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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

Hyundai Accent, 2008: Bill Belew’s Car Buzz

Economy cars, Sports Cars

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

Saturn Aura, 2009 review

Sedans

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

Pontiac G8, 2009: Bill Belew's Car Buzz

Sedans

Pontiac is supposed to be GM’s “fun” division, but it’s largely been GM’s contribution to rental-car fleets. The 2009 Pontiac G8 is the core of Pontiac’s effort to reassert Pontiac’s high-performance image. The Pontiac G8 is the mechanical twin of the Commodore in Australia, which has received high praise for providing affordable full-size functionality in a swift and agile package. The car looks muscular and purposeful from most angles. The new 2009 GXP model raises the performance bar with a 402-horsepower version of the Corvette’s 6.2-liter V8. The G8 is sharp inside, not plastic-looking like previous Pontiacs. But there are

Chrysler Sebring, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

Convertibles, Sports Cars

Yet some convertibles are more workmanlike, like the Chrysler Sebring. It’s a convertible with practical appeal. The Sebring is priced and performs moderately and looks sharp. And it’s endearing because it satisfies the wont to own a convertible. The Sebring experience for many comes while on a summer vacation or a visit to a warm climate. And who hasn’t been tempted to rent a convertible? If Hertz, Budget and the other agencies hadn’t stocked their lots with Sebring convertibles, sales would have been drastically lower. While the rental-friendly convertible has been a segment sales leader for Chrysler, the Sebring sedan

Suzuki SX4, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Economy cars

It’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? Yes, as Honda (Fit), Nissan (Versa), Smart (ForTwo) and Scion (XD) have all proven, there’s s much to offer in the sub-compact segment. And Suzuki should be included in fraternity of the surprisingly strong entry level sub-compacts with the 2009 SX4. It’s not the most economical choice in the category, but Suzuki has found a unique way to market the

Jaguar XF, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

Luxury cars, Sedans

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.Although not an astonishingly eye-appealing midsize luxury sedan like many Jaguars, the XF still turns heads with its stylish appeal. But it’s the superior technology features that makes this Jaguar appealing. Let’s begin with the start button. Keep the keys in

Honda Insight 2010 set for earlier distribution, lower price than Toyota Prius

Electric and Hybrid, News Service

The 2010 Honda Insight will be available sooner than previously announced, according to the New York Times. The gas-electric hybrid will be available beginning March 24 at a starting price for the base LM model of $19,800. According to the newspaper, the total price (with destination charge) will be $20,470 or about $2,250 less than Toyota Prius, the best-selling hybrid in the United States. A new Prius is also scheduled to soon debut, but its price has not been announced. In the Times article, Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda, said: “Insight is the most affordable new hybrid

Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2009: Belew's Car Buzz

Sport Utility Vehicles

The V6 builds speed gradual, has decent reserve power for passing and offers a firm ride. Gauges are large and clear. Audio and climate controls are mounted high and were within easy reach with large knobs and clearly marked buttons. The car was equipped with keyless access and starting, but can also be started with a key, which I preferred. The cabin is sharp with a blend of hard plastic surfaces and padded panels. The car felt and looked classy for a compact SUV. The leather upholstery gave it a particularly rich-feeling. Headroom was sufficient, even for a more than

Jaguar XF, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Review (Video)

Luxury cars, Sedans

Facts & Figures: 2010 Jaguar XF Specification Details Engine 8-cylinder, 4.2L Transmission Automatic (S6) Drivetrain Rear-Wheel Drive Fuel Economy 16 city / 25 hwy / 19 combined mpg Fuel Type Premium Gasoline 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. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An

BMW 335d, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Sedans, Specialty cars, Sports Cars

The Weekly Driver’s Ratings First Impressions: What’s up with the jumbo-sized decal? Good thing it’s just for promotion and not for consumers. Acceleration (7) What’s four-tenths of a second? That’s the difference between the traditional gas and slightly slower diesel editions. And 6.0 seconds for the diesel model is hardly pedestrian. Maybe drivers with uber-keen hearing can hear the diesel engine “ping”during acceleration, but I couldn’t. The 335d doesn’t seem like it moves quickly, but it does. Braking/Steering/Handling (7) They’re all fortes of the manufacturer. Tight (adjustable) steering requires an adjustment after adventures not-too-dissimilar from upper-body stretching workouts. Cornering is

Infiniti G37, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Automotive Reviews, Sports Cars

Last year, Infiniti changed its coupe’s name to G37, a reflection of the car’s newly powered 3.7-liter engine. Now the brand’s sedan and convertible share the same title, and all three have a lot to offer. But it’s the coupe, on several top-10 lists in 2008, that stands out again in 2009. First Impression: How classy! Great exterior color (Amethyst Graphite) interior color (Graphite), beautiful body design, great dark wood interior trim. It looked proud and elegant in the driveway and everywhere else for that matter. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (7) There’s a hint of lag, but then watch

Lexus GS 350, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Review (Video)

Luxury cars, Sedans

Facts & Figures: 2010 Lexus GS 350 Specification Details Engine 6-cylinder, 3.5L Transmission Automatic (S6) Drivetrain Rear-Wheel Drive Fuel Economy 19 city / 26 hwy / 22 combined mpg Fuel Type Premium Gasoline 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. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.

Toyota Camry, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Review (video)

Sedans

Here is Mica’s synopsis and video: “The Toyota Camry is typically a pretty sedate family sedan. But what happens when you add a silky smooth V6, sports tuned suspension and big Toyota Racing Development wheels? Perhaps the best word to describe the car’s performance and handling is athletic. You can actually feel what the wheels are doing and (get this) the steering is lively and precise in a way that’s more accomplished weekend worrier than couch potato. 2010 Toyota Camry SE V6 Price as Tested: $33,485.00; Engine, Transmission: 3.5 L V6 with 6 speed sequential shift; Horsepower: 268; PocketDyno Test

Honda Odyssey, 2011: Roman Mica's Rambling Review (video)

Vans/Mini-Vans

Power for the new Odyssey will come from Honda’s 3.5 liter V6 and expect 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. Take a look at the video below to see if you agree that Honda has built a (dare we say it) sleek and sexy minivan. To view more of Roman Mica’s new car reviews and videos, visit: www.tflcar.com. Facts & Figures: 2011 Honda Odyssey Specification Details Engine 6-cylinder, 3.5L Transmission Automatic 5-spd Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Fuel Economy 18 city / 27 hwy / 21 combined mpg Fuel Type Regular Gasoline James

Ford Fiesta, 2011: Roman Mica's rambling video review

Economy cars

“The Michigan-based carmaker is about to introduce the diminutive Ford Fiesta this summer to American car buyers. The American Fiesta, while made in Mexico, is almost identical to the European version now the best-selling car in Europe. “In the United States, we get basically the same car as the Europeans, as well as a sedan version of the 5-door hatch not a for sale in the ‘old world.’ Ford thinks young urban types will take to the car which gets 30/40 mpg with a dual clutch automatic Ford calls a PowerShift. Prices start at $15,795. Mica’s assessment of the 2011