2012 Buick Verano

Buick Enters Compact Sedan Market: Buick moves into the compact sedan market with its new Verano based on a front-drive Opel platform from Europe. This has been a successful General Motors strategy of late, revamping its European models and offering the restyled versions in the North American market. Verano’s goal was to reach the entry-level... Continue Reading →

June 3, 2012 0

Kia Rio hatch delivers sporty feel

Last week I drove the Hyundai Accent and this week I drive its near twin, the 2012 Kia Rio SX, both fine small entry-level cars. But there are differences among the similarities. First, the test Rio was a 5-door or hatchback version, while last week’s Accent was a four-door sedan. Second, Rio has a much... Continue Reading →

May 22, 2012 0

2012 Hyundai Accent GLS

Hyundai is trying something few carmakers have of late, offer a small entry-level car with nice styling. No, the Accent isn’t as swoopy as the Sonata or even the Elantra, which is sandwiched between Accent and Sonata. But its lines are crisp and give the small car some flair. I drove a sparkling “marathon blue”... Continue Reading →

May 16, 2012 0

2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD

The world needs another compact sport-utility vehicle like it needs a few more politicians, but Mazda definitely needed a new compact SUV. It’s Tribute, which was based off Ford’s Escape, was aging and barely selling. Its CX-7 and CX-9 are larger and frankly, more expensive. So the 2013 (already) CX-5 comes along at just the... Continue Reading →

May 16, 2012 0

2012 Subaru Impreza

Let’s get this right up front, I like the looks, ride and handling of the restyled 2012 Subaru Impreza. The small sedan’s chiseled nose and flattened wheel flares give it a much more exciting appearance than its predecessor. But the variable speed 5-speed transmission is a stumbling block. The continuously variable transmission (CVT), like so... Continue Reading →

May 16, 2012 0

2012 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L Nav

The Honda CR-V has been a solid compact sport-utility vehicle for years, so it should be no surprise that the restyled 2012 model remains simply that. Naturally some changes were made. CR-V adds a few more horses (5 to be exact) under the hood, but it also rounds its styling to the point of being rather... Continue Reading →