Test Drives, Trends & Events

The 2012 Honda Pilot 4WD Grand Touring is a class leading SUV powered by a 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve i-VTEC V6 Engine that produces 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed automatic transmission makes for smooth shifting and instantaneous power. Braking is responsive and the vehicle feels nimble due to its light curbside weight, which coincidentally adds to sway discouraging one from taking turns too fast or hard. Fuel economy is comparable to others in its class falling within an EPA estimated range of 17 mpg city to 24 mpg highway.

Sporty and stylish lines grant the Pilot a great looking body. Honda strikes the perfect balance between the strength of a SUV and sleekness of a crossover, avoiding a bulky or overpowering appearance. A dash of elegance is added to the vehicle with chrome side moldings, chrome exhaust finishes, and rear privacy glass. Available colors consist of seven different shades; Alabaster Silver Metallic, Bali Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Dark Amber Metallic, Dark Cherry Pearl II, Polished Metal Metallic, and White Diamond Pearl.

Front MacPherson Strut Suspension paired with rear multi-link suspension grants the driver a smooth and comfortab...

The Ford F-150 is a class leader and it’s not at all difficult to see why after driving in one for 7 days. Ford has continued to build upon a solid foundation of success year after year and this year is no different except that the Ford F-150 is better than ever. It’s more powerful, has better fuel efficiency and performance and its rugged good looks alone could pretty much be the main selling point.

The exterior although muscular and strong in appearance, also demonstrates a certain graceful appeal as well. The lines are smooth, flowing seamlessly from one panel to the next. The front face of the F-150 is bold with either a black or chrome grill and painted bumper matching the body. The mirrors and door handles, as well as the back bumper, have painted accents that also match the body. Ford has made the F-150 available in seven different exterior colors: Ebony Black, Ingot Silver Metallic, Oxford White, Sterling Grey Metallic, Race Red, Blue Flame Metallic, and Red Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (additional cost). The F-150 FX4 (as test driven) is equipped with a 5.0L V8 FFV engine and electronic 6 speed automatic transmission which provides plenty of continuous power. With 302 horsepower and a 5000 max towing capacity, there isn’t much room for decent fue...

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis is an impressive example of a premium sedan, providing a luxury driving experience, with premium comfort, and high-performance all for an unbelievable and very affordable price considering its segment. While the Genesis may not have a luxury vehicle price, it certainly has plenty of luxury vehicle competition such as the Mercedes E-Class, Lexus GS and Cadillac CTS; to name a few. With a striking exterior design and all the necessary assets to compete, the Genesis has definitely earned its place amongst its counterparts.

At first glance, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis can easily be mistaken for one of its high-end luxury competitors. You can’t help but stare at its smooth, delicate lines, lean elegant body, dual chrome exhaust and chrome accents. Hints of elegance shine through the Genesis from the chrome handles, chrome grill, and chrome trim along the windows and bumper. The 2011 Hyundai Genesis comes in eight different exterior colors (Black Noir Pearl, Cabernet Red Pearl, Champagne Beige Metallic, Platinum Metallic, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Sterling Blue Metallic, Titanium Gray Metallic and White Satin Pearl) and three different interior colors (Cashmere, Jet Black, and Saddle), giving the consumer a pretty good variety of combination options regard...

NADAguides, the leading online provider of vehicle pricing and information, names the 2011 MINI Countryman the NADAguides Car of the Month for June.

• The 2011 MINI Countryman was selected as the NADAguides Car of the Month for June 2011 based on the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, coupled with ample space, sporty performance, attractive European styling and safety features that scored a “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

• MINI introduced the Countryman as a compact crossover, offering the same MINI Cooper styling but with the convenience of four doors and capacity for four adults. The analysts at NADAguides feel MINI more than delivered on that goal by offering a more rugged and competent MINI Cooper body style with the Countryman, providing additional comfort and space without losing the original MINI Cooper look and feel.

• The analysts at NADAguides first took notice of the MINI Countryman when consumer interest for the vehicle on NADAguides.com rose significantly, increasing 106 percent from October to November 2010. That increased consumer...

NADAguides, the leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, names the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta the NADAguides Car of the Month for May.

• The 2011 Ford Fiesta was selected as the NADAguides Car of the Month based on the vehicle's quality of engineering inside and out, driving comfort, fuel efficiency, overall value, and wealth of features above and beyond what is expected in its class.

• Increased consumer interest for the Ford Fiesta on NADAguides.com also played a role in the vehicle's selection as the Car of the Month. NADAguides' market analysts saw an increase in consumer interest for the Ford Fiesta of nearly 55 percent during the first quarter of 2011, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010, and expect to see that percentage continue to increase over the coming months considering rising gas prices and the Fiesta's ability to reach 40 mpg on the highway.
  

• NADAguides analysts agree that the Fiesta's tagline – "It's a Pretty Big Deal" – is extremely fitting for this feat...