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Nissan’s compact Sentra has been on the market for 35 years. For 2017, Nissan is improving the SR trim which adds a 188 horsepower, turbo-charged direct injection engine. The Sentra’s place in the market is that of a value leader. While it is roughly the size of competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Sentra is priced against their smaller siblings the Fit and Yaris iA (nee Scion iA). Starting at $21,990, the value equation translates into the SR trim as well. The primary change for the Sentra SR is under the hood. In place of the standard 1.8 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, Nissan has fitted the 1.6 liter direct injected turbo. This e…
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Nissan debuted their 2016 Nissan Maxima at the New York Auto Show on April 2nd, and I was among the first to get to tag along for a drive in a pre-production model later that evening. I will get to the ride along later, but first some background. Going on sale in the summer, the new Maxima ups the ante over the outgoing model with very bold styling. No longer the conservative, big brother to the Nissan Altima, the new Maxima sports the new "V-Motion" style grille that first debuted on the 2015 Nissan Murano. The Maxima, once nearly a legend in its segment, has been in the doldrums lately. One of the problems with the current Maxima is that it is really no larger than th…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 10, 2012 1989 was a pivotal year in the automotive world. That would be the year when Toyota would introduce the Lexus brand and its first vehicle, the LS400. The LS shattered expectations of what a luxury car and quality should be. This startled the old luxury guard and caused many buyers to take a look at this newcomer. Twenty-three years later, the LS still carries the flag of what a luxury sedan should be to many. But Lexus hasn’t been one to rest on its laurels. The competition has learned and implemented many ideas from the LS, and Lexus tries its best to stay one step ahead. The LS has grown from single mo…
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Reviewed: 2011 Buick Regal CXL <br> <img style="width: 518px; height: 388px;" alt="2011 Buick Regal Front" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1289944373/gallery_54_184005.png"></div> <br> <h4>December 13th, 2010 - Drew Dowdell - Editor in Chief - CheersandGears.com</h4> Media Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal CXL <br><br> For 2011, Buick brings back a name that has been absent from the lineup since 2005. The Regal was originally introduced as a top trim model of Buick's venerable Century line in 1973. Since that time the Regal name has wandered all over the map from …
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Full Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe <big><big><span style="font-weight: bold;="" font-family:="" monospace;=""> Baby Got Back! </span style="font-weight:></big></big> Gallery 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Let's get something out of the way. Yes you can see out the back of the Cadillac CTS Coupe. It is great visibility? No, but that's why they put a backup camera and rear parking sensors back there. That takes care of reverse. If the gear selector is in "D", then the only piece of technology you need to worry about with regard to rearward visibility is a black 2" x 6" piece of plastic on the right of the dr…
Last reply by regfootball, -
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Oh Lord, Won't You Buy Me A CTS-V? style="width: 457px; height: 343px;" alt="CTS-V Coupe front" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/gallery/album_144/med_gallery_51_144_3267146.png"> July 26, 2011 - DrewDowdell - CheersandGears.com With apologies to Janis Joplin: Oh Lord, won't you buy mea CTS-V? My friends all drive bimmers, they go faster than me. Worked hard all my lifetime, now I need something for me So Lord, won't you buy me a CTS-V? 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe -Full Review It is hard to write about a car that is so amazing. Where do you start? The awesome suede trim interior? The unending thrust? The handling when pushed hard? Or …
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><big><big>Premium Blend</big></big></h3> <h3 style="text-align: center;">2011 Cadillac SRX 3.0 and SRX 2.8 Turbo Premium Edition</h3> <div style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 490px; height: 367px;" alt="2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo Grill" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1293978560/gallery_62_338026.png"><br> </div> <br> February 14th, 2011 - Drew Dowdell - CheersandGears.com<br> <br> Gallery: 2011 Cadillac SRX 2.8 Turbo Premium Edition <br><br> The original Cadillac SRX was released for the 2004 model year b…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Full Review: 2011 GMC Acadia Denali AWD style="width: 472px; height: 354px;" alt="2011 GMC Acadia Denali grill" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1293762611/gallery_63_386373.png"> January 25, 2010 Drew Dowdell - Chief Editor - CheersandGears.com GMC for 2011 has released a new "top shelf" version of their full sized Acadia crossover vehicle. Like the GMC Sierra wearing the Denali badge, it is entirely an appearance and comfort package with no performance enhancements. Exterior changes over a standard 2011 Acadia include: Chrome honeycomb grill, revised fascias, high intensity discharge headlamps, additional side mouldings, and a set of v…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 2, 2012 If you have been wondering why there has been a lack of news here on Cheers & Gears for the past couple of days, I can explain why. Right now I'm in Austin and just finished up driving the new Dodge Dart. I will have a first drive report sometime next week, but I wanted to give some quick impressions about it. Compared to the Caliber, the Dart is a drastic 180 turn. The Dart's overall look has a lot of Italian influence with smooth surfaces and sexy curves. But the Dart is still a Dodge and lets you know about it. The front carries Dodge's crosshair grill. Step around the back and the back light bar f…
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This Just In: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ V6 Just arrived today for an Interactive Review, a Malibu LTZ loaded to the gills. This Diamond White Tri-coat with two tone cocoa/cashmere leather interior, the king of the Malibu car line, even came with DVD players in the headrests. First Impressions: The steering wheel, though typical of many GM cars, looks huge in this application Very composed ride A couple of switchgear missteps that could be easily corrected Stunning looking interior at first glance, some extra cut lines, but not offensive A couple of interior trim mismatches So, what say ye? What do you want to know about this top run Malibu?
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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This just in: 2010 Buick Enclave CXL While I'm finishing up the full writeup on the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ, we'll also be starting an Interactive Review on a 2010 Buick Enclave CXL-2. I've only had about 5 minutes of seat time so far, but for this review I'll be taking the Enclave on an 800 mile round trip jaunt to Washington D.C. for the Independence Day celebrations. Does Great American Road belong to Buick? 2010 Buick Enclave CXL Gallery
Last reply by regfootball, -
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This Just In: 2010 Cadillac SRX Turbo AWD Premium I just turned in the GMC Acadia SLT-2 and in turn received a 2010 Cadillac SRX Turbo AWD Premium. One of the first things I noticed as I was getting into the car were the door sill plates with the Cadillac script lite in white with brushed stainless surround. Very classy looking. The interior looks mostly lifted out the the CTS on first glance. I took it for a quick run around the highway. I was disappointed when I put the hammer down as it didn't feel like much of anything.... then you look down and you're at 80mph. I'll have more for you later, but in the meantime, line up your questions for this Interactive Review …
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Interactive Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro RS For my trip back from the 2010 NAIAS, I was turned in the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon you see in the background and was given this 2010 Chevrolet Camaro RS. Sixty miles into the trip I am very impressed... this is far too much fun to be healthy. The seats are supportive and comfortable, the stereo provides your own personal dance club, and the car is a very willing and able dance partner. This kicks off the Interactive Review for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro RS. So, while I get back on the road back to Pittsburgh and eventually finish the reviews of the 2010 Buick Lacrosse CXSand 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon, and upload lo…
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Interactive Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS RS Manual Just received the Camaro SS RS today. Feel free to post any questions you may have about the car. I plan on taking lots of photos for everybody's enjoyment.
Last reply by Justin Bimmer, -
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Interactive Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid For our first entry from the Ford media fleet, Ford decided to put one of it's best feet forward. They sent Motor Trend's car of the year in Light Ice Blue Metallic. So gear up your questions for our Interactive Review. 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Photo Gallery
Last reply by Maxy, -
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This Just In: 2010 GMC Acadia SLT-2 Kicking off our next interactive review, today I received a 2010 GMC Acadia SLT-2. My first impression was at how big this vehicle is. As a former Avalanche owner, I doubt anyone stepping down from a Tahoe or Yukon would miss anything size wise. It feels like a big vehicle, but it drives much smaller than it is. It's an elephant doing it's best Fred Astaire impression. The wheels are freaking huge and probably give me a heart attack when it came time to replace them. This particular Acadia came loaded with nearly every option and stickers at an eye popping $49,700. I leave tomorrow for a run to Columbus Ohio... so compil…
Last reply by regfootball, -
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Interactive Review: 2011 Buick Regal CXL After a few month hiatus, we are returning to our regularly scheduled Interactive Review series where you get to ask questions and make requests during the review period. We're booked clean through till December 23rd now with the Cadillac CTS Coupe, GMC Sierra 2500 HD, GMC Acadia Denali, Ford F-350, and Ford Fiesta on the calendar. Our last Interactive Review was a 2010 Buick Enclave back in July. Today, Buick dropped of a 2011 Buick Regal CXL. I'll be back tomorrow with some first impressions, but in the meantime, fire away with questions you have. Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal CXL Past Interactive Reviews: 2010 Chevrolet Ma…
Last reply by Paolino, -
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Interactive Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Stock photo shown While I work on the final review from your questions during the 2011 Buick Regal interactive review, Cadillac kindly dropped off this 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Premium Collection. This particular example was dropped off with over 5,000 miles on the clock and the tires have already had a severe beating at the hands of other automotive journalists. Still, this car is already too much fun. Rear visibility isn't great, but also isn't as bad as I thought it would be. One note right off the bat to GM: In a car with already limited visibility, why would you equip it with a center mirror that isn't la…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Interactive Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe It's been a stressful couple of weeks for me at work. Thoughtful Cadillac was kind enough to send me 556 horsepower of stress relief. Thus begins our interactive review of the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V coupe. We recently had the 300hp Cadillac CTS Coupe in for a review, You can check out the Interactive Review: CTS Coupe and the Full Review: CTS Coupe to get you started. Media Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Last reply by Satty, -
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Interactive Review: 2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo Premium While I get caught up writing the reviews for the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe, a 2011 GMC Acadia Denali, and the 2011 Ford Fiesta. They finally sent me a Cadillac in the only proper color for the car and I have to say the look has really grown on me. Think up some questions about this 2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo Premium AWD. Media Gallery:2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Interactive Review: 2011 Chevrolet Camaro LT Convertible RS It's still a bit cold to take our top off, but joining us this week is a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible LT RS. Being a V6, it's a step down in power from last week's Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, but not many 4-seat cars below the CTS's price range can match it's power output anyway. Two of my first impressions are these: 1. You can feel the weight gain over the standard coupe. 2. This car needs a reverse parking camera more than the CTS Coupe does mostly due to the undersized mirrors that are a styling necessity on this car. Media Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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Interactive Review: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS For the trip to Detroit, Chevrolet sent us a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS. One of the first things I started looking for was the oft discussed transmission weirdness. I confirmed with the fleet manager that this Cruze has already been reflashed with the new transmission software. So far, the transmission just seems.... normal. Shifts are smooth and nearly imperceptible. It downshifts when I ask it to and generally goes about it's business as an automatic transmission should. The engine jumps out as being very refined and quiet. Some of the objections about the need to run the engine up over 3,000 rpm frequently during …
Last reply by Croc, -
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This Just In: 2011 Chevrolet Volt The 2011 Chevrolet Volt joins us for a week long interactive review. The Volt was delivered to me with a completely depleted battery because the hotel where it was plugged in over night cut power to the outlet it was using. Still, on a 30 mile round trip run to the airport, the Volt was able to recharge via regenerative braking and the onboard regenerator so that much of the return trip was using electric only. According to the onboard energy meter, I got 77.3mpg out of the Volt despite the depleted battery. So gear up your questions for this week's interactive review of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Related: Chevrolet Volt named 201…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Interactive Review: 2011 Ford F-350 SD Crew Cab Happy Holidays from CheersandGears.com and the Ford F-350 SuperDuty to all of our members .... but especially to member Chris_Doane. For this Interactive Review, we have Chris's favorite pursuit vehicle, a Ford F-Series SuperDuty Crewcab 4x4. After just having a 2011 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 Crew cab, one of the first things that jumped out at me was how much more maneuverable the Ford it. Even though you're sitting up tall, and it's a longer vehicle than the GMC (246 inches v. 240 inches), it can dart in and out of traffic and through parking lots much easier than the GMC. In fact, had Chris been chased by the…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Interactive Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta Hatch SES This week's Interactive Review subject can fit in the bed of last week's Ford F-350. A quick spin around the block gives a good first impression of this little car. It's got a decent amount of pep. Back seat room is Camaro tight when the driver's seat is adjusted for my 5'10" frame. The only way I could sit back there is if my knees were sideways. Still, I've only had the car for about 20 minutes, so as I start my commute home, think up some questions for the 2011 Ford Fiesta Hatch. Media Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta Hatch
Last reply by jlgolden, -
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Interactive Review: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 Crew Cab 4WD Well the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe went back to GM just before the Thanksgiving holiday. When I got home from work, I found a black, 4-door, GMC Sierra Denali stuffed into my driveway... it just about scared the poor CR-V off the cliff in my back yard. Equipped with the 6.6 liter V8 Duramax, one of the first impressions I got with this truck is how fiercely fast it is for being so huge. GM just refreshed the chassis, engine, and transmission for 2011, but didn't touch the sheet metal or interior. I already know I'm going to ding the interior in places, as some of it isn't even up to GM's new standards for in…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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Interactive Review: 2011 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost Stock photo shown Lincoln just dropped off a 2011 MKS Ecoboost AWD. My first impression with the car is; DAMN! It's FAST!, however I already have a couple minor issues with the interior. I've only gotten to drive it for a quick spin around town, but with 3-6 inches of snow predicted for my schedule trip to Lordstown tomorrow, having the AWD will certainly be a help. So gear up your questions for the Interactive Review: 2011 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost Media Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost AWD
Last reply by caddycruiser, -
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Interactive Review: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SE Due to incredibly crappy weather here in Toronto - Stock Jetta Photo Shown I'm in Toronto this week for training. Work policy dictates that if I need to drive more than 200 miles, I am to rent a car instead of using my own. The nice lady at the rental counter gave me my choice of 2011 Chevrolet Impala, 2011 Ford Fusion, or 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. I thought "Hey, the Jetta would make a good car for an interactive review since it's been debated so much already". I got all of 5 miles before I regretted not going with the comfort of the Impala..... so just remember the sacrifices I go through for you lot. You better…
Last reply by Cory Wolfe, -
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 16, 2012 As the Chevrolet Malibu Eco leaves the Cheers and Gears Detroit garage, another vehicle arrives to take its place. The vehicle is the smallest Buick of them all, the new Verano. The Verano is equipped with a 2.4L four-cylinder producing 180 HP and 171 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed automatic. First impressions so far: The Verano is very, very quiet. Something I appreciate very much. Also, I'm finding the 2.4L to be an ok powertrain in the short time I had it. I will be updating with my thoughts about the Verano throughout this week. In the meantime, send your questions in. View full article
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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Interactive Review: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS - 45th Anniversary Edition Joining us this for a review is the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS 45th Anniversary Edition. 2012 marks 45 years of Chevy Camaro, and to celebrate, Chevy is offering the 2LT and 2SS with unique hood and decklid stripes in red and gray that contrast with the Carbon Flash Metallic paint, as well as badges located beneath the front fender emblems. Deep silver foglamp and taillamp bezels and 20-inch wheels. The interior has the 45th Anniversary logo on the Jet Black, leather-appointed seats, steering wheel and sill plates, and red, white and blue stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift knob. F…
Last reply by Camino LS6, -
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Interactive Review: 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco 6-Speed Manual Well, I've been a bit remiss getting the next interactive review up after swapping out of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS 45th Anniversary Edition last week, but I have a good excuse. I've been on the road since Wednesday for my day job, spending the last 4 days in New Haven CT. This week's Interactive Review will be, by necessity, a bit shorter. This week we swap into the opposite end of Chevy's performance spectrum, trading high performance for the high fuel efficiency of a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco with 6-speed manual. Fortunately, unlike some people, I have more than enough credit line on my man card to d…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 5, 2012 This week in the Cheers & Gears' Detroit garage is the 2012 Chevrolet Sliverado 1500 LTZ Crew Cab. It's equipped with the 5.3L Vortec V8, six-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive. This happens to be the first pickup truck that I have driven for an extended period of time and it brings up an interesting problem. The first time I drove the Silverado, I described it as driving a tank. The tall ride height and long hood make you feel like that you're driving the widest vehicles on earth. The slow and heavy steering doesn't help with that feeling at all. Since then, I've gotten over the wide feeling I g…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 14, 2012 April is turning out to be truck month here at Cheers & Gears. So far black-knight did a review on the 2012 Ram 1500 Express, I did an interactive review on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Crew Cab (Review is incoming), and now I have a 2012 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD Crew Cab for this week. Originally, this was actually going to be another Denali model, the Acadia. However, a certain part for the vehicle wasn't able to make it time and the Sierra Denali took its place. We did an interactive review and comparison test with Ford F-350 back in 2010 and some minor changes have happened since then.…
Last reply by William Maley, -
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 5, 2012 This week in the Cheers and Gears Detroit garage is the 2012 Kia Optima EX. This Optima is equipped with the base 2.4L DI inline-four delivering 200 HP and 186 lb-ft torque, and is equipped with a six-speed automatic. First Impressions so far: Love the exterior and interior design Headroom in the backseat is a bit tight The amount of equipment for the price is very impressive Average fuel economy so far: 27.2 MPG I will be updating with more thoughts about the Optima throughout its stay. Send in your questions in the meantime. Update #1: So far the Optima has been really impressing me. The 2.4L…
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 12, 2012 Coming in this week at the Cheers & Gears Detroit garage is the 2012 Mazda3 i Grand Touring hatchback. This 3 is equipped with a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder producing 150 HP and 155 lb-ft of torque and goes through a six-speed automatic. If you're wondering, this is the same powertrain package in the Mazda CX-5 crossover I had back in August. The 3 i Grand Touring starts at $23,150 and my test vehicle stickers at $25,345* (includes $795 destination charge) thanks to the optional Technology Package. I had this car for about day and there are some items that impress me and others that drive me somew…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 11, 2012 As the Kia Optima drives off into the horizon, the Cheers & Gears Detroit garage welcomes not one, but two vehicles this week. The first vehicle is the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC. A bit of mouthful, but let me break it down. Outlander: Mitsubishi's largest crossover on sale, can seat up to seven people GT: Top of the line model: comes with a 3.0L MIVEC V6 producing 230 HP and 215 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission S-AWC: Mitsubishi's advance AWD system which uses an dynamic front differential and Mitsubishi's AWC to provide added safety and performance. First impressions s…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 18, 2012 This week in the Cheers & Gears Detroit garage is the 2012 Nissan cube 1.8S Indigo Limited Edition. The 1.8S is the mid-level model in the cube lineup and comes with a 1.8L inline-four producing 122 HP and 127 lb-ft of torque and can go through either a six-speed manual or Nissan's Xtronic CVT. Our model is equipped with the CVT. Our cube is also equipped with Indigo Limited Edition package which adds keyless entry, push-button start, an upgraded six-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, a five-inch touchscreen, navigation, rear-view camera, unique black and indigo upholstery, and fifteen-inch al…
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 19, 2012 Updated: July 25, 2012 Well, the Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC and Volkswagen Passat 2.5 SE have left the Garage and in their place is this; the 2012 Nissan Quest LE. The Quest LE comes with a 3.5L V6 producing 260 HP and 240 lb-ft of torque, and is equipped with a CVT. First Impressions: Woah, this is very distinctive. I feel that the Quest's design is a love it or hate it. I like it myself. I've been in houses that aren't as nice as the Quest's interior. V6 and CVT combination is a surprise. Really can get the Quest moving at a surprising rate. Don't like the Quest's transmission gate. Think I'm…
Last reply by NeonLX, -
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 17, 2012 This time at the Cheers & Gears Detroit Garage is a newcomer, the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS AWD (takes breath). For $26,404 (the pricetag on the car) 2.4L inline-four, CVT Transmission, AWD, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, an appearance package, and a banging 425 watt Rockford Fosgate sound system. The Kizashi sits in a interesting position in the new car field. Its size and pricetag puts somewhere between a compact and a mid-size vehicle. Think the last generation Volkswagen Jetta. First impressions are mostly good. The interior is put together well, steering and handling is quite good, and …
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 6, 2012 In for review this week at the Cheers & Gears Detroit garage is the vehicle that started the hybrid revolution. I'm of course referring to the Toyota Prius. Our test Prius is the Prius Four, which is the almost top of the line model in the lineup. As tested price for this $33,118.00 (includes $760.00 destination charge) thanks mostly to a Deluxe Solar Roof Package which adds a solar powered ventilation system and a load of tech goodies including navigation and Toyota's Entune system. Spending a few moments in the Prius, I found the interior is much like the current crop of Toyota's passenger vehicle…
Last reply by ponchoman49, -
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Joining us this week for a review is the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 6-Speed manual with Autobahn Package and Navi. The Jetta in this trim stickers at about $26,445 (the fleet manager is getting me the actual sticker later), and has very few options left to select other than automatic transmission and small accessories. In May 2011, we reviewed a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SE 2.5. During that week, I took the Jetta on a 750 mile trip. I had no love for the 2.5 liter 5-cylinder included in that car. The fuel economy I observed over my 750 mile highway trip didn't even match that of a V6 Chevrolet Camaro and the power wasn't even close. Like most 5-cylinders, that Jetta also h…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 11, 2012 As I teased in the Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC interactive review, there are two vehicles in the Cheers & Gears Detroit garage this week. The second vehicle is this, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5 SE. Its a midrange model and comes equipped with a 2.5L five-cylinder engine producing 170 HP and 177 lb-ft of torque. You have the choice between a six-speed manual or as in this Passat, an automatic. First impressions so far: Exterior is a bit plain. 2.5L is a bit of odd engine with acceleration. Starting off, there seems to be no power. Get a little higher in the RPMs and boom, there's power and rapid…
Last reply by William Maley, -
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August 7, 2012 Drew Dowdell Managing Editor CheersandGears.com A couple of weeks ago William gave us his review of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.5. While William loved the roominess and quality of the interior, he was less impressed with the 2.5 liter gasoline 5-cylinder motivation. I have driven the Volkswagen 5-cylinder in the Passat and a few other vehicles and I'm inclined to agree with him. In response to that, the Passat is taking another turn in the CheersandGears.com garage this week except this time with an oil burner under the hood and me at the helm. Diesel powered cars have been enjoying a rapid increase in sales lately and Volkswagen is one of the lar…
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 27, 2012 If there is one vehicle that has been talked about more than any other since I've been writing here at Cheers and Gears, that vehicle would be the new Cadillac ATS. There are a number of threads speculating, arguing, complaining, and talking about this compact luxury sedan. Well the day has come. We finally have an ATS in for an interactive review. This ATS comes equipped with the 3.6 DI V6 producing 321 HP and 275 lb-ft of torque, a six-speed automatic, and the optional AWD system. Anyone who was hoping this was the Performance Collection model will be somewhat disappointed as this is the base Luxu…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 11, 2012 Spending the next few days here in the Cheers and Gears Detroit garage is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco. This is Chevrolet's second hybrid sedan; the first being the last generation Malibu Hybrid sold from 2008-2009. The Malibu Eco comes equipped with GM's eAssist mild hybrid system. The system provides a 15 HP and 79 ft-lb of torque boost to the 2.4L four-cylinder engine's 182 HP and 171 lb-ft of torque. So how does it drive? It drives pretty nice. The eAssist setup provides enough low-end torque to get off the line. Once going, the 2.4L is more than adequate to get you around town. I have some more up…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 24, 2012 This is a momentous occasion here in the Cheers & Gears Detroit Garage. For one, we welcome another new brand into fold. Also, its our first 2013 model year vehicle. Please welcome the 2013 Mazda CX-5 crossover. (I had a brief drive in a CX-5 back in May at the MAMA Spring Rally. You can check out my thoughts on it by clicking here.) This CX-5 is the mid-level Touring FWD model which starts at $23,895. That nets you a 2.0L SkyActiv-G four-cylinder producing 155 HP and 150 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed automatic. Other standard equipment includes seventeen-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, a 5.8…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 21, 2012 This week in the Cheers & Gears Detroit garage, I have 2013 Scion FR-S coupe. Its the car that a lot of people have been talking about this year. A lightweight, rear-wheel drive coupe that costs under $30,000..? Where do I sign up? Drew has briefly driven the FR-S back at the IMPA Test Days earlier this year and my test FR-S is pretty much the same vehicle aside from the color; a base model equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission for an as-tested price of $26,099.00 (includes $730.00 destination charge). The good: The steering is amazing. Its precise, has a good amount of feel and weight…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 4, 2013 Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the first Cheers & Gears Interactive Review of 2013: The 2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4x4. This particular Tacoma stickers at $30,580 (originally $31,005, but Toyota takes off $425.00 due to value package) thanks to the SR5 Extra Value package, towing package, an optional radio with USB and AUX, running boards, and a few odds and ends. Power comes from a 4.0L V6 producing 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. That is sent through a five-speed automatic down to either the rear or all four wheels thanks to a part-time 4WD system. Positives The 4.0L V6 has a…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 15, 2012 I'm very excited with this week's vehicle at the Cheers & Gears' Detroit Garage since its a Volvo and very special one at that. This happens to be the 2013 Volvo S60 T6 AWD R-Design. Now, the R-Design adds some performance goodies to a normal S60 T6 AWD in the form of some changes to the body giving it a more aggressive look, a R-Design sport chassis, and some performance tweaks to the 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine. The pricetag on this S60 T6 AWD R-Design is $48,195.00 thanks in part to the S60 Platinum package which adds navigation, upgraded audio system, and a rear camera for $2,700, and …
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It has been a moment since any new vehicle has rolled into the garage at Cheers & Gears' Detroit office. A combination of a review backlog and COVID-19 messing up everything in the world made me put requesting vehicles for evaluation on the back burner. But with backlog finished and COVID-19 currently at a lull here in the state, I thought it was time to put a request in. The first vehicle in this run is the 2020 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport. To break it down, this is Genesis' entry-level model in the lineup packing a very potent twin-turbo 3.3L V6 with 365 horsepower - the same one found in the Kia Stinger GT and Genesis G80 Sport I have driven previously. As-tested,…
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First off, sorry for not posting an interactive review last week. My day job kept me busy and I needed some time to recharge. Nevertheless, you'll be hearing more about the Lexus RC F and its yellow paint color in a few weeks time as a quick drive review. In the meantime, let me introduce to latest vehicle to enter C&G's Detroit garage, the 2020 Genesis G90 5.0 Ultimate. This packs a 5.0L V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. My test car is rear-wheel drive, but you can order all-wheel drive. The Ultimate brings everything to the G90, minus the kitchen sink. There is power-adjustable rear seats with memo…
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Taking the place of the Toyota 86 this week at the Cheers & Gears' Detroit bureau is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited. A car which I have been wanting to drive since it made its North American debut last spring at the New York Auto Show. The new model solves one of the biggest criticisms I had with the last-generation model, a very boring and plain design. Taking it out last night, I was noticing people glancing at this midsize sedan. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic. The as-tested price is a surprising $34,465 considering what you get on this incl…
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This week at the Cheers & Gears' Detroit bureau sees the 2020 Lexus RX 350L Lux come in for an interactive review. It has been some time since I last drove any version of the RX and it has gone some significant changes. The key one is the introduction of a three-row version - designated by the L at the end. Another welcome change is an introduction of a touchscreen for the Lexus Enform infotainment system. Power comes from a 3.5L V6 with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Out the door, this RX 350 comes with an as-tested price of $63,540 with a $1,025 destination charge. Here are som…
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Next up on the review vehicle playlist here at C&G's Detroit Bureau is the 2020 Toyota 86, a vehicle I haven't driven since it was called the Scion FR-S. A lot has changed with this model aside from its name since the one I drove back in 2013. The styling has been refreshed, various tweaks made the suspension, and minor updates to the interior. What hasn't changed is the 2.0L boxer-four from Subaru that produces 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. My test vehicle has the standard six-speed manual. The as-tested price for this 86 comes to $34,783, partly due to a couple of TRD options being fitted. Here's some first impressions, The 2.0L boxer-fou…
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Taking the place of the Genesis G70 this week in the C&G Detroit Bureau is the 2020 Volvo V60 T8 Polestar. Aside from the long name, this Volvo gives us our first chance to check out the T8 powertrain. In Volvo terms, this is a 2.0L four-cylinder that comes super and turbocharged, and boasts two electric motors. This gives a total of 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque. It also gives the wagon an electric only range of 22 miles - something I'll be checking out once I get the battery fully charged. Pricing on this wagon comes in at an as-tested price of $68,940. Some first impressions below, This powertrain pulls the V60 along like a train. …
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Next up for an interactive review is the most expensive Volvo I have driven, the 2020 XC90 T8 Inscription - as-tested price of $86,790 with a $995.00 destination charge. Sadly, there is no kitchen sink to find, but this vehicle is loaded. It has four-corner air suspension, 21-inch wheels, a Bowers and Wilkins audio system, massaging front seats, heated steering whee, captain chairs for the second row with heat, panoramic sunroof, and 360-degree camera. Power comes from the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain that I tried in the V60 Polestar a few weeks back. While not as potent as the Polestar, the XC90 still posts some impressive numbers of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-fee…
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Today was a day of change, for almost 2 months I have been on a family home remodel project for my son and today he wanted to go check out the Kia EV9 that is making the rounds of the local Kia dealerships. My first impression was that Kia has nailed the traditional brick on wheels style of SUV that Americans should appreciate. I started at the front of the EV9 wanting to see the Frunk. Surprise, not as big as the F150 Lighting or GM's EV pickups but double, maybe even triple the size of what Tesla offers. While not real deep, you could have two bags of groceries on their side. Observation is under this frunk is where the 12V battery is located.…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 20, 2013 For the past few years, Kia has become the brand that offers a lot of equipment for a very surprising price. Kia is now applying that idea into their infotainment systems. Last year, Kia introduced the next-generation of their UVO which brings forth a new layout, more features, and what Kia calls UVO eServices. I had the chance to play around with UVO in the 2014 Kia Cadenza I reviewed earlier this week. First, a quick history on UVO. Introduced back in 2010, UVO was jointly developed by Kia and Microsoft. The system used a 4.3-inch color display and a advanced voice recognition system that allows driv…
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When I was looking for a new vehicle last year, there was one option I wanted to have: Apple CarPlay. Being able to integrate the screen from my iPhone to my Volkswagen’s infotainment system sounded like a brilliant idea! Now living with both my car and Apple CarPlay on a daily basis, I can give some of my opinions on how it has been. Initiating CarPlay is quite easy. All you have to do is plug in your iPhone into your USB and it will show you the standard screen. Once you see the screen, you’ll have some useful features at your fingertips. Choosing your music and interacting with both text messaging and phone calls all go through Siri. You can manually choose your s…
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Yesterday morning I had to take my 2016 CTS-V in for a recall, oil change, tire balance.. and because it was gonna take more than an hour, and I needed to get to my clients.. I was provided a loaner car from the dealer. Of course I asked for the CT6, but alas.. it was not available for loaning purposes. Interesting enough.. this dealer tells me that they don't even order the 2.0L RWD edition of that car, unless someone specifically asks for it and puts down a non-refundable deposit of 5%. It found it curious because the salesman I usually deal with tells me that out of every CT6 he has sold (his number was 23) everyone of them has been a Premium Lux or Platinum, with abou…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 6, 2012 Much like the competition, Kia offers a variety of powertrains in their midsize sedan competitor, the Optima, to meet the demands of consumers. There’s a base four-cylinder model, a turbocharged-four taking the place of a V6, and hybrid model. I’ve reviewed the base four-cylinder Optima back in July, and found it to be one of best midsize sedans on sale. Now it’s time to see where the Optima Hybrid can match the high bar set by the regular Optima or not. The differences between a normal Optima and an Optima Hybrid are very noticeable on the exterior. The biggest giveaway that you’re driving an Op…
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Chevy’s first entry into the micro car market is the 2013 Spark. During the IMPA test days, I got to take a spin in a cheeky Spark 2LT with the standard 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed automatic is optional. Ingress and egress of the tiny car is easy due to the upright seating position and tall doors. Headroom for such a small car is excellent. Despite being a very low price entry model, every Chevrolet Spark comes with air conditioning, power windows and a full 10 airbags. Rear seat access is just as easy as in the front with a surprising amount of legroom. I doubt I would want to spend 5 hours riding back there, but most spins around town would be fine. The …
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 5, 2013 This is how I think a conversation would go with someone about the 2013 Kia Sorento SX V6 I had in for review. “Hey William.” “Hey.” “So what are you reviewing this week?” “The 2013 Kia Sorento SX V6.” “Didn’t Kia introduce a refreshed Sorento?” “Yes at the LA Auto Show. It will be a 2014 model coming out sometime in the first quarter of 2013.” “Why are you reviewing the 2013 model if the 2014 model is coming soon?” “Well for two reasons. One: I have a point of comparison when I get the chance to check out the 2014 model. Two: I want to see if a person should wait to get the 2014 model or go …
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Is there a more hotly contested automotive segment than the mid-size family sedan market? Every year it seems there is a new darling in this slot and after this year’s media dominance by the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata, Nissan has released its answer to the duo from Korea. Nissan knows that gas prices are foremost on American’s minds these days and with weight being the biggest enemy of fuel economy, responded by dropping the weight on the already light-weight Altima by 80 lbs. while increasing interior space in nearly every dimension. This, combined with some aggressively frugal “gear” ratios in the Altima’s CVT transmission and the addition of direct injection to th…
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Suddenly it’s 1986. There is a lightweight and nimble sports car from a Japanese manufacturer on the market that completely eschews what the American three are doing in the sports car segment. Only, it’s not 1986; vehicle weights have pushed upwards and outwards for past 30 years to the point where Chevrolet is now marketing its top of the line Camaro with a curb weight that makes a 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight look positively anorexic. Sure, Chevy compensates for the chub by equipping the Camaro ZL1 with a tire shredding 580 horsepower V8 and an advanced magnetic suspension that does all the right things keep the Camaro on the tarmac, but eventually it starts to feel l…
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September 30, 2013 Drew Dowdell Managing Editor - CheerandGears.com Some Crossovers are too this; some Crossovers are too that; and some Crossovers are just right. This is the Goldilocks’ impression I walked away with after my quick drive of the 2013 Toyota RAV-4 AWD. Toyota rarely releases radical designs, but the first visual impression of the RAV-4 is that Toyota is trying to break that habit, though cautiously. The RAV-4 seems to drop the family face shared by the rest of the Toyota line, yet retains enough familiarity to fit in. I admit to not being a fan of the new look at first, but it has grown on me. Step inside and you are greeted with a roomy interior for …
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September 23rd, 2013 Drew Dowdell Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com One of the most exciting vehicle unveilings at the New York International Auto Show this year was the 2014 Cadillac CTS. Cadillac has completely redesigned its mid-size entry into a car that is longer, lower, wider and dare we say... meaner. In that announcement we learned that, along with the standard-for-the-class 4-cylinder Turbo and naturally aspirated V6 engine options, Cadillac would be introducing a 420 horsepower twin-turbo V6 designed to nearly eliminate turbo lag. In what has to be a record in debut to available for driving timeline for GM, Cadillac brought the 2014 CTS V-Sport to the M…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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One of my favorite vehicles I drove last year was the 2013 Cadillac XTS. I loved the looks, luxury appointments, and the ride characteristics of the big sedan. What I wasn’t too keen on was the 3.6L DI V6. As I said in my review, the 3.6 had to be worked to get it moving. Not something that is very characteristic of a big Cadillac sedan. Well the brand has introduced a new variant of the XTS called the XTS VSport with a new turbocharged V6 engine. Is the fix that the XTS needed? The turbocharged V6 in question is the 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 from the CTS VSport. For the XTS VSport, it has been slightly detuned from 420 horsepower and 430 pound-feet to 410 horsepower and 369 po…
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For the longest time, the Volkswagen Jetta has had it all to itself. I’m of course talking about the diesel compact sedan marketplace. Since the first Jetta came over the to the U.S. in the eighties, Volkswagen has offered a diesel engine as an option. Within the past few years, the popularity of the Jetta diesel has skyrocketed. But this past year, another contender has come in to challenge the Jetta’s dominance in this small niche. That would be the Chevrolet Cruze Turbodiesel. How does it stand up to the Jetta? Much like the Jetta TDI, the Chevrolet Cruze Turbodiesel doesn’t scream out that it's a diesel at all. The only clues that reveals its true identity are a set …
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General Motors' track record with bringing and selling vehicles from Australia to the U.S. has been very checkered. All of the attempts see to have ambitious sales goals, and then not meeting them. GM hopes the third (or the fourth as some would argue) try might be it. That try is the 2014 Chevrolet SS. The SS got many criticisms for its exterior design and how blah it is. But let's be honest for a moment; the GTO and G8 (to a point) weren't really that exciting to look at either. Sure both models down the line (or trim line in the case of the G8) got bits and pieces that made them look more aggressive. To me, I think the SS looks great, especially in the black with the …
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The Hyundai Elantra has been quite the success since the Korean automaker introduced back in 2012. With distinctive styling, impressive feature set, and value that very few competitors can match. But since that time, competitors have been introducing new and refreshed compact models into the marketplace to challenge the Elantra. What does Hyundai decide to do? They introduced a refreshed version Elantra for 2014. I spent some time in a 2014 Elantra Limited sedan to see if it still is a formidable challenger. This being a mid-cycle refresh, the Elantra doesn’t have any dramatic changes inside or out. The Elantra’s exterior still has the ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language…
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You know how your mother would tell you if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all. Well this being a vehicle review, that is an impossible task since I have to explain why or why not you should consider ‘x’ vehicle. The reason I bring this up is because I spent a week in the 2014 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4X4 and I found myself being very disappointed in the model. Now before I go into the list of reasons of why I particularly didn’t like the Patriot, I should begin with the things I did like. First off, the Patriot looks like a Jeep. What I mean is that when you’re walking up to the vehicle for the first time, you can recognize it as a Jeep. This is due to the box…
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For awhile, the best Buick you could buy was a Lexus ES. Lexus was able to take the formula that Buick had worked so hard on proving a smooth and comfortable car and just do it better. But Buick is back on the upswing. The recently refreshed LaCrosse shows that Buick is back and wanting to challenge the ES on territory it once held. So which is the better model; the LaCrosse or the ES? I spent some time in the 2014 ES 350 to try answer this. The ES 350’s exterior looks awkward as it seems Lexus was trying to make the ES look somewhat sportier, while retaining some of the handsomeness of previous models. The front has the spindle grille with flat bars running across and a…
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Time for a pop quiz everyone. Your question: What was the first luxury crossover that was offered with a hybrid powertrain? Time is up! The answer is the Lexus RX. The first hybrid RX was introduced back 2004 and has gone through a number of revisions up to the model seen here; the 2014 Lexus RX 450h. Is it worth the almost $7,000 more over the standard RX 350 to save some gas? Like the last RX I drove last year, the RX 450h has gotten some design tweaks. The most noticeable change is up front with the addition of the spindle grille and new headlights. Like the previous RX, I found myself wondering if the spindle grille works on the RX. After a week, I found myself sayi…
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The Mazda CX-9 is one of the oldest nameplates in three-row crossover marketplace and also happens to be one, if not the oldest model on sale. At one time, it was considered to be one of the best crossovers. But since then, a new generation of crossovers have gone on sale. Does the CX-9 still have a place? Last year, Mazda gave the CX-9 a bit of a facelift with a new front end to bring it more in line with other models with the Kodo design language. The facelift hasn't worked out as the new front end seems very out of place to the rest of the vehicle. The remainder of the vehicle from the front doors on is still the same as the first CX-9 from 2007 and is still a very ha…
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My eyes almost dropped out of my head as I reading through the window sticker on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG. $63,815 as equipped?! ARE THEY SERIOUS?! I get the CLA45 AMG features one of the most one of the most powerful four-cylinders on sale and that AMG worked its magic all over the place. But almost $64,000?! This had better impress I thought as I got into the vehicle. Well the CLA45's exterior does. The shape is very much a downsized CLS-Class and that is very much a good thing. The long-flowing front end, high belt line, sculpting on the doors, and short rear make the CLA a standout in the entry-level luxury class. This gets amped up with AMG bits such as new …
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I will admit that I have a thing for high-performance luxury flagships because of the sheer contradiction of them. Here is a type of vehicle whose main purpose is to coddle their passengers and provide smooth ride, and then drop in a bunch of performance goodies to make it into something completely different. But I never had the chance to drive one of these vehicles. That changed at the MAMA Spring Rally back in May where Mercedes-Benz had a 2014 S63 AMG 4Matic available for drives. Lets begin with the S-Class itself. The new model I think is one of the best looking S-Classes in quite a while. It takes the last-generation model and refines it. The front end is more impos…
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In the full-size SUV class, the GM family of the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL dominate the class. Every other model in this group just seems to try for second or third place. But why is that? Well I spent a week with a 2014 Nissan Armada to try and answer this question. The Armada happens to be the oldest model in the class, being introduced back in 2004. You wouldn’t know that by looking at the exterior as it still looks fresh with such design details as a large grille and headlights, flared out fenders, a unique roofline, and twenty-inch wheels. The interior got some much needed updates back in `08 with improved materials and a revised dashboard layo…
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As the group of journalists were finishing up lunch and listening to closing statements of a presentation, the thoughts of many turned to what they would like to get their hands on next. Would it be the Jaguar F-Type? Maybe the Corvette Stingray? How about the SRT Viper? Yours truly had this same thought as well, but it wasn't towards to any of those vehicles mentioned. Instead, what I had my eye on was a yellow vehicle with NYC taxi graphics. Yep, I had my sights set on the Nissan NV200 Taxi. Trying to figure why I would want to drive a taxi cab of all things when there is a multitude of other vehicles that many would say are much more desirable could take years to figu…
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When I learned that I would be getting a 2014 Nissan Titan 4X4 in for a week’s evaluation, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to fully test its capabilities. The reason is because this particular model was the Pro-4X which features a number of off-road tweaks such as Rancho performance shocks, lower final drive ratio, electronic locking rear differential, and other items. Well the week I got the pickup, Mother Nature decided to drop half a foot in snow. Thank you Mother Nature I thought as I got into the truck. Driving the Titan Pro-4X through the snow was a very fun experience. With a 5.6L V8 engine making 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, and the 4WD set …
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I happen to be one of those few people who liked the current Volkswagen Passat. Aside from the stale design which makes the Toyota Camry look like the Mona Lisa, there were a fair number of items that I liked. From the large interior space, comfortable ride, and value for money proposition. One huge drawback I noted in my review back in 2012 was the base 2.5L five-cylinder. Not only did the engine had to be worked to get it to move the vehicle, it was one of the noisiest engines engines I had ever driven. But last year, Volkwagen announced that the 2.5 would be going the way of the dodo bird and a new turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder would take its place. I had the chance…
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Volvo is known for a few things: Safety, boxy designs, and wagons. Volvo also happens to be known for a specific engine, the T5. Introduced in the 850 in the mid-nineties, the T5 was a turbocharged and intercooled five-cylinder engine unbeknownst to the company, this engine in its various forms would go on to power a number of models and take number of race wins in Europe. The T5 engine would become part of a rarified company of engines that have long lives such as GM's 3800 V6 and Nissan's VQ engine family. But with all things, there has to be an end. Before too long, the T5 engine will be retired. In its place will be a new range of four-cylinder engines called Drive-E…
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The idea of the luxury pickup has only come into spotlight during the last decade thanks to GMC. In the early-oughts, the truck manufacturer introduced the Sierra C3 which offered a number of luxury appointments never really seen on a truck - leather, premium audio system, power everything, new wheels, and a more potent V8. The C3 and the Denali which took its place a couple years later became big sellers and created a market for luxury pickups. Now most of truck players offer two luxury variants - one for those who dream of being a cowboy and one for those believe in up-town luxury. So how has the father of the luxury pickup compare to the new competitors? I spent a week…
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Whenever an automaker introduces a redesigned vehicle, they talk about how new and improved it is. Whether its the all new engine that delivers better performance and fuel economy, or a new suspension that improves ride quality dramatically. But I have always wondered what would a redesigned vehicle look and feel like if they kept some things from the old vehicle. Well it happens to be that General Motors recently did this with the heavy-duty trucks, updating certain aspects while changing others. Lets see how this works out in the 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD. Let’s begin with what hasn’t changed. First off is the powertrain found in this truck which happens to be the …
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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Subcompacts tend to have that one thing, a gimmick or feature that they try to put out there as a selling point. We have models that are fun to drive, get good gas mileage, have the back seat space of a midsize, etc. The 2015 Honda Fit is no exception to this rule. As I found out at the MAMA Spring Rally, Honda is playing the versatility card with the Fit. The back seat in the Fit is what Honda calls the 'magic seat' and there is reason why. The back seat can be folded in a number of configurations to allow tall items to stand in back; create a flat floor delivering 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space; fold the front passenger seat along with the back seat to fit an eight-foo…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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The current crop of full-size sedans are venturing out of their comfort zone in terms of styling. But that wasn’t something you could say a few years back. Automakers played it safe with bland and boring design as not to scare buyers away. Hyundai decided to challenge the status quo when it came to designing the second-generation Azera full-size sedan. When it was introduced for the 2012 model year, the Azera was a shock to the system with sharp lines and a distinctive profile. Since then, other automakers have introduced full-size sedans that you would be glad to show off and not hide in the garage. But looks can only get you so far. How does the rest of the Hyundai …
Last reply by William Maley, -
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Movie sequels can be a hit or miss affair. They can either be more memorable than the first movie (example: Empire Strikes Back) or leave a bad taste in your mouth (example: The Matrix Revolutions). This is true for vehicles as well; get it right and you’ll elevate yourself into a real player in the class. Get it wrong and you’re destined to become a nobody. So where does the new 2015 Hyundai Sonata fall? Well I spent a few days in the Sonata Sport 2.0T to find out. I think it is fair to say the new Sonata’s design has arrived with a bit of a thud. It isn’t to say the new Sonata isn’t a good looking sedan, but compared to the groundbreaking design of the previous-generat…
Last reply by cp-the-nerd, -
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There are two ways you can go when building an electric vehicle, either you start with a clean sheet design or you take a vehicle you currently build and modify it. Both methods have their pluses and minuses. Going with a clean sheet gives you the ability to design a vehicle with an electric powertrain in mind, but the costs can grow exorbitantly. The opposite is true when taking a vehicle and modifying it electrification. This was a decision Kia was faced with a few years ago when they began working on their first electric vehicle. Ultimately, the company decided to use one of their current vehicles. But which one would offer the least amount of problems in the trans…
Last reply by William Maley, -
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Late last year, I had the chance to pilot the 2014 Lexus ES 350. In my review I said that while the new ES is a noticeable improvement over the old one, competitors such as the Buick LaCrosse have surpassed it. But Lexus has an possible ace up their sleeve and it happens to be the hybrid version of ES. Not many competitors offer a fuel efficient version, so does it give the ES an edge? What differentiates the ES 300h from the ES 350? Not much from the exterior aside from blue tint on the badge, hybrid badges on the door sills, and the"h" on the rear badge. The interior is the same aside from a new instrument cluster with an eco/power gauge and a EV mode button. One it…
Last reply by ponchoman49, -
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The Nissan Versa Note is a competent subcompact. I know, that sounds like damning praise. But the Versa Note has a lot of good points to it. The model is efficient on fuel, has loads of space, and comes with a fair amount of tech features for the low price. But the Versa Note is a bit dull in terms of design. Nissan has decided to address this issue by introducing the Versa Note SR. This model boasts a number of sporty touches to make the Versa Note more appealing. Let's see if this fixes the dullness problem. The SR treatment begins on the exterior with new fascias, side sills, headlights, and a set of 16-inch alloy wheels. Paired with the breadbox van shape of the V…
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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The 2015 Subaru WRX got off to a bit of a rough start when the production model was shown at the L.A. Auto Show last year. First off, the exterior looked to be a fully-watered down version of the concept that was shown earlier in the year. Then came the news that the WRX would be available with a CVT transmission. The internet seemed to implode on the basis of this news, but is it all bad? Has Subaru messed up the WRX? In a word, no. Let's begin with the CVT since that is what I drove at the MAMA Spring Rally last month. The CVT in question is Subaru's Linetronic and the company made some wise decisions for its application in the WRX. For starters, Subaru's engineers ma…
Last reply by regfootball, -
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Here is something to consider; the current Buick Enclave has been with us since 2007. In that time, Buick has sold almost 500,000 Enclaves and stands as one of the best-selling models for the brand. The most impressive part? The Enclave hasn’t changed that much. Usually, a vehicle’s lifecycle involves a refresh within two to three years and a redesign in about six. The Enclave has only received minor changes - new V6 and small changes for the exterior and interior. Everything else is much the same as it was in 2007. You would think the old age of the Enclave would hurt it. But as this model enters its ninth year, it is still towards the top of Buick’s best sellers. Wh…
Last reply by Suaviloquent, -
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For a time, the V6 was looked down upon in the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Mustang because they were seen as lackluster. The engines didn’t match aggression that was being expressed by the exterior of the coupes. But rising gas prices and increasing regulations on fuel economy and emissions has the likes of GM, Ford, and FCA revisiting the idea of a V6 muscle car. We recently spent some time in a 2016 Dodge Challenger V6 to see if it is worth it. I will argue that the Challenger is still the meanest looking out of the three muscle cars on sale. Dodge’s designers were able to bring the design of the original Challenger into the modern e…
Last reply by LostinNewMexico, -
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Mention Dodge and someone is bound to say or yell HELLCAT! The 707 horsepower supercharged V8 dropped into the Charger and Challenger has been stealing the spotlight from FCA’s other performance cars for almost a year. This is quite a shame because there are some really interesting performance vehicles that deserve some of that light. For example, the 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack. Even though it might not be full-blooded SRT, the R/T Scat Pack does a pretty good job of mimicking one. It begins on the exterior as the Scat Pack gets the Charger SRT’s exterior treatment. There is a new front end treatment with a narrow grille, small hood scoop, and LED daytime runnin…
Last reply by caddycruiser, -
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Last fall, I had the chance to drive a Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack for a week and fell in love. It was basically an SRT Charger, minus a few items for just under $40,000. This fall, another high-performance Charger came in a week’s stay and it was packing more heat. 707 horsepower to be exact. Yes, I finally got my hands on a Hellcat. What was it like? It was fast, but you want more information than that. That 707 horsepower figure comes courtesy from a 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8. Torque is rated at 650 pound-feet.This is backed up by an eight-speed automatic only. If you want a manual, then you’ll need to get the Challenger Hellcat. Trying to explain just how…
Last reply by Frisky Dingo, -
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The last time I drove a Fiat 500C Abarth, it with six-speed automatic. I found it to be quite a cheeky vehicle with an exhaust note that makes you think you’re driving something a bit more powerful and a look that helped it stand out. But I couldn’t help but wonder how the Abarth is with the manual transmission. About a couple of months ago, I slipped behind the wheel of another 500C Abarth, this time with the manual. The end result was a bit of a letdown. The manual transmission in question is a five-speed and it isn’t any fun to use. The throw is somewhat long and imprecise. A few times, I found myself going into the wrong gear because I couldn’t tell where I was…
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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If I was to ask you to name a midsize hybrid sedan, what would you say? Most likely it would be the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, or even the Honda Accord Hybrid. But one that might not reach the lips of many people would be the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The first-generation model was a bit out there in terms of looks with a front end that seemed more at home in a carnival fun house. But the Sonata Hybrid was different for another reason. Unlike most hybrids which used a CVT, the Sonata Hybrid used a conventional six-speed automatic. The first-generation model wasn’t well received because of the odd looks, an unrefined powertrain, and lackluster fuel economy. So …
Last reply by William Maley, -
Very few things can cause utter surprise for me when it comes to reviewing vehicles. But there are those moments where it does happen. Recently, I spent some time in a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary. I had driven a Wrangler last year and knew what I getting myself into. It was when I looked at my paperwork that my jaw dropped to the floor. The Wrangler Unlimited I was driving carried a price tag of $48,530. I had to do a double-take to make sure I wasn’t misreading it. Once the shock passed me, I found myself whether I would be willing be pay this much for Wrangler or if it would be better to put the money towards a vehicle I drove the week before, a Grand Chero…
Last reply by igozoom, -
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Has it really been almost four years since we last took at the Kia Optima? Going back through our review archives, the answer is yes with the 2012 Optima Hybrid. Since this time, we have driven the full gamut of midsize sedans that have impressed us (Honda Accord EX) or ended up to be a big dud (Chevrolet Malibu Eco). The Optima hasn’t been resting on its laurels during this time either. Kia has been improving the sedan over time with new features and trim levels. Last year, the company introduced an all-new Optima which looks similar to the previous one. So we wondered what changes had been made and if it still remains one of our favorite midsize sedans. Compared to …
Last reply by William Maley, -
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When I go back and look at the various Kia Optimas I have driven for Cheers & Gears, there has been one variant that I haven’t driven, the 2.0L turbo-four. But this changed back over the summer when a 2016 Kia Optima SXL came into the Cheers & Gears’ Detroit bureau for a week-long evaluation. The SXL serves as the Optima’s flagship trim with more premium materials and the turbo-four. As I mentioned in my Optima EX review from earlier this year, the redesigned Optima looks familiar to the previous model. But that isn’t a bad thing per say. It is still as sharp looking as the previous model and the changes done such as a new trunk lid, LED taillights, a small…
Last reply by A Horse With No Name,
