CAR REVIEWS

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

2011-04-09T22:03:00.003+07:00

The 2011 Acura TSX features a new wagon body style called the Sport Wagon. All TSXs also get a slight fuel economy gain, exterior design refinements, improved acoustic insulation and a new hard-drive-based navigation system with a higher-resolution display.IntroductionThe 2011 Acura TSX continues in its role as the gateway model into Honda's premium brand, a steady if somewhat plain performer in

2011 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

2011-04-09T21:26:00.006+07:00

Winning the Two-Horse RaceBy Ronald Montoya, Consumer Advice Associate Compact truck shoppers in 2011 will find that their choices have slimmed to a few key models, and many of the offerings from the domestic brands are no longer as competitive as they used to be. The Detroit labels have focused their resources on the more popular full-size trucks, leaving their compact trucks to stagnate with

2012 Audi A7

2011-04-09T18:02:00.003+07:00

While the coupe design of the Audi A7 attracts the eye, the aluminum-hybrid lightweight construction, with aluminum body panels and a steel frame, provides excellent handling, safety and fuel economy. The 3.0L TFSI V6 supercharged engine generates 310 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission yielding impressive fuel economy ratings (18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg

2011 Audi Q5

2011-04-08T21:13:00.003+07:00

Introduction: Luxury cars have seldom been known for their high fuel economy, and SUVs have also never been known for being frugal with gas. Put the two together and you have a recipe for fuel consumption that would make an oil executive put a down payment on a second yacht. Bucking this trend, though, is the 2011 Audi Q5. Notable this year for the Q5 is a new turbocharged four-cylinder

2011 Toyota Land Cruiser

2011-04-08T20:35:00.005+07:00

Introduction: The 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser is an icon for Toyota, but it's also like a misfit at a high school dance. At a time when every manufacturer is trying to create a light-duty carlike crossover, the Land Cruiser continues to stay true to its 53-year history in America as a tough, all-terrain sport-utility vehicle. But to blend into the dance of stylish crossovers in the

2011 BMW 5 Series Review

2011-04-08T06:33:00.003+07:00

All-new, better than ever, easier to operate. (by Ted West)The BMW 5 Series is all-new for 2011. Virtually no hardware was carried over directly to the 2011 BMW 5 Series from the previous models. The all-new 2011 5 Series lineup includes the BMW 528i and BMW 535i with six-cylinder engines, and the BMW 550i with a V8.You'll never hear it from BMW. But with no less than nine new models

2010 Nissan Maxima

2011-04-08T05:25:00.004+07:00

One badge away from the limelight (by Thom Blackett)Prejudice. It seems like a heavy and out-of-place topic for the pages of an automotive website. Talk of how people perceive other individuals or groups, and the negative implications of that, belongs in other forums, discussed by greater minds.But, this is the right venue, and we're just bright enough, to discuss the concept of car prejudice.

2010 Acura TL Review

2011-04-02T17:10:00.004+07:00

Super smooth, highly capable, lots of technologyThe Acura TL has long been a favorite among entry-luxury cars. Significantly redesigned for 2009, when it received a powerful V6 engine and the availability of all-wheel drive, it continues into 2010 with only a few changes. The most important new feature for the 2010 TL is the availability of a six-speed manual transmission on the upper-level

2011 Ford Fiesta

2011-04-02T16:37:00.004+07:00

All new Fiesta brings new life to an old nameThe all new 2011 Ford Fiesta resurrects a legacy nameplate in the Blue Oval family with a sparkling new sedan and hatchback that sport new technology inside and underneath. The result is a car that today's newly arrived urbanites should find perfectly fitted to their needs, wants and comforts.Inside, the Fiesta breaks new ground in the mobile

2011 Honda CR-V

2011-04-02T15:30:00.004+07:00

Versatile Honda CR-V Compact Offers Big Utility in a Small PackageThe 2011 Honda CR-V is the latest in a line of vehicles from Honda that helped to establish the compact crossover SUV segment back when it was initially introduced in the mid-1990s. The Honda CR-V remains one of the frontrunners in its class and it enjoys a popular following amongst young families who have outgrown what a

2010 Toyota Yaris Review

2011-04-01T15:43:00.005+07:00

Star Safety System comes standard The Toyota Yaris is the lowest priced Toyota and the model that best represents the value of good, basic transportation. But, the Yaris is better than just good. It boasts handsome looks, pleasant road manners, perky performance, and a well-tailored interior. It's a superb subcompact.Yaris comes in five-door Liftback, three-door Liftback, and four-door

2011 Audi R8

2011-04-01T07:07:00.003+07:00

Overview A new Audi R8 Spyder joins the Audi R8 coupe for 2011. Hand-built in Neckarsulm, Germany, the R8 is Audi's flagship supercar, named after the race cars that dominated endurance racing from 2000-2005. After driving the R8 Spyder and the R8 coupe, we think they're every bit as good to drive as to look at.The R8 offers a high-revving 430-hp V8 or a 525-hp V10. The engine is mounted

2012 Mercedes-Benz

2011-01-19T07:45:00.003+07:00

Mercedes-Benz is ready to give the compact C-Class sedan a timely makeover for the 2012 model year. Set to make its debut at next month's Detroit Auto Show, the new C-Class boasts a gently revised exterior along with two new direct-injection engines.According to Mercedes, the 2012 C-Class sedan wears a "more distinctive" design front and rear. The more sculpted headlights of the new model are

2012 Ford C-Max

2011-01-19T07:18:00.007+07:00

Ford product chief Derrick Kuzak calls it a "white-space vehicle exploring the crossover between car and minivan." We call it Europe's Grand C-Max with a shorter name. (Ford sells both a C-Max and a Grand C-Max in Europe, but the Continent's C-Max is smaller and only has two rows of seats.) No matter which descriptor you prefer, the people-moving C-Max is on its way here for 2012. 2012 Ford

Car Parking Solutions

2011-01-19T06:58:00.002+07:00

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

2008-08-20T08:40:00.015+07:00

No sooner did Volkswagen roll out a redesigned Golf at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show than it decided to rename the car before it arrives in showrooms this summer. Instead of getting a new Golf, Americans will find that a Rabbit has bounded into the U.S., complete with significant powertrain and interior improvements. The 2006 Rabbit is a new car to us, but has been on sale in Europe for several

2008-06-11T04:53:00.002+07:00

What it IsMazda Tribute Hybrid Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: From a business point, it makes sense: Start with one of your partner’s vehicles, in this case the Ford Escape Hybrid, rework the styling a bit, add your own badges, and introduce yourself to shoppers everywhere as a brand invested in gas/electric technology. Talk about taking the easy way out. With the stylish and turbocharged CX-7

2007 Hyundai Elantra Review

2008-06-07T18:38:00.002+07:00

Introduction Hyundai Elantra – Review: Every graduating class has one; the kid who lacks the looks, the smarts, and the personality to make it amongst the in-crowd. Therefore, it's amazing to discover that the well-dressed, well-educated, and personable center of attention at your 20-year reunion is that same forgettable kid. Two decades can represent a complete turnaround. Just ask Hyundai,

You're Getting What Mileage? Now, We Believe You

2008-06-07T05:20:00.002+07:00

Introduction Vehicle owners, industry experts and environmentalists have long complained that the tests to determine fuel economy are flawed and that the numbers that appear on window stickers are mildly—and wildly—inaccurate. Haven’t you always been suspicious of your Uncle Frank’s bragging that his Crown Victoria gets 20 miles per gallon? Especially when you know he’s got a lead foot and

The Best-Selling Cars and Trucks in the U.S.

2008-06-06T17:43:00.002+07:00

Believe it or not, the Ford F-150 is still the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. But not for long By Jim HenryAt first glance, the U.S. list of 10 best-selling cars and trucks looks like the usual suspects, especially at the top. The Ford F-150 pickup is No. 1, followed by the Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord, marching along as they have been ... hut, two, three, four.But the

2009 Toyota Corolla

2008-06-04T18:02:00.004+07:00

For 2009, the king of the compacts gets a redesign and a more powerful engine—but the high gas mileage stays the same Starting prices range from $15,910, for a bare-bones Standard with a stick shift, up to $18,210, for the relatively fancy XLE. The two sport models, the S and the XRS, start at $16,980 and $19,420, respectively, with a stick shift. The '09 Corolla's average selling price is

2007 Cadillac Escalade

2008-05-30T18:38:00.001+07:00

Introduction The Bush administration has suggested that Ford and GM’s struggles can be easily corrected by building better vehicles. That’s a fair statement for a crew that is chauffeured around in a dated fleet of domestic SUVs, though it doesn't apply to this year’s batch of products. Perhaps it’s time the Secret Service went shopping for some 2007 Cadillac Escalades, in which the President

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

2008-05-30T18:33:00.000+07:00

What it Is2009 Cadillac CTS-V Preview – Detroit Auto Show: If there ever were doubts that Cadillac was shooting for the top, this should erase them. The numbers here are simple: 550 horsepower, 550 lb.-ft. of torque, and a six-speed manual transmission. Were these numbers for a special edition Corvette, we’d be happy enough. But when they’re specs for the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V – a

2007 Acura MDX

2008-05-30T18:21:00.000+07:00

Introduction Acura MDX – Review: Picture in your mind a sport sedan. One with all-wheel drive, an active damper system, and responsive steering and brakes. Give it a powerful V6 engine and a quick-shifting automatic transmission with a seamless shift-for-yourself mode. Imagine its sharp chassis reflexes were tuned on Germany’s famous Nürburgring race track, alongside BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes,

Honda Accord spied

2007-10-19T21:06:00.001+07:00

Your title says Honda Accord, but this looks like an accident between a car and a tent! Yes, but under that heavy disguise this has been confirmed as the next Honda Accord. Prototypes have started lapping the Nurburgring ahead of the Accord’s production debut in March 2008 at the Geneva Motor Show. It will then go on sale in summer 2008.It’s a completely different car to the American Accord and

Nissan GT-R leak

2007-10-19T20:37:00.000+07:00

Nissan GT-R: the lowdownFirst, a bit of industry navel-gazing. The car world in the 21st century is a molly-coddled world. Hawkish PRs usually enforce embargos on first pictures of new cars - designed to maximise the publicity when a manufacturer unveils its latest wares. But in an age of instant communication, it's difficult to stop photos pinging around the world, and that's exactly what's

Car Insurance Shopping Tips

2007-09-26T18:41:00.001+07:00

Savvy consumers know it pays to do the legwork and shop around for car insurance. Considering prices for a six-month policy can vary greatly between companies, why not take the time to compare rates for several companies? To help you in your quest for car insurance, we've compiled a few tips that can help you save money and make the right choices for your situation. Before you get started,

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Preview

2007-09-18T06:07:00.003+07:00

Toyota injects some overdue style into its popular hybrid crossover by Thom Blackett What it Is Toyota Highlander Preview – Chicago Auto Show: While executives and board members at other companies have been twiddling their thumbs, straddling the fence on whether or not to build a hybrid model, Toyota is busy unveiling the second generation of one its three hybrid vehicles, the 2008

2008 Toyota Auris Preview

2007-09-18T05:39:00.001+07:00

What it Is New Cars: Toyota Corolla Preview – What you’re looking at here is the new Toyota Auris, as shown at the 2006 Paris Auto Show and otherwise known as the new Toyota Corolla hatchback – maybe – for the 2008 model year. Already debuted in Japan, the new Corolla promises to be bigger, more stylish and powerful than the outgoing model. There will also be an emphasis on safety. The Auris,

2008 Toyota Highlander Preview

2007-09-14T21:18:00.001+07:00

What it Is 2008 Toyota Highlander - 2007 Chicago Auto Show Preview: Smart in, strong out. That’s a tagline Toyota is using with one of its new rides, but if you’re thinking it’s the newly-brawny Tundra, think again. It refers to the 2008 Highlander. That’s right, Toyota is aiming to associate strength with a model based on the Camry/Avalon platform, albeit one available with four-wheel drive.

2008 Honda Accord Coupe Spy Photos

2007-09-14T20:57:00.001+07:00

Accord Coupe – 2008 Spy Photo: Shown lightly disguised behind a flurry of white tape is the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe। Due to debut in the fall, our clearest view yet of the production version confirms that it closely resembles the Accord Coupe Concept shown at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Minor changes in front include a grille opening with more chrome and a shorter lower horizontal, while the

2008 Honda Accord Sedan Spy Photos

2007-09-14T20:36:00.001+07:00

Accord Sedan – 2008 Spy Photo: Barely disguised under a few strips of duct tape, the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan has been captured in the wild undergoing testing. While we’ve seen the coupe numerous times in both show car form and in spy photography, the sedan has heretofore been unseen. Not surprisingly, the sedan appears to be a taller and less aggressively styled version of its coupe cousin while

2007 Lincoln MKZ Review

2007-08-21T20:59:00.000+07:00

A good car competing in a field of great ones by Christian WardlawIntroductionLincoln MKZ – 2007 Review: Lincoln’s historic Zephyr moniker blew in for 2006 and right back out again for 2007 when marketers decided to switch from memorable, iconic nameplates to forgettable alphabet soup badges like MKR, MKS, MKX, and MKZ. The only one spared was Navigator, which apparently still has brand equity

2007 Cadillac DTS-L Brief

2007-08-19T14:59:00.001+07:00

When a yellow Crown Vic just won't do by Thom BlackettIntro2007 Cadillac DTS-L – Brief: Over the past few years, several automakers have released stretched versions of their full-size sedans designed either for private individuals who prefer to be chauffeured in spacious comfort, or in the case of models like the 2007 Cadillac DTS-L, specifically for the high-end taxi services. There are

2008 Cadillac CTS Preview

2007-08-19T14:41:00.001+07:00

Way better than it once was, inside and out by Brian CheeWhat it IsCadillac CTS Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Note to BMW dealers: That grille filling up your rearview mirror may not carry a Lexus badge after all. Shocker of shockers, if you look closely you will see a crest, a Cadillac crest, followed by the unmistakably angled snout of the 2008 Cadillac CTS. Redesigned on the inside,

2007 Lincoln MKX Review

2007-08-16T18:41:00.000+07:00

Less than the sum of its parts by Keith Buglewicz Introduction Lincoln MKX – 2007 Review: Lincoln says that the 2007 MKX is set to do battle against the Lexus RX 350 and other luxury crossovers, but after a week driving this new crossover, it’s obvious that it wields a penknife against a group of sharpshooters. On paper MKX has the goods. There’s a powerful V6 engine with a six-speed automatic,

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer First Drive

2007-08-15T21:10:00.001+07:00

A Lancer ill-equipped to penetrate its competitors' armor by Thom BlackettMitsubishi Lancer: Introduction Mitsubishi Lancer – First Drive: Life must be hard for the Mitsubishi Lancer. Forever in the shadow of its twin, the all-wheel-drive Evolution, it can only dream of having its own cult following or serving as the primary life line for its struggling brand. Nonetheless, the Lancer soldiers on

2007 Nissan Quest Review

2007-08-15T20:37:00.000+07:00

What We Drove Nissan Quest: Review – The setup was perfect. Three members of our CarTV crew needed a rig to transport themselves and their gear from Orange County to Las Vegas for the SEMA show. Turns out Nissan had a 2007 Quest 3.5 SE available, complete with leather seats, a navigation system, a fold-flat third-row seat, and a dual-screen DVD system. Plus, the EPA-rated 25 mpg on the highway

2007 Toyota Tundra First Drive

2007-08-13T19:32:00.000+07:00

It seemed like a great idea: Dress up in a rubber sumo suit and try to knock a bigger guy down three times. The bar was even chanting “GO, little man” as he chased, and fell, twice. But then he stopped. And it became clear that he would not fall again. Sadly, it turns out a small guy in a big rubber suit is still no match for a big guy in the same suit. The same goes for trucks, too, which is

Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

2007-07-29T20:41:00.001+07:00

Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show:The Acura NSX was exactly the kind of car that we always knew Honda Motor Co। could build, bringing together the company’s wild-child Formula 1 expertise with its sensible shoes Civic-minded reliability and drivability. But despite its greatness, the NSX was allowed to wither, with hardly any attention paid to it during its 15-

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR

2007-07-25T11:37:00.000+07:00

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR Preview – New York Auto Show: Ironically, the worse Ford does, the better Carroll Shelby seems to fare। You'd think that it would be the opposite, seeing as automaker and maker of autos are forever connected by historic acts of automotive genius. Yet when Ford falters, when they need a headline, ‘ol Carroll is at the ready, riding into town with a new supercar Ford fans

2007 Jeep Compass

2007-07-23T06:43:00.000+07:00

Introduction Jeep Compass – Review: Minus navigation systems, travel is aided by two handy inventions – the map, and the compass. A compass will point you toward a general direction, yet fails to represent alternate routes or more suitable destinations. The map lays out the road for travel and unveils countless alternatives along the way

2008 Infiniti G37

2007-07-20T22:38:00.000+07:00

2008 Infiniti G37 Preview – 2007 New York Auto Show: Legend has it that cows came up with the game first, knocking one another off farm land mounds and hills in order to get premium grazing ground or just, who knows – amuse themselves। Infiniti, while not like a cow in any way outside of the leather on its seats, is also playing king of the hill, or will be later this summer when the all-new 2008

2008 Cadillac STS Preview

2007-07-20T22:25:00.001+07:00

What it Is 2008 Cadillac STS Preview – New York Auto Show: Okay, okay. So most sophisticated sedan shoppers overlook the STS, moving instead to the BMW 5 Series or another German – or Japanese – luxury entrant. That's a shame, too, for it has gradually improved to the point where the standard 2008 model now boasts more V6 power, a

2007 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Review

2007-07-20T22:12:00.002+07:00

Toyota Yaris Hatchback – 2007 Review: This is the car of the future। Don’t believe it? Check out any variety of forecast data pertaining to population growth, global warming, gas prices, and infrastructure investment. The trajectories are dire unless something happens now. Experts say that by mid-century there will be 100 million more Americans, that our atmosphere will be irrevocably damaged by

The Ford That's Faster Than a Ferrari

2007-07-07T21:47:00.001+07:00

Shelby and Ford join forces again to create the SuperSnake। A car with one simple goal: "to blow the doors off most anything on the planet" Shelby and Ford have joined forces again to produce a mega-muscle car with one simple goal: "to blow the doors off most anything on the planet." They're claiming up to 725 horsepower from the Super Snake, which is over a hundred more

High Marks for Saturn Aura Hybrid

2007-07-07T21:44:00.002+07:00

Thought you couldn't afford a hybrid because they cost too much? The $22,695 Saturn Aura Green Line is the cheapest hybrid on the market The Good: Low price, fuel efficiency The Bad: No all-wheel drive or wagon version The Bottom Line: A "mild" hybrid that offers maximum value View Slide Show Up Front After driving a new Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid for 150 miles or so, I got

2008 BMW M5 Road Test

2007-07-03T21:28:00.000+07:00

Let's get the expected impressions out of the way so we can tackle the technology smorgasbord that separates this Teutonic road jet from other 5-Series Bimmers and everything else on the road. With apologies to Clint Eastwood, these include much good, some bad and an element of ugly. The good: this fourth-generation M5 may be the fastest, most muscular, most precise and glued-to-the-road

Toyota's Next Hybrid?

2007-07-03T21:21:00.001+07:00

Is the Toyota (TM) Prius about to get a big brother? According to the June 24 edition of Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Japan's leading business daily, the hybrid trailblazer is planning a new dedicated hybrid-only model for launch in 2009. While Toyota sells seven models that use hybrid technology, the Prius (now in its 10th year) is the only one that's offered exclusively as a hybrid. Others, such as