New Vehicle Reviews (Page 58)

Before driving the 2012 Kia Soul!, I really didn’t think much of the funky little crossover beyond the ultra catchy television commercials featuring the hip hop “Hamstars” but after spending a week driving the Soul!, I’ve learned that this vehicle is way more than just a fun advertising campaign.

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox AWD LTZ is the top of the line trim package for the smallest of the Chevy sport utility vehicles and the level of detail inside allows this compact SUV to offer luxury comforts with a price well below comparably equipped models around the industry.

The diminutive Mitsubishi lineup offers two sport utility vehicles that share the same name and recently, I had a chance to spend a week behind the wheel of the roomy 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC - the larger of the two company SUVs packing seating for seven and realistic fuel economy of 25mpg on the open road.

After spending 8 days behind the wheel of the 2012 Audi A4 2.0, there is little question as to why this is among the bestselling European luxury cars in the America with tons of amenities inside and an efficient drivetrain that maintains a fun to drive attitude – all under $40,000.

I recently had a chance to log a few hundred miles in the 2012 Hyundai Sonata SE with the standard 2.4L GDI engine, the mid-level package for the company’s bestselling vehicle in the US which offers an incredible number of luxury goodies with the only thing missing being leather surfaces.

I recently had a chance to spend some time in the 2012 Ford F150 XLT 4x4 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and since this was my second time testing the F150 powered by an EcoBoost V6 from the 2012 model year – I took a little different approach to my road test this time around with a long drive on the highway to test the fuel economy figures of the super-efficient engine.

I recently spent time in a loaded up 2012 Toyota Prius V Five models and while the roomy hybrid was as fuel efficient as I had expected – the larger Prius was actually a great deal more powerful than I had expected.

The compact sport utility vehicle segment is packed full of popular models but the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is one that shouldn’t be overlooked by prospective shoppers as it carries a low price and a surprising number of amenities even in lower level trimlines.

There are people in the automotive world who scoff at the suggestion of a true, premium luxury sedan from a Korean automaker but the odds are good that those people haven’t experienced the 2012 Hyundai Equus – a full sized, fully loaded luxury sedan that can stand toe to toe with the top luxury names in the industry.

While the arrival of the new rear wheel drive FR-S may overshadow the front wheel drive Scion tC, those who want a very low priced, front wheel drive sports coupe that offers impressive fuel economy without compromising power should check out the Scion tC.

Spending a week behind the wheel of the 2012 Audi A6 Prestige 3.0 Quattro provides a great example of how well Audi has molded this roomy sedan around the driver – combining comfort and performance in a package that makes it very clear why Audi is one of the world’s leading luxury brands.

The biggest complaint with most sport utility vehicles is that many of them offer poor fuel economy and those models that do offer impressive MPGs often do so by skimping elsewhere but with the Ford Edge Limited fitted with the 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder – SUV drivers can have great fuel economy and gobs of modern amenities in a luxurious setting.

Yesterday, Ford Motor Company announced that the 2013 Ford Taurus would be offered with a new 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that puts out an impressive 32 miles per gallon on the open road and shortly after making that announced, FoMoCo put me in the new EcoBoosted 2013 Taurus to experience this peppy, fuel sipping engine.

The Lexus ES lineup shares a great many components with popular Toyota models but while the early days of the ES sedans were criticized for being too much like the Camry, the newer versions have taken strides to clearly differentiate the two – a point that is very evident with the 2013 Lexus ES350.

The new 2013 Lexus ES300h will be remembered as the car that was the tipping point for hybrid drivetrains in premium automobiles. From here forward the elements this car has perfected will become expected in all cars of its type.

The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid is an attractive option in the hybrid sedan segment, one that is still growing despite several months of relatively stable gasoline prices. With an EPA rating of 40-mpg highway and a base price of $25,700, this vehicle warrants the hybrid buyer's consideration.

Since the first official information was offered up for the 2013 Scion FR-S months ago, there has been a great deal of speculation about whether or not the output of the naturally aspirated Boxer engine would be enough for the FR-S to feel like a sports car and I admit that I am among those people who questioned the new Scion’s place in the sports car world - until I drove one.

There was a point in time where the suggestion of a great looking Korean sport sedan that had the brass to back up the title would have been little more than a joke but Kia is one of the American auto industry’s most improved brands over the past few years – a fact clearly illustrated by the 2012 Kia Optima SX.

The Honda CR-V was the 13th bestselling vehicle in the US last year and the second bestselling SUV behind only the Ford Escape and after spending some time in the 2012 CR-V, it is clear why this is one of America’s top selling models.

Scion has introduced its first-ever sports car: a rear-wheel drive two-door sports performance coupe jointly developed with Subaru called the 2013 Scion FR-S.

Changing the number two selling car in the U.S. is a huge gamble, but Nissan has pulled off a stunning success with the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima.

The compact sedan class is jam packed full of affordable models boasting about how they offer a blend of fuel economy and spirited driving but few are as efficient as the 2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring featuring Mazda’s Skyactiv engine technology – offering 40 miles per gallon on the open road.

There was a point in time where buying an inexpensive American compact sedan meant that you were buying a cheap car but with the progressive incline in quality for the crowded C segment class – the 2013 Dodge Dart should become the standard to which other compact sedans will be based.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Sports comes in a high-gloss Brilliant Red, among other choices, that truly befits its flashy urban style and surprising small car performance.

The 2013 Ford Mustang GT benefits from a slight bump in power to 420hp and a fairly substantial exterior refresh – both of which work together to help the mighty Mustang to be one of the most exciting and entertaining cars to drive in the modern American market while also being one of the most head-turning cars on the road today.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Cabriolet is so stylish and cute it’s as much a fashion accessory as a comfortable, functional commuter for the design conscious urban fashionista.

Many new car shoppers do much of their research online and while the 2012 Subaru Impreza may not turn heads based on its specifications – this is a vehicle that you need to drive before removing it from your short list due to impressive acceleration, incredible fuel economy, lots of room and the surefootedness of Subaru’s all wheel drive system.

Driving the 2012 Audi A3 TDI daily last week revealed it to be a comfortable if still compelling Eurowagon with performance and efficiency perfect for the commuter with a primarily intercity work routine, like exburb residents who regularly drive to and from metropolitan suburbs.

I recently had a chance to get behind the wheel of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe in 3.8 R-Spec for a short test drive and while I would have loved to spend more time in this powerful Korean sports car – the seat time received was more than enough to show how far the Hyundai performance program has come.

Sometimes driving is more about the passengers as was the case when I drove the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE to Wichita last week to visit Ms. Eva, a respectfully submitted pseudonym for my dear mother’s true name.