The Volkswagen GTI is a performance icon for the German brand. This more powerful, sharper-handling version of the Golf hatchback invented the “hot hatch” market segment back in the 1970s, ushering in…
Nissan’s smallest sedan abandons its ultra-cheap niche
A decade ago, Nissan stripped the features out of its entry-level Versa sedan to make it the least expensive car sold in America at $9,990. At this price, it had a manual transmission, crank windows a…
These family-friendly crossovers manage to feel fancy
When you design a crossover with three rows of seats, there are typically two approaches: One is to go all-business, creating a big box with lots of space and family-friendly amenities. The other is t…
Cadillac returns to the three-row crossover family
When designing a three-row crossover SUV, auto makers must navigate a careful balance. On the one hand, if they make their new vehicle too small or focus too much on flashy design over everyday functi…
Korean luxury sedans offer more than just value
When most Americans think about Korean cars, they’re likely to picture affordable prices. Or, if they are feeling less charitable, they might reflect on Hyundai and Kia’s shoddy quality from the 1990s…
New Toyota 4Runner remains an old-school SUV
Most cars lose popularity as they get older. If automakers do not invest in keeping their power trains, aesthetics and driving experiences up to date, customers flee to the competition. But for the 20…
Redesigned 2020 Kia Soul is an excellent bargain
For a price of around $20,000, you can get a good compact sedan with a smooth, quiet ride; a well-finished interior; and up-to-date technology. Or you can trade some of the sedan’s polished refinement…
Toyota expands and improves its hybrid lineup
The Toyota Prius is hardly the only hybrid on the market today. It’s no longer even the best-selling hybrid, newly edged out by the gas-electric version of the Toyota RAV4 crossover. But the Prius is …
Two luxury crossovers that quietly get the job done
Some folks who buy luxury cars want them to command attention — to stand out in a crowd — and to remind them every day that it’s a glorious machine. But for other buyers, the best thing about a luxur…
Hyundai and Nissan crossovers provide a smaller option
Do you want a small SUV but feel that today’s best-sellers just aren’t all that small? The Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4 offer tons of interior space for the money, so it’s no surprise that…
