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2013 Toyota Avalon
"The Toyota Avalon is a luxury laden Lexus sedan wearing Toyota badging. My tester proved the point to the max: the 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited is the cream of four trim levels." (AutoGlo) -
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
"Its the do-or-die rule of auto making: If youre going to make something new, make it eye-catching. And wow, that was the case with this XV Crosstrek, with Impreza hatchback DNA and stepping in for the Subaru Outback Sport." (AutoGlo) -
Mazda CX-9
"As I said, driving the CX-9 was an entirely comfortable experience, and frankly, the 3.7-liter V-6 with 273 horsepower performed at a level higher than those numbers would indicate. Best of all, the CX-9 had about zero body sway on sharp corners taken at high speed." (AutoGlo) -
2013 Dodge Dart Rallye
"Heres my advice: Go take a look at this car, even if you dont plan to buy one. Youll like what you see. Yes, the Dart had a truckload of pre-release hype. But in this case, the car lives up to the publicity." (AutoGlo) -
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE
"For now, consider this Outlander Sport an attractive, functional, albeit a bit horsepower-challenged cargo/carbon-based life form carrier thats within the range of most budgets. And the warranties provide serious backup to the as-is package." (AutoGlo)Mitsubishi | Wieck -
2013 Acura RDX SUV
"Frankly, I found zero to complain about in my week with the vehicle. Its a vast improvement over the RDX introduced to the world in 2007." (AutoGlo) -
2013 Ford Fusion SE
"Looking for an affordable, loaded, new sedan with a gutsy engine and good gas mileage? Sound like a good first car for the kids? Think Fusion." (AutoGlo)Ford | Wieck -
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SEL
"The current-generation Jetta is so much more substantial than the old-school models that its almost a crime of deception that the current version carries the same nameplate." (AutoGlo) -
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Turbo
"The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Turbo (60s Edition) was the best Beetle Ive ever driven, and let me tell you, I have driven quite a few VW Beetles over the years." (AutoGlo) -
2013 Volvo S60 T5 AWD sedan
"I recently had a week behind the wheel of a 2013 Volvo S60 T5 AWD sedan, and heres my take: aerodynamically stylish, perfect fit-and-finish, stout off the line and on the fly, absolutely loaded with comfort/tech features, safety features deserving of the highest honors, bank vault-quiet, smooth and seemingly respected by neighbors and fellow motorists alike." (AutoGlo) -
2013 Scion FR-S
(AutoGlo) -
2013 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4X4
"Given whats coming next year, Id absolutely understand a buyer putting the Patriot on a list for basic transportation to handle SUV chores that include hauling kids, sports equipment and all manner of gear. And Im guessing that Jeep dealers will be more than willing to haggle on the base price of the 2013 model ($22,880 on the tester) as this year goes on." (AutoGlo) -
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In
"For those who seriously want to stretch the gas money, this Prius Plug-In is going to be your cup of Texas tea." (AutoGlo)David Dewhurst -
2013 Ford Escape SE FWD
"This Escape is definitely a little brother to the Explorer. But if your budget and cargo-toting needs are less than demanding, consider the revamped Escape a prospective occupant of your driveway." (AutoGlo) -
2013 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD
"So, if you have a need for a big SUV to transport a lot of kids and cargo, this Explorer will do you right." (AutoGlo) -
2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe SE
"I dont know if it was the two doors or something else, but folks kept running up to the stopped car and asking me what it was and where could they get one. Im no marketing expert, but I take this trend as a positive sign if Im laboring for Hyundai." (AutoGlo)Like its sibling, the Elantra hatchback, the Elantra Coupe could use a little more power. But with its stylish exterior, well-appointed interior, driving comfort, good overall visibility, superior gas mileage and indusrtry-best warranty, it would be difficult to find a better value in a coupe. (The Weekly Driver)
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2013 Ford Mustang GT
Overall, this latest version of the Mustang GT continues to rock. (AutoGlo)Ford | Wieck -
2013 Mazda CX-5
"Mazdas all-new 2013 CX-5, a sensibly-sized, five-passenger sport-utility vehicle, seems to be a nice fit for the middle-class family looking for people- and cargo-carrying room for a price that wont break the bank." (AutoGlo)"Those not looking for sizzling acceleration should consider the CX-5. It provides a good blend of sporty styling, comfort, carlike handling and solid fuel economy." (The Weekly Driver)
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2012 Fiat 500c Lounge Cabrio
"This Fiat was a fantastic city performer, capable of zippy sprints and agile moves in tight parking spaces. On the highway, while it locks in nicely at 70 miles per hour on the cruise control, you really have to keep your foot in it to maintain that speed without the cruise." (AutoGlo)"Strictly based on sheer fun, the Fiat 500c won me over easily. If all those other considerations like price, efficiency, practicality, etc., are added to the equation, the Fiat slips a few notches. But why bother with all those nuances when youre having so much fun?" (The Weekly Driver),p> CNET Video Review
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2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
"If youre searching for practical-size, affordable, gas-sipping transportation with modern perks, put this one on your test-drive list." (AutoGlo) -
2013 Acura ILX sedan
"Acura calls it the brands new 'gateway' car, which is auto industry-speak for 'you might want to try this one first because its a practical and relatively affordable ride in our luxury-heavy lineup.' The bottom line is, yes, Id agree with all that." (AutoGlo)"The ILX is Acuras smallest and least expensive model. But the description doesnt fit the car. The ILX has a lot to offer, including strong acceleration and overall power and a smooth, steady ride. For many manufacturers, the ILX just wouldnt be considered an entry-level vehicle. That speaks well for the car and the manufacturer." (The Weekly Driver)
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2012 Chrysler 300S
"Even in basic trim, the 300 is fairly loaded. Interior comfort and quiet is admirable. Theres plenty of room for three normal- to large-size adults in the back seats. The trunk yawns open wide for a double-stack of luggage." (AutoGlo)Webb Bland -
2013 Infiniti JX35
"Its a very worthy entry in the luxury SUV segment, and if you have that kind of money to spend on that class of vehicle, it should be on your test-drive list." (AutoGlo)Nissan | Wieck -
2013 Ford Flex SEL AWD SUV
"Let me say that the Flex is an outstanding vehicle for a target audience of large families, heavy cargo carriers and folks who regularly head out on the open road for long recreational trips." (AutoGlo)Ford | Wieck -
2012 Scion iQ
"Given everything, the car has its charms. Five days in, I confess that I was liking this ride. And when it came time to turn it over, I was unhappy. Good things in small packages? I say yes." (AutoGlo)"If you're named iQ, it's not a good thing in automotive industry if you're also nicknamed 'Lack of iQ' Certainly that's not the case with the new Scion. However strange it may sound, because of its efficient use of space and steadiness on the freeway, among other qualities, the iQ is the best 94 horsepower car money can buy." (The Weekly Driver)
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2012 Toyota Prius C
"Having had a deep drink of contemporary Prius hardware this year, I can tell you that the pioneer is as admirable as ever. And if this sounds like an appreciation, well, youre right on the money." (AutoGlo)"Toyota Prius c, 2012: At less than $20,000 and 53 mpg, its all the rage." (The Weekly Driver)
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2013 Acura RDX AWD
"You want luxury, performance and safety in an SUV for a reasonable price? You probably want the latest RDX." (AutoGlo)"Many sport utility vehicles seem the same today. But the new Acura RDX has its own traits, most notably, it's quick, comfortable and well designed. That adds up to an SUV that stands out in a traffic jam or anywhere else." (The Weekly Driver)
Honda | Wieck -
2012 Dodge Charger R/T
"Sexy lines back up the engines roar, and the back end lights up like the White House Christmas tree at night. No shyness in this thing. Nor should there be." (AutoGlo)AJ Mueller -
2012 Hyundai Azera
"When it rolled out at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2011, the extensively reworked Azera drew much-deserved oohs and ahhs from the usually jaded auto press corps. Jaded or not, they knew a good thing when they saw it." (AutoGlo)"The old Hyundai Azera sedan was solid, although bland. But with swoopy new styling, more power and lots of features, the redone 2012 model that arrived this spring makes the car stand out." (The Weekly Driver)
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2012 Honda Ridgeline
"All this makes the Ridgeline a specialty player in the half-ton pickup truck segment, and while its not going to be every truck drivers cup of tea, its a sure bet that this Hondas DNA will be a perfect match for a significant group of discriminating pickup purchasers." (AutoGlo)Honda | Wieck -
2013 Lexus GS 350
"All in all, this GS 350 is pricey, professional and perfectly enjoyable In short, it fits the bill to wear a Lexus nameplate." (AutoGlo)David Dewhurst -
2012 Jaguar XKR-S convertible.
"Luxury? Are you kidding? Everything from a heated windshield to a carbon fiber spoiler to front seats with more power features than a jet fighter." (AutoGlo) -
2012 Volvo C70 T5
"I think Volvo has given the crowd what it wants from this model: a sexy, sporty convertible stuffed with enough luxury and safety perks to make it feel much pricier than it really is. How Swede it is!" (AutoGlo) -
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550 4MATIC
"Never being one to dwell on the irony of testing a vehicle I cant afford, I dug right in. So did the ML550." (AutoGlo) -
2012 Kia Soul !
"Regardless of model, the Soul is a smile-producing experience, and a pretty smart buy for a young family looking for an affordable runabout." (AutoGlo) -
2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R
"The Outback is night-on-the-town elegant, yet rugged when its asked to be. Interior configurations allow for transporting of big people and bulky cargo." (AutoGlo) -
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco 2SA
"Roomy and comfortable. Yes, thats the ticket. Controls within easy reach and easy to use. Fabulous. Room for real-size adults. Woo-hoo! Starting price of $26,845. Well, not too bad for a hybrid." (AutoGlo)GM | Wieck -
2012 Chevrolet Volt
"The Volt is what I thought it was when I first saw it on the drawing board, a technological marvel and a baseline for the car of the future. Now if they could just bring down the price " (AutoGlo)GM | Wieck -
2012 Infiniti EX 35 Journey
"All in all, this is a nice package. Too expensive for some. Not big enough for others. But for the discriminating SUV shopper, Im betting this EX is going to be just right." (AutoGlo)MikeDitzPhoto -
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 SUV
"The SUV market isnt what it used to be, and a glance at your local gas pump will tell you why. But for those who still need a nice-looking sport-ute that occasionally does some heavy lifting, this Grand Cherokee should be on your short list." (AutoGlo) -
2012 Acura RDX
"The new RDX is a serious upgrade, with a sleeker body, a new engine, a new transmission and even a new all-wheel-drive system." (AutoGlo) -
2012 Honda CR-V EX-L
"The CR-V has undergone an extensive make-over for the 2012 model year. Simply put, the fourth-generation CR-V is a major improvement over the third." (AutoGlo)"The 2012 CR-V starts at $22,295 for the 2WD LX model. My AWD EX-L tester topped out at close to $30,000 with the optional navigation system. Although I wish the CR-V had received a more thorough update, buyers will likely continue to flock to this reliable, competent small SUV." (The Weekly Driver)
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2012 Nissan Juke
"I wont jive you: I liked this Juke. I liked the price. And I wanted to spend more time with it." (AutoGlo)Mike Ditz -
2012 Toyota Prius v Three
"Even this fairly loaded-up version of the Prius is reasonable, with a starting price of $27,165, which gets you many of the standard interior features you expect to see in a mainline Camry." (AutoGlo)"Young, eco-minded couples, small families, and dad looking to avoid the stigma of a minivan now have a green choice for a family-mobile. The Prius V offers the space of a crossover and all the benefits of a hybrid. Performance may be more suited for grandpa, but you can smile whenever you visit the gas pump." (The Weekly Driver)
David Dewhurst -
2012 Infiniti M35h sedan
"All in all, this is a good 'green' effort for a luxury auto builder Perfect the engine-electric transitions, and things will be just about, well, perfect." (AutoGlo)"The M Hybrid starts at $53,700, which makes it competitive with most other mid-sized luxury sedans, hybrid or not. Since there are no major performance sacrifices and serious efficiency gains, this could be among the most guilt-free cars available." (The Weekly Driver)
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2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec sedan
"Arguably the signature car for the Hyundai Crowd is the Genesis sedan, and my test ride was the top-of-the-line 2012 5.0 R-Spec edition. This car is major league hardware for a song. Charging $46,500 for this particular Hyundai amounts to a veritable giveaway, considering what the similarly equipped competition costs." (AutoGlo)Bruce Benedict -
2012 Mazda3 i Grand Touring hatchback
"All in all, a good car gets better with multiple improvements for 2012." (AutoGlo)"Good combination of sportiness and practicality." The Weekly Driver)
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2012 Ford Focus Titanium hatchback
"The Focus has been overhauled for 2012 into a sleeker and dare I say downright sporty piece of American hardware for the small-car segment. But if you want something more than the Focus basics, you go straight to the seventh and most costly trim level the Focus Titanium Hatchback." (AutoGlo)Its not often I drive 1,200 miles in three days, but its a great way to test a vehicle. Via long, open-highway, high-speed hauls to inter-city, short-tenured jaunts, the Focus couldnt have done any better. The only exception occurred when the car was slightly underpowered on steep, steady inclines and with the air conditioner on. (The Weekly Driver")
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2012 Audi A6 TFSI quattro sedan
"This A6 is a definite player in a crowded field of luxury sport sedans." (AutoGlo)"The 2012 Audi A6 TFSI serves its heritage proud. It is more than just an incremental improvement; it is a dramatic and palpable improvement in power, fuel efficiency and handling. It provides a handsome option to those normally predisposed to BMWs with excellent acceleration, handling and gas mileage." (The Weekly Driver)
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2012 Acura ZDX sport-utility vehicle
"Luxury, performance, comfort and agility. If you have the cash, this ZDX pretty much fills up the wish list." (AutoGlo) -
2012 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid sedan
"All in all, the Toyota Camry -- even in hybrid form -- retains everything that has established its universal popularity, and added things that, in my view, will only enhance that popularity. A very good car gets even better for 2012." (AutoGlo)"The most maligned car on earth gets a big MPG boost and some teasing tech." (CNET Video Review)
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2012 Nissan Quest LE 3.5 minivan
"Heres the perfect vehicle for a large, active family involved in a lot of activities and extended road trips, a family that will likely wring plentiful happy moments out of this minivan over eight years or more." (AutoGlo)Mike Ditz -
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 two-seater
"And yeah, this SLK350 is a cool car that anyone with a drop of sports car-lover blood in his/her body would be proud to have. Just dont tell the neighbors what you paid for it." (AutoGlo)"In all, the SLK350 is an impressive viable alternative to costlier rivals." (The Weekly Driver)
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2012 Infiniti G25 Journey sedan
"You take your luxury where you can find it these days. And with the G lineup, you can get it from Infiniti." (AutoGlo)"Where Infiniti has always excelled, especially compared to the German brands, is value. The G25 is no exception. Starting at slightly more than $32,400 for the base model and topping out at $35,400 for the all-wheel drive G25x, the G25 undercuts the competition by at least several thousand dollars. That should guarantee a certain level of success." (The Weekly Driver)
Guy Spangenberg
Essential Links:
AutoGlo
The Weekly Driver
Sacbee.com Cars Section
Kelly Blue Book
Consumer Reports Car Reviews
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