http://www.thecarconnection.com/ Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:56:00 +0000 http://static.hgmsites.net/site-icons/site-logo_40070_s.jpg http://www.thecarconnection.com/ en http://www.thecarconnection.com/rss http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/acura_rdx_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/acura_rdx_2012 The Basics: The 2012 Acura RDX is a sporty, 'personal sized' crossover utility vehicle that takes aim at younger professionals who aren't yet encumbered by family duties. That said, the RDX can make a pretty good, upscale vehicle for a growing family--one that's a little more exciting to drive than most. While the RDX remains exciting to drive...]]> Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:56:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/nissan_maxima_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/nissan_maxima_2012 The Basics: When the current-generation Maxima was launched, a few years, ago, Nissan again termed it "The 4-Door Sports Car;" but we dare say that's a bit of a stretch. While the front-wheel-drive Maxima does have a sporting edge that doesn't infringe on passenger comfort, it doesn't have the packaging sacrifices in the name of performance, and...]]> Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:15:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/audi_a8_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/audi_a8_2012 The Basics: Audi's flagship A8 sedan had already been inching closer to the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class with each iteration, and with its major redesign last year it's finally surpassed those other flagships in many respects. A new set of aluminum body panels, revised space-frame structure, broad spectrum of drivetrain choices, stunning...]]> Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:10:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/buick_enclave_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/buick_enclave_2012 The Basics: The Buick Enclave was the first vehicle to signal a sea change at the GM brand. A replacement for Rendezvous and Rainier SUVs, the Enclave crossover was pitched directly at luxury-car owners who wanted something pretty, luxurious--and American. The Enclave may have been the beginning of the renaissance at Buick that now includes a new...]]> Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:50:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/cadillac_escalade_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/cadillac_escalade_2012 The Basics: As a true luxury truck, with huge 22-inch wheels, a super-size look, and chromed splendor all around, the Cadillac Escalade has become an American luxury icon. While offering the acceleration and responsiveness of a smaller luxury vehicle, the Escalade offers one of the most comfortable, lavishly appointed interiors available in any...]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:44:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/dodge_avenger_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/dodge_avenger_2012 The Basics: Retrofitted last year with a new V-6 powertrain, a retuned suspension and a new interior, the Dodge Avenger comes back for the 2012 model year still intent on rehabbing its rental-car image. It's undoubtedly better than it was before, but the Avenger still struggles as it competes with some family-sedan powerhouses including the Ford...]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:57:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/dodge_durango_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/dodge_durango_2012 The Basics: The big Dodge Durango SUV has some Mercedes-Benz GL-Class genetics baked into its rugged form. It's significantly less expensive, of course, and for those that still need the big towing and seating of a more traditional sport-ute, it's one of the best choices available. For 2012 it returns with just a few changes, competing with the...]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:57:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/ford_fusion_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/ford_fusion_2012 The Basics: The 2012 Ford Fusion marks the end of an era at Ford. After the Taurus lost the narrative in the mid-1990s, Ford's fortunes in the family-car segment faded--for a decade. The Fusion came along in 2006 and it's been a steadily growing sales success ever since, posting some of its best numbers this year even as Ford prepares a...]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:33:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/land-rover_lr4_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/land-rover_lr4_2012 The Basics: Land Rover's boxy, traditional-looking off-road-focused model was given a thorough refresh, a new engine, and other improvements a couple of years ago, gaining the name LR4 (replacing LR3). Now, the 2012 Land Rover LR4 gets a number of improvements inside, with its audio, connectivity, and navigation systems all updated. Visually, the...]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/land-rover_lr2_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/land-rover_lr2_2012 The Basics: Land Rover's place in history stems from a single vehicle, the Range Rover. That it's been able to stretch that into a brand, where HUMMER failed, is something of a major marketing achievement. And on the product side, it's done an admirable job dividing the sexy, five-star affairs--the Range Rover, Sport, and the new Evoque--from the...]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:41:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/ford_f-150_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/ford_f-150_2012 The Basics: The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling full-size pickup line for more than three decades, and big improvements in the past three years have kept it at the top of its class for towing, gas mileage, and luxury and technology features. It's still true for the 2012 model year, with some more minor changes that maintain its place near the...]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:22:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/honda_insight_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/honda_insight_2012 The Basics: When it was launched two years ago, the Honda Insight was pitched as the lowest-priced hybrid sold in the States. It's still inexpensive, but the 2012 Honda Insight suffers a bit in comparison to its stablemate, the Honda Fit. Both are five-door subcompact hatchbacks, but the highly flexible Fit has more room inside, gets real-world...]]> Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:30:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/subaru_legacy_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/subaru_legacy_2012 The Basics: Subaru completely redesigned the Legacy for 2010. While the core essentials remained—a horizontally opposed (boxer) engine lineup and standard all-wheel drive—it became a bit larger and roomier than before, with more luxury and refinement to boot. And with a new CVT automatic on base four-cylinder models, it's now the most...]]> Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/infiniti_qx56_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/infiniti_qx56_2012 The Basics: Maybe it's a narrow demographic, but the 2012 Infiniti QX56 has it nailed. It's for buyers who need seats for eight and can tell high-spec off-road hardware at a glance--but can also appreciate the fine turn of a Nakashima table. The QX56 is Infiniti's big SUV, but it's not the same vehicle as the one that used to be built in...]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/jaguar_xj_2012 http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/jaguar_xj_2012 The Basics: Jaguar's come a long way from its baroque recent past. Starting with the 2007 XJ and proceeding with the 2009 XF, its cars transformed from museum pieces into striking works of art. The big XJ sedan underwent the change in life in 2011, and this year it's back in all its glory. The formerly frumpy XJ is now all about chic, and it's...]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000