Category: fuel economy

  • 2017 Kia Forte sedan – Drive Report

    With a freshened exterior, a new 147 HP 2.0-L engine and the addition of the S trim, the 2017 Kia Forte 4-door is a good choice in the compact sedan market. Value-priced in the $15-20,ooo range and with plenty of available driver-assistance safety features the Forte should not be overlooked for any member of a…

  • 2017 Mazda CX-3 Drive Report

    There’s lots of choice in the subcompact SUV field. They’re all good; some are better than others. The 2017 Mazda CX-3 is one of those that not only has seating for five and decent rear cargo room but also provides an active and fun  driving experience. It’s pretty zippy, will carve up back roads when…

  • 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco – Drive Report

    The Hyundai Elantra is a roomy, 5-passenger, front-wheel drive compact sedan that has been extensively redesigned for 2017. Added is a new Eco model that sips fuel. The turbo 4-cylinder engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that makes for fun yet economic driving. And, prices are in the low $20s. Please give a…

  • 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – First Drive

    The world’s first and only hybrid minivan is here from Chrysler. With seamless and automatic power coming from two electric motors and a 3.6-L V6, the 7-passenger 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid may just eliminate stops at the gas station. Or, at least make them very infrequent. Expected to deliver an 84* MPGe rating , the…

  • 2017 Lexus ES 300h – Driving on “E”

    “E” for electric.  That’s where the Lexus ES 300h gets a good part of its motive force. With a system total of 200 HP, the combination of a 2.5-L gasoline engine and a high output electric motor moves this hybrid-powered entry-luxury 5-passenger sedan nicely down the road. 40 mpg is easy to come by and…

  • 2017 Ford Escape – First Drive

    Ford has made some changes on its Escape for 2017. Fresh styling up front and at the rear, two new EcoBoost engines, new driver-assistance safety features, more conveniences for the folks in the front seats and a new FordPass app that let’s you talk to your car remotely are among them. I r0ad-tripped in the…

  • 2017 Honda Accord Touring V6 – Drive Report

    Significantly updated in 2016 and now with a few new tweaks for 2017, the Honda Accord Touring V6 proved to be a very enjoyable midsize 5-passenger 4-door conveyance. It’s roomy with a high-quality interior that provides lots of comfort. The V6 is pretty quick while also providing decent fuel economy. The overall driving experience is…

  • 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack – First Drive

    If you’re heading for an outdoorsy weekend and need a vehicle to haul all your gear, carry your bikes or a kayak, and get you down a dusty trail to your campsite, the 2017 VW Golf Alltrack may be the car for you. This new 170HP variant of the Golf SportWagen now with 4-Motion all-wheel-drive…

  • 2017 Fiat 124 Spider – Drive & Review

    With the great summer weather we’ve just experienced many folks probably were wishing for a convertible to drive. The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider, reminiscent of the 1966 edition, is another new choice among the 2- and 4-seat drop tops on the market today. A kissing cousin to the Miata…figure that, Italian and Japanese, but…

  • 2017 Chrysler Pacifica – Drive and Review

    The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan has made a big splash. Chrysler has upped the game in the minivan segment with this new entry that replaces the Town & Country. It’s loaded with many comfort and convenience features as well as a nice assortment of driver-assistance safety technology. Along with the 3.6-L V6 powered line…