2009 BMW 3 Series Preview Video

There have been several cosmetic and performance improvements to the BMW 3 Series for 2009. The most noticeable design changes to the 3 Series sedans and sport wagons are the new headlight housings, the switch to LED tail lamps and turn signals, and the re-styled bumper and trunk.

But the real story with the 2009 [...]

2009 Audi A4 Avant First Drive

When we arrived in Ibiza, Spain to drive the new Audi A4 Avant, we were a bit surprised to have six engine variations of the vehicle to drive…not surprised by the number of engine options but surprised by the fact that they did not have the variation that would be offered here in the US, [...]

New 2009 Audi A4 Avant Photos

The A4 family represents 50% of Audi’s volume, with 10% of the sales mix coming from the Avant. That being said, the 5th generation, 2009 Audi A4 Avant proudly carries on the family’s moniker. The A4 Avant is loaded with features like Audi Side Assist lane change assist, Intelligent Key with advanced keyless entry [...]

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited – A Wolf in Billy Goat’s Clothing

Starting this article is tough. There is no way to properly set my reader up for the surprise I experienced lately without sounding contrived or hucksterish. This experience came behind the wheel of Subaru’s Outback wagon, specifically the 243-hp 2.5 XT variant with the 2.5-liter turbocharged ‘boxer’ four and all-wheel-drive.

When I heard that [...]

2006 Audi A3 S-Line

The 2006 Audi A3 S-Line is a wagon with sex appeal. With no competition in the field from other luxury contenders, the V6 AWD wagon fills the niche of luxury and practicality plus performance. The A3 S-Line is a bit shorter than other wagons but the passengers do not suffer (just the [...]

2006 Audi A6 Avant: A Teutonic Perfection for the Entire Family

Inevitably, every time an Audi appears at our doorstep for a full review, certain scenes play out–as surely as death and taxes, and so similar they could be scripted. For example, being behind the wheel of a new Audi–be it an A-line or an S-line model; no matter what series–one is sure to hear, at [...]

2006 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 3.6 – A Country Squire for the Alpenstrasse

Latest in a slew of redesigned staple vehicles, the Volkswagen Passat hit the market late last summer, as part of a barrage of new product planned to counter plummeting market share. Along with improved iterations of the Jetta, Golf (soon to be renamed the Rabbit) and even a new New Beetle, the 2006 VW Passat [...]

2006 Ford Freestyle Limited AWD: An SUV-Wagon for the Middle of the Road

Automotive journalists are well-known for decrying the SUV craze-in part selfishly, as we enjoy driving exciting vehicles, and reviewing truck after truck after truck can become tedious. “Why,” we’re always lamenting, “why don’t consumers buy wagons?” After all, the station wagon offers similar utility, better fuel economy, and usually better pricing than the typical SUV [...]

Driven at All Corners: The 2005 Subaru Legacy & Outback

Subaru’s station in the automotive world has been one of moderate but low-key success, but that’s a situation the brand is looking to change. Often overshadowed, at the low end by high-volume makes like Toyota and Honda and at the top by leather-clad luxury car purveyors like Lexus and Audi, the spunky Japanese brand hasn’t [...]