Automotive News, Car Reviews, and Podcast
The redesigned 2009 Nissan Maxima has morphed well into its seventh generation. And it’s the edition that’s the most wonderfully confusing of the model’s long-time tagline, “four-door sports car.”
Read moreConsumer Reports has selected the 2009 Toyota Prius (Touring) as best overall value among 300 American and foreign cars reviewed. The Lexus LS 460, Mini Cooper, Infiniti G37, and Toyota Highlander are among the top cars of 2009 as rated by Consumer Reports.
Read moreDiesel-fueled automobiles have been fixtures in Europe for years, but the trend has never been embraced in the United States. The U.S. government has always been cautious with regard to diesel fuel and its reputation for high particle emissions.
Read moreBy Jeff Weidel Declining minivan sales doesn’t mean people movers are outdated. School carpools and youth sports teams still need transportation versatility and large families require seven-passenger vehicles. Understanding the concept, Chrysler came out with the Dodge Journey for 2009.
Read moreIt’s no surprise. The Toyota Prius is again the leader in fuel efficiency among 2010 cars, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.
Read moreFar too few new American cars average more than 30 mpg. But the 2009 Nissan Altima hybrid is in the small fraternity and that means it warrants extended consideration.
Read morePresident Barack Obama was escorted for about two miles at the inauguration earlier today in the new presidential limousine. It’s been a tradition for more than six decades for presidents to travel by limousine. But none of the vehicles has been as detailed as the new president’s Cadillac. It has eight-inch thick doors, gets eight mpg, has automatic weapons and extra blood in case the president needs a transfusion.
Read moreA guy in a back parking lot of a Chinese restaurant, speaking with a French accent, starred at the 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport and said: “I’ve never seen that car in the United States before. I’ve only seen it in Germany.” It wasn’t the first nor the last time someone asked about the new VW sedan. It’s the German manufacturer’s second attempt at a luxury sedan via a sleeker design of the Passat. This time, VW has been influenced by Mercedes and Audi and it’s offering a four-passenger luxury-style car that costs less than $30,000. It’s a much better approach
Read moreBy Jeff Weidel Plenty of review vehicles don’t create a stir. But the 2009 Jaguar XF, which replaced the S-type, is a vehicle to cherish. The British automaker has also dumped the Jaguar X-type and is phasing it out gradually. As such, Jaguar intends to make the sleek XF part of a manufacturer’s new direction — a blend of tradition, technology and styling.
Read moreIt’s easy to dismiss entry level sub-compacts. They’re unlikely any buyers’ dream cars. And, really, what can a consumer expect for about half of the $30,000 average price of new car in the United States? How about a Suzuki? Really?
Read moreIt’s only been tradition for about 65 years. But among the many intriguing components of the inauguration of President elect Barack Obama will be one of keen interest to automobile enthusiasts:
Read moreThe biggest automotive news of 2008 remains the ongoing crisis among the “Big Three” manufacturers — General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. But beyond all the serious stuff, there was a lot of fun and intrigue for automotive enthusiasts in 2008. This year marked the sixth full year of The Weekly Driver reviews.
Read morePrice is the over-riding factor for many car shoppers in tough economic times. Getting a “deal” is more important than ever, so one would assume a budget-minded company like Kia would be perfectly positioned.
Read moreConvertibles are mostly two-seat, sports cars and are often a luxury purchase. In recent tough economy times, sales have dropped dramatically and owning an extra vehicle purely for enjoyment isn’t prudent.
Read moreMany car shoppers have adopted the perspective “bigger is not better.” Even my college-age daughter, not always the most practical shopper, has decided her first car should be a hybrid or a very gas-efficient model.
Read moreSix years after it was introduced, the Acura TSX remains an unheralded sedan that teeters the fine line between premium compact car and premium sports/performance vehicle.
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