Whenever I evaluate a vehicle, I always pick an appropriate soundtrack. You see, I'm all about immersing myself into the experience of whatever a given car is supposed to represent. A bad-to-the-bone pickup truck? I'll put on some Johnny Cash (or if it's a Chevy truck, Bob Seger, of course). A stylish high-performance German coupe? I'll cue up some nu-jazz, perhaps from the likes of Christian Prommer's Drumlesson or Jazzanova. So, when I grabbed the keys to the Mustang Shelby GT500 with 540 supercharged horses, the only song that could possibly come to mind was the theme song from Team America whose title we can't print here...but look at the title of this story, replace the word "Hell" and use your imagination. Expletive-filled and crass, to be sure, but then again, so is the Shelby GT500.

Continue reading "2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: America, Hell Yeah!" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Sexy and Strong. And a Hyundai.
Hyundai has is developing its sense of style, seen in Genesis and followed up with the 2011 Sonata. This Sonata offers style inside and out, interior space and functionality, and entertaining driving dynamics. Easy on the pocketbook and easy on the eyes should be a killer combination.

Hyundai calls this design philosophy fluidic sculpture. Aside from sounding a bit like a physics experiment, the result is an expressive sedan in a sea of sameness. Though the grille could be called over-complicated, the sculpture in bodysides and hood is refreshing, one of the youngest of automakers. The chrome strip that runs below the window line, over the front quarter panels, and all the way down to heavily detailed headlights is a particularly attractive--and difficult to manufacture--element. This Sonata looks more expensive than it is. Even better, this exterior is matched with an equally good-looking, feature-laden interior.

The Sonata will offer four-cylinder power only, a brave choice. The 2.4L example we drove will be followed up by a turbo 2.0L and a hybrid by the end of the year. Details will be revealed at the 2010 New York auto show, but Hyundai has promised "substantially" more than 250HP from the turbo 2.0L.

Continue reading "First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Delivers" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I recently had the opportunity to drive the all-new Toyota Sienna on public road here in Southern California, and in my mind the segment has a new product leader. As minivan sales have fallen from a peak of 1.3 million units in 2000 to about 460,000 in 2009, many players fell out. Today, the traditional minivans include Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Group's Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

Designed in California, engineered in Michigan, and built in Indiana, Sienna is developed for U.S. buyers. The 2011 Sienna is about the same size and heft as the outgoing Sienna and looks generally similar. Though the new take carries more contemporary style when the 2010 and 2011 are seen together, the functional requirements of any minivan determine much of its presence, footprint, and shadow. Toyota describes the new look as "visually intriguing." They have hidden the sliding door tracks and used elements like sculpted rear corners to lessen a minivan's natural boxy look.

Continue reading "First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna" »

Posted by Jim Hossack at 4:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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I have been looking for a chance to drive the diminutive Mitsubishi i-Cars ever since I first saw the photos of them. When visiting Mitsubishi HQ in Cypress, California, there they are in the lobby on display. But it wasn't until the just finished Outlander and Friends press preview Mitsubishi held in Palm Springs that I was able to drive both of the i-Cars.

There were two i-Cars at the preview - the i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) - the all electric Japanese kei car that the press is reporting on continuously and its gasoline-powered base car. Lets talk about the gas-powered version first.

"kei" Car for the USA? First, the Mitsubishi i is a very, very small car. It is a Japanese "kei" car meaning it is designed to be a tiny commuter car for dense urban environments. It also means that the car is limited to a 660cc engine. The example we were able to drive was powered by a turbocharged 660cc engine, had an automatic transmission and all wheel drive.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi i-Gas and i-MiEV - Ready for Prime Time?" »

Posted by George Peterson at 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We recently spent a few days with a Lincoln MKS equipped with EcoBoost and its host of technology features. Not industry firsts, Lincoln's execution is impressive. From headlights that adjust high- or low-beam spread based on conditions to adaptive cruise control and parallel parking assist, these systems work smoothly and confidently. As systems like these tend to get better quickly after their first automotive application, Lincoln should still be commended for putting together a comprehensive and usable package.

If you're driving the MKS EcoBoost, you have a willing and comfortable partner in a stylish package (assuming you're a fan of the chrome-laden signature grille, of course); the 355HP powertrain moves the 4300-pound vehicle along briskly. Not only heavy, MKS is big, and feels it. Looking at its specs on paper tells you that, standing next to it tells you that, and driving it reminds you of it all the time. MKS is relatively nimble, but this is not one of those big-but-drives-small kind of cars, a trait perfectly appropriate for what is functionally a modern Town Car. The MKS driving dynamics seem pretty spot on. There's power, comfort, a compliant but not overly soft ride, and plenty of technology to make being in it as easy as possible. I can't say sporting. This is not a sports sedan, but offers grace and presence, with the muscle to back it up.

MKS is sized between an Audi A6 and A8, BMW 5-Series and 7-Series, and Mercedes E- and S-Classes, and slightly bigger than the Cadillac STS. Our EcoBoost could boast a nearly $57,000 price tag. While a healthy number, to be sure, in context of the amenities, style, and power offered, the price seems quite reasonable.

Continue reading "2010 Lincoln MKS: Technology Improves Driving" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 3:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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OK, OK. I know that title has been used for about every traditional SUV that has evolved into a Crossover SUV in its latest incarnation and that is just what the 2011 Kia Sorento has done. Sorento becomes thoroughly modern with the introduction of its 2011 model.

The first generation Sorento; Kia's first entry in the mid-size SUV arena, was a traditional SUV It had body-on-frame construction, was based on rear wheel drive architecture, had a traditional shape, carried five passengers and was powered by a V6 engine. Many people thought the Sorento was based on the Hyundai Santa Fe, but that was far from the truth.

The first year the Sorento was on the market it won AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award for best-in-class Mid-Size SUV. Clearly, its owners liked the product.

Now comes the all, new Sorento...

Continue reading "2011 Kia Sorento Crosses Over - Becomes Soft-Roader" »

Posted by George Peterson at 2:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We recently drove the new Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickups, at one event allowing drive time around San Antonio, Texas, and another at Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds and surrounding locale. The Dodge Boys put on a great show with some fine trucks, providing opportunities for truly heavy-duty towing and off-road driving in the latest Power Wagon.

Five trim levels are offered, ensuring there's something for every trucker. Our favorite? Power Wagon. Power Wagon's overall off-road capability wasn't shocking, coming as it does from a solid reputation, but the big truck maneuvered in tighter off-road trails than expected. Able to make even our novice off-road driver look like a champ, in more experienced hands the Power Wagon would be stopped by trail width sooner than any rock, mud, or rough terrain. Complementing the Power Wagon, Ram HD comes in base ST, volume SLT, mainstream off-road TRX, and coddling Laramie trim levels.

And just in case three cabs, two beds, and five trim levels don't make options complex enough, buyers can choose single or dual rear wheels and between several powertrain (two engines, two transmissions, and three primary axle ratio) combinations. All 2010 HD Rams are built at the Saltillo, Mexico assembly plant; production started to roll out as this was written.

Continue reading "2010 Dodge Ram HD: Brawn and Beauty" »

Posted by Jim Hossack at 1:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Suzuki Kizashi arrives in showrooms in December 2009. When the car was revealed this summer, we talked about how its size fits into the market (click here), but Suzuki recently invited us to spend an afternoon flogging the car around rural roads in North Carolina and at the Virginia International Raceway. We happily obliged.

Should Americans recent appreciation for cheap chic develop into a sustained shift, Suzuki is ready. Kizashi is a sporting, stylish sedan with premium features and finish at a mainstream price--a mainstream price, not a value price. For Suzuki, if keeping up with the Joneses now means how little did you spend to get fancy tricks of premium cars, Kizashi represents well. Comparing Kizashi against its development targets (Alfa Romeo 159, Acura TSX, and Volkswagen Passat CC), and you find a responsive drive, lots of features, and generic uplevel cues. Suzuki's target was good for the consumer: It resulted in a better car.

Kizashi is smaller than Mazda6, larger than compact Chevrolet Cobalt; smaller than Ford Fusion and larger than Volkswagen Jetta. Kizashi is ahead of the segment offering AWD; sure, Ford Fusion does, but only with more expensive V6 models. Speaking of V6, Kizashi launches without one. AutoPacific's research shows most buyers would put a six-cylinder in their next ideal vehicle--even if they often end up buying a four--and Suzuki has one we wouldn't be surprised to see later.

Continue reading "2010 Suzuki Kizashi: Sporting Personality and Value" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Recently, Ford invited us to drive their latest SVT hero, the F-150 SVT Raptor. Our drive involved the roads around San Diego and some desert driving near Borrego Springs, California. Back from that event, I have to say: What a truck! What a ride!

SVT spent three years developing the Raptor, based in Ford's new-for-2009 F-150. Their goal: Create a factory-built and -backed off-road high-performance truck more capable than any but the most highly modified competition vehicles. Based on the fact that they were just announced Truck of the Year by the Texas Auto Writers Association, true truckers appreciate SVT's efforts.

Getting the basics out of the way, the Raptor is powered by Ford's 320HP 5. 4L V8, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, and is available in four-wheel drive only. An electronic rear differential is standard, as is hill descent control. The Raptor is based on the Super Cab F-150, with the relatively short 5.5-foot box. The suspension is extensively modified with heavy-duty, high-performance components including a long travel suspension, patented FOX Racing shock absorbers, unique upper and lower control arms, tie rods, front and rear springs and jounce bumpers. 17-inch wheels are used with 35-inch BF Goodrich All Terrain tires. Even the exhaust is unique -- and it sounds great!

Continue reading "2010 Ford F-150 Raptor: Highly Capable, Reasonably Priced" »

Posted by Jim Hossack at 4:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Acura's showroom has been substantially revised for the 2010MY. Along with a new coupe-SUV flagship in the ZDX, several other models take midcycle improvements. We recently brought you up to speed on TSX and RDX, but the MDX also takes a laundry list of updates this year.

Several of the updates to MDX are thanks to advancements developed with the ZDX, but no less appreciated. Sheetmetal changes were not extensive, most every aspect of the SUV saw improvement.

Thanks to the ZDX, there is a new six-speed automatic transmission. A short suburban Michigan drive revealed a refined powertrain and comfortable transmission setup. MDX's engine still delivers 300HP from a 3.7L, Acura has heavily revised the powerplant. Among the beefed elements are a more rigid cylinder block, high-strength crankshaft, heavy-duty connecting rods, high compression ratio pistons, new intake valve springs, new EGR system, a larger throttle body, and revised cylinder heads.

Continue reading "2010 Acura MDX: New Look, New Features" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 2:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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370Z: Second Generation Continues Purist Roots
With the 370Z Roadster on sale this month, Nissan's 370Z full family has arrived. The latest coupe went on sale in January 2009, followed by an on-road track car in the NISMO 370Z in June 2009. This summer, we found time for all three.

370Z should be Nissan's personality distilled, affordable and practical, but edgey and at home in Everyman's garage. Good thing for them, Nissan successfully refined without sacrificing its edge or rough-and-ready nature. If you didn't like the 350Z, you're not going to like 370Z. If you did, there's only more to love.

The new car is easy to pick as a modern Z. Against the 2003-09MY car, proportions have been adjusted and it lost a few inches. The new car takes cues of today's Nissan family in its lights, and the convertible top looks more of a piece than the 350Z. There's more power under the hood, always nice, but less weight being carried around, even better. Weight was lost with the shrinking of the Z, but also with selective use of aluminum (including hood and doors).

Continue reading "2010 Nissan 370Z: The Family is Here" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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While you might not know it from some of the creepy ad shots initially floating around on the 'net, in the tin, the updated RDX is an improvement. The 2010 RDX takes its midpoint change with nips and tucks inside and out.

Looking like it stopped off at the tailor's on the way to our drive event, the exterior changes involve typical revisions to headlights, taillights, fascias, and grilles, and the unloved Acura beak is now firmly in place. Despite the family grille, this is a nice example of minor changes, a tuck and crease here and there, that refine the overall look. With that nose, we may not call the new RDX beautiful, but it does look more refined and expensive than the outgoing car.

Continue reading "2010 Acura RDX: Family Nose and Front Drive" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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This summer, a new Kia came to town. Following the hot and hip Kia Soul, the brand's bread-and-butter compact sedan was updated. Instead of carrying on the Spectra name, this all-new and much improved model took the Forte name, hopefully losing some baggage along the way.

Forte deserves its new name. The model now takes fresh exterior and grown-up interior; the ongoing maturation of the company can be seen in the transition from Spectra to Forte. Since entering the U.S. market in 1993 with bargain-basement, marginally competitive products, Kia has made great strides in closing the gap against established makers. We've said this before, and we'll probably say it again, at least until the Chinese brands start playing the in the States and Hyundai-Kia stop being the newest kids on the block.

Kia continues improving features, style, and content availability. The Forte offers crisp, modern style in a nicely sized package. Exterior cues include slim headlights and taillights, not unlike Acura TSX and nicely done. Not too big, not too small, and besting 30mpg highway, Forte competes against the likes of Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Honda Civic. The sedan's tailored look also makes for a nice complement next to the more fun-loving and cheery Soul. Both are inviting, happy, and willing to play, but Forte has a more adult attitude.

Continue reading "2010 Kia Forte: Kia's Growing Up" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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With the second generation, launched for 2009MY with a 201HP I4, much of that sweetness continued. With the 2010MY, the TSX is available with a 280HP 3.5L V6, mated to a five-speed automatic.

Though perhaps poorly timed, Acura gave in to criticism that their smallest sedan needed a V6. Acura expects that 20% of sales will be of this faster TSX, which seems a reasonable plan. But in the midst of today's decimated car market and with no near-term relief from a nearly 10% unemployment rate, Acura expanded the TSX line with a more expensive, less efficient model. Market conditions may see the car not get the recognition it deserves.

As we noted in our December 2009 I4 TSX review, TSX has a sweetness hidden beneath a nice (once you get past the beak) but subtle and easy to overlook exterior. That evaluation stands, as opting for the V6 won't make you stand out at the TSX owners club. Visual cues are limited to larger wheels (eighteens for the V6), revised front fascia, and a V6 badge on the decklid. Acura is betting TSX owners looking to step up are a naturally conservative, subtle lot.

Continue reading "2010 Acura TSX V6: First Drive" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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More, Better
We recently drove the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, with brief jaunts in both a front-drive I4 model and an AWD V6 model. This generation has grown leaps and bounds over the SUV it replaces, in refinement, features, but not size. The Equinox now slots in at the top of its class.

Equinox is more comfortable inside, better-looking outside, and better screwed together. The exterior develops a smart and expressive family look. Among the achievements is a quieter and more pleasing interior environment. We began to see the fruits of GM's interior work with products from the latest Tahoe to the Malibu to the orphaned Saturn Aura. But GM continues to prove an internal shift in understanding. Seems repetitive to mention the point again, but perception still lags reality. So, again: GM is building vehicles with excellent interior and exterior styling and quality. Equinox continues the evolution and reinforces corporate commitment.

Our short drive revealed improved driving dynamics, with a far more stable on-road feel. The V6 and I4-equipped models use the same basic suspension, but with specific tuning. The I4 is tuned with a ride along the more traditional truck direction, stiffer and more rugged, while the V6 models tip toward the softer, luxury-oriented end of the spectrum. Each personality is appropriate for price point and target buyers.

Continue reading "2010 Chevrolet Equinox: First Drive" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 4:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Humble Beginnings
The first-generation Tundra (like the T100) had been caught between mid-size and full-size pickup trucks. It was economical, reliable, and easier to park, but didn't sell as well as the Detroit threes offerings. The 1999-2006MY Tundra (not coincidentally) built as a 7/8ths truck, was always perceived to be more of a grocery getter than an outright, knock down, drag-out, work-ready truck. This perception was reflected in Tundra sales volumes.

Continue reading "2009 Toyota Tundra - Double Cab 5.7L 4X4 Limited - All Guts, No Glory" »

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 8:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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When I was a kid, I loved all manner of transforming robots. Transformers, Go-bots, Voltron...if it could change shape and function, I loved it. As an adult, I'm no different. I love multi-functional furniture, living spaces, and of course, automobiles.

Apparently, so do a lot of people. Part of the reason that SUVs became so popular was because they were multi-functional. They could carry people in comfort, but they could also be reconfigured to haul cargo. Or, they could be reconfigured to carry both. SUVs gave people the flexibility to adapt the vehicle to their needs, rather than the other way around.

Of course, there's no reason why lessons learned from the SUV can't be applied to other kinds of vehicles, and the Honda Fit you see here is one of the best examples of multi-functionality applied to a vehicle at any price. It may be tiny on the outside, but there's a staggering amount of out-of-the-box smart thinking on the inside that makes it more useful than many vehicles twice its size.

Continue reading "2009 Honda Fit: Maybe the Most Ingenious Car You Can Buy Today" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 8:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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While hybrids may be getting all of the attention when it comes to efficient motoring, the German automakers have long been preparing to show Americans a real alternative in the form of diesel engines. Because of much higher fuel prices in Europe, diesel has become the norm across the Atlantic due to their much greater fuel economy (up to 30% better than a comparable gasoline engine). In other words, the German automakers are already fully invested in diesel, and they would love to expand this technology into the U.S.

It isn't an easy job, however. Whereas European emissions rules focus on CO2 emissions - a diesel strength since CO2 emissions are directly linked to fuel economy, American emissions rules tend to prioritize NOx and particulate emissions, which are two areas where diesels typically don't do so well in. Furthermore, Americans associate diesels with dirty truck stops, smoky 18-wheelers, and pig-slow jalopies from the '70s and '80s that were unreliable and belched filth from their sooty tailpipes. On the other hand, Americans equate hybrids with high technology, clean air, and in many cases, a green future.

Continue reading "2010 BMW 335d: The Polar Opposite of What You Think Diesel Is" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 8:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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If Honda's goal was for the Accord to reflect "Honda's desire for accord and harmony between people, society and the Automobile," they've been hitting their mark for more than thirty-three years. The Honda Accord has been attracting hoards of loyal buyers since its successful debut in 1976. In fact, the Honda Accord has been so successful it is practically synonymous with the brand. And Accord has done so by adapting to its environment. Growing in terms of size, options, and price, the Accord has kept pace with our society and its core audience; the Baby Boomers.

Interesting Aside: Redesigned just last year (2008MY) the Accord four-door became rated a large car by the EPA, whereas the coupe still squeaks by as a mid-size car.

Continue reading "2009 Honda Accord 2Dr EX-L V6 - The Everycar; Couped" »

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We recently spent a morning with Buick LaCrosse, the star of the Buick showroom for 2010MY. You know by now that Buick is one of the four core brands that GM retained post-bankruptcy. Wildly successful in China, the brand has challenges in the States, evidenced by Chevrolet Camaro outselling the entire brand in June 2009-- an atypically high month for Camaro that also speaks to the sad shape of Buick sales today.

Buick needs to connect with buyers who have not hit exit-level, and they know it. Based on our first drive, the 2010 LaCrosse has product credibility to build on the success Enclave started. As Buick navigates a renaissance inspired by Cadillac's success, the LaCrosse is a strong, firm step forward.

Continue reading "2010 Buick LaCrosse Finds a Sweet Spot" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Ask yourself this the next time you're driving next to some high-zoot luxury or sports car: what kind of person is behind the wheel? Maybe a doctor or lawyer? Maybe a business executive of some sort? Now ask yourself this: who's cooler, a doctor/lawyer/executive or a rock star? If you are like most people, you'd say it was the rock star.

I would then have to submit that a Sprinter is cooler than most luxury vehicles out there. Ok, I have truly gone off the deep end. Or have I?

Continue reading "2009 Dodge Sprinter: Cooler Than a Real Luxury Vehicle?" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Diesels stink. They're noisy, slow, smelly, and dirty. Right? Um, wrong. At least, not anymore. Chances are, you've never driven a modern diesel because you live in America. That means you've been missing out on some incredibly clean, green, and powerful engines that until now were only available on the other side of the Atlantic.

I recently got some seat time in the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and came away more than impressed. Here's a really nice compact sedan that got me 40mpg during my drive (which consisted of a lot of urban and mountain driving) and none of the compromises you would normally expect from a car that gets that kind of fuel economy. What kinds of compromises, you ask? Oh, things like tepid acceleration, no off-the-line oomph, and lack of a fun-to-drive factor.

Continue reading "2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: Guess What? Hybrids Aren't the Only Way to Drive Green." »

Posted by Ed Kim at 8:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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Toyota's long and successful history in the US owes a lot to the Baby Boom generation. Now in their mid-forties into their sixties, Boomers have always been agents for change. The various cultural revolutions of the 60s and 70s? Those were driven by young Baby Boomers. How about acceptance of Japanese cars (and Toyotas in particular) at a time when many Americans thought of anything from the land of the rising sun as cheap junk? Again, it was the Baby Boomers.

Today, more and more Baby Boomers are entering the "empty nest" stage of their lives. Their kids have left the house, and many are looking to consolidate and simplify their lives. Many have spent the last few years driving minivans and SUVs in order to accommodate family life. But now, they don't need three rows of seats or that domesticated family vehicle image.

Continue reading "2009 Toyota Venza: Those Baby Boomers Keep Driving Change!" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 8:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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In the battle for attention from car lovers, Lexus always seems to get beat up in the discussion of performance. Regardless of the numbers, Lexus' do not feel like BMWs. And they shouldn't. Certainly, Lexus' newest addition to the IS line will not get any better treatment from "true enthusiasts", but the folks at Lexus has thought this through. The new IS convertible delivers what the segment demands, and beats the competition on key metrics. Aren't those core Lexus Values?

Continue reading "2010 Lexus IS Convertible: Top Down Cruising" »

Posted by Dan Hall at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Ford Taurus SHO returns after a decade's absence from the American auto scene. Formerly Yamaha engines provided the power for the SHO, but today Ford's new EcoBoost powertrain technology provides the power. EcoBoost in Taurus form includes twin turbochargers and gasoline direct injection. Still with a heavily beefed up 3.5L V6, EcoBoost bumps up power from 263-horsepower to 365-horsepower in the SHO. Torque grows from 249 lb-ft to 350 lb-ft. And rated fuel economy stays the same.

I guarantee that EcoBoost will never meet its rated fuel economy. It's just too much fun to stay on the throttle.

Continue reading "Taurus SHO - Super High Output - and More" »

Posted by George Peterson at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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