First Drive: Chevrolet Volt

I first saw the Chevrolet Volt at the 2010 Houston Auto Show. At the 2011 Houston Auto Show, I test drove a Chevrolet Volt. In order to drive either a Volt or Chevrolet Camaro, you had to drive a Buick (I drove 3), another Chevorlet, or a GMC vehicle. There was a line to test drive the Camaro, but there was no line for the Volt. I drove the Volt.

The first thing I notice were the brakes. I am not familiar with regenerative brakes. Also the battery was not charged. I was driving on gasoline the entire time. I was not braking enough to charge the battery. The ride itself is average. It is not rough, but it was not smooth either.

The interior was average. The screen that shows how the Volt is being powered is informative, but it can be distracting. The center console is nothing special. There is room in the back for adults. You won't be cramped in the back seats, but it is also not roomy.

When I push the accelerator, it moved slowly. I am used to driving a 268 hp V6 SUV. The Volt is powered by a 16 kW*h battery and a 1.4L I4 engine. The total output is 149 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds and reaches a top speed on 100 mph. I did not have enough room to max out the Volt. I was driving around a small circuit around Reliant Park and the surrounding neighborhood. But when I had a straight line and hit the gas, it accelerated slowly. It is too slow for my taste.

The Chevrolet Volt was not fun to drive. I like cars that are comfortable to drive, roomy, have some pop, and are just fun to drive. The Volt had an average drive, had average space, and was just slow. The Volt won many awards, including Motor Trend's 2011 Car of the Year and Motorweek's 2011 Car of the Year awards. After I drove the Volt, I asked myself, "How much did General Motors pay these automotive publications in order for them to name the Volt their car of the year?" I drive around 80 miles everyday, most of which is highway driving. The Volt is a city car, a car for those who drive 20 miles a day. The Volt is overrated and is just a boring car.


CarJunkie
Photo taken from a camera phone.
Check out more car articles at http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com, http://www.lordkat.com, or at http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/blogs/myblogs/blogger/listings/first-impression.
If you see any CarJunkie articles on another website, it has been STOLEN!

First Drive: Buick LaCrosse

Buick has been associated as a brand for old people. Just like with the Cadillac brand, GM did an overhaul with its Buick brand. In 2010, The second-generation Buick Lacrosse was released, showing off the new Buick styling. The first-generation LaCrosse was nothing spectacular. It looked like it was made for old people. GM stepped up big with the LaCrosse's styling. I love the sleek lines. The new LaCrosse does not look like it was made for old people.

The Buick LaCrosse was available for people to test drive at the 2012 Houston Auto Show. This was the first car I test drove. The version GM had out was powered by 2.4L I4 engine with eAssist, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, that produces 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. The minute I got in, I was impressed. The driver seat was very comfortable to sit in. The LaCrosse is also very spacious, with plenty of head room and leg room.

The LaCrosse drives very smoothly. The car is very responsive when I turned the wheel. The LaCrosse goes from 0 to 60 in 9.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 mph. The LaCrosse is a little bit slow when hitting the gas pedal.  But when at a complete stop, the engine shuts off. When you press the gas pedal, the engine starts up again. The start-stop system works great. There is no lag with the start-stop engine. When hitting the brakes, energy is transferred to a 115 volt lithium-ion battery, powering a 15 kW electric motor. GM does not consider the LaCrosse a hybrid. GM calls this system "eAssist." This aids when the engine is off at a stop sign, stop light, or when you are stuck in traffic. The battery helps with acceleration, but it does not power the car. The car is still powered by a gas engine. eAssist helps make the LaCrosse efficient with fuel, which is great for long road trips. With a car that is comfortable to drive in, this is a good car for long road trips. If 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds is too slow for you, the LaCrosse is also available with a 3.6L V6 that 303 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. This powers the LaCrosse from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. All-wheel drive is also available on the LaCrosse. Prices for the Lacrosse start around $30,000. The version I test drove cost $32,000.

The LaCrosse is spacious, comfortable, and is a good car. If you want a luxurious mid-size sedan with good fuel economy, the LaCrosse with eAssist is great value at $30,000. If you want some fun while being comfortable, the LaCrosse with the V6 is not bad either. This is not a Buick for old people. Younger drivers will not feel old while driving the LaCrosse. It is a good car.

CarJunkie
Photo taken from a digital camera.

Check out more car articles at http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com, http://www.lordkat.com, or at http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/blogs/myblogs/blogger/listings/first-impression.
Follow me on Facebook.

If you see any CarJunkie articles on another website, it has been STOLEN!

First Drive: Buick Verano

The Buick brand has not had a compact car for the American market since the production run for the Buick Skylark ended in 1998. In 2011, General Motors decided to start production on a Buick that shares the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze. This was the Buick Verano, Buick's first compact car sold in America since the Skylark. The Verano is powered by a 2.4L I4 engine, paired with six-speed automatic transmission, that produces 180 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0L turbocharged I4 engine will be available in late 2012. The Verano goes from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 118. The base price for the Verano starts at $22,585. I would have dismissed as an upscale version of the Chevrolet Cruze, until I got into the driver seat.

The Verano was very room for a compact car. I have been in the back seat of a BMW 3-Series and there was not much leg room. The Verano had good leg room and head room. The driver seat was comfortable, but not as comfortable as the Buick LaCrosse.

The Verano was very responsive when I turned the steering wheel. The car actually moved when I pushed the accelerator, unlike the Chevrolet Volt. Although the Verano is not a quick car with a 0 to 60 mph time of 8.0 seconds, it felt a little quick. There was some pep from the 2.4L I4 engine. My one issue is that there is not a V6 or I6 engine available for the Verano.

The Verano was a pleasant surprise. For a compact car, it was roomy. The 2.4L I4 provides some pep. The Verano is a little quick for a compact car. The Ford Focus takes 8.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. A Standard Volkswagen Jetta goes from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds. For a compact that costs around $23,000, the Verano is a good buy. It responds well, has some pep, and it is comfortable.

CarJunkie

Photo taken from a digital camera.

Check out more car articles at http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com, http://www.lordkat.com, or at http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/blogs/myblogs/blogger/listings/first-impression.
Follow me on Facebook.

If you see any CarJunkie articles on another website, it has been STOLEN!

First Drive: Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza has been around since 1993 and is a very successful rally car. It is available as a 4-door sedan or as a 5-door hatchback. The 2011 Impreza was powered by a 2.5L H4 that produces 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. The WRX and WRX STi versions come with a turbocharged 2.5L H4 engine. The Impreza WRX STi gets 304 hp out of a turbocharged I4 engine. The 2012 Impreza is powered by a 2.0L H4 engine that produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque is a available with a five-speed or six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. At the 2012 Houston Auto Show, Subaru allowed people to drive a third generation Impreza four-door sedan. This was the last of five cars I test drove at the 2012 Houston Auto Show.

The car was very roomy and comfortable. There is plenty of leg room and head room. The Impreza has improved on styling over the years. The first Impreza was an eye sore. The current Impreza has sleek lines. But the appeal of the Impreza comes from its driving capabilities.

The Impreza was very fun to drive. The Impreza I test drove came with a four-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. This was the first car I drove with paddle shifters. It takes some time to get familiar with the system. When I barely tap the accelerator, the Impreza moves. It is very quick for a compact car. The Impreza goes from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, but it felt quicker than that. It was very fun to drive.

Of the five cars I test drove at the 2012 Houston Auto Show, the Impreza was the most fun to drive. It was comfortable, quick, and exciting. For 2012, the Impreza will have a smaller engine and will be lest powerful than the 2011 Impreza. Subaru is sacrificing engine size and power for fuel economy. Yet Subaru claims that the new Impreza has a quicker 0 to 60 mph time than the previous generation. WRX and STi versions of the fourth-generation Impreza will be released in 2012. Motorweek named the 2012 Subaru Impreza its 2012 Driver's Choice Award for Best Compact Car. After driving the previous generation Impreza, I have to agree with Motorweek. I recommend that people should at least test drive a standard Impreza. You will have fun in this car.


CarJunkie
Photo taken from a digital camera.

Check out more car articles at http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com, http://www.lordkat.com, or at http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/blogs/myblogs/blogger/listings/first-impression.
Follow me on Facebook.

If you see any CarJunkie articles on another website, it has been STOLEN!

First Drive: Scion FR-S

The Toyota FT-86 Concept was first introduced at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. The car was a joint project between Toyota and Subaru. The car went into production and would be sold under three brands: the Toyota FT-86/GT-86, Subaru BR-Z, and the Scion FR-S. Production for the cars started in March 16, 2012. The Toyota GT-86 is available for the European market. The Toyota FT-86 is available for the Asian, South African, and Australian markets. The Scion FR-S is available for the North American market. I first saw the Scion FR-S at the 2012 Houston Auto Show, but I did not test drive the car at the event. I have seen the Subaru BR-Z and the Scion FR-S at Houston Cars and Coffee events. I went down to the local Toyota/Scion dealership and I was allowed to test drive the Scion FR-S.

The Scion FR-S is available as a front-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2+2 fastback coupe. The FR-S comes with a 2.0L flat-4 engine that produces 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The FR-S is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The version I drove had the automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The FR-S goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 143 mph. Prices for the FR-S with the manual transmission start at $24,200. Prices for the FR-S with the automatic transmission start at  $25,300.

The FR-S has a sporty interior. The FR-S is a 2+2, which means that the rear seats are designed for small bodies, not for full grown adults. The driver and front passenger seats take a while to get use to. They are racing bucket seats, not the typical seats found in most cars. The longer I drove, my body got use to the seat. I like the dashboard and the gauges. The gauges are a mixture of analog gauges and digital gauges, which is a nice touch. The FR-S has a sporty exterior with an aggressive stance.

The FR-S was fun to drive. The car was quick. It took a couple seconds to get up to highway speeds. I had no issues with breaks. The ride was more comfortable than the Chevrolet Volt. The car is very sporty, but it was smooth on the road. The Buick Regal that I drove at the 2012 Houston Auto Show had a sporty feel, but it was very uncomfortable to drive. The FR-S I drove had paddle shifters, but I did not use them. I kept the car in automatic. If I was in an empty parking lot, then I might try use the shifters. But since I was diving on Houston roads and a small stretch of a freeway, I kept the car in automatic. The FR-S was an enjoyable car to drive.

The FR-S was just a concept car at the 2012 Houston Auto Show. It was roped off so people could only look at the car and not get into the car. I am glad that the FR-S is being produced since it is a good sport car. The Scion brand is known for making box cars (Scion xA, xB, and xD). The Scion brand also has the tC. All four of those cars were front-engine cars. The FR-S brings a new dynamic to the brand. It is sporty and is rear-wheel drive. The FR-S also has great performance for around $25,000. Few cars can perform like the FR-S for about the same price. If you are looking for a sporty car with good performance for around $25,000, you should test drive the Scion FR-S.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: Dodge Dart

In 2012, Dodge came out with a compact four-door sedan called the Dart. This was the first compact sedan to be sold by Dodge since the Dodge Neon ceased production in 2005. Since I was at a car event next door to a Dodge dealership, I decided to test drive the Dodge Dar SE. The version I drove had a 2.0L VVT I4 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The car also had a front-wheel, front-engine layout. With available options, the car I drove cost $18,685.

The Dodge Dart has a sporty, aggressive profile. While there is plenty of head and leg room for the driver and front-seat passenger. However, there is very little head room and leg room for rear passengers. I am 5' 9" and my head was hitting the roof of the car. 

The Dart had a great ride quality. The car was not noisy. It was very quiet in the cabin. The car drove very smoothly. Throttle and break pedals responded nicely. There was no issues breaking. Although it takes over 9 seconds for the car to go from 0 to 60 mph, the car was very smooth will accelerating. Steering was very responsive. For city driving, the car was great. No highway/freeway driving was done on the test drive. The Dart gets an estimated 41 mph for highway driving.

Overall, this is a good compact sedan. It has a great exterior design and impressive drive quality. The car suffers from insufficient room for rear passengers and slow acceleration. I would recommend the Dart for beginner drivers who want to start off with a new car and for drivers who want a stylish car with good gas mileage. For drivers who want good acceleration, look at getting the turbocharged 1.4L I4 engine or wait till the Dart R/T and Dart SRT-4 become available.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: Chevrolet Camero RS

The Camaro was Chevrolet's entry in the pony car wars. It competed against the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. In 2002, General Motors stopped production of the Camaro after four generations of the Camaro. In 2010, General Motors brought back the Camaro. I visited the local Chevrolet dealership and test drove a Chevrolet Camaro RS. This Camaro had a black interior, 1LT trim level, a 3.6L V6 engine with 323 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The price for the car I test drove was $30,145.

The car has a retro muscle/pony car styling. The fifth-generation Camaro looks amazing. Inside, I had no visibility issues while test driving the car. There is plenty of head room and leg room in the front. Since this is a 2-door muscle car, this is very little head and leg room for rear passengers. What I really like is the heads up display for the driver. I was able to focus on the road and could see how fast I was going without looking down. However, the passenger cannot see the heads up display since it is directly in the driver's line of sight.

The ride quality for the Camaro is top notch. The Camaro drove smoothly over bumpy roads. I could not feel any bumps. Steering was very responsive. The brake and throttle petals were very responsive. I press down on the throttle and the Camaro goes. I had no issues using the paddle shifters to change gears while the car was in drive. The cabin was quiet with exception of the engine/exhaust. This is a muscle car so that is expected. The Camaro RS has great acceleration, even with the V6 engine. It takes the Camaro RS to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. 

Overall, the Camaro RS is a great car. It is very fun to drive. It drives great, pedals and paddle shifters are very responsive, acceleration is good. There  is no room in the back, so the Camaro is not that practical as a family car. If you still desire more speed and acceleration, the Camaro SS comes with a 426 hp 6.2L V8 engine and the Camaro ZL1 comes 580 hp 6.2L V8. 

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: Chrysler 200 Limited V6

In 2010, Chrysler came out with 200, the successor to the Chrysler 200. I recently test drove a white Chrysler 200 Limited. The car came with a 3.6L V6 engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, that produces 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The car came with navigation, leather seats, sun roof, power windows, disc brakes, and steering wheel mounted audio controls, just to name a few features. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The price for the test drive car is $28,913.

The 200 was roomy and comfortable to drive. I had plenty of head room while in the driver seat. There is good head room and leg room for adults in the rear. The exterior is average. The 200 styling does not stand out from other mid-size cars like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or Ford Fusion.

The car drove smoothly along the Houston roads.The steering was responsive. The brake and accelerator pedals were responsive. There was no jerking when I hit the accelerator. The 200 Limited is quick for a mid-size sedan.

Overall, the Chrysler 200 Limited V6 is a good car. Ride quality and performance are good. There is plenty of head room and leg room. I have no issues with the interior. The 200 Limited comes with many luxurious features for under $30,000. My one issue is the bland exterior. It does not stand out from the other mid-size cars. If you are interested in getting a Chrysler 200, do not go with the I4 engine. It does not get the car up to speed like the V6. People should get the 200 Limited is they want a mid-size car with good performance and ride quality. If exterior styling is important to you, look elsewhere. 

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: Ford Focus Sedan

The Ford Focus came out in 1998 as the successor to the Ford Escort. The Focus is now on its third generation, released in 2011.The Focus is compact sedan that is available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. It has a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout. The Focus I test drove was white and came with a 2.0L I4 engine, paired with a six-speed semi-automatic transmission, that produces 160 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. The Focus can go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and has a limited top speed of 122 mph.

The Focus has a stylish exterior and a comfortable interior for a compact sedan. The Focus has a sleek profile. For an American compact sedan, the car has a very aggressive styling.  I had plenty of room behind the wheel. Since this is a compact sedan, there is not much leg room in the rear. I also liked that there are audio controls on the steering wheel.

The Focus has a solid ride quality. The Focus drove smoothly, I could barely feel the bumps when I drove over the speed bumps. The drive was very quiet. Steering was very responsive. The car responded well when I pressed the accelerator and brake pedals. The car drove well on both the roads and the highways. For a compact sedan, the car has some zip to it. The car handled inclines and declines well.

Overall, the Focus is a good compact car. The car has some zip to it. The car was very comfortable to drive. I like the sleek styling of the third-generation Focus. Previous generations of the Focus lacked the sleek body lines. However, this is a compact sedan and most compact sedans lack leg and head room for rear passengers. This is true for the Focus. If you want a compact sedan with good styling and above average performance and drives smoothly, then the Focus is for you.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: Ford Mustang V6

The Mustang has been around since 1964 and it served as Ford's pony car/muscle car entry in the American muscle cars war. There were many versions of the Mustang: Shelby GT500, Mustang Boss 302, Boss 429, Mach 1, Mustang GT, Mustang GT/CS, Mustang Shelby GT, Roush Mustangs, Saleen Mustang. The Mustang is on its fifth-generation. I recently drove the 2013 Ford Mustang that is powered by a 3.7L V6, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, that produces 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and has a limited top speed of 112 mph. The car I test drove was grey and included the Sync package. The car I drove cost $25,485.

The Mustang has a great drive quality. The car went smoothly over speed bumps. I could not feel any bumps in the road, let alone speed bumps while driving the Mustang. The car drove quietly on the highway. I had plenty of room behind the wheel. However, the Mustang is a sports car and there is no leg room for the rear passengers. I was mainly focused on test driving the Mustang and I did not use Sync. The Mustang also has an aggressive styling, which is a plus in my book.

The Mustang has great acceleration. The V6 quickly gets the Mustang up to highway speeds. The car handled turns and corners well on the highway. Steering was very responsive and I had no issues with the brake and accelerator pedals. It was a blast to drive.

Overall, the Mustang V6 is a fun sports car to drive. The Mustang has solid acceleration and is comfortable to drive. The Mustang drove smoothly over bumpy roads, city roads, and highways. The car is a great deal for around $25,000. However, the car is limited to 112 mph. The drive shaft of the V6 Mustangs starts to vibrate at 112 mph. But, there is the Mustang Boss 302, Mustang GT, and Shelby GT500, all which come with a V8 engine and have much better performance than the Mustang V6. When the Mustang first came out, it was a no-brainer to chose a V8 Mustang over a V6 Mustang. But with the 2013 Mustangs, the V6 Mustangs are no jokes. The estimated highway MPG for the V6 Mustang is 31. That is very good for a sports car. If you want a good sports car with very good gas mileage, go with the V6 Mustang. If you want a Mustang with muscle, go with one of the Mustangs available with a V8. You will not be disappointed with any 2013 Mustang.

CarJunkie
Picture was taken from auto-zone.com

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: Nissan Leaf

In 2010, Nissan started production on an electric car, called the Nissan Leaf. In 2010, the Leaf went on sale. The Leaf is a front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-door hatchback that is powered by electricity. The Leaf is powered by a 80 kW synchronous motor that produces 107 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The Leaf has a single speed transmission. The Leaf also has a 24 kWh lithium ion battery.It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 10 seconds and reaches a top speed of 92 mph. I test drove the Leaf SL, which includes a rear view camera that is not available for the Leaf SV. The Leaf SL also has a quick charge port that is not present in the Leaf SV. The price for the Leaf I drove is $37,250, but you also get a $7,500 instant tax credit when you buy or lease the Leaf.

The Leaf has a great interior, but it has a bad exterior. The Leaf looks weird. The headlights are not flushed with the front bumper and the hood. The Leaf looks like an egg on wheels. The interior is another story. I love how informative the navigation system is. I also like how the on board computer tells you the actual range you have and where you can go to charge up the Leaf. The emergency break is integrated flawlessly within the center console. The Leaf has a cool design when it comes to changing gears. There is a button that puts the car in park when pushed. To get the car in reverse, pull the transmission knob towards you and push up. To get the car in drive, pull the transmission knob towards you, then pull down on the knob. It works perfectly. Since the car is electric and hardly makes a sound, there is a beeping noise to alert that the car is in reverse. There is plenty head and leg room in the rear. The seats are very comfortable. I had no issues with the push start feature. The touch screen was easy to use.

While the car was comfortable to drive, it lacks in performance. Right away, if you have the air conditioner or heater on, you lose 22 miles in range. When I turned on the car, the range was 98 miles. When the air conditioner was turned on, the range dropped to 76 miles. The Leaf got up to 45 mph with little effort, but it took a lot more just to get the Leaf from 45 mph to 60 mph. That is not good. For driving in cities with crazy drivers, you need a car that can get from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds or less. One thing about electric cars, you get instantaneous torque. Still, it did not feel that quick accelerating to highway speeds.

To sum up the Leaf, great interior with bad exterior and bad performance. The Leaf has a great interior. Instruments, the emergency brake, and the gear change are integrated very well. I have never been in a car with an interior like the Leaf. Good job Nissan on the interior With that said, the car weighs 3,354 pounds and the motor produces only 107 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. That gives the Leaf a horrendous power-to-weight ratio of 63.9 hp/ton. To put that into perspective, the Ford Focus has a power-to-weight ratio of 114.3 hp/ton. The rival Chevrolet Volt has a power-to-weight ratio of 78.8 hp/ton. The Leaf needs more power and torque. 107 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque is not enough to get the Leaf up to speed. Also, the range on one charge drops by 22 miles when the air conditioner or heater is on. The Leaf is not a car to use for road trips. At best, the Leaf will do 98 miles on one charge. Also, the Leaf has an ugly exterior. Why would anyone want to design a hatchback that has the bottom extend far out. That is a very unnecessary design. Also, the headlights are not flush with the hood and front bumper. The headlights stick out like a sore thumb. Since this is a pure electric car, you need to make sure you are able to charge the car. The Leaf is not a buy since there are still flaws with electric car and the electric car is still evolving. If you want a Leaf, lease the car. The Leaf is for those who want an electric car with plenty of room, comfortable quite ride, have a place to charge the car, and wants a car with a great interior despite poor performance and exterior design. If you are not capable of charging the car either at work, shopping, or at home, pass on all plug-in cars. For those who was decent exterior styling and moderate performance, look elsewhere for a car. Still, I would take the Leaf over the Chevrolet Volt because the interior and the ride quality of the Volt does not match up to the interior and ride quality of the Leaf.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: Toyota Prius

Hybrids have been around since 1899 with the production of the Lohner-Porsche Mixte Hybrid. In 1997, Toyota came out with its own hybrid, the Toyota Prius. The Prius is currently on its third generation. I have test driven the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid, and the Nissan Leaf, an all electric car. The Prius is powered by a 1.8L I4 engine that produces 98 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque and a permanent-magnet electric motor that produces 80 hp and 153 lb-ft of torque that has a total combined power output of 134 hp. The Prius will go from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 112 mph. The Prius comes with a continuously variable timing automatic transmission. The base price for the Prius is $24,000. The Prius I test drove came with a rear spoiler, and was fully loaded. It had navigation, a back-up camera, push start, a heads-up display speedometer, and remote keyless entry. The price for the tested Prius is $35,997, but it is fully loaded.

The Prius is not the best looking car on the roads. It does not have the aggressive styling or the sleek lines I prefer that other cars have. The interior is nothing special. There is no head room for adults sitting in the rear. I am 5' 9" and I was banging my head while sitting in the back. One thing I liked the gear level. To put the car in park, just press the park button on the center console. However, I prefer to have the gear lever between the driver and the passenger seats. I do not like having to reach up on the center console and switch from reverse to drive.

The Prius has a good ride quality, but it is lacking in performance. The car drove smoothly on the road. The cabin was very quiet. The car made no noise until the gas engine kicked in. Steering was responsive. However, the car accelerated slowly. I went on the highway and the Prius took a while just to reach highway speeds.

After driving the car, I do not understand why the Prius is so popular. The car is too slow for highway driving. The car is ugly, the interior is nothing special, there is not much room for rear passengers, it has poor performance, and is very slow. The Prius is overrated. There is nothing special about the Prius. After driving the Prius, I recommend passing on the Prius.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a camera phone.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: Mitsubishi Lancer ES

The Mitsubishi Lancer has been around since 1973, serving as the sub-compact sedan/coupe until 2000. In 2000, the Lancer became a compact car. In 2007, the fourth generation went into production. There were also five generations of Mirage-based Lancers. I recently test drove a Mitsubishi Lancer ES. The ES is a front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-door sedan. The ES comes with a 2.0L I4 engine that produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission. The Lancer ES goes from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 124 mph. The car I test drove came with the CVT transmission, alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. The MSRP for the Lancer ES is $17,095. The price for the car I test drove is $19,685.

The Lancer ES was comfortable to sit in. There is adequate leg room for rear passengers. There is plenty of head room is fine for people under 6'. I found the rear spoiler to hinder visibility through the rear view mirror. The interior is nothing special. The alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and front grill and body kit gives the Lancer ES a sporty styling.

The Lancer ES drove smoothly along the roads and freeway. The Lancer ES has some zip to it. Steering was responsive. The accelerator and braking pedals were responsive. I no issues passing other vehicles on the freeway. The cabin is quiet. I did not feel any bumps in the roads. The car was not jerky when accelerating.

The Lancer ES is a good car. I felt comfortable behind the wheel. I could do without the rear spoiler. One thing I would add to the Lancer ES would be paddle shifters, which is available as an option. I feel that paddle shifters allow the driver to be more engaged in the driving experience. The car has some zip to it. The Lancer ES is good for city and highway driving. If you want a better performing Lancer, there is the Lancer GT, Lancer Evolution, and Lancer Evolution. But if you want a four-door sedan for under $20,000 and has decent performance, give the Lancer ES 

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a camera phone.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: Mitsubishi Lancer GT

The current generation Mitsubishi Lancer has been out since 2007. The base Lancer ES comes with a 2.0L I4 engine that produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. There is also a high performing version of the Lancer, called the Lancer Evolution X, which comes with a turbocharged 2.0L I4 engine that produces 291 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. There is a version of the Lancer that is between the Lancer ES and Lancer Evolution, called the Lancer GT. The Lancer GT comes with a 2.4L I4 engine that produces 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. The Lancer GT comes with either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 124 mph. The Lancer GT is available as a front-wheel drive, four-door sedan. Prices for the Lancer GT start at $19,995 and a fully loaded Lancer GT goes for around $27,000. The car I test drove had paddle shifters, a sunroof, navigation with a rear view camera, leather seats, and a CVT transmission. It was fully loaded and cost around $27,000.

There is a slight difference between the Lancer ES styling and Lancer GT styling. The GT comes with a taller grill with a silver outline. This gives the Lancer GT a more aggressive look. There is also a small rear spoiler available for the Lancer GT. The Lancer GT I drove had a sunroof, which decreases the head room by 1". I barely had any head room. The electric-powered leather seats add luxury to the sporty four-door sedan.

The Lancer GT as a good ride quality. The car drove smoothly along the roads and freeway. I was comfortable behind the wheel of the Lancer GT. The paddle shifters are easy to use. I felt more engaged in the driving experience with the Lancer GT than with the Lancer ES due to the paddle shifters. Steering was very responsive. I had no issues with brake and acceleration pedals. The car has some zip to it. Most of all, the Lancer GT was fun to drive.

The Lancer GT is a nice step up from the Lancer ES. Unfortunately, the Lancer Evolutions were not available for test drives. If you want to drive the Evo, you have to buy it first for around $37,000. The Lancer GT is a good four-door sedan. It has some zip to it. It also has a sporty exterior and interior. The Lancer's main competition is the Subaru Impreza. Both are good compact four-door sedans. Both also have high performance versions. Both cars have similar performance. Both cars cost around the same. I felt that there was slightly more room in the Impreza than in the Lancer. But the Lancer is more stylish. The difference between the cars is the drivetrain. The Impreza is all-wheel drive and the Lancer is front-wheel drive. Both cars were fun to drive and I have no problems recommending either the Lancer or the Impreza. With both cars, you get performance and practicality.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a camera phone.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: 2013 Toyota RAV4

After two years of CarJunkie's Car Review, it is time that I reveal my everyday vehicle. I drive a 2007 Toyota RAV4 with the optional 3.5L V6 that produces 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. It has been a workhorse. It help me get from Houston to San Antonio and back to Houston when I was in college. It help move my grand mother from her house of 55 years into her new place. It help me move into my new apartment. I have the sports edition which includes charcoal colored clothe seats and sports-tuned suspension. One feature I like on my RAV4 is the swing-out gate in the back with the spare tire on the exterior of the gate. I will get back to this fact later. But, today is the first day of the 2013 Houston Auto Show and as part of the auto show is Ride and Drive. Most participating manufacturers hold their test drives on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Two manufacturers started their test drives today. One being Toyota. Toyota has seven vehicles for test drives. I already test drove the Prius last year and did not want to be bored again. Toyota has the new RAV4 available for test driving. As someone who currently drives an older RAV4, I had to take this car out for the spin.

The first I notice about the RAV4 is the exterior design. One issue with my RAV4 is its boxy styling. The new RAV4 has a more sporty aggressive design. The front looks meaner than the previous RAV4s. I like how the grill and headlights are integrated into the design. The swing-out gate is replaced by a lift gate in the back. The spare tire that had previously been located on the rear gate is now located under the floor in the trunk.The interior is nothing special. You can get touchscreen navigation system as an option.

As far as drive quality, it is a Toyota and it is an SUV. The RAV4 handles bumps rather well. I hardly felt the bumps and I went over them. The car has responsive handling. I felt comfortable behind the wheel. The seat and suspension is softer in the new RAV4 than in my RAV4, but I have the sports-tuned suspension.

For the new RAV4, the only engine available is a 2.5L I4 engine that produces 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. It goes from  0 to 60 mph in 8.9, which is on the slow side. Gone from the new RAV4 is the optional 3.5L V6 engine, yet the current Toyota Camry has the optional V6. The RAV4 I test drove did not feel as quick as my current RAV4. It also is not as much fun to drive as my RAV4. 

For as improved as the new RAV4 is on the outside, I still prefer my RAV4. Why Toyota decided not include an optional V6 for the RAV4, I have no idea. The RAV4 needs the optional V6. Car companies can get away with using I4 engines on compact cars and subcompacts because they are lightweight. As far as SUVs and mid-size car, they need to have either a V6 as the standard engine or an optional engine. My RAV4 has a 0-60 mph time of under 7.0 seconds. Not having that extra power really hurts the driving experience of the RAV4. Also, the swing-out gate and the spare tire on the outside of the gate give the RAV4 personality. It helps RAV4 stand out. What really hurts in the extra storage space under the floor in the back. Instead of having that extra storage space, you get the spare tire storage. I like the swing-out gate because if my two hands are carrying items, I can close the gate with my hip. I cannot do that with the lift gate. That ends my rant on the new RAV4.

Overall, the new RAV4 is not the same vehicle as older RAV4s. It is much easier on the eyes, but it does not have the features that make a RAV4 what it is. If you prefer the lift gate over the swing-out gate, then take the new RAV4 on a test drive. If you want a reliable vehicle that is good for road trips or a good car for college, the RAV4 is still a good option. The RAV4 still needs more power from 2.5L I4 engine, but it is comfortable to drive. Toyota kept the all-wheel drive system as an option of the new RAV4, which has front-wheel drive as standards. Prices for the new RAV4 start at $23,300. A fully loaded RAV4 Limited with all-wheel drive costs $28,410. The RAV4 is still good value for a compact SUV, it just can be so much better with the addition of a V6 engine.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: Kia Optima Hybrid

The Kia Optima has been serving as Kia's mid-size since 2000. In its third generation, the Kia added a hybrid drivetrain to the Optima. In September 2011, the Kia Optima Hybrid set a Guinness world record for "lowest fuel consumption in a hybrid gasoline vehicle" while driving across the continental United States for 14 days. The Kia Optima traveled through 48 states and 7,899 miles while averaging 64.55 miles per gallon. It took five and a half tanks for gasoline to travel the 7,899 miles. For the first day of the 2013 Houston Auto Show, Kia and Toyota had cars available for test drives. The first car I took on a test drive was the Kia Optima Hybrid.

They Optima Hybrid has the same styling as the standard Optimas. Kia and Hyundai have greatly improved their overall. Previous Kias had either bland styling or were eye sores. In 2006, Peter Schreyer, who previously was a designer for Audi, became the head designer for Kia. Compared to previous Optimas, the current Optimas have improved design. Previous Optimas had a bland grill, normal headlights, a bland side profile, and just overall bland. The current Optima and Optima Hybrid have a more aggressive grill, a sleek side profile, and well integrated headlights. The fog lights are integrated well on the front bumper. I like the new direction for Kia styling.

I was part of the first group of test drives for Kia. While the traffic on the route was not an issue, the road condition was a problem. There were potholes on the right line. I ran over a pot hole and the Optima Hybrid handled it well. There was not aftermath vibrations. The route was very bumpy, yet the Optima Hybrid drove smoothly. As part of Kia's Ride and Drives event, Kia had a small test track where visitors can test out the acceleration, braking, turning radius, and handling. The Optima Hybrid had a solid performance on the slalom, demonstrating is good handling. The car was very responsive when I turned the steering wheel. Turning radius was fine. I did not hit any cones. The car also braked well.

The Optima Hybrid has a good interior. I was driving the top of the line, fully loaded Optima Hybrid and it was nice inside. The driver seat was comfortable. I had plenty of head room and leg room. I did not feel cramped.

The Optima Hybrid has a parallel hybrid drivetrain. Powering the Optima Hybrid is a 2.4L I4 gas engine that produces 166 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque as well as an interior-permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 40 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. The combined output for the Optima Hybrid of 206 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. When I tested out the acceleration, I was pleasantly surprised by the acceleration. It goes when I step on the acceleration pedal, unlike some other hybrids. The Optima Hybrid goes from 0 to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, but it felt quicker than that. The Optima Hybrid also has a top speed of 123 mph, which is not bad for a hybrid.

The Optima Hybrid is one the better hybrids I have driven. I prefer it over the Prius line and the Volt. The Optima Hybrid felt quicker than the other two as well being more comfortable to drive in. The Optima Hybrid has the same styling as the other current Optimas, which is a good thing. It looks like a normal car. Prices for the Kia Optima Hybrid start at $25,700. A fully load Optima Hybrid goes for around $33,000, which is not bad compared to the $41,000 price tag for the Chevrolet Volt. While the Toyota Prius is cheaper with a base price of $23,215, the Optima Hybrid is the better choice. If you are in the market for a hybrid, give the Kia OptimavHybrid as test drive. It is a better overall driving experience than the Prius or the Volt.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: Kia Soul

The Kia Soul has been in production since 2008. The 2009 model year for the Soul was available  The Soul is a front-engine, front-wheel drive, five door compact MPV. In other words, it is a city car. It competes with the Nissan Cube, Honda Element, and Scion xB. At the 2013 Houston Auto Show, the Soul was one of four Kias available for test drives. I took the same route as in the I did in the Kia Optima Hybrid. Each manufacture has a specific route for test drives, and all of them so far have involve using near by streets and no highway driving. On this time around the Kia route, I stuck to the left lane, which had fewer potholes than the right lane, but it was still bumpy. How did the Kia Soul handle the street route and the test track and how did it handle the Kia test track? Time to find out.

But first the exterior and interior. As far as the ride height, the Soul is higher of the ground than the Optima Hybrid. The Soul has a boxy exterior design and a bland side profile. The front looks quasi-aggressive with the Kia tiger nose grill. The fog lights are integrated well in the front bumper. Other than that, there is not much else to the Soul's styling. As far as the interior goes, it is a standard interior, nothing special. The seat was not as comfortable as the the seat in the Optima hybrid. As far as interior and exterior design, the Soul is nothing special.

The Soul has a bumpy ride. I could feel most bumps on the road. On next year's Soul, Kia needs to tune the suspension for a softer, more comfortable ride. The ride was too rough, but it did not try to kill my back like the Buick Regal Turbo try to do last year. The Soul has a good turning radius as I did not hit any cones while driving in a circle. The Soul was adequate on the slalom. Steering wheel was responsive. The braking was fine.

The standard engine for the Soul is a 1.6L I4 engine produces 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. The engine in the Soul I drove is a 2.0L I4 engine that produces 164 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a CVT transmission. The Soul needs the larger engine. The car has accelerated smoothly while I pressed the accelerator. The Soul has good acceleration with the 2.0L engine. The 0 to 60 mph time for the 2.0L Soul is 7.0, while the 0 to 60 mph time for the 1.6L Soul is 7.7 seconds. That is really good for a city car.

The strong point for the Soul is the acceleration. No matter which engine the Soul has, it has solid acceleration. But the Soul has a rough ride, yet it has plenty of leg room and head room for the driver and front passenger. Kia needs to make the seats more comfortable to sit in. Also, I do not like the boxy styling of the Kia Soul. For the next generation of the Soul, Kia should add some sleek lines along the side and give it a more aggressive front end. Prices for the Kia Soul start at $14,400, which makes it one of the least expensive cars to buy. The Soul I test drove has $10,000 worth of optional accessories, bumping the price to $24,400 for a fully loaded Soul with the 2.0L engine. If you like a car with the boxy styling, give the Soul a try. As far as the four Kias I test drove at the Houston Auto Show, this is my least favorite out of the four.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Spark

In the North American market, we have the Fiat 500, Mini Cooper, Smart ForTwo, and Scion iQ as the main players in the supermini class. These car are small cars with seats in the rear. These cars are designed for getting most fuel economy while still being practical for city driving. In August 2012, General Motors released its supermini car, Daewoo/Chevrolet Matiz, to the United States market. The supermini would be sold in the United States as the Chevrolet Spark. At the 2013 Houston Auto Show, the Spark was available for test drives, but the only Spark available for test drive was pink. However, the Spark does come in other colors. The Chevrolet Spark is a front engine, front wheel drive, five-door hatchback.

On the outside, the Spark is a smaller version of the Sonic, Chevrolet's entry in the subcompact market. The styling is average, nothing really sticks out. Like the Sonic, the rear door handles are integrated nicely behind the windows of the rear doors. The rear door handles do not stick out on doors, like most cars. As far as the interior goes, nothing special. But for a supermini car, I did not feel cramped. I had plenty of leg room and head room behind the wheel. Even when I was sitting in the rear, I still had good leg room and plenty of head room, and I am 5"9. Now for people over 6'0", you might feel cramped. As compromise for the roomy cabin, the is little room for storage in the truck. The rear seats come close to touching the rear hatch.

Powering the Spark is a 1.2L I4 engine, paired with either a five-speed manual, or a four-speed automatic transmission, that produces 84 hp and 83 lb-ft of torque. The Spark goes from 0 to 60 mph in 11.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 90 mph. On the test drive, it did not feel slow. Over the five days of test driving, other cars felt slower. The ride was smooth. The car responded nicely when I pressed the accelerator and brake pedals. Steering is responsive. The Spark just needs a little bit more power out of the 1.2L engine.


Overall, the Spark is good for what it is. For a supermini, there is plenty of room. I was comfortable inside the Spark, but I wish General Motors had a different color Spark available for test drives instead of pink. Some of the other superminis had noisy rides and when I am trying to talk to a product representative about the car I am driving, it is hard to hear them over the noise from the engine. But, when I was in the Spark, I did not have this problem. It was quiet inside the Spark. I could hear every word from the product specialist. The Spark is ideal for city driving. However, for highway driving look elsewhere. If the Spark came with an engine to produces over 100 hp, then the Spark could be good for highway driving. If you are looking for a car just for city driving and very little highway driving, then test drive the Chevrolet Spark. The base price for the Spark is $12,995, which is a good price for what you get with the Spark. The Spark is one of the least expensive new cars you can buy in the United States.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: 2013 Nissan 370Z

Nissan Z-line of sports coupe has been around since 1969 when the Datsun Fairlady Z started being produced. The Fairlady Z was around until 1978 with three different versions. From 1969 to 1973, the Fairlady Z was also known as the 240Z, which was powered by a 2.4L I6. From 1974 to 1978, the Fairlady Z was known as the 260Z, which was powered by a 2.6L I6. The U.S. market only got the 260Z in 1974. From 1975 to 1978, the United States got the 280Z, a Fairlady Z that was powered by a 2.8L I6. All versions of the Fairlady Z were 3 door hatchbacks that came with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. The successor for the Datsun Fairlady Z was known as the 280ZX, also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z, which was in production from 1978 to 1983. The 280ZX came with 2.0L I6 engine, a turbocharged 2.0L I6, a 2.8L I6 engine, or a turbocharged 1.8L I6 engine. The 280ZX was also a three door fastback  with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. Next in the Z-line is the Nissan 300ZX that was produced with the Z31 chassis from 1983 to 1989 and was produced with the Z32 chassis from 1989 to 2000. After a two year hiatus, the Z-line returned in 2002 with the Nissan Fairlady Z Z33, known better as the Nissan 350Z. It came with a 3.5L V6, while the Nismo 350Z came with a 3.8L V6. The 350Z coupe was produced from 2003 to 1008 while 350Z roadsters were produced from 2004 to 2009. Replacing the 350Z is the 370Z, which went into production in 2010 and is the current version of the Z-line. The 370Z is a front-mid engine, rear-wheel drive sports car that is available as either a roadster or a sports coupe. At the 2013 Houston Auto Show, I was the first one to take the 370Z coupe on a test drive. I got to the Nissan booth right when it open.

The Nissan 370Z has a very sporty exterior. The headlights are integrated well. The 370Z has a nice sporty profile. On the inside, it is all about sportiness. There are three gauges on the top middle of the dashboard that display the time, battery voltage, and the oil temperature. It is a sporty dash. The car I test drove came with paddle shifters, and they work well. The 370Z is sports-tuned, so the seat is stiff, but not too stiff to break you back. I had a nice amount of leg room and head room behind the wheel. The 370Z is a two seater, so if you want to drive around with two passengers, then the 370Z is not for you.

The 370Z is powered by a 3.7L V6, paired with either a seven-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmssion, that produces 332 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and it felt quick behind the wheel. The 370Z is sports-tuned and it handles well. The car was very responsive when I turned the steering wheel. There was no jerky motions coming from the car when I used the paddle shifters. The 370Z has a stiff ride, so you will feel every bump, but not to the point that the car becomes uncomfortable to drive or ride in.

The 370Z has been featured on Top Gear USA, Top Gear UK, Top Gear Australia, Born to Race, Fifth Gear, Motorweek, RTL Autowereld, Gek Op Wielen, Top Gear Korea, Auto Esporte, Fast Five, 200 M.P.H., Jane By Design, 90210, Pretty Little Liars, The Green Hornet, Cars.TV, Switched At Birth, and The Sitter. The 370Z is playable in Dead Heat, Test Drive Unlimited 2, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, Asphalt 3D, Need For Speed: The Run, StreetRally, Asphalt Injection, Auto Club Revolution, Speed Driver 3: Crash Hour, Speed Driver 4: World Fever, Driver: San Francisco, Need For Speed: Undercover, Need For Speed: Shift, Need For Speed: Nitro, Gran Turismo 5, Asphalt 5, GT Racing: Motor Academy, Need For Speed: World, Just Cause 2, Nitto 1320 Legends, Shift 2: Unleashed, Forza Motorsport 3, Real Racing 2, and Car Town.

Overall, the Nissan 370Z is a great car. Although the ride is stiff due to the sports-tuned suspension. The paddle shifters enhance the experience with the automatic transmission. There is plenty of leg room and head room for the driver and passenger, but there are no back seats. The engine generates great power for a naturally aspirated V6 engine, and I felt power through the entire rev range. With some engines, you do not get a good amount of power at lower rpms. The 370Z is quick, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. The car has a good sporty exterior and a good sporty interior. The Nissan 370Z is a good sports car. Prices for the base 370Z coupe start at $34,420. Prices go up to $39,120 for the 370Z Touring Coupe. Prices for the 370Z Roadster start at $41,470. A Nismo 370Z Coupe goes for $43,020. That is not bad for what you get with the Nissan 370Z. This is a fun sports car and if you are in the market for a sports car, give the Nissan 370Z a test drive.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.

First Drive: 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI

The Volkswagen Passat has been around since 1973, serving as Volkswagen's mid-size/large family sedan. The Passat is in its seventh generation, which was released in 2010. In the North American and Chinese markets, the seventh generation Passat was released in 2011. While the new Passat is known as the Passat B7 worldwide, the new Passat is known as the Passat NMS (New Mid-size Sedan). The Passat NMS was named Motortrend's 2012 Car of the Year. At the 2013 Houston Auto Show, this is one of six Volkswagen that were available for test drives.

As far as exterior styling goes, nothing special. It looks like your typical mid-size sedan. The front grill is standard for Volswagen. On the inside, the Passat felt roomy. I had plenty of leg room and head room behind the wheel. Other than that, nothing else noteworthy.

The Passat TDI is powered by a turbocharged direct injected 2.0L diesel engine that produces 138 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 seconds in 9.2 seconds. When I was behind the wheel of the Passat, I was comfortable. The Passat went smoothly over speed bumps. The car responds when I turn the steering wheel. The Passat has some zip to it. I had fun behind the wheel of the Passat TDI.

The Passat has been featured on The Middle, Parks and Recreation, Modern Family, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Continuum, Major Crimes, and Your Sister's Sister.

Overall, the Passat may look like your typical mid-size car. The interior and exterior are nothing special. Yet, the Passat TDI was very comfortable to drive in and I had fun behind the wheel. While the 2.0L TDI engine does not put out a lot of horsepower, the engine has a good amount of torque and it gives the car decent acceleration. The Passat handles the one curve on a side street well. I was so comfortable behind the wheel that I felt like I was on cloud. The Passat TDI is a good car. Now do I agree that with Motortend that the Passat is the 2012 Car of the Year, an award given out near the end of 2011, no I do not. The Passat was not my favorite Volkswagen to drive. Prices for the Passat TDI SE sedan start at $26,225. Prices for the Passat TDI SEL Premium sedan starts at $32,915. If you are in the market for mid-size sedan that comes with a diesel engine, give the Passat TDI a test drive. However there are better mid-size sedans out there for around the same price as the Passat TDI, and the Passat TDI does not stand out from the other mid-size sedans. But if you are interested in the Passat, with or without the TDI engine, give it a test drive.


CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

To see more car related articles, check out http://carjunkie713.blogspot.com/.

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CarJunkies-Car-Review/120292601386720.

Follow me on Twitter @CarJunkie713.