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Toyota Highlander Hybrid:
A natural for the Northwest lifestyle
By Lary Coppola |
| After seven successful years, the Toyota Highlander was redesigned and re-engineered for the 2008 model year. The new version of the popular crossover SUV is bigger, roomier, and more powerful — but not at the expense of fuel economy. I’ve been a fan of the Highlander since the first time I drove it — but I like the hybrid even more... (Full Article) |
Redesigned 2009 Honda Pilot
is roomier, plusher, better
By Lary Coppola |
| Honda did extensive consumer research before embarking on the redesign of its popular full-sized crossover SUV, the Pilot. Debuting in 2002, the Honda Pilot was an immediate hit and has stood out from its competition with good looks, great handling and very smart packaging. In fact, Car and Driver has honored the Pilot with six of it Best Trucks Awards in the past eight years... (Full Article) |
Mustang Bullitt one very cool,
very hot, retro-style ride
By Lary Coppola |
| The 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt is one of the coolest rides to come down the road in a very long time. While some cars are made to attract attention, the Bullitt is extremely understated with virtually no brightwork of any kind, dark wheels, a blacked-out grille and its signature dark Highland Green metallic paint... (Full Article) |
10th generation Toyota Corolla
still going strong — after 40 years
By Lary Coppola |
| Do you believe Toyota’s venerable Corolla is now over 40 years old? The all-new 2009 model is the 10th generation of the granddaddy of gas misers, and its success formula — reliability, efficiency, comfort and affordability, is more alive today in this era of $4+ a gallon gas, than when the Corolla debuted in1966 to a pump price of around 29.9... (Full Article) |
Volvo S80 offers V8 performance
in an all-wheel drive 6
By Lary Coppola |
| In these days of $4+ a gallon gas, Volvo, the legendary Swedish automaker known more for safety than performance, has outdone itself with its top of the line, turbocharged T6, S80 sedan. Coupled with Volvo’s proven Haldex computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system (AWD) the S80 is a star both on the highway and at the gas pump... (Full Article) |
2008 Toyota Tundra one of
the best full-size pickups
By Lary Coppola |
| After years of dominating the small pickup market, the truly full-size Toyota Tundra came on the scene in 2007 ready, willing, and able to take on Ford, Chevy, Dodge, GMC, and Nissan — head-to-head... (Full Article) |
Suzuki XL7 —
A credible mid-sized SUV alternative
By Lary Coppola |
| Today, even in spite of $5 a gallon gas being a real possibility in the not too distant future, every manufacturer has an entry in the hyper-competitive, mid-size, crossover SUV segment. And while Suzuki used to be primarily known for building motorcycles and small cars, these days it too offers a full lineup of vehicles from small, fuel-efficient commuter vehicles, to mid-size SUVs... (Full Article) |
Redesigned 2009 Nissan Maxima:
Return of the “4-Door Sports Car”
By Lary Coppola |
| I had the opportunity to put the totally redesigned, 2009 Nissan Maxima through its paces at a press event in California recently, and came away impressed by the fact an already good sports sedan has been much improved. Built in Nissan’s Smyrna and Decherd Tennessee plants, the seventh generation Maxima is offered in two well-equipped models — the 3.5 S and 3.5 SV. Making its world debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show earlier this year, it’s scheduled to arrive in Nissan showrooms nationwide right about now... (Full Article) |
Totally new 2009 Jaguar XF moves
to the top of the class
By Lary Coppola |
| I’ll be the first to admit a bias for Jaguar. For me, having owned a classic Mk. VIII, it’s all about the heritage and tradition. However, when I first got a look at the concept of what’s become the new 2009 Jaguar XF at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, it literally took my breath away. Its looks are almost a total departure from Jaguar tradition — almost. The XF is a completely new, mid-sized, rear-wheel-drive sedan that replaces the aging S-Type. In my view, it’s a truly engaging alternative to European luxury imports such as the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, as well as the Japanese-built Lexus GS... (Full Article) |
2008 Infiniti G37 coupe stares down
BMW 3-Series and other rivals
By Lary Coppola |
| Nissan, and its upscale Infiniti brand, have hit yet another in a long series of automotive home runs with the new G37 coupe. In what is perhaps the most crowded non-SUV market segment, it’s predecessor G35 did steal some sales from primary rival, the segment-leading BMW 3-Series, as well as other competitors which include the Acura TL, Audi S4, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS, Saab 9-3, and Volvo S60 among others. While the German-built BMW has a storied heritage and a cache Japan’s Infiniti lacks, the G37 will still give the 3-Series a tougher run for the buyer’s money than its predecessor — especially when price is an issue... (Full Article) |
2008 Nissan 350Z:
Still hot, only with more power
By Lary and Dee Coppola |
| One of the perks of writing these reviews is being able to test drive cars when visiting other places. When we decided to take some R&R at our condo in Scottsdale, Ariz., a phone call to Carrie Owens at A&M had us behind the wheel of a 2008 Nissan 350Z, Enthusiast version coupe... (Full Article) |
Honda Accord EX-L V6 —
The sporty version of the Accord
By Lary and Dee Coppola |
| Almost no one has ever used the words, “Honda Accord,” and “sporty,” in the same sentence. Before now, there has never been much reason to. The redesigned 2008 Honda Accord sedan should be a strong challenger to class sales leading, Toyota Camry, because it’s sleeker, roomier inside and more powerful. Because it has a “sportier” road feel, the Accord sedan always has been more fun to drive than the Camry — which, let’s face it, although ultra-dependable, is pretty boring. So being “sportier” than a Camry is no big feat... (Full Article) |
Scion xD as much about style
as anything automotive
By Lary Coppola |
| I’ve only had one opportunity to drive Toyota’s youth-oriented brand, the Scion. And that was a pre-production xC model some years ago. However, I’ve witnessed the loyalty Scion has inspired among its young owners - something akin to the cult following the original Saturn had before becoming mainstream GM. So when given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the newest Scion model, the xD, I jumped on it - in spite of it not being my usual reader demographic... (Full Article) |
Third generation CR-V offers
slicker styling, more power
By Lary and Dee Coppola |
| Every time we drive the Honda CR-V. we like it more. Debuting in model year 1997, it’s a very versatile and serviceable car-like vehicle. The CR-V and its archrival, the Toyota RAV4, are considered to have started the “crossover” revolution. While SUV’s used to be primarily body-on-frame, truck-based vehicles, today, there are more car-based crossovers with SUV-like features - the main attraction being all-wheel drive - than truck-based Sport Utes. And with gas looking at four bucks a gallon, fuel-efficient crossovers like the CR-V and RAV4 gain popularity every single day... (Full Article) |
Annual Rollout of the new 2008
Products and Services |
| This month we have a special Automotive Special Report issue, so our automotive articles for the month of March can all be found in our Special Report section by clicking on the following link... (Special Report – Automotive) |
Ford Edge crossover
both sporty and functional
By Lary Coppola |
| Ford’s Edge crossover has been slightly refined from its 2007 debut, making an already nice vehicle offering style, roominess and strong performance, even better. And I have to confess, the more I drove the Edge, the more I liked it... (Full Article) |
New-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
a big advance
By Lary Coppola |
| I got my first look at the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, and saw a huge improvement over the previous version. I couldn’t wait to see what had been done for the Lancer Evolution — or Evo as it’s called for short... (Full Article) |
DTM — Europe’s version of NASCAR, explained
By Larry Cornwell |
| Like a dieter having withdrawal symptoms from the lack of cookies, cakes, ice cream, cheese cake and “hot now” Krispy Kreme donuts, motorsports fans are experiencing separation anxiety. The winter months can be cruel for “petrol heads” like us, because Champ Char, IRL, Formula One and NASCAR have all ended their seasons... (Full Article) |
All-new 2009 Nissan Murano —
A good thing gets way better
By Lary Coppola |
| The all-new 2009 Nissan Murano will be hitting dealer showrooms any day now, essentially skipping model year 2008. It replaces the very successful first-generation crossover SUV noted for its sleek, trend setting styling, roomy, luxurious cabin, great performance, and terrific handling... (Full Article) |
All new 2008 Toyota Highlander
is bigger and better
By Lary Coppola |
| After seven successful model years, the Toyota Highlander was redesigned and re-engineered or 2008. The new version of the popular crossover SUV is bigger, roomier, and more powerful — but not at the expense of fuel economy. I’ve been a fan of the Highlander since the first time I drove it. I like the hybrid even more... (Full Article) |
New Chevy Malibu could be GM’s Camry/Accord dragon slayer
By Lary Coppola |
| After decades of building lackluster, uninspiring, mix-and-max, interchangeable parts cars that not too many people actually wanted to buy, General Motors (GM) finally “got it” with the Cadillac CTS, which is a certified mega-hit. It looks like success will repeat itself in a big way with GM’s all-new 2008 Chevy Malibu, and make GM’s Bowtie division a serious contender once again... (Full Article) |
Redesigned Cadillac CTS puts
European sports sedans on notice
By Lary and Dee Coppola |
| When Cadillac debuted its first European-style CTS sedan in 2003, we came within a gnats whisker of buying one. At the time, Cadillac, like domestic rival Lincoln, had absolutely nothing going for it to lure younger, affluent, buyers away from European and Japanese sports sedans. However, the CTS, with its chiseled styling, was a serious visual departure — and major financial gamble — for usually conservative Cadillac, and financially troubled General Motors... (Full Article) |
Infiniti debuts totally new,
high-tech 2008 EX35
Expected Pricing: $34,000 to $40,000
By Lary Coppola |
| “Infiniti’s goal is to establish a concept of automotive luxury where a personal and rewarding driving experience is more important than the car alone.” That was part of Infiniti’s original launch announcement in the fall of 1989. It appears that with the all-new Infiniti EX35, the automaker continues to remain true to that goal... (Full Article) |
2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe —
making a good thing better
By Lary Coppola |
| Only a year after Infiniti introduced its new G35 sedan, it debuted an all-new G37 Coupe for 2008. The G37 Coupe is a stylized mirror image to the previous-generation G35, although the rear wheel-drive FM platform has been stiffened, given a slightly wider track, and more horses under the hood... (Full Article) |
Chevy HHR Panel: One very cool retro wagon
By Lary Coppola |
| The retro-styling of Chevy’s HHR crossover has made it a solid rival to Chrysler’s popular PT Cruiser. Like most crossovers, the HHR is a car-based sport utility, which rides on Chevy’s successful Cobalt coupe and sedan platform... (Full Article) |
Nissan’s new Rogue:
An excellent entry-level SUV
By Lary Coppola |
| The hits just keep coming for Nissan, which has been on a product roll like no other automaker, for the past seven years. The newest entry to join Nissan’s Hit Parade, is its all-new 2008 Rogue... (Full Article) |
Next-generation GMC Sierra pickups
much improved
By Lary Coppola |
| Built on a new, stiffer platform that delivers a better ride and improved handling, the GMC Sierra pickup was redesigned from the ground up for the 2007 model year. Exterior styling was new, along with a new interior offering numerous options — including two dashboard style choices... (Full Article) |
2008 Buick Enclave:
One superb luxury crossover SUV
By Lary Coppola |
| Buick has ditched its poor-selling SUV wannabe Rendezvous and Rainier for 2008, along with the Terraza minivan. Replacing them is the all-new, 2008 Buick Enclave — a luxury crossover sport utility. It seats up to eight, features the passenger and cargo room of truck-based SUVs, utilizes car-like unibody construction for a comfortable, quiet ride, while delivering excellent performance and fuel economy... (Full Article) |
Kia Sorento: Still an outstanding SUV Value
By Lary Coppola |
| When it debuted in 2003, there was a reason 26 professional automotive journalists from all over the nation chose the Kia Sorento as Best in Class and Best SUV Value of the Year at Mudfest, the premier competitive SUV event in the nation. When pitted against almost every other sport utility vehicle (SUV) in its class in head-to-head on and off-road competition, the Sorento quickly broke away from the pack... (Full Article) |
2008 Subaru Outback:
A good thing just keeps getting better
By Lary Coppola |
| The completely redesigned line of Subaru Outback models debuted in 2005, enjoying improvements and upgrades every year since. The four-cylinder engine introduced in 2006 Outback is more powerful than previous models, and two new models were added to the lineup: a four-cylinder Outback sedan and a less expensive version of the six-cylinder Outback wagon... (Full Article) |
2008 Ford Super Duty big and brawny
By Lary Coppola |
| When I first saw the all-new 2008 Ford Super Duty pickup, Tim Allen’s infamous manly grunt came immediately to mind. Whether for work or play, in all of its trim levels, this is a serious machine... (Full Article) |
Chrysler Aspen:
Serious entry into full-size SUV market
By Lary Coppola |
| Between $3+ dollar a gallon gas, and rampant environmental elitism, the full-size SUV market isn’t exactly booming. So you might wonder why Chrysler would choose now to debut its first full-size SUV — the 2007 Aspen. The answer is that auto industry marketeers expect the nearly two million annual full-size SUV buyers to continue driving a market based upon business and recreational towing, family transportation and travel needs, as well as vacationing whims. And then there’s the safety factor big SUVs offer... (Full Article) |
Third generation CR-V offers
slicker styling, more power
By Lary and Dee Coppola |
| Mainstream buyers have found the Honda CR-V to be a very versatile and serviceable vehicle since it was first introduced in model year 1997. The extremely car-like CR-V and its archrival, the Toyota RAV4, are considered to have started the ”crossover” revolution. While SUV’s used to be primarily body-on-frame, truck-based vehicles, today, there are more car-based crossovers with SUV-like features — the main attraction being all-wheel drive — than truck-based Sport Utes. And with gas over three bucks a gallon, fuel-efficient crossovers like the CR-V and RAV4 gain popularity every single day... (Full Article) |
FORD EXPEDITION:
Thoroughly upgraded for 2007
By Lary Coppola |
| At three-plus bucks a gallon, filling the tank of a full-size SUV like the Ford Expedition can be a major financial commitment making it difficult to justify even owning such a vehicle. But if fuel prices are your first consideration, you really shouldn’t be driving a full-size sport-utility in the first place... (Full Article) |
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