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John Stein
John Stein grew up in an extended family that valued the art of going fast. Spending plenty of weekends at U.S. 30 Drag Strip and Sante Fe Speedway, he fondly remembers the screaming machines and the flying mud that made those long-gone racing havens such …Read More
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Chevy’s subcompact Sonic is poised for success
When you first see the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic’s wide, athletic stance, you immediately think of a performance sedan. That’s very good for Chevrolet, which has a lot riding on the success of the Sonic. The Sonic sedan and the five-door model are the only subcompacts …Read More
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New engine nets 2012 Mazda3 40 mpg
The Mazda3 is an important part of Mazda’s sales in the United States; two-thirds of the Japanese manufacturer’s units sold here are Mazda3s. Making any change to something with that much impact is always a risk. No risk taken, no reward, right? For Mazda, the …Read More
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2012 Kia Soul proves it's hip to be square
If you have seen the Kia Soul, then the likelihood is you won’t soon forget it. That does not mean you are in the market for the boxy compact; perhaps you would never consider this car. However, once you see it you remember it. The …Read More
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Jaguar’s 2012 XJL is pride of the brand
Big cats are some of the most beautiful, if not ominous, animals on the planet. Their incredible power is overshadowed only by their immense size and lean, sleek physiques. Sounds a lot like the goal of many sport sedans, which usually offer more size or …
Affordable Kizashi offers all-wheel drive
I have been writing about cars for 15 years and I have come to expect several questions from, “What’s the fastest car you’ve driven?” to “What’s the most expensive vehicle you have driven?” My favorite question, from the shrewdest of family and friends, is “What …
Challenger’s SRT8 392 reigns in Dodge stable
When it comes to the top dog in the Dodge muscle pack, there is little doubt the 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 gets first dibs at the dinner table. And why not? The biggest always get to eat first, and when you are showcasing an expansive …
Kia Rio delivers pep with fuel economy
With exploding growth in the U.S. market, Kia has managed to simultaneously revamp its brand image and its look. The 2012 Kia Rio is a great example of its efforts. It’s true; bold exterior designs will help most any vehicle (or brand) get noticed, but …
Hyundai Accents value with 2012 updated subcompact
The 2012 Hyundai Accent with its fluidic sculpture design not only provides a captivating visual exterior appearance, but manages to deliver an impressive cabin with loads of standard features and excellent fit and finish. The 2012 Accent models are available in three trim levels: GLS, …
Acura TSX Wagon offers entry-level luxury
Entry-level luxury is where Acura has found its niche. It is also where the new 2012 TSX Wagon manages to impress. Delivering a long list of standard features and the expected high-quality build and materials inside the cabin, the TSX Wagon is an impressive offering …
New VW Passat built with America in mind
The Volkswagen Passat is just one vehicle in the German automaker’s grand plan to sell more volume worldwide than, well, anyone else. It’s an aggressive strategy and — based on the success of past Passats (and Jettas) — the new Passat is probably a really …
Volvo adds performance to S60 menu for 2012
For 2012 Volvo has launched its third distinct S60 model: the T6 R-Design. It joins the impressive stable of vehicles from the Swedish manufacturer. The all-new enthusiast-inspired S60 R-Design sport sedan delivers a recognizable increase in power and a new sport chassis that stiffens up …
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 …
2012 Civic takes an athletic stance
The all-new 2012 Honda Civic could easily make a bid for most valuable player honors when it comes to its seat at the Honda table. Not unlike Aaron Rodgers’ importance to the Green Bay Packers, Honda wouldn’t be anywhere close to its lofty perch in …
Audi A6 weaves tech, power into luxurious sedan
The 2012 Audi A6 delivers the driving characteristics that enthusiasts embrace while wowing most everyone else who enters the cabin and encounters the latest technology from the German automaker. There are lots of reasons to love the Audi A6, the least of which is that …
2012 Cadillac SRX delivers the goods
The 2012 Cadillac SRX welcomes the new year with an impressive combination of performance, luxury and technology. This Cadillac is the American luxury crossover equivalent to many European models in its class. Having experienced outstanding sales volume the last two years for SRX, Cadillac sales …
VW Eos lets drivers have fun all year long
The 2012 Eos is a convertible that melds the high-quality materials of a Volkswagen cabin with an open-air driving experience that is spirited and fun. Eos shows off the same narrow grille seen on the popular remake of the 2012 Jetta, but that is really …
2012 Ford Focus lights fire under competition
If you are like me, the small car segment always has meant “small car price.” However, what is implied and what is delivered can be two different things; the new Ford Focus manages to deliver the goods. While the new Focus comes to market as …
Infiniti M56 finds right mix of high-tech luxury, safety
The 2012 Infiniti M56 is an impressive mix of luxury and sportiness with the predictable dash of high-tech safety and convenience gadgets the Japanese manufacturer is known for delivering. With the M sedan, there is no shortage of big impressions, not to mention a memorable …
Roomy 2012 VW Passat offers diesel efficiency
The 2012 Passat is the largest Passat Volkswagen has ever built, which makes it especially appealing to the American consumer – who not only enjoys larger spaces but also appreciates the technology of a German-engineered vehicle. With premium features throughout the cabin and under the …
Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid goes green with power
I know what you’re thinking: a Porsche hybrid, isn’t that a bit like ordering a hot fudge sundae with a Diet Coke? Where is the sense in that decision? You want sense? For starters, the 2011 Cayenne S Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph …
Jeep celebrates 70th anniversary with special editions
The roots of the Jeep are tied to its creation in World War II and this year marks the 70th anniversary of the undisputed off-road icon. For 2011 Jeep is offering a special 70th anniversary package for every vehicle in its lineup. I recently tested …
Dodge Durango Citadel recaptures heart and soul of SUV
The 2011 Dodge Durango has been completely redesigned from scratch. That’s good news for Dodge because the previous model was dated and sales had slipped. After driving the new Dodge Durango Citadel for a week I can tell you the redesign is even better news …
Audi A7 raises the luxury bar for 2012
When conversation turns to luxury sedans, where the success of melding comfort, technology and performance means everything to the most fickle consumer group, it is hard not to mention Audi in the first breath. Like its Deutsch competitors BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Audi has created a …
