2012 Toyota Prius Review: For a couple of decades now, the entire Toyota auto empire has been identified by the Camry. But maybe it’s time to realize that the Prius might be taking over as Toyota’s new signature vehicle. Actually, it’s not just the Prius anymore. It’s the whole Prius family, which has a new baby — the Toyota Prius C — which is predicted to become the top-selling model …
2012 Toyota Prius Review: Goldilocks has nothing on the Toyota Prius. With the introduction of the all-new 2012 c (for city) model, Prius now has bred a family of gasoline/electric hybrids. There’s the new papa bear station wagon, otherwise known as the Prius v (for versatile); the mama bear, which is the familiar mid-size hatchback (Toyota calls it a liftback), and now the c, the baby bear compact liftback. And …
Tags : 40+MPG | |
2012 Chevrolet Volt Review: On the morning after I inadvertently left my pocket camera in the car outside overnight, when it was 10-below zero, it was still 5 below when I headed for an appointment the next morning. When I spotted the camera, I turned it on, and a little red light flashed at me that my fully-charged battery was down to nothing. I slid the camera into an inside …
Review: The Kia Rio has become a pretty decent alternative entry in the subcompact realm in recent years, with a low initial price, 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, and ranking “not bad” for styling, roominess, economy, and performance. That was “then,” as of 2011’s rapidly ending model year, and this is “now,” the future, with the introduction of the 2012 Rio. The new Rio reinforces the low-price/long-warranty tradition but vaults beyond that …
HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. — Mazda’s new “Skyactiv” technology combines something old and a lot of new, and, without stepping on the tradition of the current Mazda3, pulls off a complete holistic renovation of the company’s most successful model for 2012. It is a signal of the modernization of Mazda’s car-building future, at the same time, because the Mazda3 compact represents 40 percent of all Mazda business in the U.S., where half …
Tags : 40+MPG | FamilyFriendly | Sedan | |
2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS Review: Hyundai’s Elantra delivers on all the essentials most families are looking for in a midsize car, and then tacks on a few extra – like style – for good measure. The tested base Elantra GLS with a six-speed manual gearbox offers value, comfort and style – inside and out. As for the extras, it’s darned good on gas despite its growth into midsize dimensions. And …
If you like Toyota’s Prius, but demand more performance and luxury, you’re a good candidate for the Lexus CT 200h. This is a small sports hatch along the lines of a Mazda3 or Volvo C30, in that it’s diminutive in size, but sporty in handling and ride. Like the Volvo, it feels and looks a bit more upscale inside and the tested Premium model adds to that feel with a …
Tags : 40+MPG | FamilyFriendly | Sedan | |
Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid is a sharply styled family sedan with good mileage and a quiet, comfortable interior to haul four or five adults. It takes a different approach than most hybrids, using a six-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT, continuously variable transmission, to put the power to the road. There is plenty of power. The 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle I4 delivers 166 horsepower and the electric hybrid motor another 40 …
