News By Topic: Editorials and Commentary

2013 Fiat 500 Turbo and 500e Reviews By Larry Nutson

Jun 11, 2013

Due´ Fiat 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo and 500e Reviews by Larry Nutson Senior Editor, New York Bureau The Auto Channel (FT013-150FH) The city-friendly Fiat 500, the Cinquecento, arrived on the scene here in the U.S. in the first half of 2011 with its 2-door coupe in Pop, Sport and Lounge trims. Then came the 500c Cabrio, an ... Continue reading

First Drive 2013 Peugeot 2008 Crossover By Henny Hemmes

Jun 11, 2013

By Henny Hemmes Senior European Editor The Auto Channel RIBEAUVILLÉ, France. May 28, 2013. Peugeot has just launched its brand new 2008, a crossover that seats five. The moment is not ideal for the introduction of a new model, but that problem is not only Peugeot’s. Even though the French brand, part of the PSA ... Continue reading

2014 Lexus IS 250, IS 350 Transformation - It IS Competitive At Last

Jun 9, 2013

2014 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 Review By Thom Cannell Senior Editor Michigan Bureau The Auto Channel We began this review from the back seat of a 2014 Lexus IS 350, not our usual habitat. One passenger was 5 8”, the other was 6’2”. Remember, this is the IS, not an LS and frankly we were confused. All the c ... Continue reading

GM Catches Flack at Annual Meeting

Jun 9, 2013

From Mac Gordon June 8, 2013 DETROIT- GM's annual meeting this year was no cheering orgy. To the surprise of most attendees, GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson was treated to a confessional of the No. 1 automaker's marketing and financial problems. The out-of-sorts Akerson admitted GM was still struggling to boost its mar ... Continue reading

Heels On Wheels - 2014 Kia Forte Sedan Review

Jun 9, 2013

HEELS ON WHEELS By Katrina Ramser San Francisco Bureau The Auto Channel INTRO TO THE 2014 KIA FORTE VEHICLE The value-based Forte sedan gets a longer, lower and wider chassis for the 2014 model year, adding depth to its compact presence while sprucing up the design for car that is surprisingly spacious, snazzy, and eas ... Continue reading

Nutson's Nuggets - June 3-9, 2013 Automotive News Factoids Just In-Case You Were Snoozing

Jun 9, 2013

* May came to a close with U.S. Auto Sales up 8% on sales of over 1.4 million units. The seasonal selling rate is at 15.3 million. Pickups were big sellers. Big gainers were Ford, Nissan and Subaru. Ford Motor is up 14%, Chrysler Group up 11%, GM up 3%. Nissan/Infiniti up 25%, Toyota/Lexus/Scion up 3%, Honda/Acura up 5 ... Continue reading

2013 Nissan Rogue SV FWD Review by Carey Russ

Jun 7, 2013

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS Nissan's Rogue has always been an honest compact crossover, with no attempt at a rough, tough, off-road demeanor. There's the body-on-frame Xterra SUV for that, and I doubt that there's much cross-shopping between the two. The Rogue, based on the same "C" platform as the Sentra sed ... Continue reading

2013 Infiniti JX 35 AWD Review By John Heilig

Jun 5, 2013

THE AUTO PAGE By John Heilig Model: 2013 Infiniti JX 35 AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V6 Horsepower/Torque: 265 hp @ 6,400 rpm/248 lb.-ft. @4,400 rpm Transmission: CVT Wheelbase: 114.2 in. Length x Width x Height: 196.4 x 77.2 x 67.8 in. Tires: P235/55R20 Cargo: 15.8 cu. ft. ... Continue reading

2013 Kia Sportage SX Rocky Mountain Review

Jun 3, 2013

MORE INFO Kia Specs, Prices, Reviews and Comparisons - Kia Buyers Guide (1997-Present) Perfect New Car Match By Dan Poler Rocky Mountain Bureau The Auto Channel “You’re going to like this one,” the fleet rep said as he got out of the bright red 2013 Kia Sportage SX and handed me the keyfob. “Why†... Continue reading

Nutson's Nuggets - Automotive News May 27-June 2, 2013 Just In-Case You Were Snoozing

Jun 2, 2013

* One of the best indicators of how valuable each brand is compared to its rivals is the annual BrandZ Top 100 global survey, conducted by influential market research firm Millward Brown. Toyota is the most valuable automotive brand in the world, with an estimated value of $24.5 billion, a gain of 12 percent on last ye ... Continue reading

From Here to Infiniti! - Improve Quality Or Else

Jun 1, 2013

From Mac Gordon Michigan Bureau The Auto Channel Detroit May 31, 2013; Infiniti's ex-VW/Audi German Sr. V.P. Johan de Nysschen has been pressured by top CEO Carlos Ghosn to boost Infiniti quality among top three premium brands-or risk a shakeup (who are the top three in quality?) would you believe BMW, Mercedes and Vol ... Continue reading

HEELS ON WHEELS: 2013 FORD EXPLORER SPORT REVIEW

Jun 1, 2013

HEELS ON WHEELS By Katrina Ramser San Francisco Bureau The Auto Channel INTRO TO THE EXPLORER SPORT VEHICLE The mid-size Ford Explorer SUV is no stranger to consumers, generating more appeal just a couple model years ago with a redesign that adapted design cues from the Land Rover brand. The all-new Sport edition is an ... Continue reading

2013 Kia Optima EX Review By Michael Bernstein

May 31, 2013

NEW CAR REVIEW OF 2013 KIA OPTIMA EX By Michael Bernstein Michigan Bureau THe Auto Channel KIA OPTIMA KNOWS ITS LINES What’s in a line, well it depends on the situation, circumstance or where you happen to be standing. Take for example a single guy; a good line might be the difference between a lonely night and an ... Continue reading

Fireball Tim Rocks the New 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Track M/T - Review

May 30, 2013

By Fireball Tim Lawrence HOLLYWOOD, USA - May 30, 2013: There’s a reason that this 2013 HYUNDAI GENESIS COUP TRACK M/T has the word “track” in it. No, it’s not because they are tracking you via some hi-tech stealth GoPro embedded inside the A/C unit or that it comes with a pair of track shoes. (Alth ... Continue reading

2013 Ford Focus ST Review by Carey Russ

May 30, 2013

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS The last hot-rod Focus we got was the SVT, a decade ago. With 170 horsepower and strong midrange torque front a 2.0-liter engine in a 2750-pound car with a properly dialed-in suspension, I found it quick, entertaining, and reasonably good on gas at a 22-mpg average with fun trumpin ... Continue reading