First Drives

Minivans have two critical missions. Sure, they're supposed to keep passengers entertained on the road. But their most important jobs are carrying the whole family, and doing it safely. For 2018, Honda is aiming to not only improve the way its Odyssey minivan handles those mission-critical tasks...Read More»

With small utility vehicles selling in record numbers, now often replacing compact and mid-size sedans, automakers have launched more and more models to expand their lineups. The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport joins a growing pool of smaller utilities that includes the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep...Read More»

Tired of watching its owners drive past VW showrooms when their families grew large enough for a three-row crossover, the German automaker finally has something to lure shoppers away from Ford Explorers and Honda Pilots. It’s called the Atlas, and the burden it carries is substantial. VW...Read More»

The Chevrolet Equinox's revitalization has been long overdue. Compact crossovers are all the rage in America's driveways and Chevy's entry had been out of touch for a few years. The old model could trace its roots back to George W. Bush's first term. Despite some updates, its thirsty engines, its...Read More»

The market for compact crossovers hasn't been this competitive—or this crowded—in the more than two decades the mini-utility vehicles have been on the road. After only four short years on the scene, Mazda has revamped its best-selling CX-5 to better compete with the likes of Honda...Read More»

Look closely to spot the “all new” in the all new Mazda CX-5. Perhaps you’ve noticed the small differences in the bumpers, or the recurved sheet metal. Maybe it was the little differences in the interior, or the quieter ride? Attention to that kind of detail might make you a...Read More»

Finally, with the introduction of the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass, the Jeep lineup has something for everyone, everywhere. The all-new Compass comes as the long-overdue replacement for a pair of crossovers—the classic Cherokee-inspired Patriot and the old, south-pointing Compass—that...Read More»

It's easy to say that it's not about the score when you're down a few points. In General Motors' case, the new-for-2017 turbodiesel V-8 that's optional on its full-size pickups comes up a little short on torque compared to the equally new Ford F-250. But is there really a difference between the 910...Read More»

Outside of Vegas, an alien-themed cathouse provides the only Kodak moments for a hundred miles or more. Honest, honey--we're just here for the pictures! Yep, that's how we'll sell it on social media. And at home. The weird, fleshy offshoot of capitalism gives us reason, at least, to pull to the...Read More»

It's difficult to assess just how far General Motors has come with the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV. That's not to say that the 238-mile rated electric car from a major domestic automaker isn't an achievement. At less than the average cost for a new car in the U.S., the Bolt EV represents a significant...Read More»

Economy of scale has given Americans car buyers an overflowing buffet. Case in point: More hatchbacks are in the U.S. now than our current appetites call for. Honda's latest Civic will come with an odd door, the first time in more than a decade. The Corolla iM hatchback is barely out of its...Read More»

Deeply embroiled in one of the most complex corporate scandals ever, Volkswagen is at a crossroads—especially in the United States. The brand’s new Golf Alltrack represents a potential way out, at least if history is on VW’s side. Flash back to the mid-1990s, and had you been...Read More»

Just what Kia wants to be when it grows up remains something of a mystery—but if it’s a purveyor of premium-feeling, stylish cars, the Cadenza goes a long way toward fulfilling that mission. While this big sedan doesn’t bring much new to the table against rivals like the Buick...Read More»

Circling the trendy Pearl district in Portland, Oregon, in a Buick LaCrosse is about as cool as saddling up for an afternoon of work at one of the area's many coffee shops with a chunky HP laptop and not a slick new MacBook. It gets the job done, but it feels rather out of place—and not in an...Read More»

Looking back at it, we've grown a lot in 17 years. But some things are better left behind. The Great Recession can stay right where it is—in history. Samesies for toe shoes. About 17 years ago, Ford split off heavy duty trucks from its F-150 lineup and created one of the most lucrative...Read More»

It can steer for you, brake for you, it can even entertain you. Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class the smartest car on the road today? By Mercedes' reckoning, it is. As a rival for vehicles like the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Lexus GS, and Jaguar XF, the E-Class has its plate full just...Read More»

When GMC released the Acadia for the 2007 model year, it showed that the automaker was starting to get it. Instead of limiting families to large truck-based SUVs like the Yukon that could double as tow vehicles and break the family fuel budget, GMC, along with Saturn, Buick, and eventually...Read More»

Cadillac is on a quest. It wants to be the next Benz, the new BMW, the up and coming Audi. It has some truly excellent cars that put it in contention, with the compact ATS and the mid-size CTS.
 Now it wants some of the full-size respect that gets heaped on the S-Class, the 7-Series, and the A8...Read More»