Test Drives!
In the next few months, I should be in the market for a new car. I test drove two last weekend. I’ll tell ya what I think
2005 Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged
I drove supercharged cobalt last Friday morning. It was bright red, and had the optional race seats and the limited slip differential. I took it out on I-40 for a spin, and gave the salesman a good scare in the process. True to their word, the SS is indeed fast. I had it up to 100mph a few times, and it would bark second gear with no problem. When trying to turn under hard acceleration, it had quite a bit of torque steer, but that doesn’t surprise me. The supercharger is very quiet. I was expecting it to whine and snarl, but you couldn’t even tell it was there. The engine is very quiet too. It also doesn’t give you any warnings of the approaching redline. The engine sounds the same at 3000 rpm as it does at 6000 rpm. I found that a little unnerving. I know that motor trend and several other magazines complained about the electric power steering, but honestly, I liked it. It felt very connected to the road and transmitted movements smoothly. I liked the car, and you can get one at a good price, but honestly, as much as I like the SS supercharged Cobalt, it isn’t the car for me. But I heartily recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a fast car for a reasonable price.
2006 Nissan Frontier 4x4
I drove the frontier later Friday afternoon. Needless to say, I fell in love. The frontier that I drove was an extended cab 4x4 model with the 4.0-liter V6 and a 6 speed manual transmission. It had a nice, tight suspension and cornered very well, and handled better that most 2 wheel drives I have driven. The transmission, despite not having been broken in, shifted smoothly and firmly, clutch operation was typical Nissan, it gives you a feel for the pressure plate while still being smooth. The 4.0 V6 is an amazing engine, having 265 horsepower, and 275lbs of torque, more than any other midsize truck, and more than some full size trucks. The Nissan accelerated well, and had a nice throaty rumble too. The trucks seats were amazingly comfortable, and the gauge cluster is well laid out. The parking break is put in the center console, like is commonly found in sports cars, which I think is a plus. I’ve never driven a 4x4 that drives and handles as well as this one did. I plan on buying one in a few months, and I suggest that you take a look at one too if you are in the market for a pickup truck.
And by the way… Don’t buy a Dodge. Dodge cars and trucks are worthless pieces of shit that fall apart shortly after you buy them, and you spend a lifetime and a fortune fixing the bastards. Trust me, I know. Every one of my friends drives a dodge, and at any given time, one of them has their car in the shop. Stay away from Chrysler/Dodge. You will be glad that you did.
2005 Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged
I drove supercharged cobalt last Friday morning. It was bright red, and had the optional race seats and the limited slip differential. I took it out on I-40 for a spin, and gave the salesman a good scare in the process. True to their word, the SS is indeed fast. I had it up to 100mph a few times, and it would bark second gear with no problem. When trying to turn under hard acceleration, it had quite a bit of torque steer, but that doesn’t surprise me. The supercharger is very quiet. I was expecting it to whine and snarl, but you couldn’t even tell it was there. The engine is very quiet too. It also doesn’t give you any warnings of the approaching redline. The engine sounds the same at 3000 rpm as it does at 6000 rpm. I found that a little unnerving. I know that motor trend and several other magazines complained about the electric power steering, but honestly, I liked it. It felt very connected to the road and transmitted movements smoothly. I liked the car, and you can get one at a good price, but honestly, as much as I like the SS supercharged Cobalt, it isn’t the car for me. But I heartily recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a fast car for a reasonable price.
2006 Nissan Frontier 4x4
I drove the frontier later Friday afternoon. Needless to say, I fell in love. The frontier that I drove was an extended cab 4x4 model with the 4.0-liter V6 and a 6 speed manual transmission. It had a nice, tight suspension and cornered very well, and handled better that most 2 wheel drives I have driven. The transmission, despite not having been broken in, shifted smoothly and firmly, clutch operation was typical Nissan, it gives you a feel for the pressure plate while still being smooth. The 4.0 V6 is an amazing engine, having 265 horsepower, and 275lbs of torque, more than any other midsize truck, and more than some full size trucks. The Nissan accelerated well, and had a nice throaty rumble too. The trucks seats were amazingly comfortable, and the gauge cluster is well laid out. The parking break is put in the center console, like is commonly found in sports cars, which I think is a plus. I’ve never driven a 4x4 that drives and handles as well as this one did. I plan on buying one in a few months, and I suggest that you take a look at one too if you are in the market for a pickup truck.
And by the way… Don’t buy a Dodge. Dodge cars and trucks are worthless pieces of shit that fall apart shortly after you buy them, and you spend a lifetime and a fortune fixing the bastards. Trust me, I know. Every one of my friends drives a dodge, and at any given time, one of them has their car in the shop. Stay away from Chrysler/Dodge. You will be glad that you did.
posted by Justin at 12:54 AM
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