A big family sedan in the classic Detroit mold, the 2012 Dodge Charger keeps getting better with each new model year. Revamped with a lot more flair and features last year, this year’s Charger adds a new eight-speed automatic to boost gas mileage over the 30-mpg mark, while it also blows the doors off hot domestics and seeks out initials like M, AMG, and RS with the spectacular SRT8 package. Neat and notable when it was reintroduced in 2005, the current Charger’s gone overboard to play up its … [Read more...]

It’s not radically reinvented, but the latest Ford Edge is a substantial, beefy five-seat crossover with some compelling features--features like real adult interior room, the tech-savvy MyFord Touch system, even the simply appealing Vista Roof glass panel. The heavily refreshed Edge was new for 2011, and this year has a new addition to the lineup in the form of an EcoBoost engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder with comparable power to the base V-6, with a highway gas mileage rating of 30 mpg. … [Read more...]

The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is arguably a relic of another time, when gas was a bit cheaper and many more U.S. families looked to truck-based SUVs for everyday use. That time has passed—and there are a number of much better, more passenger-friendly crossover wagons like Chevrolet's own Traverse just for passenger duty. But the body-on-frame sport-utility vehicle is still relevant today if you need truck toughness or good tow ratings along with good passenger space. And to give the Tahoe an added … [Read more...]

The compact Kia Forte four-door sedan and coupe (known as the “Koup” in Kia-talk) replaced the previous Spectra model line for 2010. Crisply styled and fitted with far more standard equipment, the name change serves to underscore the new and competitive nature of the car. It has to compete with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda Mazda3, among others, in a tough market segment shopped by price-sensitive buyers. With prices starting at an aggressive $13,695, … [Read more...]

The 2012 Honda Accord is no longer the freshest mid-size sedan--it's due for a full redesign in another year or two. But the current version remains one of the top choices in this class for interior space, styling, ride comfort, performance, and features--all with a sensible, economical, value-minded feel. In the crowded field of mid-size sedans, the Accord still manages to stand out on the test drive. Whether you choose the sedan or coupe, four-cylinder or V-6, the Accord offers satisfying … [Read more...]

For decades, Chevrolet filled out its lineup with compact cars that were adequate, but arguably not on par with segment leaders like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. But change is afoot at GM, and the 2012 Cruze is arguably better in many respects than those models—and with the likes of the Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, and Mazda3, it's one of the segment leaders. The Cruze was an all-new design for the U.S. last year. While it's conservative on the outside, the interior makes a strong … [Read more...]

The Chevrolet Equinox first arrived in 2005, as a 'just right'-sized crossover utility vehicle a little larger than most compact crossovers like the Ford Escape, a little larger than three-row mid-sizers like the Toyota Highlander. With a five-seat cabin, a spacious interior with good cargo space, the Equinox competes, as you might guess, with a very wide swath of not-so-rugged crossover wagons, including the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue (and Murano), Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, … [Read more...]

Toyota has fully redesigned its Camry mid-size sedans for 2012, and it expects more shoppers than ever to opt for the Camry Hybrid. Simply put, that's because this time around, the automaker has engineered the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid as a fully competitive, mainstream model in the Camry lineup—not just a niche model. The 2012 Camry Hybrid inherits all the latest Hybrid Synergy Drive developments that made their debut in the current-generation Toyota Prius; and just as in the Prius, the … [Read more...]

When Buick restored the Regal nameplate to its lineup last year, it probably threw traditional sedan shoppers for a loop. Looking for something big, rear-driven, and powered by an eight-cylinder engine--or even a V-6? A new GS flavor rounds out the 2012 Buick Regal menu, and leaves an even sweeter taste in our mouths.Not this time. The latest Buick Regal is front-drive, and gets its power and finesse from knockout styling, a Euro-sized package and handling, and a lineup of three four-cylinder … [Read more...]

Hyundai began its drive for bigger, more luxurious cars in 2009 with the Genesis sedan. Directly inspired by the likes of the Infiniti M and Lexus GS, the Genesis recast the brand from its economy-car roots in a way its front-drive Azera never could. Since then it’s brought out a sporty Genesis Coupe and the flagship Equus sedan, but it’s the Genesis that firmly convinced car reviewers and buyers alike, that Hyundai could compete in the luxury arena, without apology. The Genesis’ impressive … [Read more...]