Model Tested: 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SEL w/4Motion Engine: 2-liter TSI direct-injection turbo 4-cylinder Horsepower: 200 Torque: 207 pound-feet Transmission: 4Motion all-wheel drive EPA Ratings: 20/city, 24/highway, 21/combined Base Price: $36,475 As Tested: $37,870 Overview: The Volkswagen Tiguan, which debuted in 2009, delivers a different take on the compact crossover SUV. While the vehicle itself […]
Lary Coppola, (in memoriam)
Having been a gearhead since he was a pre-teen, Lary's been a hot rodder, drag racer, customizer, restorer, and mechanic — as well as a nationally published automotive writer for over 25 years. In addition to appearing here, his automotive reviews are accessible at WestSound Magazine Magazine and appear in 14 city/lifestyle magazines around the country, and are accessible through the Auto Reviewers Facebook page. He is a member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association and served two terms as its President and two as its Treasurer. He is also a member of the Motor Press Guild. Follow him on Twitter at @LaryCoppola. #Larythecarguy
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Volvo S90 — Scandinavian Elegance
Model Tested: 2017 Volvo S90 Inscription, all-wheel-drive Engine: 2-liter super- and turbo-charged, direct-inject 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed Geartronic automatic EPA Ratings: 22/city, 31/highway, 25/combined Base Price: $52,950 As Tested: $66,105 Overview: The new 2017 Volvo S90 replaces Volvo’s venerable S80, taking styling cues from the redesigned XC90 crossover. Built on a brand-new platform, the reengineered S90 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Genesis G90 — A New Luxury Nameplate
Model Tested: 2017 Genesis G90 Engine: 3.3-liter, twin turbo V6 Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 17/city, 24/highway, 20/combined Base Price: $68,100 As Tested: $69,050 Overview: The 2017 Genesis G90 is a totally new luxury sedan from Hyundai — which has spun its Genesis model off as its own brand. Larger than any previous Genesis, it’s […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Kia Cadenza — Cadenza Goes Upscale
Model Tested: 2017 Kia Cadenza Limited Engine: 3.3-liter direct injection V6 Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 20/city, 28, highway, 23/combined Base Price: $44,390 As Tested: $46,280 Overview: Redesigned for 2017, the Kia Cadenza presents a more formal and upscale presence than the first generation. While the larger K900 remains Kia’s flagship, the 2017 Cadenza looks […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Buick Envision — Imported from China
Model Tested: 2017 Buick Envision AWD Premium Engine: 2-liter DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder Transmission: Six-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 20/city, 26/highway, 22/combined Base Price: $42,320 As Tested: $43,210 Overview: Owning a Buick in China is a status symbol akin to a Mercedes or Lexus here. GM sells lots of Buicks there, so it makes financial sense to […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Mazda3 — Fun. Fun. And More Fun
Model Tested: 2017 Mazda3, four-door Grand Touring Engine: Skyactiv 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder Transmission: Skyactiv six-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 27/city, 36/highway, 30/combined Base Price: $24,195 As Tested: $27,930 Overview: The front-wheel drive Mazda3 offers superb driving dynamics coupled with refreshed styling for 2017. The combination makes this fun-to-drive compact serious competition for rivals like the Honda […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Ford Escape — Refreshed, it Delivers
Model Tested: 2017 Ford Escape SE all-wheel drive Engine: 1.5-liter EcoBoost Transmission: 6-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 22/city, 28/highway, 24/combined Base Price: $26,850 As Tested: $30,830 Overview: The refreshed 2017 Ford Escape is unlike most compact crossovers. Its rakish styling; more responsive steering; and sharp, sporty handling set it apart from competitors Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 VW Golf Alltrack — Raising The Bar
Model Tested: 2017 VW Golf Alltrack TSI with 4Motion (AWD) Engine: 1.8-liter TSI, DOHC turbo, direct injection four-cylinder Transmission: Six-speed DSG automatic EPA Ratings: 22/city, 30/highway, 25/combined Base Price: $26,950 As Tested: $28,615 Overview: A new entry for 2017, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack wagon, based on the Golf SportWagen, features VW’s standard 4Motion all-wheel drive […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Honda Ridgeline — All-New and Somewhat Unique
Model Tested: 2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD Black Edition Engine: 3.5-liter I-VTEC V-6 Horsepower: 280 Torque: 262 pound-feet Transmission: 6-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 18/city, 25/highway, 21/combined Base Price: $42,870 As Tested: $43,770 Overview: “Is it a car or a truck?” That’s the most frequently asked question I received driving the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The answer? An […]