Lary Coppola, (in memoriam)

Model Tested: 2016 Ford Explorer, 4WD Platinum Edition Engine: 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 Transmission: Six-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 16/city, 22/highway,18/combined Base Price: $52,970 As Tested: $54,760 Overview: Think time doesn’t fly? The 2016 Ford Explorer is the 25th anniversary model. This Explorer is 24 inches longer and 620 pounds heavier than the original, delivers nearly twice […]

Model Tested: 2016 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Engine: 5.2-liter, TI-VCT 8-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed manual EPA Ratings: 15/city, 25/highway, 19/combined Base Price: $36,395 As Tested: $42,275 Overview: After a major remake last year, 2016 is the second year of the sixth-generation Ford Mustang. Upgrades include interior and exterior detailing; leaps in technology, electronic controls for steering, […]

Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Altima SV Engine: 2.5-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder Transmission: Xtronic CVT EPA Ratings: 27/city, 39/highway, 31/combined Base Price: $25,460 As Tested: $28,425 Overview: The number of “midcycle” refreshes in the midsize sedan segment is an indicator how competitive this segment is. The 2015 Toyota Camry started the trend, followed by nearly every major […]

Model Tested: 2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo Engine: 2-liter direct injection, 16-valve turbo 4-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 21/city, 26/highway, 23/combined Base Price: $32,500 As Tested: $34,000 Overview: The compact SUV segment now leads the U.S. automotive market, so automakers have to bring their A-game to compete. The redesigned, fourth-generation Kia Sportage is a […]

Models Tested: 2016 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h Crossover SUV Engines: 3.5-Liter V-6 and Hybrid Synergy Drive Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: RX 350 FWD – 20/28/23; AWD – 19/26/22 RX 450h FWD – 30/31/30; AWD – 30/28/30 Base Price: Unavailable As Tested: Unavailable Overview: Redesigned for 2016, the fourth-generation Lexus RX crossover adopts […]

Model Tested: 2016 Kia Optima SX LTD Engine: 2-liter turbo gas direct injection 4-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed automatic with active eco function EPA Ratings: 22/city, 32/highway, 25/combined Base Price: $35,790 As Tested: $36,615 Overview: The Optima — Kia’s game-changer — is all-new for 2016. It’s been upgraded by fine-tuning every aspect of this much-improved sedan. Styling […]

Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring All-Wheel Drive Engine: Skyactiv-G 2-liter 4-cylinder Transmission: Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed, sport mode automatic EPA Ratings: 27/city, 32/highway, 29/combined Base Price: $23,210 As Tested: $26,050 Overview: The Mazda CX-3 is an all-new SUV-like subcompact crossover. Despite its basic crossover-type profile, the CX-3 offers racier looks than some sports cars, and is […]

Model Tested: 2016 Honda Pilot AWD Elite Engine: 3.5 liter, SOHC direct-injection V6 Transmission: 9-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 19/city —26/highway — 22/combined Base Price: $46,420 As Tested: $47,300 Overview: The 2016 Honda Pilot is no longer that awkward-looking box. The all-new version is rounder, prettier, longer, lower and narrower than the previous Pilot. Interior: The […]

Model Tested: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Engine: Skyactiv-G 2.0 liter 4-cylinder Transmission: Skyactiv 6-speed manual EPA Ratings: 27/city — 34/highway — 30/combined Base Price: $28,600 As Tested: $32,820 Overview: The all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata returns the Miata to its roots. Completely redesigned and reengineered, the fourth-generation Miata honors the original concept — a […]