Auto

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 KIA Sportage SX AWD Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 260 hp, 269 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, All Wheel Drive, Locking Center Differential EPA Ratings: 20-mpg city/25-mpg highway Base Price: $28,400 As Tested: $32,400 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The 2013 Kia Sportage SX is great fun to […]

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 KIA Optima SX Limited Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 274 hp, 269 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, Front Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 22-mpg city/34-mpg highway Base Price: $26,800 As Tested: $35,470 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The 2013 Kia Optima SX is a great car period and an […]

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT 4-Door Hatchback Engine: 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder, 148 hp, 131 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed Automatic, Front Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 27-mpg city/37-mpg highway Base Price: $19,395 As Tested: $23,015 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is a roomy sedan with the […]

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: Honda Ridgeline RTL  Engine: 3.5-liter SOHC V-6, 250 hp, 253 lb/ft  Transmission: 5-speed automatic, all-wheel drive  EPA Ratings: 15 city/21 highway  Base Price: $37,180  As Tested: $37,990 Performance:  Typically excellent Honda engine and drivetrain Smooth, car-like highway ride Automatic transmission has a tow mode Locking differential for severe 4×4 conditions […]

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 155 hp, 150 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed manual, Front Wheel Drive (AWD is optional) EPA Ratings: 26-mpg city/35-mpg highway Base Price: $20,695 As Tested: $21,490 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The all-new Mazda CX-5 Sport is a great addition to the […]

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek 4-Door Sedan Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (boxer configuration), 148 hp, 145 lb/ft Transmission: 5-speed manual, All Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 23-mpg city/30-mpg highway Base Price: $21,995 As Tested: $22,790 Performance: Very good fuel economy(our best was 33.6 mpg). Reasonably peppy if manual trans is used effectively. Engine […]

By Bruce Caldwell The 2013 Infiniti G37 coupe is a sports car for people who desire performance and fun without attracting unnecessary attention. The G37 coupe (especially with the all-wheel-drive on our tester) has the wherewithal to stay with most competitors, but it’s more likely to fly under the radar than flashier cars. That stealthy […]

By Bruce Caldwell     Model Tested: 2013 Subaru Impreza 2.0 Limited 4dr Sedan       Engine: 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder, 148 hp, 145 lb/ft       Transmission: CVT automatic, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive       EPA Ratings: 27-mpg city/36-mpg highway       Base Price: $21,895       As Tested: $24,714 […]

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Chevrolet Volt 4dr Sedan Engine: Electric motor 149-hp, 273-lb/ft plus 1.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine, 84-hp, 92-lb-ft Transmission: CVT automatic, Front Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 98-mpg electric (38 mile range)/37-mpg gasoline only Base Price: $39,145 As Tested: $43,375 Performance: Smooth and quiet (almost too quiet in electric mode). Four-hour recharge […]