We cover the 2013 models like nobody else! MPGomatic’s unique multimedia reviews focus on fuel efficiency, driveability, usability, and in-cabin technology with an unbiased approach. Concise review video segments put you behind the wheel, as they deliver the look, feel and sounds of each model. Text and photos deliver further details on driving conditions and model-specific information.
2013 Cadillac ATS 3.6L V6 Premium Review
Is the 2013 Cadillac ATS a shot across the bow of the European sedans, or is it a swing and a miss? Designed to compete with the Audi A4, the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the ATS hits the mark with a distinctively American flavor. Caddy’s smallest sedan might have what it takes to go toe-to-toe here in the United States today, but it’ll take a turbo-diesel to be truly competitive across the pond.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Review
The 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco dukes it out in the midsize sedan segment with the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata. General Motors chose to cast aside the flashy hybrid emblem of the Eco’s predecessor, in favor of a small green badge. The new Malibu Eco swaps in a 2.4-liter inline four and lithium-ion battery powered electric motor in place of the older Hybrid’s 3.6-liter V6 and NiMH battery pack. We found the new model to be quieter, faster, more fuel-efficient, and more refined.
2013 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ Review
The 2013 Chevrolet Suburban is the Big Daddy of traditional body-on-frame American SUVs, with half- and 3/4-ton versions that can seat up to nine people with a maximum towing capacity of 9,600 pounds.We put a loaded AWD half-ton Suburban LTZ to the “take your kid to college” test, packing the cargo area full, and taking to the open road for a 700+ mile round trip. The Suburban delivered plenty of creature comfort, while consuming a considerable amount of fuel.
2013 Ford C-MAX SEL Hybrid Review
While it falls short of the mark in cold weather and high speed fuel-efficiency, the Ford C-MAX dominates on every other front. Controversy aside, the C-MAX rolls a respectable level of performance, a solid ride, plenty of comfort, ample technology, and a remarkably roomy interior in a compelling package. Ford touts that the C-MAX is “the fastest-selling hybrid ever at launch, with 8,030 sales in its first two full months on the market in October and November.”
2013 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Review
With a starting price of $22,200, the base 2013 Mustang V6 delivers a whopping amount of punch for the dollar and great gas mileage, given the muscle that rumbles under the original pony car’s hood. With a remarkably deep option list, you can easily increase the sticker price by a good fifty percent or so, as our test unit’s MSRP of $35,100 clearly shows. We found that some options may lead to a loss of fuel economy as a trade-off to increased performance that is not reflected by the window sticker.
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Review
The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo takes it up a notch over the naturally-aspirated Veloster. An added cost of approximately $4,500 delivers a whopping improvement in torque and horsepower (HP), with a negligible hit on fuel economy. The Veloster Turbo ups the ante in the affordable Eco Sport segment, but can it go head-to-head with the Fiat Abarth, 500 Turbo and John Cooper Works MINI? Fingers crossed, we’ll put the Euro rivals to the test down the road …
2013 Lexus GS450h Hybrid Review
With a starting price of $58,950, the 2013 Lexus GS450h is targeted at the more affluent among the eco-conscious crowd. This elegant hybrid sedan makes a design statement unlike anything else on the road, with a positively scrumptious bamboo-trimmed interior. The GS450h’s stirring performance and a combined EPA gas mileage rating of 31 miles per gallon (MPG) is clearly intended to make those who might be shopping the Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec and new Audi A6 TDI clean diesel sedans stop to consider the alternatives.
2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport Review
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV is the most fuel efficient crossover sold in America, with a rating of 35 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway in the front-wheel-drive base model. But it’s about so much more than just the MPGs. Unlike many of its competitors, the CX-5 can be equipped with a manual transmission. The shifter is top notch, adding a dimension to the CX-5 that’s simply uncommon. Leave it to Mazda to create a small roomy crossover that’s actually fun to toss about. While it’s no speed demon, this little critter has sufficient pep, handles well and absolutely begs to be driven.
2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club PRHT Review
The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata tops the charts when it comes to low-ticket, drop top roadster fun. Affordable rear-wheel-drive (RWD) convertible sports cars are tough to find these days, given the departure of the Honda S2000, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac Solstice. While some may decry the Miata’s relatively low power output, it’s the sum of the parts that makes this little roadster so enjoyable to toss about when the sun is shining. With a power retractable hard top, the fun needn’t end when the weather turns cold or the rain starts to fall.
2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Review
With a starting price of $37,895, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR packs a remarkable amount of punch for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) dollar, with the legendary Subaru WRX STi the only real competition in its price range ($34,295 with a six-speed manual, automatic not available). If you want to take it up a few notches and have more money to plunk down ($49,000 with the seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic and quattro AWD), the 333 horsepower supercharged Audi S4 is a far more luxurious option than the EVO MR, but it’s no faster in the 0-60 mile per hour (MPH) sprint.
2013 Scion FR-S MPG Review
With a starting MSRP of $24,930, the 2013 Scion FR-S has received a warm welcome from a market hungry for affordable rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports coupes. The FR-S’ biggest surprise is its startling level of fuel efficiency, enabled by superior aerodynamics and – in the case of the automatic – optimized gearing. The FR-S and its cousin, the slightly more expensive (and more fully outfitted) Subaru BRZ, were co-developed by Toyota and Subaru. While much has been written about the RWD twins, often in glowing terms, we take a closer look at how the Boxer’s RPMs effect its MPGs.
– by Daniel Gray
