While handling is quite competent with either engine, the overall ride quality is downright plush and refined with the V6. For those who value more agile handling, most will likely be pleased with the SE thanks to its recalibrated suspension and steering. And for those in rainy and snowy locations, the Sienna offers a big advantage with its all-wheel drive versions.
The drive of the 1-Series is responsive and engaging, just as one would expect from a BMW. Rivals will be hard pressed to keep up on those back twisty roads. It's likely that most drivers will be more than satisfied with its quick and smooth acceleration, responsive steering, confident body control and overall fun-to-drive athleticism with either engine.
With its relatively quick acceleration, the drive of the 2011 Elantra Touring is more spirited than one would expect from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Its European heritage is apparent both around-town and on the highway thanks to its well-tuned suspension, responsive steering, tight turning radius and surprisingly quiet cabin.
The driving performance of the 2011 Cadillac CTS is certainly a strong selling point. It simply offers an awful lot of athleticism in the corners while its power is robust and its steering is precise and responsive. When it comes to handling, it's really right up there with its European counterparts.
The Hyundai Elantra has long been a solid choice in the economy sedan segment. But with its total redesign for the 2011 model year, expectations have risen exponentially thanks to its new head-turning design, outstanding fuel efficiency, comfortable interior, generous trunk space, long list of standard safety equipment and surprisingly upscale optional features. Clearly offering a lot of bang for the buck, the 2011 Elantra is primed and ready to go head-to-head with the segment's best.
If anything, the Prius is even better following last year's redesign which made aerodynamic revisions to further reduce drag while also giving the car a sleeker and sportier look. The gas engine size was increased and the electric motor was also strengthened, resulting in both additional power and still better gas mileage performance, with a combined city/highway EPA rating of 50 mpg, simply tops in the conventional hybrid segment. Handling agility was also enhanced thanks to a new suspension tuning and improved electric steering.
Powering the Golf TDI is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that produces a fairly modest 140 horsepower but a robust 236 pound-feet of torque. It's mated with either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DSG). The EPA gas mileage rating for the TDI comes in at an outstanding 30 mpg city and 41 mpg highway with the 6-speed manual and 30 city and 42 highway with the DSG.
With last year's total redesign, the Ford Focus has become one of the very best small cars available. The 2013 model brings more of the same to a standout level in a versatile and solidly-constructed package. It simply exudes the character and class of a car which should be more expensive.
The current version of the Toyota Camry debuted for the 2007 model year and carries through to the present. It's a front-wheel drive, midsize sedan offered in base, LE (the most popular), SE (sporty) and XLE (more luxury-oriented) models. But even the base Camry is already well-equipped with standard features such as full power accessories, stability control, antilock brakes (ABS), cruise control, air conditioning, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a 6-speaker CD sound system, Bluetooth and satellite radio.
There's just something about the drive and feel of BMWs that makes them stand out. The handling and performance is more consistently closer to a "thrill" than the competition. And while that feeling certainly isn't for everyone, we just can't help but look forward to each spin ... particularly when throwing it into steptronic mode.
A Mercedes-Benz pampers its occupants like few others. They most definitely deserve their premier status. And yet with all their luxury, their sport sedans and coupes are still a lot of fun to drive. In fact, the recent Mercedes lineup of sedans, coupes, SUVs and roadsters is more diversified than ever in their history. But how do you get the best price?
The much acclaimed Lancer Evolution (or EVO), for example, offers the type of performance usually found in European sports cars with much higher price tags. All three pre-2008 trims, the IX, RS and MR, were powered by a dynamic 286-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The IX and RS came with a 5-speed manual transmission. The MR with a 6-speed.
The Escape's cabin is attractive, comfortable and user-friendly. The fit and finish is solid and the materials quality is about on par for the segment. A big plus for those who opt for it is Ford's Sync system which allows for electronics and cell phone use via voice commands.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm getting many reports from around the country of real attractive discounts for new 2012 Camry buyers (and crazy good-deals for the few leftover 2011's).
The Civic has long been at the top of the small car segment thanks to its impressive road manners and outstanding build-quality and reliability history. It also doesn't hurt that it is available in a wide choice of powertrains and body styles, increasing its appeal to a broader market. In addition to coupe and sedan offerings, there's also the Civic Hybrid and the natural-gas powered Civic GX. And for drivers interested in higher-performance, there's also the Civic Si.
While its handling and steering is fairly unremarkable, its quiet cabin and comfortable ride quality is impressive, particularly on long highway excursions.
The 2011 Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV with an attractive design, oodles of high-tech goodies, lively engines and top-notch crash safety ratings. In addition to its popular looks and overall capable driving demeanor, Ford's exceptional hands-free Sync system (operates your cell phone, iPod/MP3 player and the optional navigation system via voice controls) is also available in the Escape.
The 2011 Mazda 3 has a higher level of road manners and overall refinement than one would normally expect in this price range. With its top-of-the-class handling, well-equipped cabin, strong 2.5-liter engine and extensive luxury feature availablity, the new Mazda 3 is definitely worthy of serious consideration for those interested in an affordable hatchback or sedan. \n
The third-generation wagon made its debut for 2004 and can be found in both E320 and E500 forms. Used Mercedes E-Class sedans and wagons can also be found with optional 4Matic all-wheel drive (it was standard on the E500 wagon until it was discontinued following the 2006 model). In 2005, the E55 AMG wagon was added, while in 2007, the AMG models got a larger V8 engine (507-horsepower, 0 - 60 mph in 4.3 seconds) minus the supercharger and were renamed the E63 AMG.\n