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RNR Automotive Blog
Just another car guy talking about cars.
Tag Archives: Sport utility vehicle
2014 Lexus RX350 Review
After watching the 1994 Toyota Rav4’s success in the compact SUV market, Toyota decided to use its Lexus division to launch a luxury SUV. Introduced in 1998, the Lexus RX was considered one of the world’s first luxury SUVs. Using an enlarged version of the sixth generation Camry’s platform (shared with the Lexus ES also), the RX combined car like performance with ground clearance akin to an SUV. Its success prompted other rival companies to take notice. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the BMW X5 are the results. As the RX reached even more sales, it grew in size. Whereas the original was a compact SUV, the second generation (2003-2008) was labeled as a midsize SUV. This iteration also introduced the world’s first production luxury hybrid, the RX400h. Lexus redesigned the RX in 2009. It received a facelift in 2012 which included mechanical improvements as well as revised exterior and interior updates that brought it in line with Lexus’ latest design philosophy. Continue reading
2008 Jeep Liberty Sport Review
Prior to 2002, Jeep’s compact SUV was the Cherokee. With its lightweight body and excellent reliability, not to mention its off roading capabilities, the Cherokee was a hit. But in the late 1990s, U.S was experiencing a SUV boom which shifted the market from boxy and truck like SUVs to contemporary styled and carlike SUVs. In the compact category, the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 were one of the aforementioned car like SUVs. Amazed by these two SUVs’ successes, competitors rushed to produce similar vehicles. As a result, the Liberty was born. Replacing the Cherokee, the Liberty enjoyed success although in a different context. Redesigned for 2008, the Liberty places emphasis on its boxy looks and its Jeep heritage. Continue reading
2008 Ford Taurus X SEL Review
After keeping an eye on the success of car based SUVs such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and the Nissan Murano, Ford felt that its truck based SUVs, the Explorer and the Expedition, was not going to cut it. Thus came the Freestyle to fill in the void for a car like SUV that combined the virtues of a minivan, wagon, and a sedan in one package. It was based on the Five Hundred sedan and offered decent performance and remarkable practicality. Despite its competence, the Freestyle sold less than what Ford expected. In late 2007-2008, the Freestyle was refreshed. It adopted a name change to Taurus X (The Five Hundred sedan also adopted a name change to Taurus), and gained a new powertrain as well fixing the issues of the Freestyle.
2005 Jeep Wrangler X Review
“I caught her topless”
The Jeep Wrangler originated from the military vehicle, Willys Jeeps. Willys made a civilian version of the Jeep dubbed the CJ. In 1986, Chrysler (owner of Jeep) replaced the slow-selling CJ with the first mass market Wrangler. This Wrangler became successful and a symbol of American pride. The Wrangler was seen as a car which you just simply enjoy life in. No wonder the Wrangler has appeal as a midlife crisis car for some people. It was unique due to its off road ability, retro looks, and overall cool factor. The fact that you could take the doors and top off didn’t hurt either. The Wrangler was redesigned in 1997, and that is when the Wrangler really took off. Building on the older Wrangler’s traits, it was more comfortable, faster, and bigger, but still retained its off road prowess.
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