Toyota Camry LE (2012)
The all-new, 7th generation Camry is leaps and bounds better than the outgoing model, but still retains the familiarity that has kept it the best selling car in America for 9-years running. The base L and LE trim levels, keeps the Camry affordable with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 178 horsepower. The SE and XLE trims get the 3.5-liter V-6, sportier...
Suzuki Grand Vitara (2012)
My car this week was the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara, a 5-passenger compact crossover, one of THE most competitive segments known to man. The somewhat dated looking body style is still attractive, albeit a little on the boxy side. One drawback is the side-hinged cargo door. I understand that the weight of the full size spare mounted on it precludes...
Ram 3500 4X4 Laramie Longhorn (2012)
The 2012 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn is the top of the food chain as far as big trucks go. The Ram in its normal trim is great looking and very comfortable. However, add the Laramie Longhorn package, and it is over the top. The Laramie Longhorn Edition features unique laser-etched stitching on the leather trim throughout the cabin, custom gauges...
Ram 1500 Tradesman (2012)
Last Year, Ram re-introduced the Tradesman trim level. The Tradesman is a value-priced package designed to meet the needs of small businessmen, construction jobsites and commercial fleets at an affordable price. Sales have been tremendous. Ram Tradesman offers fullsize work truck capability at a great price. Ram’s 4.7-liter V-8 engine is rated at 310 horsepower, 330 lb.-ft. of torque and...
Nissan Rogue SV FWD (2012)
I had a chance to drive Nissan’s most popular CUV this week, the Nissan Rogue. Nissan has a slogan that says: More than you expect- Everything you deserve. This seemed to apply to the Rogue because it was more than I expected. The Rogue is often described as little brother to the Nissan Murano but it is more than...
Nissan Juke Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) (2012)
You either love or hate the looks of the Nissan Juke. I have heard the Juke described as a “Horny Toad on four wheels,” which is pretty accurate. The subcompact hatchback segment was pretty boring before it came along. Introduced just last year, the Juke is what Nissan calls an “Urban Sport Cross,” or cross between a hatchback and...
Mitsubishi Lancer GT Sport Compact Sedan (2012)
Mitsubishi seems to be struggling to find themselves in the US marketplace. Known for fast sporty cars, like the now gone Eclipse and the Lancer EVO, they seem to want to reinvent themselves as a company known for their EV’s. I still can’t figure out why the would take a great car like the Eclipse, a car that a...
Land Rover Range Rover Full Size Luxury SUV (2012)
The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover is the top of the automotive food chain. A luxury car ride, Sports car handling, and go anywhere capability. The only thing not to like is the price. It is a real shame that 99.9% of these vehicles will never see any off-road use. With its unbelievable Terrain Response traction control and its Adaptive...
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (2012)
For as long as I can remember, Land Rover has been at the pinnacle of the SUV world. With gorgeous interiors followed up with amazing off road capability, owning a Land Rover made a statement to the neighborhood that “you have arrived.” Land Rover goes a little different direction with the Range Rover Evoque. While it is still capable, the...
Infiniti EX35 (2011)
The Infiniti EX35 is a different type of compact luxury crossover. It isn’t the roomiest, but it may be the best handling and best looking of the bunch. The EX35’s looks are one of the things I like most. No “family truckster” looks here, no sir. The EX35 looks “fast and ready to go” inside and out. The interior is...
