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
2010 Ford Transit Connect Episode 2848
Returning once again to the Ford family of vehicles, our next set of keys belongs to the very global 2010 Transit Connect delivery van. Although over 600,000 Transit Connects have sold around the world since 2003, it’s only now coming to the U.S., following a path pioneered by the larger Mercedes-Benz…
2010 Cadillac SRX Episode 2848
Lincoln’s chief domestic rival, Cadillac, is also launching a new crossover utility. Back in 2004, the first-generation Cadillac SRX crossover helped usher in the brand’s angular, emotive “Art and Science” design theme. But, that SRX never quite lived up to its potential. So now comes an all-new 2010…
2010 Porsche Panamera Episode 2845
Details are now roaring in on the 2010 Porsche Panamera in advance of its US debut this October. As Porsche’s first four-door Gran Turismo, and first all new front engine Porsche car since the 928, the Panamera’s tail-heavy stance does take some getting use to. But, you’ll quickly get past that with…
2010 Ford Taurus Episode 2845
For a more conventional four-door, we welcome back the Ford Taurus. With a dynamic new design and upscale personality, it should put the formal car’s rental image to rest once and for all. Styling of the 2010 Taurus is much more aggressive than the Taurus 500 form it replaces. Underneath its…
2010 Chevrolet Equinox Episode 2845
Next, the first new product we’ve tested from the “new” GM, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. This second gen two-row compact crossover is slightly shorter, has a much more comfortable and flexible interior, and the big story, is 33% more fuel efficiency than last year. With the standard 182-horsepower,…
2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid Episode 2842
For the more lavish set, Mercedes-Benz introduces its first-ever hybrid car, the 2010 S400 BlueHybrid. This poshly green S-Class flagship unites a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 with a 20-horsepower electric motor and mild hybrid system for a total output of 295 horsepower. And it is the world’s…
2010 Kia Forte Episode 2842
Prefer to downsize to save gas? Well, why not this-all new compact, the 2010 Kia Forte. Replacing the aging Spectra, the Forte will be available as both a Sedan, and as a Koup, spelled with a “K.” Out first, the Forte Sedan shows a more upscale styling direction for Kia cars. Surrounding its four…
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Episode 2842
Our first set of carkeys is actually our second turn with the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. This time we got to live with it for two weeks. This mid-size full-hybrid sedan is powered by an updated version of the Ford Escape Hybrid’s gas-electric powertrain. It combines a 155-horsepower 2.5-liter Atkinson…
2010 Lexus IS 350C Episode 2839
Whenever keys get tossed to us in Southern California, we always hope they fit a convertible. So, with much delight we hit the start button in this new for 2010 Lexus IS 350C and headed for the beach. Despite its looks, the hood is the only sheet metal that the IS convertible shares with the sedan. …
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Episode 2838
Next up, Mercedes-Benz replaces its CLK-Class Coupe with the slightly larger 2010 E-Class Coupe - the E350 and the E550. The move is more than just a clean-up of nomenclature. Benz is making room at the lower-end of its line for the eventual arrival of a C-Class Coupe. With the chassis hardware…