REVIEWS
Sporty styling gives Mitsubishi Lancer a leg up
The current 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SE is part of a group of capable compact sedans that are often overlooked by consumers. One reason for the Lancer’s ambiguity is finding its signature. Or maybe better said — finding what makes it a good buy. The Lancer …
Sleeker Honda CR-V debuts for 2012
The Honda CR-V is a popular choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. Now, for 2012, Honda has completely redesigned the CR-V with a long list of standard equipment and new features, making it more appealing. Beginning with curb appeal, I like CR-V’s new look. …
Hyundai proves its staying power with 2012 Genesis
When you show up to play in the full-sized mid-luxury sedan class, there is only one thing you must do — act like you belong. Hyundai launched Genesis in the 2009 model year and it immediately had to justify its participation while hanging in a …
Buick goes compact with all-new Verano
Buick’s 2012 Verano is the brand’s third new model within the last two years. And the all-new Verano also is the first compact entry into the luxury market segment for the GM marquee. Verano might well be thought of as a mini-LaCrosse or Regal, serving …
All-wheel-drive Acura TL impresses
The 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD is the automaker’s entry in the performance luxury sedan segment. That description of the segment is where the TL gets a bit foggy. In some purist’s eyes, a true performance sedan has to be rear-wheel drive. Jaguar tried a front-wheel-drive-based …
Buick nails sport sedan with Regal GS
To paraphrase an old saying, “What a difference a few decades make.” One of the biggest head-turning vehicles among the domestics is, of all things, a Buick. The Regal GS is classified as a midsize luxury sport sedan; it drives like a European vehicle you’d …
Chevy has a contender in 2012 Sonic
Sonic is the latest of a new wave of subcompact offerings to hit the Chevrolet showroom, available in a sedan and five-door hatchback. My tester was a five-door in midpriced LT trim, which essentially adds a CD player with satellite radio, a fifth and sixth …
Jeep delivers improved 2012 Grand Cherokee
Fully redesigned last year, Jeep delivers more refinements to the Grand Cherokee for the 2012 model year. This year also marks the arrival of a new top-of-the-line trim level (Overland Summit) and the return of the high-powered, pavement-pounding SRT8 edition. The current-generation Grand Cherokee is …
Chevy’s 2012 Sonic is small but mighty
If you think great things come in small packages, nowhere is this thought more appropriate than with the new wave of subcompact cars like Chevrolet’s 2012 Sonic. Chevrolet has pulled off a great feat of cramming its smallest domestic car with a large amount of …
Forte Five-Door is pride of Kia family
Remember when you were a teenager and your dreams of a car took the shape of either a two-door coupe or a convertible? Then you were presented with your first car — and it had four doors! What a difference a few decades make. It …
2013 Chevy Malibu comes to Chicago
I had to travel to take the Chevrolet Malibu for a preview drive; readers can see the 2013 version during the Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 10 to 19 at McCormick Place. Worth the trip to this year’s Chicago Auto Show, the Malibu will be the …
