Roadfly.com: Car Reviews & Road Tests » First Drives

2010 Suzuki SX4 Sportback

bryan — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:38:25 +0000

Practically unrecognizable from its progenitor (the standard Suzuki SX4) and all new for 2010, the SX4 Sportback is a sleek, sporty hatchback that’s designed to offer more fun and energy to an otherwise economical driving experience. Roadfly TV and host Jessi Lang took a look at the Sportback, and here [...]

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Road Test & Review

bryan — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:35:22 +0000

For 2011, Chrysler has completely redesigned the Jeep Grand Cherokee from the ground up, bringing it to its 4th generation. Its chassis has been given a remarkable facelift, with many structural improvements to improve sturdiness, vibration, and road noise, making one of the staples of the SUV industry an even [...]

2011 Ford Mustang GT Road Test & Review

bryan — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:48:20 +0000

Mustang enthusiasts rejoice: the iconic 5.0 is back and better than ever. New for 2011 (and for the first time since 1995), Ford has brought back both the 5.0 engine, giving its muscle car rivals such as the Camaro and Challenger a good reason to run for their money. Our [...]

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Road Test and Review

Charlie Romero — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:00:31 +0000

The Roadfly crew headed to the west coast to be among the first journalists to test the all new 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe. Taking advantage of Napa Valley’s twisty mountain roads, we put it through its paces over steep and winding terrain, through vineyards and across breath-taking landscapes; suffice it [...]

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe 0-60 MPH

Charlie Romero — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:26:20 +0000

The Roadfly crew recently flew out to Napa Valley, California, for a first-hand look at the all new 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe. With its 304 horsepower, 3.6 liter direct-injection V6, we were eager to take it on a zero-to-sixty test.

Our test car had an automatic transmission, which we set [...]

2011 Infiniti QX56 Road Test and Review

Charlie Romero — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:56:00 +0000

Set to go on sale in July 2010 as a 2011 model, the next generation Infiniti QX is all new. Its new high-stiffness frame structure enhances ride comfort through the use of Infiniti’s Hydraulic Body-Motion Control system. The new 5.6-liter V8 engine combines the responsive acceleration of Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable [...]

2011 Chevrolet Volt: Worth the Long Wait

Brian Armstead — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:03:35 +0000

There’s an expression that says “good things come to those who wait.” As that expression relates to the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, it is certainly true.

I remember several years ago, when I saw the first concept of the Volt, and was duly impressed. It seemed as if Chevy had trumped the [...]

2009 BMW Z4 Car Review Video

Laura Burkholder — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:51:00 +0000

Join our host Charlie Romero as he puts the new 2009 BMW Z4 through the paces in the Los Padres Mountains. The ’09 Z4 is in its third generation, coming out with a hard top instead of the previous versions soft top which is just one of the changes [...]

At First Glance: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Laura Burkholder — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:08:31 +0000

When automotive journalists (ourselves included) were proclaiming the Chevrolet Malibu to be Detroit’s savior, we obviously had not accounted for the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. The all-new CTS-V mixes performance, quality, luxury, and refinement under (surprise!) an American badge.

You might ask, “What makes the CTS-V so special?” and one [...]

2009 Nissan Maxima Pictures

Laura Burkholder — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:47:35 +0000

The Maxima is back! Enjoy the pictures of the all new 2009 Nissan Maxima in the photo gallery.

In its seventh generation, Nissan has continued to build upon the qualities that have made the Maxima a hit while also improving the exterior design, the interior cockpit, and the performance. Nissan’s [...]

2009 Infiniti FX50 S Review Video

Laura Burkholder — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:07:38 +0000

Join us as we test the all-new, second-generation, 2009 Infiniti FX on the mountain roads outside of San Diego, CA. We tested the 2009 FX50 Sport with the new 5.0L V8 that produces 390 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Don’t need [...]

2009 Audi A4 Avant First Drive

Laura Burkholder — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:03:28 +0000

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 [...]

2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i Car Review Video

Laura Burkholder — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:28:46 +0000

We recently took the 2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i for a test drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains while visiting BMW’s Spartanburg manufacturing plant. Our Publisher, Charlie Romero, was quite impressed with this new segment, saying that the X6 could be the best-handling SUV from BMW. He even went [...]

2009 BMW X6 First Drive Photos

Laura Burkholder — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:46:20 +0000

We’ve been covering the X6 since it was just a concept but we recently traveled to the BMW Spartanburg, SC plant to get seat time in the all-new 2009 X6.

For those who aren’t familiar with the 2009 X6, the Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) is the latest offering from BMW, a [...]

Nissan 360: Around the World in Two Days!

Brian Armstead — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:25:55 +0000

Roadfly.com was recently invited to Lisbon, Portugal for “Nissan 360.” This was the second “360” for Nissan, the first having been held in San Francisco, California four years ago. For those who don’t know, Nissan, when paired with parent company Renault, is the third largest automaker in the world. [...]

New 2009 Audi A4 Avant Photos

Laura Burkholder — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:11:40 +0000

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 [...]

Video of the 2009 Nissan GT-R at Reno-Fernley Raceway

Laura Burkholder — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:47:45 +0000

Though the pre-sales started on February 4th, 2008 for the 2009 Nissan GT-R at 676 select “GT-R Certified” Nissan dealers worldwide, the GT-R won’t be on the road until July 2008. We, however, recently drove the all-new 2009 GT-R at the Reno-Fernley Raceway in Nevada and were quite impressed [...]

2009 Subaru Forester Pictures from Catalina Island

Laura Burkholder — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:58:11 +0000

Browse the photos from our recent trip to Santa Catalina Island off the southern California coast where we test drove the new 2009 Subaru Forester. Subaru had exciting off-road and on-road routes to showcase all of the 2009 Forester’s capabilities. There are three available models: the standard Forester, [...]

2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG First Drive

Brian Armstead — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:27:23 +0000

For years, the BMW M3 has reigned supreme when speaking of small European performance, but times are changing. Does it still wear the crown? Not if the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG has anything to do with it.

AMG has been the performance wing of Mercedes for almost 40 years. [...]

Chariot of the Gods: The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé

Alan Riley — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:13:23 +0000

What would Zeus drive? It would have to be opulent, powerful, solid, and strong. And, it would be nice if it impressed the ladies, too. So, when Zeus comes down from the mountain, we suggest he head straight to the nearest Rolls-Royce purveyor and ask to see the Rolls-Royce [...]

2009 Nissan Murano: “Murano-ness” Exemplified

Brian Armstead — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 22:45:41 +0000

Driving the all-new 2009 Nissan Murano, I had a flashback to winter, 2002, when a blizzard struck the Washington, D.C. area. My niece, who suffers from Sickle Cell Anemia, was having a crisis, and had to be quickly transported to Children’s Hospital in Washington. The only problem [...]

smart fortwo: A smart Idea?

Alan Riley — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:42:19 +0000

Over 25 years ago, the seeds were planted for the smart fortwo. Back then, Mercedes-Benz tabled a design that they didn’t feel could meet their stringent safety requirements with 1972 technology.

Ten years ago, technology caught up, and a creative and technical collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Swatch brought the smart fortwo [...]

2009 Toyota Matrix Video

Laura Burkholder — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:29:57 +0000

The Toyota Matrix is all-new for the 2009 Model Year. Half an inch lower, half an inch longer, and 20% lighter than its predecessor, the 2009 Matrix brings an edgy, sporty look to Toyota’s lineup with character contour lines from the grille to the tail lights.

Stay tuned [...]

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Video

Laura Burkholder — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:16:13 +0000

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is being heralded as the vehicle that can help save the Big Three from their current slump, and well, after getting some seat time in the new Malibu, we’d be inclined to agree.

The 2008 Malibu is wrapped in a neatly styled package with a [...]

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Video

Laura Burkholder — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 23:00:09 +0000

The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is quite the versatile full-size SUV with a luxurious interior, a redesigned/modernized exterior, three rows of seating, and full-time 4WD. The interior of the 2008 Land Cruiser has features that luxury vehicles have made necessities, like the cooler in the center console and a [...]

2008 Mazda CX-9 First Drive Video

Laura Burkholder — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:27:56 +0000

The 2008 Mazda CX-9 offers luxury and practicality (seating for 7) at an affordable price in the full-size SUV market. Surprisingly, since its introduction in 2007, the most popular model of the CX-9 has been the most expensive option, the $40,000 Grand Touring model. For 40 large, you [...]

2008 Toyota Sequoia First Drive

Alan Riley — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:18:26 +0000

Size matters. Texans like their trucks and SUVs big, they like them powerful, and they like them tough. But, make no mistake; they also want luxury, comfort, and functionality.

A Texas family demands a lot from a full-size SUV, whether taking the kids and their friends to Friday night football, hauling [...]

2008 BMW 135i First Drive Video

Laura Burkholder — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 19:13:46 +0000

Since its inception in 2004, the BMW 1 Series has generated a lot of buzz, both across the pond and right here in our backyard. But, in July 2007, when the 1 Series Coupe became a tangible reality, we only had a small inkling that the 135i Coupe would/could [...]

2008 BMW 135i Coupe On The Gotland Ring

Laura Burkholder — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:13:29 +0000

We took the all-new 2008 BMW 135i Coupe out on the Gotland Ring in Gotland, Sweden and were quite impressed by the light-weight (3,373 lbs) sports coupe. The BMW 135i Coupe is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six with Twin Turbo technology and second-generation direct injection (High Precision Injection). [...]

2008 Infiniti EX35 Car Review

Laura Burkholder — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:52:57 +0000

We recently had the opportunity to drive the all-new 2008 Infiniti EX35 through Malibu’s mountains and along its coastline. The EX35, competing against the likes of the Acura RDX and the BMW X3, is a coupe-inspired crossover with an AWD or RWD platform option. Under the hood, the [...]

2008 Honda Accord: Better Than Ever

Brian Armstead — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:03:57 +0000

The first Honda Accord debuted in 1976 as a hatchback known for being fun to drive and reliable. The first Accord sedan bowed in 1979, and Honda has never looked back. The name Accord was derived from Honda’s effort to achieve “accord” between people, society and the automobile [...]

2008 Nissan Rogue First Drive: Scrappy Upstart Defined

Ross Rapoport — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:18:57 +0000

Another automotive category is now filled with offerings from Japan’s Big Three automakers. Nissan has finally introduced the production version of its brand-new compact SUV, the Rogue.

Nissan invited DC-area journalists to check out their newest offering in Baltimore, setting up a group ride with a handful of Rogues, commonly [...]

Pictures of the all new 2008 Infiniti EX35

Charlie Romero — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 05:21:55 +0000

With it’s coupe inspired styling the all new 2008 Infiniti EX creates an all new SUV segment. Born is the all-wheel-drive, four door, SUV Coupe. It’s smaller, sportier, more luxurious, and… stylish!

Enjoy some of the newest photos of the Infiniti EX. We have “around view” monitor, scratch shield, and self [...]

2008 Nissan Rogue Video

Laura Burkholder — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:35:08 +0000

Welcome the 2008 Nissan Rogue to the compact SUV market. Starting under $20,000, the Rogue looks like it will prove to be stiff competition for others in this class. However, don’t worry about breaking the bank because the Rogue will most likely max out at $25,000-26,000 (though pricing has [...]

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Video

Laura Burkholder — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:52:32 +0000

If you want to show off your success every day on your drive to work, trips to the grocery store, and class reunions, you’ll be smart to look at the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class when buying your next vehicle. Choose the C300 luxury model or C350 sport model. Starting [...]

2008 Audi R8 Preview: Hark, Listen

Brian Armstead — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 19:01:51 +0000

The Latin word “audi” means “hark, listen.” Imagine the first Americans, who used to press ears to tundra to hear stampeding herds of Bison roaming the wide-open plains. Then imagine an automotive journalist in 2007, pressing ear to scorched pavement as a rip-snorting V8 powered supercar rumbles towards [...]

2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe First Drive Video

Laura Burkholder — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:15:23 +0000

Check out the video of the all new 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe from our first drive of the fun-to-drive sport coupe in Seattle, WA. Look for three models when it hits showroom floors on August 21, 2007: the G37 Coupe, the G37 Coupe Journey, and the G37 Coupe [...]

Infiniti G37 Coupe Teaser Video

Charlie Romero — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:48:16 +0000

We just returned from our first drive of the new Infiniti G37 Coupe. Infiniti has done it again. The car is truly a fun and sporty car to drive. Infiniti has managed to maintain the “sport coupe” characteristics of the car and not allow the “luxury” characteristics to over power [...]

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: A Step In The Right Direction

Brian Armstead — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:01:17 +0000

To view the all-new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is to view the future of the brand. We all know by now that the vaunted German brand has not been so vaunted over the years. Complex and unreliable electronics have taken some of the luster off of the three-pointed [...]

2008 Nissan Altima Coupe First Drive

Laura Burkholder — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 00:10:51 +0000

You may be wondering why Nissan is bothering to launch a new car (the Altima coupe) into the auto market when they are already doing so well. The warranty claim rate on Nissan vehicles has dropped 60% in the past two years. The company hopes to launch a [...]

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca AWD: Luxury For Less

Laura Burkholder — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:43:01 +0000

Today, June 1st, 2007, means that I can finally talk about the new crossover SUV known as the Subaru Tribeca. “Wait, are we talking about the same Tribeca?” you might ask, a bit confused after seeing the 2008 version, understandably so, since the face of the 2008 model year (MY) [...]

BMW 3-Series Convertible: Worth The Wait

Charlie Romero — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 21:40:48 +0000

BMW is notoriously deliberate when it comes to releasing new models. When it comes to the 3-Series, the company’s best-selling line with a multitude of configurations, change comes out of Munich in a slow trickle.

Observers of this venerable German marque should be used to it by now: the sedan [...]

Video: Nissan’s 2007 Sentra SE-R Spec V… Road Test at the Racetrack!

Charlie Romero — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 23:41:56 +0000

Anyone can bring you a road test of the all-new Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V but a proper test of this great racer is done at a racetrack! We push the Spec V to its limits on the road course at Homestead Miami Raceway. But, we didn’t use the road [...]

Video: 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V Doing Burnouts

Charlie Romero — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 22:20:43 +0000

Here’s a short clip of Roadfly staffers burning some rubber at the press launch of the 2007 Sentra SE-R Spec V at Homestead Miami Speedway in Florida. With 200 horsepower, this little guy can smoke the front tires like a highly-tuned import drag racer. As you’ll see, handling [...]

Video: New 2007 MINI Cooper S at Firebird Raceway Dragstrip

Charlie Romero — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 21:01:46 +0000

Folks, we just posted a second video from the MINI Press Launch in Scottsdale. This video is footage of the car on the autocross course, road course as well as the Firebird Raceway dragstrip.

Guess which car is faster through the 1/4 mile; is it the 6 Speed Manual or 6 [...]

The 2007 MINI Cooper: A Little More MINI

Charlie Romero — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The MINI Cooper is all-new for 2007, but you’ll need a microscope and a fine-toothed comb to find out what’s been changed. Fortunately for the MINI faithful, parent company BMW decided to preserve the car’s classic appearance and leave its character essentially the same.

Iconic cult cars like the MINI [...]

Video: 2007 MINI Cooper S Car Review and First Drive

Charlie Romero — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 18:33:17 +0000

Video of the all new turbo-charged 2007 MINI Cooper S driving in the mountains of Arizona. There’s also a little footage of the new MINI on the dragstrip at Firebird Raceway. Stay tuned for more track video of this updated go kart.

Video car review of the all new 2007 MINI [...]

2007 Toyota Tundra: Room At The Top?

Brian Armstead — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 19:04:25 +0000

And the best selling vehicle in America is (drum roll, envelope please):

The Ford F-Series Pickup Truck!

This is a refrain that’s almost become automatic over the years, as Ford’s F-Series pickups have been the best selling vehicles in America for a number of years, and the best selling trucks in America [...]

More photos of all new 2007 MINI Cooper Hardtop

Charlie Romero — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:38:33 +0000

I’ve just posted a bunch more photos from our first drive of the all new 2007 MINI Cooper Hardtop. We drove both the regular Cooper with the 1.6L normally aspirated engine and the Cooper S with the 1.6L turbocharged engine.

Here is a link to the photo gallery with 60+ new [...]

First Drive: The 2007 Mazda CX-9

Charlie Romero — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 23:31:15 +0000

Until recently Mazda customers have had to look elsewhere to have their Crossover or SUV needs met. Mazda unveiled their mid-sized CX-7 crossover about a year ago. And, last month Mazda launched their largest vehicle yet, the all new CX-9 Crossover. The CX-9 offers a blend of Mazda, sporty heritage [...]