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) […]
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
Flash Drive: 2013 KIA Sportage
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 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive: 2013 KIA Optima
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 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
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 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive — Honda Ridgeline
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 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive: 2013 Mazda CX-5
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 155 hp, 150 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed manual, Front Wheel Drive (AWD is optional) EPA Ratings: 26-mpg city/35-mpg highway Base Price: $20,695 As Tested: $21,490 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The all-new Mazda CX-5 Sport is a great addition to the […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive — 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek 4-Door Sedan Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (boxer configuration), 148 hp, 145 lb/ft Transmission: 5-speed manual, All Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 23-mpg city/30-mpg highway Base Price: $21,995 As Tested: $22,790 Performance: Very good fuel economy(our best was 33.6 mpg). Reasonably peppy if manual trans is used effectively. Engine […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe: sporty, stylish, and luxurious
By Bruce Caldwell The 2013 Infiniti G37 coupe is a sports car for people who desire performance and fun without attracting unnecessary attention. The G37 coupe (especially with the all-wheel-drive on our tester) has the wherewithal to stay with most competitors, but it’s more likely to fly under the radar than flashier cars. That stealthy […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive — 2013 Subaru Impreza
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Subaru Impreza 2.0 Limited 4dr Sedan Engine: 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder, 148 hp, 145 lb/ft Transmission: CVT automatic, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 27-mpg city/36-mpg highway Base Price: $21,895 As Tested: $24,714 […]