Reviewed on May 5, 2008Although we have some minor criticisms, the 2008 BMW 135i is, overall, an excellent car to drive every day or take out on the track. It scores big in performance and cabin tech.TAGS:BMW, brake, acceleration, gear, car, track, engine, chance, North America, road
Reviewed on May 2, 2007Good-looking and one of the most fun cars on the road, the 2007 Mini Cooper S is well-engineered throughout. While we were impressed by the audio and handling, these can be made even better with an optional premium speaker system and a limited slip differential.TAGS:BMW, car, foot, wheel, spot, engine, size
Reviewed on May 16, 2007The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid has the practical configuration of a small SUV, along with the low emissions and good fuel economy of a hybrid. Its cabin electronics are up-to-date, although not extraordinary.TAGS:car, hill, battery, run, engine
Reviewed on April 9, 2008The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta offers a lot of good driving gear and a comfortable cabin for a low price in an attractive package. However, its cabin tech options are generally lacking.TAGS:Volkswagen, lane, car, transmission, engine, turn
Reviewed on May 11, 2005Honda takes an old favorite and makes it even more ecofriendly and economical, but the Civic Hybrid can't keep up with the Toyota Prius's performance.TAGS:Toyota Prius, motor, engine, car, battery
Reviewed on February 28, 2007The 2007 Ford Shelby GT is a retro-styled rocket ship that will appeal to driving purists. If cabin comfort is more important than 500 horsepower, look elsewhere. If not, join the back of the wait list.TAGS:stereo, car, engine, BMW, meter
Reviewed on May 16, 2005As the first luxury SUV hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h makes a good first impression with its power, its fuel efficiency, and its technology.TAGS:Lexus, motor, vehicle, car, power, engine
Reviewed on January 4, 2008The 2008 Nissan Rogue doesn't rate highly as a tech car due to its lack of any major cabin gadgets, but we like its general usability and its continuously variable transmission.TAGS:gear, Lexus, run, car, engine
Reviewed on December 11, 2007With its distinctive high-revving rotary engine and comic book exterior styling, the Mazda RX-8 differentiates from the competition. Its cabin tech is badly outdated, but that doesn't stop it from being a blast to drive.TAGS:Mazda Motor Corp., clutch, traction, engine, car, run, power
Reviewed on July 14, 2005The RX-8's video game looks and rotary engine give it a technology edge, but its lack of cabin gadgets keeps the focus on driving.TAGS:Mazda Motor Corp., transmission, engine, video game, video
Reviewed on November 30, 2007The 2008 Mazda Tribute HEV Touring has none of the cabin tech we like to see--you will have to get the Grand Touring version for those options. But it is a very practical car, with good interior space and low mileage.TAGS:Mazda Motor Corp., acceleration, car, engine, run, dashboard, power, battery
Reviewed on May 26, 2005The Honda Insight gets best-of-breed gas mileage, but its lack of digital comforts and cabin room constrains its uses.TAGS:climate control, car, stop, engine, economy, U.S.
Reviewed on April 3, 2008The 2009 Dodge Journey is a well-sized seven-passenger crossover with a full collection of cabin tech options to keep occupants entertained, but its thirsty V-6 spells trouble at the pump.TAGS:minivan, Chrysler, USB, car, hard drive, engine, Apple iPod, camera, music, photograph
Reviewed on April 27, 2007Although the 2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed Mazda3 looks good and seems like a lot of fun at first, a few problems start to reveal themselves. While we never tire of good handling, a good stereo would also be nice.TAGS:Mazda Motor Corp., Volkswagen, acceleration, car, engine
Reviewed on May 11, 2005Ford's 2005 Escape Hybrid, the first hybrid SUV, drives off with a winning combo of power and good fuel economy, but be prepared to pay a premium.TAGS:Toyota Prius, SUV, motor, engine, economy, road, battery
Reviewed on July 17, 2007The 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI is a very drivable car, but you'll pay dearly to option it up with cabin electronics, should you live in a state where you can buy it. We're impressed by the off-road equipment, but who would really take this car into the mud?TAGS:Mercedes-Benz, pump, cabin, station, car, engine