Tag Archives: 2016

2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD (1172)

20-12-2016Autolove No comments

Overview:
This is the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD SUV, and Wow, it is packed with great features and the price reflects all the cool stuff to make your driving a great experience.

I’ve been test driving Mazda for a very long time. I don’t have any review evidence before 2007 but you get the point. . . which, of course, is that unlike the Pierce Arrow or the Hudson Hornet or even more recently the Oldsmobile and Pontiac, Mazda is still around. Granted the Olds was produced for 107 years. Mazda on the other hand was a succeeding name (1984) of the original attempt of Toyo Kogyo in Hiroshima, Japan to produce a car he referred to as an autorickshaw. The year was 1931 so 85 years of experience. Not too shabby and it is represented as the Mazda CX-9 in my carport.

Okay so I haven’t been driving them since 1931 but my first experience was the MX-5 Miata and I’ve loved the little buggers ever since.

So perhaps I have a little bias, not so unlike my associate who thinks Ford is the best car ever. Not so Tom, but everyone has their pet favorites.

Another reason I have had a soft spot in my heart for Mazda is because I’ve been in the city where Toyo first built them. I was at Ground Zero in 1959 – thus only 14 years after the first Atomic Bomb (and hopefully the last being the one dropped in Nagasaki days later). Do you think all the radiation was gone by then? It would explain a lot if it weren’t. Anyway, it was a touching scene and experience for me.

Ground Zero then.

and now.

General Information: It is assembled in Hiroshima, Japan; Parts – US/Canadian 0%, Japan 90% Engine and transmission – Japan; Classification is Standard SUV. Cars from Mazda: 500, 500c, 500e, 500L and 500 X.

Handling & Performance:
For a large vehicle it is easy to handle and it is Turbo F A S T and much to my liking.

Styling:
Styling of this SUV is rather usual and expected and that’s a good thing.

Fit and Finish:
Excellent assembly work.

Cost:
Well priced all things considered.

Conveniences and comfort:
Most all features add to the convenience and comfort of your driving experience. A minor inconvenience is the Adaptive (smart) cruise control. It is needlessly difficult to turn on and off in its initial use, but more important is that it is not as sophisticated as some I have tested. It does not stop and start without intervention. For me this is one of the most helpful features in busy crowded freeway travel in noticeably relieving stress.

Consumer Recommendations:
If fuel economy is a touchy point for you the average mileage ranges from 17-25 and Mazda tops the list at 25. If seating is the hot point Buick Enclave tops the list at 8 in a range of 5-8. Mazda seats 7 and deserves a look see if a large SUV is your target segment. Happy hunting and Merry Christmas.

Recognized Competition:
Mazda CX-9 $45,000, Dodge Durango $45,000, Chevrolet Traverse $45,000, Lincoln MKX $45,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $44,000, Cadillac SRX $47,000, GMC Acadia $44,000, Buick Enclave $47,000, Toyota Highlander $46,000.

Good News:
Huge array of great features minus the kitchen sink, priced right, smooth and comfy ride, fast as snot on a cold day.

Bad News:
I found the electronic controls more difficult than need be. Others do it better. It will take more getting used to than I like and lastly smart cruise is not so smart.

Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 4-cylinder 227 HP Turbo engine, All Wheel Drive, 6-speed sport mode auto transmission, 20” alloy wheels, rain sensing intermittent wipers, rear fixed intermittent wiper, heated power mirrors with turn signals, rear privacy glass, power moon roof, aluminum roof rails, power rear lift gate, 7-passenger seating, tilt and telescopic leather steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, power windows and locks, auto dim rearview mirror, Nappa leather trimmed seats, 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory 2-positions,heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, Aluminum and rosewood interior trim, 2nd row window sunshades, LATCH child safety seat anchors, anti-theft engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitor, k4-wheel ABS disc brakes with Brake Force distribution and brake assist, Dynamic stability control, traction control and roll stability control, electric power assisted steering, LED headlights with auto on/off, adaptive front lighting system, LED fog and daytime running lights LED combination taillights, rear roof spoiler, radar (smart) cruise control, electronic parking brake, Keyless entry system with push button start / stop, 3-zone climate control, Bose AM/FM/HD/Satellite 12 speaker system, Bluetooth/ Auxiliary Jack/ USB inputs (4), 8” color display with rear camera, Navigation, trailer stability assist, front, side airbags, 3-row side curtain airbags, blind spot monitor, front and rear stabilizer bars, rear cross traffic alert, rear backup sensors, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, smart brake support with smart city brake support.

Gas Stats:
$2.59/ Gal avg. December 18, 2016

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
21 City and 27 Highway MPG

Pricing:
MSRP $44,915 as equipped.

2016 Dodge Durango Limited Brass Monkey AWD (1168)

06-12-2016Autolove No comments

Overview:
This is the 2016 Dodge Durango Limited Brass Monkey AWD. It came just in time to be available to transport a group of visiting guests. But it made me realize that most people don’t have the availability of every size vehicle for the occasion. I believe most of us make our choice that best fits our needs, instinctively. Surely this Durango would be fantastic for a large family, up to 7, in spite of the fuel consumption numbers. But all things considered 25 highway mpg is pretty good for its versatility.

General Information: It is assembled in Detroit, MI. Parts – US/Canadian 66%, Mexico 18%; Engine – Mexico & Transmission – USA; Classification is Standard SUV; Cars from Dodge: Challenger, Charger, Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey and Viper.

Handling & Performance:

This Durango surprised me while it handled the mountain Crest Test course with exceptional ease. I kept looking at my speed handling the sharp curves and steep climbs. It is especially good for a vehicle of this size.

Styling:

The Brass Monkey appearance package adds 20” Burnished Bronze wheels (thus Brass Monkey wheels), a gloss black grille with an exterior badge, body color door handles, exterior mirrors, front fascia, rear fascia, sills and wheel flares.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

The cost is relative to your available budget constraints, of course, but for me many of the features that I would want would add a few thousand to the base price of $39,500. Features such as Blind Spot and cross traffic detection and navigation I tend to use.

Conveniences and comfort:

I like the engine start stop technology so the engine will automatically limit idling when it is motionless. Another that I appreciate is the park sense back-up park assist with stop feature so you are less likely to bump into walls etc. It will apply the brakes when it senses an object in the way. Very useful things.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you need a large family van, this AWD SUV is a great all around versatile option. If budget doesn’t allow this option and you are in need of a ‘soccer mom’ vehicle and you don’t need off-road capability a van would be a better selection (in my view).

Recognized Competition:

Dodge Durango Ltd $41,000, Ford Flex $41,000, Kia Sorento $44,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $41,000, Honda Pilot $40,000, Mazda CX 9 $43,000, Nissan Murano $45,000, Buick Enclave $47,000, Ford Edge $41,000. Note: all are 7 seater except Jeep, Nissan and Ford Edge that are 5 seat and the Buick Enclave is an 8 seater.

Good News:

7-seating capable, decent fuel economy in class that is competitive with others in this segment.

Bad News:

A bit pricey.

Standard Equipment:

3.6 liter V6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, , rotary shift knob, paddle shifters on wheel, selectable steering mode, electric power steering, rear back up camera, keyless and go push button start with remote start, park sense rear park assist with stop, front, side, and side curtain air bags, driver knee airbag, leather trimmed seating, LATCH rear child seat anchor system.

Gas Stats:

$2.69/ Gal avg. October 1, 2016

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

18 City 25 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $39,595 (Base price before options – my test vehicle was equipped with options that add just under $10,000 to the base price).

2016 Fiat 500 X MultiAir Trekking AWD (1167)

14-11-2016Autolove No comments

Overview:

This is the 2016 Fiat 500 X MultiAir Trekking AWD. “News flash” for those who didn’t know – the Fiat 124 Spider is returning to the US. It was initially introduced in 1968 and ran through 1985 when it was discontinued in the US. I, for one, is happy it’s back.

Back to the 500X. There are 5 versions of the 500 X – Pop, Easy, Trekking, Lounge and Trekking Plus with base prices ranging from $20,000 to $28,000. The dimensions are virtually the same on all 5 versions.

Last year I tested the, then new model, 1.4 liter “Pop” Turbo (a turbo is standard on this version). I enjoyed the ride and the power boost. But where the 500X, without Turbo (not available on this version), it performed great over the Crest. Where the POP comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, the Trekking comes standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Although I don’t mind driving a manual trans I prefer the automatic and the 9-speed compensates for the lack of Turbo power.

I have tested well over a thousand cars over that route and it is a great way to compare car performance. The mountain course through the San Gabriel Mountains separating greater Los Angeles from the desert communities directly north. The course is special and challenging and not for the faint of heart. It is a rise and fall of about 5,000 feet between the high desert and La Canada, CA. (Incidentally that is the destination for my auto repair business back in the 1980s).

General Information: It is assembled in Melfi Italy; Parts – US/Canadian 29%, Italy 52% Engine and transmission – USA; Classification is Small SUV. Cars from Fiat: 124 Spider, 500, 500c, 500e, 500L and 500 X.

Handling & Performance:

Excellent handling and that is noticeable also in tight places and parking, but it is very comfortable on the highway with plenty of power.

The Trekking comes with a 2.4 liter 180 hp engine and as noted it is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and an AWD that gives it a more sure footing for confident handling.

I should note the Fiat is at the low end of the fuel economy of the 4 competitors noted below that range from combined mpg of 24, 31, 31, 27 respectively.

On this AWD 500 X Trekking there is a “Dynamic Control Selector” for three settings: Auto Mode, All Weather Mode and Sport Mode”. It is fairly obvious which mode you want to be in when driving but for a video explanation of this feature go to this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PfiBdArC7w

Styling:

I like the larger 500 4-door option. It provides 5 passenger seating in a family affordable crossover. It also sports some pretty bold colors.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

$25,000 base and it is a value to be considered.

Conveniences and comfort:

The list of convenience and comfort features is as I expected in class.

Consumer Recommendations:

I would definitely suggest you include in your test drives if this is in your budget and need for a small SUV with AWD.

Recognized Competition: (Kelly Blue Book)

Fiat 500 X Trekking $26,000, Mazda CX 3 $26,000, Honda HR V $26,000, MINI Countryman $29,000.

Good News:

Solid well put together, comfy ride, very good handling in all conditions, good fuel economy and affordable 5-passenger small SUV.

Bad News:

n/a

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 180 HP 4-cylinder engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, front and side seat mounted airbags, driver knee airbag, LATCH child seat anchor system, Passive entry keyless go with remote start, electric park brake, 4-wheel ABS brakes, dynamic control selector, stability control, security alarm, air conditioning, Uconnect with integrated voice command with Bluetooth, Media Hub USB and Aux, 6-speakers, Sirius XM satellite radio with 1-year subscription, 3.5” color display, steering wheel mounted audio controls, manual 6-way driver and passenger seats, front passenger fold flat seat, 12 volt auxiliary outlet, two glove boxes, power windows, heated power mirrors with turn signals, auto headlights, fog lights, 17” aluminum wheels.

Gas Stats:

$2.69/ Gal avg. November 13, 2016

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

21 City and 30 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $25,000.

2016 Volvo V60 Station Wagon AWD T5 (1166)

08-11-2016Autolove No comments

Overview:

This is the 2016 Volvo V60 Station Wagon. Right off the bat….. 5 reasons for buying a V60:

1.) Turbocharged 5-cylinder engine
2.) All wheel drive traction
3.) Great features
4.) Family / luxury combo.
5.) It’s a Volvo.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwAfGJS1QOs]

General Information: It is assembled in Gothenburg, Sweden; Parts U.S./Canadian 1%, Sweden 43%, Germany17%, Engine – Sweden and Transmission – Japan. Classification is Small Station Wagon. Cars from Volvo: XC90, XC70, XC60, S60, S80, S90, V60, V90

Handling & Performance:

This V60 delivers a solid ride all around. Some may be put off by the stiff steering but on the other hand it gives road feel and feedback that will be appreciated by many. The 5-cylinder turbocharged 250 HP engine may encourage a heavy foot on the pedal for it’s exhilarating acceleration. But that will cost in fuel consumption of course which isn’t bad at 20-28 mpg for those who use the turbo sparingly. BUT, it is fantastic to have the power when you need that burst of speed and acceleration.

0-60 mph is in the mid-5 second range.

Instant Traction AWD is a system that allows all drive wheels to be locked for maximum traction from the moment you start the engine. Under normal driving conditions 95% of the drive power goes to the front wheels and 5% to the rear wheels. This traction feature splits the power more evenly for best traction.

Styling:

Classic Volvo styling from Swedish designers who also build in great safety features. They have designed and marketed to give the perception that it is safer than other cars. I don’t know about that but it feels that way too.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent.

Cost:

Some may see the price as expensive while others will see it as an investment because of the perception of the consumer generally that this car will be around for a long time.

Conveniences and comfort:

The features list below is impressively good, even though in this price segment of the market such technology is somewhat expected.

Consumer Recommendation:

I’ve always had good experience with Volvo cars which goes back longer than I care to admit… but for the more than a decade that I was in the auto repair business it is important to note that those cars you don’t see much is more telling than those you do see a lot. Volvo is one of those cars we didn’t see all that often. Those we did see all the time include, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Fiat, Jaguar to name but a few of the constant ‘offenders’ to the wallet.film The Lost City of Z 2017 streaming

Recognized Competition:

Volvo V60 Wagon $41,000, BMW 3 Series $44,000, Audi A3 Sportback e-tron $39,000, Audi Allroad $46,000, Subaru Outback $32,000.

Good News:

Good fuel economy, solid ride, very good array of features, Platinum package adds about $3,700 that includes a host of features I particularly care a lot for.

Bad News:

Upper end of the Budget for most.

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter 250 hp turbo-charged 5-cylinder engine, ultra low emission vehicle, 6-speed auto trans, all wheel drive with instant traction, stability control, hill descent control, traction control through torque vectoring, power assisted rack and pinion steering, electronic brake distribution, 18” alloy wheels, navigation with 7” color LCD monitor, 160 watt audio system with 8-speakers, in dash single CD with WMA and MP3, HD radio, USB & Auxilary inputs, Bluetooth hands free with audio streaming, Sirius radio and Sensus Connect and Volvo On-Call (6 mos. Complimentary), in-car WiFi Hotspot, smart phone apps for engine remote start, collision avoidance system, front airbage, side curtain and side impact protection system, driver and front passenger dual chamber side impact airbags, whiplash protection system, security system with back-up batteryt for siren, rear cargo cover, child safety locks/ rear doors, tire pressure monitor, rear park assist, 8-way power driver seat with memory, power passenger seat, electronic ignition with push button start & stop, leather & silk metal steering wheel, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, electronic parking brake, dual zone climate control, heated power mirrors, 40/20/40 flat folding seats, power foldable rear seat headrests, rain sensing wipers, power retractable exterior mirrors.

Gas Stats:

$2.69 Gal avg. November 5, 2016

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

20 City and 28 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $41,000.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Manual Transmission (1164)

26-10-2016Autolove No comments

Overview:

This is the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Manual Transmission two seater sport car. Yes – an automatic transmission is an option. Over the years that I have driven the Miata it has matured but so has the cost. In early years it was rather ‘tiny’ sounding but even though it is still a ‘light weight’ small two seater, it has many of the safety features once only found on much more expensive sport cars.

And beyond the technology built in and it has matured from that standpoint, it is still a small car that simply can’t and shouldn’t be able to provide bigger car space and features. Some of the competition that is in the same price range – The Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S both seat 4 -and thus have more room generally.

General Information: It is assembled in Hiroshima, Japan; Parts – US/Canadian 0%, Japan 95% Engine and transmission – Japan; Classification is Two Seater. Cars from Mazda: CX 3, CX 5, CX 9, Mazda 2, Mazda 3, Mazda 5, Mazda 6, MX-5 Miata.

Styling:

Classic Miata that has been updated to meet or go head to head with higher priced cars in this segment.

Fit and Finish:

No complaints.

Cost:

Very competitive among all of those listed here. But when considering alternatives like the Audi and the Nissan they are far more sophisticated and substantial albeit similar in size.

Conveniences and comfort:

For a small two seater sport car it has an impressive number of features that make your drive more comfortable. On the other hand, there is very limited space but I’m sure if you’re in the market for a sport car, you don’t expect larger car space conveniences.

Sport car enthusiasts will also appreciate a manual transmission. But for the ladies there is an option for a 6-speed automatic transmission. Typically female drivers, in my experience, don’t like man-ual transmissions. In fact, both men and women under 40 may never have driven a car so equipped. As I recall the DMV driving test required applicants to take the test in a manually shifted car.

Finally, I’m guessing most older drivers (men or women) aren’t terribly interested in the inconvenience of getting in and out of cars this low to the ground.

Consumer Recommendations:

If you are young, or simply young at heart, no matter the age, and you have a yearning to drive a sport car you will enjoy the ride.

Some of the most memorable times of my life include my wife and I traveling to Lake Tahoe in a Miata for the week. I rather like traveling light. Really light – by necessity in this case. The trunk is very small and there IS no back seat. One way around the space problem is a rack on the trunk lid to put extra luggage.

Recognized Competition:

Mazda MX-5 Miata $30,000, Audi TT Roadster $47,000, MINI Roadster $27,000, Nissan 370Z Roadster $46,000, BMW Z-4 $51,000, Subaru BRZ $28,000, Scion FR-S $26,000.

Good News:

Good fuel economy, very good handling, fun , fun, fun to drive.

Bad News:

Limited use, low profile discomfort.

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 165 hp 4-cylinder engine, Skyactive MT 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel ABS power assist disc brake system, rear wheel drive, 17” alloy wheels, manual folding black cloth convertible top with liner, auto LED headlights, 2-passenger seating, power windows and locks, keyless entry and push button start, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio/ cruise/ Bluetooth controls, leather shift knob and brake handle, 5 year 60,000 mile warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, anti-theft alarm, blind sport and rear cross traffic alert and lane departure warning system, tire pressure monitor, electric power assist steering, power heated side mirrors, rain sensing wipers, glass rear window with defogger, Bose am/FM/cd 9-speader HD audio, Sirius XM satellite radio, Navigation system, 7” color touch screen, Bluetooth hands free phone/audio, cruise control, trip computer, tire pressure monitor, climate control, heated leather seats, stability control, traction control, hill launch assist, front, front side air bags.

Gas Stats:

$2.65/ Gal avg. October 22, 2016

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

27 City and 34 Highway MPG

Combined MPG

Mazda MX-5 Miata – 30 combined mpg, Mitsubishi Lancer – 25 combined mpg, Ford Focus – 25 mpg, Kia Forte 5 24 combined mpg, Prius Hybrid -52 combined mpg (electric), Nissan LEAF – 114 combined mpg (electric), VW Golf – 28 combined mpg.

Pricing:

MSRP $25,545.

2016 Mazda-3 grand touring 5-door sedan (1162)

10-10-2016Autolove No comments

Overview:

This is the 2016 Mazda-3 grand touring 5-door sedan. It is obvious that all cars stand on their own as to how well they perform in ‘class’ or ‘type’. This is a midsize affordable family 5-door sedan that is among my top three in class.

The test vehicle sported a manual transmission and that rules out many buyers if an automatic were not available. That is true especially for younger drivers who have probably never driven a manual transmission. Back 30 or 40 years ago the manual transmission was referred to as a “Standard” transmission. Auto was an option. Well the tables have turned in favor of Automatic.

The reason you see so few cars with manual transmissions these days, simply put, is that the consumer opts for automatic in most cases. But mostly it is because automatics have become so good that there is less reason for a manual shift transmission.

Older drivers will remember how cluggie automatic transmissions were in the early days. History buffs may also remember Oldsmobile’s Hydromatic, or Chevrolet’s Powerglide, or Packard’s Ultramatic or Buick’s Dynaflow? Those are just a few of the early versions of the Automatic transmission. That is why Manual transmissions were and continue to be referred to as “Standard” as it was in those early day designs. Automatic was an option.

General Information: It is assembled in Hofu, Japan; Parts – US/Canadian 0%, Japan 95% Engine and transmission – Japan; Classification is Midsize. Cars from Mazda: CX 3, CX 5, CX 9, Mazda 2, Mazda 3, Mazda 5, Mazda 6, MX-5 Miata.

Handling & Performance:

The manual trans adds a few mpg and that is good, but in stop and go traffic you’d rather have an automatic. On the optimistic side it gives you something to do and thus you may even be more awake and alert.

I found that on a mountain course I found you don’t really need to shift all that much. The 184 hp matched with a long third gear pretty much handled slow to intermediate speed of travel.

Styling:

As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. On the practical side Mazda is a solid company with well made cars with a generous supply of standard equipment and comfort built in.

Fit and Finish:

I can always count on Mazda to deliver fit and finish that is consistently very good.

Cost:

It is competitive with a host of features that put Mazda at the top of my list.

Conveniences and comfort:

I’m impressed with a generous list of stuff that includes the most modern state of the art technology features. Blind Spot and Cross traffic sensing and alert is important to me. Stability and cruise controls are a must for my car as well. I also appreciate the Hill Start, especially with a manual transmission.

Consumer Recommendations:

I have tested all of these makes and models and I encourage you to test drive all if you can, but the top of my list include this Mazda 3, Ford Focus, Kia Forte and VW Golf.

Recognized Competition:

Mazda 3 $26,000, Mitsubishi Lancer $23,000, Ford Focus $25,000, Kia Forte 5 $23,000, Toyota Prius Hybrid $31,000, Nissan LEAF SL Hybrid $38,000, Volkswagen Golf $26,000.

Good News:

Good fuel economy, great listing of standard features, comfortable, good power.

Bad News:

For many, the manual transmission will be a drawback, (but you will only sacrifice a few mpg with an automatic if that is your choice).

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter 184 hp 4-cylinder engine, Skyactive MT 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel ABS power assist disc brake system, 18” alloy wheels, rain sensing variable intermittent wipers, heated power mirrors with turn signal lights, 5 passenger seating, fog lights, moon roof, leather trimmed seats, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, dual zone climate control, power windows and locks, keyless entry and push button start, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, leather wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and brake handle, 5 year 60,000 mile warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, anti-theft engine immobilizer, blind sport and rear cross traffic alert, tire pressure monitor, electric power assist steering, auto on/off lights, body color rear hatch spoiler, 7” color touch screen, rear view camera, navigation system, Bose 9-speaker audio system, am/fm/cd HD radio, Sirius XM radio, sms text message, Bluetooth hands free phone/audio, cruise control, trip computer, steering wheel mounted controls, paddle shifters, stability control, traction control, hill launch assist, front, front sided front and back side curtain air bags.

Gas Stats:

$2.65/ Gal avg. October 9, 2016

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

26 City and 35 Highway MPG

Combined MPG

Mazda 3 – 30 combined mpg, Mitsubishi Lancer – 25 combined mpg, Ford Focus – 25 mpg, Kia Forte 5 24 combined mpg, Prius Hybrid -52 combined mpg (electric), Nissan LEAF – 114 combined mpg (electric), VW Golf – 28 combined mpg.

Pricing:

MSRP $25,545.