Bruce Caldwell

By Bruce Caldwell The Jeep brand is one of the most iconic in the history of American automobiles. The parent company, Chrysler, has done everything possible to maximize the brand’s value. They have expanded beyond the marquee models Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee to offer the Compass and Patriot. These smaller, less-expensive models let budget-minded […]

Model Tested: 2014 Buick LaCrosse Premium Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 304-horsepower 264 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18-mpg city/ 28-mpg highway Base Price: $38,810 As Tested: $45,595 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The 2014 LaCrosse Premium is Buick’s flagship sedan and it exhibits all the upscale features expected of a […]

By Bruce Caldwell Seven-passenger SUVs have improved dramatically from those early truck-based, gas-guzzling monsters like big-block V-8 ’70s/’80s Suburbans and first generation V-10 Excursions. Minimal sound insulation, harsh ride dynamics, and single or low double-digit fuel economy figures are a faint memory thanks to the current generation of innovative SUVs such as the 2014 Acura […]

By Bruce Caldwell The Jeep image has always been one of ruggedness. The brand is so synonymous with off road performance that people unfamiliar with a particular SUV’s identity are most apt to call it “a Jeep type vehicle.” Jeep’s stellar reputation was established during World War II and maintained and enhanced in both civilian […]

Model Tested: 2013 Chevrolet Traverse AWD LTZ Engine: 3.6-liter V6, 288-horsepower 270 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16-mpg city/ 23-mpg highway Base Price: $42,575 As Tested: $46,200 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The Chevrolet Traverse LTZ is a luxurious, very spacious, comfortable (especially with the second row captain’s chairs) […]

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 KIA Sportage SX AWD Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 260 hp, 269 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, All Wheel Drive, Locking Center Differential EPA Ratings: 20-mpg city/25-mpg highway Base Price: $28,400 As Tested: $32,400 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The 2013 Kia Sportage SX is great fun to […]

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 KIA Optima SX Limited Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 274 hp, 269 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, Front Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 22-mpg city/34-mpg highway Base Price: $26,800 As Tested: $35,470 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The 2013 Kia Optima SX is a great car period and an […]

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT 4-Door Hatchback Engine: 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder, 148 hp, 131 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed Automatic, Front Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 27-mpg city/37-mpg highway Base Price: $19,395 As Tested: $23,015 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is a roomy sedan with the […]

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: Honda Ridgeline RTL  Engine: 3.5-liter SOHC V-6, 250 hp, 253 lb/ft  Transmission: 5-speed automatic, all-wheel drive  EPA Ratings: 15 city/21 highway  Base Price: $37,180  As Tested: $37,990 Performance:  Typically excellent Honda engine and drivetrain Smooth, car-like highway ride Automatic transmission has a tow mode Locking differential for severe 4×4 conditions […]