Ethanol does not suck, it has a higher flash point like high octane fuel and it benefits advanced timing or high compression and forced induction.
Buick Terraza
Class: Minivan
Base price range: $26,510 - $30,630
Engine: 240-horsepower 3.9-liter V6
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 18/25
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 13/19
Terraza is the Buick version of the GM minivan also sold as the Chevrolet Uplander and Saturn Relay. It seats seven and comes with ABS and traction/antiskid control. Side curtain airbags are unavailable. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 3.9-liter V6 is Terraza's only engine. Note that Buick says 2007 is the final model year for the Terraza.
Chevrolet Avalanche
Class: Large Pickup Truck
Base price range: $31,965 - $35,670
Engine: 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 15/21 (2WD), 15/20 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 12/16 (2WD), 11/15 (4WD)
Shopping for a pickup truck primarily for passenger use? Check out this Recommended pick. No other pickup offers Avalanche's blend of useful passenger accommodations, expandable cargo room, big-truck muscle, and friendly road manners. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is Avalanche's standard engine.
Chevrolet Impala LS and LT 3.5
Class: Midsize Car
Base price range: $20,830 - $21,440
Engine: 211-horsepower 3.5-liter V6
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 21/31
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 16/23
Chevrolet's top-selling car is affordable, relatively roomy, and has competent road manners. But this sedan still feels dated compared with midsize-car class pacesetters, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 3.5-liter V6 is the base engine in the Impala line.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS and LT
Class Midsize Car
Base price range: $20,830 - $22,440
Engine: 211-horsepower 3.5-liter V6
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 21/31
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 16/23
Monte Carlo is a throwback to the era of the midsize domestic coupe, trading passenger space and cargo room for a sporty profile. It is affordable and has competent road manners, and is the only two-door vehicle available with an E85 ethanol flex-fuel engine.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Class: Large Pickup Truck
Base price range: $24,345 - $38,090
Engine: 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 16/21 (2WD), 16/20 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 12/16 (2WD), 12/15 (4WD)
Chevrolet redesigns its half-ton pickup trucks for 2007, giving them a new look, more power, and additional features. The 2007 Silverado is being sold alongside carryover 1999-2006 designs marketed as Silverado Classics (see separate report). Silverado shares a design with the GMC Sierra. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is standard or an $800 option, depending on the Silverado model ordered.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic
Class: Large Pickup Truck
Base price range: $24,515 - $35,160
Engine: 295-horsepower 5.3-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 16/21 (2WD), 15/19 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 12/16 (2WD), 11/14 (4WD)
The 2007 Silverado Classic and its GMC Sierra Classic sibling are based on a design introduced for 1999 and are sold alongside redesigned versions that debuted this year. Despite their relative age among large pickup trucks, Silverado Classic and Sierra Classic offer models to fit most every need. Hospitable interiors and the advantage of 4WD that can be used on dry pavement earn them our Recommended nod. With redesigned versions on the horizon, look for dealers to discount their already competitive prices.
Chevrolet Suburban LS, LT and LTZ
Class: Large SUV
Base price range: $36,465 - $ 40,040
Engine: 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 15/21 (2WD), 15/20 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 12/16 (2WD), 11/15 (4WD)
Suburban is the stretched companion to the Tahoe. It's about 14 inches longer in wheelbase, 20 inches longer overall, and has nearly 30 cu ft more cargo volume. Suburban offers rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. As in the Tahoe, passenger capacity ranges from five to nine. Like its gas-only counterpart, their E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 includes GM's Active Fuel Management, which shuts down four cylinders while cruising to save fuel.
Chevrolet Tahoe LS, LT and LTZ
Class: Large SUV
Base price range: $33,470 - $38,035
Engine: 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 16/21 (2WD), 15/21 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 12/16 (2WD), 11/15 (4WD)
Chevrolet's 2007 redesign of this large SUV addresses the most egregious flaws of its predecessor: sloppy steering and subpar interior appointments. Third-row accommodations are still best suited to children, but for smooth power, utility, and surprising overall refinement, Tahoe is a Best Buy value among large SUVs. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is optional on the 2WD Tahoe LS and standard on LT and LTZ models.
Chevrolet Uplander
Class: Minivan
Base price range: $20,005 - $32,850
Engine: 240-horsepower 3.9-liter V6
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 18/25
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 13/19
Uplander, along with Buick Terraza and Saturn Relay near twins, trail most rivals in many key areas. Absence of curtain side airbags is their biggest deficit. However, fair prices and a comfortable ride make Uplander and its siblings worth considering if you're watching your budget. Uplander is the only one of this trio to offer regular- and extended-length bodies, and is the only one not slated to be discontinued after the 2007 model year. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 3.9-liter V6 is Uplander's only engine
Chrysler Aspen Limited
Class: Premium Midsize SUV
Base price range: $30,745 - $33,520
Engine: 235-horsepower 4.7-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/19 (2WD), 14/18 (AWD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 10/14 (AWD), 9/13 (AWD)
Aspen debuts for 2007 as a dressed-up Dodge Durango to give Chrysler an entry in the premium-SUV field. But a smoother ride, reduced noise levels, and markedly upscale cabin trim make it a more enjoyable vehicle than the Durango. Aspen's reasonable pricing means it costs only about $1000 more than a comparably equipped Durango, as well. Aspen is worth a look for luxury shoppers who can use the towing and hauling utility of a truck-type SUV, but don't covet the mass and excesses of some larger premium SUVs. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 is Aspen's standard engine.
Chrysler Sebring Touring
Class: Midsize Car
Base price: $19,520
Engine: 190-horsepower 2.7-liter V6
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 22/30
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 15/22
The redesigned 2007 Sebring is a vast improvement over the 2001-2006 generation, and prices are attractive, with well-equipped V6 models starting below $23,000. Unfortunately, the '07 Sebring also lacks the powertrain refinement and interior roominess to merit serious consideration in this segment. Conventional gas or E85 ethanol flex-fuel, the 2.7-liter V6 is a $1,350 option.
Dodge Durango SXT, SLT and Limited
Class: Midsize SUV
Base price range: $26,280 - $35,925
Engine: 235-horsepower 4.7-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/19 (2WD), 14/18 (AWD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 10/14 (AWD), 9/13 (AWD)
Durango matches some large SUVs for space and towing capacity. Unfortunately, it matches some for poor fuel economy, too. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 is a $785 option on the 2WD SXT and SLT models and standard on all other Durangos.
Dodge Ram 1500 ST and SLT
Class: Large Pickup Truck
Base price range: $21,160 - $32,595
Engine: 235-horsepower 4.7-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/19 (2WD), 14/18 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 9/13 (2WD), 9/13 (4WD)
Ram's "big-rig" styling shouts for attention, but its performance, comfort, and solidity are more important. There are body styles and equipment to meet most needs, plus the praiseworthy availability of curtain side airbags, all-wheel drive, and an antiskid system. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 is standard on SLT models and standard or optional on STs, depending on equipment level and cab choice.
GMC Sierra 1500
Class: Large Pickup Truck
Base price range: NA
Engine: 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 16/21 (2WD), 16/20 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 12/16 (2WD), 12/15 (4WD)
This redesigned 2007 Sierra with fresh styling, more power, and new features is sold alongside a carryover 1999-2006 version called Sierra Classic (see separate report). As with the redesigned 2007 version of the Silverado, this Sierra offers regular, extended, and crew cab body styles and 2WD and 4WD. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is standard or optional, depending on the Sierra model ordered.
GMC Sierra 1500 Classic
Class: Large Pickup Truck
Base price range: $24,515 - $35,520
Engine: 295-horsepower 5.3-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 16/21 (2WD), 15/19 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 12/16 (2WD), 11/14 (4WD)
What we say for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic holds for this GMC version, and both merit Recommended status despite a design that dates to the late 1990s. As on the Silverado Classic, the E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3 liter V8 is standard or optional, depending on the Sierra Classic version ordered.
GMC Yukon SLE and SLT
Class: Large SUV
Base price range: $34,165 - $38,750
Engine: 320-horsepower 5.7-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 16/21 (2WD), 15/20 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 12/16 (2WD), 11/15 (4WD)
All of GM's redesigned 2007 large SUVs improve on their 2000-2006 predecessors in handling, refinement, comfort, and interior design. Yukon is pitched as an upscale alternative to Chevrolet's Tahoe, and like the Chevy, is a Best Buy value. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is an $800 option on 2WD SLE models and is standard on other Yukons.
GMC Yukon XL SLE and SLT
Class: Large SUV
Base price range: $37,270 - $40,845
Engine: 320-horsepower 5.7-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 15/21 (2WD), 15/20 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 12/16 (2WD), 11/15 (4WD)
As Suburban is to Tahoe in the Chevy lineup, Yukon XL is the longer wheelbase version of the GMC Yukon. And like all of GM's large SUVs, Yukon is redesigned for 2007. Yukon XL seats up to nine and offers curtain side airbags for all three seating rows. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is standard. All Yukons offer rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.
Ford Crown Victoria
Class: Large Car
Base price range: $24,510 - $27,505
Engine: 224- and 239-horsepower 4.6-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 17/25
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 13/17
Large-car traditionalists may have lingering affection for the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis. But these cars are ancient in design terms, so they're far less nimble and efficient than the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon, and Ford's own Five Hundred and Mercury Montego. However, among these, only the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis offer E85 ethanol flex-fuel capability. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 is the standard engine.
Ford F-150
Class: Large Pickup Truck
Base price range: $18,220- $39,225
Engine: 300-horsepower 5.4-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 15/19 (2WD), 14/18 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 11/14 (2WD), 110/13 (4WD)
Without available curtain side airbags and 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement, the F-150 lacks some important features available on its rivals, all of which are newer designs. This Ford earns its Recommended label for passenger room, refinement, and on-road composure. Already competitive retail prices are lower by as much as $1400 for 2007, depending on model. This is Ford's response to the redesigned 2007 competition from General Motors and Toyota. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.4-liter V8 is standard or a $1,645 option, depending on the F-150 model ordered.
Jeep Commander Sport and Limited
Class: Midsize SUV
Base price range: $27,790 - $38,520
Engine: 235-horsepower 4.7-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 15/19 (2WD), 15/19 (AWD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 10/14 (2WD), 10/13 (AWD)
With its square-rigged styling and seating for seven, Commander gives Jeep buyers an alternative to the sportier Grand Cherokee, even if the two are similar under the skin. These Jeeps have a decent balance of comfort and utility, but they can get pricey with options. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7 liter V8 is optional on Commander Sport models and standard on Limited versions.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited
Class: Midsize SUV
Base price range: $27,540 - $37,195
Engine: 235-horsepower 4.7-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 15/20 (2WD), 15/20 (AWD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 10/14 (2WD), 10/13 (AWD)
Rear-seat room and comfort may disappoint, and fuel economy is poor on models we tested. But Grand Cherokee is solid, rides comfortably, has fine ergonomics, and is tenacious off-road. It's also competitively priced. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 is optional on Grand Cherokee Laredo models and standard on Limited versions.
Lincoln Town Car
Class: Premium Large Car
Base price range: $42,055 - $50,525
Engine: 239-horsepower 4.6-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 17/25
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 13/17
Town Car blends old-school American luxury, space, and isolation with surprisingly good road manners, all things considered. Cadillac's rival DTS is a far newer design with better performance and handling, but doesn't offer E85 ethanol flex-fuel capability. This elderly Lincoln still makes sense to some buyers. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 is the only engine.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230
Class: Premium Compact Car
Base price: $29,650
Engine: 201-horsepower 2.5-liter V6
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 19/25
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 14/18
The C230 is the least-expensive Mercedes-Benz, and is the entry-level version of the German automaker's compact-car lineup. It's rock solid, refined, and well-engineered. Ride and handling are of high order, though 201 horsepower is conservative for this price level. Rear-seat room in these sedans suffers from the car's tidy size, but accommodations are otherwise top-notch.
Mercury Grand Marquis
Class: Large Car
Base price range: $24,780 - $29,435
Engine: 224- and 239-horsepower 4.6-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 17/25
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 13/17
Like the Ford Crown Victoria that shares its design and powertrain, Grand Marquis is a nice enough big sedan, but suffers from Reagan-era engineering. We prefer the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger, and Mercury's own Montego as more-modern, more-satisfying choices in this class, though only the Grand Marquis and Crown Vic offer E85 ethanol flex-fuel capability.
Nissan Armada SE and LE
Class: Large SUV
Base price range: $34,950 - $43,050
Engine: 317-horsepower 5.6-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 13/19 (2WD), 13/18 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 10/14 (2WD), 10/13 (4WD)
Armada and its luxury cousin, the QX56 from Nissan's Infiniti division, don't lead their respective classes in any area. They also trail key rivals in third row comfort seat and ease of entry/exit. Still, the E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.6 liter V8 is standard, performance is laudable, and prices generally undercut those of similarly equipped competitors.
Nissan Titan
Class: Large Pickup Truck
Base price range: $23,700 - $36,200
Engine: 317-horsepower 5.6-liter V8
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/18 (2WD), 14/18 (4WD)
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 10/13 (2WD), 10/13 (4WD)
Limited to just one engine, two body styles, and relatively short cargo beds, Titan's appeal is narrower than that of its large-pickup competition. But Titan is strong in performance, comfort, utility, and available safety features. If you need what it's got, this brawny Nissan is worth a look.
Saturn Relay
Class: Minivan
Base price range: $21,375 - $27,650
Engine: 240-horsepower 3.9-liter V6
EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 18/25
EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 13/19
Relay's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Chevrolet Uplanders and Buick Terrazas, minivans with which it shares its design and powertrain. All are aging minivans, but are comfortable and competitively priced. Relay is in its final model year of production. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 3.9-liter V6 is Relay's only engine.
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