SUVs

Kia unleashes its rapping Soul(ful) hamsters, again

The rap music isn’t much. The hamsters are out of step. The lyrics are lame. But put it all together and the new commercial for the Kia Soul will likely make you laugh. Kia is also hoping it’ll make you consider buying a Soul. The repeated phrase in the music is: “You can get with this or you can get with that. This is the ride. This is the worldwide debut music video. This is the Kia Soul. A new way to roll.” 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

Read more

Honda Element, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

The small sport utility vehicle with its unique box-like style was an immediate hit. Its initial marketing gimmick was two-fold. With its “suicide” doors and second seat configuration, cycling enthusiasts could transport a bike or two width-wise in the cabin. Likewise, when bikes and other cargo were removed from the Element, the base model’s interior could easily be cleaned — with a garden hose. All of the indoor was plastic or rubber and thus easily washed. The base model is still “washable.” But most of the Element’s seven trims now have upgraded cloth seats and other standard features are not the best for garden-hose applications. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES Auto Shipping Quote, Car Financing, Car Insurance Quotes, Car Loans, Online Car Insurance,

Read more

Hyundai Tucson, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Review

But just like many of the most fashionable shoes in the world, you have to sacrifice comfort to look so good. Don’t get me wrong. My tester had all of the latest toy and technology you’d expect from a small, modern crossover including: All-wheel drive, Navigation (6.5 inch screen0, Enormous/Panoramic duel sunroofs, Satellite radio, Premium Audio (with external amp and Sub-woofer) . . . and the list goes on. In fact, my tester’s grand total of goodies came to a segment-topping sticker price of $29,590.00. That’s a lot of money and a lot goodies for a small CUV. But that wasn’t why I struggled with the Tucson. The biggest issue: I could not get comfortable in the car. I’m 6’2

Read more

Toyota halts worldwide sales of Lexus GX 460 SUV after Consumer Reports warning

Toyota spokeswoman Mieko Iwasaki said the company is expanding the suspension to the Middle East and Russia, the only other markets where it was sold. “We have no specific target in mind when to resume the sales,” said another Toyota spokesman Ririki Takeuchi. “We are now investigating the case by trying to replicate the situation that Consumer Reports pointed out.” Consumer Reports said it judged the 2010 model to be a safety risk because of a problem that cropped up during standard emergency-handling tests. “When pushed to its limits on our track’s handling course, the rear of the GX we bought slid out until the vehicle was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control,”

Read more

Lexus GX 460 stung with Consumer Report's 'don't buy' warning

Consumer Reports magazine has further tarnished the reputation of Toyota after giving its luxury brand Lexus GX 460 SUV a rare “Don’t Buy” warning. The publication’s editors report a problem that occurred during routine handling tests could lead to a rollover accident in real-world driving. Specifically, during unusual turns during testing, the rear of the vehicle slid until it was nearly sideways before the electronic stability control system engaged. The magazine reported in real-world driving, a similar scenario could cause a rollover accident. As a result, the magazine has given the seven-seat SUV a “Don’t Buy: Safety Risk” label until the problem is fixed. “In a real world situation, by that time, the car can hit the curb or the

Read more

Subaru Forester, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Additionally, the Forester, like all Subaru models, features an all-wheel drive drivetrain. It’s the standard in the industry that nicely complements another keen Forester features. The Forester’s low center of gravity allows the vehicle to meet the U.S. federal standards for passenger vehicles, and thus it does not require a risk of rollover warning label. The name Forester was used to convey the vehicle is “of the forest.” The name has always worked. The Forester’s characters are shared with siblings Legacy and Outback and the manufacturer’s versatility was a primary reason why it was chosen by the U.S. ski team years ago as one of the first “official vehicles” involved in sponsorship. The 2010 Forester has only slight updates following

Read more

BMW X6 M, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

BMW introduced the X6 M at the New York Auto Show in April 2009 with a lofty goal. The German manufacturer wanted to offer serious competition in the high-performance crossover segment. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S and Mercedes ML63 AMG are leaders in that fraternity, and who’s going dispute the warranted popularity of those vehicles? The BMW X6 M is hard to criticize, too — at least from a pure performance perspective. What’s not to like about a 555-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8 that powers down the highway with little effort? Just like its primary competition, the 2010 BMW X6 M edition presents itself as an open road beast. It’s heavy (2.5 tons), it’s strong and it’s in charge. The new BMW has

Read more

Honda recalls more than 400,000 Odyssey and Element models

Honda will recall Odyssey and Element in the 2007-2008 model years to fix the vehicle stability assist modulators. Some of the modulators were assembled so that could allow air to enter, Honda detailed in a media release. The trapped air could cause the brake pedal to fall closer to the floor before the car stops, and in affected vehicles the problem tends to increase over time. Not all of the cars involved in the recall may have this issue, but Honda is including all units that could be affected. Honda said it will start contacting affected customers at the end of April, and it encouraged all owners to see an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification that their

Read more

Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Reviews (videos)

The Tucson has received a lot praise with its all new design and estimated 31 mpg highway mileage (I got 23.5 mpg in mostly freeway mileage during my weekly test.) The Nissan Rogue is rated at 27 mpg on the highway and that’s closer to my average during my week with the car. The Nissan Rogue I tested had an exterior color of Venom Red; The Hyundai Tucson exterior I drove for a week had an exterior of color of Garnet Red. Put the SUVs side by side, and they’re the same color. Here’s what Car and Driver said about the Nissan Rogue, which it ranked 16th of 22 in the compact SUV market “On its first try, Nissan has

Read more

Hummer no more as GM, China truck company deal fizzles

General Motors Co has announced it will wind down its Hummer SUV line after failing to complete a deal to sell the brand to China’s Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. GM had hoped to sell the poor-selling brand to Tengzhong, an industrial equipment maker based in Sichuan province, the the deal in negotiations for monthly, dissolved. GM said it will continue to honor warranties and provide service support and spare parts to current Hummer owners. The first model, the Hum-Vee, was built in a variety of military-based equipment and versions. These included troop carriers, gun turrets and radar. The U.S. military, on receiving their quota, have adapted some of the vehicles. In 1990, two matching white Hum-Vees were driven

Read more
, ,

Toyota adds Tacoma, Sequoia, Venza to brake override repair list

Models added to the list: the 2005-2010 Tacoma pickup, 2008-2010 Sequoia and 2009-2010 Venza. Toyota says the override feature is not part of previously issued recalls for accelerator pedal repairs. Nonetheless, the models have been added to give Toyota customers an additional measure of confidence in their vehicles. The “smart throttle” will be installed on Venza and Tacoma models when the vehicles are brought in for the pedal recall. Sequoia owners will be notified separately. While investigation continues into possible causes for Toyota unintended acceleration issues, this override should help drivers control the vehicle during acceleration incidents, providing an intuitive throttle override. Toyota previously announced it would install the override feature in other models including the 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry,

Read more

Mazda CX-9, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review (Video)

Quickly successful when it first debut in 2007, the CX-9 raised the standard for three-row crossover SUVs. From its dynamic styling and safety to versatility and performance, Mazda‘s flagship crossover SUV continues to impress automotive critics and customers is its fourth year of production. For the 2010 model year, the CX-9 receives a significant exterior and interior facelift, added options and reinforced safety features. Many mid-sized crossover SUVs strive for the utilitarian look. The Mazda CX-9, however, is designed to evoke a strong pride of ownership. Without sacrificing versatility or efficiency, the CX-9 strives for the sophisticated appearance of a vehicle costing two to three times as much. Its smooth and flowing silhouette, prominent wheels and tires, muscular fenders and

Read more
,

Lexus RX, 450h, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

The RX 450h no longer attracts a “wow-factor” response because it initiated a new vehicle segment. Instead, it garners attention for the same reasons as its siblings — class. In short, it deserves the manufacturer’s luxury brand high praise reputation. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (5) An increase of 27 horsepower to 295 is one of the numerous changes this year. The vehicle is also 400 pounds heavier. The new statistics don’t make a lot of acceleration difference. The hybrid won’t win a drag race off the line. But when a powerful, steady burst is necessary, the 450h is quicker than some SUVs I’ve driven equipped with V8s. Braking/Steering/Handling (6) Steady, firm braking with a surprisingly small turning radius. When

Read more
,

Chevy Suburban celebrates 75th anniversary with 2010 limited edition

No other nameplate has been around longer without at least some time off. The idea for the Suburban was born out of a need for a heavier-duty, truck-based wagon. Through the early 1930s, most manufacturers offered car-based wagons for professional use. Open models with windows and rear seating were known as depot hacks, and were used to ferry passengers and their cargo around train stations and boat docks. Enclosed models, typically without rear seats, were known as sedan deliveries. Chevrolet began experimenting with an all-steel wagon body mounted on a commercial chassis in the mid-1930s, and the Suburban Carryall was launched in 1935. The original Suburban could seat eight, while easily removable seats provided a large, 75-inch-long by 77-inch-high (1,905

Read more

Honda Accord Crosstour, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Available only in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the Crosstour has generated as much industry buzz in its short tenure as any new car. Not all of the Crosstour comments have been good. In fact, there’s seemingly little neutral turf. The Crosstour has been simultaneously praised as innovative and criticized for its unique styling. The Weekly Driver Test Drive The round-trip trek from Sacramento to the East Bay area of San Francisco is 180 miles. Do it as often and I have during the past 35 years, it’s not nearly as boring as a “daily commute.” Few things stand out, trip after trip. But make the journey in a car that stands out an at least there something new

Read more

Super Bowl commercials: Squirrel 'goes nuts' for new 2010 Honda Crosstour

The scene is set to the tune of “Funky Stuff” by Kool & The Gang. “Squirrel” is part of an integrated, multiplatform advertising campaign developed by Honda‘s long-standing agency of record, RPA, to support the vehicle launch. For new car reviews, video and other automotive content, visit: dev.theweeklydriver.com. 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 author and contributor to

Read more
Previous Next