MPU 300x600
MPU 300x600 - 2
2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5 SEL Review
The long-awaited, built-in-USA Passat is finally here, imported from Chattanooga, TN. VW hasn’t built anything on our shores since they closed the Westmoreland, PA Rabbit factory back in the early 80s. So the newly reborn Passat, much larger than the car it replaces, not only carries a lot of baggage in its commodious, 15.9 cubic foot trunk, but some ancillary “baggage” concerning its domestic derivation. Is the new Passat a legitimate VW in terms of fit, finish and quality?
Read More »2012 Volvo S60 T6R Review
Volvo skipped the 2010 model year in order to bring the S60 back in 2011 as a completely revamped product. For 2012, the company is enhancing the S60’s sporting proclivity by offering an “R” version of the standard T6 (turbocharged 6 cylinder) motor to increase horsepower from 300 to 325 and torque from 325 to 354 lb.-ft.
Read More »2013 Lexus GS350 Review
Aside from the ground-breaking $370,000 LFA sports car, Lexus design has been stagnating. The entire line of luxury sedans look more ponderous than svelte, with baroque styling cues that seem Germanic rather than Japanese. Visual boredom has been the hallmark of the mid-level luxury sedan designated GS, a high-hipped Lexus remarkably devoid of personality. Until now, that is. Its replacement, the all new 2013 GS, will debut in February, 2012 as a 2013 model.
Read More »2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X Review
You’d think that a tire as tough as a BF Goodrich “Rugged Trail T/A” in a size as chunky as 265/65R16 would be impervious to any road hazard you could throw in its way. After all, the raised white lettering on the sidewall and the meaty tread blocks lend a sense of invulnerability to your travel. In fact, the motto of the Xterra is: “Tough Gear That Helps You Attack Life.” Unfortunately, a diminutive Phillips Head screw managed to insinuate itself into the BFG’s carcass in the soft underbelly of the tire, between those menacing tread blocks.
Read More »2012 Nissan Murano SL FWD Review
Nissan freshened the appearance of its Murano for 2011, and the same freshly scrubbed face greets you in 2012. The grill integrates better with the front fascia than before, new LED taillight clusters look like jewels, and redesigned 10 spoke alloy wheels measuring 7.5” x 18” complete the styling update. The front-wheel-drive version of this crossover is affordable, with a base price of just $36,400. This crossover SUV is utilitarian and luxurious at the same time. The utility comes from the Murano’s ability to transport five adults, with enough storage space behind the second row of seats to store their luggage as well. ….
Read More »2012 Kia Rio SX Review
After testing a 2011 Kia Optima last year, I found myself impressed with Kia’s revised approach to the US market. They seem to have recognized their place in the market, understand their competition, and have done a good job in creating a great added value proposition verses the competition.
The 2012 Kia Rio was a welcome test candidate given my experience driving the Optima last year. The Kia’s we’ve been able to experience have actually stood up well to other cars within their respective classes.
Read More »2012 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV First Impressions Review
Nissan has long touted the Maxima as a four-door version of the company’s Z sportscar. In fact, early versions carried the moniker “4DSC” on the rear windows to let cognoscenti in on the secret that this sedan was really a “4 Door Sports Car” in camera. But as Maxima morphed through subsequent iterations, its styling lost the hard edge of the original. Its power-to-weight ratio also suffered, as Maxima gained size and weight without corresponding boosts in horsepower. Pretty soon, the 4DSC stickers disappeared and the Maxima became just another big sedan without the sporting pretensions of the original.
Read More »2012 Ford F-150 Platinum and Lariat Editions
The big news for Ford truck fans this year is an entirely new engine lineup for the best-selling F-150.
Read More »2012 Cadillac SRX Review
Thanks to its newly available V6 power source, bevy of amenities, and sound Caddy construction, the SRX AWD is a valuable addition to the Cadillac line’s Premium Collection. While it doesn’t offer the gas-sucking horsepower of the SVT, the SRX has more than enough punch to lay down reputable passes on a two-lane highway. Because its standard amenity list is so long, its option list is blissfully short. Now that’s a sure formula to keep the bottom line affordable.
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