pow

It probably didn't help that the SRX Turbo was slower (and thirstier) than most of its naturally-aspirated competitors. Likewise, the Regal Turbo is only on par with most naturally-aspirated I4s, with the fuel consumption of a V6. GM doesn't seem to be having the same success with turbocharging and downsizing as Ford and VW are. Perhaps its the weight of their vehicles.

The Audi A6L they make there is pretty awesome. My MacBook has been the most reliable computer I've had. I think it's more the brand or company than country of assembly.

The Chinese can make great, high-quality stuff... just not at the prices Wal-Mart demands.

Good luck with your car search. 2009 EX-L Civics have stability control as standard, something to keep in mind. The lesser models don't.

Does it feel like a $56K car?

Um, why not just use Zipcar? Far more locations, and only $7/hour for a smart fortwo or $13/hour for a nice 3-series.

That's odd, cause usually CG (not to be confused with CR) loves GM.

The base Regal just needs some work. The 2.4L/six-speed combo isn't available on the Insignia, and it's likely that GM could have done a better job tuning and optimizing that powertrain. Its EPA fuel economy isn't that good (19/30, worse than an Equinox with the same powertrain) too. What's interesting is how even a naturally aspirated TSX is quicker than the Regal Turbo. In my experience with the base Regal, I found the transmission too smooth and sluggish and slushy and would have preferred crisper shifts. The 2.4 Ecotec doesn't exactly make a pleasant noise either. BTW, if you didn't like the DSG experience in a TDI, give the CC 2.0T a try. That car is responsive and *quick* even with just 200 hp.

Passat and CC 2.0T switched over to DSG in 2010.

How about all of the above? The Passat BlueMotion has a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual with stop-start. An eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual with eAssist would one-up it. Altima Hybrid doesn't have a real CVT but a planetary device instead. I'd prefer a planetary setup, by the way. They're more reliable than a chain-driven CVT, and they're inexpensive and simple. No clutches, nothing to go wrong.

2004+ Siennas are bulletproof and superbly refined, assuming the oil has been changed. Otherwise, you might get sludge with the 3.3Ls. We have a 2002-2004 Odyssey, and it's the most reliable vehicle we've owned (only oil/fluid changes, brakes, tires), but apparently the transmissions die once they reach 100K+. But back in the day, it was by far the best van out there: Magic Seat third row, sliding fore/aft and side-to-side second row, most interior space, best handling, and quickest accelerating. C&D clocked one doing 0-60 in 7.5 seconds.

No, the BMW's inline-six is definitely better than the 3.7 Duratec in the Mustang. Direct injection, variable-scroll turbo, inherent balance of inline-six, magnesium block, way more torque, etc.

Too pixelated... I prefer the crisper lines of the current version. The LP560-4 in white is probably one of my all time favorite super cars.

Multi-speed transmissions are also large and complex. Compare the planetary gearbox in a Prius or Volt to a conventional automatic... For cars with no electric assist, double-clutch gearboxes are the way to go. AMG's system apparently combines the refinement of a slushbox with the responsiveness of a DSG-type system.

It's as much about execution as it is about technical specs. Get steering feel, brake feel, ergonomics, throttle tip-in and response, suspension tuning, and NVH right, and you'd still have an awesome car even with just 230 hp and only six speeds (BMW 328i).

Win.

Nice. That's how it should have been priced to begin with. They'll get lots more interest at $40K than $50K. $40K is still kinda pushing it, though.

Or Kia Optima, which is like a 9-5 priced for normal people.

Just realized that 29/40 MPG is for the automatic. Wow! The Cruze Eco gets 26/37 MPG with the six-speed auto. That's only 1 to 2 MPG off the Golf TDI's numbers.

Never thought I'd say this, but needs moar chrome!

It's hard doing all the flag-waving anymore when your largest national market is China, or when you went to Shanghai to source the engine for your SUV.

Ex-rentals might actually be a good idea if you have them inspected and there's still the factory warranty remaining. Check out Hertz Rent2Buy. For $10K you can usually get a nice, big 2009 Kia Optima with 35K miles; for $12K, maybe a Mazda 6 or Jetta; and for $13K, a 2009 Camry or Altima. Used compact cars depreciate less and cost about the same, and for that money, you might as well buy new. If he feels pressured for buying a foreign car and all that, Mazda 6 is probably the best choice, being made in Michigan by the UAW, Mazda partially owned by Ford, etc.

How the hell did they get $.31/kwh? We have Southern California Edison, and off-peak for electric cars is $.12/kwh.

Yeah. There are Volt banner ads already about MTCOTY.

Equinox and Journey are "tweeners" that don't directly compete with CR-V, RAV4, etc. Journey interior is nice, but I doubt we're looking at $19,995 anymore. Compared to vehicles like Edge or Murano, it's nothing special.