2010

Lexus HS250h — A challenging enigma

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

When we were first introduced to the all-new Lexus HS250h in the spring of 2009 we looked at the purpose built hybrid with jaundiced eye asking why Lexus didn’t simply build a hybrid version of its popular ES 350 mid-sized sedan.

Lexus RX 450h — Practical luxury

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Lexus won the lottery when it developed the RX 300 crossover in the late ’90s. The first RX reached the marketplace as a 1999 model and quickly became the best selling vehicle in the Lexus stable.

A strict departure from the hot-selling body-on-frame sport utilities of the time, the RX hit all the right notes for thousands of customers who wanted a more fuel-efficient and car-like upscale sport utility.

Kia Forte — A player in the growing compact segment

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Overcoming the sales leadership of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla is about as close to impossible as anything in the automotive world.

Kia Soul — Smart, small and fun

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Who knew a few years ago that little boxes on wheels would by the end of the decade be all the rage, at least in one corner of the automotive market — that automakers would start thinking “inside the box” in North America.

Granted, we’ve had the funky little square Scion xB on our shores since 2004, and the Europeans and Japanese have been driving squares with windows for years. But here in the good old US of A we’ve stuck to more shapely little creatures when it comes to sub-compact hatches and sedans.

Jaguar XF — The definition of premium class

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The Jaguar XF, introduced as a 2009 model, has become one of our favorite mid-sized luxury sports sedans. And to make things even more delicious for 2010, the gorgeous Jag comes in three flavors. Pick your engine size and options and discover the joy of driving a modern British luxury sedan. It doesn’t matter which direction you take, you will be the winner.

Here are the choices for 2010:

Hyundai Genesis Coupe — Dynamic performance vs. debatable design

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We liked the new Hyundai Genesis coupe from the minute we cranked up the 3.8-liter V-6 engine and hit the highway.

We were torn about the styling. Styling, we admit, is a subjective thing. What appeals to one person may be unappealing to another. It’s just that in the case of the new coupe — a very well done sporty car from the ever- improving South Korean company – there is an arguable difference of opinion.

Honda Ridgeline — Created for weekend tasks and adventures

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It seems incredible that Honda’s first foray into the pickup truck world — the un-truck-like Ridgeline with a unibody chassis — is into its fifth model year and has been in showrooms for the better part of six years.

Honda Insight — Not much downside to this hybrid

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman



Price is going to sell the all-new 2010 Honda Insight hybrid sedan.

If the Insight is as appealing to tire kickers as the segment leader and king of all things green, the Toyota Prius, the cash savings — which could amount to thousands — will put shoppers behind the wheel in droves.

Honda Accord Crosstour — expanding the fastback crossover segment

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It’s hard to top the feeling that a Honda vehicle imparts on the driver, whether it’s a simple commute to work or a coast-to-coast family vacation.

Honda models such as the Accord, Odyssey and Pilot are solid and comfortable. They provide entertaining driving dynamics. They are indeed the right stuff for the frugal family or for anyone who desires an outstanding ride at an affordable price. And the Honda Civic is perhaps the best compact currently in production.

GMC Terrain — Making up for lost time

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It seems over the past 12-to-18 months that every time we jump into an all-new General Motors vehicle for the first time we sit in wonderment after just a few miles behind the wheel.

Mostly we wonder, what could have been?

Where would GM be today had it started to turn its giant ship around two or three years sooner?