SPECIAL FEATURE ON EDUCATION. January 2009 | www.myCrescent.com | Serving since 2006
“Do not consider any act of kindness insignificant, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.” -Sahih Muslim
Local students with Imam Yusuf and Imam Zaid Shakir
YUSUF ZIYA KAVAKCI INSTITUTE AIMS TO ESTABLISH HIGHER STANDARDS FOR ISLAMIC SCHOOLS BY HAZRAT AMIN PHOTOS BY SALMAN AZIZ
(DALLAS, TX) As socioeconomical problems increase around the world, proper education for children and youth has become more important than ever. For Muslims in the Western world, the issue becomes more complex. The cultural differences are especially hard for youth who have to juggle between Islamic values at home and a deteriorating education and environment at public schools. Without a solid foundation of Islamic knowledge, these children are confused and unable to provide guidance to the community. Islam has become the fastest growing religion in the country (with an estimated 7 – 8 million followers). Thus, Muslims around the country have to think hard and devise an appropriate system of education providing leadership that understands local needs and values
on Islam. Experts believe that the current pedagogy does not provide powerful leadership for the community. In an exclusive interview with The Lone Star Crescent, Imam Yusuf Ziya Kavakci admires the achievements of traditional Islamic schools in the U.S. “They serve ummah very well. They provide a safe environment – Islamic environment.” But he also argues that current Islamic schools are not raising future leaders, but pro“The best thing you can duce high school graduates. “We need to improve exdo for your child to benefit them certainly in the isting institutes, but we need to aakhira, and also in this develop new institutes that will raise Muslim scholars,” he addworld is to give them solid foundation of the ed. Dr. Kavakci believes in the Quran. Once their heart development of at least one inand mind is opened by stitution where Qur’an and Hadith will be the guiding light for the Quran, their intellectual horizon has no the rest of the curriculum. Imam Zaid Shakir enlimits.” dorsed the concept at a fundrais-Imam Zaid Shakir er for the institute in Plano.“The The current system offers best thing you can do for your 85 – 90% secular subjects and a child to benefit them - certainly minimum amount of education Continues on page 03>> while teaching prudent scholarship of the deen. Dallas area Muslims who have always risen to the challenges at hand, established several Islamic schools in the region. Majority of Islamic schools in the Metroplex and across the country fulfill a great need by providing a religious and family oriented environment. However, less than 5% of Muslim youth attend these schools.
“The school I am interested in - the ones who will raise Muslim scholars from scratch. Knowledgeable in Islam knowledgeable in social sciences and the environment they are addressing.” -Imam Yusuf. Complete interview online at www. myCrescent.com
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This Month IN U.S. HISTORY
* 1776 - During the American Revolution, George Washington unveiled the Grand Union Flag, the first national flag in America. * 1863 - The Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in the states rebelling against the Union. * 1892 - Ellis Island in New York harbor opened. Until its closing in 1954 over 20 million new arrivals to America were processed there.
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Special Education Feature: The Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute
Imam Yusuf Ziya Kavakci in the aakhira and also in this world is to give them solid foundation of the Quran. Once their heart and mind is opened by the Quran, their intellectual horizon has no limits.” Some Dallas area Muslim parents agree with the advice of Imam Zaid Shakir and Imam Yusuf. They are on a mission to establish a visionary institution that becomes a major learning and research center under the name of Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute. The name was chosen to credit Imam Ziya who envisioned such an institution when he founded Richardson-based IANT Quranic Academy. Managed by IQA Foundation (IQAF), the Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute (YZKI) aims to develop well-rounded western Muslim scholars who are able to lead the community and fellow citizens through complex challenges with scholarly Islamic knowledge and understanding of local needs. The first academy serving grades K – 12 under the YZKI umbrella plans to open enrollment for 2009 school year soon.
“I want people from Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries to come here for learning (Islam)” -Imam Yusuf Why establish the institute now? Imam Yusuf, who volunteers on the council of advisors to IQA Foundation, says he has nothing but best wishes for anyone who would like to build a dream educational institute for Muslims in the West. “May Allah bless them,” he said. Such an institute, he believes, should also be able welcome and accommodate students from other countries. “I want people from Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries to come here for learning (Islam),” so the U.S. has a leadership role in providing quality Islamic knowledge. He told The Lone Star Crescent that the community cannot afford to wait any longer.
“Of course current Islamic schools are providing great community service, but this is not enough” -Saadia Muzaffar
And concerned parents don’t want to wait either. “Of course current Islamic schools are providing great community service, but this is not enough,” said Saadia Muzaffar from Richardson. “If we see what ummah needs at this time – that’s the leadership we are in need of,” she added. Muzaffar is concerned about the lack of “sincere and talented leadership” within the community. IQAF board member and a parent himself, Pervez Aziz agrees with Saadia Muzaffar. He said that the “broad mission” of YZKI must start now. Aziz said that it is important for the community to develop what he called “well rounded Muslim scholars” educated and trained in the United States. Imam Yusuf acknowledges the urgency. “I have respect for Imams from overseas, but we lack a lot of qualities,” he said. “We don’t have the knowledge of managing different ethnic groups,” which is a common challenge for community leaders across the country. He said scholars coming from over-
seas do not have the “socio-psychological” skills to work with people here. “Dealing with natives, different local cultures and converts,” are critical issues that require local knowledge he pointed out. “Imams are not well equipped to address these types of communities. In addition to that I hardly know imams who know Latin, who know some Greek, who know some Hebrew –which are the basis of Hellenistic western civilization.” Parents such as Moiez Khan cite deteriorating quality at IQA as the main reason for their interest in Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute. “I feel that the quality of education (at IQA) has been compromised this year,” he said referring to the changes made during summer 2008. “The staff has low morale right now. They are very frustrated and overworked.” He believes “the goals are not being achieved.” Dallas resident and parent of an Islamic school student, Nia MacKay, is hoping that YZKI will fill the much needed gap for those looking for substantial Islamic curriculum combined with traditional subjects. “My daughter wants to be like Imam Yusuf,” she said talking about her child’s educational and career goal. MacKay is happy that her daughter has set very high standards at an early age, but the current school system may poses a challenge. She thinks that there is “lack of motivation to teach and to be creative” in our schools.
“Money is not a problem – I think, but the problem is commitment, understanding the importance of this project and how to make other people understand.” -Imam Yusuf Imam Yusuf said there is a compelling necessity for such an institute in the country. Responding to the question of tough economic times he said that “I believe ummah has money – money is available every-
where.” He noted that money is being spent on things that we do not need. “Money is not a problem – I think, but the problem is commitment, understanding the importance of this project and how to make other people understand.” Pervez Aziz appreciates schools that provide traditional curriculum under an Islamic environment. “Good Islamic education in an Islamic environment is of course good.” He said they serve individual students well, however, we need a much higher level institution now. “What we are talking about here is not just education of an individual child – we are talking about the future of Muslim community.”
“We need to sow the seeds today so that our students down the line can have this authentic knowledge and be the source of education for the rest of the community.” -Pervez Aziz Aziz said that community members must start this endeavor immediately. He explained that in the future when senior community members “are no longer with us” and “we have gone beyond the mode of importing imams” without an institution like YZKI there will be lack of proper information. “We need to sow the seeds today so that our students down the line can have this authentic knowledge and be the source of education for the rest of the community.”
Key Features Of The Institute The foundation would like to build a modern center of scholarship and inquest where students can learn language, math, science and other trade skill subjects in conjunction with Quran memorization (hifz), proper Arabic and Islamic sciences. The plan includes several academies within this insti-
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tute commencing from elementary education to university and professional research. The objective is to maintain a superior quality environment including facilities, staff and technology. “We cannot produce high quality students if we do not invest enough on faculty and facilities in the school. Islamic schools should set models in terms of the quality of education and character development”, said Imtinan Elahi whose daughter attends Richardson-based IQA. Tariq Yoonas who is a concerned parent of five and sits on the board of IQAF said, “This idea’s time has come.” He believes that Muslims across the country “are feeling a great need for the future development of the leadership.” Therefore, quality at YZKI must not be compromised. Imam Yusuf said that producing well-rounded and highly knowledgeable leadership is not “cheap”. It will require proper investment from the community.
Schools should not be run by any Masjid board or a social organization for that matter. -Moiez Khan Nia MacKay told The Lone Star Crescent that for her, having quality is “highly important.” Moiez Khan said that to maintain the highest level of quality, a school “should not be run by any masjid board.” He thinks the nature of this project requires people with appropriate skills to manage the institute. “It should be run by educationalists – and it should be run by people who understand the goals and objectives.” And Khan is not alone. Imtinan Elahi would like to see appropriate and dedicated management at >> more on page 06
January 2009
Special Education Feature: The Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute
NATIONAL SCHOLAR SUPPORTS YZK INSTITUTE (PLANO, TX) A leading national figure and scholar Imam Zaid Shakir emphasized the need for supporting Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute. Zaid Shakir currently teaches at California-based Zaytuna Institute and is a well respected figure across the nation and around the world. He was talking to the guests at fundraiser hosted by Khalid Mehmood, M.D. Dr.
Mehmood understands the need for such an institute to serve the growing needs of Muslims. “Be very generous and donate as much as you can,” he asked the guests. Imam Zaid Shakir told the parents that proper Islamic education along with traditional curriculum is possible and more beneficial. “A lot of you worry realistically that if your children take time out to focus on the Quran that perhaps their formal education will suffer and they won’t be competitive.” He said that it is a realistic concern. “A responsible parent wants good for their child,” he added. He said gaining strong knowledge of the Quran and Islamic studies enlightens mind and heart of a child which has a tow-
ering impact on any professional career. Citing examples of students who excelled in Islamic knowledge and have pursued successful professional careers Imam Shakir said that “The point I make is that they did it in a piecemeal fashion”. Talking about YZKI’s proposed curriculum he said that “it is providing an opportunity for the parents and children of this community to combine sound Quranic education with structured formal education in an environment that’s conducive to academic excellence”.
“Just look at the anemic nature of the actual content that has been systematically watered down.. and watered down.. and watered down.” -Imam Zaid Shakir on public schools He said that public schools are not capable of producing leadership to tackle the challenges we face. Apart from cultural and moral problems that “plague” public schools across the country, he is deeply concerned with the “anemic nature of the actual content of the curriculum”. He argued that “it is not commensurate to the type of individuals we
need to be raising”.
“This is a program that I feel is not only innovative, but a program that you will soon see the fruits of.” Imam Zaid Shakir said that “this is a program that I feel is not only innovative, but a program that you will soon see the fruits of”. He said that “when these students go on to universities and into the realm of life”, they will be well-prepared to excel and succeed in the chosen professions. ““The base that they have – and the discipline that memorizing the Quran provides… combining that with solid Arabic education which opens up the meanings of the Quran – combining that with a first grade quality education, you’re going to see something great.” To address our tremendous growth in this country, he said “we need leaders who are being groomed here, educated here, in the religion, in the various worldly sciences to provide effective guidance”.
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Special Education Feature: The Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute
volved?” said Khan. “What is their dedication?” Anwar Ali wants to make sure faculty and staff at the school are professional.
Aziz who moved to Dallas in 2001 has a Ph.D in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, has authored several papers and holds 14 patents.
It is, of course, detrimental to the quality of education to assign multiple jobs to the same person to save a few cents here and there. -Imtinan Elahi Islamic schools. “I find people who are at the helm of affairs of these schools are generally not qualified enough to run the schools professionally and they do compromises based on their limited understanding.” IQA Foundation’s board is listening. “We would like to get parents actively involved,” Aziz told The Lone Star Crescent. His fellow board member also believes that education cannot and must not be taken lightly. “We believe that education is a very important aspect of success in a person’s life – both in this life and the life hereafter,” said Tariq Yoonas. “Education should play a central role in the value that a family has,” says Pervez Aziz, “because at the end of the day its educated Muslims and educated citizens have the greatest opportunity to make a difference in the society for their own community as well as nation at large.” Aziz and Yoonas along with Amin Noor and Jabir Patel (Noor and Patel were unavailable to meet with us) manage IQA Foundation. The group is supported by educational consultants, scholars, community members and parents. After setbacks at IANT Quranic Academy parents are concerned about governance and management at the upcoming YZK Institute. “I want to know who is in-
“Rule of thumb: you pay for the quality,” says MacKay. Parents would like to make sure that staff members are able to focus on their specialty and are not assigned to do multiple jobs. “It is, of course, detrimental to the quality of education to assign multiple jobs to the same person to save a few cents here and there,” adds Mr. Elahi. Anwar Ali would like to see a “strong management” at Islamic schools. He said that they should be staunch “in leadership, management, communication, knowledge in current educational trends and community support.” YZK Institute is solidifying what
Aziz calls a professional ‘governance structure’. Yoonas and Aziz believe that they have the right team of ‘like-minded, fully dedicated’ and qualified people on the team.
advancing enrollment and maintaining exemplary academic quality. Imam Yusuf encourages and praises the efforts by anyone who contributes to this kind of project. His advice is “never to compromise quality over quantity – no sir.” He is asking people involved to take “solid steps – may be slow, but solid” and be consistent in their efforts. ....................................................................... Submit your questions or comments? to info@myCrescent.com. Watch videos: Imam Shakir’s address and interviews of parents, board members, Imam Yusuf online at www.myCrescent.com
Yoonas is the CEO of one of the largest Muslim-owned printing companies in the country. He holds a degree in Management Information System and has successfully worked in software development and project management until he launched his own business. Aziz and Yoonas have a consistent background in community service, educational institution development and youth activities. They believe that YZK Institute will have a progressive direction for the Islamic school system. Traditionally, community schools in the United States are built to fit quality according to budget. Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute is taking a bold new step of placing duly needed attention on education. Yoonas mentions that this institute “Has all the ingredients available to become a reality Insha’Allah.” He admits that task is challenging but believes that community will rise to the occasion. “There is a dedicated leadership behind this project... We have a track record in terms of commitment from parents,” he elaborated. Yoonas pointed out that in the past, they have successfully surpassed expectations by managing funding,
This is the need of the hour. We have to preserve our identity, we have to preserve our faith. And the only way I see - we can do it is having a wellbalanced Islamic educated child. - Moiz Khan
REPORTERS WANTED The Lone Star Crescent is looking for local reporters in Dallas area to cover community events. Email letter of interest to info@myCrescent.com
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January 2009
COMMUNITY REPORT
TMWF HOSTS ITS FIRST ANNUAL FUNDRAISING BAZAAR
(RICHARDSON, TX) At the TX Muslim Women’s Foundation (TMWF) first annual Thanksgiving Bazaar this year the goal was to get youth involved. “We have done fundraiser in the past, but this activity brings the youth and families together,” said TMWF’s spokesperson Shaheen Salam. “This is one way of getting young people involved”, she added. Since its inception in 2005, TMWF aims to strengthen the community through interfaith activities, women’s education, charity work and youth programs. “We are helping to make Muslims part and parcel of the society”, said TMWF’s President Hind Jarrah talking to The Lone Star Crescent. “The funds that we raise through this will be used to support TMWF’s projects and our planned domestic violence shelter.” (Watch video highlights online www.myCrescent.com)
Muslim Legal Fund Plans To Continue Legal Fight For HLF (IANT, RICHARDSON -TX) Over 200 people turned out at Richatdson’s Masjid to hear comments from Muslim Legal Fund (MLF) after the defendants in the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) trial were found guilty. “This setback will turn into defeat if tomorrow we go about our business and forget our brothers”, said Arshad Syed of IANT. According MLF’s President Khalil Meek, the appeal for the convicted is already prepared. He said that the jury in the trial was not properly informed. “The government focused in on convincing the jury that the law didn’t matter, and they won that way. We are going to go back to court and say it does matter”, he told the audience. “There are so many new things in this trial that did
not happen before.” Talking about secret witness he said that “witness comes and testifies as an expert and we don’t know who that is”. HLF was the largest Muslim charity in the nation until it was shut down by the federal government in 2001.
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COMMUNITY REPORT
IMC Highlighted Islamic Heritage In India
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The talking point will focus on challenges facing the DFW Muslims. The strength of the community lies in confronting the problems and openly discuss difference of opinion. The Lone Star Crescent welcomes and encourages feedback and respectful open discussion. If you have a talking point or would like to respond to the current one, please email us at info@myCrescent.
BY RASHEED AHMED (IANT, RICHARDSON -TX) The Indian Muslim Council-USA (IMC-USA) had a successful event at the Dallas Central Mosque (IANT) titled ‘Our Islamic Heritage in India’ with Dr. Omar Khalidi as the guest speaker. The event was planned on Dec 06, 2008 to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the destruction of the Babri Masjid in India. The highlights of the event included a talk by Dr. Khalidi on the Islamic architecture in India, particularly in the Indian city of Hyderabad. Dr. Khalidi also highlighted the importance of advocacy and grassroots mobilization and the important role that IMCUSA was fulfilling in the field of advocacy and fighting for Muslims’ rights as Citizens of India. Dr Khalidi teaches at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the author of Muslims in Indian Economy and Khaki and Ethnic Violence in India. Khalidi asked Indian Muslims in America to work with all men and women of goodwill from every religious and ethnic group in the US to hold the Indian state accountable for the injustices being done to Muslims and other minorities. This can be done by a lobbying organization such as Indian Muslim Council. He emphasized the need for constant interaction with elected representatives and for Muslim participation in political process. Azhar Azeez, the regional director for Islamic Relief and a Muslim of Indian origin, urged the audience to support IMCUSA. Mr. Azeez also denounced and condemned the terror attacks that took place in the Indian city of Mumbai earlier this month and empathized with the families of victims, hostages and police officers killed in the attacks. He mentioned that the perpetrators of these crimes acted in complete violation of the tenets of Islam. Syed Ali, the chapter lead for IMCUSA, talked about some of the achievements of IMC-USA over the past 6 years, its current activities and plans for the future. He mentioned that the Babri Masjid demolition was
The talking point
no simple matter of vandalism. Behind it lies a long history of extreme right wing Hindu politics which celebrates aggression and violence, declares war against other communities, and scorns legal and democratic norms. He pointed out to the disturbing trend in India, where incitement of hate and prevalent mob-mentality claimed the life of thousands of innocent civilians and committed various atrocious acts against Muslims and other minorities in India.
Syed Ali, also mentioned that the terror attacks in Mumbai have added to the pressures that ordinary Indian Muslims must face in India and that IMC-USA was formed out of the critical need to address the deteriorating condition of Muslims in India. He emphasized that IMC-USA is committed to preserving India’s pluralist and tolerant ethos and exposing hate-filled ideologies until they are voluntarily abandoned as bad ideas.
This Month: IANT & IQA “It’s devastating to see many of the parents who pulled out their kids from publicly funded MST Magnet in order to get the admission in IQA and deal with the agony over the kid’s future. Now these parents cannot even get the admission back in MST because admission is highly selective and based on lottery system.” -A concerned parent. Former IANT board president and one of the founding member Mohammed Suleiman sat down with The Lone Star Crescent to discuss his views and opinions on the matter. “We are very much disheartened - we are very much saddened about what happened and what is happening”, he said. Mr. Suleiman beleives that it should not have turned into a major issue, if the board was reasonable. “IQA was just a matter of administrative issue that was not done in a proper way”, he said. “And we tried to resolve this issue in a very friendly and amicable manner. We have been trying to do this for the last three months. Unfortunately we were not successful.” Mr. Suleiman was concerned about lack of response and cooperation from board members. “The last proposal we talked about and presented was not even considered.”
PUBLISHER Melanz Publishing P.O. Box 851764 Richardson, TX 75085 T: (214) 306-7920 F: (214) 461-0474 EDITORIAL: COMMENTS / INQUIRIES / JOBS Email: info@myCrescent.com DFW REGIONAL BUSINESS MANAGER Salman Aziz T: (920) 277-9513 E: salman@myCrescent.com Send email to ads@myCrescent.com for general ad inquiries or sales jobs.
He believes that the community must be told the whole story so that they can make an informed decision and their letter to community is an effort to raise awareness (see the letter on www.myCrescent.com). He admits that it is their perspective on the issue. “It is from our side, no question about it. But the bottom line is that the community needs to be informed.” Mr. Suleiman said that not dealing with this issue properly in an open manner may create divisions in the community. Mohammed Suleiman is optimistic that people will come together. “I will be the last person to have any hard feelings on a matter that can be solved - and InshaAllah it will be solved.” (Watch the interview on myCrescent.com)
ADVISORS: David Lee Hall (Interfaith & Education) Annie Ghazi (Family & Lifestyle) The Lone Star Crescent is published monthly by Melanz Publishing. Since 2006, the paper is serving the local Muslim community in the Metroplex. We welcome and encourage readers’ feedback and opinions. All materials, articles, photos, comments or samples submitted to the The Lone Star Crescent will become property of the publisher and may be printed at our discretion. The publisher / paper takes no responsibility of claims made by advertisers, financial, legal, family and/or educational advise in its content. Readers must check and inquire themselves. Online at www.myCrescent.com
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Positions Available at IANT Quranic Academy IMMEDIATE OPENING: 1. Library and Media Specialist (Minimum qualification: degree in Library Science and ability to provide IT support and training) Also, accepting applications for the following positions for the 2009-2010 school year: 1. Alim & Arabic teachers (Qualified by ijaza in either or both) 2. Hifz & Tajweed teachers (Qualified in Qira’at and Maqamat), 3. Elementary English teachers (BA/BS in related field required); 4. Secondary specialists (BA/BS in related field required) 5. Administrative Positions. IANT Quranic Academy (IQA) at Richardson, TX. [North Dallas] has a unique mission of developing the next generation of American Muslim scholars: IQA is a full-time private academy currently serving close to 200 students from grades K-11. Our unique program combines traditional Quran recitation, memorization, and Alim studies with contemporary state-required subjects such as English, Math, Science, Social Studies, & Physical Education. Our program allows students to memorize the entire Quran in KG through 7th grades while preparing them to study scholarly Arabic texts from 8th through 12th grades. Academic excellence toward preparation for college is required in all other subjects and all 11th graders are enrolled in a Dual Credit program earning college credit while completing their High School. IQA has been open since 2002. In December of 2007, IQA became fully accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. IQA is a member of the Islamic Schools League of North America and CISNA. Class sizes are limited to less than 20 students. The majority of IQA students are on the honor roll and perform in the top quartile on standardized tests. 25 students have already completed the memorization of Quran at IQA. Parents are supportive and good behavior is stressed. Classrooms are bright and resources are abundant. We have a spacious library with a growing collection of books, properly arranged and electronically cataloged. Our professional teaching staff is the key to our success. Team planning for instruction and collaborative decision-making account for our ethic of continuous school improvement. The IQA starting salary for teachers is $27,000 per year. Higher starting salaries are based on education and teaching experience. Annual pay increases are guaranteed by our salary table. Teachers receive health insurance and a 37.5% discount on tuition for their children. Professional development is strongly encouraged and facilitated for the lifelong learner! Positive and talented leaders and educators are always welcome to apply by sending a resume and cover letter to hiring@quranicacademy.org . (Being able to email your resume is a prerequisite! Positions open until filled. We look forward to hearing from you and May Allah SWT bless you.
HELP WANTED The Lone Star Crescent is seeking qualified independent advertising sales reps in DFW. Requires increasing advertising and meeting sales goals each month. If you are a professional with high energy, excellent communications skills and previous sales experience, please email your resume and cover letter for consideration to info@myCrescent.com.
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NISSAN MAXIMA 2009 “The 2009 Nissan Maxima is a high-quality, well-stocked entry-level luxury sedan with an everyday badge. Snobs need not apply, but those with a keen eye for value should take note... Delicately precise steering, strong powertrain, high-quality interior craftsmanship, tons of high-tech features, best iPod integration presently available. Luxury and Sport models lack the brand cachet their price tags imply, mostly useless middle rear seat with Sport or Premium Packages, equipment stuffed into expensive packages.” -Edmunds.com
“The Maxima is a bigger, more powerful car today, and that has brought the limitations of its front-wheel drive into sharper relief. At the same time, a whole field of competitors (including Nissan’s own Altima) has grown up around the Maxima. The one-time obvious choice for those seeking a quick, comfortable, well-appointed sedan is once again a good choice, but it’s just one good choice among many.” -AutomobileMag.com
“A suburban beast packing a 290-horsepower V6 engine that cranks a tire-chirping 261 pound-feet of torque,” and reports that “it was tuned on Germany’s famous Nürburgring, where sports cars such as Nissan’s new GTR also honed their game.” -Popular Science
“With an impressive 290 horsepower, the 2009 Nissan Maxima is said to bring new credibility to the “4-Door Sports Car” slogan that it wore in the late ‘80s. But with a curb weight of nearly 3,600 pounds, a front-wheel drive layout and no manual transmission offering, it may be more accurate to recognize the Maxima as a modern version of what it was then — a great mid-level sedan that’s packed full of upscale goodies. It’s a sportier car than Honda’s Accord V6 or the Toyota Avalon, and provides more gadgetry than your neighbor’s Nissan Altima.” -Auto.MSN.com
“A dual-panel moonroof with fixed glass over the rear seat, in place of the narrow, fixed longitudinal roof panel in the current Maxima.” -Consumer Reports.
“Nissan had neglected the Maxima into a noisy Toyota Avalon with a cheap interior.” -TheTruthAboutCars.com
THE AUDI A4 WAGON “Well, as it turns out, the new 2009 Audi A4 Avant is about as party hearty as a wagon could ever hope to be. And we’re not just talking about tailgate beer busts before the Bruins take on the Trojans. This car has style worthy of the Hollywood glitterati and moves that would make Justin Timberlake step back. Fabulous-looking, well dressed, quick on its feet, and with a damn good optional stereo-maybe Ibiza isn’t such a wrong match for the A4 Avant.” -CarandDriver.com “Those in search of a sharp-looking compact luxury sedan or wagon with all-wheel drive, the latest technology features and a range of handling characteristics, the 2009 Audi A4 is an excellent choice.” -Edmunds.com “The estate version of the A4 is nearly identical to the sedan from the B-pillar forward, but now features 50-cubic feet of cargo capacity out back.. Overall, the Avant gains about five inches in length, but is almost ten-percent lighter than the outgoing model. -AutoBlog.com
MAZDA CX-9 “Mazda’s showing some chutzpah in calling the CX-9 the Zoom-Zoom with Extra Room, but is it a terrific new crossover? Yes-yes,” -Motor Trend “A superb crossover and one of the most fun-to-drive examples in its class. The quiet and comfortable cabin is a nice place to be, and its exterior styling is pleasing to the eye.” -AutoWeek.com “The CX-9 combines a spacious interior that can be lavishly appointed along with the sporty handling characteristics that Mazdas are known for. Though the CX-9 shares its basic architecture and engine with the Ford Edge, the Mazda CX-9 feels much better executed with superior driving dynamics and a more athletic feel, despite its larger size.” -Edmunds.com If you like the looks and the formula of the CX7 you’ll love this CX9, unless it’s just too big for you.” -TheAutoChannel.com
HONDA ACCORD The 2009 Honda Accord offers an appealing combination of spaciousness, a relatively upscale feel and a reputation for reliability. However, its ride quality and overall performance are merely adequate for this segment... Ample passenger space, high-quality interior, above-average steering feel, high resale value, available coupe body style... Intrusive road noise, buttonheavy center stack, some find seats uncomfortable.” -Edmunds.com “The 2009 Honda Accord sees no major changes following its 2008 redesign. Four-cylinder and V6-powered coupes and sedans are available with either a 177or 190-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, or a 271-hp 3.5-liter V6. The V6 includes Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation. Coupes and sedans are offered in EX and EX-L trim levels. Sedans also come in entry-level LX and LX-P versions. An entry-level LX-S coupe is also offered... Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.” -ConsumerGuideAuto.com
MERCEDES ML “Mercedes-Benz finally has something to distinguish the M-Class from its competition from BMW, Porsche and a host of luxury players from Japan. The slightly sportier exterior and interior restyle is an afterthought compared to the ML320 BlueTec’s environmentally smart and gutsy BlueTec diesel V-6. There’s even a case to be made for this M-Class against hybrids.” -MyRide.com “The ML-Class, along with the new diesel engine, gets a visual revamp with a new front bumper and headlights, a new lower ribbed grille, fog lamps and more chrome trim. Benz says the look will give it a stronger face for the 09 model... New standard safety equipment adds on Mercedes’ PRESAFE system to the M-Class’ portfolio... Mercedespromises fuel economy will be 20 to 30% better in the diesel versions of its sport-utes. The EPA shows the ML320 CDI rated at 18/24 mpg, with the gas-engined ML350 at 15/20 mpg. ..Also promises a cruising range of up to 600 miles.” -TheCarConnection.com
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