The Avalon offers a comfortable environment for its front-seat occupants, but the rear seat is practically limo-like. Rear-seat comfort seems to be a priority, too, as the Avalon trades a folding rear seat for one that reclines. In all, the comfortable interior helps make up for the Avalon's uninspiring sheetmetal. Day-by-Day Reviews
2011 Toyota Avalon XLS; Day 3
The Avalon offers a comfortable environment for its front-seat occupants, but the rear seat is practically limo-like. Rear-seat comfort seems to be a priority, too, as the Avalon trades a folding rear seat for one that reclines. In all, the comfortable interior helps make up for the Avalon's uninspiring sheetmetal.
The Avalon offers a comfortable environment for its front-seat occupants, but the rear seat is practically limo-like. Rear-seat comfort seems to be a priority, too, as the Avalon trades a folding rear seat for one that reclines. In all, the comfortable interior helps make up for the Avalon's uninspiring sheetmetal.
2011 Buick Regal CXL
The Regal is not the segment-buster that Buick's marketing would have you believe - at least not in the form that James' tester came in. His car performed well for its price and the market it competes in, but the uplevel turbocharged model would stand out mo
The Regal is not the segment-buster that Buick's marketing would have you believe - at least not in the form that James' tester came in. His car performed well for its price and the market it competes in, but the uplevel turbocharged model would stand out mo
2011 Ford Fiesta SES
James says that when asked by friends, family and the general public if he would buy a Fiesta, his standard reponse was that he would put it very high on his list if he were looking for quiet and fun-to-drive basic transportation.
James says that when asked by friends, family and the general public if he would buy a Fiesta, his standard reponse was that he would put it very high on his list if he were looking for quiet and fun-to-drive basic transportation.
2011 BMW X5 5.0i
The X5 impressed James in three very different ways this week: it's fast, it's quiet and refined and it's surprisingly good on gas.
The X5 impressed James in three very different ways this week: it's fast, it's quiet and refined and it's surprisingly good on gas.
2011 BMW 335is
No surprise that James will miss this car. Fuel consumption was on the high side, but it seems the engine's endless well of torque helped make up for that shortcoming.
No surprise that James will miss this car. Fuel consumption was on the high side, but it seems the engine's endless well of torque helped make up for that shortcoming.
2011 Hyundai Sonata GL
With the Sonata, Hyundai has stepped up yet again, says James, with a car that impresses based not just on price but on its merits as an automobile.
With the Sonata, Hyundai has stepped up yet again, says James, with a car that impresses based not just on price but on its merits as an automobile.
2011 BMW 135i Cabriolet
Despite being easy on the loud pedal, the 135i Cabrio didn't prove as fuel-efficient as James had hoped it would. Most drivers won't care, though, he thinks, as this car has enough style to make up for any number of flaws.
Despite being easy on the loud pedal, the 135i Cabrio didn't prove as fuel-efficient as James had hoped it would. Most drivers won't care, though, he thinks, as this car has enough style to make up for any number of flaws.
2011 Ford Mustang GT
James thinks the Mustang GT is a great car, but he's of the opinion that its power goes to waste unless you can take it to the track to stretch its legs. Otherwise, the car is a decent cruiser, but at that point, the V6 is the more sensible bet.
James thinks the Mustang GT is a great car, but he's of the opinion that its power goes to waste unless you can take it to the track to stretch its legs. Otherwise, the car is a decent cruiser, but at that point, the V6 is the more sensible bet.
2010 Mazda MX-5 GS PRHT
The MX-5's fuel consumption isn't terrific for a small car with a small motor, but James admits he was a little harder on the accelerator than he normally would have been. "It just made the week that much more fun, rain or shine," he says.
The MX-5's fuel consumption isn't terrific for a small car with a small motor, but James admits he was a little harder on the accelerator than he normally would have been. "It just made the week that much more fun, rain or shine," he says.More Reviews
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