siegel
Ira Siegel
Ira Siegel is an automotive correspondent for Sun-Times Media. An assistant professor of automotive technology at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Ill., Siegel has been an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician for more than 25 years. Siegel has worked professionally as an automotive technician …Read More
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Buick LaCrosse offers charm, improved fuel efficiency
A truly likable and much improved Buick LaCrosse debuted in 2010, and in 2012 Buick is building on that success with more amenities, improved performance and better fuel efficiency. The entry-level luxury sedan segment has many choices, and the 2012 Buick LaCrosse definitely has what …Read More
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All-new GLI returns to VW stable
If you have a craving for Volkswagen’s sporty GTI, but your practical nature has you leaning toward the more spacious Jetta, meet the all-new Jetta GLI. The Jetta GLI borrows styling cues and performance attributes from the GTI, making it an attractive and fun-to-drive sports …Read More
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All-new Passat delivers smart, spacious cabin
By giving the recently redesigned Jetta a much roomier interior, Volkswagen was faced with providing the all-new 2012 Passat with a more generous cabin to maintain adequate separation between these two fine automobiles. Designed and engineered in Germany, but built in Tennessee by and for …Read More
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2012 Audi A6 has improved looks, power, tech
There are many midsize luxury sport sedans to choose from, and Audi is determined to be No. 1 with its all-new 2012 A6. Last year’s A6 was pretty darned good, so it wasn’t necessary for Audi to start from scratch. The 2012 Audi A6 is …
Jeep improves iconic Wrangler
The iconic Jeep Wrangler continues to be one of the most desirable vehicles for serious off-road enthusiasts; its available soft top or removable hard top make it popular with sun worshippers, too. The Jeep Wrangler is the only vehicle available with a removable windshield and …
2012 Honda Civic keeps its hold on compact market
The Honda Civic remains a popular choice in the compact car segment because it is reliable, well-built, fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient. Plus, the Civic retains its resale value better than most others in this segment. That’s a testament to the efforts Honda has put into this …
Mercedes launches 2012 C63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz has launched a new C-Class coupe for the 2012 model year. Let it be known that this represents the first two-door coupe Mercedes-Benz has offered in this segment. With a starting price of around $37,000, the 2012 C-Class coupe gives Mercedes-Benz a more affordable …
2012 Eos offers supreme drop-top fun
Spring is the time of year when the thought of driving a sporty convertible usually enters the mind. There are many fun-to-drive drop-tops available, but one that generally goes unnoticed is the Volkswagen Eos. Don’t overlook this little gem. The VW Eos is quite the …
Honda revises Pilot SUV for 2012
Those needing a vehicle capable of carrying up to eight passengers in comfort will want to check out the revised 2012 Honda Pilot. The 2012 Honda Pilot features sleeker front-end styling that conveys a more sophisticated look. Its overall boxy shape may not initially appeal …
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. …
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 …
All-new 2012 Beetle blasts off with turbo version
Volkswagen has totally redesigned the Beetle for 2012 and you’ll notice that “new” no longer precedes Beetle. Ironically, the New Beetle, which is now the old version, had become long in the tooth, with no major revisions since it was reintroduced in 1998. Now the …
Fiat re-enters U.S. market with the 500 Cabrio
The Italian brand Fiat is once again selling cars here in America. Say hello to the cute little 2012 Fiat 500 coupe and convertible (500c) models. More models are expected to join the Fiat lineup, but for now Fiat is hoping the 500 will pave …
Acura tweaks TL styling, performance
After a complete redesign several years ago, Acura has refreshed its TL midsize sedan for 2012 with a sleeker, more attractive profile, a new six-speed automatic transmission and improved ride characteristics. The previous rendition of the TL delivered a pleasing ride but its expressive exterior …
Audi A7 melds sedan prestige, coupe form
The all-new 2012 Audi A7 is a seductive and luxurious sedan that looks more coupelike thanks to its low, sweeping roofline, integrated rear doors, frameless windows and rear hatchback design. So it should be no surprise that the new A7 sedan actually pays homage to …
Legendary Boss Mustang returns to Ford corral
The Boss is back. The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 builds on the heritage of the original 1969 Boss 302. The limited-production 2012 Boss 302 is a street-legal race car that is track-ready right out of the box. In fact, those who are lucky enough …
Challenger SRT8 delights with performance, technology
The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is one of the most exciting rear-wheel-drive muscle cars you can get your hands on. The “392 Hemi” badges on the front fenders let you know what’s under the hood, and that would be a 392-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) Hemi V-8 …
Chevy charges ahead with quick, quiet Volt
The much-anticipated Chevrolet Volt is an intriguing vehicle because it offers pure electric operation for up to 40 miles when its lithium-ion battery pack has been fully charged. Volt’s gasoline-powered engine (acting as a generator) extends the driving range by about 340 additional miles before …
New Honda Odyssey provides versatility, comfort
The Honda Odyssey has been one of the top picks in the minivan segment for its exceptional versatility, comfortable cabin, responsive handling and lengthy list of amenities. For some consumers, though, the stigma of owning a minivan has influenced them, driving them away from this …
Subaru tweaks WRX styling for 2011
What really sets the Subaru Impreza apart from its competition is its standard all-wheel drive system and horizontally opposed Boxer engine. The Boxer engine, which has its pistons moving horizontally instead of vertically, provides a much lower center of gravity. This improves handling characteristics. Back …
Kia hits the mark with 2011 Soul
The Kia Soul delivers a pleasing combination of style, value and versatility, making it a popular choice in the entry-level crossover utility vehicle segment. Soul’s exterior styling oozes personality. Soul’s playful and youthful appearance embodies the mantra “a new way to roll.” While the Soul …
Toyota’s Prius is still planet’s best-selling hybrid
Having driven a number of hybrids over the years, the Toyota Prius stands out in this segment. Take one for a drive and it’s easy to see why Prius is the best-selling hybrid on the planet. The Prius is nicely styled, has an affordable price …
