New Vehicle Reviews (Page 66)

The Japanese car maker has achieved its objective with the 2012 Toyota Prius, but it had to give up something to reach its goal.

It's easy to underestimate a vehicle's capabilities – to take it for granted. Such was the case with the 2011 Toyota Highlander. It was a crossover utility vehicle that seemed to have been passed by other more worthy competitors.

The Toyota Venza made a good impression on us when we first checked it out back in 2009. It was a nice size and shape, with oversized wheels and a roomy interior, but at that time we didn’t get to drive it very far. Recently we had the opportunity to take the 2011 Toyota Venza on an extended road trip, finding it even more likable than we at first imagined.

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.