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 … read more

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 … read more

The 2014 Toyota Tundra CrewMax pickup is big — American big. I grew up with the concept that Japanese pickups were small, Spartan, mini-trucks that were best for commuting and occasional light-duty hauling. That’s no longer the case as both Toyota and Nissan … read more

Model Tested: 2014 Ford Fusion SE four-door sedan  Engine: 1.5-liter I-4, 178 horsepower 177 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 25/City—37/Highway—29/Combined  Base Price: $23,935  As Tested: $27,590  Performance: Good torque for small displacement engine Auto start-stop feature can be turned … read more

Model Tested: 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Power Hardtop  Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 167 horsepower 140 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission rear-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 21/City—28/Highway—24/Combined  Base Price: $29,450  As Tested: $32,285  Performance: A go-kart with air conditioning and a retractable hardtop Super … read more

The full-size 2014 Toyota Tundra pickup features evolutionary styling, with most of its body panels sporting a new look, while offering realistic work capability and legendary Toyota reliability and durability. There are three engine choices, three cabs, three bed sizes and five trim … read more

 Model Tested: 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe  Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 173 horsepower 154 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 24/City—34/Highway—28/Combined  Base Price: $19,600  As Tested: $24,735  Performance: Satisfactory acceleration, nothing spectacular Nice six-speed automatic transmission Smooth highway ride Test car equaled … read more

Model Tested: 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer SE AWD  Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque  Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 22/City—29/Highway—25/Combined  Base Price: $20,695  As Tested: $22,940  Performance: More power than the base model, but short of the mighty Evo Fine AWD … read more

Model Tested: 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage ES five-door hatchback  Engine: 1.2-liter three-cylinder DOHC, 72 horsepower 74 lb-ft torque  Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 37/City—44/Highway—40/Combined  Base Price: $15,195  As Tested: $15,990  Performance: 74 horsepower, 74 lb-ft torque Seriously lacking power; agonizingly slow … read more