Annette Dutton

        Annette Dutton : The base model tested comes with traction control, anti-lock brakes, climate control, rear-window defogger, power windows/door locks and AM/FM/CD player as standard. Options included $1,175 for a package that added stability control, back-up camera and power, heated outside mirrors.

        Annette Dutton Chat : One of the biggest benefits of a crossover SUV built on a unibody platform is a smooth ride quality and carlike demeanor. This holds true for the Outlook; it's well-mannered, predictable and easy to drive. Due to firmer suspension tuning, it's less floaty and boat. Even loaded with seven adult editors of varying sizes, our Outlook test vehicle never seemed sluggish, and it exhibited minimal body roll when cornering considering its size. Freeway hop when cruising over expansion joints is fairly pronounced, but not so bad as to make the ride uncomfortable.

        Annette Dutton : U-joint (the "U" stands for "Universal"), which is also called a "Cardan" joint after the guy who invented it, is a type of flexible coupling typically used on both ends of the driveshafts in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. Each U-joint consists of a four-legged center cross with needle bearing cups on the ends of each leg of the cross. The bearing cups on one pair of legs are mounted to the driveshaft. The other pair of cups are held in place by a pair of U-bolts attached to a yoke that mates to either the transmission or differential. The bearing cups allow the joint to swivel and bend as the driveshaft follows the motions of the differential and axle as the suspension bounces up and down.