First it's not a sports car. It drives like an ordinary bland midsized American car. I was reminded of the 2006 Chevy Impala. I rented this car for a week in Connecticut. Roads are small and tight.

I noticed it was hard to see over the hood. I almost hit at least two cars in seven days on the highway. I never have this problem in my 1997 Saturn sw2 or in other cars that I have rented. The rear passenger's window is very small and the pillar is wide causing a large blind spot.

Handling is good but you feel disconnected from the road. It seem impossible to chirp the tires. The neutral lock out on the selector is annoying. I like to put automatics in neutral at stop signs and lights because I drive manual shift normally and it is a habit. This car requires pushing the button on the selector in order to shift to neutral. Overdrive is in a good location but it is not obvious. I was in sport mode without realizing it. The car has good power but not enough to really be a sports car.

No ability to pop the trunk from inside. Difficult to find the lights. My wife had to ask the guy at the rental place. The Hi/Low headlight switch is annoying because you must completely cycle it to toggle it from hi to low. Emergency brake requires too much effort. Hood would not close properly - I had to sit on the hood and bounce on it with all my weight in order to get it to click.

Engine is very quite and refined and super low rpm on the highway. 80mph was something like 2,700 rpm and 65 is like less than 2000 rpm! More than enough power for regular and performance driving but lacks v8 punch. The air filter is extremely easy to access and change. The lay out of the engine is roomy and efficient.

Body & handling:

Lots of road noise from the tires. Much more than my 12 year old Saturn! Handling is vague but competent up to about 70 mph. When I cornered at 80 mph on the highway I experienced over steer and handling that was not reassuring. The car should handle better at higher speeds.

Improvements:
Add an option for a turbo or supercharger. Improve the quality of the cheap plastic or rubber interior. Better side view and hood visibility.


Amount Paid (US$): 0000.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2008
Model and Options: Automatic, V6