Reviews

2013 Dodge Dart Preview: It Wasn’t Cool Then, But Might Be Cool Now (For A Price)

Brittany Larson 1
The Dodge Dart was originally released by Chrysler in 1960 as a full-size family sedan. It evolved into a compact by 1963 and was discontinued in 1976. Recently, Chrysler re-released the Dodge Dart, which replaces the Caliber as Dodge’s entry-level vehicle. As far as I can tell, however, the new Dart doesn’t have much in common with the old one, apart from the name of course. [...]

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 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: Addictive & Outrageously Fun

Nick Kurczewski
I knew it. I just knew someone, somewhere, would complain about the cabin plastics in a review of the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. [The guilty party shall remain nameless, for now.] Let me put this to rest: if you’re worried about the grain of the plastic on the door panels, the center console — or anywhere else for that matter — then you’ve completely missed the point of this car. [...]

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. [...]