Model Tested: 2015 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan Engine: 1.8-liter I-4, 143 horsepower 129 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 30/City—39/Highway—33/Combined Base Price: $24,340 As Tested: $25,130 Performance: Smooth 4-cylinder engine with good mix of power and economy Very nice CVT transmission; improved from earlier versions Pleasant highway ride Easy to maneuver […]
Bruce Caldwell
A lifelong car enthusiast, Bruce Caldwell has an English degree from the University of Washington. In 1975 he joined CAR CRAFT as associate editor. He was a feature editor at HOT ROD and editor of Chevy High Performance, Muscle Car Review, Mustangs and Fords, Chevy Action, Corvette Milestones, Street Rod Quarterly, Mopar Milestones, Mustang Milestones, and Muscle Car Milestones. He has authored several best-selling automotive how-to books and written for numerous national magazines. He has tested over 2,000 new vehicles. He restores collector cars in a well-equipped home shop. Bruce is married with three children.
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Volvo S60
Model Tested: 2015 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 supercharged, 302 horsepower 295 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—35/Highway—28/Combined Base Price: $39,000 As Tested: $46,525 Performance: Impressive power from a small displacement engine Lots of torque; good acceleration Smooth auto-stop/auto-start fuel economy function Steering wheel vibrates upon lane departure Parking […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Kia K900
Model Tested: 2015 Kia K900 Engine: 5.0-liter V-8, 420 horsepower 376 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 15/City—23/Highway—18/Combined Base Price: $59,500 As Tested: $66,400 Performance: Very smooth, powerful V-8 Quick acceleration Muscle car exhaust note, but not raucous Smooth efficient 8-speed automatic transmission Snow mode switch on center console Comfortable luxury car […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander
Model Tested: 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT-S Engine: 3.0-liter V-6, 224 horsepower 215 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 20/City—28/Highway—23/Combined Base Price: $28,195 As Tested: $35,145 Performance: Strong V-6 engine is a good match for hefty SUV Impressive fuel economy for its size We met and/or exceeded EPA estimates ECO mode button […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Subaru Outback
Model Tested: 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited Engine: 3.6-liter H-6 Boxer design, 256 horsepower 247 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT with 6-speed manual mode, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 20/City—27/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $32,995 As Tested: $36,040 Performance: Strong six-cylinder engine Smooth transmission with welcome manual mode Paddle shifters Standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive More car-like ride than traditional SUVs Excellent […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 KIA SORENTO
Model Tested: 2015 Kia Sorento SX AWD Engine: 3.3-liter V-6, 290 horsepower 252 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—24/Highway—20/Combined Base Price: $38,300 As Tested: $39,195 Performance: Powerful engine for a midsize crossover SUV Efficient 6-speed automatic We beat EPA highway estimates with 25-26 mpg Smooth freeway ride Locking center differential for […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Honda Civic Si Coupe
Model Tested: 2015 Honda Civic 2-door Si coupe Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC I-4, 205 horsepower 174 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/City—31/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $22,990 As Tested: $23,780 Performance: Peppy performance when gears are maximized Excellent 6-speed manual transmission Nimble and quick Compliant highway ride Most fun on twisty back roads Great […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2014 Ford Fiesta
Model Tested: 2014 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback Engine: 1.0-liter I-3 Turbo Ecoboost, 123 horsepower 125 lb-ft torque Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 32/City—45/Highway—37/Combined Base Price: $16,080 As Tested: $18,585 Performance: Surprisingly peppy performance from such a small engine Smooth 5-speed manual transmission Nice clutch Hill hold feature Nimble, easy to park Comfort: Almost […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Dodge Challenger
Model Tested: 2015 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus Engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar aluminum V-6, 305 horsepower 268 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—30/Highway—23/Combined Base Price: $29,995 As Tested: $33,275 Performance: V-8 performance from a V-6 Pales compared to V-8 Challengers, but still excellent Slick 8-speed automatic Handsome 20×8 polished alloy wheels Smooth highway […]