Automotive Reviews

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Nissan To Soon Offer No-Frills Versa For Less Than $10,000

The new Versa model is made in Mexico and will be available beginning Nov. 18, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. The sub-$10,000 price is $3,000 less than the current cheapest Versa available. The cheapest car now sold in the U.S. is the Hyundai Accent at just over $11,000. “A sticker price under $10,000 is certainly appealing to customers in an economy where people don’t have money anymore,” Robyn Eckard of Kelley Blue Book told the newspaper. The new Versa will have a 1.6-liter engine, rather than the 1.8 liter offered on the current Versa. It will get 34 mpg on the highway, compared with 33 mpg currently. General Motors was the last automaker to offer a

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Cars of Presidents & Candidates: Roosevelt to Clinton, Obama to McCain

The top-10 most interesting cars list coincides with what’s among the most historic presidential elections. Hagerty Insurance researched the personal vehicles of America’s past presidents and current candidates and selected one car for each individual most attention-grabbing for his time. The result is a fun and informative look at what drives American presidents or what American presidents (and candidates) drive. 1. William Taft (1909-1913): Baker Electric — Taft was the first president to own and drive cars during his presidency. One of the most interesting cars he owned was, ironically enough, “green” — a Baker Electric. This electric vehicle was especially popular with women in the era, as it did not require any cranking and was virtually maintenance-free. 2. Franklin

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Car & Driver Magazine's Top-10 Cars For 2008

The magazine has just released its 2008 results,  and the list emphasizes an influx of sedans and sports cars in several price categories. As the magazine detailed, it judges cars as follows: “We judge each car in three general areas, the first being how well the vehicle performs its intended functions. We expect sports cars to be fast and exhilarating, whereas we presume a family sedan will be frugal and practical.” “Second, we show all preference for the more engaging cars in each category, be it athletic driving manners, a seductive look, or a powerful engine sure to induce a grin every time we climb behind the wheel. Finally, we are suckers for a good deal, so an inexpensive car

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Kia Rondo, 2008: The Weekly Driver Car Review

One of the tangible, unwritten tests of a new vehicle is its initial comfort. Does a car suit a driver without a lengthy technological learning curve? There’s something to be said for an efficient, straightforward, no-nonsense car that doesn’t require intense reading to operate. Welcome the 2008 Kia Rondo. It’s nothing new that a good share of drivers still scoff at car manufacturers from Korea. But all of misgivings should now be considered history. Kia offers affordable, safe vehicles with the car industry’s best warranty. I recently drove the Kia Rondo for a week while visiting Missouri, logging more than 1,000 miles. There’s nothing too severe about driving in Missouri. With the exception of a few days of steady rain,

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Saturn Aura, 2009 review

I was impressed when I read the car’s fuel economy estimates. I thought American cars had given up on competing with foreign counterparts of the same class long ago. Not so. The car felt big, it drove quietly and I imagined a family of four riding in comfort for the 500-plus-mile range the manufacturer claims the Aura gets in highway driving. I read reviews that complained about the car’s impressive handling, but I didn’t notice anything remarkable. Several times friends commented on the exterior appearance with one asking, “Is that a Mercedes?” The back seat was more than accommodating to my eight-month-old child’s car seat and two in-laws. The trunk handled my golf clubs and a mini-SUV-sized baby stroller with

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Honda Fit, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

So, let’s state upfront its price and gas mileage. The base model Fit costs $13,453 and mileage range from 27-33 mpg (with a manual transmission). So, it’s easy to see where the Fit fits a tight budge. Adding one more car to its extensive stable of vehicles, the Japanese manufacturer introduced the Fit in 2007, replacing the Civic as its entry-level vehicle. Although the Fit was new to the United States, it’s been sold in Japan since 2001 and progressed to the European market one year later. Another reason the Fit is considered by youthful car shoppers is it’s a four-door hatchback that seats five and offers versatility. Another feature sure to interest the younger generation is a dealer-installed adapter

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Acura TL, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Like previous models, the current edition is all good with the vehicle’s largest engine to date and a good selection of other new additions. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (8) The front wheel and AWD models have plenty of power, both testing in the 0-60 mph standard in 6.0 seconds. The only transmission is a smooth and responsive five-speed automatic with two keen features — manual shiftgate and steering wheel paddle shifters. It all adds up nicely, particularly since there’s an expanded 3.5-liter, 24-valve, 280 horsepower engine. Braking/Steering/Handling (7) Smooth and steady on all accounts. Confident turning, strong and steady stopping and maneuvering through all traffic situations as if it’s in charge, which it is. Cargo Room (5) Interior areas,

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Mazda CX-9, 2008: Belew's Car Buzz

The CX-9 The car gets an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Good or bad for an SUV type? You decide. I reckoned it would be a great commuter car, if I were hauling seven people every time I took it out. The estimated fuel costs: $2,470 per year based on 15,000 miles per year at $2.80 per gallon. But fuel costs would be more like $4,000 per year. Divide that by seven non-family members and maybe. But safe? Indeed, I felt safe and very comfortable behind the wheel of the CX-9. The SUV’s exterior was crystal white, the interior sand and the seats leather trimmed, with individual three-zone temperature controls and a rear

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Acura TSX, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

And if I were shopping for a vehicle in this category, the Honda Accord would be a wiser selection. Redesigns always come highly touted by manufacturers, but the results can be less than impressive. That’s the case here, where Acura made few significant changes to the interior or exterior. No other alterations are memorable, either. That makes the TSX a tough sell compared to the formidable Audi A4, Volvo S40, Mercedes-Benz C300, Audi A4, BMW 328i and Lexus IS 250. This year’s TSX is slightly larger than its predecessor. It remains a peppy vehicle that won’t disappoint in performance, despite a horsepower reduction from 205 to 201 — a change rarely seen in “more power is better” conventional thinking. All

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2008 Hyundai Veracruz: Weidel on Wheels

The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz falls short, but the South Korean manufacturer has set lofty goals and made significant progress in its attempt to compete with Toyota, Honda and even premium Lexus. That’s ambitious goal for a company that once produced cheap, unreliable economy cars that were the industry jokes. But those days are past; Hyundai now earns respect for nearly every vehicle it produces. Certainly it’s true with the Veracruz, a seven-passenger crossover SUV that receives high marks in practically every auto publication. There’s much to like about this well-equipped family vehicle. It combines solid looks, good performance, versatility, safety and a reasonably priced base model. Still, let’s not get carried away. Hyundai’s goal when the Veracruz debuted in 2007

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Mazda 3S (Grand Touring), 2009: Belew’s Car Buzz

It’s handsome, nimble, has a good road feel and is peppy. My wife had a 2002 Honda Civic and now a Honda CR-V. My son has a 2005 Honda Civic. Next in our family, a Mazda 3 maybe? Only the price is holding me back. I read the current Mazda 3 is going to be replaced in 2010. But the adage, “If it ain’t broken, why fix it?” applies. The Grand Touring model has auto on/off xenon headlights, automatic rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, a six-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a trip computer. And I figured out how to operate all of features without reading a 400-page manual. The Grand Touring model also has a

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Hyundai Accent, 2008: Bill Belew’s Car Buzz

The Hyundai Accent is certainly affordable; the five-passenger SE compact hatchback I drove was priced at $15,370. The Accent is equipped with 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and 110 horsepower. Mileage estimates are 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with the five-speed manual I drove. All models include standard front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Antilock brakes are standard on SE coupes. The Accent’s design is simple with a feeling of roominess from the driver’s seat but not for our young daughter or for my golf clubs. Visibility is good and the short hood allowed for a panoramic view. Though certainly not quick, the 2008 Hyundai Accent performed aptly. I thought of it as my

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General Motors Unveils Electric Vehicle Volt, Will Debut As 2010 Model

“The Volt symbolizes GM’s commitment to the future,” said Rick Wagoner, GM’s chairman and CEO. General Motors did not announce pricing for the car, which will have the equivalent of about 150 horsepower and a top speed of 100 mph, accordin to GM. To charge the batteries, drivers will plug a cord into one of the ports just ahead of each of the side mirrors. The cord can then be attached to an ordinary home electrical outlet. The car, according to a GM release, will cost “less than purchasing a cup of your favorite coffee” to recharge. It will use less electricity annually than a refrigerator. The Volt should cost less than 2 cents per mile to drive on electricity,

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Buick Lucerne CX, 2008: Belew's Car Buzz

“Though I hate to resort to such a hackneyed statement, the 2008 Buick Lucerne CXS isn’t my father’s Buick. I should know because I’m still driving my father’s hand-me-down Buick — a 1963 LeSabre. “In my father’s estimation, Buick represented affordable luxury and quality just one step below a Cadillac. The ’63 was just one of several he owned starting in the 60s. I was curious to see how a modern Buick compared both to the older ones and to the current high quality cars from Europe and Japan. I discovered the Lucerne embodied the best aspects of the Buick tradition in an up-to-date package. “Like Buicks of yore, the Lucerne is a big car with the usual pros and

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Infiniti M45, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

The 2008 M45 has impressive power, sharp exterior features, comfortable seating and a long list of standard features. It’s pricy at $51,850 for the all-wheel drive X model that gets unimpressive gas mileage (14-20 mpg). Yet, the M45 is still priced lower than an upscale SUV and trips to the pumps are less frequent. If you haven’t checked out the M45 in a couple of years, it’s worth a look. Infiniti unveiled the M series in 2003 with the M35 (3.5-liter, V6) and the M45 (4.5-liter, V8). There was nothing wrong with the performance of either one, but both sedans lacked interior space and had conservative styling. That changed three years ago when Infiniti made some much needed alterations and

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Aston Martin Overtakes Bugatti As World's Most Expensive Car

The handmade coupe will cost $2.3 million. Aston Martin will make only 77 of the vehicles, about one-quarter of the volume of Veyrons manufactured and slightly less than the 80 Veyron roadsters built. According to Aston Martin, buyers of the One-77 are purchasing “an experience.” Autocar.com reported buyers would be invited to the factory in Gaydon, where they’ll meet with designers and engineers to develop the car to their exact specifications. Aston Martin hasn’t said much about the new vehicle, a project that began about 1 1/2 years ago. The hand-hammered aluminum bodywork retains the general profile of  it predecessor, the DB9. It covers a carbon fiber chassis and a 7.0-liter V12 engine with 650 horsepower and a top speed

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