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2012 Porsche Boxster

| Blog | March 5, 2012

MSRP:

Review Summary:
Arguably the best mass-produced roadster on the market.

Review:

All 2012 Porsche Boxster models come in a convertible bodystyle with rear-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission. The standard engine is a 2.9-liter six-cylinder that creates 255 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty to go out and have fun with. Optional equipment includes a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission. The upgraded Boxster S model offers a 3.4-liter, six-cylinder engine that makes 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, perfect for blasting back roads or strapping on a helmet for a track day.

The top-of-the-line Boxster Spyder has a different body and top setup. It is powered by a tuned 3.4-liter, six-cylinder engine that produces 320 hp. It is clearly the fastest Boxster available with a 0-to-60-mph time around 4.6 seconds with the dual-clutch transmission. The overall fuel economy is 22 mpg in mixed driving, same as the other trim levels.

Simply put, the Boxster is the best two-seat, drop-top out there. If you’re looking for driving fun with the wind blowing in your hair, then this is your car.

Key Features:

  • Pure open-top driving at its finest
  • The most wallet-friendly Porsche on the market
  • Power, handling and fun that will keep you smiling all day long

2012 Scion xD

| Blog | March 1, 2012

MSRP: $15,345 – 17,050

Review Summary:
The xA replacement, xD combines economy with safety to create a great package.

Review:

When the xD debuted in 2008, it was a replacement for the xA. Essentially built along the Toyota Yaris line, xD offered up good value for the money.

Fitted with a 1.8-liter engine, the xD delivers acceptable fuel economy and performance. No, it won’t win many races, but that’s not why it is in the Scion lineup. It has received five-star crash-test ratings. It’s also identified as having few problems.

Along with others in the lineup, the xD gets a limited-edition Series Release vehicles, which make up fewer than 2,000 total; they have one-off colors and are snapped up fairly quickly by consumers.

Key Features:

  • Small, efficient car your child would not mind being seen in
  • Five-star crash-test rating
  • Another in the family of highly customizable cars to "personalize"
  • Toyota quality. Can’t beat it

2012 Lexus GX 460

| Blog | February 22, 2012

MSRP: $53,245 – 58,040

Review Summary:
The Lexus GX remains a traditional midsize SUV in a land of crossovers.

Review:

The midsize, V8-powered Lexus GX SUV was introduced in the 2003 Lexus lineup as a compromise between the base RX crossover SUV and premium, full-size LX SUV. With mechanical underpinnings similar to the Toyota 4Runner, the GX had plenty to offer with a well-appointed interior, powerful engine and a trucklike build that gave it ample off-roading and towing capacities. But its bulk and low fuel economy made the GX less appealing, and it was reworked for 2009 with a more powerful V8, new six-speed automatic transmission, improved fuel economy and increased towing capacity.

Key Features:

  • Mechanically similar to the off-road-capable Toyota 4Runner
  • Low fuel economy accompanies the heavy-duty construction
  • Good choice for those who need towing capability

2012 Lexus IS 250

| Blog | February 22, 2012

MSRP: $33,595 – 37,225

Review Summary:
The smaller-engined of the IS variants, the IS 250 is nonetheless a decent compromise between sportiness and economy.

Review:

With its rear-drive layout and sporting intentions, the entry-level Lexus IS sedan was notable at launch for daring to take on the king of the sport-sedan mountain–the BMW 3-series. And while it has hardly put a dent in 3-series sales, the IS has carved a nice little niche for itself. It gave the green light for other Japanese contenders, like the Infiniti G, to follow.

After keeping with one body style since its 1998 release, a hardtop convertible variant of the IS went on sale in 2009 (IS 250C).

Key Features:

  • Smaller V6 gets marginally better fuel economy than 3.5-liter version
  • Loss of 100 hp is definitely felt
  • Nicely trimmed and well appointed

2012 Lexus CT 200h

| Blog | February 22, 2012

MSRP: $29,120 – 31,250

Review Summary:
It’s not quick, but if you demand a near-luxury experience in your hybrid, the Lexus CT 200h gets you close.

Review:

The Lexus CT 200h was added to the 2010 Lexus lineup as a hybrid-run, entry-level luxury hatchback. A comfortable interior, excellent fuel economy, sporty handling (for a hybrid) and an attractive starting price of $29,995 have made it a viable option for shoppers in the luxury-compact segment.

The CT uses the same powertrain as the Toyota Prius, but it was designed for better handling. It has a lower stance and improved suspension and offers driving modes for normal, sport, eco and electric vehicle. The sport mode makes for a more responsive drive, with sharper handling than you’d find in most hybrids. Slow acceleration, however, could be a deal-breaker for some.

Key Features:

  • Powertrain is less than exciting
  • Buyers get decent technology features for their money
  • It’s a Lexus and a hybrid

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

| Blog | February 22, 2012

MSRP: $114,100 – 211,000

Review Summary:
The Mercedes CL is one of the biggest touring coupes on the market, and in AMG guise, one of the fastest

Review:

The 2012  Mercedes-Benz CL-class coupe gets a choice of  two V8s or a V12 engine. Power ranges from 429 hp in the CL550 all the way up to 621 hp in the CL65 model. Five- or seven-speed transmissions are offered. Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for the CL550. The Mercedes-Benz CL550 is available only in all-wheel drive, while the rest are rear-wheel drive. The CL-class continues to have some of the most advanced safety features on the market including Distronic Plus cruise control, blind spot indicators, “Active Lane Keeping Assist” and automatic brake intervention.

Key Features:

  • A sledgehammer for an engine in the AMG models
  • Luxury trim includes things like massaging seats
  • Hot rod exhaust note out of a luxury sedan

2011 Lexus ES 350

| Blog | February 19, 2012

MSRP: $36,725 – 36,725

Review Summary:
For 2011, the Lexus ES 350 continues its tradition of offering all the bells and whistles in a conventional front-drive sedan package.

Review:

The 2011 Lexus ES 350 sedan has a V6 engine producing 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to a standard six-speed automatic transmission that returns 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The front-wheel-drive, five-passenger car comes standard with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and traction and stability control. Other standard features include a push-button ignition, driver’s-seat memory, leather interior and power windows and locks. A premium sound system is included on every Lexus ES 350, as is Bluetooth and MP3-player connectivity.

Key Features:

  • Decent fuel economy for its power and trim level
  • Opulent interior leans toward soft, not sporty
  • Front-drive layout further reduces sportiness

2011 Lexus IS 250

| Blog | February 19, 2012

MSRP: $33,295 – 36,925

Review Summary:
For 2011, the Lexus IS 250 continues to put up a valiant fight for BMW 3-series customers.

Review:

The 2011 Lexus IS sedan comes in four trim levels, one of which is a convertible. Engine choices include a 204-hp V6, a 306-hp V6 or the 416-hp V8 in the IS-F.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on the Lexus IS; all-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy in the smaller V6 is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Both manual and automatic transmissions with paddle shifters are offered. Standard interior features include black metallic-finish trim, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, power driver’s seat and power windows.

Key Features:

  • Nice-looking sports sedan
  • Slightly softer than German counterparts
  • Decent fuel economy with smaller V6

2011 Land Rover LR4

| Blog | February 19, 2012

MSRP: $47,650 – 47,650

Review Summary:
A new model for a venerable brand brings elegance closer to the flagship Range Rover.

Review:

The 2011 Land Rover LR4 is a nice mix of the LR3 with even more amenities from the top-line Range Rover. It comes standard with the company’s 5.0-liter V8 that produces 375 hp and returns a thirsty 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on highway. Four-wheel drive comes standard, as does a six-speed automatic transmission. The LR4 has trailer-stability assist, which aids in towing safety and ease; the technology detects trailer oscillations by monitoring key vehicle behaviors, and it can initiate engine torque reduction and braking interventions to bring a trailer back under control. Land Rover’s Terrain Response system has been enhanced to allow for virtually all on- or off-road driving situations, with five driver-selectable settings to suit different conditions.

Key Features:

  • Good-looking grille now carries the much more family-oriented face
  • Interior is incredible. You feel as though you’re in a much more expensive vehicle
  • Great power from its venerable V8 engine. That’s the good news. The downside is that it delivers near-single-digit fuel economy
  • Its three rows of seats can carry up to six adults who are taller than six feet
  • Nimble on country roads, dirt roads, snow-covered roads and shopping-mall parking lots

2011 Lexus CT 200h

| Blog | February 19, 2012

MSRP: $29,120 – 30,900

Review Summary:
Lexus continues its hybrid expansion with the front-wheel-drive, five-door 2011 Lexus CT 200h hatchback.

Review:

In CT guise, a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine works with an electric motor to provide power. Four driving modes are offered: normal, eco, sport and EV, each with adjusting power, throttle response, steering and traction aids.

As the only dedicated hybrid vehicle in the premium-compact segment, Lexus expects the CT 200h to post best-in-class fuel-economy numbers.

Key Features:

  • Lexus (aka Toyota) knows hybrids as well as anyone
  • Good features
  • Driving experience is less than impressive