2010 Nissan Altima Sedan: All Grown Up By: Mac Demere | - The Altima sedan is the heart of Nissan's car lineup, fitting above the smaller Versa and Sentra and below the larger Maxima. Altima is such a broad model that it competes, in one way or another, with everything from the Honda Civic to the Toyota Camry SE to the Lexus HS 250h.
The four-door Altima Sedan comes as the 2.5 CVT, 2.5 S and 3.5 SR CVT. Also, under the Altima umbrella is the Altima Coupe and Altima Hybrid sedan. (We'll leave the coupe and hybrid sedan for future reviews.) ... Tags:2010 Nissan Altima, Nissan, Review, Automotive
2010 Ford Fusion - A Fuel Efficient Midsize Sedan By: Mac Demere | - The previous Ford Fusion's 2.3-liter four-cylinder grows to 2.5 liters. New 2010 models equipped with the updated 3.0-liter V6 will receive the Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designation with the capability of digesting E85 fuel, and a 3.5-liter version of the V6 Duratec is added to the lineup.
Fusion sedans boast a long list of new features designed to keep it extremely competitive in the cutthroat midsize sedan market. Highlights include aggressive new front-end styling, a choice of thr ... Tags:Ford, Fusion, cars, automobiles, reviews
2010 Chevrolet Equinox Road Test By: Gary Witzenburg | - If you don't believe in second chances, take a look at the new Chevrolet Equinox. While the first one was fine, this latest version is much more so. It's also much more challenging to the rest of the very competitive compact crossover class, including Toyota's RAV4 and Honda's CR-V.
To begin with, it offers a choice of two new direct-injected, variable-valve-timing engines, a standard 2.4-liter four and an optional 3.0-liter V-6, both happily married to six-speed automatic transmiss ... Tags:2010ChevroletEquinox, Chevrolet, Equinox, autos, cars, automotive, review, roadtest
2010 Cadillac Cts Sport Wagon - American Luxury Wagon By: Gary Witzenburg | - Comparing the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon to direct competitors is a little difficult because it really has no head-to-head rival. The slightly smaller Audi A4 Avant is powered by a 211-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four with standard AWD and is more than $4,000 cheaper than the $40K CTS wagon. The same-size BMW 535ix wagon boasts a 300-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo in-line six with AWD and is $16K more expensive. Sweden's Volvo offers two conventional wagons that bracket the CTS in size ' a smaller $30 ... Tags:Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, Cadillac, auto reviews, 2010 sneak peak, wagon
2010 Lexus Es 350 - Beginner's Lux By: Gary Witzenburg | - Not surprisingly, the 2010 Lexus ES 350's four-wheel independent suspension is tuned more for ride than handling agility, yet it comports itself fairly effectively when the tarmac gets twisty. All-season tires on 17-inch alloy wheels are standard, and a full-size spare is available.
For 2010, the ES 350 gets a fresh face: new headlamps, grille, grille surround and front bumper with integrated fog lamps flanking a revised lower intake, plus redesigned tail lamps, chrome body side mol ... Tags:2010LexusES350, Lexus, ES350, review, autos, cars
2010 Toyota 4runner: More Power, Size And Efficiency By: Gary Witzenburg | - Toyota's first 4Runner was rugged, tough and capable. That was 1994—and nothing has changed. The 2010 on- and off-road favorite is still all of those things, and better.
All models have wider shoulders and new-design head and taillights. The SR5 also wears overfenders, mudguards and a standard roof rack, and the outside mirrors on V6 models now incorporate turn signals and puddle lamps. The Trail grade has a higher ground clearance, better approach and departure angles and a w ... Tags:2010 Toyota 4Runner, Car Reviews, Toyota, Performance, SUV
Test Drive Review - 2010 Mercedes-benz S400 Hybrid By: James Flammang | - Many of those in the market for a full-size luxury sedan have just as much interest in preserving the environment and getting the best mileage possible from the vehicle one drives as any buyer shopping for a compact or midsize hybrid model.
The new S400 Hybrid isn't the first full-size luxury sedan to assume gasoline/electric operation. Lexus launched its LS 600h L sedan, with a comparable hybrid powertrain, as a 2008 model. Both companies evidently believe there's a significant urg ... Tags:Mercedes_Benz, Mercedes, S400, Hybrid, Green
2010 Volkswagen Golf: Redefining The Game By: Gary Witzenburg | - Like the game of golf, Volkswagen's Golf has a long and popular history with those who love to drive. While its U.S.-market demand for the sporty, economical performer has ebbed and flowed since its first 1977 model (named Rabbit, the Golf has always been an annual favorite in Europe and most other markets.
The 6th-generation Golf, introduced in Europe for 2009 and arriving stateside for 2010 will start at $17,490. Available in 3- and 5-door hatchback models (VW prefers to call them ... Tags:Volkswagen, Golf, Rabbit, automotive, reviews, cars, mileage, autos
2010 Ford Escape Hybrid Review: A Fuel Efficient Suv By: Wayne Scraba | - If you truly have an affinity for going green, you want to go green in more ways than just your vehicle's eco-friendly technology. You want to go green as in getting out and enjoying the beautiful lands America has to offer. The Ford Escape Hybrid lets you do both.
Ford's Escape was just the right candidate to become a hybrid (in fact, it was the first SUV hybrid). Over the years, the Escape has evolved both aesthetically and mechanically. The latest Escape Hybrid is based upon a 15 ... Tags:Ford, Escape, Hybrid, SUV, Green, Concept
2010 Suzuki Kizashi Review - A Distinctive Look By: Gary Witzenburg | - Aggressively styled and pleasingly proportioned, it previewed a semi-upscale "D-segment" sport sedan. In the global auto business, the C-segment is compact cars, and the size-up D class is what we know as midsize-the incredibly competitive field of both family and sporty sedans. And, with a powerful, aero-slick design theme characterized as "a dynamic athlete in motion," this concept clearly showed that Suzuki's coming flagship sedan would be aimed at the emotional end of the scale. Japanese aut ... Tags:autos, reviews, road tests, suzuki, kizashi, 2010, automedia
2010 Lincoln Mks Test Drive - Unmistakably A Lincoln By: Wayne Scraba | - On the outside, the MKS for 2010 is little changed from last year. And there's nothing wrong with that. It's a handsome luxury sedan with fluid lines from the split wing waterfall grille to the thin spoiler on the tall deck lid to the dual exhaust tips. Sporty? Yes, but it's unmistakably a Lincoln. Chrome trim is plentiful (in a good way - it's refreshing to see chrome trim used tastefully). And our test car, in Red Candy Metallic with Tinted Clearcoat (one of four new exterior color schemes for ... Tags:2010, Lincoln, MKS, autos, reviews, previews, performance
2010 Ford Taurus: First Look By: Wayne Scraba | - Make no mistake, Ford's 2010 Taurus has moved upward in both capability and size. There's plenty of room for 6-foot (plus) drivers, and even a pro football linebacker won't have too many complaints about room in the back seat. Move to the rear of the car and open the trunk: The liftover height is comfortably shallow but, given the tall flanks and the purposely raised decklid, you'll be met with a space of cavernous proportions. Something else you'll be left with when you examine the new Taurus i ... Tags:2010, Ford, Taurus, autos, reviews, shopping
2010 Honda Accord Crosstour - A Premium Crossover By: Gary Witzenburg | - Beyond some level of utility and practicality, not much positive comes to mind about vehicle model classifications such as SUV, minivan, and station wagon. That's why automakers seldom use those designations even when they probably should - except when they have no choice (a minivan is a minivan, after all) - and have purged a lot of such out-of-favor vehicle types from their lineups.
2010 Acura Zdx: Test Drive Review By: James Flammang | - Built upon an SUV chassis (borrowed from Acura's MDX), the ZDX flaunts what exterior stylist Damon Schell calls a "deep sexy quarter panel," crafted with one-piece construction and complementing the car's tapered roofline. Long front doors add to the coupe-like character. So do semi-hidden rear door handles. Michelle Christensen, Acura's first female designer, created the original design.
2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Review - A Serious Sportscar By: Gary Witzenburg | - If you crave a serious sports car that is more capable and more visually aggressive than a standard Corvette—but far less costly than a Z06—the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is the one. With four-second 0-to-60 acceleration capability and near-supercar one-g cornering grip, why pay the premium for the fixed-roof, manual-only Z06 unless you really, really need 75 more horses.
Vehicle Safety Systems And The Law: What Every Vehicle Must Include By: Mac Demere | - Automakers, dealerships and new car salespeople love to tout all the fabulous features of their new models. It's important to realize, however, that many features are required by law ' otherwise the vehicle(s) could not be offered for sale. Tire pressure monitoring and dual front airbags, as well as an engine that meets current emissions standards are standard features required by law to be included on the vehicle.
2010 Ford F-150 - New Models By: Mac Demere | - Ford takes their popular F-150 to extremes for 2010 with model lineup additions of the SVT Raptor, for high-speed off-road trucking, and the bold, low profile Harley-Davidson F-150, which pays tribute to the iconic American motorcycle brand.
Existing models get several new features, too. A chrome billet grille is available on the XLT Chrome package, a chrome mesh grille insert comes on the Lariat Chrome package and black tubular running boards are available on the XL Regular Cab and ... Tags:2010 Ford F-150, SVT, Raptor, Harley Davidson, truck, review, pricing, mileage, performance, road test
2009 Toyota Fj Cruiser On- And Off-road Test By: James Flammang | - Not intended for the timid or those who prefer not to be noticed, Toyota's FJ Cruiser flaunts its potential capabilities like a gladiator brandishing his sword. Not unlike Hummers and Land Rovers, the FJ boasts of its prowess by the way it looks, even when standing still.
2009 Hyundai Genesis Review: Making The Big Dogs Nervous By: James Flammang | - Names can make a difference when a new car model emerges. Genesis, the model designation for Hyundai's new premium flagship sedan, suggests a new beginning — or at least a new direction. Not only does the Genesis use a rear-wheel-drive layout, rather than front-drive like all other Hyundai models, but it's available with either V-6 or new V-8 power.
2010 Mercedes-benz E-class Sedan: Stronger Design, More Technology By: James Flammang | - Not many automobiles have a history dating back more than half a century. Mercedes-Benz offers one: the E-Class sedan, whose initial ancestor came to life way back in 1947. Now entering its ninth generation, the E-Class gets a freshened appearance, coupled with even more technology than its predecessor. Better yet, most of the high-tech goodies are safety-oriented.
2009 Subaru Forester - Road Test Review By: James Flammang | - Built on a new chassis, the 2009 Subaru Forester gets a fresh appearance, edging away from the prior design. To improve its center of gravity, the engine sits 0.4 inch lower. Track-width dimensions have increased, which may improve stability a bit. Front doors open wider, and pillars have been modified. Back doors now open almost 90 degrees. Rear frame height now matches that of an ordinary sedan. Subaru claims more usable cargo space than its main rivals, though actual volume has not grown.
2010 Toyota Avalon Limited: Toyota's Flagship Sedan By: John Stein | - Toyota's full-size Avalon sedan offers standard, powerful V6 performance, a large, comfortable interior, impressive gas mileage, ample trunk space, up-to-the task safety technology and a smooth, quiet ride ' all in a clean package that looks a lot more expensive than it actually is.
2010 Honda Pilot: Just Right By: Mac Demere | - Honda calls its Pilot a crossover because it handles like a car but has the utility and rugged styling of an SUV. However you want to categorize it, the 2010 Honda Pilot is a practical, capable, spacious and plenty-powerful performer that perfectly suits a family with a large agenda but not necessarily a large budget.
2009 Bmw 335i Coupe Review - A Sporty Rear-wheel Drive By: James Flammang | - BMW calls their coupes, "elegant expressions of individual style and passion, and most automotive enthusiasts would probably agree. Completely redesigned for 2007, today's 3-Series coupe has been renamed the 335i. The crown of the coupe lineup is the 335i xDrive with all-wheel drive and a 300-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. This is BMW's first twin-turbo inline six.
2010 Honda Insight - 5 Passenger Hybrid By: James Flammang | - Honda and Toyota pioneered the hybrid-powertrain business in the U.S. market, with the Insight two-seater and the original Prius sedan. Both debuted at the turn of the 21st century. Honda halted production of the original Insight after the 2006 model year, and Toyota's midsize Prius is now entering its third generation as a 2010 model.
2010 Toyota Prius: Restyled Inside And Out By: James Flammang | - While still easily recognizable as a Toyota Prius, the newly designed, third-generation 2010 Prius looks edgier, more elegant and significantly more impressive than the model it replaces -- although it's basically the same overall size.
Though hybrid-powertrain vehicles make up only a small percentage of total U.S. sales, Toyota occupies the top spot, led by the well-known Prius. People who know little about hybrids have heard plenty about the Prius, which debuted as a 2000 model an ... Tags:2010 Toyota Prius, Hybrid, review. road test, performance, mileage, fuel economy, automedia
2009 Dodge Ram 1500: Work And Play By: John Stein | - Say what you want about subcompacts and how wonderful they are on your wallet, and we won't completely disagree. But there are times when nothing but a full-size pickup truck will do—and one of those times is when you feel the need to put your bikes in the bed and head off for a weekend in the dirt.
2009 Toyota Rav4 Review By: Mac Demere | - Over the past dozen years, the RAV4 has grown from a Corolla-sized "cute-ute" into something that is almost identical in size to a 2000 Toyota 4Runner. A compact no longer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies the RAV4 as a small SUV. It's now big enough to accept an optional third row of seats. While it now boasts its own dedicated platform, the RAV4 retains its car-like structure. With the optional 269-horsepower V6, the RAV4 is strong performer while still achieving 26 mpg on ... Tags:2009 Toyota, RAV4, SUV, Fuel Economy, Mileage, User Review, Pricing, Road Test
2009 Chevrolet Traverse: Handsome And Efficient By: Gary Witzenburg | - The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, available in base LS, mid-range LT and top-of-the-line LTZ models, slides in below the Saturn Outlook in price yet gives up nothing in value. As the last of GM's quartet of new-generation three-row crossovers, including the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia), the Traverse may be the best bargain of all.
2009 Toyota Venza: Uncommon Crossover By: Gary Witzenburg | - "The Venza is targeted at an emerging section of the market that prioritizes sleek styling, excellent handling and road manners, combined with a surprising amount of utility," Toyota says. More aggressively styled than your average Toyota, it is aimed at North America and will be sold here exclusively. Some might see it as a Camry wagon. Not Toyota.
