Wayne Cunningham,
Senior Editor
November 17, 2008
MP3 players with 20, 80, or even 160GB hard drives hold a lot of music--probably your entire collection. Bring one into an MP3 player-compatible car, and you get all your tunes on the road. iPod connectors are expected to be available on the majority of new cars next year, and we've also seen many cars equipped with USB ports for playing MP3 tracks off a USB drive. The Scion xB comes standard with good iPod integration, while the Hyundai Sonata does that one better with the addition of a USB port. The Cadillac CTS and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution both rip your CDs to their hard drives, and the CTS can also play MP3s from an iPod or USB drive. Both the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the Lincoln MKS get the best MP3 player integration available, Ford's Sync system, which lets you issue voice commands for artist, album, and track. The MKS also has the best audio system for the price, designed by THX.
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| Review date | November 06, 2008 | June 26, 2008 | October 31, 2007 | August 10, 2007 | September 24, 2008 | September 16, 2008 |
| The Bottom Line | Ford's cabin tech sets the 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid far ahead of the competition, with extremely convenient features, and the hybrid system allows for gas-free driving at low speeds in this small and practical SUV. | The 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited brings the car maker into the tech world by offering good navigation and digital music options. It makes for a good commute car, but the V-6 might be too thirsty for today's gas prices. | Besides the lack of Bluetooth, the 2008 Cadillac CTS offers the most advanced digital music options and navigation we've seen in a car. Its performance character makes it fun to drive hard and perfectly suitable for a daily commute. | The new Scion xB has lost its bold exterior creases and some of its character, but has also grown up a bit and now represents one of the best tech values we've seen in a new car. | The 2009 Lincoln MKS is a star when it comes to in-cabin entertainment and information sources, especially at its price. But you will have to be content with a comfortable, rather than sporty, ride. | Although a little expensive for a boy racer, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR combines impressive performance and cabin tech, making a car that is extremely fun to drive. |
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| Features | ||||||
| Drivetrain available | Front-drive | Front-drive | Rear-drive | Front-drive | Front-drive | All-wheel drive |
| Available Engine | Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| Body style | SUV | Sedan | Sedan | Wagon | Sedan | Sedan |
| Trim levels | Info unavailable | V6 | Base | Base | MKS | MR |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
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