Automotive Reviews

,

Scion FR-S, 2013: Performance-oriented, mean sports car machine

The 2013 Scion FR-S, with its affordable $24,000 base price packed with value, is a true rear-wheel drive sports machine, not some vague imitation with front-wheel drive pretending to be a sports coupe. I test drove the Subaru BRZ and walked away thoroughly impressed. If the FR-S is anything close to performing like its Japanese cousin, we can look forward to seeing a lot them being picked up by the enthusiast crowd. Just the Numbers The FR-S is powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine that can crank out 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,400-6,600 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic, with paddle shifters and Dynamic

Read more

Honda Fit, 2012: More competition but still tops among sub-compacts

The Honda Fit debuted in the United States in 2006 as a 2007 model and quickly found its front-of-the-pack position among the country's top sub-compacts. Nearly 30,000 units sold in the Fit's first year and by the end of 2008, sales had increased to nearly 80,000. A new edition arrived a couple of years ago and featured an improved four-way backseat configuration and an increase to 10 cupholders. More importantly, vision-improving triangular front side windows, increases in length and width and a nifty van-like windshield position were also introduced. Not much has changed for the Fit for 2012, except the addition of steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an upgraded Bluetooth system with streaming audio capabilities and additional sound insulation. The Weekly

Read more
,

Nissan Quest, 2012: Luxurious minivan an ideal family mover

Purchasing a minivan may not inspire a lot of enthusiasm — until you're a parent. But then the beauty of the minivan concept — the heft, girth, length and uninspired steering, acceleration and cornering — no longer add up to a yawn. Minivans' interior space is handy for families. Factor in the convenience of the power doors and lift gate when your hands are full of groceries and your children are full of energy and things change. It's why I was excited to test drive the 2012 Nissan Quest. Driving Impressions Zero to 60 mph? The Quest’s 3.5 liter V6 pumps out 240 lb.-ft. of torque and 260 horespower making it among the most powerful minivans. There were no issues

Read more
, ,

Infiniti FX35 Limited Edition, 2012: Stylish, high-performance SUV gets jolt

When the Infiniti FX was introduced in 2003, the luxury performance SUV was a novel, if strange, idea. Now, nearly every brand has some version of a sporty crossover, which means many drivers are looking for sports car performance with SUV functionality. Although not the sales leader it once was, the Infiniti FX continues to offer unique styling and competitive performance. For its mid-cycle update, Infiniti has given the 2012 FX a mild makeover. Most noticeable is a revised front fascia that gives the FX a decidedly more aggressive appearance. To generate additional interest, Infiniti is also offering a Limited Edition of the FX35. With only 500 available in the U.S., the model features Iridium Blue paint and 21-inch graphite

Read more
, , ,

2013 Nissan GTR vs. 2012 Audi R8 vs. 2012 Jaguar XKR-S

By David Colman It isn’t often one has the opportunity to sample three of the fastest sports cars in the world back-to-back on Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. But such an opportunity occurred during the recent Western Automotive Journalists’ 20th annual Media Day at Laguna Seca Raceway. The urge to compare the Nissan’s GT-R to Audi’s R8 and Jaguar’s XKR-S proved irresistible. 2013 NISSAN GT-R Even though this supercar has been on the market for a while and is in its second detail revision, I never had a chance to drive it. “That’s why we brought them out” said Nissan PR chief Tim Gallagher, “Because we know many of you haven’t been in one yet.” Gallagher requisitioned two GT-R Black Edition

Read more
, ,

Dodge Dart, 2013: Pricing announced for return of iconic sedan

The 2013 Dodge Dart, which will be available in five trims when it debuts in the summer of 2012, will be priced from $15,995 to $22,495, according to Chrysler. The entry level price for the Dodge is lower than some of its main competition in the compact market, which accounts for about 15 percent of new car sales. “The all-new Dodge Dart is a groundbreaking car, offering features and benefits never before found in a compact car,” said Reid Bigland, Dodge President and CEO. With class-leading style, customization, safety, technology, and interior levels of roominess, the all-new Dart perfectly blends Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge passion and style into one all-new car that customers will be proud to own and

Read more
, ,

Toyota Yaris, 2012: Better looks, but still basic, no-frills machine

The redesigned 2012 Toyota Yaris looks better, inside and out, and is more refined. But it still is just basic, no-frills transportation. The subcompact Yaris was introduced for 2007, when gas prices were rising. That helped give it a good start. But that was five model years ago, an eternity in the increasingly competitive small economy car market. This second-generation Yaris is longer and lower, with a stretched wheelbase. But it continues with a small 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine weak on highways, where it must work hard for even mediocre 65-75 mph passing maneuvers. The four-speed automatic transmission, although responsive, is several speeds short of being modern. The car should have a six-speed automatic. As for the standard five-speed manual transmission,

Read more
,

Mitsubishi Lancer, 2012: Unheralded entry level sedan offers good value

Mitsubishi is at a disadvantage against better-known competitors such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic because it lacks their volume and promotional firepower. Because of that you might find Mitsubishi dealers more willing to deal than those selling rival cars. The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has lots to offer. For one thing, it’s sleeker than some popular rivals. Most Lancers have front-wheel drive, but a race-proven all-wheel-drive system, called “All-Wheel Control,” is offered for some models. The wide variety of models have list prices ranging from $15.695 to $37,695, although most have prices that don’t top $21,000. Prices and models go from the base $15,695 DE front-drive sedan with a 2-liter, 148-horsepower four-cylinder that’s noisy when pushed to the ferocious

Read more
, ,

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, 2012: Compact SUV keenly appointed, needs power

Now in its third generation and more than 20 years old, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the compact version of the larger and older Outlander. Specifically, it’s 14 inches shorter, 2 inches lower about 700 pounds lighter than its sibling. The current generation debuted in 2010 and for 2012 there are only minor changes — the available of a rearview camera for the base SE trim, additional sound insulation for models with a continuously variable transmission and a recalibration of the transmission to improve response and acceleration. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Available in two trims, I test drove the SE all-wheel drive model, but the Outlander Sport is also available in two-wheel drive. Both models have automatic transmissions. Standard

Read more
,

Subaru BRZ, 2013: Toyota, Subaru team to offer gifted sports coupe

The 2013 Subaru BRZ is the real deal. After two days of driving the 200 horsepower rear-wheel drive sport coupe on the street and at the race track, there is no doubt Subaru's new sport coupe is gifted with exceptional balance and poise. The BRZ is a rear-wheel drive sports coupe that came about as a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. The manufactuers' design focus was to engineer a sports coupe with a low center of gravity, light weight and precision handling. The results are two affordable sports coupes that attain their design goals and exceed expectations. The BRZ (like the Scion FR-S) is propelled by a 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter direct-injected horizontally opposed ('flat') four-cylinder engine, with rear-wheel drive and a

Read more
, ,

Hyundai confirms first hydrogen car Tucsan ix will debut in late 2012

Hyundai has confirmed its previously announced plans to introduce later this year its hydrogen car, the Tucsan ix, as a 2013 model and at a cost of nearly $90,000. The initial release will be 1,000 cars, with Hyundai predicting it will sell 10,000 units of the new vehicle per year by 2015. Most of the debuting hydrogen Hyundai models will be released in Europe. Most major manufacturers are planning fuel cell vehicle rollouts in limited production numbers in 2015, including Toyota, Honda, and possibly General Motors. Although the new vehicle is largely set for distribution in Europe, new Tuscan ix models that make it to the U.S., will likely be distributed in the Los Angeles where other manufacturers' fuel cell

Read more
, ,

Bubba Watson, Carl Edwards talk golfer's 1969 Dodge Charger (Video)

Unlike other pro golfers who drive and sometimes arrive at PGA Tour events in Mercedes-Benz sedans to motorhomes and vintage Porsche coupes to Cadillac Escalades, Bubba Watson prefers Chrysler — a 1969 Dodge Charger, General Lee edition. Only slightly more than 300 of the 1969 Dodge Chargers were modified and used in the television program, The Dukes of Hazzard. In the program, cousins Bo and Luke Duke drove the cars in chases and stunts, especially high jumps, in almost every episode. The doors were welded shut, leaving the cousins to climb in and out through the windows. Watson purchased his Dodge Charger at the Barrett-Jackson auction in January for $110,000 and calls the General Lee his "dream car." It's called

Read more
,

Volkswagen up! one-ups 33 rivals for World Car of the Year honors in New York

The Volkswagen up!, the car with arguably the most unique name in automotive history and a vehicle not expected to be available in the United States, has won World Car of the Year honors as selected by international auto journalists at the New York International Auto Show. The minicar defeated 33 other nominees in the competition judged on merit, value, safety, environmental impact, significance and emotional appeal. "This award shows once again that in the up! our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that has been thought through in minute detail, said Volkswagen Chairman Dr. Martin Winterkorn. The Volkswagen, up!, also called the SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo in various markets, is a 3-door and 5-door hatchback "city car."

Read more

Hyundai Veloster, 2012: Sexy, fuel efficient newcomer shines

To some, a high point of the new Hyundai Veloster hatchback is its clever, practical three-door arrangement, with a second right-side door. But that’s not looking hard enough at this 2012 hatchback. Indeed,the Veloster is a sporty, fuel-efficient model with a sculpted, sexy interior. The car shows Hyundai isn’t afraid to take chances, and we need more of that adventuresomeness today. With its Tiburon and Accent coupe models gone, Hyundai needed a new car to fill a hole in the Hyundai lineup. However, the front-wheel-drive Veloster could use more power to back up its sporty look and nimble handling. Its sophisticated 1.6-liter, 138-horsepower four-cylinder provided lively performance in my test six-speed manual-transmission Velostar’s lower gears, but fifth and sixth gears

Read more

Chevrolet Impala, 2014: Three trims, new interior for iconic sedan (video)

The redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Impala, which will debut at dealers in early 2013, will feature a more-refined interior, easy-to-use technology and an anticipated exhilarating driving experience. As the best-selling full-sized sedan in the United States in 2011 with sales of more than 171,000, the Impala joined siblings Chevrolet Malibu and Chevrolet Cruze among the country's 10 best-selling vehicle. Highlights of 2014 Chevy Impala: sculpted body sides, standard 18-inch wheels and projector-beam headlamps, with HID headlamps and LED daytime running lamps standard on LTZ models. Three direct-injected engines, including a 3.6L V-6, new 2.5L four-cylinder and a 2.4L four-cylinder with eAssist, will be available. Safety features with 10 standard air bags, OnStar, full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, forward collision

Read more
, ,

Mazda2, 2012: keen handling lightweight among top sub-compacts (video)

The sub-compact car segment is increasingly popular among buyers on tight budgets and interested in saving money on rising fuels cost. The 2012 Mazda2 joins the Chevy Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio as top offerings in the class. A year after Mazda introduced the third generation of the "2," the 2012 edition remains the same. It's a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder entry level sedan with a a five-speed manual transmission standard or a four-speed automatic optional. Videographer Bruce Aldrich (www.tahoetruckeeoutdoor.com) produced this video and The Weekly Driver (James Raia) provided commentary. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.

Read more
Previous Next