2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic

C300 helps Mercedes moves back toward top Mercedes-Benz has rejoined the top-tier of luxury automakers after a decade, or more, of struggling with design and execution while other luxo-makes were raising the bar. Nearly two years ago I praised the GLK350, a small luxury ute that hit on all cylinders for luxury, equipment and... Continue Reading →

November 1, 2014 1

2015 Lexus IS350

Lexus IS350 a BWM 3 Series fighter heavy on luxury Star Trek groupies may already believe in mind melds, but BMW and Lexus engineers and designers have convinced me it’s a real phenomenon. Their convincing argument is their creation of two like models that if more identical would be sold in the same showroom. Lexus... Continue Reading →

October 17, 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

2013 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4Motion

Tiguan shows VW still struggling in U.S. Ever since Volkswagen lost its way in the U.S. market, about the time it phased out the old Beetle, it has been struggling to regain its footing. Nowhere is that struggle more evident than its small sport-utility offering, the Tiguan. VW’s small ute was restyled and remade a... Continue Reading →

October 12, 2013 0

2013 Land Rover LR2

Land Rover's LR2 modest in price, but boasts off-roading capability Land Rover’s proud and adept off-roading history assures you that you’ll be getting a terrain crunching vehicle with any model, but the expectation of luxury is surely just as great. So it is with its entry-level sport-ute, the LR2. With a modest starting price of... Continue Reading →

July 1, 2013 0

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 →

March 10, 2013 0

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

Cute and powerful, but overpriced and a rough rider A co-worker put it perfectly after seeing my black and white Fiat 500 Abarth, it’s the Beanie Baby of cars – Cute with a capital C. I like small cars, appreciate their efficiency, their fun factor and generally their lower cost. The Fiat 500 is cute,... Continue Reading →