The Toyota Highlander is completely new for 2008. After seven successful model years, the Toyota Highlander has been redesigned and re-engineered to enhance its strengths. The new version is bigger and roomier. It's also been made more powerful, though not at the expense of fuel economy. The 2008 Toyota Highlander is larger than its predecessor in every dimension. Those larger dimensions add up to increased cargo and passenger volume. The 2008 Toyota Highlander is an even better people mover than its predecessor. The second row can slide forward and back, and the third-row seat changes from an afterthought to a space hospitable for children and capable of carrying adults. Getting in and out of the first two rows is easy, and Toyota provides both a walkthrough and a fold and slide forward second-row seat to ease access to the third row. The Highlander is moving slightly upmarket for 2008. A four-cylinder engine is no longer an option and the base six-cylinder engine has been upgraded. The standard 3.5-liter V6 is larger and dramatically more powerful than last year's engine. Rated at 270 horsepower, it offers an increase of 55 hp over the old engine. In spite of this, fuel economy has been slightly improved. The 3.5-liter V6 is buttery smooth, as is its five-speed transmission, which downshifts seamlessly to provide ample passing punch. Front-wheel-drive Highlanders get 18/24 mpg City/Highway. All-wheel drive models are rated slightly lower at 17/23 mpg. Hybrid models keep the same 270-hp gas/electric power train as the 2005-07 models. The hybrid also provides smooth, plentiful power. The hybrid powertrain is rated at 27/25 mpg City/Highway. While the EPA ratings are not as good as those of the 2007 model (rated 31/27 mpg), fuel economy from the 2008 Highlander is slightly better in real-world driving. EPA test procedures have changed for 2008 models and now are closer to what consumers can expect to get. More info

It's unusual to find SUVs in today's marketplace that are still engineered for more than ordinary use. The all-new 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is one of those few remaining that are capable in more than one venue. The Land Cruiser is designed to transport people and gear over any kind of road or primitive trail, in any kind of weather, with speed, comfort and security. It can tow up to 8500 pounds with the right equipment. It offers integrated comfort and convenience features to rival luxury cars in this price range. The 2008 Land Cruiser looks pretty much the same as the previous Land Cruiser, but make no mistake: it has been completely re-engineered from the frame up. Refinements include a suite of safety features, state-of-the-art electronics, more power with better mileage, and innovative engineering advancements that permit outstanding performance in contrasting circumstances. More than just all-weather, the Land Cruiser offers legitimate all-terrain capability. Among the innovations making this possible is a brilliantly designed suspension that enhances performance on irregular terrain, yet does not compromise cornering or braking on paved roads. The Land Cruiser's high-utility, capability-driven design comes at a price. Building multiple-use potential into a single vehicle requires more expensive materials, extensive developmental testing, and more engineering innovation. That makes the Land Cruiser the vehicle of choice for well-heeled customers who have a cabin in the woods, an adventurous vacation routine, or perhaps a whole lot of highway and dirt road between the family home and a camping trip. For their investment, Land Cruiser owners enjoy an exceptionally secure, comfortable SUV that can make extreme use seem routine. More info

This is neither the time nor the place to belabor Mitsubishi's struggles in the U.S. new car market. Suffice to say, if the discussion focuses on product, the company's problems seem overblown and surmountable. The all-new 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse illustrates well this apparent conundrum. New all the way through, from the ground up and from front to rear, it's a strong statement of the company's commitment to its loyal owner base and its investment in the vital U.S. market. The car's a worthy entry, too. New engines are more powerful yet efficient and are paired with new transmissions. The new body rides on a new platform. Altogether, it's a promising package. Driver and front passenger get more room. Stylistically, it's a pleasant improvement over the previous-generation (pre-2006) models. Fewer straight lines and sharp angles, more curves and better proportions combine to turn heads more with a smile than with a frown. The window sticker leaves a positive impression, too. The base 2006 Eclipse GS boasts a manufacturer's suggested retail price that's $300 less than the '05's MSRP. And the '06 boasts more standard equipment, in creature comfort, performance and safety features than the '05. Moreover, the new Eclipse GT starts at $450 less than the '05 GTS, the model with which it most directly compares, and which it easily outpaces in terms of power and features. Clearly, Mitsubishi intends to stay around. And the new Eclipse will certainly help. More info

With the RX 300, Lexus has had the best-selling luxury SUV in not only America but the world. But the RX 300 was introduced in 1998 and, with a growing number of challengers, Lexus can't afford to stand still. (No one can.) Therefore, the RX 300 has been replaced by the all-new 2004 Lexus RX 330. Lexus calls the RX 330 a luxury utility vehicle, and is bold enough to dub it an LUV. The RX 330 falls into that category of SUV that is based on a unit-body car platform rather than a truck frame, and it could be called a crossover vehicle. As such, the RX 330 gives up some off-road ability but will do what most SUV buyers want: provide more cargo room than a sedan while conferring an over-the-traffic view and a sense of security from its elevated driving position. The 2004 RX 330 is longer and wider than the model it replaces. It comes with a leather interior that feels soft and warm and inviting with splashes of real wood trim. The front seats are positioned off the floor at a comfortable chair height and are snug and supportive and the back seats are roomy and comfortable. More info

The Toyota Highlander is a family hauler that's smooth and comfortable with generous space for passengers and cargo. The Hybrid model delivers excellent fuel economy with minimal emissions, while a new four-cylinder engine for 2009 offers decent fuel economy at a lower price point. An available V6 engine delivers smooth performance and respectable fuel economy. Completely new for 2008, the current Highlander is larger than the previous-generation in every significant dimension. New for 2009 is a brand-new four-cylinder engine. It displaces 2.7 liters, makes 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and delivers attractive EPA fuel economy ratings of 20/27 mpg City/Highway. It has a variable intake manifold and Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to optimize torque and fuel efficiency and to deliver strong response at all engine speeds. The new four-cylinder is matched with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission, and is available only with two-wheel drive. Otherwise, the Highlander is unchanged for 2009. A versatile cabin adds to the attractiveness of the Highlander as a family vehicle. The second row can slide forward and back, and the third-row seat is hospitable for children and capable of carrying adults. Getting in and out of the first two rows is easy, and Toyota provides both a walk-through and a fold-and-slide-forward second-row seat to ease access to the third row. In addition to the new four-cylinder engine, there are two other powertrains. A 3.5-liter V6 delivers 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5-liter V6 is buttery smooth, as is its five-speed automatic transmission, which downshifts seamlessly to provide ample passing punch. Front-wheel-drive Highlanders with the 3.5-liter V6 are EPA-rated at 18/24 mpg City/Highway, while all-wheel drive models are rated slightly lower at 17/23 mpg. More info

Toyota Sequoia is among the best of the full-size SUVs. It's nearly the same size as a Ford Expedition, and slightly larger than a Chevy Tahoe. Like most Toyotas, it's very well engineered and offers high levels of build and finish quality, and Toyota offers some of the highest customer satisfaction and long-term reliability ratings in the auto industry. The Sequoia is every inch a truck, but it's very comfortable and relatively quiet. The Sequoia is a good vehicle for large families, particularly for those who pull trailers. It offers three rows of seats capable of carrying eight passengers. Though big, it's surprisingly maneuverable. It's great for towing. All models are well equipped, and Toyota has enhanced value for 2004 by adding equipment without raising the base price. The less expensive SR-5 model adds standard dual-zone front and rear climate control and power front seats. The high-trim Sequoia Limited now comes standard with a power moonroof. If the space, towing capacity and off-road capability of a truck-based, full-size sport-utility are what you need, the Toyota Sequoia is hard to beat. More info

In a field of outstanding trucks, the Toyota Tacoma stands out as one of the best, perhaps the best, of a very good bunch. It comes in a wide range of configurations to please a wide range of buyers. As a result, the Tacoma dominates the market for mid-size pickups. The Tacoma offers a comfortable cab, a refined ride, and quality construction. Its on-road handing is responsive, its off-road capability is proven. The Double Cab delivers more rear-seat comfort than most of the competition, with enough room to rival a small sedan. Properly equipped V6 models can to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Models range from a $15,000 work truck with a four-cylinder and 2WD to a $31,000 V6 4WD Double Cab Long Bed with all the candy. The base model is among the few regular-cab pickups still available, as the market has moved to extended-cab and crew cab styles; it excels at durability and reliability. Tacoma PreRunner models can make you feel like Ivan Ironman Stewart practicing for the Baja 1000, while the sporty X-Runner may make you feel like Rod Millen preparing to blast up Pike's Peak. New for 2008 is the Rugged Trail package, with locking rear differential, specially tuned off-road suspension, skid plate, 16-inch black Baja wheels, black overfenders, and unique graphics. There are no other changes for 2008. For 2007, Toyota upgraded the front seats for enhanced interior comfort, while chrome-rimmed instruments and new audio head units brightened its two-tone instrument panel. Compact pickups aren't what they used to be. For one thing, they're no longer compact. Nor are they uncomfortable. They're more comfortable and more capable than ever before. More info

The Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans are quick, responsive and fun to drive. Designed to compete with BMW 3 Series sedans, the Lexus IS models are built on rear-wheel-drive chassis tuned for sporty handling. They stick in corners and stop with authority, aided by high-performance brakes and tires. The IS 350 is propelled with authority as well, benefitting from a 306-hp V6. These are enjoyable and easy cars to drive. The IS 350's VDIM electronic stability control steps in very early to keep the driver out of trouble. The IS 250 AWD model's all-wheel drive makes it a good sports sedan for the Snow Belt. The automatic transmissions are responsive and feature paddle shifters for semi-manual control. All of them look sporty, with bulging muscles and a purposeful stance. All come loaded with features and are trimmed well, with leather upholstery. A full complement of passive and active safety features comes standard. The X-Package, which combines a sports suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels with a bold front spoiler, sport pedals, and illuminated door scuff plates. Also, the electronic stability programs can be disabled by turning off the traction control. Lexus says this might be useful when trying to extricate the car from snow, and in other situations as well. More info

This one of kind ARB Edition Hummer H3 was featured at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. Read more about it in an excerpt from the official press release below. The SEMA rig will be fitted with IPF high performance lighting, displaying four 6 round lights on the roof rack and 7 round lights on the front bumper. A rectangular IPF back up light has also been fitted to the rear bumper. An ARB Air Locking Differential has been installed in the rear axle and is completed with ARBs Hi- Output Compressor and Tire Inflation kit. The cargo space for the SEMA show truck has been furnished with ARB 12volt/110volt FreezerFridge, a complete ARB Recovery Kit and a TruckVault locking drawer system. The ARB FreezerFridge will freeze water to ice regardless of the ambient temperature and the ARB Recovery Kit comes complete with ARBs signature recovery straps and ARBs competition style Snatch Block. Custom 32 Series, 17 inch wheels have been provided by Walker Evans Racing and 33 inch tires have been provided by BF Goodrich. A 9000 pound, low-mount winch provided by Warn Industries has been fitted in the front bumper. We were hugely excited to work with this highly customizable vehicle. says ARB USA President, Jim Jackson, Weve accessorized the H3 to be expedition ready and have completed long range product testing in both Africa and Australia, in some of the harshest conditions on earth, and were thrilled with the results. We hope H3 enthusiasts will love our new line of products for this vehicle. ARB Corporation Limited is Australias largest and industry leading manufacturer and distributor of quality, 4WD vehicle accessories, with distribution in more than 100 countries worldwide. The company manufactures and stocks the worlds most respected and sought after brands including ARB Air Locker locking differentials and bumpers; Old Man Emu (OME) customized suspension systems, IPF high performance lighting, and Safari snorkel systems. More info