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2010 Toyota Matrix XR Review
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The Toyota Matrix has an identity problem. It still hasn't decided whether it wants to be a wagon or a small compact car. But in either case, it attracts a certain type of client, one that's looking for a little bit of comfort and a little bit of space.
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2010 Toyota Matrix XR AWD Review
Monday, February 08, 2010
My wife and I have been together for just about 11 years. My career in the automotive journalist business began almost exactly 11 years ago as well. Because of this, I know that my wife is not with me for my weekly shiny new wheels. Also, said wife cares nothing about cars and essentially couldn't care less that I'm testing a $15,000 Kia or a $150,000 Audi.
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2010 Toyota Corolla XRS Review
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Japan's biggest vehicle manufacturer has no sports car in its immense model line-up. Gone are the Supras, Celicas and MR2s. If you want a truck, though, Toyota has that market segment very well covered.
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2008 Saturn Astra XR 3-door Review
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
When the Saturn brand was created at the end of the '80s, General Motors was convinced that its new division would steal sales from the emerging Japanese brands. Well, it didn't happen. Offered in coupe, sedan and wagon variations, the first Saturns were curious cars to say the least, with its plastic body panels and peculiar shape. But they were far from offering the refinement and quality that Honda and Toyota were already recognized for.
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2008 Saturn Astra XR Review
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
As many of you already know, the new Saturn Astra is a European designed vehicle, which GM borrowed from its partners across the pond to inject a little compactness into the Saturn lineup. The idea was well-founded, because almost straight away, it became the recipient of AJAC's Best Small Car award. Considering that the Saturn Aura, another Euro design, won so much praise last year, I'm sure that the executives at GM are rather proud of what they have achieved of late.
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2008 Saturn Vue XR AWD Review (video)
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Among all GM divisions, Saturn is definitely soaring the most. For 2008, the entire lineup of the automaker's youngest brand is all-new and more exciting than ever. The days of polymer panels and extremely plain-looking vehicles seem long gone. Today, Saturn has become synonymous with boldness and modernism.
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2008 Saturn Vue XR Review
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Over the years, I had several opportunities to test-drive the Saturn Vue and I was usually very satisfied. However, last winter, I was greatly disappointed by the new front-wheel drive XR model. The tires, in particular, negatively affected various key dynamics, such as handling and fuel economy. Once again, I was reminded of the importance of quality snow tires. The Saturn Vue was entirely redesigned for 2008. The result is nice, although it easily blends in with the sea of compact/midsize SUVs. The high beltline gives the vehicle a confident look, but once you sit inside, you realize that it also limits the size of the side windows. Exterior build quality is good, while the interior is particularly attractive. The combination of colors and materials is easy on the eye and pleasant to touch. Fit and finish is commendable.
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2009 Toyota Matrix XRS Review
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Toyota has been on a roll for the last three years, developing new products in order to cover the most vehicles categories as possible. As a result, sales are constantly rising, and the Japanese automaker has become number one globally. But there are still vehicle segments in which Toyota just can't master. In Canada, for example, GM rolls out 8 full-size pickups and Ford sells 7 F-Series at the same time that Toyota can sell one Tundra. But where Toyota is really missing the boat and watching it sail away in the sunset, it's the sports car segment.
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2008 Saturn Astra XR Review
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Ever complain about the lack of affordable European-influenced cars on our side of the pond? If your answer is 'yes', then Saturn wants you to take a look at their Astra. Nearly identical to the Opel of the same name, it completes a re-invention of Saturn's model lineup and is a machine of huge importance to the GM division. Great style, great timing
Hatchbacks offer the sort of utility that it's easy to fall in love with, so models like the Astra are endlessly popular all over the world. Astra comes in three or five-door configurations, so Ford customers disappointed by the now-hatchless Focus lineup have another vehicle to consider.
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2008 Toyota Matrix TRD Review
Monday, March 17, 2008
I know, the next generation will soon hit the market and prove to be better than ever. Nevertheless, the current Toyota Matrix continues to enjoy some success as a good all-around compact car which suits many lifestyles. While there's nothing really exciting about the Matrix, it still fulfills its mission as a family hauler, offering decent room and comfort for five. A longtime friend of mine and father of two, for whom driving feels more like an obligation than a pleasure, recently purchased one for family duties. Now, several months after, he's still satisfied. Of course, no one will argue that the Matrix is in dire need of a makeover; despite some obvious qualities, it's not exactly the most sought-after model in town.
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2007 Saturn Outlook XR AWD Road Test
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Usually, when a vehicle in GM's lineup is completely redesigned, its appreciation always seems to end up sounding like: "this new model is not quite as good as the segment leaders, but it's a giant leap compared to the model it replaces." Well of course, if the model it replaces hasn't changed in 10 years, the giant leap isn't all that hard to accomplish.
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2008 Saturn Astra First Impressions
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Did you know that automakers actually listen to their customers? It might take several years and a lot of patience, but it happens. General Motors proved it by finally bringing over a European-based compact car with more than charmingly dynamic qualities: the Saturn Astra.
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2007 Toyota Matrix XR Road Test
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Toyota's Matrix is one of those cars that has to do it all- be comfortable, roomy, versatile, sporty, fun and economical. It needs to be many things to many people, all the while performing its duties day in and day out with a smile on its face.
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2005 Toyota Corolla XRS Road Test
Monday, October 11, 2004
I finally had a Friday night to myself, an unusual circumstance. I'm either working or working, so it was a nice change. I decided that I would go out dancing with a couple of friends and a new dating prospect, and that I would pick them up on the way. Now, it's not everyday that I'd drive 45 minutes out of my way, and in the complete opposite direction to pick anyone up, but then again it's not everyday that I have a car as economical and fun to drive as the new Corolla XRS.
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2005 Toyota Matrix XR Road Test
Monday, September 20, 2004
It's just another great Toyota. I only expect the best when I get behind the wheel of any model the Japanese brand makes, and the best is what I constantly receive. Whether testing the ultra-economic Toyota Echo Hatchback to the somewhat economic for its class Toyota Highlander, I am generally pleased with the result. I am glad to say that a recent test drive in the 2005 Toyota Matrix XR was yet again a pleasurable experience.
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2005 Toyota Corolla XRS Road Test
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Everyone knows that the Toyota Corolla is a performance car, right? OK, not funny. While the Corolla is legendary for quality and reliability, only a two-door version of distant memory could have been called sport-oriented. Ironically the 1984 through 1987 rear-drive Corolla GT-S, featuring what was then an impressively potent 112 horsepower twin-cam 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, would be left in the dust by even today's base 2004 Corolla.
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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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