Reviews

Americans, seeing the economy still in flux (and politicians worse than useless during election year) continue to keep a keen eye on gas prices. General Motors fuel economy engineers Ann Wenzlick and Beth Nunning recently took the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT for a typical workday drive to figure out the ...    Read more

Host Jessi Lang of the Motor Trend Channel recently put the Nissan GT-R—and herself—to the test at the famed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca racetrack up at Monterey, California. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is famous among racers and car enthusiasts alike, its twisty tracks used by both car and motorcycle racers. This ...    Read more

Love it or hate it, Ford's SYNC with MyFord Touch is the future of automotive infotainment. The problem is, that future has been clouded by discontent with the way the system works. Despite Ford's assertations that customers love it, the system has garnered tons of negative press. How bad has ...    Read more

On the latest episode of Head to Head, our colleague Jason Cammisa of sister publication Automobile Magazine gets behind the wheel of both the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R and 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR. Both vehicles are put to the test on both roads and the racetrack alike as Cammisa ...    Read more

Did you know that, between 1968 through 1985, no Chevrolet Impala actually had the badge displayed on the car's exterior? Instead, the word "Impala" was displayed in various scripts depending on the model. Also, the original Impala emblem, when it made its debut in 1958, did not have the now ...    Read more

If an automaker creates a sports car, its primary objective should be to make drivers and passengers smile so much that it hurts. It shouldn't be for weekend grocery-getters who think a car should be about style unto itself; it should be for enthusiasts to fling around on a whim ...    Read more

Plenty has happened between when we drove the 2012 Kia Rio 5-door hatchback last October and now. Last year at that time, we swarmed Austin, Texas, with the likes of dozens of other media outlets for a chance to drive Kia's latest ...    Read more

What It Is/Who It's For The freshly restyled 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is meant for the enthusiast crowd and working professionals looking for some kick. Best Thing Hyundai backs up the Genesis Coupe's bold styling and athletic appearance with ample performance to please all, and a gratifying exhaust note. Worst Thing While ...    Read more

What It Is/ Who It's For BMW's 2012 3 Series sedan is an everything-for-everyone entry-level luxury car that draws praise for its balance, poise, premium features, and everyday usability. Best Thing There's no compromise with this car being utterly sporty, yet practical and frugal, too. Worst Thing To get many of the premium ...    Read more

What It Is/ Who It's For The 2012 Toyota Prius c is aimed to satisfy the desire of Gen Y -- or Millenials -- for a highly fuel-efficient, smartphone-connected, stylish vehicle costing less than $20,000. Best Thing Doesn't feel like you're driving a hybrid vehicle. Worst Thing The noisy continuously variable transmission, when ...    Read more

What It Is: The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is new for 2012 and a mouthful to say the least. It's also a luxury SUV with the young, affluent, and educated crowd in its crosshairs. Best Thing: The coupe looks just as sharp as the day it was ...    Read more

What It Is/Who It's For Hybrid hauler for new families or grown adults. Or both. Best Thing Crossover handling, cargo capacity and 40 mpg. Worst Thing Sluggish acceleration. Snap Judgment Full-sized fuel-sipping Toyota Prius comfortable for adults marred by stereotypically slow hybrid engine. ...    Read more

What It Is/Who It's For A niche in the midsize segment has emerged for greenies and eco trumpeters. The Optima Hybrid has come to play. Best Thing Buying a mainstream midsizer no longer means compromising between sexy styling, good fuel economy, and the ability to haul five people in comfort. Worst Thing The ...    Read more

What it is: A new compact crossover for the car that revolutionized compact crossovers, the 2012 Honda CR-V comes as an update for the aging, yet still popular model. Best thing: We commend Honda for building a new vehicle that is actually less heavy and larger ...    Read more

As we previously posted, Mercedes-Benz is doing a fine job in wiping out "entry level" from the 2012 C-Class' lexicon. The key is attention to detail. For example, that's real glass in front of the gauges, not plastic.  And the aluminum controller for the infotainment system pauses just ever ...    Read more

What It Is: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gives entry-level luxury buyers a gateway to the German company's vehicles. For 2012, it boasts an extensive redo, including the addition of a coupe model for the first time. Best Thing: The coupe looks terrific, and the new four-cylinder offers plenty of punch with ...    Read more