Over the past few generations of Nissan’s sedans, the Altima and Maxima, a lot of people have started to wonder why both continue to be built. Whereas the Maxima used to be a bigger sedan than the Altima, it had actually become smaller. Then a redesign of the Maxima in 2004 made it bigger again, but it lost some of the sporty demeanor it has been known for. In 2009, Nissan redesigned the Maxima again, this time trying to get back to its 4-Door Sports Car (4DSC) roots. Smaller than its predecessor, but wearing much more sculpted sheetmetal, how does the new Maxima drive? Read on for my impression.
Continue reading ‘Review: 2010 Nissan Maxima SV w/Premium and Tech Packages’
Now in its second year of production, the aptly named Ford Flex fits two voids in Ford’s lineup – it’s both a minivan and crossover. The former term is a dirty word in the automotive marketplace these days, unlike the latter, which usually includes all-wheel drive vehicles, sized like SUVs but closer to the ground. While it may not be as tall as full-size SUVs, it surely provides the same amount of room, if not more. So how does the Flex drive and execute its duties? Read on to find out.
Continue reading ‘Review: 2010 Ford Flex SE’
What comes to mind when someone says the word nitro? TNT, explosions, gold rushes, strip mining? Well, Dodge played off this when they introduced the Nitro in 2007, and the first time you give the compact SUV a healthy dose of the gas pedal, all of those mental images will come rushing back. This is the first compact SUV I’ve driven that actually pushes you back in your seat, but feels refined at the same time. What else has Dodge done in the Nitro’s creation?
Continue reading ‘Review: 2010 Dodge Nitro’
Ford’s new 2010 F-150 is a direct shot at the recently redesigned Chevrolet and GMC trucks, as well as the new Dodge Ram. I have yet to review the Chevy or Dodge, but the F-150 impresses. For the last 15 years or so, American drivers have been switching from cars to trucks in droves, using them for more than just work. Automotive manufacturers have responded by adding more and more and more creature comforts and giving them more car-like rides. The fuel price spike in 2008 sent a lot of these buyers scrambling for hybrids and compacts, but many American drivers still need their trucks, and Ford has stepped up to the plate with a more refined ride and a redesigned interior. Ford hopes to keep truck buyers in the Ford family, as well as draw shoppers from competing brands (GM, Dodge and Toyota) with the new F-150, but have they created a compelling vehicle to keep the F-150 on top of the truck heap?
Continue reading ‘Review: 2010 Ford F-150′
The Chrysler 300 started its life in 2005, the successor to the 300M and Concorde. At the time, Daimler-Benz had controlling interest in Chrysler, so they donated the Mercedes-Benz E Class’ underpinnings. The Chrysler 300 was most noted for its exterior styling, reminiscent of the “gangster” cars from the 1930′s and 1940′s, with it’s “gun slit” windows, long hood and trunk. Since its introduction, the Chrysler 300 has yet to see a major refresh, only receiving minor styling, interior and engine modifications. How has the design of the 300 dated since it was first put on sale? Read on to find out.
Continue reading ‘Review: 2010 Chrysler 300 Touring’
Originally introduced as a 2006 model, the Ford Fusion is a mid-sized car slotted between the compact Focus and the full-sized Taurus. Redesigned for 2010, the Fusion has been an instrumental part in Ford’s reinvention of itself as a quality American car maker. I put emphasis on “car” because Ford’s F-150 truck has been the top-selling truck for a long time, but their cars, as of late, have not garnered much positive praise. To better compete with their rivals, Ford has begun offering a hybrid version of the Fusion, the subject of this review.
Continue reading ‘Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid’
Over the past few generations of Nissan’s sedans, the Altima and Maxima, a lot of people have started to wonder why both continue to be built. Whereas the Maxima used to be a bigger sedan than the Altima, it had actually become smaller. Then a redesign of the Maxima in 2004 made it bigger again, but it lost some of the sporty demeanor it has been known for. In 2009, Nissan redesigned the Maxima again, this time trying to get back to its 4-Door Sports Car (4DSC) roots. Smaller than its predecessor, but wearing much more sculpted sheetmetal, how does the new Maxima drive? Read on for my impression.
