East Valley Tribune - Auto Reviews

2009 Toyota Matrix

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The sporty Matrix marches to the beat of a different Vibe

2009 Nissan Maxima

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

According to Nissan, the 2009 Maxima almost didn’t happen. That would have deprived the world of a sensational looking automobile with performance enhancements to match its seductive shape.

2009 Subaru Forester

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

No matter how it’s categorized, the new Forester is bigger, better and better looking

Acura TSX

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Straddling the line between the Honda Accord and Acura TL

2009 Hyundai Genesis

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The luxury car that Hyundai always wanted to build.

2009 Dodge Journey

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Quite possibly the most significant vehicle for the company since the Chrysler 300

Nissan GT-R

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Finally, Nissan decides to ship its supercar to North America

2009 Lincoln MKS

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Just in case not everyone in the world wants a new MKX wagon . . .

The next Corolla for 2009

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

It began as basic transportation, but just look at what 10 generations of evolution have done.

2009 Pontiac Vibe

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

With a Pontiac badge and Toyota guts, one of our favorite small wagons returns with a few new tricks. Pontiac and Toyota have once again teamed up to build a thrifty, high-stylin' Vibe wagon.

2008 Chevrolet Equinox Sport

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

It can be a difficult time when owners of high-excitement coupes, roadsters and sedans are forced to surrender their fun-mobiles when practicality comes knocking.

Toyota Scion xB and xD

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Scion vehicles have always offered big value at the smallest possible price. For 2008, Toyota's junior subsidiary now includes a completely redesigned xB along with the inaugural issue of the xD, which replaces the xA. In both cases, the look is certainly new but the premise remains the same.

2008 Subaru Tribeca: Subtle but significant changes add value

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

As sport-utility vehicles go, the original B9 Tribeca arrived for

the 2006 model year with plenty of redeeming qualities. However following a two-year stint, Subaru has introduced sweeping changes to the 2008 edition of its flagship off-roader, in the hopes that it can win more converts.

There's more than a badge that makes these Buicks 'super'

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

More than 50 years ago, the last word on Buick performance and up-level content was the Super. For 2008, Buick is reviving the brand and anointing it with an appropriate level of flash and dash.

2008 Mini Clubman

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

If a lack of room has been holding you back from buying a Mini, you had better get your checkbook ready. The new Clubman comes with all the charm of the Mini Cooper as well as more rear room and better access to that room. Talk about cool.

BMW 1 Series: Big-league power in a pint-sized package

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Building performance on a budget isn't exactly a BMW trait. The company's current focus is creating vehicles that combine luxury and power with pricetags that, unfortunately, remain out of range for most buyers. The new 1 Series turns the tables on that notion. Scheduled for release in April 2008, the car will be affordable and capable of the kind of performance punch that has made BMW such a sought-after brand.

2008 Corvette

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Call it an automotive icon, call it a legend, call it awe inspiring. The Chevrolet Corvette is all three and more, especially now that the '08 version features drivetrain and interior upgrades to make its steal-of-deal base price look like its missing a digit.

2008 Audi TT

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Whether a stylish two-seat roadster or a hunkered-down four-passenger coupe, the 2008 Audi TT has plenty of character and provides more than enough exhilaration to keep you coming back for more. From Day One, the original TT set itself apart from the rest of the sports-car crowd by banishing boredom. Forever.

2008 Volvo XC70

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Creating a rugged wagon that actually looks rugged and stylish at the same time might seem like a challenge, but Volvo has managed to fit it all into one neat and tidy package with the all-new and decidedly unique XC70.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

As kids, we were taught to play nice and to share with others. That point is literally being driven home with respect to the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, which has been bestowed with a power upgrade via its more muscular family members. It's not that the current edition of Nissan's mid-size sport-utility vehicle, which arrived in 2005, can't stand up for itself and keep the bullies at bay.

2008 Toyota Highlander

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The good news for fans of roomy, practical transportation is that a new Highlander is arriving. The really great news is that it's available in a more appealing wrapper and sings a sweeter song under the hood.