autoMedia Auto News Blog : Review

Quick Take Test Drive: 2009 BMW 335d

Editor — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:20:00 GMT

Combine one of the best sport sedans on the market with one of the best ways to save on fuel and what do you get? The diesel-powered BMW 335d. Yep, diesel. And like the Jetta TDI diesel we tested recently, this is a new-generation diesel that’s smooth, quiet and powerful. While we found the Jetta to be fun to drive, the 335d is a blast. At the core of the performance is a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder pumping out 265 hp—not a bad number. But the real game changer is a gargantuan 425 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,700 rpm. This translates into tremendous low rpm oomph that makes the 335d a monster at the stoplight grand prix, yet never feels like it’s working hard. Unlike some other diesels, it’s also happy to rev up to its redline (only 5,000 rpm) for a sporting feel befitting the BMW badge. The 335d is available exclusively with a six-speed automatic. Ours had the optional sport steering wheel with shifter paddles for added fun. And when you take advantage of this super smooth transmission, you’re rewarded with a relentless wave of power that will put a huge grin on your face. Driving aggressively, we still averaged around 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving, probably 5-6 mpg...(read more)

Quick Look: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Editor — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:11:00 GMT

Aggressively styled and pleasingly proportioned, Suzuki’s first two Kizashi concepts shared a powerful, aero-slick design theme characterized as “a dynamic athlete in motion.” They showed that its coming flagship sedan would be aimed at the emotional end of the scale. But Concept Kizashi 3 was tamer and more production realistic, looking much like the production version and demonstrating that Suzuki is serious about taking on the well-established entries in the U.S. market’s most competitive car class. Its stated mission: move the brand upscale “without abandoning Suzuki’s traditional emphasis on content and value.” The only engine for now is a willing 2.4-liter aluminum four good for 185 horses with a standard 6-speed manual transaxle, or five ponies fewer with the available continuously variable transmission (CVT). Rare in this size and price class, the option of Suzuki’s latest “intelligent” all-wheel-drive (i-AWD) improves both bad-weather traction and cornering capability. Suspension is reinforced MacPherson struts front and multi-link rear, developed, Suzuki says, on European surfaces ranging from urban cobblestones to twisty two-lanes to high-speed German Autobahns and even the...(read more)

Nissan Back on Track with 2010 Lineup

Editor — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:45:00 GMT

In the late ‘90s, Nissan brought a handful of automotive journalists into its California headquarters. The company was struggling, and it seemed as if the executives were looking for a magic solution. Frankly, it felt as if the company had gone insane. The car writers were unanimous in saying that Nissan was making some wonderful, powerful, sweet-handling cars. However, we added, the American public was hopelessly infatuated with giant sport/utility vehicles and pickups, and Nissan and its Infiniti brand had arrived too late to that party. The cynic in me wanted to say, “Check your water coolers. It appears as if they’re being spiked. And, if the coolers are clean, perhaps you should put everybody on Prozac or something.” The bottom line: The company lost its way and second-guessed itself almost to death. Fast-forward to the present. At its gleaming new headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, Nissan showed the media an impressive lineup of cars. No trucks or SUVs were present for this event. Today’s bad economy, the threat of rising gas prices, and looming fuel-economy rules have America’s love affair with big SUVs and pickups on the rocks. Meanwhile, over the past dozen years, Nissan...(read more)

Quick Take Test Drive: New-for-2010 Acura TSX V6

Editor — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:09:00 GMT

It’s hard not to be a fan of the Acura TSX. In its first generation, the lithe and nimble sedan offered great looks and refinement, with a rev-happy four-cylinder engine thrown in to boot. In 2009, a new TSX appeared, larger, more luxurious, but still enjoying that incredible fun-to-drive feeling, and keeping that sweetheart four-cylinder. But the marketplace can be a fickle thing, and just about every competitor of Acura’s near-luxury sedan either featured a standard six-cylinder engine, or offered one as an option. So for 2010, we now have a new TSX V6 model to top out the range. And this is no mild-mannered six, but a very powerful 3.5-liter V6—taken from the Acura TL—that pumps out 280 hp (79 more hp than the four-cylinder) as well as 254 lb.-ft of torque. The V6 comes standard with a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters. That the added power makes a quantum leap in performance is not a big surprises—40 percent more horsepower will do that, but it also makes a huge change in the personality of the TSX. Where the four-cylinder feels light and spirited, the V6 moves out with real authority, yet feels much more serious. Tap on the gas and you’re gone. And the sound is a rich deep...(read more)

Acura Reveals Restyled, Revised MDX for 2010

Editor — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Acura announced today changes to their quintessential MDX SUV for the 2010 model year. Updates include a revised grille, a new hood and front fascia, new rear bodywork, improvements to its 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 powertrain (that includes better fuel economy), and a new six-speed automatic transmission. An all-new Advance Package offers a revised Active Damper System and new, 19-inch wheels and tires. New, 18-inch wheels are standard. As with recent MDX model years, the 2010 MDX transfers power to the wheels through its renowned Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that actively distributes the optimum amount of power to all four wheels.

On the inside, the 2010 MDX features a new, bolstered, Milano-leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, new gauges and available AcuraLink Real-Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting via a new, full VGA eight-inch navigation screen. A new rear-view camera is also on the options list, and features three different view choices. Acura says, “In keeping with Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced, customer-relevant features, the 2010 MDX is available with an array of technologies to improve convenience, including an all-new blind spot information system and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and enhance safety, with Acura’s unique Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).”

Coming soon will be a full road test review of the restyled, refined 2010 Acura MDX. Read about other Acura vehicles currently on sale in our 2009 Acura Buyer’s Guide.

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

2010 Lexus HS 250h Pricing Announced

Editor — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:36:00 GMT

The world’s first dedicated hybrid luxury vehicle arrives in dealerships in late August. Lexus announced pricing this morning for the all-new sedan, which starts at $34,200 for the standard model, and $36,970 for the Premium edition. An additional $875 for delivery and handling will apply.

The HS 250h is Lexus’ fourth luxury hybrid and the most affordable. It also offers the best combined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mileage rating of any luxury vehicle in the U.S., and produces 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, according to Lexus. EPA estimated city/highway mpg is 35/34, with a combined 35 mpg result from 87-octane fuel.

Read our 2010 Lexus HS 250h complete test drive review, and Vie to Win a 2010 Lexus HS 250h Luxury Hybrid.

~ Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

Vie to Win a 2010 Lexus HS 250h Luxury Hybrid

Editor — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:27:00 GMT

Lexus says their research has revealed that “more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if available,” which means the all-new 2010 Lexus HS 250h should be a huge hit when it reaches showrooms later this summer. If you want a chance to drive one for free—for either one week or an entire year—go to www.drivehs.com and enter by July 31, 2009 for a chance to win.

There are several ways—and prizes—to win. First you can create an account to become a potential driver or just vote for others to win, based upon their profile as to why they believe they should be selected. If you think you’re the best potential driver, create your own Driver Profile explaining why you should be voted to win the chance to drive the new HS 250h. In the world of social networking, you can campaign to your heart’s content through facebook, Twitter, You Tube or any other legal means to persuade friends, family, coworkers and strangers to vote for you. Not only that, every person who submits a vote for a “driver,” will get their name entered into a random drawing to also win.

The Voter-only grand prize is a one-year Lexus HS 250h lease and a Lexus Hybrid Living gift bag (contents of which are a secret at this time).

The Driver candidate with the most votes will win a one-year lease of the HS 250h, a weekend at a Fairmont Resort, and a Lexus Hybrid Living gift bag. Two runners-up winners will receive a one-week HS 250h test drive, two nights’ weekend accommodations at a Fairmont Resort hotel, and that secret Lexus Hybrid Living bag of goodies. Finally, 98 winners will receive a one-week test drive and, you guessed it, the Lexus Hybrid Living gift package. Now I’m dying to know more than ever what is in that bag!

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is actually the world’s first luxury car available with only a hybrid engine. Read our complete road test review of the HS 250h by veteran automotive engineer and journalist, Gary Witzenburg, for more details. Then check out lexus.com and drivehs.com to get started on your chance to drive this new high-end, high-tech luxury hybrid model—and vote for whomever you believe will fully represent. Or at least enjoy reading all the good reasons why so many people want to drive and own the new HS 250h. Enthusiasm is contagious. Remember, contest ends July 31st. Good luck!

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

Transformers 2: Autobot heroes wear GM Bow Ties, Decepticons wear Audi and Volvo badges

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:16:00 GMT

Director Michael Bay is well known for his larger-than-life adrenalin-pumping action films featuring intense conflicts, thumping loud soundtracks, and maybe even a little gratuitous sexual content. That said, fans of the first Transformers film will not be disappointed by Bay's sequel "Transformers 2: Revenge of The Fallen" which delivers extra portions of all of the above.

DreamWorks and Paramount pictures worked hand in hand with Hasbro to ensure the backstories of each character would remain true to Hasbro's established history (and sell oodles of toys), so car fans will delight in the assortment of heroic Autobots, which transform into a variety of General Motors-branded vehicles from massive GMC trucks to the already popular Bumblebee Camaro. Introduced in this second toy story are several new Bow-Tie-wearing 'bots, including Sideswipe, an incredibly sexy Corvette influenced by the original 1959 Stingray race car, which transforms to wield powerfully sharp swords; and a pair of Laurel-and-Hardy-esque Autobot Twins, Skids and Mudflap, who are skinned in automotive form as Chevy's Beat and Trax concepts first seen at the 2007 New York Auto Show. The Chevrolet Volt makes an appearance in the film as the character Jolt; as an electric car, Jolt's weapons include a pair of electric whips used at the end of the film to help attach some extra firepower to one of the film's heros. There are even a few unbadged pocket rockets guided by sexy holographic pilots that are sure to please the motorcycle fans in the audience.

One of the biggest surprises were the Audi and Volvo-badged Decepticons! For as much as General Motors promoted and advertised their involvement with the film, these vehicles were definitely under the promotional radar. Audi didn't have much to say about it, but photos a toy transformer of the Decepticon R8 known as Sideways can be seen here along with several other videos showing how to transform the entire assortment of toys. Jalopnik has some behind-the-scenes video of the Audi R8 from the first day of filming here.

"'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' goes way beyond the first film in terms of robot action and excitement," said LeeAnne Stables, executive vice president of worldwide marketing partnerships at Paramount Pictures, the distributor of the film. "The new Autobots add to the storytelling, and these Chevy vehicles went with our filmmakers to locations all around the world. GM has again provided incredible support to the production team working on the movie." For more exclusive Chevrolet Autobot information and movie clips, visit www.autobotsrollout.com.

Unfortunately for Paramount, LATimes.com reports that General Motors was forced to cut back its promotional spending, which meant that the financially strapped automaker was unable to support the film's marketing blitz in the weeks leading up to its opening. Ultimately, however, that didn't seem to matter much, as midnight showings were sold out across the country last night. The parking lot of the screening I attended was occupied by a broad assortment of Camaros, including one 2010 model: Hopefully Chevy will sell a few of these sportsters due to its exposure in the film. (Who wouldn't want to drive one of those Bumblebee yellow-and-black striped racers around town?) A quick internet search shows interested buyers CAN find Camaros for sale in dealerships across the country.

Transformations between Robot and Autobot shapes are abundant, and some are even performed in slow motion for added viewing pleasure, with nauseatingly real visual effects displaying the more dramatic transformations with 360-degree viewing action. A highlight transformation is the combination of several Constructicons into a giant Devastator in the Egyptian desert. If you're a true fan of this digital action (once again created by Industrial Light & Magic) you'll want to view this film in its full IMAX glory.

The ear-pounding score and soundtrack are guided by Steve Jablonsky, Mike Shinoda, and Hans Zimmer and feature (of course) Linkin Park along with Green Day, All-American Rejects, Hoobastank, The Fray, Nickelback, and Staind.

Megan Fox is steamy-hot as Mikaela and Shia LaBeouf is his usual goofy self as Sam Witwicky: The two play well together right up to the film's somewhat cliche "kissing shadows in the twilight sun" denouement. Viewers past puberty will also appreciate Isabel Lucas who plays an aggressively sexy co-ed and Ramon Rodriguez as Sam's "legend-in-his-own-mind" college roommate.

Parents: Sex- and drug-related references go far beyond innuendo, so respect the PG-13 rating and be prepared for an abundance of "dog domination" by Sam's pet chihuahua Mojo and one small Decepticon who worships Mikaela. The frequent fight scenes are extremely violent and emotionally intense, and believe it or not, some of the 'Bots bleed when injured--while it may simply be transmission fluid, it is easily visualized as blood.

Paramount and DreamWorks are currently in development of the Transformers threequel, which has a rumored release date of Friday, July 1, 2012.

Can't wait to see which vehicles will star in that one!

By Brandy Schaffels
autoMedia.com contributor

Film stills via GM Media, vehicle photos by the author

autoMedia CARnival: What's happening this week in the auto blogs? May 21, 2009

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:32:00 GMT

It's the week ending May 21, and lots of automotive antics have been going on across the internets. We've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. We've got a holiday weekend approaching in just a few hours, so we hope these fun snippets will help you get into a memorable mood for Memorial Day Weekend!

Will you be among the 32 million travelers AutoClub predicts will be taking a road trip for the weekend? Interestingly, more than 10 million Americans include their four-footed family members in their travels annually; 80 percent bring the dog, while only 15% are brave enough to dare carry a kitty. If you're planning to bring along your four-legged family member, the folks over at Animal Planet are sharing six excellent ways to ensure a righteous road trip with Rover or Rags in tow. Regardless of who else is coming along, we know you'll want to have a enjoyable trip, so be sure to check out our own Tips for Safe Memorial Day travel, here at autoMedia.com!

Did you hear what Jeremy Clarkson--host and chief bombasticator of the BBC show Top Gear--said about the 2010 Honda Insight? Within three paragraphs of his three-page review, Clarkson said it is "Possibly the worst new car money can buy. It's the first car I've ever considered crashing into a tree, on purpose, so I didn't have to drive it any more." Wow! Don't hold back, Jeremy! His review inspired a number of rebuttals, including this one from Keith Buglewicz, which says "While it's true that hybrids aren't the end-all and be-all of our automotive future--and I wholeheartedly agree with Clarkson that the hydrogen-powered Honda FCX Clarity is a better look at that future--his screed against hybrids is ridiculous and built on easily refutable false logic. Don't like the car? That's fine. But if you're going to argue against hybrids in general, at least get your facts straight." Want to read a more detailed, less confrontational review of Honda's hybrid hatchback? Then check out our own review of the 2010 Honda Insight, here at automedia.com

Mark Elias from LeftLaneNews took a gorgeous Audi R8 on a pre-Memorial-Day roadtrip up the Florida Turnpike, and somehow became a wedding crasher along the way. It's clear from his review that Mark loved the two-seat supercar, but the mother of the bride loved it so much, she left a kiss on its windshield!

While you're out and about this holiday weekend, make sure you've got your seatbelt buckled. Apparently, according to TheDetroitBureau, "The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is paying particular attention to subnormal seat-belt wearing rates among teenaged motorists in this month's nationwide "Click it or Ticket" campaign." Overall, the Department of Transportation estimates 1,652 lives could be saved and 22,372 serious injuries avoided annually if Americans raised their belt-wearing rates to 90% in every state. To help these statistics, NHTSA and DOT are specifically targeting teens to raise seatbelt awareness, but between now and May 31, police officers nationwide will be aggressively issuing seatbelt citations to anybody not properly buckled up.

It's easy to find amazing photography of fabulous OEM vehicles on the internet. Kit cars and customs are also abundant, but Jalopnik has a photo gallery of something even better: A detailed collection of customized racecars built entirely of Lego bricks. Two dozen of them in fact, from a Lamborghini Gallardo to a RollsRoyce Phantom to a Ford GT! Jalopnik says this guy has "has harnessed the very talented skill of building as-realistic-as-they-can-be four-wheeled Lego creations." Awesome!

What's the most miles you've ever heard of on a vehicle? While most of us are impressed to hear that a car has gone more than 200K before being towed to the junkyard, 91-year-old Rachel has put more than 557,000 miles on her beloved Mercury Caliente! Betcha she's taken this one on some excellent road trips!

Well, we know it's a holiday weekend and you're anxious to get on your way, so we'll keep the mileage low on our Memorial Day road trip carnival. Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor

Top 10 2009 Fuel-Efficient Favorites

Editor — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:57:00 GMT

While we’re more than six months away from ringing in the 2010 calendar year, and several manufacturers are already—or soon will be—selling 2010 models, we decided to piece together this list of the top 10 best-selling green cars for the 2009 model year, with city/highway mileage figures. Click on any of the make/model names to get pricing, specs and a brief overview about each in autoMedia.com’s 2009 New Car Buyer’s Guide.

1. 2009 Toyota Prius: 48/45

2. 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid: 40/45

3. 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid: 35/33

4. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD: 29/27

5. 2009 Smart fortwo: 33/41

6. 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 33/34

7. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: 30/41

8. 2009 Toyota Yaris: 29/35

9. 2009 MINI Cooper: 26/34

10. 2009 Honda Fit: 28/35

And, even though sales results obviously aren’t in yet, here are some of the most significant new high-mileage competitors, one of which may just knock its own predecessor from the number one spot. Click on any of these to read the full road test review on autoMedia.com.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010 Honda Insight

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

2010 Toyota Prius

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director

2010 Honda Insight Vs. 2010 Toyota Prius

Editor — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:31:00 GMT

The hybrid-hatchback heat is on between the all-new 2010 Honda Insight and redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius—and the race hasn't even started. The compact Insight has a running start, but not necessarily all the glory, since the midsize Prius doesn’t go on sale until late May. Honda planned the Insight’s price-point and marketing pitch as the “hybrid for everyone. Designed and priced for us all,” and so we expected that price (starting at $19,800) to be a lot less than the new Prius—until Toyota went back to the block. It now plans to add a more basic than the base model at $21,000 (due in late summer). Still, when the first 2010 Prius’ reach dealerships, they will come with an EPA mileage estimate of 51 mpg from city driving. The new Insight is rated to reach 40 city-miles per gallon. So, while pricing for each will end up being relatively close, and mileage ratings nearly a lap apart, what else separates the two? Read what contributing editor James M. Flammang has to say about both the 2010 Toyota Prius and 2010 Honda Insight after having test-driven each.

Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

Sneak Peek: 2010 Ford Ranger Pickup Truck

admin — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:08:00 GMT

With those consumers who are buying new vehicles focused on smaller, more fuel-efficient models, it seems wise for Ford to continue to improve its Ranger pickup truck. The current generation was introduced over a decade ago, but it soldiers on with largely safety improvements for the 2010 model year.

On sale this summer, the 2010 Ford Ranger adds standard side airbags designed for head and torso protection. In addition, the Ranger will also pack as standard equipment electronic stability control and “roll stability control” to help keep the truck on the road and shiny side up.

An alternative to full-sized trucks, such as the redesigned Ford -150, the Ranger is EPA rated for 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the 2.3-liter I-4 engine.

Read our most-recent Ford Ranger review, and research the Ranger in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

Want to be a car reviewer?

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:38:00 GMT

We’re looking for aspiring car reviewers and impassioned car owners willing to take a minute and share their impressions in our new user reviews. autoMedia has integrated user reviews throughout our Web site to enable car owners like you to share insights with fellow consumers.

Entering such reviews provide an opportunity to reflect on your ownership and share wisdom with others who may be considering the same model. What do you wish you knew before signing the bottom line?

User reviews are a great way for aspiring auto journalists and car enthusiasts to sharpen their keyboard skills, as well. The professional writers who review cars for autoMedia are among the very best in the business, with decades of experience working for leading magazines and contributors to the nation’s best publications, car and otherwise. However, each one at one point had no more experience than you, perhaps even less.

Back before our first gray hairs sprouted, there was not ready-made outlet to share our very first automotive writings with the public, as there is today with the Internet. Even still, hard work has led this cast of high-speed characters into an exciting field, putting them behind the wheel of the world’s greatest machines before they are available to the public.

Take a minute and fill out the quick-and-easy user review form to critique your own ride. The experience may be cathartic or even heart-warming as you may be aiding another consumer. And who knows? It could be the first step in a long, exciting automotive career.

Get started now by visiting our user review hub. Just select the model you own, and away you go.

Review - 2008 Hyundai Azera

admin — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:26:00 GMT

When Hyundai introduced the Azera as a 2006 model, it wasn't the first upscale sedan sent to U.S. dealerships by the South Korean automaker. That distinction goes to the XG series, first seen as the XG300 in 2001, then given more power as the XG350 a year later. Both models sought to give Hyundai shoppers a step up from the slightly smaller, value-priced Sonata.

Currently competing against such premium sedans as the Lexus ES 350, Toyota Avalon, and Nissan Maxima, the 2008 Azera emphasizes safety. Each model contains eight airbags, as well as active front head restraints. Hyundai has led some competitors in making stability enhancement a standard feature, so every Azera has Electronic Stability Control. Antilock braking with Brake Assist also is standard.

Passenger space is another big selling point, helping to differentiate the Azera from its less-costly Sonata sibling. With nearly 44 inches of front legroom and more than 38 inches of rear leg space, Hyundai boasts that its Azera has more interior volume than a Mercedes-Benz C-Class or E-Class, or BMW's 7 Series, as well as the Avalon. It's also roomier than Hyundai's own Sonata, though that sedan is far from cramped inside. The 2008 Sonata is less than four inches shorter overall, on a wheelbase that trails the Azera's by two inches. Azera trunk space totals a sizable 16.6 cubic feet...

Read the full 2008 Hyundai Azera review.

Review - 2008 Lexus IS F

admin — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:54:00 GMT

If the Lexus IS F isn't the best factory hot-rod ever, it's in the top 10 of a very hallowed group.

To build the IS F, Lexus followed the basic hot rod recipe, which hasn't changed much in 80 years. First, select a small, underpowered, but nice handling car. Next insert the biggest engine that can be shoehorned into the engine bay. In the '60s, racing regulations required car companies to pretend they were selling the same cars they raced: The results included the '62 Ferrari 250 GTO, '69 Ford Mustang Boss 302, and the high-winged, slope-nosed '69 Dodge Charger Daytona. Many others followed the formula without racing intentions, such as the '64 Pontiac GTO.

Read the full review of the 2008 Lexus IS F.