11.26.2015

Slow and Steady Wins...What, Exactly? The 2016 Lexus CT 200h F-SPORT

Front 3/4 view of 2016 Lexus CT 200h
The 2016 Lexus CT 200h F-SPORT.
What we have here is a contradictiton in terms.

F-SPORT is Lexus' performance brand.  The CT 200h is a stylish hybrid hatchback for Lexus buyers who can't bring themselves to save money on a loaded Toyota Prius.


11.22.2015

Time Waits For No SUV: The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC

Side view of 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC.
About two years ago, I wrote an overwhelmingly positive review of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT. I meant it, and wouldn't change a word of how I described the Mitsu (apart from how they've fixed the delayed-reaction touchscreen that plagued us in the '14 car).

But this will be a different review.


Still Wondering: The 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 CrewMax

Front 3/4 view of 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 Crew Max
The 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 CrewMax.
If you are looking at the headline of this review and wondering what I am still wondering about, it's simple:

Why is the Toyota Tundra not one of the top three best-selling pickup trucks in America?


11.17.2015

Smart Money: The 2016 Lexus ES 300h

Front 3/4 view of 2016 Lexus ES 300h
The 2016 Lexus ES 300h.
The cost or cost saving of owning a hybrid is a difficult thing about which to make a blanket statement. Some cost so much more than the non-hybrid equivalent and improve fuel economy by such a small percentage that it will take 11 years or more to pay for itself in gasoline saved.

Then, there's the Lexus ES 300h, which makes the math extremely compelling.


11.16.2015

2016: A Cheaper Odyssey (The 2016 Honda Odyssey SE)

Front 3/4 view of 2016 Honda Odyssey
The 2016 Honda Odyssey.
Minivans have become expensive.  At least in fully tricked-out form.  The last time we drove a Honda Odyssey, it was the 2014 Touring Elite model.  Base price $44,450.  With destination and handling charges, a shade over $45,000.  A 2016 Touring Elite stickers at $44,750.

But what if you could get an Odyssey with some of the more popular options for about eleven grand less?


11.15.2015

2016 Scion iA: The Mazda 2 We Never Got

Front 3/4 view of 2016 Scion iA
The 2016 Scion iA.
When the first wave of very small cars hit American shores five years ago, The Mazda 2 was among them.  In 2011, our Publisher and Executive Editor lavished high praise on the low-priced, low-content, high-fun factor car.

The 2 did not break any sales records, however, so Mazda has withdrawn it from its North American product lineup.  Yet it lives...and in a version not before seen here.



Drawback Removed: The 2016 Honda Accord EX-L with Apple Car Play

Front 3/4 view of 2016 Honda Accord
2016 Honda Accord.
A year ago this week, I wrote about the 2015 Honda Accord EX-L, saying it was a continuation of the Accord's greatness, with one drawback...the antiquated audio and nav system. For 2016, it's been addressed.