2009 Honda Fit: “Fit” for Today’s Economy

Though fuel prices have gone down a bit over the past few weeks, it seems “fuelish” that consumers would go back to their big SUV, gas-guzzling ways. If you need utility for five in a great, small package, you should strongly consider the 2009 Honda Fit.
 

The Fit is now in its second generation, and [...]

2008 MAZDA5: Less is More

Mazda has had a string of notable successes lately. The MAZDA3, CX-7 and CX-9 have all exceeded corporate sales expectations and have planted the Japanese automaker firmly on the map. With the 2008 MAZDA5, Mazda hopes to continue the positive sales trend.

The 2008 MAZDA5 Multi Activity Vehicle (MAV), if marketed correctly, should re-write [...]

smart fortwo: A smart Idea?

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 to the world. Since then, [...]

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Video

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 price that can’t be referred [...]

2007 Nissan Versa Preview

Sold in other markets as the Tiida, Nissan’s entry into the suddenly-crowded “B”-segment–think Honda Fit, Aveo, Yaris, etc.–will be the Versa for 2007. Surprisingly roomy inside, it’s one of the biggest platforms to fit into the B category.

The Versa also sports one of the largest motors in the B-segment. It’s a 122-horse 1.8-liter, and it [...]

A Surprising Sonata: Hyundai’s New Midsizer for 2006

Hyundai this year debuted their all-new high-volume midsize Hyundai Sonata sedan, at what CEO Bob Cosmai called “the most important launch in our history.” We first experienced the car in the San Francisco Bay area, at a generous junket that couldn’t help but leave a favorable taste in our mouths. Since then, we’ve had a [...]

Chevy Tunes a Cobalt: The 2006 SS Kicks aSS

It’ll be a long time coming, but sooner or later, the public at large will realize that GM really has screwed together some decent automobiles of late. The base Cobalt is a case in point–sure, its Cadavalier predecessor was so bad they had to drop the name altogether for the economy car’s replacement, but this [...]

2002 VW GTI 337: Just What the Drivers Wanted

The Germans are a curious bunch. They build some of the world’s finest cars, with features and functionality that truly push the boundaries of modern technology (see BMW M1, Porsche 959, Audi RS6). They get us all frothy with anticipation and just when we’re ready to sign for that third mortgage, they decide [...]