You probably won’t notice them right away in 2004 vehicles, but a couple of telltale alerts or labels somewhere on the dashboard or around the ceiling of these newest models are the first signs that new safety equipment is on board.Starting with the 2004s, at least one new safety item is required by the National […]

By Connie KeaneMotor MattersThere are women who love speed as much as men do, and like men, women enjoy being in control. Controlling my speeding is one of the reasons I attended a one-day driving school over the summer.Well, to be truthful, I don’t have a problem with speeding on the public roadways. As an […]

Buick’s Rainier comes standard with a 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated at 275 horsepower providing the power, capability and smoothness of a V-8 combined with the efficiency of a six-cylinder.A 5.3 V-8 is optionally available providing 290 horsepower. Both mate to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity ranges from 6,100 to 6,700 pounds […]

By Dave Van Sickle / Motor Matters Every year, during auto show season, we see a whole new batch of them. They show up amid glitz and glitter on the evening news, are featured in every auto enthusiast magazine, and stir the imagination of kids and adults alike. What are they? They’re hand-built, one-of-a-kind “concept […]

GMC’s Envoy series SUVs have a new family member for 2004, the all-new Envoy XUV. The XUV provides unprecedented levels of flexibility, functionality and state-of-the-art technology.A power-sliding rear roof easily converts the cargo area from fully enclosed to open air at the touch of a button. The rear roof opening allows carrying large or tall […]

Delivering the comfort of first class for the price of a coach ticket, the 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx offers a spacious new alternative in the midsize car segment.The five-door Maxx rides on a wheelbase that is 6 inches longer than the Malibu sedan, yet its overall length is a half-inch shorter. The result is an […]

How does one describe H1’s off-road capability? Start with its 16-inch vertical ground clearance (almost double that of other 4x4s), its dramatic approach and departure angles of 72 degrees and 37.5 degrees, respectively, and the 17-inch aluminum wheels shod with 37-inch tires. The H1 can ford 30-inch deep water.H1 buyers may opt for the Off-road […]

Delivering the comfort of first class for the price of a coach ticket, the 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx offers a spacious new alternative in the midsize car segment.The five-door Maxx rides on a wheelbase that is 6 inches longer than the Malibu sedan, yet its overall length is a half-inch shorter. The result is an […]

GMC’s Envoy series SUVs have a new family member for 2004, the all-new Envoy XUV. The XUV provides unprecedented levels of flexibility, functionality and state-of-the-art technology.A power-sliding rear roof easily converts the cargo area from fully enclosed to open air at the touch of a button. The rear roof opening allows carrying large or tall […]

How does one describe H1’s off-road capability? Start with its 16-inch vertical ground clearance (almost double that of other 4x4s), its dramatic approach and departure angles of 72 degrees and 37.5 degrees, respectively, and the 17-inch aluminum wheels shod with 37-inch tires. The H1 can ford 30-inch deep water.H1 buyers may opt for the Off-road […]