Author Archive: Admin

Nissan’s 2016 Versa compact sedan isn’t going to win much praise from those who think compact cars should be quick and fun to drive. But, for commuters, college kids and first-time buyers, the Versa’s comfortable ride, peppy engine and slick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission will probably win two big thumbs up. We found the Versa’s steering properly assisted and its turning radius nice and tight. Visibility is excellent and the seats are firm with good head- and legroom both front and rear. The Versa’s available CVT automatic transmission, on the other hand, takes some getting used to. It doesn’t use conventional shift points and causes the engine to rev high more often than one might expect. Of course, with only 109 horsepower on tap, getting the Versa to move quickly often requires nailing the gas pedal to the floor, but once underway the little Nissan scoots along just fine.

The Hyundai Elantra was completely redesigned for the 2011 model year, and reviewers loved nearly everything about the updated model. In addition to a new exterior, powertrain and cabin, the Elantra has a strong safety rating. Test drivers thought two of the Elantra’s most impressive updates were its spacious interior and good fuel economy. The 2011 Elantra has one of the biggest cabins in the class, and many reviewers said it has enough passenger room and trunk space to compete with some 2011 midsize sedans.

While car reviewers loved the Elantra’s fuel economy, they thought that its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine was pleasant, but not powerful. The Elantra gets 28/38 mpg city/highway with either the standard manual transmission or the available automatic.

The all new for 2015 Mazda Miata gains a limited 25th Anniversary Edition model, which comes only in the Soul Red exterior color. It also has black A-pillars, windshield surround, and outside mirrors, 17-inch gunmetal wheels with performance tires, almond leather seats, satin chrome trim, black seat back garnish and steering wheel spokes, leather-wrapped steering wheel and parking brake lever, headrests embossed with the 25th Anniversary logo, stainless steel door scuff plates, and an instrument panel hand-painted in red with a black gradient. Mechanical changes that are exclusive to the 25th Anniversary Edition include hand-selected engine components, Bilstein dampers, and a limited-slip differential. All 25th Anniversary models are exclusively equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

The 2015 Mazda Miata is a two-seat, rear-drive convertible available with a soft top or hardtop roof. It is powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter I-4 making 167 hp (158 hp in the automatic) and 140 lb-ft of torque. The base Sport model [...]

Just as the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata carries on the look and feel of a classic British roadster, it delivers those wind-in-hair thrills with even better-than-expected performance. The 2010 Miata’s four-cylinder engine—a 167-hp, 2.0-liter four—is very responsive and rev-happy, with sports car-perfect handling, quick short-ratio steering, and short-throw manual transmissions that are a joy to run through the gears. It’s not a lot of power, but since the Miata weighs less than 2,600 pounds it can nevertheless get to 60 mph in about seven seconds. A near perfect 50/50 weight distribution makes its handling predictable, and the quick-ratio steering is both secure at speed and extremely fast for parking or emergency maneuvers. The Miata handles like a go-kart at low speeds and shows a surprising degree of poise for higher track speeds.

The standard soft top is easy to use and surprisingly weather-tight. Just flick the header latches and flip it over the shoulder (most [...]

After nearly 10 years in production, the Mazda MX-5 Miata received a redesign in 1999. The two-seat convertible’s styling was freshened up, with new flush headlights replacing the previous year’s flip-up lights. However, the basic shape, size, handling, and sportiness of the MX-5 Miata changed little, which was good news for fans of the roadster.
In addition to fresh styling, the MX-5 Miata received a small bump in power. Its 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine produced 140 horsepower, up 7 horsepower from the previous year. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, while a four-speed automatic was optional.  A CD player was added to the list of standard features for the Base model of the MX-5 Miata. Other standard features included a manually operated soft top, power brakes, dual front airbags, remote fuel and trunk releases, and 14-inch wheels. Options included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and leather seats.  On the downside, some noted a [...]

The 2008 Porsche 911 needs no explanation.  It is the flagship of performance and heritage from Porsche.  This base example comes with a rear mounted 3.6L 6 cylinder engine with 325 hp and 274 pound feet of torque.  The 2008 Porsche 911 handles with brilliance. There simply isn’t a better handling car on Earth. The ride is always comfortable, and the wheels never seem to be anything except squarely and firmly planted on the pavement. There’s no practical way to come close to its grip limits on the street this car just begs to be driven on the track.  This example came standard with a 6 speed manual transmission, others may have the 5 speed automatic tiptronic transmission.  Of all the models the base offers the best MPG of the bunch at 18 city 26 highway.  The storage compartment is in the front and holds a few gym bags, or a small carry on.  The [...]

The 2015 Escape is a compact crossover, just under the midsize Ford Edge.  This one comes with a 1.6L turbocharged I4 Ecoboost making 178hp and 184 pount feet of torque.  The Escape is Flex Fuel and will take regular, but premium fuel is recommended for the best performance.  The roomy interior contains many convenience features and an abundance of available cabin tech.  As a compact crossover the Escape feels more like a car version of an SUV, perhaps a utility based Ford Focus.  With a 22/29 city/highway MPG, it is well suited for around the town errands.The ride is firm but not harsh over bumps.  The 2015 Escape includes a standard rearview camera system which helps in visibility when reverse parking.