Test Drives

Test DrivesGood Genes for Jeans: The 2009 Dodge Ram 15004.5/5
As a journalist, I have the distinct pleasure of putting a different new vehicle in my driveway every week. Sharing the space with my various classic cars and motorcycles, these new vehicles often stick out by virtue of their shiny paint and reliable nature, and thus engender a plethora of …
Test DrivesThe 2009 Honda Pilot, more than meets the eye
Every time I go by a 2009 Pilot, I wonder just how many designers at Honda are in need of glasses. In my mind it’s absolutely inconceivable that anyone could put out a car that ugly and expect it to sell – much less be a success. But since I …
Test DrivesThe 2009 Audi TTS: A German Hot Rod
First introduced in 1998, the first generation TT won people over with its elegant style and surprising performances. This is a car that was largely responsible for the recognition of Audi’s sports cars back in the day. While the more mature second generation was presented two years ago, 2009 brings …
Test DrivesThe 2009 Saab 9-3 XWD, good car, uncertain future
It’s hard to say what will become of Saab over the next year or so. What we do know is that the Swedish automaker has cut ties with GM and is currently in a state of financial recovery. Will Koenisegg, its new owner, will keep those cars on our market …
Test DrivesThe 2010 Volkswagen GTI: Six generations of this pioneer
Look no further. The modern compact sports car was invented by Volkswagen more than thirty years ago by a handful of engineers who were determined to create a sports version of the first Golf. After several very impressive prototypes with wide tires and modified suspensions, it was decided that the …
Test DrivesThe 2009 Nissan 370Z: a true sports car
For several years, the 350Z was the high-powered sports car at Nissan. This was the case up until last year when they released the GT-R, which became Nissan’s new sport and performance icon. Will the arrival of this model cause the 350Z to fade into the background? Definitely not. To …
Test DrivesManic in Miniature: the 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible3.0/5
When the Mini Cooper debuted five decades ago, it broke the mold as the quintessentially universal automobile. Currying favour with everyone from royalty to couriers to race car drivers of international repute, its basic layout, spacious interior, compact proportions, and exuberant driving experience was universally lauded by critics. Buyers lines …
Test DrivesMazda5: The modern compromise
The era of the wagon and the minivan came upon us despite the fact that many vehicles aren’t particularly practical for families. However, for numerous reasons, many people can’t really picture themselves in a minivan anymore – and they’re precisely who the Mazda5 is targeting. In fact, the Mazda5 is …
Test DrivesThe 2009 Dodge Journey, a nice idea, but...
Back in 2007 when they unveiled the Journey at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Chrysler had high hopes for the model, which was supposed to garner as much attention as the MagicWagon minivan did in the early 80s. People even went as far as saying that the Journey was going to …
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