Automotive Reviews

2012 Kia Rio Review: New style, stellar gas mileage for handsome subcompact

The 2012 Kia Rio, now in its third generation, is a subcompact available as 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback and featuring either a 5 or 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic matched with a 138-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine. Available in three levels — the base LX trim, the midlevel EX, and top-line SX, Rios have electric power steering, air conditioning and satellite radio as standard equipment. Surprisingly, the Rio LX and Rio SX are priced lower in 2012 than the previous year's models. The 2011 Rio lineup was not nearly the same quality, largely because of a staid exterior and interior design. Standard safety features include four-wheel ABS brakes, Hill Start Assist Control, and Electronic Stability and Vehicle Stability Control systems. The

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2012 Hyundai Sonata Review: Value-priced, performance-oriented family sedan

The mid-size Hyundai Sonata is the automaker’s top-selling car with swoopy styling, a roomy interior and muscular performance from the turbocharged version. The front-drive Sonata sedan is sold with either a 198-horsepower (200 with dual exhausts) 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine or a 274-horsepower turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder in the 2.0T. A 206-horsepower gas-electric hybrid version also is offered. The 2011 Sonata set the large, generally conservative and cut-throat mid-size car segment on its head with new, head-turning styling, roominess, good fuel economy and upscale nature. Not to mention Hyundai’s 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Turbocharged Family Car Keeping everything up to date, power was transmitted through a new six-speed automatic transmission replacing a five-speed automatic. A six-speed manual was—and is—still offered, but only

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2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review: Overlooked, sporty SUV warrants attention

“Mitsubishi” and “often-overlooked” long have belonged in the same sentence. The automaker lacks the advertising firepower, dealer number and model-loaded product line of better-known nameplates in America. But Mitsubishi has come up with innovative models, and so what if its vehicles aren’t on everyone’s shopping list? Some folks don’t want to drive the same vehicles they see al the time, which include Outlander Sport rivals Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Don’t confuse the aggressively styled Outlander Sport with the larger Mitsubishi Outlander. For instance, compared to the Outlander, it’s more than a foot shorter and doesn’t have a third-row seat. However, they share the same 105.1-inch wheelbase. At approximately 3,000 pounds, the Outlander Sport is one of the lightest vehicles

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2012 Acura TSX Review: Luxury sport wagon provides strong BMW competition

The Acura TSX Sport Wagon joined Honda's luxury segment last year as a limited offering with only 4,000 units available in North America. The idea was to offer a less expensive alternative to BMW and Audi. The 2012 edition is more readily available and the changes aren't significant, with the exception of additional cargo-area storage space via a new compact tire repair kit. The standard Sport Wagon is equipped with the 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the 3.5-liter V6 is only available in the TSX sedan. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Acura is known for its expansive laundry list of standard features and the TSX wagon is no exception: 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon

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2012 Honda Ridgeline Review: Innovative pickup now available in sport model

Introduced in spring 2005 as a 2006 model, the Honda Ridgeline was the automaker's debut in the North American pickup truck market. Seven years later, the Ridgeline retains most of its original, space-age appearance. The original Ridgeline, with its innovative look and practical, efficient use of interior space and bed design, was noticed quickly, and it was named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 2006. The Honda Ridgeline still gets stares via its unique design, but it's now a standard fixture in the pickup fraternity. The 2012 offering comes in four trims: RT, Sport, RTS and RTL and all feature a newly designed grille design and improved fuel economy. The Weekly Driver Test Drive The Sport trim, my Weekly

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2013 Audi allroad Review: Smooth, versatile crossover returns to United States

The German Audi allroad returns to the United States for the first time since 2005 as a roomy car-like crossover vehicle. Or call it an oversized station wagon, if you like. Despite its German engineering, I found during a media preview of the allroad near Denver that this vehicle has a very American feel. For instance, while precise, the electromechanical steering almost feels a little too light. Some may like that feel, but those looking for a firmer “German feel” may look elsewhere—although the nicely built allroad is plenty solid, in the best German tradition. The allroad may look much like an off-road vehicle, but isn’t. Still, it easily tackles rough roads with its supple, all-independent suspension and Audi’s superior

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2013 Hyundai Veloster Review: Turbocharged, faster, fun

The Hyundai Veloster was new for 2012 and immediately drew attention with its unique three-door design. The new 2013 turbocharged version makes the car much faster and lots more fun. Rivals for the turbocharged front-wheel-drive Veloster include the Volkswagen GTI, Civic Si, Mini Cooper/Clubman S, Beetle Turbo and Fiat 500 Abarth. Hyundai notes the Veloster, with such things as its three doors, is “purposefully differentiated from other core vehicles in Hyundai’s lineup, with unique style and function and advanced technologies.” Hyundai experiment means success Hyundai hasn’t become a major sales success without taking chances. The turbocharger is the big news for the latest version of the Veloster. This turbo has a twin-scroll design for quicker response and more low-end torque.

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Tesla delivers new Model S with high hopes for luxury electric sedan

The Tesla Model S, which the controversial carmaker calls "the world's first premium electric sedan," has arrived to its initial customers with a starting price of just under $50,000 after federal tax incentives. The "affordable" sedan is about half the price of its older, svelte sibling, the two-door Roadster. With its vast array of options, the new Tesla's price can reach nearly $100,000. "It's certainly not mass market by General Motors or Toyota standards," Edmunds.com senior analyst Michelle Krebs told NPR Morning Edition co-host Renee Montagne. "Tesla says they're going to make 5,000 of these this year, and then increase the production next year. So it still really is a niche vehicle." According to Tesla, the performance version of the

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2012 Honda Civic Sedan Review: Economic, reliable, enhanced elegance

By Mary Ellen Ash Honda’s flagship Civic has been hugely popular since its debut in the early 1970s. For years, it’s been the benchmark for compact car manufacturers and its name is synonymous with long-term reliability, low running costs and high economy. For 2012, Honda introduces the redesigned ninth generation Civic which continues to refine the winning combination of reliability, economy and value. Interior/Exterior Styling Our test vehicle was 2012 Civic EX-L with a Taffeta White exterior. It's stunning and sharp at first glance. The newest Civic bodywork has sweeping, angular lines with increased aerodynamics giving the care an air  elegance and luxury. This theme is also visible with flowing interior paneling and dashboard layouts. The dash materials are textured,

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2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Review: Italian, sexy mini car has Ferrari relatives

The sexiest cars arguably long have come from Italy, and the new Abarth version of the 2012 Fiat 500 is such a car. The 500 Abarth follows the colorful tradition of the very small, low-volume race-winning “Double Bubble” Fiat Abarths of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Those cars are valued at $135,000—if you can find one that wasn’t thrashed in races. (They had nifty twin roof humps—or “bubbles”—to clear race driver helmets.) The early Abarths were standard Fiats cleverly modified by Karl Abarth, who made a fortune selling hot rod exhaust systems, mainly for sports cars. If you wanted the greatest sports car sound around and higher performance, it seemed mandatory that you get an Abarth catalog-available exhaust system.

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2013 Dodge Dart Review: Fiat, Chrysler collaborate for rekindled iconic sedan

By Bruce Aldrich The 2013 Dodge Dart is interesting because it uses parts and a platform from Fiat, but the design is pure Chrysler. Fiat acquired a five percent stake in 2009 and this allowed the Italian manufacturer to share its technology with Chrysler. Dodge was given approval to build a compact car on the Alfa-Romeo Giulietta platform. This platform was lengthened and widened for the Dart — to suit American buyers. The car and motors are assembled in Belvidere, Ill. The name Dart was selected late in the development phase. The product marketing people said the name was familiar, comfortable and positive for the older crowd. For younger people who never knew the original Dart, the name gave them

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2013 Honda Fit EV Review: Spacious compact gets leaner with industry-best 118 mpg

Seven years after its North American debut and rapid rise to the top of the subcompact class, the Honda Fit has a new title — most fuel efficient vehicle in the United States. Reclassified in 2011 to the compact classification, the 2013 Fit EV will soon be marketed with its recently announced EPA rating of 118 MPGe. It’s the highest number ever awarded by the EPA. The 2012 gas-powered Fit has mpg averages of 27 in the city and 33 on the highway. Key Takeaways 118 MPGe sets the EPA efficiency record: The Fit EV earned the highest MPGe rating ever awarded by the EPA at its launch, surpassing the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (112 MPGe), Ford Focus Electric (105), and Nissan

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2012 Nissan Juke Review: Looks funny, drives fast, best buy small SUV crossover (video)

Introduced to the North American market at the 2010 New York Auto Show, the Nissan Juke is another in the ever-evolving series of unique-looking crossover vehicles with equally ever-evolving names. With the 2012 edition, the Juke remains the same as its 2011 debut edition — a turbocharged 1.6-liter, 188-horsepower 4-cylinder with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Nissan calls the Juke "The Bold Urban Sport Cross." The Weekly Driver Test Drive Like some of its rivals, including the Kia Soul and Scion xB, the Nissan Juke gets immediate attention. One national reviewer said its distinctive exterior is reminiscent of a "horned lizard." Another critic said it was stil in its "larval stage." The Juke's fans call it sporty. During my test

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2012 Hyundai Azera Review: Redesigned sedan enchances carmaker’s stellar lineup

The old Hyundai Azera sedan was solid, although bland. But with swoopy new styling, more power and lots of features, the redone 2012 model that arrived this spring makes the car stand out. The new front-wheel-drive Azera comes in only one spacious trim level and slots between Hyundai’s Sonata and Genesis models. It looks more expensive, inside and out, than its $32,000 list price might suggest. Its nicely shaped and bumper-integrated tailpipes look as if they came from a top custom-car operation. The only option is a $4,000 package that contains such items as wider tires on 19-inch (vs. 18-inch) wheels, ventilated front seats and a huge panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade. The Azera’s long list of standard items

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Rare Ferrari sells for $35 million, assumes most expensive car record

A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO made for race driver Stirling Moss and one of 39 of the rare vehicles manufactured during its three-year run, has become the world’s most expensive car. It sold in a private transaction in May for $35 million. Bloomberg News reports the apple-green Ferrari is listed among May’s high-end sales on the classic car dealers website, anamera.com. The sale was confirmed, according to Bloomberg, by two sources. The car was sold by the Dutch-born businessman Eric Heerema, owner of the Nyetimber vineyard in Sussex, southern England. American collector Craig McCaw is the new owner. Neither seller nor buyer could be reached for comment. The green GTO was acquired by Heerema a decade ago for about $8.5

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2012 Suzuki Kizashi Review: Worthy midsize sedan has a name but no identity

Now in its third model year, the Suzuki Kizashi is the Japanese manufacturer's most expensive vehicle. The midsize sedan has only a few minor changes in 2012 from last year's offering, with the uniquely named car still hoping to find a larger niche in the near-luxury category. Kizashi (pronounced KEY-ZAH-SHEE) means “something great is coming.” Suzuki promoted the Kizashi with industry buzz in mind. And it attracted attention for a while when the car debuted in 2009 as a less expensive alternative to an Audi 4. But the Kizashi is still largely unheralded and under publicized. The Weekly Driver Test Drive The Kizashi may not be the great car Suzuki is seeking, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. In fact, it's

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