Reviews

For vehicle review columns

Kia Sorento — Getting it right

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It’s not often that we drive an all-new vehicle at any price in any segment that sufficiently answers all the questions. While the 2011 Kia Sorento isn’t perfect it comes as close as anything we've driven in recent times in the small crossover segment to get most things right.

The Sorento is a relatively inexpensive crossover that should suit the needs of a couple, or just an individual who values space and a high-riding experience with available all-wheel drive.

Ford Mustang V-6 — Turning up the heat

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The pony car has always been among our favorites especially since it was reworked for 2005. It was restyled and updated once again for 2010 with a high-quality interior and a number of new features. And now for 2011 Ford has turned the heat up a notch with new powertrains.

Hyundai Sonata — Fast becoming a mainstream power

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Hyundai designers threw out the playbook and started with a fresh sheet of paper with the 2011 mid-sized Sonata. It breaks new styling ground inside and out in a segment loaded with “me-too” designs.

Jaguar XKR convertible – Open air motoring at its best

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We would have welcomed the head-turning 2011 Jaguar XKR convertible any time of the year whether the coldest day of winter or the hottest, most oppressive day of summer. It’s a car to savor and enjoy any time not just for its nearly impeccable driving attributes and silky smooth power, but for the attention it attracts. And it’s a car you can enjoy top up or top down, peacefully cruising neighborhood streets or carving up some of the most winding roads in America.

Lexus IS 350 C — Fulfilling a wish

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

You have always wanted just one convertible experience in your life, but for a variety of reasons you were never able to make the purchase, but you still have a passion for an open-air machine even as you figure the time for such extravagance has slipped away.

BMW 550i GT — Something different

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Over the last year we’ve driven several of the new-breed hatchback crossover sedans, most of which we wondered, “…why did they build this?” There doesn’t seem to be a clear answer.
 
We recently did a stint in the 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo, a very large luxury sloping-roof hatchback that delivers the ultimate in comfort, handling and performance; but we still asked what exactly is the point of a high-riding vehicle that costs more than a sedan, but has less utility than a car-based crossover SUV?

Cadillac SRX – Style takes it to the forefront

 

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The original Cadillac SRX mid-sized sport utility vehicle introduced in 2004, based on the rear-drive CTS platform, could be outfitted with a V-8 engine and a third-row seat. It remains a very useable, drivable crossover.

We took it over ice-covered roads — more like a skating rink — several years ago after one of eastern North Carolina’s infamous ice storms. The SRX, equipped with all-wheel drive, walked the walk and talked the talk. Using a load of caution in the driver’s seat, the Caddy handled the icy conditions without mishap.

But to us its styling was ungainly, not doing a good job of carrying Cadillac’s edgy design theme.

Mazda CX-7 i Sport – Where less is more



By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Sometimes less is more. Take Mazda’s 2010 CX-7 for example.

The compact CX-7 crossover has been on the market since 2007, a stylish entry that fits nicely into the company’s decade-old Zoom-Zoom theme. Since its inception four years ago, the CX-7 has had only one engine option, a turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 244 horsepower and an impressive 258 pound-feet of torque.

Hyundai Tucson — A 21st Century station wagon

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

South Korean automaker Hyundai has accomplished much over the past couple of years including the creation of the new mid-sized Sonata sedan that has become a benchmark for its segment.

Another rabbit-out-of-the-hat trick is the creation of a small crossover that has taken center stage in the extremely competitive segment. The all-new 2010 Tucson can unapologetically stand toe-to-toe with such industry stalwarts as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue.

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet — Money can buy happiness

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

In the human experience there’s nothing quite like the first time, for anything. And so it is with launching for the first time the 500-horsepower 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo outfitted with the lightning-fast dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission. It’s an experience that it is not soon forgotten. Call it g-force giddiness, akin to hitting the first big drop on a roller coaster.