2010 Model Reviews

Like A Blast From The Past
The Chrysler 300C SRT8 reminds me of the original Chrysler 300 models of a bygone era. Back in the 1950s, the Chrysler 300 was the hot car. It was famous for its big engine and strong performance. Flash forward 50 plus years, and you find the SRT 8 with the [...]

Revamped Mazdaspeed3 Better Than Ever
The Mazdaspeed3 is the pocket-rocket version of the Mazda3. It offers a pleasing combination of sports car performance, and hatchback practicality. The first generation “MS3” was a big hit, and now for 2010, Mazda has redesigned this speedy hatch, and improved it in almost every way.
The Speed uses the same 5-door [...]

A Coupe-Like SUV?
What do you call the ZDX. Acura says it a four-door sports coupe, but when you look at it closely, you see a lot of SUV there. To me, it’s more like a coupe-shaped SUV. Do people really want a vehicle like this? Acura seems to think so. But to some folks, the [...]

Overlooked Santa Fe Has A Lot To Offer
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize crossover that flies under the radar. The average buyer doesn’t think of it when shopping for a new SUV. He or she is more inclined to check out the class leaders, like the Honda CR-V or the Toyota Highlander. However, the [...]

Lexus Revamps Its Midsize SUV
I find it curious that Lexus continues to go with two truck-based SUVs when the trend is to the more car-like crossovers. Of course, one explanation is that they have readymade Toyota platforms to use. In the case of the GX460, it’s the Toyota 4Runner. But no matter how you dress [...]

Revamped XK Even Better
What is it about Jaguar sports cars that makes them so special? Performance is one thing, but styling is equally important. As long as I can remember, Jaguars have had great looks. The post-war XK120 was a show-stopper. The XKE of 1961 was an instant classic. And when the XK8 debuted over [...]

Like A Blast From The Past
Back at the start of the SUV craze in the 1990s, the name Jeep and the term sport/utility vehicle were nearly synonymous. It you wanted a sport/ute, you thought of Jeep. They owned the market. Sadly, over the last two decades, they let the market slip away. One of the [...]

C-Class Hot Rod
There’s no two ways about it, the Mercedes C63 is a take-no-prisoners sports sedan. Stomp on the gas, and it will rush you up to 60 in just four seconds. The C63 is Mercedes’ answer to the BMW M3.
The C63 is the handiwork of Mercedes’ AMG division, which takes ordinary Mercedes vehicles, and [...]

The Focus Is On Luxury
Lexus ES sedans have been leaders in the entry-luxury field for well over a decade. The secret to their success has been that they pamper their owners. An ES provides a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin and a lot of amenities. However, for those who seek sportiness too, well, that’s not [...]

Off-Road Better Than On-Road
How times have changed. Back in the 1990s, truck-based SUVs, like the 4Runner were all the rage—everybody wanted one. Today, most people opt for the car-based “Crossovers,” like the Toyota Highlander. However, there are those who still prefer the traditional “go anywhere” sport/ute. For these folks, Toyota has a redesigned 2010 4Runner. [...]