2018 Kia Rio EX hatch

Cute Rio hatchback a sporty low-cost option ... I liked the high-value Hyundai Accent sedan a week ago, so it stands to reason I’d like its cousin, the sportier looking Kia Rio hatchback this week. Accent no longer comes in a hatch, so if you prefer this body style, which I do, the Rio is... Continue Reading →

January 12, 2018 0

2017 Toyota Corolla XSE

Toyota Corolla still running strong 50 years on ... Like Energizer’s bunny, Toyota’s Corolla just keeps on running through the generations and has succeeded like no other car model. It’s now 50-year run has resulted in more than 40 million Corollas being sold, most of any model. That’s more than the VW Beetle, the other... Continue Reading →

January 13, 2017 0

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate AWD

New Santa Fe seats 7, looks better, roomier Hyundai developed its Santa Fe into two vehicles a couple of years ago, the Sport which has a midsize 106-inch wheelbase and the straight-up Santa Fe that’ll seat seven with its longer 110.2-inch wheelbase and more interior room. The 2017 Santa Fe looks even better than its... Continue Reading →

August 5, 2016 0

2015 Dodge Dart SXT Rallye

Dodge Dart SXT sharp looker, affordable I’ve always liked the lightly regarded Dodge Dart because it’s a sporty looking entry-level car with a low price tag. It’s affordable and doesn’t look like a cheap econobox. I gave it my Zoomie Car of the Year award in 2013. So I was a bit surprised I wasn’t as... Continue Reading →

November 6, 2015 0

2016 Honda Pilot Touring AWD

Restyled Honda Pilot roomier, improved overall The Honda Pilot has been a reliable big box of a sport-utility vehicle for years, nothing fancy, but usual Honda quality and solid build. For 2016 the Pilot is restyled and rounded to give it a smoother more refined look, one that might be confused with Buick’s Enclave. In... Continue Reading →

October 23, 2015 0

2015 Honda Fit EX-L w/Nav

Honda Fit not a hit, just a basic entry-level car Honda’s new 2015 Fit is larger inside than the previous model, but remains a basic entry-level car that delivers excellent gas mileage. But it has its limitations, as all entry-level cars do. Power is modest, the ride is rough and wind noise is fairly intrusive. This... Continue Reading →

October 4, 2014 0

2013 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD

Lackluster new RAV4 underwhelming Underwhelmed, that was how the new Toyota RAV4 left me. Oh it looks fine, pretty much like every other compact ute out these days, and with all the features and electronic options and doodads you’d want. But given Toyota’s history, I was surprised by how lackluster it felt and it had fit... Continue Reading →