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2006-2009 Hyundai Azera Pre-Owned
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Intended as a budget-minded luxury sedan to compete with the Toyota Avalon, Lincoln MKZ and Chrysler 300, Hyundai's Azera was available in Canada in its last generation, from model years 2006 to 2009 inclusive.
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Hand-Crank Windows and Skidding Tires
Monday, January 16, 2012
I had a startling reminder of just how far economy cars have come in the last several years. I was saddled with a 2009 bare-bones Ford Focus as a temporary ride while my car was being repaired. I jumped into the loaner, which had been delivered to my office, and headed for the parking gate. As I rolled up to the card-reader, my hand fumbled for the power window switch: mistake No. 1.
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Top 10 most stolen cars in Canada in 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Some major surprises and a new No. 1 highlight this year's list of the top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada as published by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).
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2004-2009 Nissan Quest Pre-Owned
Saturday, November 12, 2011
With the Honda Odyssey, Dodge Caravan and Toyota Sienna square in its sights, the last-generation Nissan Quest brought Nissan's knack for unique styling and design into the minivan segment.
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2003-2010 Honda Element Pre-Owned
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Aimed squarely at value-minded weekend adventurer types, the Honda Element was designed to offer reliable versatility and all-weather driving confidence. Available all-wheel drive and a flexible cabin with thoughtful touches helped Element connect with outdoorsy couples, pet lovers and families alike. It was largely enjoyed by folks from many active lifestyles.
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Top 6 Used Convertibles
Monday, May 16, 2011
Looking for a hot used drop-top that offers affordable style, reliability and soul? Here are six of my personal favourites for those looking to maximise their sun exposure on a budget.
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Statement by Honda Canada Inc. Regarding Lost Motion Spring Recall: 2009-2010 Honda Fit
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Honda will recall 14,640 model years 2009 and 2010 Fit vehicles in Canada to replace the lost motion springs, components within the engine valvetrain. The lost motion springs, which are compressed by rocker arms in normal engine use, may bend or break over time resulting in abnormal engine noise and potentially causing engine damage or stalling. There have been no reported accidents, injuries or vehicle crashes related to this issue in Canada.
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VW Jetta, Golf and Audi A3 TDI models under NHTSA investigation
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Several reports of engine stalls have led the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to review model years 2009 and 2010 of the Volkswagen Jetta and Golf as well as the Audi A3 with TDI clean diesel engines for possible fuel pump failures.
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Top 10 Engine bays
Monday, January 03, 2011
A clean and tidy engine bay is always pleasing. This explains the engine-cover fad that has taken over where ignition wires and valve covers have left off.
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Top 10 Clusters
Sunday, January 02, 2011
When you need to know what's going on under the hood, drivers always turn to the instrument cluster. Some will straight-up tell you, others will have you curse! What's with no temp gauge anymore?
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2008-2009 Saturn Astra Pre-Owned
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The year the Saturn Astra was launched in Canada, it came in just behind the Audi R8 as a runner up in the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC)'s Canadian Car of the Year awards. The R8's not a bad machine to lose to, especially if you're a cheap and cheerful little hatch.
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2005-2009 Ford Mustang Pre-Owned
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Whether new, used or even customized heavily, few machines can beat the Ford Mustang when it comes to high-performance bang for the buck. Launched decades ago, this V8-powered American icon has survived unscathed in a marketplace where many other models have failed. It's packed full of history and nostalgia, too.
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Audi's V6 TDI: fuel efficiency is the word
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
The V6 turbo diesel engine available on the Q7 since 2009 features the same displacement, the same throttle opening angle and the same stroke as its predecessor, which was offered exclusively on the European market. The similarities end there, however, as this V6 TDI has been massively redesigned.
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2005-2010 Toyota Avalon Pre-Owned
Saturday, April 10, 2010
In a sense, the Toyota Avalon is a big, sophisticated car with the simple goal of bringing its owners a taste of the motoring high-life. With a focus on value, affordability and reliability, the Avalon takes a place in the Toyota product portfolio above the Camry as a large sedan with the markets most sought-after features, handsome styling and a busload of luxury.
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Toyota Responds to Inaccurate Reports of Future Prius Recall
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Media reports, citing a Wall Street Journal article, have incorrectly reported that Toyota plans to announce a new recall for the 2004-2009 Prius to address the potential risk for floor mat entrapment of accelerator pedals.
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2005-2009 Subaru Legacy Pre-Owned
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Few mainstream cars have as strong an enthusiast owner community as the Subaru Legacy. Popular with driving enthusiasts and folks active in outdoor sports, it's earned a well-deserved reputation as an upscale, fun-to-drive car with winter-busting traction.
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2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse Preview
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
One wonders what's up with Eclipse, as Mitsubishi says no 2010 model-year versions will be made, or sold.
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Drive a Porsche in winter? Yes you can
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The answer to this question would definitely not have been the same 15 years ago. To some, driving a Porsche through slush and snow is a sin, while others just think it's hazardous. The 911 has a reputation of being a tricky car to drive with its rear-drive, rear-engine configuration, but that's changed. Sort of.
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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Review
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Not just a stronger and sticker version of the basic Lancer, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is truly a baby EVO. In fact, the Ralliart trumps the globally renowned Lancer Evolution in several ways - notably usability and price.
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2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox Pre-Owned
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Equinox was Chevrolet's entry in what would become a crowded and competitive crossover SUV marketplace. It hit our streets as a 2005 model to replace the aging Blazer with a more agile, car-like and efficient machine.
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2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible Review
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
You'll always have a soft sport for the car you were driving when you met your high school sweetheart... And that soft spot is the same reason we're so willing to overlook the nonexistent comfort of the Austin Mini.
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2009 Toyota Highlander Review
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Toyota Highlander is the very portrait of the quiet SUV: sober look, lacklustre engine, efficient yet impersonal steering. In short, despite its undeniable road-going capabilities, it's easily lost in the sea of SUVs out there and doesn't push the envelop on any level.
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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback GTS Review
Friday, December 18, 2009
The return of the hatch is cause for celebration. When a brand like BMW dares to give us a hatchback luxury model, the 5 Series GT to be precise, and promises to bring it to North America (even to the U.S., I swear!), you know that the hatch is back!
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2009 Nissan Pathfinder LE Review
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Pathfinder and I share a little history. It's actually more of an inside joke here at auto123.com as the present generation of Nissan's full-fledged SUV and I shared an experience a few years back that was captured on video. I'll elaborate further later on.
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2009 Kia Magentis LX-V6 Review
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Have you met the Kia Magentis? No? Don't feel bad. Like most Canadian consumers, you've never even heard of this car.
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2009 smart fortwo Cabriolet Limited Three Review
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
In 2009 smart's pint-sized two-seater celebrated five years on the Canadian market. Five years of dominating a niche that looks like it might be expanding soon. In fact, Toyota should shortly be launching the iQ three-seater (likely wearing the Scion badge), while Mitsubishi is thinking of marketing the gas-powered "i" on top of the electric variant.
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2009 BMW M3 Coupé Review
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
BMW seldom makes compromises when it comes to designing sports cars. Expectations for the new M3 Coupé, arguably an icon among German performance cars, were literally sky high.
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2009 Toyota Venza V6 AWD Review
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Detroit Auto Show. January 2008. It's the end of the day, and Toyota is getting ready to put an end to several weeks of suspense over the unveiling of the future Venza. No one really knows what to expect. And our anticipation has reached new heights, because for one of the few times in the industry, no photos have been available prior to the official launch.
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2009 Porsche Cayman S Review
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Anytime you drive a Porsche (sorry for those who haven't!), you feel like you're sitting behind the wheel of one of the world's finest automobiles... provided, of course, that you dig the brand's extreme sportiness and racing tradition. The 911 Carrera, the Boxster and my recent tester, the Cayman S, all have a distinct personality. However, I must say that the latter did not prove to be as satisfying as I initially hoped.
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2007-2009 Mazdaspeed3 Pre-Owned
Saturday, November 28, 2009
One of the ultimate hot-hatches in today's market has just entered its second generation. The 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 is now on sale-- meaning the original 2007 to 2009 model has now transitioned fully into the used car marketplace.
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2009 Porsche Cayman S Review
Friday, November 27, 2009
Nearly everyone agrees that the Porsche Cayman/Boxster duo is one of the most dynamic in the industry. It's not hard to imagine oneself zipping down a country lane behind the wheel of one of these babies.
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2009 Lexus LS 460 AWD Review
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Cars are like people -- some are very assertive and boast a strong personality, while others hide their skills under a discreet exterior... despite various efforts to stand out. I can't help but think about that every time I drive a Lexus.
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2009 Honda Element SC Review
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
When the Element hit North American streets in 2002, it got a lot of attention. Some loved its box-on-wheels shape and still do, while some thought it picked up where the Pontiac Aztek left off in the ugly-as-sin department.
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Subaru Makes Strides To Lower Repair Costs
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Bumpers that don't bump, resulting in costly damage in what should be minor crashes, are the norm for cars evaluated in Institute low-speed crash tests. One exception is the redesigned 2010 Subaru Legacy. The Legacy's bumpers are a big improvement over those on its 2007-09 predecessor.
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2009 Porsche Boxster S Review
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Fall is in the air. The leaves are on the ground. The trees are naked. We're busy bundling up, trying to protect our skin from the harsh winds and cringing at the thought of what's next on the calendar; WINTER! What am I doing, you may ask? Easy: Having a blast freezing my butt off with the top down in my Speed Yellow Boxster S at 120 km/h charging down the highway.
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2009 Infiniti G37S Convertible Review
Saturday, November 28, 2009
There you have it; everyone is coming out with convertibles that sport a power-retractable hard top. And why not? It allows the car to be driven in all seasons, it provides a quieter cabin and will likely be more durable.
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2009 Nissan 370Z Review
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Don't let the title fool you right off; I have always loved the Z. I was not even an embryo, when the first Z arrived in 1970, but it was obvious to everyone else that this car was special. Consequently, like most car enthusiasts, I have been following the Fairlady's progress for as long as I can remember. Perhaps the one that made the biggest impression on me was the 1984 300ZX Turbo. Here was a car that was sleek, aerodynamic with pop-up headlights and a 200-hp 3.0L turbocharged V6! I wanted one real bad.
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2009 Infiniti G Convertible G37 Sport M6 Review (video)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
You know the Infiniti G35 coupe. It's that sleek two-door with the classy fascia, flat rear end, wide taillamps and the stance of a Nissan 350Z. It makes that distinctive, semi-exotic exhaust howl you probably like, too.
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2009 Mazda MX-5 GS PRHT Review
Monday, November 02, 2009
I know you'd like to have a weekend car. The idea of having another vehicle sitting in the garage, whose sole mission is to provide smiles and happy times during those two precious weekly days off probably ranks high on your wish list. It does on mine.
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2009 Honda Civic Hybrid Review
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
First off, let me say that Honda's highly efficient, entry-level hybrid sedan is more refined operationally than I expected. It's also remarkably roomy, not to mention miserly when it comes to fuel consumption.
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2009 Volkswagen Golf City Review
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Volkswagen was looking to become an active player in the small and affordable compact car class. As the import fees on the European Polo are too high, the automaker decided to take a model that had reached the end of the road, so to speak and tweak its style and drop its price. Behold, the Golf City (same story for the Jetta City). A simple, yet efficient and ingenious formula.
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2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible Silver-Red Review
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Cruising down the streets in a Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible without making heads turn is quite a challenge. Despite the years and the "woman's car" stigma, this cute little drop-top still boasts an aura of popularity.
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2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Review
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Challenger is a car to which it is impossible to remain indifferent. Touch those keys and you'll find yourself nostalgically remembering the 1970s even though you're dealing with a 2009 model. Yes, it's muscular and the very picture of manliness, but more than anything, it's a veritable time machine. If buying a car is an emotional experience, then those who have made the Challenger's acquaintance in the past will let themselves be reeled in by their feelings.
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2009 Acura CSX Tech Review
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
There's the Honda Civic, and for those who want to enjoy the essence and values of the popular Japanese compact in a more luxurious package, there's the Acura CSX.
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2009 BMW 335d Review
Monday, November 09, 2009
Would you purchase a diesel-powered car for a reason other than greater fuel economy? How about performance? Nah. I'm sure most of you don't think that a diesel engine can help a car achieve stellar acceleration figures.
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2009 Volkswagen GTI Review
Thursday, November 05, 2009
The GTI has been associated with driving enthusiasts for over 33 years. A true industry icon, it remains a major player in the high-performance compact car segment today. You could say that the GTI is the first of its class, a class where it forged the standards.
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2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS Review
Thursday, November 19, 2009
When she made her famous spaghetti sauce, my mother always told me it was very important not to forget the one ingredient that makes the difference between a good sauce and a bad one. That ingredient, she said, is cayenne pepper, and it does indeed make all the difference.
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2009 Nissan Versa 1.6 Sedan Review
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
If you're shopping for an inexpensive car, you might be tempted to look in the classifieds for a good used one. But Nissan has come up with an interesting alternative: a low-priced version of its Versa subcompact. Think of it as a new car with a warranty at a pre-owned car price.
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2009 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible Review
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Every time I get behind the wheel of a MINI, I feel like I'm a kid again. It definitely has to do with the car's playful character, pint-size proportions, and a certain lack of seriousness. The Cooper is proof that getting from point A to point B can be an adventure every time instead of a boring commute.
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2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Review
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A sport-utility vehicle in Porsche's line-up of cars might seem like a sin, but the fact is that this year, the Cayenne is outselling the 911 as well as the Boxster and Cayman combined.
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2009 BMW 135i Coupé Review
Friday, November 20, 2009
I have no trouble imagining one of these elegant little coupes slumbering in the garage of a sumptuous home in a trendy urban quarter. This little gem would probably rub shoulders with a Series 5 or 7 sedan and, in parts of Canada where the winters really have bite, an X3 as well!
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2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Review
Monday, October 19, 2009
BMW is no stranger to roadsters. Perhaps one of the famous cars the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG company has ever produced was a roadster: the revered and highly collectable 1936-1940 328. Produced in only 464 examples, this two-door two-seater twin kidney-grille-sporting elegant automobile has graced many a poster on enthusiasts' walls.
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2009 Nissan Murano LE AWD Review
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Beyond its chiseled physique and distinctive looks, the 2009 Nissan Murano is actually a pretty straightforward machine. After all, the Japanese automaker's plan was to build a unique midsize CUV that's unmistakable at first glance.
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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart Review
Friday, October 30, 2009
The rivalry between Mitsubishi and Subaru has just been taken to the next level. Mitsubishi has always favoured sedans while Subaru threw its lot in with hatchbacks. Subaru always retaliated to whatever the competition threw its way, but Mitsubishi was a bit slower to do so. This year, the automaker is falling in step with the others and is now offering an upscale version of the hatchback.
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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Review
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
At the top of every list, there has to be something different. With Mitsubishi, what is at the top depends on where you look. If you are performance oriented (what an understatement!), that would be the Lancer Evo. If you are family oriented and need a bit of extra cargo space that a sedan doesn't have, the top of the pile is the new Lancer Sportback GTS. GTS is the carry over designation form the regular Lancer where just about everything is standard. Sportback comes the same way.
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2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet Review
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Everyone seems to think of convertibles as the "cars of summer". The Porsche 911 C 4 Cabriolet fit that bill and then some. Translated, this means Porsche loaned me their new 911 convertible with all wheel drive.
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2009 Dodge Journey SXT Review (video)
Monday, October 19, 2009
It's nice to see at least one American automaker staying true to their family-hauling roots. In a market where crossover SUVs have largely made the minivan irrelevant, Chrysler and Dodge are the only remaining American brands that continue to offer one.
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2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC 4MATIC Review
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec is nothing less than a missionary. Its mission? Convert those who still doubt the quality of the diesel engine and its eco-friendly properties. To do so, it has enlisted a cutting edge technology dubbed BlueTec that limits both fuel consumption and harmful emissions.
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2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 TDI Highline 4MOTION Review
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
From the moment the Touareg hit the market, auto critics have applauded its off-road capabilities and comfortable ride. However, the SUV's girth and weight never allowed it to be reasonable on gas. It didn't matter if you chose the V6 or the V8 (the V8 is no longer available in Canada), all Touaregs had an appetite for fuel, which isn't unusual for this type of vehicle.
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2009 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan Review
Sunday, November 08, 2009
There are few cars on the road today that have the brand image and value that the Civic has. Everybody knows what a Civic is. When someone who doesn't know much about cars has to buy one, a Civic often comes to mind during the shopping process. If everybody's got one, it must be good, right?
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2009 Kia Rondo EX-V6 Luxury Review
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The 2009 Kia Rondo could just as easily be described as a scaled-down passenger van or a modern wagon with a raised roof. Seriously, don't you think it's a cross between a minivan like the Kia Sedona and a compact wagon like the Hyundai Elantra Touring?
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2009 Buick Enclave CX Review
Monday, October 12, 2009
Driving the Buick Enclave is not like riding first class, at least in CX trim. However, it's not like coach class, either. So think of it as the business class. The Enclave is a crossover utility vehicle that transpires quality, comfort and a knack for luxury. Aesthetically speaking, it's a very attractive machine with a keen sense of style.
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2009 Acura MDX Technology Review
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
The marketing experts at Acura are clearly not afraid of words. They do not hesitate to label their new MDX as a sport utility vehicle even though this expression is now associated with some of the worst gas-guzzlers in the minds of many consumers.
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2009 Honda Accord EX-L Review
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
If you're over 50, you can't help but be amazed by the major evolution of the Honda Accord over the last 30 years or so. In 1976, the Accord was positioned as the largest car in the Japanese automaker's lineup... even though it was the size of a 2009 Civic and aimed at budget-minded consumers!
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2009 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro Premium Review
Monday, November 09, 2009
I have to admit that I've literally fallen in love with this big crossover. It looks great with its massive, gaping signature Audi maw. Its lines are fluid and despite its intimidating dimensions, you only realize how truly big it is once you're standing beside it.
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2009 Volkswagen GLI Review (video)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Put simply, the Volkswagen GLI injects the popular Jetta with a healthy dose of performance. It zeroes in on the enthusiast buyer with a turbocharged engine, tweaked suspension, xenon lighting and numerous visual goodies that combine in an aptly-nicknamed 'GTI Sedan'.
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2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Review (video)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The votes are in, the scores are tabulated and the jury's deliberated: the new BMW Z4 is a sexy beast. It's more serious and far more elegant than the last Z4, and this third-generation roadster-rocket makes those nearby stare and gush comments. Many of these include words like 'gorgeous', 'drop-dead sexy', or 'wow'.
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2009 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech Review (video)
Monday, December 07, 2009
Despite years on sale, the Acura TL has only just this year become truly competitive in its marketplace. It was a worthy machine to be sure, but for most of its life it was available with one engine, one transmission and as a front-wheel drive.
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2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Review
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
One of the first things they teach at track school is that keeping your head back and eyes up is vital to successful performance driving. It's an easy tip for some to forget, but it can help you to be a faster and safer driver.
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News & Events Multimedia
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Gone is the dash-mounted flower vase in the latest version of Volkswagen's Bug. Gone too is much of its cutesiness, replaced by a notable degree of sportiness intended to broaden the Beetle's target market by attracting male attention.
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