Model Tested: 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Power Hardtop Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 167 horsepower 140 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 21/City—28/Highway—24/Combined Base Price: $29,450 As Tested: $32,285 Performance: A go-kart with air conditioning and a retractable hardtop Super … read more
Model Tested: 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 173 horsepower 154 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—34/Highway—28/Combined Base Price: $19,600 As Tested: $24,735 Performance: Satisfactory acceleration, nothing spectacular Nice six-speed automatic transmission Smooth highway ride Test car equaled … read more
Model Tested: 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer SE AWD Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/City—29/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $20,695 As Tested: $22,940 Performance: More power than the base model, but short of the mighty Evo Fine AWD … read more
With a retooled powertrain, more standard features, and a striking new design, the 2014 Mazda6 is a worthy alternative to the plethora of boring, look alike, family sedans. Everything from bold exterior lines inspired by Mazda’s Shinari concept car, to the powertrain, to … read more
By Lary Coppola It seems rare that in my normal rotation of vehicles to review, I get a convertible in warm sunny weather. Somehow, they always seem to come at some stage of the gray, rainy, Pacific Northwest winter. However, I lucked out … read more
In China, owning a Buick is a status symbol akin to owning a Mercedes, BMW, Infiniti, Audi, etc., in the U.S. I’ve actually never quite understood why. However, driving the 2014 Buick Regal reconfirmed what I already knew after driving the entire Buick … read more
Model Tested: 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage ES five-door hatchback Engine: 1.2-liter three-cylinder DOHC, 72 horsepower 74 lb-ft torque Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 37/City—44/Highway—40/Combined Base Price: $15,195 As Tested: $15,990 Performance: 74 horsepower, 74 lb-ft torque Seriously lacking power; agonizingly slow … read more
