All posts in: Family Cars

Hands-on with the 2012 Kia Rio

Automotive
By Alex Nunez on June 1, 2012 in

2012 Kia Rio SX Sedan

Man, if you're in the market for a new small car, you're in luck, because there are a slew of good options that are priced attractively, well-equipped, and don't shortchange you on style or fuel economy. I've mentioned a few that resonated with me so far, and have since spent some meaningful time with a few more. The biggest and most pleasant surprise of the bunch is the one you see here: the 2012 Kia Rio SX. This one is fully loaded, and carried a sticker price of $20,545 including freight and handling charges. Flip through the slideshow below for a closer look and some firsthand observations.  Read more

Volkswagen looks to strike a chord with new Beetle Fender Edition

Automotive
By Mark Stevenson on May 31, 2012 in

Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition

After resulting in award-winning audio systems for the Volkswagen Jetta GLI and  the new Passat, the partnership between Volkswagen and  Fender (best known for its iconic electric guitars) is bearing additional fruit.

No, the Beetle Fender Edition doesn't sport different colors on each fender like the bygone Harlequin Golf. (Though, that might actually be neat to see again.) Instead, it's a single- color special edition  aimed at musicians, audiophiles, and anyone else looking to channel their inner rock star behind the wheel. Read more

Recall Recap for May 31: Acura TLs, Chevy Malibus, Lexus GS 350s and Kitchen Selectives Blenders

Automotive
By Rita Colorito on May 31, 2012 in

Exclaimation point sign on desert road

If you own one of the autos in this week's recall list--2013 Chevy Malibus; 2013 Lexus GS 350s; and 2007/2008 Acura TLs -- make sure you get the dealer remedy before you hit the highways and byways to avoid crash risks. And in the kitchen this week, you'll want steer clear of Kitchen Selectives Blenders if you have one. Select Brands recalled more than 4,000 of the 6-speed blenders because they pose a laceration hazard. Also take a pass on Shitake-Ya Gourmet Shitake Slices by L.A. Link, which were recalled because of chemical contamination.   Read more

Driving the 2013 Ford Police Interceptors

Automotive
By Alex Nunez on March 23, 2012 in

2013 Ford Police Interceptor

When it retired the venerated Panther rear-wheel drive platform last year, Ford lost more than the beloved Lincoln Town Car. Panther underpinned the Ford Crown Victoria, which, while discontinued for retail sale after model year 2007, continued to be produced in the all-important Police Interceptor configuration until last year, when Panther production finally ceased altogether.

To borrow a term that is used a little too cavalierly these days, it is entirely reasonable to call the Crown Vic an icon. For many, it and "police car" are interchangeable terms. Anyone who drives knows that sinking feeling you get when your rearview mirror fills with the visage of a Crown Vic wearing the telltale black grille. Suddenly, you discover the speed limit and hope you don't see red-and-blue lights. But with Ford's ubiquitous patrol car accepting the proverbial gold watch after decades of service, how would the automaker follow up? Earlier this week, we drove the two vehicles that will fill the Vic's very big shoes, the 2013 Ford Police Interceptor sedan and SUV. Read more

First Drive: 2012 Hyundai Azera and 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Automotive
By Alex Nunez on March 16, 2012 in

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai's model lineup has matured so much and so quickly that the automaker's vehicles are no longer simply viewed as budget-friendly alternatives to other established players. They're now A-list entries in their own right. At the same time, the reputation for value has been retained even as the marque offers pricier, more upscale vehicles, since Hyundai continues to offer plenty of features for the money. 

This week, we attended an event in Westchester County, NY in which we got to spend some seat time with Hyundai's two new spring arrivals, the 2013 Genesis Coupe, and the 2012 Azera sedan. The former, Hyundai's rear-wheel-drive performance car, is substantially updated for 2013. The latter carries forward an existing nameplate but is otherwise an ambitious all-new entry. Read on past the jump for some first impressions.  Read more

Recall recap: Lawn tractors, Lenovo computers, and Gerber infant formula

By Rita Colorito on March 16, 2012 in

Caution Tape

Toyota issued two massive recalls this week, for air bag problems and inoperative brake lights in several Tacoma, and Camry and Venza models, respectively. Malfunctioning parking lamps caused Buick to recall 2012 Regal vehicles. And Infiniti recalled certain older M45s because of an inaccurate fuel gauge. Crash hazards also prompted Hydro-Gear to recall lawn tractors. Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop computers may overheat and cause a fire hazard. And Gerber pulls a batch of Good Start Infant Formula after reports of off-odor and gastrointestinal problems in infants. Read more

Insulated food carriers and Kia models recalled, plus salmonella in sprouts and salts

By Rita Colorito on January 26, 2012 in

Keeping your lunch cold keeps you healthy, unless it's packed in one of two recalled California Innovations insulated food carriers whose gel packs can leak, posing a poisoning hazard. Other things you don't want to ingest: LEASA Brand alfalfa sprouts and Jones' Seasonings mock salts, because of possible salmonella contamination; and Price Chopper shredded taco cheese which also may contain shredded plastic fragments. And, in other recall news, Kia recalled certain Optimas and Rondas because the driver's airbag may not deploy in a crash. Read below for these and other recalls. Read more

First Drive: 2012 Toyota Camry

Automotive
By Alex Nunez on August 24, 2011 in

2012 Toyota Camry

So, yesterday Toyota officially unveiled the 2012 Camry. Given that it's the best-selling car in America several years running, and that Toyota has moved 15 million of them worldwide since its introduction in 1983, the likelihood is you either own a Camry, have owned a Camry, or know someone who fits one of those descriptions. While the current 2011 Camry is an eminently practical car, it's a bore to look at inside and out, and it's not exactly exciting to drive. It seems Toyota grew tired of being a piñata for car reviewers to smack around in the face of more stylish and equally, if not more capable newcomers like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. We know this because we got to drive the new Camry at Citi Field yesterday. It's impressive. Read more

What's going on at the Geneva Motor Show?

Automotive
By Alex Nunez on March 2, 2010 in

Porsche 918 Spyder concept car

The Geneva Motor Show (as in, Switzerland) kicked off today, meaning that the blogs and newswires are alive with buzz emanating from the massive exhibition. Thanks to the big time differential, Day 1's basically over now, so we can weigh in with a quick synopsis of some stuff you might actually find interesting, along with some links to sites where you can follow the show in much greater detail.

The Geneva Motor Show (as in, Switzerland) kicked off today, meaning that the blogs and newswires are alive with buzz emanating from the massive exhibition. Thanks to the big time differential, Day 1's basically over now, so we can weigh in with a quick synopsis of some stuff you might actually find interesting, along with some links to sites where you can follow the show in much greater detail. Read more

Toyota issues another huge recall over potential for stuck accelerators

Automotive
By Alex Nunez on January 22, 2010 in

2010 Toyota Corolla

Yesterday, word came down from Toyota headquarters that 2.3 million Toyota-brand cars, trucks, and SUVs (as well as the 2009 Pontiac Vibe) are part of a new voluntary recall (NHTSA Campaign ID number: 10V017000) to address a mechanical problem that could lead to stuck accelerators. Be advised that yesterday's recall is entirely separate from the even larger November floormat-related recall affecting over 4 million vehicles, which was issued in response to a nationally-publicized unintended acceleration problem.

Owners take note: According to Toyota, 1.7 million vehicles are affected by both recalls, so if you were in for the floormat recall, you may well need to go back in again for this new issue, which is mechanical in nature and can, once again, result in unintended acceleration. Note also that  the present time, Toyota has not yet determined what the exact repair solution will be, saying only that they are "working quickly to prepare the correction remedy."

Yesterday, word came down from Toyota headquarters that 2.3 million Toyota-brand cars, trucks, and SUVs (as well as the 2009 Pontiac Vibe) are part of a new voluntary recall (NHTSA Campaign ID number: 10V017000) to address a mechanical problem that could lead to stuck accelerators. Be advised that yesterday's recall is entirely separate from the even larger November floormat-related recall affecting over 4 million vehicles, which was issued in response to a nationally-publicized unintended acceleration problem.

Owners take note: According to Toyota, 1.7 million vehicles are affected by both recalls, so if you were in for the floormat recall, you may well need to go back in again for this new issue, which is mechanical in nature and can, once again, result in unintended acceleration. Note also that  the present time, Toyota has not yet determined what the exact repair solution will be, saying only that they are "working quickly to prepare the correction remedy." Read more

Back to top