2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i Limited

Attractive Crosstrek a bit of sedan, wagon, crossover Subaru’s new crossover, the XV Crosstrek, is an attractive vehicle that splits the difference between sedan, wagon and crossover, with many of the good characteristics of each. But the Crosstrek, which rides on the compact Impreza platform, is underpowered, so keep that in mind if you plan to... Continue Reading →

February 23, 2013 0

2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL AWD

No longer truck-based, Pathfinder a softer, more civilized crossover Back in the day, which wasn’t long ago, Nissan’s Pathfinder was a sport-utility truck that was truck tough and set for off-roading and hauling gear. Today, like many of us as we age, it has gotten a little softer and is tailored now more for comfort.... Continue Reading →

February 17, 2013 0

2013 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

Sporty looks, but handling falls short I’ve always liked Mazda vehicles because they look and drive a little sportier than most brands that us average middle class folks can afford. That’s why I’m disappointed with the new Mazda CX-9, the large sport-utility/crossover I just tested. It only delivers on half the equation. It still looks... Continue Reading →

February 8, 2013 0

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD

Good-looking crossover/SUV loaded with tech goodies There are a lot of mid-size SUVs (crossovers) to choose from and now Hyundai has gone and redesigned its Santa Fe, to help complicate your choices. First, it’s a good-looking reskin with an edgier look and Hyundai continues to refine its vehicles to make them more upscale to fill... Continue Reading →

January 27, 2013 6

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

GLK350 laddles on the luxury Small luxury utes are nearly as plentiful as entry-level small utes, and sometimes I wonder what you get for that extra $15 grand. But a week in the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 reminded me what it is, luxury looks, feel and ride. A bunch of the little luxury utes handle pretty well... Continue Reading →

January 1, 2013 1

2013 Honda CR-V

Upon further review ... solid, but bulbous and not as refined as expected Every once in a while I get to test a vehicle twice in a single year. It’s rare, but this week I had the 2013 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L with navigation, just one model year newer than the CR-V I had tested early... Continue Reading →

December 27, 2012 1

2012 Ram 1500 Tradesman 4×4

A real bare bones work truck with a Hemi Pickups used to be for farmers, builders and such, tradesmen if you will. That was before we all decided we need pickups just to drive around town taller than the rest of the world and to haul sod, peat moss and soccer players on weekends. Well... Continue Reading →

November 7, 2012 0

2013 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD

Titanium edition pricy as a near premium small ute Let’s start with the shocking part, the price. The tested Ford Escape listed at $34,735. Granted this IS the top-of-the-line 2013 Escape Titanium 4WD, but that price is near premium small-ute territory, one where you expect a luxury nameplate. By adding the Titanium moniker it means... Continue Reading →

September 29, 2012 0

2013 Acura RDX AWD Tech

RDX soothes this Savage beast Flying into Washington D.C.’s Dulles Airport for a family wedding, I was frazzled from a day of flight delays, noise and airport confusion. But there in the parking lot was my soul soother, my nerve mender, a new 2013 Acura RDX. This RDX is more spacious, more luxurious feeling and a better... Continue Reading →

August 14, 2012 0

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Suzuki finally earning some respect as quality improves For years Suzuki’s cars and small utes didn’t garner much respect, but you have to earn respect, and NOW Suzuki is getting some. That’s after its fine Kizashi sedan and SX4 small crossover raised awareness in the brand by being well designed and executed, with quality more... Continue Reading →