2014 Lexus RX 450h

H = hybrid in luxurious 450h crossover for a smooth quiet cruiser Lexus makes quiet, comfortable and reliable vehicles as well, if not better, than most car makers and its RX crossover has been a hit for years, being an early entry into the crossover, or tall wagon, market. Certainly Lexus does nothing to embarrass itself... Continue Reading →

February 8, 2014 0

2014 Toyota Corolla S Premium

Simplicity, reliability, economy = Corolla Our family owned a Toyota Corolla in the 1980s and it’s on that generation of Corolla’s reputation that Toyota has built its automotive empire. Simplicity, reliability and economy were the building blocks and the revamped 2014 Corolla appears to continue that corporate line of thinking. There are no surprises here,... Continue Reading →

January 29, 2014 3

2014 Kia Forte EX

Common sense Forte also sporty, fun, loaded with goodies Kia cranks out another winner with its updated Forte compact sedan, a near sport sedan with a modern sporty look and common sense price tag and performance. The Forte is stellar in nothing, but good at everything. Such solid execution from a car maker creates the... Continue Reading →

January 24, 2014 0

2014 Nissan Versa Note SV

Versa is inexpensive, versatile, but extremely underpowered Rarely have I driven a car as underpowered as the Versa Note, Nissan’s new four-door hatchback version of the Versa, which debuted last year as a sedan. Naturally this is an economy model, but still, with a 1.6-liter, I4 that cranks only 109 horsepower the acceleration is lackluster,... Continue Reading →

January 1, 2014 0

2014 Ford Fiesta SE

Small cars can be fun to drive if spunky and good handling Driving small cars isn’t a turnoff to me. I enjoy their economy, their simplicity their easy handling and their low cost. But frugal needn’t mean blah, and Ford’s Fiesta has learned that lesson. It offers a spunky look and feel, good handling and an... Continue Reading →

December 31, 2013 0

2014 Lexus IS350 AWD

Who makes the best compact sport sedan? Well, BMW has owned that segment for years, but it would be hard to argue against Lexus now making the best looking sport sedan with its new IS series. Lexus created the IS to be a BMW 3 Series (now renamed the 4 Series) fighter, but Lexus is... Continue Reading →

December 21, 2013 0

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 1LT

Fast & furious new Stingray sets a new standard The company parking lot was alive with color, as was the driveway at home. People stared, gave a thumbs up and admired what for 60 years has been America’s Sports Car. This was a Torch Red Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51, fresh off the assembly line in... Continue Reading →

December 4, 2013 0

2013 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD

Lackluster new RAV4 underwhelming Underwhelmed, that was how the new Toyota RAV4 left me. Oh it looks fine, pretty much like every other compact ute out these days, and with all the features and electronic options and doodads you’d want. But given Toyota’s history, I was surprised by how lackluster it felt and it had fit... Continue Reading →

November 10, 2013 0

2013 Chrysler 200

Chrysler 200 Touring feels like a rental car, but scores with good MPG I wasn’t expecting much when the silver Chrysler 200 Touring arrived. It’s not a styling leader and isn’t far removed from its Sebring predecessor. It looks like a rental car and feels like one too. This one tried to spiff up a bit... Continue Reading →

November 3, 2013 0

2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Core

Challenger SRT8 puts 470 ponies under you Muscle is one thing. Looks are another. But I still expect a boatload of amenities at $41 grand. The “TorRed” Dodge Challenger SRT8 Core that I blasted around town in last week targets the fanatical muscle car lover. It packs a 6.4-liter V8 SRT HEMI that punches out... Continue Reading →