 hp @ 6000 rpm
· Torque: 226 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
· Redline: 6000 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: Michelin Pilot HX MXM4, P225/50R-17 93V
· Drive type: front wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 7 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 15.5 sec @ 92 mph
· Top speed: 137 mph
· Fuel economy city/highway: 20/30
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 5/5/not rated

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Hyundai Sonata, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: You're a multiple-personality type seeking a luxury fix, but would rather not have to pop a dramamine every time you buckle up. Or you'd rather be in a sports car, but have kids (or more than one friend) or suffer from that fear of being flattened by a wayward SUV. If you're a retiree who wouldn't be caught dead in an "old guy's car" you probably won't do much better for the money. Of course, you could just head for Barrett-Jackson and pick up a '69 Firebird.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: If you're looking for a cushy, comforting, wrap-yourself-in-a-down-comforter of a luxury car, walk away now. Nothing to see here. Those who prefer true-blue, sports sedans in the Audi/BMW vein, would be better off test driving the SE model. Of course, for them, front-drive is likely a dealbreaker anyway.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: Yes
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Nissan
· Model tested: Maxima 3.5 SL
· Model year: 2005
· Price as Tested: $33,160
· Engine type: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-Valve V6
· Horsepower: 265 hp SAE @ 5,800 rpm
· Torque: 255 ft lb @ 4,400 rpm
· Redline: 6600 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: Continental, 225/55R-17
· Drive type: Front wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 6.4 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 14.9 sec @ 95.8 mph
· Top speed: 140 mph (electronically limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 20/28
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 5 driver; 4 passenger / front seat 4; rear seat 4 / 4

[by Mike Spinelli]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2005 Nissan Maxima SL, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: The MX-5 is the bonsai tree of sports cars: a perfectly formed thrashmobile writ small. All the roadster s major controls work with infinite precision and perfect linearity. There s so much intimate feedback through the wheel, pedals and seat that the Moroni Monroney [window sticker] should include a XXX rating. For people who drive for driving s sake, it doesn t get much better than this — at any price.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: If you have a history of run-ins with solid objects, or bad luck, we suggest something a bit larger and more robust.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: Yes
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: Yes
· Nascar Dads: Yes
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Mazda
· Model tested: MX5
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $27,330
· Engine type: 2.0-liter in-line four
· Horsepower: 170 hp @ 6700 rpm
· Torque: 140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
· Redline: 6750 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: Michelin Pilot Preceda, 205/45R-17 84W
· Drive type: rear wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 6.5 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 15.0 sec @ 91 mph
· Top speed: 131 mph
· Fuel economy city/highway: 25/30
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: Not yet rated

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mazda MX-5, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]