Following a prolonged hiatus, the Nissan Z Series is nearing its return, and the pricing details are now known. This summer, the first of the 2023 Z models roll out, launching a new generation with two trims: Z Coupe Sport ($39,990) and Z Coupe Performance ($49,990). Add $1,025 for the … Read more
The 2022 Toyota Corolla soldiers on in the shrinking compact car segment. More than a half-century has passed, and the Toyota Corolla is one of the most recognized models in the world. In the U.S. market, sedan and hatchback versions are available, as is a hybrid. The Corolla remains a … Read more
America’s most inexpensive car is the Chevrolet Spark, an import from South Korea that is also one of the smallest models on the road. The Chevy Spark is a microcar or an A-Segment model with a starting price below $15,000. But if you want one, know that production ends in … Read more
The Dacia Sandero is an affordable B-segment model in Dacia’s small roster. It’s available as a hatchback or a small crossover with its Stepway model, the current model year releasing in 2020. Dacia fitted the Sandero with three engine variants, in either gasoline or flex-fuel. The engines power the front … Read more
Mazda’s hottest hatch since the Mazdaspeed3 is here. Do you remember the Mazdaspeed3? That model was arguably the best hatchback Mazda has produced to date, one that was sold from 2007 to 2013. After it was discontinued, Mazda fans have longed for its return. Well, the Mazdaspeed3 isn’t returning, at … Read more
The parade of cars is shrinking, but small cars remain in demand. Low prices. Smart styling. Fun driving. These are among the chief attributes you’ll find, at least in some models. Once again, Hyundai proves its mettle by offering a full line of small cars, including sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks. … Read more
The 2020 Honda Accord is a roomy, midsize sedan and one of the best-selling models in its segment. This front-wheel-drive model is joined by the Fit (subcompact) and Accord (compact) cars. You’ll also find a range of Clarity electrified models, which are roughly the same size as the Accord. For … Read more
Car models come and go, although there are a few with staying power. The Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Corolla, and the Ford F Series are among those models that have been around for a half century or more. The Audi TT launched nearly 20 years ago, a 2+2 sport coupe and … Read more
Heavy pollen and spring rains are in abundance in my area at this time of the year, which makes it difficult, if not downright challenging to evaluate any drop-top model. But the Mazda MX-5 Miata is one vehicle I do not see all that often, therefore when an opportunity to … Read more
Pity poor Fiat. This Italian automaker returned to the U.S. market in 2011 after a long absence, but soon found customer’s tastes had already begun to move away from cars to crossovers. Even with the introduction of a tiny 500X crossover a few years later, Fiat demand has never met … Read more
Veloster N brings Hyundai’s performance division to North America. “N” stands for Namyang, the location of Hyundai Motor’s global research and development (R&D) Center in Korea. The “N” also represents Hyundai’s performance division, the automaker’s equivalent of Ford’s ST and Volkswagen’s GTI lines. Starting this year, the first model bearing … Read more
Mazda3: Fun-to-drive and affordable. Small cars have been taking it on the chin these past few years as the market continues to shift to crossovers. Mazda is well represented in the SUV market with three distinct models in the subcompact, compact and midsize range. Yet, this automaker hasn’t abandoned cars … Read more
Hyundai breathes fresh life into its little sport hatchback. —Updated Dec. 10, 2017, to reflect this model’s safety score.— Automakers are responding to a wholesale shift in consumer demand by building more SUVs and fewer car models. This unprecedented shift means some manufacturers are catching up, including Hyundai which will … Read more
Hyundai rhymes with Sunday. —Updated Dec. 10, 2017, to reflect this model’s safety score.— Most car designs are getting slammed in the face of an ever increasing onslaught of all things SUV. While sedans and coupes aren’t likely to go the way of some wagons, the market is heavily skewed … Read more
Once again, Mazda supplies a model for a competitor. Fiat has struggled mightily ever since returning to the US in 2011. A large part of that blame has to do with product mix. Indeed, timing is everything in this market and that’s one reason why small car models such as … Read more
Small means big when it comes to the VW Jetta. The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan, a five-passenger model offering three turbocharged gasoline engine choices. Now in its sixth generation, the Jetta offers a conservative style, excellent interior room, superior handling, and a roomy trunk. Model Year Updates Following … Read more
Honda has enjoyed much success with its first two utility vehicles. Notably, its compact CR-V leads in that segment, while its larger, three-row Pilot competes effectively in its own space. A third model, the subcompact HR-V, was introduced on May 15 and six months later it is tearing up an … Read more