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| HOME | US | MANUFACTURERS |

US Manufacturers

So what do the manufacturers say about their offerings?

Acura
http://www.acura.com/

I find this site a bit too visually noisy and wish they didn't use so much flash but on this review (Oct 2008) there are many more directly accessible pages rather than those relying on frames. There is good research information available on this site and navigation has been improved.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. You get a good overview of the price and feature range of the various models by hovering over the All Models link. There is a comparison tool for every model that allows you to compare your selected Acura to two other vehicles either from Acura or a different manufacturer. There are excerpts from external reviews, a good gallery and financial calculators.

Cons:
In the comparison screen you are not shown the price of competing vehicles you might select - this would be helpful to let you compare similar vehicles. No links are provided to the source of external reviews (so that you could read the whole review yourself). There is no long term information (cost of ownership) or in depth safety information on the site.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply click on one of the model names across the top of the page. If you are unsure which model is the right starting point for you (in terms of price or features) hover over the All Models link and then click on the model you want.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Click on the model you want (see above instructions) and then click on the Comparisons link under the DECIDE heading.
  
  

Audi of America
http://www.audiusa.com/

This rather dull grey site has fared a little better in this review (Oct 2008) than earlier ones. The information available is generally okay but still not great but the annoying flash movies every time you change page are still around.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and the media gallery is extensive with 360 degree views, video clips and downloadable wallpaper. Links are provided to original articles quoted in the reviews section - this is helpful since the quote is often not reflective of the tone of the entire article.

Cons:
Specifications - although complete - are still rather inelegantly presented. There is a comparison tool but it only allows you to compare two Audi models to each other - not particularly useful. There is no information on long term costs, green initiatives, safety or recalls.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply click on the graphic for the model you are interested in.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  There is a car comparison tool available on the site but it only allows you to compare Audi to Audi.
  
  

BMW of North America
http://www.bmwusa.com/

A fair amount of good information on this site but its real strength is in its easy to navigate design. The site is modern and effective without being laden with flashy and unnecessary gimmicks.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. There is interesting additional information under the Experiences heading - such things as the European Delivery option, a news section and details of the Performance Driving School and BMW assist programs. The gallery is quite extensive with 360 degree views and videos.

Cons:
The comparison tool is disappointing in that it only allows you to compare within the BMW family or with 3-5 other pre-selected alternative vehicles and it only allows you to compare two cars at a time. Specs are not presented very imaginatively and there are no links to the original articles in the 'accolades' section under each model.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Hover over the models and you'll see their starting price as well as some general information about them that will help you choose which one might fit your needs. Click on the graphic to go to specific model information.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select a specific model using the link above and then click on the Compare Vehicles link on the left-hand side of the page. You get to see both a feature and a photo comparison.
  
  

Buick | New 2009 Cars and New 2009 Crossovers
http://www.buick.com/

A lovely, simple and elegant website. Models at the top left (under the VEHICLES heading), pricing & offers right next to it and other helpful features. A minimal amount of glitz and gimmicks.

Pros:
You can get started by choosing a vehicle using either the "HELP ME CHOOSE" heading under the VEHICLES heading or clicking on the "PRICING & OFFERS" heading which will show you the excellent affordability calculator.

Specifications are complete and well presented and I especially like the clickable links that allow you to see details of things like the StabiliTrak system so that you can understand what's being talked about. The Comparison tool allows you to compare your selected Buick to up to 2 other vehicles - pre-set choices are brought up first but you can replace these with any vehicles you wish.

Cons:
There don't seem to be any external reviews available for any Buick models nor is there any information on long term costing (i.e. ownership cost and residual values).

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply select the vehicle you are interested in from underneath the VEHICLES heading at the upper left of the page.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select your original Buick to compare to and then click on the Compare to Competition button - you'll see your selected Buick and two pre-selected competitive cars. You can replace these pre-selected cars with your own choices. You can compare your selected Buick with up to three other vehicles.
  
  

Luxury Cars & Sport Utility Vehicles at Cadillac.com
http://www.cadillac.com/

A good research site with minimalist design that makes it easy to find information and navigate. Maybe a bit too much grey but it is nicely and simply designed.

Pros:
Specifications are easily accessed. You can get a good overview of models and their pricing by clicking on the Build Your Cadillac link in the lower right hand side of the page. The gallery is very full-featured with exterior and interior photos, 360 degree views and videos.

Cons:
The comparison tool only allows you to compare your selected Cadillac to pre-selected makes and models. There also don't seem to be external reviews of the Cadillac on this site and there is no information on residual values or total ownership costs.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply click on the model name across the top of the page. If there is more than one trim level within a specific model you'll be able to pick it out on the next screen.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select the Cadillac you wish to use as the first car for your comparison. On the next screen compare to either another Cadillac or a competitor by clicking the appropriate button. The good news is that you get to compare 2 cars to the Cadillac across a variety of criteria. The bad news is that you only get to choose from 4-7 different competing cars to compare to.
  
  

Chevrolet | 2009 Cars, SUV's, Trucks, Crossovers & Vans
http://www.chevrolet.com/

A lively, colourful site that is modern but not loaded with gimmicky or flashy add ons. Good research site that covers the basics and has some additional goodies.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. You can get a good overview of all the Chevy models available by clicking on the 'View Chevy Line-up' link in the left hand column. Alternatively you could choose which category of vehicle interests you from the row of heading shown across the top of the page (cars, trucks etc). There is a comparison tool for every model that allows you to compare your selected Chevy to two other vehicles either from Chevy or a different manufacturer. There is a good gallery, well-presented and complete specifications and an excellent safety section.

Cons:
There are no external reviews on the site nor is there any information on ownership costs or residual value.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Click on the appropriate tab at the top of the page to select your category (cars, trucks, SUVs etc) and then click on the graphic for the vehicle you wish to select.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select your model year, style and trim level for the Chevrolet you wish to start the comparison with and then select up to two more vehicles (either use the pre-set vehicles or select new ones) to compare this vehicle to.
  
  

Official Chrysler site - Autos, Cars, Minivans, SUVs, Convertibles, Sedans, Crossovers
http://www.chrysler.com/

This site has ditched the overdone pop up windows and added some new (and very welcome) features. There is good research information on this site and navigation has improved.

Pros:
There is an excellent overview and filtering tool (kind of like a help me choose tool) now available by selecting the View Lineup heading underneath the SELECT A VEHICLE heading on the main page. This tool will allow you to get a feel for which model is right for you from a variety of perspectives (such as fuel economy or price).

The Chrysler site features the excellent Edmunds comparator that allows you to compare your selected Chrysler to up to 4 other vehicles. Another plus on the site is a good section on safety and security for each model. There are now videos and exterior and interior photos in the gallery and you can look at 360 degree views of both interior and exterior from the Overview & Colors heading. Specs have been redone and are extensive and informative with videos and still photos.

Cons:
There are no external reviews available or long term ownership information (residual values for example).

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply click on the graphic of the model that interest you (they are in a row just below the large graphic in the middle of the page).
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select your Chrysler vehicle and then add additional vehicles (to a limit of 2). You can look at them side-by-side or by advantage.
  
  

Official Dodge Site - New Autos, Trucks, Minivans, SUVs, Cars, Wagons
http://www.dodge.com/

This is a fairly good research site with simple navigation. To get started you could click on the Vehicle Lineup link underneath the Select a Vehicle heading in the upper left hand corner of the page. You can apply some filters on this page that allow you to specify fuel economy, pricing, seating, towing capacity and horsepower criteria to narrow your choices.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. The site features the excellent Edmunds comparator that allows you to compare your selected Dodge to up to 4 other vehicles. I like the clickable text within the specs that helps you understand what terms mean. Another plus on the site is a good section on safety and security for each model.

Cons:
The photo gallery is a bit disappointing with no 360 degree views. There are no links to external reviews nor are there any financial calculators or long term cost information.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply click on the graphic of the vehicle you are interested in.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Click on the graphic of the vehicle you want as the Dodge model to compare to. On the next screen select the year, model and style. You can then add up to 2 more vehicles from other manufacturers to compare to the Dodge.
  
  

Ford - Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Ford Vehicles
http://www.fordvehicles.com/

A good research site with a helpful overview of models available by clicking on the ALL VEHICLES tab at the far right of the row of tabs across the top of the page. The way each vehicle is presented is innovative, integrated and very user-friendly.

Pros:
The "sliders" available on the main lineup page allow you to filter the range of Ford vehicles to find those that meet your criteria. Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. I like the way information on each model is presented with tabs across the top for the various categories of information. The comparison tool is a good one with the ability to compare your selected Ford to 3 other vehicles. The gallery is okay with still photos, videos and 360 degree views.

Cons:
In the comparison tool when you select competing vehicles (or even other Ford models) you are not shown the price - this makes it hard to choose similar vehicles (perhaps a suggested list of competitors with price points would be helpful).

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply click on the graphic of the vehicle you are interested in.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Either compare Ford to Ford or compare a Ford to up to 3 competitor's vehicles.
  
  

GMC | 2009 New Trucks, New SUVs, New Pick ups, New Vans
http://www.gmc.com/

The site is well designed along the same line as other GM branded sites. You can access lots of information right from the main page without too much digging around and navigation is straightforward. The site has an eye-pleasing colour scheme.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. You get a good overview of the price and feature range of the various models by clicking on the View All Vehicles link directly underneath the GMC logo in the top left hand corner of the page. Once within this feature you can view the entire line up of GMC vehicles by body style, MSRP, horsepower, towing capacity and seating. Very helpful! The comparison tool allows you to compare your selected GMC vehicle to 2 other competing brands and the comparisons are shown very effectively. The photo gallery is good with lots of still photos of inside and out and 360 degree views of both inside and outside the vehicle chosen.

Cons:
There are no external reviews available and no information on residual values or total cost of ownership.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply choose the model you are interested in from the list on the left hand side of the page.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select your GMC vehicle and click on the Compare button. You'll be shown two pre-selected comparison vehicles and have space to add a third one of your own (you can also change the two pre-selected vehicles to your own choice).
  
  

Honda Cars - New and Certified Used Cars from American Honda
http://automobiles.honda.com/

An easy to use site with a tasteful use of colours and simple navigation. You could get started by clicking on the All Models link at the bottom of the list of links under the Select a Model heading in the top left hand corner of the site.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. The car comparison tool is a good one that allows you to compare your selected Honda to 2 or more other competing vehicles. The site has been enhanced lately and now features videos and commercials, 360 degree views and a well-done environment section within the Features category.

Cons:
There are no external reviews available nor is there any information on residual values or long term ownership costs.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply click on the model you want to learn more about from the row of pictures across the middle of the page.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select the Honda you wish to compare against and on the next page select the trim level you are interested in and click on Next Step. Then select a competing vehicle (by clicking on the Custom Make & Model tab) and click on the Compare Vehicles button.
  
  

HUMMER | 2009 SUV Truck Models | 4x4 Trucks
http://www.hummer.com/hummerjsp/home.jsp

With only 4 models to choose from it's not surprising this site is fairly sparse in terms of design and links. Could certainly live without the slow loading graphics however. The site is not overwhelming from a research point of view but the basics are covered.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and I like the clickable text that explain terms like 'departure angle'. The gallery is extensive with 360 degree views, movies, desktop patterns, screensavers and more. There are lots of extras on the site that arguably have nothing to do with car buying or research but they are fun - things like Hummer commercials for example.

Cons:
The previously available limited comparison tool has disappeared completely. There are no external reviews and little more than the bare minimum has been supplied in the way of information of any depth.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply select the model you are interested in from the list shown across the top of the screen (various flavours of H2 and H3).
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  There is no comparison tool on the Hummer website.
  
  

Hyundai Motor America - Hyundai USA Homepage
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/

A perfectly okay site with pleasant images, effective design and easy navigation. You could get started by clicking on the Vehicle Lineup link under the Vehicles heading in the top left hand corner of the page - this will show you the various styles of Hyundai vehicles available and their pricing.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. The comparison tool allows you to compare your selected Hyundai to any other vehicle (or pick from some preselected competitors). You can compare a maximum of two cars to the Hyundai. The gallery is well-done with 360 degree views, wallpaper, screensavers, still photos and even e-cards. There is a good safety section that explains features like Electronic Stability Control.

Cons:
There are no external reviews nor is there any information on residual values or long term costs of ownership.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply select your desired model from the list under the VEHICLES heading.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select a model from the Vehicles list and then click on the Comparison link in the row of headings across the top of the model specific section.
  
  

Infiniti Luxury Cars, SUVs, Crossovers - Infiniti USA Official Site
http://www.infiniti.com/

An adequate site with nothing to get excited about. Get started by clicking on the VIEW ALL VEHICLES heading in the top left hand corner of the page. This will allow you to see basic information on the vehicles (their price and overall design).

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. The gallery is good with photos, 360 degree views and video clips of Infiniti commercials. The comparison tool allows you to compare your selected Infiniti to up to 2 competitors. Excerpts are shown of external reviews.

Cons:
There are no links provided to external reviews so you cannot read the whole article for yourself. There is no information on residual values or long term ownership costs.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply choose the model you are interested in by clicking on the graphic for that model.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select your Infiniti model and click on the Add button. Select up to two competing vehicles to compare to and then click on the COMPARE VEHICLES button.
  
  

Jaguar US
http://www.jaguarusa.com/us/en/home.htm

An average site that has become even more average with the elimination of some previously available tools (like 360 degree views). You can get a good overview of the models and pricing offered on the main page where they are listed with a decent sized graphic and pricing information.

Pros:
It is easy to find information on specific models and all the basics are covered (specs, gallery, etc). There are a large number of review excerpts available for each model and you are able to view the full article in some cases.

Cons:
The 360 degree views have disappeared and the gallery is rather lacklustre with only still images and wallpaper - no videos. There is no comparison tool and specification presentation is dry and seems somewhat abbreviated.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply select the appropriate model name from the list across the top of the page.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  There is no comparison tool available on the Jaguar site.
  
  

Official Jeep Site - 4x4 SUV, Sport Utility Vehicle
http://www.jeep.com/

I like how the Jeep site carries the exploration and outback tradition throughout its site with its use of colours, graphics, borders and even sounds. It is a little bit different and gives the site some personality. Overall this is a good research site.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. From the main page hover over the different graphics to see starting MSRP and fuel economy. On the specs page you can click on the text in the left hand column for information on what various terms mean. The gallery contains stills and videos for most models and 360 degree views are available on the Colors & 360 degree tab. The comparison tool is from Chrome and allows you to compare two competing vehicles to your selected Jeep.

Cons:
What's missing are external reviews and information on residual values and total ownership costs.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply click on the graphic for the model you are interested in.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Choose your primary vehicle (Jeep) using the drop down boxes for year, model and style. You can compare two competing vehicles to the Jeep you've selected.
  
  

Kia Motors America
http://www.kia.com/#

A colourful yet simple and effective site. Get started by clicking on the All Models link at the bottom of the list of links under the VEHICLES heading (left-hand upper corner of the page). This will show you basic styling and pricing information.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. The gallery is good with 360 degree views (although only of the exterior as far as I can see), photos and videos. The Awards & Accolades section is okay. The comparison tool that was previously limited to pre-selected vehicles now allows you to choose up to 3 competing vehicles to compare to your chosen Kia - well done!

Cons:
There is no information on residual values or long term ownership costs. Only review excerpts are shown in the Awards & Accolades section with no links to the entire article.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply choose the vehicle you are interested in by clicking on its graphic.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select the Kia you wish to compare by clicking on its graphic. Then just follow the on-screen instructions to compare up to 3 other competing vehicles.
  
  

Land Rover US - Land Rover Vehicles - Overview
http://www.landrover.com/us/en/vehicles/home.htm

A simply arranged but effective site that makes good use of colours and graphics. You can get a good idea of where to start by simply moving your mouse over the model names in the left-hand column of the page (underneath the LANDROVER logo and also below the row of headings that go across the page starting with Overview) - you'll see the price point and graphic for each of the four different models available.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. The gallery is good with 360 degree views, stills and videos.

Cons:
There is no car comparison tool available on the site. Neither are there reviews, long term cost of ownership information or data on residual values.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply click on the Specifications link underneath each model name (bottom link).
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  There is no car comparison tool on the Land Rover site.
  
  

Lexus All Models
http://www.lexus.com/models/

The Lexus site is visually rather bland and previously noted helpful features have disappeared. As an example - on the All Models screen it would be great if basic information like fuel economy, MSRP and seating capacity were shown when you hovered over a model.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. The site has a good comparison tool which allows you to compare 2 vehicles of your choice to your selected Lexus. The gallery is extensive with stills, 360 degree views, wallpaper, videos and screensavers. Each model has an excellent safety section and the Reviews & Awards link will let you read the entire article reviewing a specific Lexus model.

Cons:
The only quibble I would have is that there is no information on residual value or long term costs of ownership. However this is a minor criticism of a very good overall site from an informational point of view.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply click on the graphic of the model you are interested in. On the next screen hover over the specific model you are interested in and choose the Vehicle Information link that appears.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  From the main page simply click on the graphic of the model you are interested in. On the next screen click on the Competitive Comparison heading in the left hand column.
  
  

Mercedes-Benz, Home of Mercedes-Benz Luxury Automobiles
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/#/vehiclesMenuAs/

An elegant and clean site. The All models page allows you to see the basic model look as well as the starting price.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. The car comparison tool allows you to compare your selected Mercedes-Benz to one other vehicle from any manufacturer. The gallery is good with excellent quality 360 degree views as well as still photos, videos and wallpaper.

Cons:
There are no reviews available on the site nor is there information on residual value or total cost of ownership.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply click on the link underneath the graphic and then move off to the right to select the trim level within the model line.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select your Mercedes-Benz in the column on the far left and then up to 3 competing vehicles.
  
  

Mitsubishi Motors
http://www.mitsubishicars.com/MMNA/jsp/allModels.do?loc=en-us

A simple rather monochromatic site that is adequate as a research site but not great. You can get an overview of all the models on the page that we've linked you to.

Pros:
Specifications are well-presented and the clickable text to explain possibly unfamiliar terms is helpful. The comparison tool allows you to compare your selected Mitsubishi to one other vehicle from any manufacturer. The gallery is improved over earlier reviews with exterior and interior photos, videos and with 360 degree views.

Cons:
There are no external reviews, the safety section is rather abbreviated and it is definitely a drawback that there is no easy way to look at all the models with more than just pricing information (how about fuel economy or seating capacity).

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Click on the graphic of the model you are interested in to see more information about it.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  After selecting a model click on the Compare link underneath the SHOPPING TOOLS heading in the column at the left hand side of the page.
  
  

NissanUSA
http://www.nissanusa.com/see-all-vehicles.html

The See All Vehicles page that we've linked you to allows you to view vehicles by price, fuel economy or seating capacity. Very helpful.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. The gallery is good with 360 degree views, photos and videos. You can compare your selected Nissan to two other competing vehicles and displaying the Nissan logo where the Nissan has the advantage is helpful for doing quick scans.

Cons:
There are no external reviews on the Nissan site and no information on residual values or long term ownership costs.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply click on the graphic of the vehicle you are interested in. In the pop up window click on the Explore XXX (where XXX is the model you want to look at).
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  After getting to a specific model (link above) click on the Compare XXX Models in the left hand column (where XXX is the model you are looking at) and then on the COMPARE COMPETITORS link in the right hand column.
  
  

Pontiac | New Cars: New SUVs: New Sports Cars: 2009 New Cars
http://www.pontiac.com/

The Pontiac site, like others in the GM family is simply laid out and fun to poke around in. It is colourful and interesting without being laden with bandwidth gobbling graphics and extras.To get started click on the View All Vehicles heading on the main page (beneath the far left VEHICLES heading - top row - and it is the link directly underneath VEHICLES).

Pros:
The View All Vehicles overview is very helpful allowing you to see fuel economy and MSRP range. The specifications are ordinary . The comparison tool allows you to compare your selected Pontiac to 3 other vehicles.

Cons:
There are no links to external reviews nor is there any information on residual value or long term costs of ownership.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply select the model you are interested in from under the VEHICLES heading. Or go to the View All Vehicles link and you can select vehicles by fuel economy or MSRP.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select your Pontiac (year, model, configuration and trim) and click on the Compare the Competition button to add more vehicles for comparison (you'll be shown two pre-selected vehicles and a space to add your own choice but you can remove the pre-selected vehicles if you wish).
  
  

Porsche
http://www.porsche.com/usa/

The Porsche site is elegantly simple and easy to use. To get started click on the Compare Models button on the main page - this will show you all the Porsche models by MSRP, horsepower, top track speed, acceleration and fuel consumption.

Pros:
Specifications are very nicely presented in a box that doesn't require scrolling up and down and with clickable text that explains unfamiliar terms. The gallery is extensive with still shots, wallpaper, screensavers, films and even postcards.

Cons:
Strangely there are no 360 degree views in the gallery. There is no car comparison tool on the Porsche site nor are there external reviews, residual value data or information on long term ownership costs.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  On the main page hover over the model names in the left hand column and simply move your mouse to the right until you reach the model and trim level you are interested in.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  There is no car comparison tool on the Porsche site.
  
  

Saturn | New 2009 Cars, SUVs, & Crossover Vehicles
http://www.saturn.com/pages/mds/vehicles/allVehicles.do

All the major bases are covered although there is definitely room for improvement. Get started at the link we've given you where you can see each model by starting MSRP, fuel economy and horsepower (this is not shown by default but will be displayed when you click on the graphic of the vehicle).

Pros:
The overview will help you decide which Saturn might be right for you as it shows MSRP, fuel economy and horsepower and there is also a help me choose tool that is helpful. The gallery is good with still photos and wallpaper and videos. The car comparison tool allows you to compare your chosen Saturn with up to 3 other vehicles from any other manufacturer.

Cons:
Specifications are very skimpy indeed on the Saturn site. There are no external reviews nor is there any information on residual values or long term ownership costs.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  Simply click on the graphic of the model you are interested in and then click on the MODEL OVERVIEW button on the far left.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Once you have selected your model click on the COMPETITIVE COMPARISON link (far right at the top of the page above the graphic of the vehicle). You'll be shown your selected Saturn compared to 3 pre-selected competitors. If you click on the FULL COMPETITIVE COMPARISON button you'll be able to remove these pre-selected vehicles and put in your own selection.
  
  

Subaru Cars, Wagons, SUVs, Crossovers | Subaru of America
http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/index.html

An average site with a bit too much dark background for my liking. The link we've given you is a good place to get started with its helpful filter tools on the left that let you build a set of vehicles that fit your criteria.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. The comparison tool allows you to compare your selected Subaru to 3 other competitors from any other manufacturers. The gallery is okay with still photos and 360 degree views.

Cons:
The 360 degree views could be a bit larger and a zoom in feature would be helpful. What is really upsetting is that although there is some excellent material in terms of external reviews, safety, ratings etc accessible by clicking on the Reviews link under the model summary text the moment you click on another tab on this screen you are shifted to be looking at ALL the models (instead of the specific one you started with). This is just dumb - if I am looking at the Legacy and I click on the Awards and Accolades tab I expect to see information on the Legacy but instead I see the Forester.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply select the model you are interested in by clicking on the graphic.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Choose your Subaru on the left and then select up to 3 other competing vehicles (or other Subaru models) to compare to.
  
  

Suzuki Auto / All Models
http://www.suzukiauto.com/2009/

A visually busy site but at least the previously noted automatic soundtrack is gone. The main page shows the graphics of all the vehicles but you have to click on the vehicle graphic to see information such as pricing, fuel efficiency and seating. It would be more helpful if this information was shown when you hovered over the graphic.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models. You can compare your selected Suzuki with up to 2 competing vehicles from any manufacturer. The gallery is good with 360 degree views, videos and commercials. Full text of external reviews are included which is great.

Cons:
I don't like the way the specifications are presented in a long list - makes it very difficult to find exactly what you are looking for. There is no information on residual values or long term ownership costs.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply click on the graphic of the vehicle you are interested in and then select the appropriate trim level.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  Select your Suzuki in the left hand box, click on the NEXT STEP button and then choose your competing vehicles (to a maximum of 2).
  
  

Toyota Cars, Trucks, SUVs & Accessories
http://www.toyota.com/

This stylish and elegant site is easy to navigate and use. To get started click on the View All Vehicles link under the Cars heading on the main page. This will allow you to look at all Toyota vehicles sorted by MSRP, miles per gallon and passenger seating.

Pros:
Specifications are complete and well-presented. The gallery is good with 360 degree views and nifty feature demos that allow you to see things like the convertible power top in action. The car comparison tool allows you to compare your chosen Toyota to up to 3 other competitors from any manufacturer.

Cons:
No prices are shown for either your selected Toyota or other vehicles in the selection process in the car comparison tool - this makes it hard to choose similarly equipped cars. There are no external reviews on the site (if you click on the links in the Awards & Press section you'll be taken away from the Toyota site) nor is there any information on residual values or long term ownership costs.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply choose your model of interest by hovering over the main headings across the top of the page (CARS, TRUCKS SUVs & VAN, HYBRIDS) and then selecting the appropriate model's graphic in the popup window.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  When you are selecting a model (using the link above) you will see COMPARE VEHICLES as an option underneath the model's picture.
  
  

Volkswagen of America
http://www.vw.com/

The Volkswagen site has lost points on this review with the disappearance of the car comparison tool and also of reviews. A good way to get started is by hovering over the model names in the row beneath the main page graphic. As you hover over each name you'll see a couple of details about the vehicle and its price (unfortunately there is no page where you can see fuel efficiency, seating and price for each model all in one place).

Pros:
Although the online specs seem a bit skimpy a full set is available for download and the innovative 'hotspot' method of highlighting especially interesting or good VW characteristics is informative. The gallery is good with 360 degree views, stills and videos and commercials.

Cons:
The car comparison tool has disappeared and there are no longer reviews available on the site. There is no information on residual value or long term costs of ownership.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply click on the graphic of the vehicle you are interested in and on the next screen click on the Learn about the XXX (where XXX is the model you have selected) link that is located in the lower right hand area of the screen above the row of model graphics across the bottom of the page.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  There is no car comparison tool on the VW site.
  
  

Volvo Cars | www.volvocars.us | Volvo Automobiles | New Volvo Models | Volvo Vehicles
http://www.volvocars.com/us/Pages/default.aspx

A dull site with way too much gray. The site has also always seemed sluggish to me and during this review was no exception. You can get started by hovering over the model names shown in the row below the main page graphic - this will at least show you starting price for each model (although not fuel economy or seating information).

Pros:
Specifications are complete and you can easily find information on specific models.

Cons:
I don't like the Volvo gallery - it is sluggish and although it includes wallpaper and stills the 360 degree view is exterior only with no zoom feature. The comparison tool has disappeared on this review and there are no external reviews, information on residual values or long term ownership cost data.

How to:

• Look at specific model information
  From the main page simply select the vehicle you are interested in by either selecting it from below the VOLVO MODELS heading or clicking on the model name in the gray bar running beneath the main page graphic.
  
  
• Compare with other cars
  The Volvo site no longer has a car comparison tool (you can compare Volvo models to one another but this is not particularly helpful).
  
  

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