2011 Chevrolet Aveo Review

The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo is an impressive sedan in almost every category. It has good mileage (27/35) and maneuverability is never a problem. The 2011 Aveo even comes with a relatively powerful 1.6L 4-cylinder engine. Although the base price includes manual transmission, the price $11,600 price tag is still attractive.

The upgrades made to the 2011 Aveo are very minimal. The new version comes with cabin air filter which is now standard in every vehicle and the sedan also comes with six months subscription with select OnStar services. Everything else is the same compared to the previous iteration of the Aveo.

The 2011 Aveo’s interior is not necessarily groundbreaking but it’s not disappointing either. The dashboard features a CD/MP3 player with AM/FM transistor and an additional jack for optional inputs. The leather seats should be good enough for casual driving and the back seats can easily fit two to three adults.

The only challenge for the Aveo is its exterior design. Although the design for the Sedan is relatively simple, Aveo has the stouter look which feels bulky from the outside. Of course, this doesn’t have any affect in its performance but many drivers tend to look for stylized design with performance. Unfortunately, Aveo fails to score in styling.

Another challenge for the 2011 Aveo is the competition. Although the vehicle is priced below the $12,000 mark, there are other vehicles that feature the same price point with better performance and design. The 2011 Aveo is only geared for those avid fans of Chevrolet who wanted the latest from the well known car manufacturer.

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2011 Toyota Yaris Review

The 2011 Toyota Yaris is one of a handful of models from Toyota that were recalled due to handling problems. With the reputation of Toyota, there are only two things you will expect – a perfectly working car or something that should be recalled. Fortunately, the 2011 Yaris is something that should be praised because it works well and offers something great to car owners.
The 2011 Yaris is a hatchback with very impressive mileage. It’s rate at 29mpg on city which is very impressive in its class. It can even reach up to 25mpg in an open road which pushes the boundary of an earth friendly vehicle. Of course, it comes with some disadvantages such as a lack of power but hatchbacks are built for city driving and the mileage alone is a very impressive feature.
But aside from mileage, the hatchback is built for family-type handling. The 2011 Yaris is offered in two transmission modes – the five gear manual transmission or the four gear automatic transmission. Either way, handling is a breeze in this vehicle. And because of the physical makeup of a hatchback, storing items for a long haul is not a problem.
If there’s one thing that should be criticized about the car, it is its slightly cramped seating. The seats are pushed forward so that additional space could be added in the back. But with a little bit of adjustment, this should not be a problem. Another concern is that the base price ($13,655 - $14,415) comes with very basic amenities and add-ons could be costly.

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2011 Subaru Impreza Review

Many car owners choose hatchbacks in order to save on expected fuel efficiency. Hatchbacks are relatively small but have impressive boot space at the back which is perfect for small families or people who just wanted to have a good, reliable car to use. The 2011 Subaru Impreza tries to be a great reliable vehicle however it comes with a higher price tag than the average hatchback on the market.
While the 2011 Subaru Impreza is a bit expensive, it tries to make up on performance and safety. The 2.5 liter, V-4 engine could churn out 170hp for its base price model with up to 4,400 in torque. But aside from power, the 2011 edition comes with all-wheel drive which increases the vehicles power. This is also complemented with wider track which increases handling. If you’re looking for power and precision control in a hatchback, this is a good choice.
However, most hatchback owners are looking for vehicles that have enough safety, good road performance with add-ons even at a base price. The 2011 Subaru Impreza unfortunately, does not come with additional upgrades on its base price. Car owners have to spend more so that they could upgrade to WRX model of the Impreza. The same base price with the expected add-ons and safety ratings have been achieved by Suzuki on its SX4 and by Mazda’s 3.
Overall, the 2011 Subaru Impreza is an impressive hatchback. However, it’s a bit more expensive and an upgrade is necessary to have something more powerful with improved handling.

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2011 Toyota Tacoma Review

The Toyota Tacoma is considered a leader in its class. It’s one truck that has successfully bridged the capability of a powerful hauling vehicle with impressive pricing. The 2011Toyota Tacoma is no different from its previous predecessors with additional features that would impress even non-truck user. The company’s latest version has some serious economy considerations that will allow the company to sell the impressive trucks in the distant future.
Impressive Features for 2011 Edition
The best new feature for the 2011 Tacoma is the availability of automatic transmission. Gas guzzling vehicles are already a thing of the past and Toyota has adjusted. The result is 21mpg average which is a very impressive number for a truck. All versions of 2011 Toyota Tacoma will also come with air conditioning.
Interior Design
If there’s something any Tacoma owner would complain about their truck, it’s the interior. Although it’s not bad certain things could have been changed to make it look more esthetically pleasing. The seats are designed with big people in mind which means those on the smaller side will be required to adjust a little bit. It’s not uncomfortable although there are better seats in most of the competitor’s trucks.
Driving and Power
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma doesn’t push the boundaries on its engine. With a 2.7 liter, 4-cylinder engine, it gets the job done in simple hauling tasks. Of course, those who wanted more power will be disappointed but rarely will a truck driver use something bigger than what the Tacoma could already handle. It’s one truck that gets the job done with a base price of $19,000.

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2011 Kia Sedona Review

Minivans don’t grab many headlines when a new version is released and Kia is not a brand that constantly attracts attention within the car industry. However Kia is silently pushing their minivans into the market with a remarkable response thanks to the vans capabilities and price range. The 2011 Kia Sedona is an average-priced minivan with impressive features.

The 2011 version of Kia Sedona features 3.5L V6 engine. With this engine, the minivan can produce up to 271hp and 248 of torque. There is only one setting for control: six-speed automatic but this is regarded as an improvement, as the 2010 version was only fitted with a five-speed automatic gear box. The minivan also averages 21mpg in fuel efficiency.

One disadvantage about the Kia Sedona is its interior. Although it contains all the features expected from a good minivan, its upholstery and design is not on par with many other minivan manufacturers. However this is a small inconvenience as many electronic add-ons are already included within the base price. Another disadvantage is that the lack of optional third row seating in the back. Although often used for baggage, it is a needed feature for customers with big families.

Even with the dull design, the 2011 Kia Sedona offers something uncommon in minivans – increased traction control. Although other minivans handle the road as expected, the latest Sedona has significantly improved maneuverability. This allows better steering control which would be helpful in unexpected terrains.

Base price for the 2011 Kia Sedona is at $24,595. The minivan is offered in LX and EX versions.

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2011 Dodge Ram Pickup Rewiew

The 2011 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 is an aesthetically improved vehicle compared to its predecessor. The only difference between the 2010 and 2011 version is on its trim which generally improves the look of the later version. This decision to practically keep the same specs is no fluke. Its predecessor is already a powerful pickup and its price point will only shoot up if an upgrade is made. The 2011 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 is an improved vehicle in terms of its looks with the same price point.

The features that stand out for Ram 1500 are its V6 engines, high quality interior design and maneuverability. The inside is very spacious with leather seats that will make you think you’re in a luxury vehicle – only more powerful. The V6 engine on the base model is not the most powerful but good enough for daily hauling. It also makes up for its great steering control. The Ram 1500 is a big vehicle but you don’t have to break a sweat just to control this big beast.

The downside of the vehicle is on its mileage. Because of its size and power, it only features 16mpg on average. Another downside is that the base model only comes with automatic 5-speed which is very, very limited.

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Dacia Duster review

Recession has greatly affected car manufacturers as they were forced to scramble for cars which are budget friendly with the same reliability. Answering this challenge is Renault as they are releasing Dacia Duster in select countries in Europe in 2010 and UK in 2012.

Although regarded as the budget friendly vehicle from Renault, it’s also known as the
first SUV from Automobile Dacia which recently became part of the Renault family.
Because of the acquisition, Dacia Duster will be known as Renault Duster when released in UK.

The Dacia Duster is a surprisingly fun vehicle to use. Although it’s not Renault itself, it has actually kept up with the standards of a Renault vehicle: easy to drive, reliable in curves and ideal vehicle for city road conditions. The Dacia image on the other hand, is reflected on its design. It’s a no-qualms design which means it looks dull from the outside. But it comes with a spacious interior that it can hold 5 persons inside (driver included) without any problem. The only concern the Duster would have is the noise because of the 1.6 liter engine.

But even with the impressive driving experience, relatively powerful engine and
simplified design, the best feature is in its price. Base rate for Dacia Duster is estimated at £10,800. With this rate, would-be car owners will get an impressive SUV that can hold a family with the driving quality of a Renault vehicle.

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2010 Mazda 5 Review

In the current economic situation car owners are looking for something useful without having to spend much. This is the reason why minivans that could carry a family are very popular. Instead of spending too much on two vehicles, a single vehicle that could cater to everyone would be a good option. With this requirement in mind, one of the most popular vehicles being considered is the 2010 Mazda 5.

Under the hood, Mazda 5 is not necessarily a beast but should be enough for family transportation. The 2.3 litre, four cylinder engine actually shows weakness when the minivan is full but it can stabilise once it gains speed. Mazda did not really care a lot about speed – 10 seconds to reach 60mph is not impressive but a minivan is not for racing. While it can start slow, control with Mazda 5 is very impressive as it can easily slide through corners.

Because Mazda 5 is a mid-sized minivan, there are some drawbacks when it comes to interior layout. The third row is very small, probably designed for kids. But that’s the only major drawback. The car makes up for its small built by creating sliding doors not only in the side but also on the rear. This feature is very rare in many vehicles of this type and it provides an advantage for families with very active passengers as closing and open is simpler.

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2010 Dodge Nitro Review

At first glance, the 2010 Dodge Nitro is a muscle man’s ideal vehicle: it’s bulky and has a powerful loading capability. Anyone who wanted to have a strong image with a bit of help from the vehicle will never hesitate because of the car’s look and power. Unfortunately, these are the only qualities the latest Dodge Nitro line offers. Everything else is pretty tricky for any car enthusiast.

The main reason why the 2010 Dodge Nitro has an impressive loading capability is due to the available space at the back. Standard setting will give you 32 cubic feet but lower the back seat and you’ll get 65 cubic feet in space. If you lower the driver’s seat, you can add even more storage space. All variations in Dodge Nitro (Heat, Detonator and Shock) almost have the same storage capability.

When it comes to engine performance and speed, the 2010 Doge Nitro is lackluster. The lowest version of the Dodge Nitro (Heat) reaches 60mph after 9 seconds. While it’s expected that SUVs are not sports cars, the speed is very disappointing. Driving impressions of the vehicle is also mediocre as the body becomes a burden instead of helping the SUV steer better. The highest configuration is 4.0 liter with V6 engine (Shock) which can go faster than Heat but driving and control still a challenge.

Although the interior is good enough for a comfortable ride, there are other car manufacturers that have done a lot better than the 2010 Dodge Nitro.

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2011 Toyota Sienna Review

Minivans will always be vehicles favoured by families. This type of vehicle offers the necessary storage space capacity so that the whole family can go to the preferred destination. Minivans also sport an impressive engine as this is a requirement in handling not only the body of the vehicle but also an increased number of passengers.

Space and power are the two factors that were greatly emphasized on the 2011 Toyota Sienna. Like its predecessor, the 2011 Toyota Sienna has the capability to hold up to eight passengers and the back storage is very impressive. The second line seating is even designed for a relaxing experience. This setting offers good spacing and its design is almost the same compared to the 2010 version so it still keeps a sportslike look.

What’s really impressive with the 2011 Toyota Sienna is the AWD option. This will help the driver to have better control of the vehicle which is very important for any minivan. It’s a family vehicle and any improvement of control should be considered. Under the hood, it sports a V6 engine which is another feature that should push the customer into considering this type of vehicle. Fuel economy is at 22mpg with AWD and 24mpg without the AWD.

Base price for the 2011 Toyota Sienna is $24,260 and it is already a good deal considering the capacity and power. This vehicle is easily a contender among other popular minivans in the market.

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