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Audi A5 Cabriolet
Audi A5 Cabriolet Turns Up the Heat
Jim Mateja, Test Drive
The A5 stands out in its ability to keep a tight grip on the road while darting in and out of corners and turns. Thanks to the performance suspension and stability control, as well as optional 19-inch performance radials (summer treads that would have to go in the snow), you enjoy sure-footed handling. And, there's the quattro that allows the A5 to run as if locked into a slot on the road.
2010 Lexus IS250C
2010 Lexus IS250C - Hefty Price to Enter Land of Lexus
Jim Mateja, Test Drive
The Lexus IS sedan gets a sibling for 2010, a retractable hardtop version that gives the luxury automaker an entry-level coupe and convertible for the first time. The IS comes in two flavors: base 250C with 2.5-liter, 204-horsepower, 24-valve V-6, and top-of-the-line 350C with 3.5-liter, 306-hp, 24-valve V-6. The 2.5 offers 6-speed manual or automatic with manual-mode paddle shifting; the 3.5, automatic only.
2010 Jaguar XFR Sedan
2010 Jaguar XFR Sedan - Jaguar Launches a High-Performance Missile
Jim Mateja, Test Drive
Piloting a machine powered by a supercharged 5-liter, 510-horsepower V-8 able to burst from a standing stop to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph, won't win over many, if any, environmentalists. So why would Jaguar, the British maker of luxury machines even bother with the 2010 XFR? Because ...
Suzuki Kizashi
Suzuki Kizashi - Big on Excitement & Accessories
Jim Mateja, Test Drive
The Suzuki Kizashi is nothing to sneeze at. Kizashi is a big compact (as we see it) or a small midsize (as Suzuki sees it), about 2 inches shorter than a Volkswagen Passat. We tested the GTS with AWD, a very nice car.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Genesis Coupe Gets Off To Stylish Start
Jim Mateja, Test Drive
Hyundai has added a 2010 Genesis coupe, a smaller (4.6-inch shorter wheelbase/13-inch shorter length) two-door companion. Kudos to the design staff. Admirers stopped, gawked and asked its ancestry, surprised it was South Korean. The long, low, wide hood suggests a secure stance on the road. The raised deck lid sports a modest, decorative spoiler. Deeply sculptured accent lines along the rear quarter panels and doors hint at spirited movement.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Corvette ZR1 - Long Live the King
Jim Mateja, Test Drive
Corvette ZR1 is back with a supercharged 638-hp V-8. Enough said. Centuries from now when archeologists unearth the remains of this civilization, we hope among the countless Prius statues they will find at least one Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The ZR1 will serve to signify a time when a limited number of folks dared be politically incorrect by driving a V-8 coupe with the power of a rocket.
Buick LaCrosse
LaCrosse Leads off new Buick Lineup
Jim Mateja, Test Drive
Redesigned sedan positioned to take on Acura, Lexus. General Motors' cupboards aren't bare. Take the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. It's on sale as the first in a planned lineup of new sedans designed, built and sold by GM worldwide. Buick promises midsize and compact sedans and a crossover smaller than Enclave in a couple years for a broader lineup, not to mention lower cost and higher mileage.
Lexus LX570
Lexus LX570 Has It All, With a Price to Match
Jim Mateja, Test Drive
It can pilot the family on the open road or climb a hill and ford a stream, while cooling a couple cans of pop and a sub sandwich. Lexus loaded its LX570 full-size SUV with just about every conceivable amenity and then added a new one: a $4,050 luxury package with a radar system that senses when a car or person, motorcycle or wall, is in your path and applies the brakes to prevent contact.
Lexus HS250h
Lexus HS250h - Hybrid for Those Who Could Afford Expensive Gas Prices
Jim Mateja, Test Drive
In its quest to minimize emissions and maximize mileage, Lexus is offering its first 4-cylinder econocar for the well-heeled, the 2010 HS250h. The entry-level sedan joins the RX450h crossover and GS450h and LS600h sedans in the hybrid fraternity to give Lexus a full-range of vehicles as fuel-economy laws tighten
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Legacy - Better Legacy for Subaru Buyers
Jim Mateja, Test Drive
All you have to do is ask. That's what Subaru loyalists did, and the powers-that-be made requested changes in the fifth generation of the Legacy sedan for 2010. They asked for more and Subaru delivered
2010 Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln Makes Its Mark
Jim Mateja, Test Drive - 2010 Lincoln MKZ AWD
With two midsize sedans -- a larger MKS and a smaller MKZ -- and two crossovers -- a seven-passenger MKT and five-passenger MKX -- Lincoln boasts a solid lineup.
Nissan Cube S
Nissan Cube Aims at Young Buyers From Right Angle
Jim Mateja, Test Drive - 2009 Nissan Cube S
Cube is Nissan's answer to the Scion xB, Kia Soul and Honda Element, weird-looking boxes aimed at those 18 to 25 who want their wheels to say something about them.
2010 Ford Mustang convertible
Ford Mustang Slow out of Gate
Jim Mateja, Test Drive
Ford Mustang, last redone for the 2005 model year when Ford modernized its '60s fastback, has been tweaked and tinkered with and is now available for the 2010 model year in coupe, convertible or glass top version with V-6 or V-8 (GT) and a special high-performance Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible thrown in for good measure.
2010 Kia Forte
Bigger and Better Now Kia's Forte
Test Drive by Jim Mateja
Kia rolls out the Forte as an encore to the Soul, a boxy, compact rival to the Scion xB and Nissan Cube targeting youth who want to make a styling statement.
Kia's 2010 Forte, however, is aimed at a slightly older crowd looking for low price, high mileage and decent looks without sacrificing size or amenities.
2010 Ford Taurus
Ford Taurus Redo Aims to Recapture Early Success
Test Drive by Jim Mateja
Taurus captivated the public with its weird styling when introduced for 1986 and captured the auto sales crown from the Honda Accord. But Ford couldn't handle success. A 1996 redesign proved too radical. Worse, a name change to Five Hundred in 2005 erased one of the most successful cars in Ford history.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally noted the lunacy and brought back the Taurus moniker for 2008; 2010 completed the turnaround with a revamp of the car, including curvy sheet metal to remind of its heritage.
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP
2 For the Road from Pontiac
Test Drive by Jim Mateja
Pontiac came so close to getting its act together.
But close, as they say, counts only in horseshoes, and the division designated by General Motors to create excitement is going to stop creating anything by the end of 2010. In exchange for government loans, General Motors had to jettison a chairman, Rick Wagoner, and several divisions. So long, Pontiac, the architect of the Grand Prix, Firebird and GTO.
Ford Fusion Hybrid Delivers a Solid Meld of Green Technology and Performance
Test Drive by Jim Mateja
Ford Fusion Hybrid
While slow to offer a gas/electric sedan, Ford finally has delivered: the 2010 Fusion hybrid.
This time, Ford got it right.
The regular 4-cylinder or V-6 gas-driven Fusion is a wonderful car, but the hybrid is a bonus for "should I or shouldn't I" shoppers worried about gas prices. The soul of the machine is the 2.5-liter 4, with a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack that delivers a combined 191 horsepower, ample power without taxing the weekly gas budget.
Chevy Equinox Equal to Crossover Sales Task
Test Drive by Jim Mateja
Chevy Equinox, Crossover SUV
The midsize TrailBlazer had to go. And take its 12 to 14 m.p.g. city and 16 to 20 highway mileage with it.
That puts the task of attracting buyers on the redesigned shoulders of the Chevy Equinox crossover. Though it's bigger than its three primary rivals -- the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape -- Chevy calls Equinox a compact. Perhaps because it's the smaller, higher-mileage companion to the midsize Traverse. With stricter mileage regulations on the way and some consumers fearful gas prices might skyrocket again before then, Equinox puts its focus on mileage.
Free-Spirited Mini Cooper S Convertible a Joy Ride
Test Drive by Jim Mateja
Mini Cooper S Convertible
We tested the Cooper S convertible the higher-performance version with a 1.6-liter, 172-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder; the regular version has a 1.6-liter, 118-h.p. 4, hold the turbo.
The Cooper S is a blast, especially with the top down.
Plus, not only is the Mini cute and cuddly, its owners will come back carried on their shields defending the coupe made by
Making Sense of 'Cash for Clunkers'
Matthew Bandyk
With new-car sales slumping, automotive companies have been looking for ways to get consumers back into showrooms. Washington checked one item off car companies' wish list when it passed the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 -- commonly known as 'Cash for Clunkers' ...
Cash for Clunkers Program Has Its Roadblocks
Kathy Kristof
If you want to trade in your junker for a new vehicle under the federal government's 'cash for clunkers' program, you'll have to act fast. Plus, qualifying for the vouchers isn't as simple as you might think. In fact, you'll need to know three things to decide whether it's a good deal for you.
Aston Martin DB9 Volante & Rolls-Royce Phantom
Test Drive by Jim Mateja
Aston Martin DB9 Volante
What better than a pair of once-in-a-lifetime machines: the Aston Martin DB9 Volante and the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The 2009 DB9 Volante (convertible) tops $200,000 after options. The link to James Bond is standard. But that's a bargain compared with the $380,000 base price on the 2009.5 Rolls-Royce Phantom we piloted. The 6.75-liter, 453-h.p. V-12 is potent and impressive and so silent that we committed the cardinal sin of trying to restart an idling car ...
Auto Review Toyota Prius
Test Drive by Jim Mateja
The Toyota Prius that debuted in the U.S. in the 2001 model year has become the nation's best-selling hybrid.
But with Chevrolet, Saturn, Ford, Mercury and Honda now in the game, Prius needs more than just high gas prices to keep folks interested.
Perhaps the 50 m.p.g. city/48 m.p.g. highway rating in Gen III will do it. That's a sizable gain from the industry leading 48/45 for 2009. It also delivers a 600-mile range ...
The RX has proved most popular among women, who make up the majority of drivers. So while energetic, its ride also is smooth and jostle-free.
The Lexus RX also focuses on safety with stability and traction control. Combined with AWD, the Lexus RX350 is nearly bulletproof in keeping the wheels down. Just in case, anti-lock brakes and side-curtain air bags with rollover sensors are standard too.
Lee Iacocca knew his new "minivan" was going to be a success, though he never dreamed it would still be around 25 years and 12 million sales later as a much-honored people hauler often described as the chariot of choice for soccer moms and dads alike.
It's time to pay homage to the original Japanese sports car, a remade version of the Nissan Z, which bowed in 240 form in 1970 under its maiden name of Datsun.
With a dusted-off Challenger and Camaro joining the modern-day Mustang, Nissan responded with a new Z for 2009, a 370 upgrade to the 350 last redone for the 2003 model year.
Auto Review Hyundai Elantra Touring 2010
With crossover and station wagon DNA, Elantra Touring isn't the fastest or highest-mileage or most stylish vehicle in the market. Rather than stand out in a category or two, Elantra Touring simply does a lot of things very well, with almost no shortcomings.
The return of the hatchback, last offered as the 2006 Elantra GT, gives Hyundai an offering for buyers, particularly younger ones, looking for low cost and high mileage without making a ton of sacrifices.
The GTC Speed joins the GT and GT Speed coupes and GTC convertible in the Bentley lineup.
It's the word Speed that defines this GTC. No ordinary GT/GTC 6-liter, 552-horsepower, twin-turbo 12-cylinder will do. Speed explodes from the light with a 600-hp, twin-turbo 12 boasting zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds; zero to 100 mph in 10.6. Top speed is 200 mph with top up, 195 m.h with it down--expect to get there in about 20 seconds.
Auto Review Honda Insight EX 2010
Honda Reintroduces What Was the First U.S. Hybrid, With More Room But Not as Stingy on Gas.
The Honda Insight is back for 2010, arriving in showrooms now. It soon will have competition from the next-generation 2010 Toyota Prius, the hybrid sales leader.
The 2010 Insight looks strikingly similar to Prius.
Auto Review Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic
Compact GLK Delivers in Big Way
The GLK that twists and turns through those narrow European byways in TV ads is a well-appointed piece of fine art with craftsmanship worthy of the Mercedes-Benz name.
Each body panel is finely sculpted, making it the hands-down fashion leader in the SUV segment.
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S: A Guilty Pleasure
Times may be tough, but Porsche Makes the 911 Carrera 4S Hard to Resist
Tired of all the dreary news? Then slip behind the wheel of a 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera for a little R&R.
Also Porsche Cayman Auto Safety Review
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it still could be a pheasant, maybe a lion, if you adhere to the gospel of Toyota. The principal of this gospel is Venza, a five-passenger vehicle that "couples the styling and comfort of a car with the flexibility of a sport-utility, an alternative to the traditional sedan."
Venza is derived from the Camry platform. But it doesn't look like a Camry -- or any car. It looks like the Lexus RX crossover.
Auto Review BMW 535i xDrive Sports Wagon
We tested the 2009 BMW 535i xDrive Sports Wagon to learn what's the charm.
The 535i wagon comes with a beefed-up, 300-horsepower 6-cylinder engine boasting twin turbos for BMW's trademark performance soul.
Chevrolet introduced the Camaro family -- LS, LT, RS and SS -- to the media last week.
And each is swift and sweet, regardless of whether it's packing the 3.6-liter, 304-horsepower V-6 or 6.2-liter, 420-h.p. (manual, 400 h.p. automatic) V-8. Either can be teamed with 6-speed manual or automatic.
Dodge Challenger Auto Review
The Ultimate Modern American Muscle Coupe
The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what pony car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, world-class ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking.
Dodge Challenger - History of Dodge's Pony Car
Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of a five-time Le Mans winner, the Audi R8 prototype race car, into a spectacular production sports car. Read the article and Watch the online Audi R8 Video Review
Nissan GT-R Auto Review
The Godzilla of Supercars comes to America
Japan's only Super Car, the Nissan GT-R, provides assured control and outperforms the best Europe has to offer.
Read the article and Watch the online Nissan GT-R Video Review
Gas-Saving Driving Tips
Driving Tip
The following tips, from the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), will help save more of your money
Spring Cleaning and Care Recommended for Your Car
Automotive Car Care
Next to being at home and work or work-related activities, most Americans spend their time in the car - nearly three hours each day. So, wouldn't it make sense, that if you clean your house and prepare it for spring, that you also prepare your car?
Which Car is Right for All Kinds of Weather?
Automotive Safety
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there are over 6,400,000 vehicle crashes each year. Twenty-four percent of these crashes-approximately 1,561,000-are weather-related. Additionally, nearly 7,400 people are killed and over 673,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year.
Top Five New Automobile Features
Auto Features
Whether related to safety, comfort or convenience, carmakers are constantly developing a wide variety of new features to attract new-car shoppers.
To Buy or Lease Your Next Car
Automotive Financing
When considering your next auto purchase, how can you decide whether to lease or buy? Here are some points to consider
Does Your Vehicle Have a Clean Bill of Health?
Automotive Care
Each year as spring rolls around, consider it time for your vehicle's annual check-up. Just as you schedule dentist and doctor appointments regularly, you should do the same for your vehicle. So what can you do to ensure a healthy vehicle?
Shedding Light on Vehicle Safety
Automotive Safety
Night driving, especially in poor conditions such as rain and snow, is an unavoidable part of owning a vehicle - but it also has a negative effect on our safety. Xenon headlight technology offers 70 percent more light than typical halogen bulbs, making driving safer.
Free Car Care Guide Helps Motorists Save Fuel
Automotive Care
Motorists who think the only way around high gasoline prices is hopping on public transportation or switching to a hybrid vehicle should think again. Better driving habits and regular vehicle maintenance can help any motorist save money by using less gasoline.
Don't Let Auto Tire Pressure Leave You Stranded
Automotive Care
As the 2008 model year vehicles hit the road, motorists will benefit from a new standard feature - tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), which illuminate an on-dash light when the pressure in one or more tires is low.
Brush Up For Winter Driving
Automotive Care
No matter where you live, winter driving requires extra-special attention. When the temperatures outside fall, keeping an eye on your car's mechanical condition, being prepared and driving cautiously are all critical to your personal safety and that of your passengers
Autos: Don't Be Left in the Cold
Automotive Care
The first signs of car trouble often arrive with the first signs of winter. Sluggish performance, rough idling, difficult starts or occasional pings are potential warnings for problems that will more than likely get worse as it gets colder.
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