First Impressions
As soon as the test cars arrive, we can't wait to get behind the wheel and give viewers a first impression of the latest vehicles to hit the MotorWeek lot.
Most Recent First Impressions
2013 Nissan Pathfinder
Feeling the effects of consumer demands for better fuel economy, Nissan has revamped the fourth generation Pathfinder by retracing their steps; and going back to a lighter unibody. The Altima-based platform, shared with the Infiniti JX, brings some civility to the rough and rugged Pathfinder…
2013 Chevrolet Malibu
The new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, began its life with a light-hybrid Eco model. Now Malibu is filling out its stylish lineup at both the bottom and top ends. Base Malibu’s roll out the door with a 2.5 liter inline 4, cranking out 197 horsepower. Those with a heavier foot will love GM’s 2.0 liter turbo…
2013 Ford Fusion
Perhaps no single model is as important to the future of the Ford Motor Company as the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion. The Fusion must do battle with stalwarts Camry and Accord, flashy Sonata and Optima, and impressive redesigns like Altima and Malibu. To make headway in America’s most competitive car…
Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4
Scoring seat time in a super-exotic car like the Lamborghini Aventador is always a rarity. So we were delighted to be handed these keys recently for a 2-hour solo blast through California’s Carmel Valley. Properly titled the Aventador LP 700-4, this is Lambos’s top street fighter, and packs a…
2013 GMC Terrain Denali
Looking to distance itself even further from Chevy’s budget-friendly Equinox, the GMC Terrain compact crossover aims for higher ground, and deeper pockets, with a mid-cycle makeover that includes a new top line Denali model. Terrain styling already had a unique flair, boxier than the Equinox, and with…
2013 RAM 1500
The on-again consumer and government demands for better fuel economy are even affecting the most American of vehicles, the pickup truck. Enter the 2013 RAM 1500. What looks like a mild mid-cycle freshening is actually a Ram that is both visually meaner and mechanically greener, with an interior that’s…
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
We like the Hyundai Veloster. This tiny sports coupe really drew us in with its out-of-this-world styling and modest price. But, the first edition was clearly underpowered, opting for fuel economy over driving excitement. Now, for its second model year, Hyundai aims to rekindle the enthusiast’s flame…
2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI
We previewed the entire 2012 Volkswagen Passat lineup last fall. But this summer we got to spend some extended time with the extended range Passat TDI. And we came away very impressed with this fuel efficient diesel family sedan. Indeed, Volkswagen hits a homerun with the Passat’s clean diesel…
2013 Acura ILX Hybrid
Acura’s slogan, “Advance”, is taking them into new territory with the 2013 ILX Hybrid sedan. It’s Acura first hybrid, based on big brother Honda’s Civic Hybrid. Now we’ve already given the standard ILX a thorough test. So what’s unique about the Hybrid? Outside, they are hard to tell apart. Hybrid…
2013 Mercedes Benz GL Class
Tipping the scales of the full-sized luxury SUV segment, the 2013 Mercedes Benz GL class enters only its second generation with mixed feelings on the “Bigger is Better” mantra. Indeed, this redesigned GL grows both inside and out, though it may go unnoticed unless you bring a tape measure. Still, this…