mpg-o-editor

Living With (and Without) Microsoft Sync

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You’ve probably seen the commercials for the Microsoft Sync audio system that can be found in a number of 2008 Ford vehicles. The advertisements made quite a splash when they first appeared, teasing viewers into envisioning exactly how the Microsoft Sync system works. For all those folks who were tickled by the Sync commercials, but were hesitant to venture into a Ford dealer, I’ve got you covered.

Over the last month, I’ve spent a week with three different Fords, each equipped with the Sync system:

It’s almost embarrassing to say how much I dig Sync … embarrassing, because I’ve never been a Microsoft fan boy.

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2008 Ford Edge MPG Review

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The Ford Edge is a five-seat SUV that competes with the Honda CR-V, Nissan Murano, Saturn Vue, Toyota Highlander, and Toyota RAV4 among others in the popular crossover SUV market.

Under the hood, the 2008 Edge is fitted with a 3.5 liter V6 producing a generous 265 horsepower and 250 foot pounds of torque.

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BMW 123d M Sport: Driven!

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I spied the 123d M Sport the moment she emerged from the Rio Hotel’s parking garage. The 123d’s brilliant blue paint glittered as it rolled under the valet parking area’s overhang.

It was like no BMW I’d ever seen with my own eyes … the grille was unmistakable, but it was attached to body that could be mistaken for any one of a number of hatchbacks.

After the valet pulled the car around we chatted a bit as I loaded up my camera gear and fitted the rig. He was amazed that it was a diesel. And not just any diesel … likely the only BMW 123d M Sport prowling the streets of America.

A quick stop at the vending machine to pick up a bottle of iced tea (as a concession to the fact I was headed off into the Nevada desert) and I was soon settled behind the wheel … looking in vain for a cup holder. I found none.

“It’s the ultimate driving machine,” I heard a voice in my head say in an unmistakable accent. “Not a coffee shop.”

I tossed the bottle of iced tea onto the back seat, crept out of the Rio’s parking lot, and headed west on Flamingo.

In this first short video, I drop the hammer on the 123d … if you watch carefully, you’ll see me check the cheat card after letting off to see how many kilometers equal 60 miles per hour. d’oh!

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Fox News Houston Covers MPGomatic.com

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From the I’m not usually one to toot my own horn department: I was checking the site referrals for MPGomatic this morning and saw a blip of traffic from the Fox television station in Houston, Texas. My curiosity piqued (MPGomatic on Fox?), I had to take a look at the MyFox Houston website to see … Read more

2008 Saturn Astra MPG Review

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Saturn Astra MPG-o-Matic Saturn Astra Review Summary: Available in both three-door and five-door models, the Saturn Astra competes with the Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Rabbit, Toyota Yaris, Mazda3, and Volvo C30 among others in the red hot hatchback market.

Under the hood, the 2008 Astra is fitted with an Ecotec 1.8 liter four cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 125 foot pounds of torque. While European design details abound in the Astra, the power plant is decidedly domestic.

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