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Nissan Altima (Hybrid), 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

A midsize sedan with strong competition among hybrid and non-hybrid family vehicles, the Altima hybrid offers surprising versatility and holds its own in many areas against non-hybrid leaders Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. There is one problem. Hybrid buyers throughout most of the country are out of lucky since the Altima hybrid is available in only eight states. My weekly test drive (in California) included a 500-mile round-trip from Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula. As I’ve referenced many times in reviews, I make the same drive at least a half-dozen times per year and there’s no better testing conditions. High

President Barack Obama's new Cadillac limo: Options include shotguns and extra blood

News Service, Specialty cars

The accompany image “speaks volumes.” President Obama will be transported in the limousine by a Secret Service driver, another long-standing U.S. tradition. President Obama currently owns a Ford Escape hybrid, and the Ebay auction for his soon-to-be previous car, a 2005 Chrysler 300C, is scheduled to end today.

Volkswagen CC Sport, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Sedans, Sports Cars

A 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

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

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

Barack Obama's new car? It's a car, it's a truck, it's tank, it's a GM limo

Luxury cars, Specialty cars

How will the country’s new leader be escorted by the Secret Service when he leaves the proceedings for his two-mile trek down Pennsylvania Ave in the Inaugural parade? The answer, of course, is the new presidential limousine. In two recent articles on CCN.com and CNET.com, the new presidential limo has been unveiled as a Cadillac (Obama heavily touted hybrid cars during his campaign). But the limo built by General Motors will be unlike any presidential vehicle, although not many details of the vehicle have been released. Since the death of Franklin Roosevelt in 1945, the Secret Service has had the

Audi to Honda, BMW to Nissan: The Weekly Driver's Cars Of The Year, 2008

Luxury cars, Sedans, Specialty cars, Sports Cars

The 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. I reviewed 32 new cars in 2008 — Audi to Volkswagen, BMW to Suzuki. I drove about two dozen other vehicles at car shows and manufacturers’ functions. A few dozen additional reviews from contributing writers also appeared on dev.theweeklydriver.com during 2008. My friend Bruce Aldrich and I also

Kia Sportage, Sedona, 2008: Weidel On Wheels

Sport Utility Vehicles

The Korean automaker has always prided itself in offering affordable vehicles. And since being purchased by Hyundai and adding quality, Kia has enjoyed improved sales and reputation. The Sedona, one of Kia’s mainstays, is a well-equipped minivan with a price that can’t be matched by top competitors. The Sportage, a compact sport utility vehicle, is also a value leader, but has drawbacks. Both vehicles have Kia’s best-in-the-industry 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Here are the Sedona and Sportage at a glance: * Sedona — The second generation continues the Sedona’s reputation. It offers an impressive warranty while also staying on heels

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

Toyota Prius, Corolla, 2009: Weidel On Wheels

Economy cars, Electric and Hybrid

As a consumer and parent who usually who pays my daughter’s gas bill, her thinking is applauded and appreciated. Even with gas taking a much needed downward turn, prices are still high enough that gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles are no longer the rage. In fact, auto manufacturers are beginning stray from SUVs. With gas price still an over-riding theme and shoppers seeking value, here are two gas-conscious vehicles offered by Toyota in 2009. * Prius — A good friend owns a Prius and swears by its considerable merits. The gas mileage (he claims close to 50 mpg) is fabulous, even

Acura TSX, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Luxury cars, Sedans

I drove the 2004 model and thought highly of it as a near-luxury car with superior handling. I recently drove the 2009 model for a week and felt the same way. It’s a sedan designated by the odd term “four-door coupe.” Redesigned for 2009, the TSX is Acura’s entry-level offering, and it shares its the basic design with the European-market Honda Accord. The new version is 1 inch long in the wheelbase, 2.5 inches longer overall and 3 inches wider than its predecessor, the only previous TSX version. The new version is 150 pounds heavier than its sibling. Handling is

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

Nissan To Soon Offer No-Frills Versa For Less Than $10,000

Economy cars, News Service

The new Versa model is made in Mexico and will be available beginning Nov. 18, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. The sub-$10,000 price is $3,000 less than the current cheapest Versa available. The cheapest car now sold in the U.S. is the Hyundai Accent at just over $11,000. “A sticker price under $10,000 is certainly appealing to customers in an economy where people don’t have money anymore,” Robyn Eckard of Kelley Blue Book told the newspaper. The new Versa will have a 1.6-liter engine, rather than the 1.8 liter offered on the current Versa. It will

Cars of Presidents & Candidates: Roosevelt to Clinton, Obama to McCain

News Service, Sports Cars

The top-10 most interesting cars list coincides with what’s among the most historic presidential elections. Hagerty Insurance researched the personal vehicles of America’s past presidents and current candidates and selected one car for each individual most attention-grabbing for his time. The result is a fun and informative look at what drives American presidents or what American presidents (and candidates) drive. 1. William Taft (1909-1913): Baker Electric — Taft was the first president to own and drive cars during his presidency. One of the most interesting cars he owned was, ironically enough, “green” — a Baker Electric. This electric vehicle was

Car & Driver Magazine's Top-10 Cars For 2008

Luxury cars, News Service, Sedans, Sports Cars

The magazine has just released its 2008 results, and the list emphasizes an influx of sedans and sports cars in several price categories. As the magazine detailed, it judges cars as follows: “We judge each car in three general areas, the first being how well the vehicle performs its intended functions. We expect sports cars to be fast and exhilarating, whereas we presume a family sedan will be frugal and practical.” “Second, we show all preference for the more engaging cars in each category, be it athletic driving manners, a seductive look, or a powerful engine sure to induce a

Kia Rondo, 2008: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Economy cars, Pickup Trucks

One of the tangible, unwritten tests of a new vehicle is its initial comfort. Does a car suit a driver without a lengthy technological learning curve? There’s something to be said for an efficient, straightforward, no-nonsense car that doesn’t require intense reading to operate. Welcome the 2008 Kia Rondo. It’s nothing new that a good share of drivers still scoff at car manufacturers from Korea. But all of misgivings should now be considered history. Kia offers affordable, safe vehicles with the car industry’s best warranty. I recently drove the Kia Rondo for a week while visiting Missouri, logging more than