Bruce Caldwell

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 […]

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 CVT doesn’t help situation Rough, noisy engine Incredible fuel economy for a […]

Model Tested: 2015 Subaru WRX Premium  Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged flat four-cylinder Boxer design  Transmission: Sport Lineartronic automatic, all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 19/City—25/Highway—21/Combined  Base Price: $29,695  As Tested: $30,490  Performance: 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque Ample power and torque for sporty performance Great all-wheel-drive easily handles available power Very responsive CVT automatic with paddle shifters Suspension […]

Model Tested: 2014 Honda Ridgeline SE  Engine: 3.5-liter SOHC V-6  Transmission: 5-speed automatic  EPA Ratings: 15/City—21/Highway—17/Combined  Base Price: $37,505  As Tested: $38,335  Performance: Strong, smooth Honda V-6 power Car-like ride Locking differential for heavy-duty 4×4 use Good size for in town maneuverability  Comfort: Excellent leg and headroom front and rear Adult-size rear seat Driver power […]

Model Tested: 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring  Engine: 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder and 124 kW electric motor  Transmission: Electric Continuously Variable Transmission  EPA Ratings: 50/City—45/Highway—47/Combined  Base Price: $34,905  As Tested: $35,695  Performance: Strong acceleration and torque thanks to electric motor Seamless transitions between power modes Powerful, but compact hybrid system  Comfort: Two temp heated front seats […]