Everyday Driver » REVIEWS

Honda Civic SI

Todd — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:07:16 +0000

When people ask us about getting a “First car”, “cheap car”, “reliable car”, “kids car”, it’s amazing how often we include the Honda Civic on our list of recommendations. The Civic is a benchmark car and offered in every permutation from Hybrid family commuter to this sporty version, the SI. Competition has increased around the Civic in every one of its variations, so is it still a worthwhile affordable sportscar?

We took a 2012 SI coupe with Honda’s wonderful six-speed manual to one of our favorite ridge and canyon roads. There’s no question it’s a versatile platform, but we’re interested in its ability to deliver affordable driving fun. Unsurprisingly, the guys don’t really agree on the results.

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Hyundai Veloster

Todd — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:26:29 +0000

Say hello to the car for those with multiple personalities. If you like a coupe for styling but hate having passengers crawl into the back seat, then the Veloster is for you. This is an automotive answer to an un-asked question, but we love it when any automaker makes something truly unique. Hyundai has gone from automotive punchline to genuine player in a few short years, and they are one of the few marquees willing to do something as truly odd as a three-door car.

The Veloster enters into the competitive world of entry-level cars trying to entice younger buyers. While most High Schoolers are now more interested in tweeting than driving, it’s an uphill battle to provide something both fun and affordable. We would have never suggested changing the number of doors… but we couldn’t wait to find a good canyon road to see if this car is something to tweet about.

So – What’s bright green and has three doors? This little non-turbo Veloster.

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Porsche Cayman S

Todd — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:12:56 +0000

Even those who don’t know cars know Porsche. But while most think of the 911, Cayenne, or Boxster, the Cayman is often overlooked. Paul and Todd get some time in an affordable Cayman S to see if this might be the best example yet of buying smart.

Paul worships all things Porsche. Todd does not. Of course.

But Porsches can be surprisingly reliable used car values. And the Cayman maybe the biggest surprise of the company’s lineup:

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Chevrolet Volt

Todd — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:16:29 +0000

Few cars have been as over-hyped as the Volt. It offered a new drivetrain idea. It claimed an amazing (and erroneous) 230mpg. It stirred a backlash of belief that the whole thing was just GM vaporware. But here it is, and we’re taking it out to find the car behind the claims.

A blast down a canyon road is irrelevant in the Volt or its most obvious competition, the Toyota Prius. Cars like these aren’t designed for fun driving. They are appliances created to survive the daily commute. So we took the Volt to downtown LA in search of stoplights, traffic, and the chance to see if running on batteries can be worthwhile.

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And give us your thoughts on the Volt, the Prius, or commuting in general by leaving a comment below!

Mazda MX-5

Todd — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 22:38:07 +0000

Even though it began as an upstart re-working of the classic British roadsters, Mazda’s MX-5/Miata is now a classic as well. After more than twenty years on the market, the car has gone through three major generations (NA, NB, NC) while maintaining its light weight and involving nature.

The guys climb into the latest generation of this car so loved by everyone from secretaries to weekend-racers. Past generations have been too small to enjoy, but the MX-5 can not ignored. A great road surrounded by fall leaves provided the perfect place to push this icon and consider its place among the roadster rivals.

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And include your thoughts about the MX-5, S2000, or your favorite roadster in the comments below.

Nissan GTR

Todd — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:19:51 +0000

Every now and then a car comes along which defies categorizing. The Nissan GTR is one of these cars. Too inexpensive and attainable to be a super-exotic, but far too high-performance to be a car for the masses. And yet, here it is.

More to the point, here we are with the keys in hand and a great road to drive. Everyday Driver vs. Godzilla, the genre killer from the orient. The technology in this car is very similar to the Mitsubishi Evo, which we love, but is the GTR worth twice as much? The guys grab this monster by the tail for a wild ride.

Many of you requested we drive this car, and we hope you have as much fun watching as we did driving. And in a few years the prices for a used GTR will drop to the levels of other sportscars. Then you’ll have a decision to make.

Go HD-full screen, and turn it up!

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And include your thoughts about this car or anything else in the comments below.

2010 MazdaSpeed3

Todd — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 19:00:04 +0000

We love a good fast hatchback. These little cars set out to be all things to all people, with speed and genuine usable space. The VW GTI started the trend in the seventies, and nearly every brand has tried one since. For years Europe has loved them, and finally the U.S. market is starting to get some great options.

So, Paul and Todd gathered up three very different approaches to this all-in-one idea and went in search of a showdown. But they found out that while they may seem the same at first, these cars are very different and the guys couldn’t disagree more.

Here’s the first of the three part comparison: the MazdaSpeed 3.

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Hatchbacks, love them or hate them? Do you own one and disagree with the guys? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Todd — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:12:09 +0000

Hyundai has long been the butt of jokes in the US car market. Their cars were known to be cheap in both price and feel. But change is upon us.

Beginning with their aptly named “Genesis” platform, Hyundai has put their Japanese rivals on notice. The Sedan targets the best of Lexus, and this coupe version aims for the Infiniti G37 coupe and Nissan 370z. But Hyundai offers these cars for thousands less than the competition… just like the Toyota and Nissan did years before.

The guys get the chance for a quick review in the most unforgiving place for a sports car, the track. Can this little upstart from Hyundai really offer worthwhile performance for thousands less?

Watch this review LARGER.

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Lexus IS350C

Todd — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:21:34 +0000

In Toyota’s quest for world-domination, the Lexus brand has become a huge badge and reputation for quiet and luxurious transportation. Yet, the IS series also strives to be a car for enthusiasts. Of course, that means competing in the crowded sports sedan segment.

But the IS didn’t offer a convertible version until recently. And it was launched with a marketing campaign suggesting a Lexus for those who love life and live dangerously. So Paul and Todd set out to see if this Lexus can actually live up to its marketing blitz.

This car was a regular viewer request. Thanks for watching, and thanks for the suggestion.

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Taurus SHO

Todd — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:11:41 +0000

The original Taurus SHO was introduced 20 years ago. It was a well known and affordable sleeper in the mid-sized sedan market. Now it’s back, with more power and All-Wheel Drive. And it even gets decent gas-mileage.

Paul and Todd take out the SHO to see if this version can hold up the name and reputation. Ford has set out to make American four-door muscle for the whole family. That’s like raising a child to be Jekyll and Hyde.

Watch this review LARGER.

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Would you buy a SHO? Do you own a SHO? Share your thoughts in the comments below.