by Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• “Interesting” design
• High smug factor - if that’s what you’re into
• More compact than a crushed Geo Metro
• Gets more looks than a Ferrari
• Safer than you think
• Spacious interior makes you forget you’re in an 8 foot box

Dings:

• “Interesting” design
• High smug factor
• 40 mpg ain’t great for a 1600 lb car
• Paltry, wheezing engine
• Geriatric transmission
• High price tag for what it is
• Cargo space for a single…uh…nevermind

Verdict: I don’t get it.

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by Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• More powerful engine
• More cargo space
• More standard features

Dings:

• More mainstream
• More boring
• More hefty

Ruling: More is less, especially in this author’s futile attempt for wordplay.

Some things in life have such endearing characteristics that no matter how much you want to hate it, you can’t help but love it. Take for instance the Pug - a scrawny mutt with no neck and a face that looks like it got bashed flat with an iron skillet. The first time I laid eyes on it I thought, Who could ever find that thing cute? With its bulging eyes, incessant snorting and ungraceful waddle, I found it to be one of the most heinous-looking dogs ever created. But as time went on, my dislike for the animal was replaced by - not love - but an appreciation. Sure it was still ugly, but that’s what made it unique. It stood out from the crowd. It’s uglyness became its greatest asset.

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by Twain Mein

Introduction

This review is for the Infiniti M35. There are three versions of the M35; “base”, M35x—all wheel drive, and M35 Sport—with sport suspension and rear wheel steering. This review is for the base model—though heavily optioned. Sticker is $41,000, but ours was loaded and came to nearly $50,000. It’s a sport/luxury sedan that competes against the Lexus GS, Audi A6, and in between the BMW 5- series. With less than 300 horsepower and somewhat non-descript styling, I wasn’t sure how well it would fare.

Pros:

• Wow. Upon closer inspection, it actually looks pretty damn good. The styling is subtle but really elegant. Grows on you. Probably disappears to cops which means fewer tickets
• Interior. Gorgeous leather. Seats that are very comfy yet well bolstered for spirited driving
• All the electronics gadgets you could ever want. Most importantly, integrated blue tooth so you can talk hands free. This will become law next year in California.

Cons:

• Perhaps too many electronic gizmos…
• Rear seat doesn’t fold down

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by Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• V-6 weight and fuel economy with V-8 power
• Dizzying list of whiz-bang features
• Easy to use navigation system
• Light and nimble handling
• FINALLY someone has figured out seat coolers!
• Fit and finish like a German luxury sedan

Dings:

• Mind-boggling list of whiz-bang features
• Irritating Nanny Nissan Lane Deviation Warning system
• Rand McNally works better than the navigation system
• Transmission doesn’t compliment the smoothness of the engine

Ruling:

For those non-pretentious types looking to save thousands, the Infiniti delivers everything a German luxo ride does. Well, almost everything.

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By Gary Chan

Below are my impressions of the base model Corolla after spending a brief time test driving Toyota’s icon for conservative and economical transportation

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by Alex Kramer

Introduction

Ten years ago I wouldn’t have considered buying any car that wasn’t small, sleek, and sporty. If you couldn’t throw it around a cloverleaf at 50+ miles an hour with a grin plastered to your face, I wasn’t interested. Nowadays, I look for more mundane, practical features when car shopping, such as cargo space, air bags, fuel economy, etc. But every now and then I wish I could throw practicality out the window and buy a car just because it’s fun. Enter the Scion tC. Can Scion satisfy with this hip and sporty little coupe?

Pros:

• Understated yet attractive styling
• Peppy engine and slick shifter
• Solid suspension and smooth ride
• Toyota build quality
• Great value

Cons:

• All-season tires loose traction way too quickly
• Diminutive rear seat and trunk
• Overall style is bit too conservative

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