Author
Casey Williams

2013 Ford Escape: Smart And Stylish

Casey Williams 1
With the 2013 model, the Ford Escape has been reborn. Gone is the “two boxes on wheels” profile of the original Escape and replaced by a sleek multi-faceted design influenced by suave silhouettes, like those of the Focus and Fiesta, with a hint of Explorer in the wrap-around taillamps. Ford claims the new model is 10% more aerodynamic. I’d say, at least. [...]

2013 Chevrolet Spark: A Better Micro?

Casey Williams 1
Americans used to look at micro cars and fantasize about flicking them off the roadways with full-size SUVs or V8-powered muscle cars. Then, gas trucked past $4 a gallon, and we began to think, “Gee, I really don’t need 5,000 pounds of steel and gas-sucking family bus to get to work.” The Smart fortwo, Fiat 500, and Scion iQ soon appeared on U.S. shores. Now, Chevrolet thinks there might be room for an even better micro. [...]

2013 Lexus GS 350: Responsible Decadence

Casey Williams
Lexus has always been about restrained decadence. It’s the luxury brand for those who want cocoons of excellence without the ostentatious flare of American and German marques. But like Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady or the clueless bros on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, if you dress a Lexus in a new grille, slap on some alloys, and wire in LED taillamps, you get a hottie worth taking home. Re-designed for 2013, the Lexus GS rolls into its new skin. [...]

2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD: Ultimately Adoptable

Casey Williams 1
My partner and I are trying to adopt a baby. It was a big decision, fraught with more decisions. One of the biggest will be, “What to drive?” We need a family-friendly ride that won’t diminish our style cards. Occasionally, we may want to take grandparents, aunts, or cousins to the park with us. And, if our tykes park their trikes in the driveway, our car must be ready for that too. I think the Infiniti JX35 can handle it [...]

2012 Nissan Juke SV: Defying Boredom

Casey Williams 1
What the hell is a Juke? It’s jacked up like a crossover, but it doesn’t look much like a crossover. My neighbor tried to get his 50-something self into the rear seat and nearly required three young men to yank him back out. You could forgive the rear seat if it was a sport coupe, which it definitely is not. It is, however, a whole box of funky coolness. Throw in a quarter, kick the big pedal, and go for a spin. [...]

2012 Range Rover Sport Is Smooth, If Pudgy

Casey Williams
Driving the Land Rover Range Rover puts you among queens of all hair heights, but the big gal’s size can make you wince at the idea of hustling her through curves and tight city streets — even if the SUV’s off-road capability and all-road luxury are legendary. What Land Rover needed was a vehicle that combined all of the Range Rover’s excellence in a slightly compressed package. Shimmy up to the Range Rover Sport. [...]

2012 Buick Verano: Alternative Luxury

Casey Williams 2
It’s so easy to take the normal path. Just buy that European or Japanese luxury car your mother and father always hand in mind for you. But, what if your 30-something self comes to Easter Dinner driving a Buick? Just wait for the preaching to start! You’ll be accused of growing blue hairs, eating at cafeterias, and heading to church. Be not dismayed because rewards are great for those driving the Buick less traveled. It’s the alternative luxury car. [...]

2012 Lexus CT200h: Great Car, But Engineers Need To Sweat The Details

Casey Williams
Two of my favorite Lexus models of all time are the 2002 IS300 wagon and the current HS250h. The wagon was arguably ugly, but I liked the size, sporty feel, and impeccable build quality. It was also a little out of the Lexus mainstream, which added cachet. Despite its high price, the HS250h has a luxurious leather-lined cabin that also taps the tech genies for a powerful hybrid system, heads-up display, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a space shuttle’s worth of toys. Put them together, and you get something like the CT200h. [...]