Model Tested: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD Z71 Crew Short Box Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 305 horsepower 269 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—24/Highway—20 Combined Base Price: $34,115 As Tested: $36,710 Performance: Solid performance; strong, but not a sports car Pleasant highway ride and driving manners Smooth shifting auto transmission Manual shifting capability 2WD, […]
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 Subaru WRX
Model Tested: 2015 Subaru WRX Engine: 2.0-liter flat-4 Boxer, 268 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—23/Highway Base Price: $29,695 As Tested: $30,490 Performance: Exhilarating power Very responsive turbocharger Even more exhilarating handling Excellent all-wheel-drive all-weather traction Nimble Great exhaust note, slightly raucous at times Good feeling electric power assisted steering […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Nissan NV200
Model Tested: 2015 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van SV Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 131 horsepower 139 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—26/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $21,710 As Tested: $24,345 Performance: Passable power Strong side winds can be problematic Smooth CVT transmission Impressive fuel economy Good ride on smooth highways, but not over expansion strips Excellent […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Acura TLX
Models Tested: 2015 Acura TLX 3.5L SH-AWD and 2.4L Tech Engines: 3.5-liter V-6, 290-hp/267 lb-ft torque and 2.4-liter I-4, 206-hp/182 lb-ft Transmissions: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive and 8-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 21/City—31/Highway—25/Combined (V-6) and 24/35/28 (I-4) Base Prices: $44,700 (V-6)/$35,025 (I-4) As Tested: $45,595 (V-6)/$35,920 (I-4) Performance: Strong engines, especially the V-6 Smooth transmissions We […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Hyundai Genesis
Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Genesis RWD 3.8 Sedan Engine: 3.8-liter V-6, 311 horsepower 293 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—29/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $38,000 As Tested: $38,950 Performance: Strong, sports sedan performance Smooth, powerful V-6 engine Powerful dual exhaust note Crisp shifting 8-speed automatic transmission Paddle shifters Gas shock absorbers Independent front and […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Kia Soul EV
Model Tested: 2015 Kia Soul EV Engine: electric motor, 109 horsepower 210 lb-ft torque Transmission: 1-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 120/City—92/Highway—105/Combined Base Price: $33,700 As Tested: $34,625 Performance: Good acceleration 0-60 mph approximately 12 seconds Lots of torque 27kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery Minimal road noise Easy to park Excellent city commuter car Low center […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Model Tested: 2015 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: $32,935 Performance: Strong engine Good acceleration Excellent gearbox, short, precise throws Good clutch Passably smooth ride for a sports car Super nimble and responsive […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2014 Lexus GX460
Model Tested: 2014 Lexus GX460 Luxury Engine: 4.6-liter V-8, 301 horsepower 329 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 15/City—20/Highway—17/Combined Base Price: $60,715 As Tested: $62,770 Performance: Very solid, confidence-inspiring chassis Smooth, reasonably powerful V-8 Rear air suspension with auto load leveling Adaptive Variable Suspension Driver selected shock absorber settings 6500 pound towing […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Toyota Avalon
Model Tested: 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas with Hybrid Synergy electric motor, 200 horsepower Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 40/City—39/Highway—40/Combined Base Price: $41,400 As Tested: $44,160 Performance: Seamless blend of gas and hybrid power Good off the line acceleration Smooth, comfortable freeway ride characteristics EV, ECO, and Sport modes […]