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. Day-by-Day Reviews
2011 BMW 335is; Day 4
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; Day 4
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; Day 4
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; Day 4
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.
2010 Chevrolet Malibu LT
James says the Malibu is easy to drive and very smooth and quiet on the highway, but what really impressed him was the car's gas mileage, which he describes as "fantastic."
James says the Malibu is easy to drive and very smooth and quiet on the highway, but what really impressed him was the car's gas mileage, which he describes as "fantastic."
2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5
The 4Runner's relatively low fuel consumption was a pleasant surprise for James, who was expecting much worse from a full-on, truck-based SUV.
The 4Runner's relatively low fuel consumption was a pleasant surprise for James, who was expecting much worse from a full-on, truck-based SUV.
2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty
Most impressive to James was the F-350's fuel economy and the truck's ability to tow 5,000 pounds like it wasn't even there. Downsides include an interior that's less flexible storage-wise than the smaller F-150.
Most impressive to James was the F-350's fuel economy and the truck's ability to tow 5,000 pounds like it wasn't even there. Downsides include an interior that's less flexible storage-wise than the smaller F-150.
2010 Toyota Tacoma 4×4
James' Tacoma tester handled his weekend towing task with aplomb, hauling a 4,000-pound trailer without much trouble. Even the Tacoma's gas mileage was reasonable, averaging 12.4 L/100 km for the week.
James' Tacoma tester handled his weekend towing task with aplomb, hauling a 4,000-pound trailer without much trouble. Even the Tacoma's gas mileage was reasonable, averaging 12.4 L/100 km for the week.More Reviews
