Automotive Reviews

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Chevrolet Sonic, 2012: Supple ride in automaker's best-ever economy car

The new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is the best subcompact car the manufacturer has produced. But, looking at Chevy history, that may not be saying a lot. Its tinny, troublesome 1970s Vega is still remembered by many as being one of the worst small cars from Detroit. However, it’s a different auto world now. The Sonic is derived from General Motor’s German Opel Corsa and provides larger-car refinement and driving kicks. The front-drive Sonic replaces the lackluster Aveo and is Chevrolet's newest small car, although it feels larger inside than it looks from the outside. The Sonic is among the new crop of small, upscale U.S. cars. American automakers have finally learned how to make money with small family cars. Formidable

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Infiniti G37 IPL, 2012: Fast, powerful luxury coupe attracts attention

The Infiniti G Series dates to 1991, with the Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) debuting in the fall of 2010 with the 2011 edition of the G37 Coupe. The 2012 edition remains much same. The IPL version of the high performance luxury car features a retuned, more powerful engine, more aggressive body work, new wheels and better handling. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Driving a luxury sports car, even one defined as a "entry level premium coupe," attracts immediate attention. Further attention seemed to follow me during my test week, I think, because of the G37 IPL's exterior color. The color is called Malbec Black. And while Infiniti can call its color what its wants, the color is not black. Rather,

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BMW recalls 235,000 Minis globally with engine fire potential

BMW is recalling more than 300,000 of its Mini-branded cars globally, including nearly 89,000 in the United States, because of faulty water pumpas and the potentiall the problem could leading to engine fires. Three months ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened up a defects investigation, citing a dozen reports of fires in the vehicles manufactured by BMW. Among the 12 reports, five of the fires reportedly destroyed the cars, but there were not injuries. The recall in the U.S. will comprise of seven models of the Mini series in model year from 2007-2011, including: 2007-11 Cooper S; 2008-11 Cooper S Clubman; 2009-11 Cooper S convertible; 2011 Cooper S Countryman; and the 2009-11 John Cooper Works, John Cooper

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Nissan Xterra, 2012: Rugged, comfortable, keep off-road

Named after the off-road triathlon race series that began in 1996 as the Aquaterra, the Nissan Xterra was introduced in 2000 as a compact sport utility. Nissan ended its sponsorship of the multi-sport event in 2006, but the vehicle bearing the same name remains. It's now in its fourth generation, the 2012 edition is largely unchanged from the previous year's model. The Xterra was Nissan's entry-level SUV until the arrival of the 2008 Nissan Rogue. In the model lineup, the Xterra is priced between the Rogue and the Murano. The Weekly Driver Test Drive For my week's test, I drove the PRO-4X edition, the most off-road geared of three Xtrerra trims. It feature all-terrain tires, skid plates, locking rear differential,

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Nissan Murano, 2012: Flagship SUV offers smooth drive as segment leader

By Mary Ellen Ash In the highly competitive crossover SUV segment, Nissan offers buyers its flagship, the five-passenger Murano. First presented almost a decade ago, the Murano has stood apart from its competitors for years and is still an industry leader. Its appeal goes deeper than ts distinctive styling — the drive quality is also a step above the rest. The combination of Nissan’s strong 260 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine, smooth shifting CVT, well-tuned suspension, and a plethora of features adds up to a crossover that rides like an oversized Maxima. New for this year, the 2012 Nissan Murano is available in five trim levels each with varied specifications to attract potential buyers. Build & Styling It’s always nice to

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NAIAS 2012: Honda Accord Coupe 2013, Scion FR-S 2013, Toyota Prius C 2013

Honda Accord Coupe Concept Honda unveiled the Accord Coupe Concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, providing the first official glimpse of the athletic styling direction, as well as revealing new technologies for the ninth-generation 2013 model. It's set to go on-sale this fall. The 2013 Accord will feature three new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system from Honda's suite of next-generation Earth Dreams powertrain technologies. In addition, the V-6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan to feature a six-speed automatic transmission. The Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe models are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy ratings and will be available many new safety

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Honda Civic HF, 2012: Better gas mileage but at what cost?

With the HF edition, Honda adds to its crowded 2012 lineup of Civics all featuring some lettering like LK, EX and EX-L. But there's also DK, Si and the HF, which stands for "High Fuel." It's hard to argue with success. The Honda Civic, introduced 40 years, is perennially among the top yearly sellers and among the best-selling cars in history. The Civic began as a two-door model and then a three-door hatchback. The 1972 Honda Civic included a basic AM radio, heater, foam-cushioned plastic trim, two-speed wipers, and painted steel rims with a chromed wheel nut cap. Now in its ninth generation and its first redesign since 2006, the 2012 Civic is available in numerous configurations with gasoline, hybrid

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Infiniti G25, 2012: Solid performance, excellent value

Does an entry-level luxury sedan need 300 horsepower? For almost 10 years, Infiniti has answered "yes" since the popular G sedan has only been available with a high output V6 engine. For 2012, the automaker has changed it mind and is offering the less powerful G25 sedan. As its name suggests, the G25 features a 2.5 L V6 engine that produces 218 horsepower and 187 lb.-ft. torque. This same engine is used in several Infiniti models overseas. And we thus wonder why it has taken Infiniti so long to bring it to the U.S., especially since it is a charming little engine? Although output is more than 100 horespower less than the 3.7 L V6 found in the G37, performance

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Honda Civic 2004 gets major kudos: best used car for $8,000 or less

The Honda Civic was at the top of the great-deal, efficient-wheels scene in 2004. Eight years later, the Civic and bigger sibling Accord are not what they once were. While both the Civic and Accord are still great sellers, there's now plenty of competition. The one still bright beacon for Honda continues to be is always-strong resale value and equally strong reputation. Which is why, of course, the 2004 Honda Civic is the best used car available in the United States for less than $8,000 — at least according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB). The well-known company gave the 2004 Honda Civic its highest ranking and estimated the car's purchase price at $7,970. And assessing the car's value and touting

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Kelley Blue Book: Ford, Toyota shine among best used cars under $8,000

With the average price of a new car in the United States now surpassing $30,000, used vehicles are increasingly popular. Kelley Blue Book is good at most things car-related, including price and analysis of new and used cars. And it has a new list of best buys among used cars that cost less than $8,000. The list is varied and includes vehicles with model years from 2002 to 2008 and with prices approximately 20 to 25 percent of the average cost of new car. Kelley Blue Book reports the cars on the list have “the most appealing mixes of reliability, versatility and desirability, with an emphasis on track record.” The Weekly Driver reviewed only two of the cars on the

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Ford recalls 450,000 SUVs, minivans for potential fire, crash woes

Ford is recalling nearly 500,000 minivans and sport utility vehicles manufactured in the past decade, including the Escape, Freestar and Mercury Monterey for mechanical concerns potentially resulting in crashes and engine fires. The Dearborn, Mich., automaker is recalling 205,896 Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans (2004-2005 models) because their torque converter output shaft may fail resulting in a loss of sudden loss of power. Ford is also recalling 244,530 Escape SUVs (2001-2002 models) because their brake master cylinder reservoir cap could leak brake fluid, prompting potential corrosion and a subsequent fire. Ford detailed said it will inform owners of the affected cars and that dealers will replace the parts for free. Ford said it will first begin notifying Escape owners the

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Toyota Prius V, 2012: Family wagon boasts best crossover hybrid mpg

Toyota introduces the 2012 Prius V to the growing family of Prius models. Additionally, a compact version and a plug-in model are scheduled for release later in 2012. Defying classification, the Prius V blends the space and utility of a family wagon, small crossover, and SUV into a vehicle easy on the environment and capable of getting better than 40 mpg. Our week with the Prius V and several hundred miles rewarded me with 41 mpg overall. Fuel economy numbers are very good and Toyota claims the Prius V has the best fuel economy rating than any SUV, crossover, or wagon on the market. What they do not mention is the agonizingly long wait for the Prius V to attain

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NAIAS 2012: Acura NSX, Acura ILX, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Hyundai Genesis Coupe

By Megan Green Acura ILX Concept As the Acura brand enters its second 25 years as Honda’s premium luxury-performance automobile brand, a concept version of the Acura ILX luxury compact sedan and a prototype of the 2013 RDX crossover sports utility vehicle were also unveiled. Acura has big plans for the 2013 ILX Concept, a luxury compact sedan, to attract a new generation of buyers to the brand. The aerodynamic, fluid lines and understated Acura design cues might just be inviting enough to achieve this goal. Acura introduces its first ever gas-electric hybrid in the 2013 ILX with a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain; two standard gasoline powertrain options will also be available – the base model will have a 2.0-liter

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Historic J.F. Kennedy Cadillac hearse set for Arizona auction

The 1964 Cadillac Hearse used to transport President John F. Kennedy’s body to Air Force One following his assassination in Dallas, Texas in 1963, will be auctioned Jan. at the 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 15-22 in Arizona. The sale of hearse follows the 2011 sale of an ambulance used to transport John. F. Kennedy’s body from Air Force One to the Bethesda Naval Hospital. The ambulance sold amid worldwide attention, despite unproven claims the ambulance was another naval ambulance. The hearse was built by the Miller-Meteor Company in time for display at the National Funeral Home Directors Association Convention in Dallas in October, 1963. At the close of the trade show, the hearse was purchased by the O’Neal

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NAIAS 2012: 2013 Cadillac ATS, 2013 BMW 3-Series, 2013 Ford Fusion

By Megan Green Cadillac ATS Cadillac kicked off the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan with the much-anticipated launch of the 2013 ATS. Revealed in the rooms that once were Harley Earl's legendary 1950's design studio, Cadillac's lightweight, rear-wheel drive compact sedan challenges the European stronghold on the luxury segment. Weighing in at less than 3,400 pounds, the ATS structure uses high-strength steels (HSS) and ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) for crash protection, with a broad use of aluminum in the powertrain and suspension systems, as well as an aluminum hood and magnesium engine mount brackets. The ATS claims an almost 50/50 weight balance with the weight of the engine and transmission complemented by a mostly steel rear

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Kia Sorento, 2012: More horsepower adds clout to unheralded SUV

Manufactured since 2002 and refreshed last year to begin its second decade, the Kia Sorento is a midsize crossover Sport Utility Vehicle continuing to find its niche market in the crowded SUV segment. It offers the unique combination of third row of seating, nimble handling and impressive fuel economy for its segment, and it's among the few SUVs with more than a 30 mpg freeway mileage average. Available in base, LX, EX and SX models, the 2012 Kia Sorento offers a first — an optional direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder that adds 16 more horsepower. It's a keen addition that boosts the horsepower to 191 and gives potential buyers an dded reason to consider the unheralded South Korean offering. The Weekly Driver

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