First Drives

When the MINI returned in 2001, there were doubts as to whether or not it could be successful over the long term. It’s one thing to launch a model successfully when you have a clearly defined target market, but ensuring its long term success is something else entirely. For example, …

Anyone with even a passing interest in cars has heard of the Dart, sold between 1960 and 1976 in various incarnations. The 2013 Dart is Chrysler’s first child from its current marriage (the previous marriage, with Daimler, ended in divorce) to Fiat. This new vehicle replaces the controversial Caliber, which …

In an attempt to increase overall sales of its Acura division, Honda Canada launched the Acura 1.6 EL in 1996. Despite the Acura logo, it was still just a more luxurious and powerful version of the Honda Civic. It was successful nonetheless and EL sales allowed the Acura division to …

In the purest Porsche tradition, the new Boxster is discreet about its upgrades. At first glance, you’d think it had only undergone minor changes, but the fact of the matter is that listing all the touch-ups and modifications would be long indeed. Every element has been revised and modified to …

When Ford introduced the Flex at various American auto shows a couple of years ago, people started to wonder what was up with the Dearborn-based automaker. After all, this new vehicle’s bold design was not unanimously popular – to the extent that many feared for this unusual crossover’s future. Fortunately, …

Mention the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, and many will think of a prestigious, modern car that combines elegance and sportiness. For others, thoughts will turn to a past icon with a rich history that dates all the way back to 1954. In 2012, the sixth generation will bring new drivetrains, a modified …

The Volkswagen Westfalia may never have sold in astronomical numbers, but it certainly succeeded in developing a cult following. With its trademark shape, this recreational vehicle is still coveted by fans and roadworthy units sell for a killing – even the original model featuring an air-cooled rear-mounted engine. Sadly, Westfalia …

The Golf R is a rare vintage, and Volkswagen thinks it’s best served chilled. Or better yet, on ice. And not just any ice. The manufacturer even chose the rarest of dates on the calendar, February 29, to let us drive this new Golf R on the plotted, watered and …

It doesn’t seem like long ago that conversations about Nissan products naturally turned to the Maxima and Pathfinder. Although the company’s other vehicles sold, these two dominated the family. But over the years, Nissan’s product line has evolved, as have buyers’ preferences. As a result, these two former stars have …

This April marks the arrival of the Cabrio and the beginning of a new cycle for the Porsche 911, mere months after the launch of the all-new 2012 Carrera and Carrera S. A series of variants and trim levels are set to follow with all-wheel drive and turbocharged engines, allowing …