Hybrid is good on gas mileage and easy on the eyes Ford’s new Fusion might do well to co-opt the old Miller Lite motto and tweak it a bit - Looks Great, Less Filling! That seems apt for Fusion’s hybrid model, which was my first full drive of the swoopy new Fusion with its fastback... Continue Reading →
2013 Chevrolet Volt (plug-in electric)
Smooth, quiet, but Volt packs power too Chevrolet’s Volt is the leader of the hybrid pack when it comes to performance. It’s quick and handles almost like a sports sedan. I know what you’re thinking, “No Way it’s quick!” Ah, but you’d be wrong. The difference between the plug-in electric hybrid Volt and a gas-powered... Continue Reading →
2013 Toyota Avalon
Avalon XLE Premium aims for younger drivers An old automotive axiom goes that you can sell a young man’s car to an old man, but you can’t sell an old man’s car to a young man.Apparently Toyota didn’t know that, until now. Toyota’s Avalon, long a senior citizen favorite, has been restyled and its suspension... Continue Reading →
2013 Toyota Corolla S
New Corolla S a family sedan, with sporty look My family owned a Toyota Corolla back in the early 1980s. That’s family as in me, my wife and two small kids. So, take note young families, you CAN survive without a minivan, crossover or sport-utility truck. That’s even easier now as the current Corolla, the... Continue Reading →
2013 Lexus LS 600h L
Hybrid Lexus LS delivers high-end luxury with a price to match Where to begin? Let’s just put the price tag out there to clear the air. My silver Lexus LS 600h L listed for $119,910 and settled at $135,029 after adding copious high-end options. As way of background, the LS is THE Lexus flagship, its full-size... Continue Reading →
2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring
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 →