Published by admin January 10th, 2008
in 4 Stars and Mini.
by Holly Glaspey
Parallel parking has never been this fun. In case driving around in a convertible didn’t make one feel smug enough, pulling up to spaces 95% of cars can not even consider, and swinging in one-handed on the first try is a big perk for me with this little gem. So long as the top is down, changing lanes is a lot of fun too–I confess that behind the Mini wheel, I became a bit prone to “darting.”
There doesn’t seem to be much gray area in Mini public opinion. Most people who saw me in the car were dying for a ride, but those who weren’t didn’t want to touch it with a ten-foot pole. But I’m really on the fence: if you have to describe the Mini in one word it’s easy—FUN. This car made me more excited about “the driving experience” and “the journey” than any other I have ridden in or driven. However, I am not running to the nearest dealership. I felt plenty of “go” moving from second to third or third to fourth, but from a red light or up a steep hill I was disappointed. I was also uncomfortable driving with the top up because of the horrible visibility out the back window. One more note on the convertible top: I never used the half-way open, “built-in sunroof” setting. With the heated seats and the visibility issues, it just seemed like I might as well go all the way.
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Published by admin January 3rd, 2008
in 4.5 Stars, 3.5 Stars and Subaru.
The Subaru Tribeca is one of those cars that garner three reactions. 1. Surprise; “I didn’t know Subaru made a SUV”. 2. Disdain; “Wow, that is one funny looking car”. and 3. Confusion; “Yeah, I don’t know how I feel about it. It’s kind of weird.” While, only 1/3 the responses were outright negative, it’s hard to find people who just love this vehicle.
To look at it, you’re going to either love it or hate it. It’s incredibly unique shape, curves, and features make it stand out like few other $30,000 cars do right now. However, that uniqueness is the main problem people have with this car. Personally, I’m not a big fan of the rear 1/3 of the car. The front is pretty unassuming, but from behind it always has reminded me of an alien head. I think that Subaru would have had a real winner on it’s hand if they hadn’t handicapped themselves by giving it such unusual styling which people could disagree with. However, the 2008 model addresses these issues and it looks much better. But this review is about the 2007, so let’s get back to that.
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Published by admin December 29th, 2007
in 2 Stars and Ford.
HYBRID OMG HYBRID!!! Did you say H$BR$D?
Let me first admit that I would like my next car to be a hybrid, and that I’m all for altering the gas-guzzling paradigm persistent among U.S. auto makers, but I have a hard time taking Ford serious. I drove the 2005 Escape Hybrid a few years ago and remember it being a most disappointing drive, so I was anxious to test out the 2007 and see what improvements were made, and how “earth-friendly” this car turned out to be.
My first impressions were that I really like this size of SUV, so I gave it a huge bonus right out of the blocks. I think it’s a very livable car that provides reasonable space inside, while still maintaining an urban driving experience that doesn’t make you want to just go home. I like the subtle styling upgrades over the past two years, and say with confidence that it is a very attractive SUV for $26,000, especially for a hybrid. But sliding into a Ford almost always provides the exact same response: a moment of disappointment. I always hope that Ford will finally fix the many things that are wrong with their interior design, and finally produce an environment that I want to spend time in. With the Escape, I was again disappointed. I think the controls are too blocky and awkward, the tactile response is muted and dull, the accents look cheap and made of plastic, and it always takes me several minutes of playing with the driver’s seat before I feel comfortable. However, that’s the same with most Fords I’ve driven, so I won’t spend any more time on it.
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Published by admin December 20th, 2007
in 5 stars and Ford.
Who wouldn’t want a 500 hp candy cane delivered within a week of Christmas. It’s big, red, shiny, and the most power I know of under $50,000. And every single person that sees it notices it. For those who are looking to over-compensate with their vehicle, look no further.
I don’t think there was a single time someone walked by this car when I was either getting in or out and didn’t comment. The gas attendant, who saw it from afar, and staring at it as he walked up to take my order, merely said “That’s what I’m asking for for Christmas.” The homeless man who rode his bike/trailer combo by my house one afternoon only saw it from behind, and with the trunk open, but still was exclaiming about how hot my ride was from 20 feet away. Getting out at my friend’s house, at 8pm in the evening, elicited shouts from the neighbor porch, “Hey man, you wanna sell me your car!” Over and over again, this was the object of attention. And for anyone who rode in it, it held their attention the entire time.
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Published by admin November 20th, 2007
in 3.5 Stars and Kia.
The first time I saw a Kia Amanti, before I knew it was a Kia, I thought to myself “What car is that? Is that some new Mercedes or something?” It actually fooled me into believing it was a true luxury car by it’s outer styling and established grill. When I saw who made the car, I blushed and quickly changed the subject. In retrospect, I think it’s the biggest compliment I could have given it. It confused me into thinking it was a true luxury car.
The Kias are coming a long way, and they’ve been winning the hearts of people across the country, but it still seems weird to me to call a Kia a luxury car maker, even though the Amanti is entering into that class.
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