MPG-o-Matic 2011 Ford Fiesta Review Summary: The Ford Fiesta is a game-changing front-wheel drive (FWD) subcompact. Available as both a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, the Fiesta goes to battle with the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa and emerges victoriously. Simply put, the Fiesta sets the standard for fit, finish, ride, and handling in its class. Despite the car’s diminutive dimensions, the Fiesta doesn’t feel like a tiny car once you slip behind the wheel, with in-cabin amenities above and beyond what one would expect in a subcompact.
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Mustang vs Camaro: Gas Mileage Battle
Back in the day, six-cylinder Mustangs and Camaros were dismissed as secretary’s cars. You could slap a set of Cragar SS chrome rims on a straight six, but the exhaust note always gave it away. Musclecar fans debated horsepower, not fuel efficiency. Flash forward forty years and things have changed. Folks are pitting Mustang gas mileage against Camaro gas mileage. The cutting-edge naturally-aspirated V6 engines in the current Mustang and Camaro are both powerful and thrifty on gas (when driven conscientiously).
The 2011 3.7-liter V6 Mustang is rated at 30 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway (when equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission), while delivering a remarkable 305 horsepower. I was lucky to be on hand to witness the Mustang 1000-Lap Challenge at Bristol Motor Speedway back in June. After spending a good part of the day with Mustang Vehicle Engineering Manager Tom Barnes and the engineering crew, I gained a raft of insight into how the original pony car was transformed into fuel-efficient fire-breathing beast.
Want to know how the team scored a remarkable 48.5 MPG in the test? Que up the video …
2010 Nissan Maxima Review
MPG-o-Matic 2010 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV Review Summary: The Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV is a thoroughly modern sedan that brings a high level of driving enjoyment, a lovely cabin, and sweet array of technology. While the Maxima is once again billed at “The 4-Door Sports Car,” a quick look at Nissan’s website tells a different story. Nissan lists the Maxima at the top of the range under the Cars tab, rather than the Sports Cars tab (which is reserved for the 370Z and GT-R). Whether you consider it a true sports car or simply a sporty sedan, the Maxima takes its own road.
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: First Drive
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.—You know that old saying about not judging a book by its cover? Well, it kind of applies to the all-new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
The exterior sheet metal gets a complete overhaul, and gone is the almost whimsical wide-mouthed grille in favor of a much more sedate and conservative facade. The lines are long, harsh and lean, and the new Jetta looks more like a BMW than its Audi brethren.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring Review
MPG-o-Matic 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring Review Summary: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring is positioned as the most-refined entry in the legendary EVO lineup, for those that enjoy spirited driving without generating too much attention. Outfitted with goodies including BBS wheels, Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, Brembo brakes, and Recaro bucket seats, the EVO MR Touring uses top-shelf parts, while forgoing the decklid wing in favor of a discreet spoiler. The Evolution MR Touring goes head-to-head with the 2011 Subaru WRX STI sedan and little else.