EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2010 Acura MDX 3.7L SUV (Technology Package)

2010 Acura MDX 3.7L Technology Pkg Super Handling, Black, SUV, 58181 mi, $29,995 http://bit.ly/116z9Af AWD, Mid-size, 6-spd automatic, MPG = 16/21

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INTRODUCTION: "The Acura MDX is a popular contender on the luxury mid-size crossover battleground, helped by a potent all-weather drive system, efficient use of space, high level of features both standard and available, decent operating economy, and better-than-average warranty and resale value.

The Acura MDX is built on a unibody platform. It's neither an adaptation of a passenger car platform nor a truck-based platform like Chevy's Tahoe. It is not as long as the German seven-seat rivals, but close in size to many five-seat crossovers and has ample cargo space. It's a solid structure that should wear well and ride better than a truck-based utility.

From its wild grille to its elaborately stylish cat's-eye headlamps and new bumper the MDX continues to be edgy, figuratively and literally. It's quickly and easily identified and Acura and generally presents a wide stance.

The seats are laid out in three rows to accommodate seven people; flexible loading and appropriate materials make it family-friendly. It brings enough features to sate most technophiles, yet doesn't get too carried away with aids and assists.

Acura's 3.7-liter V6 is among the most powerful in its class and delivers decent fuel economy. Unlike all of its European competition there is no V8 option, nor a hybrid or diesel that some offer.

The all-wheel drive system can drive each rear wheel independently for maximum traction and to help drive the MDX around a bend. Handling is commendable and the ride taut, both comfort and performance enhanced on the Advance model."

FEATURES: "The 2010 Acura MDX ($42,230) comes standard with leather upholstery in the first two rows, three-zone climate control, power heated front seats with driver memory, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power tailgate, console, cruise control, rearview camera in mirror, message center, trip computer, AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth, auxiliary audio input, and split-folding rear seats.

The MDX Technology Package ($45,905) adds hard disc navigation with VGA screen, AcuraLink communications, real-time weather (with climate-control link) and traffic, 410-watt 10-speaker Acura ELS surround sound system, multi-view rearview camera, and USB port."

INTERIOR: "The interior of the Acura MDX is designed with luxury, business and family all in mind. It is stylish and functional, with generous space for four adults and two kids."

DRIVING IMPRESSION: The Acura MDX offers a quiet, taut ride and brisk acceleration performance. The all-wheel drive system does not counter stupidity or physics but it adds to driving fun and with a set of winter tires should do very well in snow.

SUMMARY: The Acura MDX has a distinctive face, luxury appointments, room for a family and enough flexibility to make it all work in the same package. It's also got a smooth engine with power to spare, excellent handling and stability, and an all-wheel drive system that can help as much on a dry corner as on a snowy hill.

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EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: 05.29.2013

Summer is almost here. It’s nice to drive a vehicle that has a sunroof or convertible top during the summer months. And we have several of those:

CONVERTIBLES
One of the best things is driving a convertible on a beautiful summer day.

2004 Honda S2000, Red, Convertible, 38624 mi, $19,995 http://bit.ly/18PvRVC 6-spd manual, MPG = 17/23

2004 Saab 9-3 Aero, Green, Convertible, 108483 mi, $8,995 http://bit.ly/15bSu9l Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 17/26

1998 Volkswagen Cabrio GL, Convertible, White, 126865 mi, $4,995 http://bit.ly/15bVdQ4 5-spd manual, MPG = 21/28

SUNROOFS
Not as good as a convertible, but having a way to bring in sunshine and fresh air on a beautiful summer day is cool.

2010 Acura MDX 3.7L Technology Pkg Super Handling, Black, SUV, 58181 mi, $29,995 http://bit.ly/116z9Af AWD, 6-spd automatic, MPG = 16/21

2010 Honda Accord 2.4 EX-L, Grey, Sedan, 36236 mi, $17,995 http://bit.ly/116zaUT Full-size, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 21/31

2010 Honda Civic EX, White, Sedan, 24974 mi, $15,995 http://bit.ly/15bUoqF Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 25/36

2008 Honda Pilot EX-L, Black, SUV, 112950 mi, $15,995 http://bit.ly/10Z5Znp 4WD, Mid-size, 5-spd manual, MPG = 15/20

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, Red, Sedan, 74004 mi, $16,995 http://bit.ly/YT2oWq Compact, 6-spd auto-shift, MPG = 23/30

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2006 Honda Ridgeline Pick-Up Truck

2006 Honda Ridgeline RTS, Black, Truck, 135935 mi, $11,995 http://bit.ly/10Z6jm3 4WD, Mid-size, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 15/20

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INTRODUCTION: “With this new Ridgeline pickup truck, Honda has taken everything that's good about the Odyssey minivan, the Element SUV and Pilot SUV, and made the newest, most innovative pickup truck on the American market.

The all-new 2006 Honda Ridgeline doesn't look or act like any other pickup truck we've ever driven. It has a family storage solution in its bed that no other pickup truck can match. And it won't cost an arm and a leg to buy or to operate.

Pickup trucks have traditionally been built with a separate nose section, cab section, and cargo bed, bolted to a separate ladder frame, but this first Honda pickup uses both a welded unibody construction and a steel ladder frame, welded together, with the cab and cargo bed made as one piece, with separate subframes for the engine, front suspension and rear suspension. Honda says it is 20 times more resistant to twisting than any other pickup truck, and 3.5 times more resistant to bending. Honda says the Ridgeline can carry 1550 pounds of cargo or tow up to 5000 pounds.

The Ridgeline is one of the nicest midsize trucks we've driven in terms of comfort and ease of use, though some of the others in this class have a bit more dash and flash inside.”

FEATURES: “All models are powered by the excellent Honda 3.5-liter engine, all models will have a five-speed automatic transmission, and all models will have Honda's automatic VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system that normally proportions drive 60 percent to the front wheels, 40 percent to the rear, and can go to 30/70 when necessary. It incorporates a limited-slip differential and a Lock feature.”

WALKAROUND: “We said that the Ridgeline doesn't look or act like any other pickup, whether it's from America or Japan, and it doesn't. The grille, the front end, the cab shape, the buttresses coming down off the rear of the roof to join the integrated pickup bed, all seem to have been deliberately designed to be shockingly different.”

INTERIOR: “Inside, the Ridgeline is all about comfort, convenience and space, which Honda says it has more of than any other truck in the class.”

“We found the driver and front passenger seats to be roomy, comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustment range for rake and travel.”

SUMMARY: “The new Honda Ridgeline borders on the revolutionary, from its dramatic new look to its tailgate and storage innovations to its combination of body-on-frame isolation and unibody stiffness, all at very reasonable prices…For those contemplating a family recreation or commuting pickup truck for the first time, this one goes to the top of the shopping list.”

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EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: 05.05.2013

A significant portion of the vehicles on our lot are on sale. They include a wide range of prices, body styles, and brands.

COMPACTS
2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i, Red, Sedan, 30911 mi, $14,495 $12,995 http://bit.ly/S9UTYR AWD, Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

2005 Saab 9-2X Linear, Silver, Hatchback, 117237 mi, $7,995 $6,995 http://bit.ly/YqHmzS Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 20/27

2005 Scion tC, Blue, Coupe, 67366 mi, $8,995 $7,995 http://bit.ly/Y8Oiz3 Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/27

2005 Scion xB, Maroon, Sedan, 117750 mi, $7,995 $6,995 http://bit.ly/12znMWy Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 27/32

2010 Toyota Corolla LE, Silver, Sedan, 59914 mi, $12,995 $11,995 http://bit.ly/12zo1kf Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 26/34

TRUCKS / MINIVANS
2009 Toyota Sienna XLE, Red, Minivan, 90360 mi, $18,995 $16,995 http://bit.ly/YqGJXc 5-spd automatic, MPG = 17/23

2000 Dodge Dakota SLT, Red, Pick-up Truck, 119801 mi, $5,995 $4,995 http://bit.ly/YqI681 5-spd Manual, MPG = 13/17

SUBCOMPACTS
2008 Honda Fit Sport, Blue, Hatchback, 55153 mi, $12,995 $11,995 http://bit.ly/Wr6HJv Subcompact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 28/34

2008 Honda Fit Sport, Blue, Hatchback, 65823 mi, $11,995 $10,995 http://bit.ly/YqHGi5 Subcompact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 27/34

2008 Scion xD, Black, Hatchback, 48184 mi, $11,995 $10,995 http://bit.ly/Y8Orm9 Subcompact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 27/33

MID-SIZE
2007 Honda Accord 3.0 EX-L w/Nav, Grey, Sedan, 78996 mi, $13,995 $12,995 http://bit.ly/YqI2Fk Midsize, 6-spd manual, MPG = 18/27

2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL, Black, Sedan, 104221 mi, $9,995 $8,995 http://bit.ly/10Z70vC Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 18/25

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X, Blue, Crossover SUV, 92810 mi, $12,995 $11,995 http://bit.ly/TOUgST AWD, Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: 04.23.2013

FOR THE STUDENT
Something inexpensive, compact and preferably sporty is the ideal vehicle for a high school or college student.

2004 Saab 9-3 Aero, Green, Convertible, 108483 mi, $8,995 http://bit.ly/15bSu9l Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 17/26

FOR THE SOCCER MOM
The soccer mom needs A LOT of passenger and cargo space. This one has a capacity of 8 passengers.

2008 Honda Pilot EX-L, Black, SUV, 112950 mi, $15,995 http://bit.ly/10Z5Znp 4WD, Mid-size, 5-spd manual, MPG = 15/20

FOR THE SOCCER DAD
The soccer dad might prefer something with more power and cargo space than the soccer mom.

2006 Honda Ridgeline RTS, Black, Truck, 135935 mi, $11,995 http://bit.ly/10Z6jm3 4WD, Mid-size, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 15/20

FOR THE SINGLE CITY GUY
Something small and light on gas is ideal for the city dweller. It’s easier to park, and gentle to the environment.

2007 Honda Fit Sport, Red, Hatchback, 114461 mi, $9,495 http://bit.ly/YqHzD7 Subcompact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 28/34

EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: 04.16.2013

LOW MILEAGE
Why purchase a new car? There are pre-owned cars for sale with little mileage on them.

2012 Ford E-250 Commercial, White, Van Cargo, 7477 mi, $20,995 http://bit.ly/YqI7Je 4-spd automatic, MPG = 13/17

2010 Honda Accord 2.4 EX-L, Green, Sedan, 21990 mi, $18,995 http://bit.ly/15bSSVh 5-spd automatic, MPG = 21/31

2010 Honda Civic LX, Red, Sedan, 27667 mi, $14,995 http://bit.ly/15bTYk4 Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 26/34

2010 Honda Civic EX, White, Sedan, 24974 mi, $15,995 http://bit.ly/15bUoqF Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 25/36

2011 Toyota Corolla, Black, Sedan, 21915 mi, $14,995 http://bit.ly/144h4s5 Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 26/34

CONVERTIBLES
The weather is getting warmer. We have convertibles on the lot ready for the occasion.

2006 BMW 330 Ci, Blue, Convertible, 97664 mi, $13,995 http://bit.ly/Y8NVEz

2004 Saab 9-3 Aero, Green, Convertible, 108483 mi, $8,995 http://bit.ly/15bSu9l Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 17/26

1998 Volkswagen Cabrio GL, Convertible, White, 126865 mi, $4,995 http://bit.ly/15bVdQ4 5-spd manual, MPG = 21/28

STATION WAGONS
Need a little extra cargo room, but not a SUV? Station wagons are the way to go.

2008 Scion xB, White, Station Wagon, 83773 mi, $10,995 http://bit.ly/10Z1Akk Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 22/28

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X, Blue, Crossover SUV, 92810 mi, $12,995 http://bit.ly/TOUgST AWD, Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2013 Black Toyota Corolla LE

2011 Toyota Corolla, Black, Sedan, 21915 mi, $14,995 http://bit.ly/144h4s5 Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 26/34

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NewCarTestDrive:

INTRODUCTION: “The Corolla is an excellent value among compact cars. A four-door, compact sedan with front-wheel drive, the Corolla inexpensive to buy and operate, yet it feels like a small version of the midsize Toyota Camry.

We found the Corolla reliable, comfortable, and easy to drive, with straightforward controls, minimal distractions.

All 2011 Corolla models use the same engine, a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with electronic dual variable valve timing and direct fuel injection.”

FEATURES: “The Toyota Corolla comes with fabric upholstery, air conditioning with air filter, CD/WMA/MP3/XM radio, multi-information display, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, six-way manual driver seat, 60/40 split folding rear seat, power mirrors, outside temperature gauge, and 15-inch steel wheels.

Corolla LE ($17,300) comes standard with the automatic transmission and adds power windows and door locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry, heated mirrors, and intermittent wipers.

Standard safety features include six airbags: dual frontal, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags. Antilock Brakes, Stability Control with Traction Control, and tire pressure monitor are also standard.”

DRIVING IMPRESSION: The 1.8-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine that comes standard on the Corolla generates 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. It's EPA-rated at 28/35 mpg city/highway with the manual transmission and 26/34 mpg with the automatic. That matches the mileage we got. The engine uses direct fuel injection, and Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) to optimize valve timing for the best blend of power, economy and emissions. It uses a timing chain rather than a belt, which usually saves on service costs.” 

SUMMARY: “The Toyota Corolla is a practical sedan with a solid reputation, and gets excellent fuel mileage.”

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EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: 03.25.2013

It’s the first week of spring. As usual, our lot is full and ready.

SEEING RED
Red is currently the most popular color on our lot right now.

2000 Dodge Dakota SLT, Red, Pick-up Truck, 119801 mi, $5,995 http://bit.ly/YqI681 5-spd Manual, MPG = 13/17

2007 Honda Fit Sport, Red, Hatchback, 114461 mi, $9,495 http://bit.ly/YqHzD7 Subcompact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 28/34

2009 Nissan Versa 1.8S, Red, Sedan, 27369 mi, $10,995 http://bit.ly/TOU7yI Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 24/32

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i, Red, Sedan, 30911 mi, $14,495 $13,995 http://bit.ly/S9UTYR AWD, Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

1997 Subaru Legacy L, Red, Sedan, 178080 mi, $3,995 http://bit.ly/Y8Ouyb Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 21/28

2010 Toyota Prius, Red, Hatchback, 63695 mi, $16,995 http://bit.ly/YqH7VF Mid-size, MPG = 51/48

2009 Toyota Sienna XLE, Red, Minivan, 90360 mi, $18,995 http://bit.ly/YqGJXc 5-spd automatic, MPG = 17/23

2010 Toyota Prius, Red, Hatchback, 73148 mi, $15,995 http://bit.ly/XlV8BO Mid-size, MPG = 51/48

PREMIUM STEREO
Some of us really like listening to music. For us, it’s nice to have an excellent sound system in the car.

2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, Blue, SUV, 151470 mi, $5,995 http://bit.ly/V55dSW AWD, Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 16/21

2010 Scion tC, Crimson, Coupe, 44400 mi, $13,995 http://bit.ly/V54DEI Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 21/29

2005 Scion tC, Blue, Coupe, 67366 mi, $8,995 http://bit.ly/Y8Oiz3 Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/27

2006 Scion xA, Black, Hatchback, 123898 mi, $6,995 http://bit.ly/YqHhw9 Subcompact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 27/35

2008 Scion xD, Black, Hatchback, 48184 mi, $11,995 http://bit.ly/Y8Orm9 Subcompact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 27/33

NAVIGATION SYSTEM
A navigation system comes in handy for those who have to (or enjoy to) travel frequently.

2007 Honda Accord 3.0 EX-L w/Nav, Grey, Sedan, 78996 mi, $13,995 http://bit.ly/YqI2Fk Midsize, 6-spd manual, MPG = 18/27

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: Blue 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD SUV

2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, Blue, SUV, 151470 mi, $5,995 http://bit.ly/V55dSW AWD, Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 16/21

This 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is only $5995, but comes with so much. It has massive cargo space, a V6 engine, four wheel drive, and a long list of features (see review below).

It is well-maintained, and has an average number of miles for an 8 year old vehicle.

This Santa Fe is perfect for a family on a budget that could use a vehicle with extra room. The V6 and 4WD are a plus, especially in Vermont.

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INTRODUCTION: “The competent Santa Fe compact sport-utility is an even greater value for 2005 with its extensive list of standard convenience, safety, and trim features. The styling has been revised for 2005 with a new grille, refined body cladding, new tail lights, and a new rear bumper. Santa Fe looks ready for the outdoors, and its tall seating position and generous cargo capacity add to its utility.

The Santa Fe drives well on and off paved roads with decent handling and good brakes. The 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V6 engines both deliver good acceleration, particularly in front-wheel-drive models. The four-wheel-drive system available with the 2.7-liter engine works well for light off-road duty.”

FEATURES: “Santa Fe GLS ($21,499) is powered by a 2.7-liter V6 engine, coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual shift control. GLS comes standard with a long list of features, including air conditioning, tinted privacy glass, power windows and door locks, outside power-adjustable heated mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry system with alarm, roof rack side rails, new-for-2005 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, rear intermittent wiper with washer, contrasting bodyside cladding and bumpers, 218-watt Monsoon AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, carpeted floor mats, a cargo net and retractable cargo cover, and a first aid kit (comprising sunscreen, poison ivy balm, bandages, and a thermal blanket).”

“Safety features on all Santa Fe models include four-wheel disc brakes, an anti-lock braking system with traction control, dual front airbags and front-seat mounted side air bags.”

INTERIOR: “Getting in and out of the Santa Fe is easy, thanks to its big, comfortable door handles and low step-in height. You don't have to climb up to get in or climb down to get out. Rear-seat passengers don't need to turn their feet sideways to clear the doorjamb.”

DRIVING IMPRESSION: “The 2.7-liter V6 produces 170 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Those are good numbers when compared to the V6s offered in other compact SUVs. The 2.7-liter V6 Santa Fe can accelerate more quickly than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which offer four-cylinder engines only.”

SUMMARY: “If you're in the market for a compact SUV, the exceptionally well-equipped Hyundai Santa Fe, with its attractive styling and competent manners, may be just what you're looking for.”

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