CanadianDriver.com Test Drives are based on at least one week's normal driving. Vehicles are supplied from the manufacturers' press fleets for review purposes. Find a Review: Search our database.
2008 BMW M3 Coupe Though BMW has "softened" the M3 to appeal more to mainstream buyers, with its new 414-hp V8 engine and seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission, "it is still one of the most exhilarating rides out there," says contributor Peter Bleakney.
2009 Pontiac G8 V6 G'day mate! It's the G8, Pontiac's Holden import from Down Under. Rear-drive and an independent suspension make for great driving dynamics, says contributor Bob McHugh. The G8 challenges Euro and Japanese sports sedans for less money, he says.
2009 Kia Borrego EX V8 The Borrego V8's combination of "serious off-road and towing capabilities and interior comfort are tough to find for less than my tester's $45,145 asking price," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. All it needs is a "more compelling wrapper", he says.
2009 Honda Fit LX If there was an award for the "Cleverest car of 2009", it would probably go to the redesigned 2009 Honda Fit, opines Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. "It really is amazing that there is so much room in such a small car."
2009 Mazda6 GS four-cylinder Bigger and roomier than the previous model, the redesigned 2009 Mazda6 sedan has a more powerful standard four-cylinder engine and better fuel economy, a quieter cabin, and a bigger trunk, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
2008 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4x4 diesel Over 80 per cent of Super Duty buyers (F250 and up) order the turbo diesel option because of its superior towing ability, reports contributor Howard J. Elmer. The Super Duty's new 6.4-litre turbo diesel is also quieter, he says.
2009 Dodge Journey R/T AWD The top-of-the-line V6-powered Journey R/T is relatively affordable in the mid-size crossover class, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. "Unlike the more expensive and recently discontinued Chrysler Pacifica, the Journey is aimed at mainstream family buyers rather than luxury buyers," he notes.
2009 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Navi On a vacation in northern California's wine country, Contributing Editor Chris Chase discovered that the Accord V6 sedan has European driving feel, but like wine, whether you'll like it or not will be purely subjective.
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is stunningly styled, says Assistant Editor, Jil McIntosh, but its handling means its fine V6 engine is "a great driveline in search of a better home."
2009 Nissan Murano SL AWD Completely redesigned, but easily recognizable as the next-generation Murano, the '09 model offers more power and luxury at a lower price, standard AWD, and a silky smooth CV transmission - but it's not a nimble handler, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson.
2009 Nissan Maxima All-new for 2009, the Nissan Maxima has a new platform, fresh styling and more powerful engine. Nissan calls it a "sports sedan"; Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh doesn't, but likes it anyway.
2009 Hyundai Genesis V6 The new Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan could be "the surprise package of the 2009 model year," opines contributor Bob McHugh. "It offers amenities and performance comparable with luxury competitors like the BMW 5 Series...but at a substantially lower price point."
2009 Ford Flex It may be a big wagon, but the Ford Flex can really handle, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. With three rows of seats, it's roomy and comfortable, he says, but its as-tested price of $51,000 "is a lot of money". Second opinion by Greg Wilson
2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL In the competitive mid-size sedan market, the Altima's trump card might still be its CVT (continuously variable transmission), says Conributing Editor, Chris Chase. "Not even the smoothest conventional automatic...can match the seamless performance of Nissan's CVTs," he says.
2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 "This nearly six-year-old design..still turns heads," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. The new-for-2009 R3 trim brings 19-inch wheels, unique front bumper, side sills and skirts to enhance the RX-8's already shapely exterior, he says.
2008 Toyota Yaris CE hatchback The popular 2008 Toyota Yaris hatchback lacks some important features such as side and curtain airbags, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. Fortunately, most of these features are now available on the 2009 Yaris hatchback, he notes.
2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid 4WD "My hat is off to GM for building the Yukon Hybrid. It's a fascinating engineering exercise, and dammit if it doesn't work as advertised," says contributor Peter Bleakney. "The question remains whether it is relevant," he opines.
2008 Kia Spectra5 SX The 2008 Kia Spectra5 is fun to drive in its SX configuration especially with its sportier suspension, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh - but discontinued safety features are a puzzling omission, she notes.
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Returning to the Canadian market, the newer, greener 2009 VW Jetta TDI sedan "is quieter and more powerful than the previous one," says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson, and "offers better fuel economy than most cars."
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited Better looks, better value, improved driving dynamics, and a broader appeal are the major upgrades to the 2009 Subaru Forester, says contributor Haney Louka. However, its four-speed automatic transmission should have been upgraded to a five- or six-speed, he thinks.
2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited four-cylinder In the midsize market, "four is the new six" says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, who likes the smaller engine in the '09 Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata's interior's upscale but a rattly undercarriage detracts from the package, she says.
