New Vehicle Reviews (Page 56)

Maybe you've heard the old cliché that good things come in small packages? Unfortunately, in the case of the 2012 Fiat 500c cabriolet that's not the case. It's a small package, but it's underpowered and overpriced, which just don't cut it no matter how cute you are.

Since it was announced that the Chevrolet Volt would be making it to production, I have eagerly awaited my chance to review the first electric vehicle from an American automaker. Having spent a week cruising the streets of Detroit in the Volt, I was amazed both at the incredible fuel economy levels but also the fact that this electric vehicle can very easily serve as a long-distance daily driver.

Some have called the 2012 Audi A7 3.0T a sedan, others have called it a coupe. Our review concludes that it’s just a great looking beautiful car with many goodies.

We recently had a chance to spend a few hours cruising around Southwestern Michigan in the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, the innovative new hatchback that offers a sporty feel and easy access to the rear seats with the “extra” passenger’s side door.

The hot spot in the automotive world right now is the B class or sub-compact segment as most folks know it. Sweet in that hot spot is Kia with the 2012 Rio five-door hatchback currently in dealers and the four-door sedan that rolls out by year’s end. The base 2012 model has the same price as the 2011 model but much more value.

The previous generation Infiniti M56 was always a likable luxury performance sedan. It had a sense of oomph to it while providing a luxurious, comfortable ride. The one thing it lacked was a real sense of design but not so with the 2012 Infiniti M56. Gone is the bland exterior that was not in keeping with the rest of Infiniti's sharp looks.

Having known owners who are avid evangelists for the top of the line Jeep, we decided to give the 2011 Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 a thorough test in its true element – the Rocky Mountains at altitudes over 8,000 ft. Those who dwell at such altitudes and those who regularly commute between businesses or homes in the city and mountains have long considered the Grand Cherokee the reliable standard of mountain life and mobility.

While the Hemi powered Challenger R/T and SRT8 392 might get the lion’s share of attention, the new 3.6L Pentastar V6 adds some much needed power to the entry level 2011 Dodge Challenger and the Rallye package allows it to look a great deal like the more powerful counterparts packing V8 engines.

Recently I had a chance to review and drive 2011 Ford C-max for a week. A 5 door multi-purpose vehicleMPV car is ideal for an active family, always searching new destinations and new discoveries. This family car offers you all the necessary space to realize your projects and family activities.

It's hard to comprehend but the 2012 Honda Civic is the ninth generation of the Civic, which has sold more than 8.8 million units in the United States through 2010 since its launch as a 1973 model. Honda continues to deliver what one expects from a classic, compact sedan.

The 2011 Toyota Sequoia combines the capacities and capabilities of a full size SUV with flex fuel versatility and the surprising handling of a somewhat smaller vehicle.

Ford Motor Company recently invited a group of reporters to their Romeo Proving Grounds for a first-hand, hands-on look at the upcoming 2012 Ford Explorer EcoBoost – which will be among the first 4-cylinder EcoBoost models from Ford in the US market when it arrives later this year.

The 2011 Nissan Juke SL is the most expensive subcompact on the market, but just might have you jumping for joy with this jazzy, jaunty, fully loaded, fun little runabout.

The 2012 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid sailed through the streets of suburban Detroit more deftly than the other Camrys I drove today. Smooth, quiet and almost as responsive as it needed to be.

After all of the hype and hoopla, I expected a lot more than I got from the 2012 Toyota Camry SE when I drove it today.

The 2012 Toyota Camry reveal was today. If you go to the links at the bottom of this article, we'll give you links to our coverage of the introduction, new pictures from Managing Editor Patrick Rall and driving impressions of the SE and the hybrid from TN automotive reporter Hawke Fracassa.

While it is great that the 2011 Ford F150 FX4 with the EcoBoost V6 makes big power and great fuel economy, the most important part of a truck’s job is hauling and towing.

Recently I had a chance to spend 8 days behind the wheel of the 2011 Ford F150 FX4 with the innovative EcoBoost – the twin turbocharged V6 that Ford claims will beat the V8 competition – and after driving this high tech V6 there is no question why this has become the most popular engine option in the F150 lineup.

Recently we drove the 2012 Toyota Prius V through the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

With still four months until show time, The2011 Los Angeles Auto Show announced it expects more than 50 vehicle debuts Nov. 16 and 17. Following historic changes within the industry itself, the LA Auto Show continues to showcase fuel-efficient vehicles including all-electrics and other alternative fuel technologies. Innovations in design, luxury, performance as well as cutting-edge technology have become the hallmark of the L.A. Show.

Along with packing the 2011 Ford Fiesta SES full of features that you wouldn’t expect from such a low-priced B-segment vehicle, Ford did a fine job of designing the suspension and drivetrain to depart from what many consumers would expect.

I recently had a chance to spend a week in a 2011 Ford Fiesta SES 5-door – a car that Ford has billed since before it hit the streets as being a “pretty big deal” – a promise on which the new Fiesta delivers very nicely.

The second day of the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience found us in the lap of luxury, comfort and ease of handling provided by the heavenly ambience of the 2011 Jaguar XJL. We had the pleasure of driving the reps for Jaguar and Range Rover, namely Ree Hartwell, Tom Collins, and Kim Daniel to the Evergreen parking area in Colorado’s foothills.

A significant aspect of the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience held June 15-16 is the opportunity to drive the latest models from numerous manufacturers on the open highways of Colorado’s high plains as well as venturing up the highest paved road in North America, often in the company of a brand representatives. This adds a real world component to the significant if less common experience provided by the off-road and track aspects of the two-day event.

The 2011 Toyota Yaris, in any of its variations, is the essence of the modern commuter – efficient, easy to drive, technologically up to date, inexpensive to operate and far safer than small cars were just a few years ago.

While the 2011 Dodge Avenger Heat features a revised interior and a subtly altered exterior, the biggest news for the new midsized Dodge sedan is the improved suspension system and the new premium engine option.