Why The 2014 Honda Crosstour May Not Be As Wretched As I've Been Saying

The 2014 Honda Crosstour.

Last summer, I wrote an especially tough review of the Honda Crosstour.  I suggested that it was ungainly and nearly impossible to see out the rear window.  I also noted that it was based on the previous-generation Accord, the one where Honda had pretty much lost the plot.

Seeing it on the schedule, I mentioned to Navigator that it was among my least favorite cars.  When it arrived, though, she looked at me and said "This isn't all that bad."  That gave me pause, because Navigator is a woman possessed of good taste, good sense and whose opinion I have held in high regard for many, many years.

How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The 2014 Lexus GS350

The 2014 Lexus GS 350.

TireKicker Deep Truth #178: Where you drive a car has a lot to do with your impression of it.

That's not a huge secret.  It's why car companies spend kajillions of dollars to fly journalists from all over the country (and in some cases the world) to one specific spot to drive their newest machines.  Sedona, Carmel, La Jolla, Napa...almost always some wonderful scenic spot.  Rarely are there ride-and-drives in El Paso or Scranton.

Last year, I drove and wrote about the new-for-2013 Lexus GS350 and was somewhat let down...opining that the styling promised what the chassis did not delliver. Fortunately, I had driven the GS350 F-Sport the following week, wrote a combined review and found the F-Sport to be significantly more engaging.

At that time, I lived in Phoenix.  Although I am a careful driver (last ticket in 2002, last accident 1983, last at-fault accident 1977) I may in fact have been getting some agressions and frustrations out vicariously from behind the wheel and been looking for a bit of attitude, which the F-Sport happily provides.

How The 2014 Nissan Quest Ended My Life-Long Anti-Minivan Bias

The 2014 Nissan Quest. 

Given my frequent observations on cars as art, this may come as a surprise, but my favorite minivan thus far is the 2014 Nissan Quest.

And it has nothing to do with looks.  Frankly, it is awkward, appearing like nothing so much as a loaf of bread on which a careless bagboy put something heavy.

UPDATE: New Car Review: 2014 Kia Sorento

How popular is the Kia Sorento?

Consider this:  One of the most-read reviews here on TireKicker is a review of the 2013 Sorento, which we published almost two years ago.

Kia's product cadence (the schedule on which they release all-new or significantly updated vehicles) is so brisk that as fresh as the '13 seemed, the 2014 Sorento is clearly a better looking, better-designed, more refined machine.

Why You Should Want A Honda Fit EV And Who Will Make You Crazy When You Get One

2014 Honda Fit EV.

Your humble TireKicker would like to stipulate the following:

1: I like the Honda Fit.

2: I like the idea of electric vehicles in certain circumstances.

C: Indexing isn't my strong suit.

4: A Honda Fit EV should be a great idea.

If you sense a "but..." coming, well, yeah.  But it's not the car's fault.

Why Autojournos Who Hate The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage Are Missing The Point

The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage.

Say hi to the car everyone in the motoring press loves to hate.  Well, most everyone.  There are a few of us willing to stick our necks out and say that there's a place for basic....very basic...transportation.  And the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage is that.

Why The 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid Just Doesn't Cut It

2014 Acura ILX Hybrid.

You have no idea how much I want to say really good things about the 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid.  Not gonna happen here, I'm afraid.  13 months ago, I compared the transformation of a Honda Civic into an Acura ILX to the Ford Granada/Lincoln Versailles and Chevrolet Citation/Cadillac Cimarron rebadges.  Silk purse from sow's ear.

Yes, this is the ILX Hybrid, which buys you 15 miles more per gallon in city traffic, according to the EPA and 3 more on the highway than a gasoline-powered ILX (39 city/38 highway, if you're keeping track)...but that's about it.

Where The Acura MDX Is Taking Luxury Crossovers

The 2014 Acura MDX.

There is one car Acura makes that has set the standard for its segment and this is it: The MDX.  It was one of the earliest upscale crossovers---this is its 14th year on sale---and some say if it weren't for its continued success, Acura would have a difficult time making the business case for continuing.

How the 2014 Toyota Corolla Blends Old And New

2014 Toyota Corolla LE ECO.

The Toyota Corolla is no one's idea of aspirational transportation.  In fact, as Michael suggested here back in September, buying one of the last 2013's was a sensible idea since most Corolla buyers are focused on price and reliability, and with a new model, price usually goes up and reliability often goes down.

The 2014 Corolla, however, may make you glad you waited, if you did.  It is a much better-looking car.  The price increase is minimal and despite Toyota's claims that the car is "all new", it is essentially the same under the skin.  The body and interior are redesigned, but not much else.

Keeping the same platform has two advantages. One is cost, the other is reliability.  The car, the actual mechanicals, are tried and true.  That allows Toyota to deliver its number-one asset in a package that is better able to compete with the increasingly aggressively styled Hyundais and Kias.