Department: Test Drive
CX-9 is Practically Perfect
January 05, 2019. John Lehrer
Mazda’s CX-9, the automaker’s largest crossover sport-utility vehicle, has a multitude of virtues and hardly any shortcomings. No slab-sided SUV, its lines are at once bold, dynamic, understated and refined. Stellar design elements extend to the well-appointed interior, with its good-looking, functional controls. The cabin has a rich feel, approaching entry-level luxury status on the…
Is ‘Sporty SUV’ an Oxymoron? – Jaguar I-Pace/BMW X4
January 05, 2019. Alan Rider
Sport-utility vehicles used to project a rugged vibe. Now, new models that put the ‘sport’ in ‘sport-utility’ have become a thing.
Audi A4 Boasts Luxury and Performance
December 28, 2018. John Lehrer
The redesigned Audi A4 melds speed and style.
Practical-y Perfect – Hyundai Kona/Honda Fit
December 27, 2018. Alan Rider
While many daydream about driving a sports car, reality eventually calls. Two remarkably sensible new models meld sport and style.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback Is One of the Best in Its Class
November 15, 2018. John Paul
The 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback isn’t exactly new; it’s a re-imagined version of the Toyota iM that was once the Scion iM. This Corolla hatchback is powered by a new 168-horsepower 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. Performance from the 168-horsepower engine was pretty good, not exactly sporty but more than enough power for any driving conditions….
Ram 1500 is Powerful, Yet Quiet and Comfortable
November 15, 2018. John Paul
The Ram 1500 pickup truck has been completely updated for 2019. There are a total of 29 different configurations of the Ram 1500 pickup. My road test was in the two-wheel-drive Ram 1500 Big Horn Sport Quad Cab with the 5.7 liter mild-hybrid V-8 engine. The 5.7-liter V-8 provided plenty of power. The ride was…
Hyundai Veloster R-Spec is the Latest “Hot Hatchback”
October 19, 2018. John Paul
When it comes to “hot” hatchbacks, most people think of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Honda Civic Si or Ford Focus ST. These small cars are nimble, quick and fun to drive. The latest car in this segment is the Hyundai Veloster R-Spec. My road test vehicle featured a 201-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged…
Acura RDX is High-Tech, Sporty and Fun
October 19, 2018. John Paul
This compact luxury sport-utility vehicle has a sporty, high-tech look and feel. It’s powered by a 2.0 turbocharged, 272-horsepower, four-cylinder engine connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. (My test drive had Acura’s SH-AWD system.) It has a full suite of safety features such as lane departure warning, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert…
Pavement, Shmavement – Jeep Compass/Volvo V90 Cross Country
September 27, 2018. Alan Rider
Like the Mach 5 in its day, crossovers have developed a legion of dedicated fans. But I predict the Jeep Compass will be sought-after for more than just its body style. Take the midrange Trailhawk model I drove. Simply put, it is the only affordable compact SUV I can think of that will take you…
Hardworking Ford F-150 Can Replace the Family Car
September 15, 2018. John Paul
The Ford F-150 is the undisputed leader in pickup truck sales. Its seven versions come with various engines, cab configurations, bed lengths and rear-wheel- or four-wheel-drive versions. I drove the top-of-the-line Ford F-150 Limited Edition SuperCrew with a 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 engine. The cabin is as luxurious as any passenger car, with spacious rear seating….