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Local Motors: The Company
Friday, May 18, 2012
Sometimes, ideas are so brilliant, so good, that they affect the world in countless ways. For example, Ralph B. Rogers had many ideas in his day, including working with Cummins Diesel Engine early on, making Indian motorcycles lighter to go faster and to co-found the Children's Television Workshop which created one of the best-known children television show in history. You may have heard of it: Sesame Street.
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2013 Chevrolet Traverse Preview
Monday, May 14, 2012
The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse offers lots of room - and then some more. Now in its fifth year, this large crossover continues to win over families with its 7- and 8-passenger configurations. GM has made a number of upgrades for 2013 that should further help the Traverse stand out from competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer.
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2007-2011 Dodge Nitro Pre-Owned
Saturday, May 12, 2012
The Dodge Nitro brought a bit of toughness and manliness to the utility vehicle scene occupied by models like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-7. With a driver-selectable four-wheel-drive system, plenty of ground clearance and a solid rear axle, this was a tough truck ready for towing and off-road use - though it was intended equally for use on the road more travelled, too.
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2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Preview
Thursday, May 03, 2012
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG hits the road this spring with more power and better fuel efficiency -- by a whopping 28% over its predecessor. The high-performance SUV gets power from an AMG 5.5L twin-turbo V8 engine with peak horsepower of 525 and peak torque of 516 lb-ft, 15 more horses and 50 more lb-ft than before. An optional AMG Performance package boosts output to 557 hp and max torque to 560 lb-ft.
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2012 Kia Sorento EX-V6 Luxury Review
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Here's a vehicle that won't impress you with high-tech gadgetry or its ability to drive by itself. If that's what you're looking for, you might as well shop for an SUV such as a Ford Edge with its comprehensive array of electronic safety features.
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2013 Ford Escape First Impressions
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
This is a completely new vehicle that resembles the old one about as much as I resemble Brad Pitt. Like Brad Pitt, this latest global vehicle from Ford is sure to generate plenty of accolades and awards.
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The passion that brings us together
Friday, April 20, 2012
I'm driving a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara this week, painted pitch black and spiffed up with the MOPAR chrome package. It took me a few hours behind the wheel to remember one important aspect of owning a Jeep.
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2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Review
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Face it guys - as a kid, you probably had a toy truck that looked a lot like the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Thankfully, now that you're all grown up and no longer eat glue, play in a sandbox or wet yourself, you can drive your very own cool toy 4x4 every day of the week.
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2007-2010 Lincoln MKX Pre-Owned
Saturday, April 14, 2012
The MKX was Lincoln's venture into the luxury crossover segment occupied by such brands as BMW, Infiniti, Acura and Audi when it launched for the 2007 model year. Like most of its competition, it packed V6 power, available all-wheel drive, heaps of leather and numerous high-end features like a premium audio system by THX, leather seating, Bluetooth, navigation, an oversized sunroof and plenty more.
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2012 Dodge Journey R/T AWD Review
Friday, April 13, 2012
Named by the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada as the Best New SUV/CUV Under $35,000, the 2012 Dodge Journey delivers outstanding refinement and practicality for its modest pricing.
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2012 Lexus RX 450h Review
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The RX 450h is a midsize luxury crossover that features all-wheel drive and hybrid-driven performance. While it failed to achieve its rated fuel economy, it provided a refined driving experience and better-than-average economy for this popular segment.
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2012 Infiniti FX35 Limited Edition Review
Monday, April 09, 2012
Infiniti's FX crossover makes a statement, a very bold statement. These vehicles aren't for those wishing to pass through life less noticed. However, if visual drama's your thing and performance-oriented crossovers your preferred transport, the 2012 FX35 Limited Edition is your ride.
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2012 Lexus GX 460 Preview
Monday, April 09, 2012
Appealing to adventurous families everywhere, Lexus is betting that its luxury midsize SUV will seduce likely customers. With its rugged construction, this vehicle can accommodate up to seven adult passengers - that's two more than the Porsche Cayenne. Equipped with a full-time, low range 4WD system as well as Toyota and Lexus' own Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), the GX 460 encourages drivers to veer off the beaten track.
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From concept to reality
Friday, April 06, 2012
I'm driving a 2012 Range Rover Evoque this week - the three-door model - and I still can't get over how much it resembles the Land Rover LRX Concept that was unveiled at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.
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2013 Infiniti JX First Impressions
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
According to Infiniti's marketing personnel, your writer isn't in the target demographic for their upcoming JX35 crossover. Mostly, that's because I'm not an affluent, somewhat wealthy mother of more than two kids seeking versatility, confidence and safety from a vehicle.
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2013 Acura RDX First Impressions
Monday, April 02, 2012
Straying off the beaten path can occasionally yield interesting if not fantastic results. The opposite can also be very true. Quite likely the most evident example of success while trying something new is Chrysler's Magic Wagon. Today, minivans are dying a slow death, but Mr Iaccoca created something. On the other hand, the Pontiac Aztek was nothing if, well, nothing good.
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2006-2010 Ford Explorer Pre-Owned
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Got a boat to tow? Have a family? Need four-wheel drive and plenty of space from your next used ute? The Ford Explorer might have made its way onto your list of potential candidates. Available in its last generation from 2006 to 2010, the popular SUV was updated for 2011.
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2012 Ford Edge Limited EcoBoost Review
Thursday, March 29, 2012
It's a jungle out there. It's my kind of jungle where consumers are surrounded with countless vehicular options. The tough part, and where I come in, is picking the ones that soothe or heal from the ones the sting or burn. You're welcome.
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2012 Range Rover Evoque Pure Review
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Even if Evoque didn't have the burden and/or benefit of its intriguing role to expand Range Rover into a more fuel-efficient segment, it would still be a thing to consider and behold. The 2012 Range Rover Evoque is one the most arresting takes on the SUV genre we've seen so far.
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2013 Ford Flex First Impressions
Friday, March 23, 2012
Mom's Taxi has been discovered by the "in" crowd. Ford says that 20% of all Flex sales are in the state of California. Does this mean it's the next Woodie surf wagon or is it being used for transporting people? In reality, the Ford Flex is being used for nearly every type of transport. After all, Ford named it the "Flex" because it was short for flexible.
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2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen Pre-owned
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The Chrysler Aspen, which was an upscale Dodge Durango twin, had a short-lived life with questionable success. Aimed at machines like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, this American luxury SUV was only available from 2007 to 2009 before being given the axe.
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''That Car Wash Has No Soap''
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The Jeep Wrangler I'd been test-driving all week was a mess. After hours driving it through mud, muddy water, watery mud, and other off-road nastiness for photos the day before, it was time to take it home.
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2005-2009 Land Rover LR3 Pre-owned
Saturday, March 17, 2012
The Land Rover LR3, formerly known as the Discovery in North America, got a new design for 2005 and carried forward upon the model's reputation for high-capability luxury. Intended for use on the road less travelled, it was popular with affluent and active shoppers around the globe.
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2012 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-Design First Impressions
Monday, March 12, 2012
"Think Volvo, think Safety." That was then, this is now: think Volvo, think performance and safety. That's what I took away from three days in the desert with the latest products from Volvo.
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2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost FWD Review
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
If you're sceptical about how a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine performs in a big, heavy crossover such as the 2012 Ford Explorer, you probably aren't alone. Engine downsizing isn't a bad idea, as long as it doesn't require a major sacrifice in performance and succeeds in reducing fuel consumption.
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2012 Nissan Murano SL Review
Thursday, February 09, 2012
The Murano is Nissan's mid-size SUV/crossover. It's too small for third-row seating but is otherwise spacious. In Canada, this polished performer is available only in an all-wheel-drive (AWD) format, which utilizes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to connect smooth V6-produced power to all four wheels.
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2012 Acura MDX SH-AWD Review
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Premium crossover SUVs like the Acura MDX are big business. Virtually every automaker builds a machine like this one to sell to Canadians looking to blast through Mother Nature's frigid wintry depths, or escape in the lap of luxury to the cottage for a weekend.
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2013 Buick Encore Preview
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Suddenly we have another crossover catfight. The 2012 Detroit auto show is where Buick unveiled its new contender in a burgeoning segment: the compact, premium crossover.
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VIDEO: 2013 Infiniti JX at the Montreal Auto Show
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Infiniti's new seven-passenger crossover made its Canadian debut at the Montreal Auto Show. The 2013 Infiniti JX will join the Japanese luxury brand's lineup, slotting between the EX35 and FX35/FX50 crossovers.
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2012 Detroit Auto Show hits and misses
Friday, January 20, 2012
As any large and international auto show, Detroit 2012 featured a virtual smorgasbord of new production and concept vehicles to ponder.
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Heels And Wheels new vehicle reviews
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
We are in the midst of the ramping up process of our new website for women, by women. As we get closer to the launch date, we will continue to bring you interesting stories and reviews on a weekly basis.
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VIDEO: Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept in Detroit
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Presented at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept shows off its three-mode powertrain that consists of a turbocharged, 2.0L inline-four, an electric motor and an integrated starter/generator, all managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission.
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2012 Dodge Durango Citadel Review
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Generation three of Dodge's biggest family hauler, the Durango, is a real treat. Not only does it look more sophisticated and upscale than ever, but it offers up more power, content and capability than Durango models before it. It's an SUV that gets noticed and talked about by passers-by. It's big, handsome and powerful from a glance, and like most American SUVs these days, represents one of the best values in the segment.
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Chrysler extends roots in Detroit
Friday, January 06, 2012
Chrysler is adding a third crew and 1,100
new jobs at its Jefferson North Assembly
Plant and reaffirming plans to reopen its
Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, both in
Detroit. The former will produce the new
diesel version of the 2013 Jeep Grand
Cherokee for North America.
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1997-2005 GMC Jimmy Pre-Owned
Saturday, January 07, 2012
The last-generation GMC Jimmy was a 4x4 SUV model available to Canadian shoppers from model years 1997 to 2005 inclusive. Built on a truck frame and featuring a transfer case-based four-wheel drive system, it offered family-ready functionality and actual off-road workability.
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2012 Buick Enclave CXL AWD Review
Friday, December 30, 2011
This is a tough crowd. The crossover segment as a whole is not only in constant expansion but it is evolving at a practically alarming rate. What were once crude station wagons, SUVs and other types of dedicated people and cargo movers, save for minivans, are now all found under the crossover moniker.
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2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Preview
Friday, December 23, 2011
We first drove the current-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara way back in February 2006, and it hasn't changed much since then. True, it received a couple of engine swaps during that time, but from an aesthetic standpoint, Suzuki left it virtually untouched.
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2011 Ford Flex Titanium AWD Review
Monday, January 02, 2012
When I first saw the Ford Flex in 2008, I have to say I was a bit bummed out. The design of the Flex is not about smooth lines and flowing curves, it's more of a suitcase on wheels. I've heard some compare it to the Mini Traveller (obviously, in a much, much bigger form), but at least the Mini was cute and bite-size. The Flex is big, boxy and brutish. It was then, and it is now.
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2012 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT AWD Review
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
If you haven't yet set foot in a Chevrolet Traverse, or in a Buick Enclave, a GMC Acadia or a now-defunct Saturn Outlook for that matter, you probably don't realize just how spacious this SUV is. GM might prefer calling it a crossover, which sounds more environmentally friendly. Whatever.
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2012 Nissan Murano LE AWD Platinum Edition Review
Sunday, December 18, 2011
For the better part of a decade now, members of my family have been Nissan owners. As we entered the new millennium, my father decided to ditch our boat of a Plymouth Acclaim and invest in a brand new car: a 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE. At the time, I was still a student and had just gotten my driver's license. My vehicular obsession had begun and I was none too pleased when my parents came home with the beige (inside and out, to match the house so my mother claimed), automatic Sentra.
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2011 Acura ZDX SH-AWD TECH Review
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
History tells us that some car designs were great on paper, but turned out to be total flops once launched. There are many, many examples of bad ideas gone worse, and I've had the pleasure (or is that displeasure?) of driving a few in my short career. One such vehicle was the Pontiac Aztek, famous for being hideous. It was functional, but only the vision-impaired could fully appreciate its design.
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Electric Cars tested!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Although you may not be seeing many on the road as of yet, there are far more electric cars coming our way than you might imagine. What is especially interesting about EVs, other than the fact that they do not produce any emissions, is that they will come in all shapes, sizes, and vocations.
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2011 Acura MDX SH-AWD Elite Review
Monday, December 12, 2011
For anyone who follows my reviews and articles (which, of course, you all do), you'll know I'm not a fan of bigger vehicles. SUVs, pickups, even some CUVs are usually lost on me. I like sedans, compacts and subcompacts: the more a manufacturer can cram into a small package, the better it is for me. Perhaps it's my lifestyle: I have no need for such a vehicle - at least, that used to be the case.
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2011 Mazda CX-7 GT AWD Review
Friday, December 09, 2011
The crossover category is in full effect. The 2011 and 2012 model years have seen numerous new additions and many existing players have been given the once-over. It's no secret: this is the segment of today and, more likely than not, the future.
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2011 Dodge Durango Citadel Review
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
The 2011 Durango is a somewhat jumbo midsize SUV in Dodge's vastly improved lineup of late. The Durango is completely new for 2011, and highly impressive. In Canada, all Durangos are configured with all-wheel drive, while in the US, rear-wheel-drive is available.
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2013 Infiniti JX Preview
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
When Infiniti pulled the covers from its latest offering at this year's L.A. Auto Show, the new 2013 Infiniti JX, the crowds flocked around the vehicle. Nothing unusual in that, I guess. After all, with the world's media in attendance, it's the journalists' job to snap a few photographs and then fire them off to their publications as quickly as possible.
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2011 Mercedes-Benz R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Review
Friday, November 25, 2011
Most people think of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class as a minivan, but not Mercedes-Benz. The automaker calls it an SUV, but one that "defies the rigid definition of its category."
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2011 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT Review
Saturday, November 12, 2011
A year ago I was less than kind to the likes of the Equinox. I'm not going to lie, I didn't like it. Anyone who knows me, knows the story. Maybe it was circumstance, maybe I was just having a bad week, or maybe Chevy really did have an unsatisfactory product. Whatever the case, I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth while the rest of the automotive community sang the crossover's praises. I just couldn't bring myself to agree.
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2011 Lincoln MKX AWD Review
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
The MKX's job is to bring Lincoln's brand of American luxury and technology into the same premium crossover SUV segment that's occupied by Mercedes, BMW and Acura. And Lexus. Oh, and Infiniti and Cadillac and Audi. And Buick. And Porsche, and Volkswagen and GMC. Oh and uh, Volvo, too. Oh yea, and Jeep, of course.
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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 First Impressions
Monday, November 07, 2011
The online Urban Dictionary explains "hoonage" as: "Aggressively flogging a car, but in a manner that stops just short of reckless." Not all of us are gifted enough to fully exploit a car and earn points while putting a car slideways at an intersection. Fear not, Jeep has you covered.
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2011 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Review
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Large, luxury SUVs are so good at radiating wealth and consuming petroleum, we sometime forget about their other attributes. Take the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class for example. With its imposing looks and size, three rows of seating and the Mercedes-Benz star on the hood, you wouldn't expect it to cost less than 70 grand -- and it doesn't.
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Top 5 winter tires for trucks/SUVs in 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
There are no new winter tire models for light-duty trucks and SUVs this year. Please note that we have also added Vredestein, a quality tire brand from the Netherlands which Canadian drivers have yet to become familiar with.
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2011 Mazda CX-7 GT Review
Monday, October 31, 2011
I've talked previously about the importance of first impressions and how significantly they influence whether the chequebook is pulled or the potential purchase is pulled. By "first impressions", I'm not talking about a salesman's penchant for polyester but rather what the vehicle in question communicates at first sight, followed by first drive.
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Range roving
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Here I am back on the Canadian West Coast, and loving it. Loving it because this is our Canadian California. Although it pains me to admit it, I must say that although the East Coast has more history, Vancouver and its surrounding areas are breathtaking and far more appealing.
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2012 Range Rover Evoque First Impressions
Monday, October 10, 2011
Luxury brands are moving down while regular brands are diversifying, and if the group in which your make belongs is doing neither you'll basically be left behind. Nothing is sacred anymore, and we need to thank the powers that be sitting high atop their world headquarters, wherever they may be. Do it! Thank them!
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Ford Explorer XLT V6 4WD review - 2011 SUV comparison test
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Alright, we've reached the No.2 spot and we think this entry fully deserves to be here. Newly redesigned inside and out, this latest reiteration of the much-loved Ford Explorer is all about attracting a young, active, vibrant crowd while still producing impressive performance and efficiency numbers.
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Honda Pilot Touring review - 2011 SUV comparison test
Saturday, September 24, 2011
It's known that Honda has some pretty great products. Throughout the decades, Honda has continued to impress on the road with smaller cars, especially with its Civic. However, when it comes to the Pilot, Honda hasn't quite perfected the mould just yet.
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2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX-L Review
Sunday, October 02, 2011
After spending a week behind the wheel of Toyota's RAV4 just a few short weeks prior to driving the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX-L, I was pleasantly surprised at how different the Suzuki actually was from the Toyota, despite my initial thought that I was going to get behind the wheel of the RAV4's twin.
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2011 Mitsubishi RVR GT 4WD Review (video)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Used to be that SUVs existed almost solely as big hulking monsters that flattened foliage, consumed multiple parking spaces and burned up fuel faster than a refinery fire.
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2012 Range Rover Evoque Preview
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Evoque invokes some pretty unique and interesting reactions in the general public. Since it was first released to the world just over a year ago, we've all been waiting with intrigued and baited breath for the baby Range Rover to hit the road.
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2011 Toyota RAV4 4WD Review
Friday, September 23, 2011
Cars are, generally, built with a purpose in mind. From econoboxes to off-road giants and supercars, they're all engineered and manufactured with a goal. That goal or purpose is usually glaringly evident and one that makes itself immediately known to the buyer. However, such is not always the case.
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Frankfurt 2011: Maserati jumps on SUV bandwagon with Kubang
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Maserati introduced its first-ever SUV at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The sporty and luxurious Kubang marks a natural evolution for the prestigious Italian car maker, expanding its portfolio and increasing its presence on the market by conquering a new segment.
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2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i Review
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Sometimes, you can do no wrong. BMW seems to not be able to do any wrong at the moment, except maybe the 550i GT ... we'll call it a "near-miss". Otherwise, BMW is in full product attack-and-launch mode.
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SUVs and young families: A match made in heaven?
Thursday, September 08, 2011
A few weeks ago, I blogged about an introspective moment in which I pondered the kind of car I would buy next for my family. I mentioned that I would consider swallowing my ever-manly pride for the first time in my life and spring for a minivan, although I vastly prefer SUVs and crossovers.
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2012 BMW X1 xDrive28i Review
Monday, September 05, 2011
Since luxury brands are popular right now, is it safe to assume that any vehicle BMW slaps a propeller badge on will sell like hotcakes? No, it isn't. It all depends on how far you're willing to push the envelope in creating vehicle categories no one really asked for. Case in point: People are probably still scratching their heads trying to figure out what a 5 Series Gran Turismo is.
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2011 Toyota Venza AWD V6 Review
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Generally, large and sensible people movers don't exactly set my pulse racing, particularly when they're clad in "Refrigerator White" as my 2011 Toyota Venza AWD is. But there's something about the rakish roofline and 20" multi-spoke dubs that sets the Venza apart from its more generic brethren.
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2011 7-seater SUV comparo match
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
As spring rolled in, our editorial team at the office got some great news: three members of our gang were going to be new, first-time parents. That got us thinking about family vehicles as two of the three began to consider a new set of wheels. Anticipating more kids in the future, the guys and gal came to one unanimous conclusion: No minivans!
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News & Events Multimedia
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Audi makes some of the sexiest coupes on the road today. The TT and S5 are both examples. So is the iconic R8, which is particularly badass because Iron Man drives one.
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Car Reviews
Consumer Car Ratings
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