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Even though the six-cylinder uses two turbochargers to make its 300 horsepower and 300 pounds-feet of torque, the engine doesn't display any of the negative characteristics in around-town driving  like power lag  that you might associate with a turbocharged engine; you just get smooth power when you press the gas pedal. Dropping the six-speed automatic transmission into its Sport mode shows off the engine's responsiveness better than regular Drive.( View Annette Bratcher articles)

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Annette Dutton => Buick now symbolizes upwardly mobile China, where Buick automobiles are hot sellers. That's okay with us.

The cargo hold is roomy and the flat floor lifts to expose several cubby holes. There also are a variety of clips to secure groceries or gear as well as a power plug in the wall. The seat backs fold to expand space, and the tailgate opens wide for easy loading, unloading.

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Convertibles seldom have trouble looking good with the top down; that's what they're designed to do. What's more telling is how they look when the top is up. The SLK350 has an advantage over its soft-top brethren because of its retractable hardtop, which gives designers more control over the shape of the roof. The SLK350's metal roof seamlessly blends with the rest of the car's design, as opposed to just being something to cover the cabin when the weather is bad. Overall, Mercedes has given the car an appropriately luxurious look that takes key elements from other, more expensive Mercedes-Benz models, like the SLR and SL550, which gives the SLK350 quite a bit of cachet for its class.

Under the Hood - The Fusion's 2.3-liter four-cylinder develops 160 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. The available 3.0-liter V-6 produces 221 hp at 6,250 rpm. The four-cylinder can team with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic, but the V-6-powered Fusion works only with a six-speed automatic.

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There are a number of things to like about the SLK350, including its comfortable ride, strong powertrain and svelte looks. Unfortunately, there are just as many things that detract from its appeal, like frustrating power seats and a cabin that isn't luxurious enough for the price this roadster commands.

I know where I work. I know where I live. Why would I want to pay $2,000 for my dashboard to lecture me in that smug detached voice: "Turn here." "Drive two miles." "Slow down." "Do you really need to take the exit ramp that fast?"

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Information about Annette Dutton => Negatives: Short-term ownership can be costly because of worse-than-average depreciation.

Had it not been for another speeding driver attracting the attention of the Virginia constabulary before it fell upon us, at least one of us could have shared some time with the police along the side of the road. (Okay, this time, it was me instead of Ria with the heavy foot.)( Annette Dutton Bratcher articles)

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The front sport seats, however, are quite comfortable. They feature wide bottom and backrest cushions, include adjustable thigh support, and are covered in leather and suedelike Alcantara.

Technically, the Bluetec isn't sold in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont � all of which follow California's stricter pollution limits. In California, though, Mercedes worked out a deal to offer a limited number of E320 Bluetecs through a two-year/24,000-mile lease. (Later this year, when Bluetec technology with urea injection hits the company's SUVs, they will be sold in all 50 states. The E-Class won't be 50-state compliant until it's redesigned for 2009 or '10.)

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The FX45 is now the FX50, thanks to a 5.0-liter, 390-horsepower V-8. The FX50 comes only in all-wheel-drive, with a base price of $56,700. With all the bells and whistles, our test FX50 came in just shy of $60,000. All FX models have a seven-speed automatic transmission that seemed awfully busy, and on the test vehicle, the throttle was so sensitive, it was difficult to start from a stop without a slight lurch. Otherwise, no complaints about that smooth 5.0-liter V-8, until it came time to fill the gas tank: It's rated at 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, premium preferred. Our overall mileage was just over 16 mpg which, for almost 400 horses, isn't horrible.

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