2016

2016 BMW 328i Sports Wagon



PHOENIX — Cars are an emotional choice, an expression of our personal style, likes and aspirations. As a working automotive journalist I’m first and foremost, an automotive geek. An automotive enthusiast. I honestly don’t know anyone who loves cars more than I do and for whatever reason I have always been completely addicted to station wagons.

Nissan Titan XD — Great capability

By David Finkelstein

The award-winning 2016 Nissan Titan XD heavy-duty pickup truck is a very interesting vehicle. How so? Well for starters, it's powered by either an all-new 5.0-liter Cummins diesel V-8 engine or an 8-cylinder gasoline engine.

Mazda CX-9 — A new take on the large crossover

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It's been nearly a decade since Mazda brought its three-row CX-9 crossover to market, and although it has worn quite well over the years against increasingly more sophisticated and modern competition, it was past time for a change. Mazda has answered the call with a startlingly good remake that pushes the CX-9 back to the top of its class in terms of most things a buyer wants — three useable rows of seats, a healthy and fuel-efficient engine, a high-quality interior loaded with technology, the latest in safety equipment, an engaging driving experience, and styling that will turn heads.

Mazda CX-9 — A large sophisticated SUV

By David Finkelstein

The moment you step into the passenger cabin of the 2016 Mazda, 7-passenger CX-9, you'll likely think that Mazda Motors has finally launched a new upscale premium vehicle division. There is a welcomed atmosphere of beauty and detail throughout that just about takes your breath away.

2016 VW Golf R



INDIANAPOLIS — My buddy and I were walking to my car for lunch while I was telling him about this really cool Volkswagen I was driving.  He saw it from the door and said, “Big deal, it’s just a Golf!”  Well, he’s half right.  It is a four-door Golf in all the familiar styling and practicality that implies.  But, it’s not just a Golf.  It’s a Golf R that kicks pants and stops hearts.

Jeep Wrangler — King of go-anywhere vehicles

By David Finkelstein

Positioned as a two door sport utility and classified as a multipurpose vehicle by the EPA, the four passenger, 2016 Jeep Wrangler is clearly an authentic ”go anywhere” SUV. Its built on 75 years of legendary and notable heritage. With class-leading capability, craftsmanship and underlining versatility, Wrangler is aimed at people who seek extraordinary journeys and active lifestyles.

Cadillac Escalade ESV — Big luxury

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The Cadillac Escalade is a bit of an anomaly in the new global Cadillac scheme of things. The big body-on-frame SUV is like the unloved aunt who is tolerated in the family circle only because she is so popular and influential in the community beyond her small world of relatives.

2016 Mazda CX-9



PHOENIX — All new from the ground up, the three-row family-targeted mid-sized Mazda CX-9 crossover utility vehicle presents a striking pose. It gets new, sharp, rakish exterior styling. The long, sharply angled hood, bold, trapezoidal grille and sleek styling lines continue the Japanese automaker’s execution of the “Kodo” styling theme that we’ve seen on other Mazda products.

Dodge Durango — Perfect Route 66 companion

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We first met the 2016 Dodge Durango Limited "Brass Monkey" edition on a warm June morning in downtown Chicago. It was to be our transportation from the inner city for nearly 2,500 miles to Santa Monica, Calif. — the modern-day station wagon — traveling the famous "Main Street of America" Route 66 like so many millions before us; many of whom made the trek westward to the Pacific in their mid-century station wagons.

Toyota RAV4 — Benefiting from a mid-cycle refresh

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The Toyota RAV4 compact crossover has been endowed with a mid-cycle refresh including styling updates that feature a sleeker looking front end; a new SE trim level that boasts sporty styling touches and a tuned suspension; and the addition of the Toyota Safety Sense system that includes forward collision warning, forward collision mitigation, and lane-departure warning and intervention. The frosting on the 2016 cake is a new hybrid model that offers stellar gas mileage measured at 34 mpg city, 31 highway and 33 combined.