2010 Volkswagen Golf

Power: 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder, 170 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 22-30 mpg                                  

Price: $17,490

Standard features include: antilock disc brakes; stability control; eight-way-adjustable front seats; brake assist; tire-pressure monitor; daytime running lights; tilt/telescopic steering wheel; split folding rear; power windows, locks, mirrors; keyless entry; CD/MP3 player digital-media player connection; outside-temperature indicator; rear defogger

By Jeffrey Weidel

In the somewhat fickle car industry, the naming process can apparently mean a lot. Some companies present essentially the same vehicle, yet change the name, hoping not too many people notice this little marketing ploy that results in a “new car,” usually in an old, familiar body. Continue Reading »

2010 Altima Coupe

Power: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, 175 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 23-32 mpg                                  

Price: $22,940

Standard features include: antilock brakes; stability and traction control; intelligent key; tire monitor; power windows, doors, mirrors; center console; rear defogger; audio system, CD, 6 speakers

By Jeffrey Weidel

 One would think that the folks at Nissan look at the automobile landscape and realize this could be an opportune time to make some headway.

With longtime industry trendsetter Toyota in the news of late for all the wrong reasons and even Honda experiencing some recall issues, Nissan would like nothing better than to experience a bump in sales. Continue Reading »

2010 Jaguar XF Premium

Power: 5.0-liter, V8, 385 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 16-23 mpg                                  

Price: $56,150

Standard features include: stability control; winter dynamic mode; steering-wheel mounted paddles; blind-spot monitoring system; leather front seats; center console; Bowers and Wilkins sound system, 6-disc in-dash mounted CD, MP3 decoder; keyfob remote entry; parking sensors; rain detecting wipers

By Jeffrey Weidel

The note left wedged into the passenger side window of my car was literally dripping with envy. A friend who works in the same building had left a message scrawled on the back of his business card – “When do I get to drive your car? Soon I hope.” Continue Reading »

Power: 6.2-liter, V-8, 426 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 16-24 mpg                                  

Price: $30,995

Standard features include: antilock disc brakes; stability and traction control; dual exhaust with rear spoiler; halogen headlamps; 9-speaker, Boston acoustic audio system, with CD, MP3, XM satellite radio; driver information center; heated front seats; 6-way, power front seats; trunk pass through; leather-wrapped steering wheel

By Jeffrey Weidel

As a scrawny kid who grew up with a muscular makeup that warranted no admiration, it never made sense to even consider owning one of the so-called “muscle cars.” Leave that to bolder guys with big egos who needed a car to match their self-image. As for me, I was perfectly happy owning a Volkswagen Beatle as my first car. Continue Reading »

Power: 3.5-liter, V6, 263 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 18-25 mpg                                  

Price: $36,225

Standard features include: stability and traction control; rear parking sensors; foglamps; genuine wood trim; leather upholstery; leather-wrapped steering wheel; 10-way power driver and passenger adjustable seating; heated and cooled power front seats with memory functions; dual-zone automatic climate control; 11-speaker stereo, six-CD changer, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack, Sync multimedia integration system; halogen headlights

By Jeffrey Weidel

Spend a week behind the wheel of this stylish sedan and one has to be impressed for a number of reasons. The 2010 Lincoln MKZ has a new exterior look, the interior is much improved, and vehicle delivers a smooth ride with sufficient power. Continue Reading »

2010 Dodge Ram Crew Cab

 Power: 6.7-liter, turbocharged diesel inline-6, 350 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 12-15 mpg                                  

Price: $38,480

Standard features include: antilock disc brakes; 34-gallon fuel tank; Halogen headlights; 6-speaker system, CD/DVD/MP3, Sirius radio; full chrome grill; leather-wrapped steering wheel; second row, in-floor storage bins; overhead console; diesel exhaust brake; keyless entry; power accessory delay

By Jeffrey Weidel

A year ago, Dodge won over many truck enthusiasts by making some very positive steps forward with a redesign of the Ram 1500 pickup. Continue Reading »

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid

Power: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, 177 combined horsepower

Mileage estimate: 31-34 mpg                                  

Price: $32,260

Standard features include: integrated blind-spot mirrors; antilock brakes; stability control; auto-dimming rearview mirror; a power driver seat; dual-zone automatic climate control; four-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio, Sync system (includes iPod interface and Bluetooth); leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls

By Jeffrey Weidel

In the business of manufacturing cars for over a century, Ford Motor Company built part of its longstanding reputation on its rugged trucks, developing the F-series long ago and making a bundle of money from its sales. Continue Reading »

2010 Range Rover Supercharged

Power: 5.0-liter, supercharged V8, 501 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 12-18 mpg                                  

Price: $94,275

Standard features include: 19-inch wheels; adjustable air suspension; front and rear parking sensors; rearview camera; sunroof; tri-zone automatic climate control; leather upholstery; wood interior trim; heated front and rear seats; heated steering wheel; surround-sound audio system with 14 speakers, satellite radio, a glovebox-mounted six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack, USB port and a separate iPod connection; electronically locking rear differential; high-performance Brembo brakes; automatic high beams; blind spot warning; traction control, stability control (with rollover control); hill descent control

By Jeffrey Weidel

Although not a big fan of heading into unchartered territory for an off-road excursion, I do have a great affinity for driving a vehicle that provides wonderful piece of mind in mountainous regions that are white with snow. Continue Reading »

2010 Kia Forte SX

Power: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, 174 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 23-31 mpg                                  

Price: $18,195

Standard features include: antilock disc brakes, brake assist; stability control; six-way-adjustable driver seat; tilt steering; Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with USB, auxiliary audio jacks; center console; sport-tuned suspension; foglights, leather-wrapped steering wheel

By Jeffrey Weidel

Does it say anything about Kia that its latest success story resulted from the creative thinking of a former Audi designer? The message comes in loud and clear: Kia is for real, luring talent away from the heralded German manufacturer. Continue Reading »

2010 Toyota 4Runner

Power: 4.0-liter, V6, 270 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 17-23 mpg                                  

Price: $35,700

Standard features include: four-wheel-drive; antilock disc brakes (with brake assist); stability, traction control; audio system with satellite radio, CD/MP3, auxiliary audio jack; chrome roof rails and grille; tow hitch receiver; locking rear differential; off-road-oriented tires; back-up camera; power front seats; USB port with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth phone and audio functions

2010 Lexus RX 350

Power: 3.5-liter, V6, 275 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 18-25 mpg                                  

Price: $36,800

Standard features include: stability, traction control; antilock brakes with brake assist; keyless ignition and entry; six-speed automatic transmission with snow mode; 10-way power front seats; wood interior trim; dual-zone automatic climate control; Bluetooth, a nine-speaker stereo with a CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted controls, auxiliary audio jack; Homelink system; roof rack; sliding center console

By Jeffrey Weidel

Under the Toyota umbrella, a great number of high quality sport utility vehicles have been produced over the years. Two of the most popular SUV offerings, the Toyota 4Runner and the Lexus RX 350, attract diverse buyers for obvious reasons. Continue Reading »