2006 Scion xB Review

Cost
It costs approximately the same to get the Scion xB to the dealership as the typical compact wagon. The Scion xB will save you money at the pump compared to the average compact wagon. The average compact wagon doesn't pale in comparison to the Scion xB regarding gas mileage. The average compact wagon isn't much more expensive than the Scion xB as far as MSRP.

2006 Scion xB MSRP Price Range: $13,880.00 - $14,680.00
2006 Scion xB Invoice Price Range: $13,185.00 - $13,945.00

Utility
There's no obvious winner between the Scion xB and the typical compact wagon with respect to transporting cargo. The Scion xB and the typical compact wagon can accommodate the same number of passengers.
Convenience
The xB's fuel tank will need to be replenished a tad more often than the unit in the average compact wagon.

Comfort
Taller drivers will substantially enjoy the extra head room in the xB's front cabin compared to the average compact wagon. The ampler interior dimensions of the Scion xB make it roomier for your passengers than the average compact wagon.

Dimensions
Both the xB and the typical compact wagon are likely to feel a bit sluggish because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the average compact wagon than the Scion xB because of its more capacious tank. The Scion xB and the average compact wagon compete for the same parking spaces.

Performance
Both the xB and the average compact wagon are likely to feel a tad slow because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio. As far as horsepower, the average compact wagon packs quite a punch and will knock the Scion xB down a few rungs. However, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.
Handling
Really small tires, like the ones on the Scion xB, might provide better handling in deep snow but could also be responsible for a somewhat unstable ride. With their similar turning circles, the average compact wagon and the Scion xB indubitably handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The average compact wagon's engine is markedly larger than the Scion xB's. Keep in mind that bigger engines may use more gas than smaller ones. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the average compact wagon is quite a bit more powerful than the Scion xB.

Overview
The basic warranty that comes with the Scion xB isn't quite as generous as the average compact wagon's.

2006 Chevy Uplander Review

2006 Chevy Uplander

Cost
It costs about the same to get the typical minivan van to the dealership as the Chevrolet Uplander. With respect to MSRP, the Chevrolet Uplander costs considerably more than the typical minivan van.

2006 Chevy Upladnder MSRP Price Range: $20,700 to $33,795
2006 Chevy Upladnder Invoice Price Range: $18,734 to $30,922

Utility
There's no clear winner between the typical minivan van and the Chevrolet Uplander in terms of hauling capacity. Neither the Chevrolet Uplander nor the average minivan van has a marked advantage in terms of seating capacity. There's little the Chevrolet Uplander can tow that the typical minivan van cannot.

Convenience
The typical minivan van's fuel tank will need to be replenished a little more often than the unit in the Uplander.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the typical minivan van offers a bit more head room than the Uplander, there really isn't much of a difference. The Chevrolet Uplander is not particularly more spacious for your passengers than the typical minivan van.

Dimensions
The Chevrolet Uplander is slightly more ponderous than the typical minivan van. The typical minivan van's tank is approximately the same size as the Uplander's, though the Chevrolet Uplander's is somewhat larger. The typical minivan van and the Chevrolet Uplander compete for the same parking spaces.

Performance
Both the Chevrolet Uplander and the typical minivan van are likely to feel a tad slow because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Handling
The Uplander and the average minivan van have approximately similar tires. With their similar turning radiuses, the typical minivan van and the Uplander likely handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.

Overview
The basic warranty that comes with the Chevrolet Uplander isn't quite as generous as the average minivan van's. With respect to warranty against corrosion, the Chevrolet Uplander has markedly better coverage than the typical minivan van.

Other
The average minivan van emits fewer smog-forming pollutants per 15,000 miles than the Chevrolet Uplander.

2006 Audi A4 Review and Pricing

2006 Audi A4 Review

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs roughly the same to get the average luxury wagon to the dealership as the Audi A4. The Audi A4 is substantially less costly than the average luxury wagon as far as MSRP.

2006 Audi A4 MSRP Range: $25,800 to $45,490
2006 Audi A4 Invoice Range: $23,823 to $42,010

Utility
The typical luxury wagon's more massive trunk will accommodate more sizeable objects than the Audi A4. The A4 and the typical luxury wagon can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Dimensions
The typical luxury wagon is a little more ponderous than the Audi A4. The Audi A4's tank is about the same size as the typical luxury wagon's, though the typical luxury wagon's is a tad larger. The typical luxury wagon rides lower than the Audi A4, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The A4 and the typical luxury wagon compete for the same parking spaces.

Handling
The A4 and the typical luxury wagon have roughly similar tires. With their similar turning radiuses, the A4 and the average luxury wagon definitely handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Audi A4's engine is a bit smaller than the typical luxury wagon's, but not terribly so. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the typical luxury wagon isn't much more powerful than the Audi A4.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Audi A4 offers a bit more head room than the typical luxury wagon, there really isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the typical luxury wagon provides a bit more head- and leg-room than the Audi A4, there honestly isn't much of a difference.

Overview
Although the basic after-sale protection that comes with the typical luxury wagon is a bit longer than the Audi A4's, the difference isn't too marked.

2005 Chevrolet Aveo Car Review

2005 Chevrolet Aveo

The Chevrolet Aveo offers affordable transportation in a choice of four-door sedan or five-door hatchback.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the average subcompact hatchback to the dealership as the Chevrolet Aveo. The Chevrolet Aveo won't tax your gasoline budget significantly more than the average subcompact hatchback will. Regarding fuel economy, the average subcompact hatchback and the Chevrolet Aveo don't differ much. Regarding MSRP, the average subcompact hatchback costs about as much as the Chevrolet Aveo (though the Chevrolet Aveo is slightly cheaper). Regarding purchase price, the typical subcompact hatchback costs about as much as the Chevrolet Aveo (though the Chevrolet Aveo is somewhat cheaper).

Chevrolet Aveo MSRP $9,455 to $12,865
Chevrolet Aveo Invoice Price $8,935 to $12,029

Performance
Both the Chevrolet Aveo and the typical subcompact hatchback are likely to feel a little slow because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Handling
With its tighter turning circle, the Chevrolet Aveo is most definitely more maneuverable than the typical subcompact hatchback, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, keep in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The average subcompact hatchback's engine is a bit smaller than the Aveo's, but not terribly so. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Aveo isn't much more powerful than the average subcompact hatchback.

Utility
There's no clear winner between the Chevrolet Aveo and the average subcompact hatchback when it comes to hauling capacity. Neither the Chevrolet Aveo nor the typical subcompact hatchback has a marked advantage in terms of seating capacity.

Convenience
You very likely won't have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Chevrolet Aveo than with the typical subcompact hatchback, because both offer comparable mileage ranges.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the average subcompact hatchback offers a bit more head room than the Chevrolet Aveo, there frankly isn't much of a difference. The average subcompact hatchback is not particularly roomier for your passengers than the Chevrolet Aveo.

Dimensions
The average subcompact hatchback is a tad heavier than the Chevrolet Aveo. The Chevrolet Aveo's tank is about the same size as the average subcompact hatchback's, though the typical subcompact hatchback's is somewhat bigger. The Chevrolet Aveo and the average subcompact hatchback compete for the same parking spaces.

Overview
Although the basic after-sale protection that comes with the Chevrolet Aveo is a tad longer than the average subcompact hatchback's, the difference isn't too significant. With respect to warranty against corrosion, the Chevrolet Aveo and the average subcompact hatchback have the same coverage.

Toyota Prius fits the bill for climbing gas prices

2005 Toyota Prius

Gas prices in the U.S. are climbing steadily again with the national average already more than $2.00 a gallon.

A recent study from Harris Interactive and Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research indicated that 41 percent of in-market car buyers have either changed their minds or are thinking strongly about vehicles they normally wouldn't consider due to high gas prices.

That's where the 2005 Toyota Prius makes sense. The Prius is rated 60/51 mpg City/Highway by the federal government's Environmental Protection Agency, with a Combined rating of 55 mpg. Depending on your current vehicle and with the soaring gas prices, the Toyota Prius should save you upwards of $200 annually.

Perhaps more importantly, not only will you be saving at the pump with the Toyota Prius, you will also be aiding the environment. The Prius produces almost no pollution.

Toyota Prius
MSRP: $20,875
Invoice Price: $19,222