REVIEWS
2013 Ford C-MAX takes aim at Toyota Prius
Ford’s 2013 C-MAX Hybrid boasts more room, more horsepower, better fuel economy and more than a dozen class-exclusive features than its Japanese rival — the new Toyota Prius v. Ford calls the C-MAX a five-door multi-activity vehicle; it starts at $25,995 ($1,300 less than Toyota). …
Chevy ‘Sparks’ minicar category
Chevrolet has high hopes that the new 2013 Spark minicar will reignite the less-than- $16,000 segment that was so hot 14 months ago. The Korean-built 2013 Spark is Chevrolet’s first minicar for the United States and it is tiny, measuring just 144.7 inches long. It does …
2013 Audi allroad takes on all seasons
Audi introduced us to its luxury wagon, the “allroad,” more than 10 years ago, but the allroad quietly faded away within five years as buyers took advantage of the growing number of crossover SUV choices. That first allroad was a variant of the A6 wagon …
2013 Mustang GT leads the pony car herd
With much fanfare, the Ford Mustang changed its looks in 2010 and delivered an appreciated performance upgrade in 2011. Ford has said 2015 will bring a complete overhaul, so take a bite of the new 2013 Mustang GT and savor a style that will be …
2013 Hyundai Sonata holds its own among tough competition
The current Hyundai Sonata is in its sixth generation and with each generation the Sonata has grown larger and more refined. If you use your imagination (and follow Environmental Protection Agency guidelines), the Sonata qualifies as a large car. In previous-generation Sonatas, Hyundai stylists created …
2012 Buick Verano delivers entry-level luxury
The 2012 Buick Verano is an entry-level luxury sedan that takes some styling cues from big brother LaCrosse and sibling Regal — which is a great start. Verano’s sloping hood and graceful roofline design makes it look like a much larger sedan as it flows …
2012 Subaru is most efficient AWD car in US
The Impreza got an all-new treatment for 2012 while retaining Subaru’s core technologies of symmetrical all-wheel drive and a boxer engine. There’s a choice between two distinctive body configurations: a four-door sedan or a sporty five-door hatch, which is my personal favorite. The new Impreza …
2013 Acura ILX maintains upmarket profile
With the new ILX, Acura keeps ratcheting down the price of admission. An entry-level premium offering is not unheard of from Honda’s upmarket brand. Indeed, when Acura launched in the 1980s, it made part of its reputation from the Integra; more recently the TSX has …
Kia puts spotlight on 2013 Optima
Last year Kia Motors America recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to increases in perceived quality and, according to KIA, the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking. One reason that buyers cite KIA loyalty is value and warranty coverage. I …
Audi A4/S4 live up to their legends
Often referred to as the “entry-level Audi,” the new A4 brings a lot to the table in the way of performance, luxury, comfort and just plain driving fun. Audiphiles will instantly notice the exterior changes that include a powerful new grille with angled upper corners, …
Evoque delivers new excitement to Land Rover
The 2012 Land Rover Evoque, the newest Range Rover model, delivers one of the segment’s most unique exteriors while providing the off-road prowess ensured with the purchase of any Land Rover model. Available in a coupe or a five-door version, the Evoque is offered in …
