Test Drives

Test DrivesGMC Yukon Hybrid: Better Living Through Technology4.5/5
It starts with a jolt; the result of a simple twist of the wrist. Six litre’s worth of exploding petroleum product echoes down the exhaust with a hearty burbling bass line as the massive momentum of the V8’s rotating assembly carries itself through the motor mounts, carrying up into the …
Test Drives2009 Mazda B4000: An Exercise in Simplicity3.5/5
Ford’s new F-150 promises a new level of convenience with a tailgate mounted step. The 2009 Dodge Ram has storage boxes in the bedrails. The Chevy Silverado comes with an optional DVD player. The Toyota Tundra’s tailgate drops with a delicate hiss; damped by a pair of gas struts. Mazda’s …
Test Drives2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, spicy but pricey !4.5/5
Remember the stir the Cayenne caused when it was introduced in 2003? Many wondered why Porsche would bother hopping on the SUV bandwagon, given their reputation for sports cars. But business is business, with money trumping ideals more often than not, much to the dismay of purists. Nonetheless, the Cayenne …
Test Drives2009 Chevy Traverse: Worth the Wait?3.5/5
When GM began introducing their new flotilla of mid-size SUVs, the manner in which they began to release the oh-so-similar looking lineup confused a great many critics. With the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook rolled out as the first two to break cover, with the Buick Enclave coming shortly after, …
Test Drives2009 Mini John Cooper Works: Better than the original?4.0/5
There are a few hallowed names in the world of automotive tuning. BMW’s M division, Mercedes’ AMG, and Audi’s Quattro may perhaps be the three best known; lusted after for their uninhibited performance and impressive cachet. But for historical value, none can hold a candle to the name affixed to …
Test DrivesGMC Yukon Hybrid: Best of both modes, best of both worlds!
Fresh out of a Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid that left me greatly disappointed due to the inefficiency of its system, I stepped right into the new Yukon Hybrid 2-mode. I knew that this utility vehicle’s integrated technology was much more impressive, but the proof is in the pudding. Let’s end the …
Test Drives2009 Toyota Venza : A 1000 km trek
Those in charge at Toyota are putting a great deal of hope on their latest model, the Venza. We have already published a first look at this vehicle on this site by Sylvain Raymond. I had the opportunity to take this crossover for a round trip between Montréal and Rivière-du-Loup …
Test Drives2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 : A real throwback!4.0/5
Say what you will about Ford, but you have to admit that the manufacturer has managed to keep the Mustang, the only model to survive the Muscle Car Era, alive. With sales still impressive, it is no wonder that Chrysler and GM decided two years ago to bring back their …
Test Drives2009 Pontiac Vibe AWD, just as practical, and now more muscular
The compact Pontiac Vibe is simultaneously a wagon and a utility vehicle without clearly belonging to either category. It has had a low-key career since its launch in 2003 but it is undeniably one of GM’s best product lines. That is no accident considering that it owes its technical design …
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