All posts tagged: Ford Escape

2016 Kia Soul SE Sport (TwoTone) – Road Test

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My wife just LOVES the Kia Soul – she thinks it was made just for her… I like it a lot, and every time I drive one I come away impressed – reluctantly so. For me the Soul is one of those vehicles that I have a love/hate relationship with. I don’t want to love it, but I kinda do. It’s enjoyable to drive, fun and quirky enough to be different from all the other blah cars driving up and down the road in boring silver or snore gold. The TV commercials tell us it is fun to drive and to be seen in… and damn-it – they’re right!!

Hybrid Vehicles – How Do They Work And Should I Buy One? – Road Test Special

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~ 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid In 2006 I had the opportunity to Road Test my first two hybrid vehicles – the Ford Escape and the Toyota Camry. I wasn’t sure what to expect, other than good gas mileage and a very quiet engine. That was a long time ago and hybrids have come a long way since then with numerous manufacturers throwing their hat into the fuel-savings ring. Each time I get the opportunity to drive a hybrid, my main goal is to learn if they actually sipped fuel as promised, or whether all the hype is just another game of smoke and mirrors that tree huggers have become so adept at feeding the general public by way of the media. I always get numerous questions come my way from friends, family and complete strangers. Most are somewhat confused about what exactly a hybrid is, and that got me to thinking – how many other people are confused about them? So, with my readers in mind, here is a brief explanation and summary of my experience …

2008 Honda CR-V EX-L Navi – Road Test

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Honda’s 3rd generation of the very popular CR-V is by far the best looking one yet. As has become the norm in the automotive kingdom, each succeeding generation of vehicles brings with it improved safety, luxuries and dimensions. Honda hasn’t diverged from the norm in their design of the CR-V. One thing that stands out in this re-design is that this just isn’t a Honda CR-V, but an Acura CR-V. This is a baby Acura SUV in every way imaginable – including the price. From the intoxicating smell of the leather interior to the quality feel throughout, Honda has really kicked it up a notch with the 2007 Acura – I mean Honda CR-V.

2008 Honda CR-V EX-L Navi – Road Test

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Honda’s 3rd generation of the very popular CR-V is by far the best looking one yet. As has become the norm in the automotive kingdom, each succeeding generation of vehicles brings with it improved safety, luxuries and dimensions. Honda hasn’t diverged from the norm in their design of the CR-V. One thing that stands out in this re-design is that this just isn’t a Honda CR-V, but an Acura CR-V. This is a baby Acura SUV in every way imaginable – including the price. From the intoxicating smell of the leather interior to the quality feel throughout, Honda have really kicked it up a notch with the 2008 Acura – I mean Honda CR-V.

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2007 Mazda CX-7 GS – Road Test

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When I first saw the MX-Crossport Concept Vehicle (now known as the Mazda CX-7) at the Toronto International Auto Show 18 months ago, I thought it was a nice looking, but impractical SUV/Concept vehicle. I was somewhat surprised when I saw the actual pre-production version at this past February’s Auto Show. It doesn’t look like any other SUV on the road today. It’s not boxy and generic-looking, it’s actually more Sport than Utility looking. From the front, it looks a lot like the Mazda RX-8 sports car – especially if you’re looking at it through your rear-view mirror. It certainly looks like its got zoom – but does it have Zoom-Zoom? Oh yeah, it goes like stink!

2006 Hyundai Tucson GLS AWD & Limited – Road Test

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Hyundai’s smallest SUV, the Tucson was released just last year. Although smaller than the Santa Fe, its pricing is very closely matched to its big brother. That will probably change when the all-new, bigger 2007 Santa Fe comes out later this year. First Impressions Hyundai has come a long way since they came to North America back in the mid-80’s. Mimicking the Japanese manufacturers, Hyundai have always offered quality at a low cost, and just like the Japanese, as the quality of the vehicles and materials improved over the years – so the cost of purchasing the vehicle has moved in-step. Having said that, the cost of a Hyundai SUV is still less than comparable vehicles from Honda, Nissan and Toyota. So they’re cheaper to purchase – but are they any good?

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX – Road Test

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Attention Auto Manufacturers: If you cannot build an SUV that as a bare minimum beats the quality, fit and finish – and with the same safety and standard features of the Suzuki Grand Vitara – then you’re not doing it right! THIS is the new benchmark all other small and midsize SUV’s have to be judged against. I’ve driven quite a few SUV’s over the past couple of years, but the Grand Vitara really does stand out like no other.