Model Tested: 2016 Honda Accord 2D EX-L V6 Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 278 horsepower 252 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 18-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined Base Price: $30,925 As Tested: $31,745 Performance: Smooth, powerful V-6 engine Very smooth 6-speed manual transmission and clutch Hill hold Great acceleration in regular mode Excellent […]
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
2016 Nissan Murano
Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 260 horsepower 240 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined Base Price: $40,700 As Tested: $44,070 Performance: Good power, acceleration Classically smooth Nissan V-6 Car-like highway ride No 4×4 specific controls Good fuel economy for its size—our […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Fiat 500X
Model Tested: 2016 Fiat 500X EASY AWD Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 180 horsepower 175 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined Base Price: $24,510 As Tested: $27,005 Performance: Platform twin to Jeep Renegade and equally capable Console dial for traction modes: regular, sport, snow Great approach/departure angles Good […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 BMW 330e
Model Tested: 2016 BMW 330e Sedan Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 turbocharged gas + electric motor, 250 horsepower 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 31 mpg gasoline only, 72 mpg electricity + gasoline Base Price: $43,700 As Tested: $60,245 Performance: Smooth hybrid functions Sport, Sport+, Comfort, Eco Pro, and E Drive modes Paddle shifters […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Hyundai Elantra
Model Tested: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 147 horsepower 132 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 28/City—37/Highway—352Combined Base Price: $22,350 As Tested: $27,710 Performance: Smooth highway ride Very pleasant on long trips Outstanding fuel economy for a non-hybrid Our best mpg was 42.8 Three drive modes: Regular, Sport, Eco Noticeably […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Honda Civic
Model Tested: 2016 Honda Civic Touring Engine: 1.5-liter I-4 gas, 174 horsepower 162 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 31/City—42/Highway—35/Combined Base Price: $26,500 As Tested: $27,335 Performance: Very nice highway ride Electric power steering a little disjointed Outstanding fuel economy (our best highway average was 44.8 mpg) Econ mode is as advertised Lane […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
Model Tested: 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 SEL S-AWD Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 166 horsepower 162 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24/City—29/Highway—26/Combined Base Price: $26,995 As Tested: $33,095 Performance: OK power, a little low for such a big rig Eco mode for surprisingly good mpg Many drive modes: AWD, Eco, Normal, Snow, Locking […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Mazda6
Model Tested: 2016 Mazda6i Grand Touring Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas, 184 horsepower 185 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 28/City—40/Highway—32/Combined Base Price: $30,195 As Tested: $33,695 Performance: Excellent, responsive engine and transmission Quite lively in Sport mode Taut, but smooth handling Fun to drive Blind spot monitor Lane departure warning Adaptive braking Rear […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Lexus NX 200t
Model Tested: 2016 Lexis NX 200t F Sport Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 gas, 235 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22/City—27/Highway—24/Combined Base Price: $38,365 As Tested: $44,605 Performance: Enjoyable to drive Sport tuned suspension Sharp 18-inch F Sport alloy wheels F Sport is sporty Nice size for urban commuting Strong turbocharged […]