Bruce Caldwell

Model Tested: 2015 Kia Sorento SX AWD  Engine: 3.3-liter V-6, 290 horsepower 252 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 18/City—24/Highway—20/Combined  Base Price: $38,300  As Tested: $39,195  Performance: Powerful engine for a midsize crossover SUV Efficient 6-speed automatic We beat EPA highway estimates with 25-26 mpg Smooth freeway ride Locking center differential for […]

Model Tested: 2015 Honda Civic 2-door Si coupe  Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC I-4, 205 horsepower 174 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 22/City—31/Highway—25/Combined  Base Price: $22,990  As Tested: $23,780  Performance: Peppy performance when gears are maximized Excellent 6-speed manual transmission Nimble and quick Compliant highway ride Most fun on twisty back roads Great […]

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 transmission Nice clutch Hill hold feature Nimble, easy to park Comfort: Almost […]

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 still excellent Slick 8-speed automatic Handsome 20×8 polished alloy wheels Smooth highway […]

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 are strongly entrenched in the full-size American style pickup market. You could […]

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 on/off with console switch Pleasant ride characteristics  Comfort: Stretch-out front legroom Very […]

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 nimble and responsive More fun to drive than most congested highways will […]

 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 EPA economy estimates Pretty nimble handling  Comfort: Excellent, multi-function steering wheel Comfy […]

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 system, but again not the trick Lancer Evo system Console switch for […]