Author Archive: Alex Kramer
by Alex Kramer in Car Reviews, Reviews
Likes: Punchy turbocharged engine and smooth shifting 8-speed automatic transmission provide a surprising level of performance Handling is typical BMW, meaning better than everything else in the segment Classification defying exterior design actually works, combining the aggressive stance of an SUV with the sleek lines of a small wagon Dislikes: Engine auto start-stop jolts the [...]
by Alex Kramer in Car Reviews, Reviews
Likes: New supercharged V6 engine offers plenty of power, but with improved MPG Brilliant 7-spd S tronic dual clutch transmission makes the available manual seem obsolete Superb handling plus Quattro all-wheel drive results in effortless back roads corner carving Interior features quality materials and the usual luxury and technology appointments Available Bang & Olufson stereo [...]
by Alex Kramer in Car Reviews, Reviews
Pros: Revised exterior looks sharp Small engine plus efficient transmission equals good mileage Ride quality is smooth and compliant Rockford Fosgate stereo can kick out the jams with the best of them Dislikes: Needs more power to be anything close to sporty Handling is way too soft for spirited driving CVT transmission drones under acceleration [...]
The plug-in hybrid movement seems to be gaining momentum, with new models coming on line every few months. Sitting halfway between regular hybrids and all electric cars, a plug-in hybrid offers a limited amount of gas-free driving, usually around 10-30 miles, depending on the model. After the batteries are drained, the car switches over to [...]
by Alex Kramer in Car Reviews, Reviews
Ford has been quite good at staying ahead of the curve when it comes to automotive buying trends. Just when the SUV craze started to wane, Ford revamped its small and mid-size car offerings, with the new Focus, Fiesta, and Fusion earning strong praise. When higher gas prices became the new norm, Ford was quick [...]
by Alex Kramer in Car Reviews, Reviews, SUV / CUV
Likes: New 325 hp 3.7 L V6 engine makes for even snappier acceleration Handling is almost sports car quick Loads of available technology Unique exterior style still turns heads Good value compared to the competition Dislikes: Limited interior room, especially for a mid-size crossover 7-speed automatic transmission could be more responsive, needs paddle shifters At [...]
by Alex Kramer in Car Reviews, Reviews
Likes: Aggressive and dynamic new exterior styling Available Hybrid powertrain achieves 40 mpg combined Interior is still spacious, and now even more luxurious Excellent value for a large, near-luxury sedan Dislikes: Performance is still somewhat sedate, especially when cornering Dashboard layout could be more cohesive Might actually hurt Lexus ES sales Akio Toyoda is intent [...]
Recent Comments