Test Drives

Test DrivesThe 2009 Saab 9-3 XWD, good car, uncertain future
It’s hard to say what will become of Saab over the next year or so. What we do know is that the Swedish automaker has cut ties with GM and is currently in a state of financial recovery. Will Koenisegg, its new owner, will keep those cars on our market …
Test DrivesThe 2010 Volkswagen GTI: Six generations of this pioneer
Look no further. The modern compact sports car was invented by Volkswagen more than thirty years ago by a handful of engineers who were determined to create a sports version of the first Golf. After several very impressive prototypes with wide tires and modified suspensions, it was decided that the …
Test DrivesThe 2009 Nissan 370Z: a true sports car
For several years, the 350Z was the high-powered sports car at Nissan. This was the case up until last year when they released the GT-R, which became Nissan’s new sport and performance icon. Will the arrival of this model cause the 350Z to fade into the background? Definitely not. To …
Test DrivesManic in Miniature: the 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible3.0/5
When the Mini Cooper debuted five decades ago, it broke the mold as the quintessentially universal automobile. Currying favour with everyone from royalty to couriers to race car drivers of international repute, its basic layout, spacious interior, compact proportions, and exuberant driving experience was universally lauded by critics. Buyers lines …
Test DrivesMazda5: The modern compromise
The era of the wagon and the minivan came upon us despite the fact that many vehicles aren’t particularly practical for families. However, for numerous reasons, many people can’t really picture themselves in a minivan anymore – and they’re precisely who the Mazda5 is targeting. In fact, the Mazda5 is …
Test DrivesThe 2009 Dodge Journey, a nice idea, but...
Back in 2007 when they unveiled the Journey at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Chrysler had high hopes for the model, which was supposed to garner as much attention as the MagicWagon minivan did in the early 80s. People even went as far as saying that the Journey was going to …
Test DrivesGreen Gangster: The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid3.0/5
On any given Monday, automotive journalists around the country walk outside, and begin the arduous and process of “car swapping.” Consisting of a few select steps, the process is in and of itself quite simple, and yet bewilderingly time-consuming, as we scheme and consort with our cohorts to cajole rides …
Test DrivesThe 2009 Mazda RX-8: Pleasantly different
Defying all logic, Mazda has always believed in the rotary engine. Today, the RX-8 is the only car in America, maybe even in the world, to feature this type of engine. Last year, Mazda made subtle but effective aesthetic modifications to rejuvenate the car somewhat, and it seems to have …
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