Automotive Reviews
Road tests
2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T
Dec 20th
It’s not quite a Cinderella story, because the Hyundai Sonata’s been getting steadily better for the past decade or so. The most recent evolution is certainly the most eye-catching, though, thanks to a new, dynamic face and extravagant styling.
After twenty-three years in the North American market, the Sonata seems to have finally developed a personality, and it’s cutting-edge. The Sonata features dramatic, sporty lines, fuel-efficient powertrains and dramatic improvements in road manners and comfort. Hyundai has expanded the Sonata lineup to include a hybrid, and there’s a turbocharged version as well. More >
2012 Dodge Charger R/T
Nov 28th
If you’re one of those drivers who’s just not happy unless you’re at the wheel of a big, rear-drive American sedan (and there are quite a lot of you) then the Dodge Charger is right up your alley. The Charger’s low and wide, driven by the “proper” wheels, and it’s got a choice of six or eight cylinders under the hood. For additional cool points, it’s also largely inherited the cop-car mantle passed on when the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor bit the dust. When it was first introduced, critics slammed the Charger for taking the name of a classic muscle coupe and having the audacity to sport four doors, but this car has grown into its name nicely.
(2011 Charger pictured)
For 2011 the Charger received a handsome facelift and some new option packages. Bigger news is on the way for 2012, when an all-new eight-speed transmission arrives to improve gas mileage and drivability. New option packages are also available. The improvements keep the Charger high on the desirable-family-car list. More >
2012 Mazda5
Nov 16th
You’re busy. You’re active. It seems like your every waking hour is sometimes focused only on Doing Things. Well, Mazda’s got a vehicle you might want to look into. The Mazda5 is a micro-minivan whose entire purpose in life is to serve as a mobile headquarters for activities of all kinds. From shopping trips to sporting events, cross-country drives to cross-town moves, the redesigned Mazda5 is prepared for just about anything. These days, it looks snazzier doing it too, thanks to a liberal application of Mazda’s flowing, organic styling.
Though the Mazda5 is sort of a three-quarter scale model of a minivan, it’s still subject to the same influences of that particular market, and these days, it’s not enough to be a big box on wheels. Minivans have discovered style in the past year or three, and the Mazda5 was quickly lost in the shuffle, even as a unique vehicle. More >