The Car Connection Reviews

2012 Nissan Cube

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:30:00 +0000

The Basics: The 2012 Nissan Cube remains a bit of an oddity in the U.S. market—not quite a van, but almost; not quite a crossover wagon, but almost; but through and through, a quirky vehicle that's unrivaled in style and packaging. Simply put, the Cube is a box on wheels, but the details really make the design. Its rounded corners can make...

2012 Mazda Mazda6

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:47:00 +0000

The Basics: The 2012 Mazda6 is one of the best-packaged and fun-to-drive mid-size family-worthy sedans—one of the best-looking, too, we think—but it's a shame that it never even makes it on most shopping lists. Though it's essentially the same size as the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, and Honda Accord, the Mazda6 manages to appear a...

2012 Ram 1500

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0000

The Basics: Ram truck models like the 1500 now no longer carry the Dodge badge; instead Ram is its own brand. While that might have seemed confusing at first, especially as Chrysler phased that in last year, it makes sense--leaving Dodge more freedom in its car designs, while Ram trucks can continue in the bold direction that truck buyers want to...

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:42:00 +0000

The Basics: The Toyota FJ Cruiser has changed very little since its introduction five years ago, and during that time the range of serious off-road-worthy models hasn't changed much. Hummer is now gone, and Jeep has honed its Wrangler, but the FJ Cruiser remains one of the better bets for off-road toughness and trail prowess. The FJ blends retro...

2012 BMW 5-Series

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:48:00 +0000

The Basics: The 2012 BMW 5-Series is a line of stylish mid-size sport sedans, with a focus on efficient performance and advanced high-tech features; yet BMW hasn't forgotten about the comfort and luxury that matters. BMW just completely redesigned the 5-Series models for 2011; the new version clearly is intended to be (and is) more of a driver's...

2012 Infiniti M37

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:04:00 +0000

The Basics: The 2012 Infiniti M sedans are the luxury brand's most powerful and luxurious four-doors, and they take aim at some of the finest sport sedans from Germany with subtle yet gorgeous looks, truly great handling and performance, and interior appointments that are just as plush as stodgy, comfort-oriented lux sedans. The Infiniti M37 and...

2012 BMW M3

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:13:00 +0000

The Basics: As the heaviest, most expensive, and most powerful--and only V-8-powered--version of the BMW M3, the latest generation is very different from its predecessors, but still manages to capture BMW's best performance traits. Technologically advanced, with extensive electronic control systems for traction and dynamics, yet still focused and...

2012 Infiniti FX35

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:18:00 +0000

The Basics: The 2012 Infiniti FX is a prime example of how sometimes first impressions really do hold true. With its aggressive, curvaceous form and rakish, hunkered-down profile, it's one of the raciest-looking crossover wagons on the market. And it turns out, that's exactly what the FX delivers: Rorty V-8 or V-6 performance, with rear- or...

2012 Volvo S60

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:29:00 +0000

The Basics: Volvo isn't what it used to be, and positively, the Volvo S60 is a poster child for what the brand has evolved to--combining a more curvaceous exterior with a cool Scandinavian interior design, class-leading safety, and performance that sets its sights on the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Acura TSX. And for 2012, the S60 has...

2012 BMW 7-Series

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:45:00 +0000

The Basics: Even several years after its release, we still think that the BMW 7-Series is one of the best-conceived big sedans on the market—and one of the best BMW has produced. Why? For one, the awkward proportions and surfaces of the 2002-2008 model are gone, with the slim, exciting proportions of the current car agreeable to most eyes...

2012 Audi Q5

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:50:00 +0000

The Basics: The 2012 Audi Q5 is part of a burgeoning class of compact luxury crossovers, but it's one of the most stylish, fuel-efficient, and enjoyable to drive among tough competition that includes the Mercedes-Benz GLK and BMW X3. Nice proportions, and a clean, cohesive look inside and out make the Q5 feel less like merely a downsized Q7 and...

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:09:00 +0000

The Basics: A reimagined version of the Range Rover, on a different platform and without the ultimate set of off-road talents, the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is nonetheless our ideal substitute for the ritzy SUV with the big royal following. Why? Almost shocking acceleration for a vehicle of its size and weight, with enough of the...

2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

The Basics: Mazda's MX-5 Miata is an icon, and the 2012 model builds on the success of the third-generation model with few changes but all of the sporting fun we've grown to expect from the little roadster.Two core models constitute the range: a soft-top convertible and a Power Retractable Hard Top that packages a sleek folding hard roof neatly...

2012 Audi A5

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:53:00 +0000

The Basics: The 2012 Audi A5 is widely acknowledged to be one of the handsomest Audis sold, and many reviewers just give it the superlative without qualification. Certainly its designer, Walter d'Silva, said it was the most beautiful car he'd ever drawn. The A5 Coupe is elegant and striking, especially in Audi's characteristic white color. Then...

2012 Toyota Sequoia

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:11:00 +0000

The Basics: The 2012 Toyota Sequoia is based on the same underpinnings as the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup, and it extends the Tundra's macho look and serious towing and hauling prowess into a package that can also comfortably haul the family. That said, the Sequoia definitely isn't appealing to everyone. Some might not even make it past the...