New Mazda6 boasts power, looks and efficiency Confession, my first new car was a Mazda, a puny little GLC with barely enough power to get me up a fair sized hill. I’ve had a soft spot for Mazda ever since. Now comes the 2014 (that’s right, 2014) Mazda6, a car that doesn’t have to apologize... Continue Reading →
2013 Chrysler 200 Limited Convertible
Despite low cost, Chrysler 200 droptop leaves us cold First impressions can be skewed by many factors, and it probably did not help that the Chrysler 200 Limited Convertible arrived on a near zero degree day in a week where snow was forecast, and fell, over several days.No, I didn’t drop the top! The test car... Continue Reading →
2013 Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0T
Looks, handling, turbo give small Cadillac a boost Those of us who have been around for a few decades may be forgiven for our skepticism when we hear Cadillac is creating an entry-level sport sedan. Visions of Cimarron dance in our brains. Ah, but those who observe the car market closely know that Cadillac has... Continue Reading →
2013 Honda Accord Sedan EX MT
Fine Accord masters the fine art of blending in ... Honda’s Accord has become the generic family sedan in America, the car everyone’s neighbor owns. It’s a good value, an excellent performer, but it blends in. So you’ll likely never notice the 2013 model, but you may want to own one. While Toyota has added... Continue Reading →
2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Mitsubishi doesn’t sell a lot of vehicles in the U.S. market, but it still appeals to the boy toy racer crowd with its Lancer Evolution. However, it probably says something about the market for a super high-horse turbocharged 4-cylinder sedan that it’s pretty much a two car segment consisting of... Continue Reading →
2013 Lexus ES350
ES350 handsome blend of luxury, elegance You’d have to be crazy or lacking in the ability to physically feel anything to not enjoy riding in the new Lexus ES350. This is a fine front-drive mid-size luxury sedan, with a restyled grille and lines that give it a somewhat more interesting look. At least you notice... Continue Reading →
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Veloster Turbo rocks the entry-level market Hyundai wasn’t happy to leave well enough alone, so it went and added a turbo to its sporty coupe/hatch, the Veloster. Yes, you’ll still hear jokes about the name and its similarity to the famous dinos in “Jurassic Park,” but you won’t care. You’ll have a sporty car with... Continue Reading →
2013 Audi S5 Cabriolet
Convertible adds fun to fast, sure-footed Audi What’s more fun than a sports coupe? Well, a convertible version of a sports coupe with a supercharged V6 and all-wheel drive, to be sure. That’s what you get with Audi’s S5 Cabriolet Quattro, compared with its standard A5 coupe. The S5 comes as either a coupe with... Continue Reading →
2013 Volkswagen CC Sport
Streamlined CC Sport shows what VW can do When Volkswagen launched its sporty CC in 2009 it went head-to-head with its own Passat, at the time a dowdy midsize sedan that was in need of a restyling. Now, Passat is coming off a facelift last year to thin it’s body to blend more with the other... Continue Reading →
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 1LZ
New Malibu impressive as high-value family car Chevrolet continues to impress with nearly every new model, or revamped model it launches, save the Spark. Its new Malibu is another winner with tweaked styling to make it look more like a Camry, especially from the rear. But to me, that’s a good thing as the current... Continue Reading →