Reviews

We Let The Dog Decide: 2014 Honda Civic EX-L Vs. 2014 Mazda3i Grand Touring

James Hamel 13
When the 2012 Honda Civic was first released it was raked over the coals for uncharacteristically subpar driving dynamics,interior quality and the continued use of a five-speed automatic which apparently was outlawed during the time of Moses. Fast forward to last year and Honda gave every journalist human and canine who complained a serious smack down by improving the interior quality to best in class, bettering the ride, lowering road noise and improving the steering and handling feel. Frankly, we thought Honda perfected the Civic in 2013 but this year the company made yet more changes. [...]

We Let The Dog Decide: 2014 Lexus GS350 Or 2014 Audi A6 3.0T?

James Hamel 3
When it comes to mid-level luxury sedans, many people instantly gravitate to the “usual suspects” at their local Mercedes Benz or BMW dealers but quite honestly the latest E-Class and newest shape 5-Series sedans are both a bit of a snooze fest. What if you desire something different that not everyone on your block is driving that is both sporty, solidly built, has a premium badge and can also manage more than to just “impress the clients” during business lunches? [...]

2014 Cadillac CTS Whips The Germans

Casey Williams
The fact that the 2014 Cadillac CTS won Motor Trend magazine’s Car of the Year is not astonishing: the last-generation CTS did the same thing in 2008. But this year, it won against redesigned Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5-Series sedans, making a frontal attack on the German Bismarcks. It also beat the Corvette Stingray, Mercedes S-Class, Infiniti Q50, Mazda3, Mazda6, and Kia Cadenza. Take a breath. [...]

2014 Buick Regal Finds Its Place In The Snow

Casey Williams 3
It’s been snowing and icing all over. Like, a lot. Some cities are handling it better than others, which will likely cause some mayors to have longer tenures than others. A European-engineered sport sedan with all-wheel-drive would be perfect for the nasty precip, making dust of city streets while still a blast when pavement clears. But forget Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Volvo, or even Volkswagen. Check out the Buick Regal, which was engineered (and initially built) by GM’s Opel division in Germany and significantly updated for 2014. [...]

The 2014 Toyota Corolla Is The World’s Sexiest Washing Machine

James Hamel 4
When Toyota asked current Toyota owners what they wanted changed when this automotive powerhouse went about redesigning its stalwart Corolla sedan, they said they wanted a bit more exterior style and seats that were more comfortable. Well rejoice Corolla owners, the 2014 Toyota Corolla has come back with a more stylish exterior and more comfortable front and rear seats. And that’s about it. Toyota stopped there and left everything else exactly as it was. This is less a restyle and more of a whitewash of sterile durable goods. [...]

2014 Volvo S80 Makes You Wanna Change Your Mustard

Ruth Manuel-Logan 1
The S80 is the uppity granddaddy of the Volvo family of vehicles that accommodates five-passengers, but in actuality, only four adults can fit comfortably in the sedan. The car has been freshened up to compete with other luxury running dogs such as the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Hyundai Genesis. It’s been Botoxed and Juvédermed, with a new grille pattern and more prominent Volvo badge, new bumpers, LED cluster daytime running lights and redesigned taillights. [...]

2014 Land Rover LR4 Scoffs At Snow

Casey Williams
A winter storm is predicted. Oh, the hysteria. How many inches? Eight? And ice too? Then comes the mass assault on biscuits and gravy, schools close days in advance, and everybody scurries home from work. And, me, when this occurred recently? I laughed, turned on my heel, and casually returned to my office. I had a Land Rover LR4 in the parking lot. [...]

The 2014 Cadillac SRX Brings Its A-Game To Lexus, Mercedes, And BMW

James Hamel 2
First, let’s just admit that while we drive a lot of SUVs and crossovers (honestly, we can’t think of one we haven’t tested), rarely if ever do we find ourselves inspired by one of these vehicles to the point that we made up far off destinations just so we could spend more time driving it. But we recently had a 2014 Cadillac SRX delivered with more sharp lines to its style statement that a fall line at Dolce & Gabbana. [...]