Auto News 5

On the Goldilocks scale for toy haulers, Chevrolet's HHR Panel wagon is much too small and the Dodge Sprinter is way too large. What hits the sweet spot is the new Ford Transit Connect, the just-right way to transport dirt bikes, ATVs, kayaks, and hot-air balloons.inline_mediumwraptextright32156622/reviews/driven/1003_2010_ford_transit_connect1003_06_z+2010_ford_transit_connect+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Although it was originally a segment-buster when it first arrived in the U.S., the Mazda 5 isn’t playing by itself any longer. Kia’s Rondo now serves as a competitor, as will the forthcoming Ford Grand C-Max and the Chevrolet Orlando. It’s timely, then, that Mazda is overhauling its mini-minivan for the 2011 model year.inline_mediumwraptextright28162123/features/news/1002_2011_mazda_mazda51002_01_z+2011_mazda_mazda5+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Dodge says that the Ram 1500 can tow 10,450 pounds. Ford claims that the F-150 can tow 11,300 pounds. Which pickup pulls more? Answer: It's impossible to say, because, believe it or not, there is currently no established standard for setting tow ratings. Manufacturers each can use their own criteria to come up with any figure they want. It's as if there were no EPA testing for fuel economy, and each carmaker could use any procedure it wanted (e.g., downhill, engine-off coasting) to establish and advertise its cars' mileage.inline_mediumwraptextright32110368/features/news/1003_dodge_ram_1500_vs_ford_f150_towing_capacity1003_01_z+dodge_ram_1500+towing.jpgTrue