2012 Car Reviews by John Paul
2012 Reviews: Buick | Cadillac | Ford | Honda | Hyundai | Toyota
2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
The car: The Mini Cooper Roadster is the latest model from Mini. This model is a sporty two-seat version complete with a folding soft convertible top. The roadster is offered in three trim levels all using the same 1.6 liter engine, although tuning changes the engine’s characteristics dramatically. The base model engine develops 121 horsepower, the S model develops 181 horsepower and on the John Cooper Works special edition horsepower tops out at 208. Our road test was in the mid level S version with a six-speed manual transmission.
The road test: The first thing I noticed when driving with the top up was road noise. Unlike some other cars, this model uses a single layer top with an exposed skeleton. In addition, the top has several blind spots to the rear making this otherwise small car sometimes difficult to safely maneuver. Put the top down and the car improves dramatically in both usefulness and style. And like all convertibles, you are exposed to the sights, sounds and smells of the road - good or bad. The handling is quite good, the steering even better. The ride can at times be firm, and some poorly maintained roads cause this little convertible to become unsettled. The performance from the 181 horsepower four-cylinder engine is quite good, with 60 miles per hour arriving in a few clicks under seven seconds. A novel feature is an automatically actuated rear spoiler to help stabilize the car at higher speeds. The six speed manual transmission is very smooth, shifting nicely, matching the power developed by the engine. The clutch is also very smooth, and has a clever feature that keeps the car from rolling on a hill. The brakes are powerful, quickly able to bring this roadster to a controlled stop from 60 miles per hour in just 120 feet.
The interior of the Roadster is typical Mini. There is a large speedometer and gauge set mounted in the center of the dash, and equally large tachometer behind the steering wheel. Toggle switches mounted on the dash control the windows. The seats are comfortable, offering decent support and adjustments. There are a few bins for storage and a roomy area behind the front seats for additional storage. The trunk is surprisingly roomy for such a small car, and unlike some other convertibles, the top doesn’t intrude into the trunk when folded. There is also a large pass-through from the trunk to the cabin. The top itself is very simple; one large handle to turn and it quickly and easily opens. Closing the top requires a little more effort and a certain amount of flexibility when attempting to close the top from the driver’s seat. Overall, simplicity wins out over some of the more complicated tops from other manufacturers. Safety is addressed with a combination of features that include anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, roll-over protection and seat mounted airbags.
The bottom line: The Mini Cooper Roadster offers great fuel economy, go-kart like handling, and funky good looks.
2012 Reviews: Buick | Cadillac | Ford | Honda | Hyundai | Toyota
2012 Hyundai Azera
The Car: The all new 2012 Hyundai Azera is a full size car similar in size to a Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon or Buick Lacrosse. Consider the Azera a bigger more luxurious version of the already popular Hyundai Sonata. The body style is a continuation of Hyundai’s popular fluidic theme that we have seen in the Sonata, Elantra and Accent. The Azera is powered exclusively by a 3.3 liter V-6 engine that develops 293 horsepower which is in turn connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission, powering the front wheels.
The Road Test: On the road, this latest Hyundai is a pleasure to drive. The ride is smooth and quiet, the handling offers good control with the suspension never becoming unsettled. Even quick turns and our sometimes less than perfect New England roads never upset the Azera ride. The steering is light at low speeds and firms up on the highway. A minor complaint is the steering can feel a bit over assisted and numb from time to time, lacking some road “feel” seen in German imports. The performance from the 3.3 liter engine is quite good with 60 miles per hour arriving in just about seven seconds. Passing slower moving vehicles and large trucks is accomplished with ease. The brakes also matched the performance and weight of the Azera always inspiring confidence when stopping. What was also impressive is that during my time behind the wheel, this large car averaged 26 miles per gallon in a reasonable combination of city and highway driving. The EPA rates the Azera at 20 miles per in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.
The cabin is quite luxurious with soft touch materials everywhere. Like all Hyundai products there are many more features than you would come to expect for the price of the car. There is a large center console, decent glove compartment with a cooling feature and bins for storage. Map pockets in the doors and a decent cup holders round out the interior. The controls are all generally very straightforward with my only nit to pick I would have liked to have seen a knob to change the radio stations. The navigation system is easy to use and I was surprised and pleased to see a backup camera. The seats are quite comfortable with plenty of adjustments and a more than generous amount or legroom. The steering is power tilt and telescoping with a memory function. The climate control is a duel zone automatic version that allows both front seat passengers to find their own temperatures. Optional equipment installed on our car were; larger wheels and tires, panoramic sunroof, Xenon headlights, power rear sunshade, manual side window sunshades, Infinity 12 speaker audio system with subwoofer and external amplifier and a power adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column, The rear seating area is also very comfortable able to seat three adults. The seat controls are door mounted, simple to use although shorter drivers may find it a stretch to reach the controls depending on the seating position. Heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats were also a nice touch. The optional sunroof is massive taking up almost the entire roof. The trunk is also generous at 16 cubic feet and nicely finished inside. My only other nit to pick is this is a keyless entry car that requires that you push a button to unlock the doors. It would have been nice if the car just recognized the key fob and unlocked the doors as you approach, a minor gripe at best.
The bottom line: Hyundai continues to surprise me with their attention to detail, quality of material and overall packaging. There was a time to recommend Hyundai models only based on the warranty and price. Today Hyundai is building very good cars and SUVs with pleasing designs, good road manners and comfortable interiors that can compete with just about any other vehicle manufacturer worldwide.
2012 Reviews: Buick | Cadillac | Ford | Honda | Hyundai | Toyota
2012 Buick LaCrosse
The car: When the LaCrosse was redesigned in 2010, it brought a new standard to this five-passenger sedan from Buick. This included a more contemporary design, European-inspired ride and handling, as well as some of the best build quality to come from General Motors.
In the 2012 model year, the Buick LaCrosse introduces an all-new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with eAssist "light electrification" technology. It gives this full-size sedan the fuel efficiency of a smaller car with few compromises in the driving experience. LaCrosse models can be equipped with a new, more powerful and efficient version of its V-6 engine. To be as green as possible, this new engine also adds E85 ethanol FlexFuel capability.
As in the prior model year, the V-6 LaCrosse models can be ordered with all-wheel-drive. Our road test was in the front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder eAssist-powered version.
The road test: On the road, the first thing I noticed was this new LaCrosse is still a very quiet car. Buick has done a remarkable job in keeping road, wind and engine noise to a minimum. The overall handling is quite good while still delivering a comfortable ride without feeling floaty.
The steering is light at low speeds, remaining precise and firm with a nice on-center feel on the highway. Gone are skinny steering wheels of older Buicks. This steering wheel has a nice beefy feel.
The LaCrosse is a formidable-size car and before I drove it, I found myself questioning how well this new four-cylinder engine would power the car. I came away pleasantly surprised. With 182 horsepower and 172 foot pounds of torque, the LaCrosse performs admirably with little or no indication that the four-cylinder engine is being assisted with an electric motor.
The technology used for the engine design is quite interesting. Buick, unlike some other manufacturers, uses an electric motor-generator that is mounted to the engine in place of the alternator to provide both motor assistance and electric-generating functions through a new engine belt-drive system. The motor-generator is a high-performance, compact induction motor that is liquid-cooled for increased performance and efficiency. At a stop, as well as at cruising speeds, the gasoline engine shuts down to improve overall fuel economy. Unlike some other first-generation hybrids, this design seems very well sorted out, with an absolutely seamless transition from stop-to-restart.
This new engine, combined with some improved aerodynamics, promises impressive EPA estimates of 25 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg combined. The six-speed transmission is perfectly matched to the performance characteristics of this engine, delivering smooth, precise shifts.
The brakes are smooth and powerful and bring this Buick to a stop in a very controlled manner.
The cabin of this LaCrosse is as nice as any luxury import with quality touches throughout. The two primary gauges are large and easy to see.
There are redundant controls on the steering wheel to minimize distractions.
The other controls favor large buttons for easy use while still keeping a premium look and "feel." Both the front and rear seating is comfortable and supportive. Even three adults sitting in the rear seat will find enough head and legroom. Visibility is generally good, but there is a bit of a blind spot to the rear that becomes especially apparent when backing into a parking space.
The trunk is on the small side with about 11 cubic feet of space. To help remedy this shortage of trunk space, the LaCrosse does have a folding rear seat to accommodate longer items.
The bottom line: The 2012 LaCrosse continues to prove that Buick can be a player in the luxury car field. This latest LaCrosse combines high-end features with superior ride and handling, all while delivering very respectable fuel economy.
Tune into AAA's Car Doctor, John Paul, at 9 a.m. Saturdays on WROL, AM-950, or online at www.wrolradio.com .
2012 Reviews: Buick | Cadillac | Ford | Honda | Hyundai | Toyota
2012 Cadillac SRX
The car: The Cadillac SRX is a small SUV, similar in size to an Audi Q5 or BMW X5, sharing its basic architecture with the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox. This year, the SRX is powered by only a 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The new engine connects to a six-speed automatic transmission that can be programmed to maximize fuel economy or behave in a sportier manner. The SRX is available as a front-wheel drive or, in the case of our test vehicle, all-wheel-drive.
The road test: On the road, the V-6 provides more than sufficient power due to the combination of 308 horsepower and 265 foot pounds of available torque. This new engine gives the SRX a smoother, more sophisticated feel on the road than either of the two previous engines. This is the engine that should have been in the SRX from the beginning. The six-speed automatic transmission is silky smooth and, with its precise shifts, seems perfectly matched to this new engine.
The optional all-wheel-drive system is completely seamless and only becomes apparent on slippery roads. As good as the new engine is, the SRX will never be considered a high-performance SUV. In my testing, a trip to 60 mph comes in at a little under eight seconds. Although that is more than adequate, there will be drivers wishing for the power of a V-8 engine.
The brakes are powerful and can easily bring this 4,400-pound vehicle to a stop in short order.
The EPA rates the fuel economy at 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. I averaged about 21 mpg overall during my road test.
The SRX, like many General Motors vehicles, has the capability to run on cheaper E85 ethanol fuel. The ride was always composed and handling was quite good. Overall, I would say the ride is closer to a sports sedan than an SUV. The steering is light at low speeds and firms up considerably at higher speeds, giving the SRX a strong on-center feel.
Included in our test vehicle was a keyless push-button start and a remote-start feature. There was a Bose 5.1 surround-sound system with an eight-inch touch screen with navigation and a 40GB hard drive for storing music, as well as a single-disc CD/DVD player. Other features included heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, tri-zone climate-control and a host of other luxury features.
The interior of the SRX pampers the passengers. The front seats are wide and supportive. The interior was trimmed in Sapele wood (reminiscent of mahogany) complimenting the high-quality, well-crafted interior.
Drivers of just about any size should be able to find a comfortable seating position with the eight-way power seat, adjustable pedals and tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The rear seat can accommodate three, but is better suited to two adults.
All the controls are simple and straightforward - large and easy to use.
Hands-free Bluetooth is now a standard feature in all trim levels.
My only nit to pick with the electronics is in the navigation system. It was at times slow to react, delivering more than one "make a legal U-turn" command.
The cabin had plenty of cupholders, bins and extra 12-volt power points. The otherwise great seating position was slightly hampered by wide windshield pillars that created a blind spot while you're taking corners, an occurrence that was shared by my wife when she took the wheel.
As is the case with its sibling, the GMC Terrain, the rear storage area is a bit narrow compared with some of its competition. Our test car had an innovative sliding cargo restraint to keep items in place as well as under-floor storage. The rear seating is a 40/60 split folding seat to allow for larger cargo or longer items.
The bottom line: The Cadillac SRX, with its high-quality interior, upgraded performance, superior technology and new capability, is now truly a competitor in the luxury SUV/crossover market.
Tune into AAA's Car Doctor, John Paul, at 9 a.m. Saturdays on WROL, AM-950, or online at www.wrolradio.com .
2012 Reviews: Buick | Cadillac | Ford | Honda | Hyundai | Toyota
2012 Ford Focus
The car: Over the years, Ford has been promising a compact car that would combine European handling with all the comfort and convenience that American buyers wanted. It's a great concept that never happened – until now. With the latest version of the Focus, Ford may have hit the mark.
The newest Focus has European style and handling to match features that so many buyers now demand. The Focus is now available in a four-door sedan or a great looking hatchback. Both models are available in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL and Titanium editions.
Currently, the Focus is powered by one engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that, depending on trim levels, can be combined with a five-speed manual transmission or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
This new automatic transmission allows drivers more control without a traditional clutch. In the near future, an all-electric Focus will debut and there is a rumor of a high performance turbocharged version. We road tested the four-door sedan.
The road test: The interior of the newest Focus may be one of the best in its class. The overall quality of the materials is first rate. The seats are firm but comfortable and the rear seats are great for kids, but adults will be looking for a little more legroom and support on long drives.
The controls operate instinctively – with all buttons and switches located where most drivers would expect to find them. The interior is a modern, cockpit style with stylish center console.
The Focus stands above the competition in this level of car with its available features such as push-button start, rearview camera and Ford's "love it or hate it" Sync system. The Sync system uses voice-control to operate various functions within the vehicle. Historically, the Sync system and I have not always had the best relationship.
One optional feature completely unexpected in the Focus is an automatic parking system that allows for hands-free parking. In addition, safety is addressed with dual-stage smart front air bags as well as side and side-curtain air bags.
The Focus also has the Ford MyKey system that allows parental control over things such as radio volume and a maximum speed cap.
The 160-horsepower engine provides more than sufficient power to pass slower moving vehicles or merge onto a busy highway without inducing any stress. A timed trip to 60 mph takes about 8.5 seconds, similar to other cars in this class.
Ford's newest automatic transmission just doesn't feel quite as refined as some of the competition. At times, it is a bit clunky.
The handling is on par with cars costing thousands of dollars more and the ride is quite refined, easily handling some of the less-than-perfect roads in the Northeast.
The brakes in our test car easily matched the ride and handling and may be the best of any car in this class.
The steering was also a pleasant surprise, as it was very communicative and provided great feedback. The steering also lightens up nicely at lower speeds, making parking-lot maneuvers less of a chore.
The bottom line: The newest Ford Focus is now truly a world-class competitor in the small-car market. The ride and handling are first rate. The styling of both the four-door sedan and hatchback is contemporary and refreshing.
Add this to a great-looking interior, a long list of available comfort and convenience options and quality fit and finish, and the latest Focus is certainly the best Focus.
Tune into AAA's Car Doctor, John Paul, at 9 a.m. Saturdays on WROL, AM-950, or online at www.wrolradio.com.
2012 Reviews: Buick | Cadillac | Ford | Honda | Hyundai | Toyota
2012 Honda Civic
The car: The Honda Civic is in its ninth generation since it was first introduced in 1973. The latest one is still a compact car available in both coupe and four-door body styles. It appears larger in nearly every dimension, although in reality it may just be a more creative use of ergonomics.
The Civic can be ordered in one of six variants with several engine choices.
The basic Civic has a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine; the sport Si has a potent 2.4-liter 201-horsepower engine. There is an all-new hybrid version that incorporates a more powerful engine, larger battery and electric motor.
The Civic lineup also includes a dedicated natural-gas-powered version.
Safety features include standard side curtain airbags, driver and front passenger-side airbags, vehicle stability control and antilock brakes.
Our road test was in the LX sedan with a five-speed manual transmission.
The road test: As I settled behind the wheel, the first thing I noticed was the Civic just felt bigger. Overall, there appears to be more head, shoulder and legroom compared to previous models.
With my wife and me in the car, the cabin didn't feel quite as cozy as previous models. The seating position is quite good, but some shorter drivers may feel that they can't see the rear edge of the car when performing parking maneuvers. The seats are firm and generally comfortable - even with a lack of adjustable lumbar support. The short seat cushions lack under-thigh support, which for taller drivers could add to fatigue on long drives.
The controls are generally well placed and easy to use. My biggest complaint is that the overall look of the dash is too busy, with an overabundance of buttons on it and on the steering wheel. The dash is a contemporary two-tiered design with lights that encourage you to conserve fuel. Some surfaces are a hard plastic, giving an otherwise nice interior a bit of a bargain feel.
There are two generous cup-holders and a small open bin for storage.
The rear seating area has seatbelts for three and can accommodate two adults offering a bit more legroom than previous models. The trunk is 12.5 cubic feet with a large opening for easy loading.
The newest Civic ride is comfortable, but there is a bit of choppiness over some rough roads. The electronic power steering was nicely weighted - light and easy at low speeds and firming up nicely on the highway. Overall, the Civic felt heavier and more substantial that the previous generation model. Those drivers looking for the nimble handling of the Civic for two generations will be a bit disappointed. Overall ride and handling are fine and could be best categorized as middle of the road.
Performance from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine was adequate; those drivers looking for a compact performance sedan will want to step up and get the Si. The 140-horsepower engine gets the Civic to 60 mph in about 10 seconds according to my tests. The brakes stopped quickly with good feedback. Stopping from 60 mph took about 135 feet.
Where the Civic excels is fuel economy. In my daily commute, which consists of 75 percent highway driving, I consistently averaged 39 mpg.
With mileage this good, I'm not sure I would spend the extra money on the Civic hybrid.
The bottom line: The 2012 Honda Civic offers a comfortable ride, but not sporty handling. The interior is pleasant and generally comfortable, but it could be better. To me, it seems the Civic took two steps forward and, in a few instances, one step back. This Civic is still one of the best compact cars on the road; it just may no longer be the very best compact car.
Tune into AAA's Car Doctor, John Paul, at 9 a.m. Saturdays on WROL, AM-950, or online at www.wrolradio.com.
2012 Reviews: Buick | Cadillac | Ford | Honda | Hyundai | Toyota
2012 Hyundai Accent
The car: A slightly larger car with an upgraded interior and a more powerful, fuel-efficient engine, the Hyundai Accent is all new for 2012. The Accent continues Hyundai's success with its "Fluidic Sculpture" design that has been so well received with the Sonata and Elantra models.
The Accent is available in two models, a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, both of which are available in three trim levels. The four-door sedan and five-door hatchback are powered by a new 1.6-liter, 138 horsepower four-cylinder engine. Manual or automatic transmissions are offered. Our road test was in the four-door sedan with the automatic transmission.
The road test: The cabin of the Accent is slightly larger and roomier than the previous models. The front seats are comfortable, offering decent support. Although the Accent is a subcompact, the EPA classifies this model as a compact sedan due to the creative use of interior design space.
Tall passengers will find plenty of headroom and legroom in the front seating area. The rear seat is great for kids, but tall adults may find the seating a bit cramped.
Storage is quite good, with a decent-sized glove compartment, bins, cup-holders and door storage. The gauges are large and easy to see, the major controls are simple and straightforward.
Overall, the quality of the interior components - as well as the fit and finish - belies the fact that this is the most inexpensive model that Hyundai offers.
On the road, the 138 horsepower direct-injection, four-cylinder engine provides reasonable acceleration. My best estimate is that the Accent takes about nine seconds to get to 60 mph. This new engine also uses a timing chain rather than a timing belt, which should help reduce overall maintenance costs. The six-speed automatic transmission is well matched to the engine, helping maximize the overall performance and economy.
The only area in which this Hyundai stumbles a bit is when the car is set to "eco" mode. At times, especially in hilly areas, the engine lugs a bit, although this may be a fair tradeoff for this Hyundai's overall fuel economy.
During my time with the Accent, I averaged 36 mpg in an even mix of city and highway driving. The EPA rates the Accent at 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
The ride is quiet and comfortable, with only the worst roads causing the Accent to become unsettled. The steering feel is a bit numb, but this is an economy car, not a sports car. Safety is addressed with an alphabet soup of standard features.
This model comes standard with VSM (vehicle stability management), ESC (electronic stability control), TCS (traction control system), and ABS (antilock brakes) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution). In addition, this Hyundai has six air bags - including curtain air bags to help prevent injuries to both front- and rear-seat passengers.
The bottom line: The Hyundai Accent is following the successful lead of the redesigned Sonata and Elantra. Once the Accent (as well as some other models from Hyundai) could be recommended only for their low and long warranty. Today, the Accent offers not only a good value, but is now truly competitive within its subcompact car segment.
If you are looking for a car that offers a good use of space, excellent fuel economy and superior fit and finish, the Accent by Hyundai is worth a look.
Tune into AAA's Car Doctor, John Paul, at 9 a.m. Saturdays on WROL, AM-950, or online at www.wrolradio.com.
2012 Reviews: Buick | Cadillac | Ford | Honda | Hyundai | Toyota
2012 Toyota Camry
The car: The Toyota Camry was first sold in the '80s. Now, nearly 30 years later, Toyota continues to refine the Camry. The latest Camry is still a front-wheel drive, four-door mid-size sedan available in several trim levels. Engine choices now include an updated four-cylinder engine, powerful six-cylinder engine and a fuel-efficient hybrid power-plant. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only choice; a manual shift is no longer available.
The base Camry models, designated as the L, are well-equipped with air conditioning, stability control, full power accessories, 10 airbags to protect both front and rear passengers and a decent sound system. I had the opportunity to drive several versions of the Camry including the hybrid.
The road test: On the road, the Camry ride hasn't changed much from previous versions. It is still smooth, quiet and comfortable.
The handling does show some improvement from the last generation car. The Camry will never be confused with a sport sedan, but the car remains composed during quick evasive maneuvers, improving a bit over previous models.
The steering is light at low speeds and firms up a bit as the speed increases. My overall impression of the steering was it felt a little artificial and could have provided better feedback to the driver. The steering in the upscale models seemed a bit more precise.
The new four-cylinder engine puts out a respectable 178 horsepower, offering enough power for most drivers. For those looking for more response when they step on the accelerator, a 268-horsepower V-6 engine is available in all models but the base L. Those drivers desiring that extra horsepower will be sacrificing about 4 mpg on average overall, a pretty good tradeoff for nearly a 100 horsepower gain.
The hybrid model delivers smooth, seamless power and overall was well sorted out, feeling very smooth. The hybrid LE delivers an EPA-estimated 43 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The increase in mileage is due to a combination of improved efficiency, reduced weight and better aerodynamics. This hybrid engine now puts out a total of 200 horsepower.
While featuring nearly the same external dimensions as the previous generation, the interior of the newest Camry now offers a more inviting and spacious interior. A new dashboard design, modified seat locations, redesigned seats and thinner door pillars all combine to add a feeling of more. The front seats were comfortable, firm and reasonably supportive for a mid-size sedan.
The controls are logically placed and easy to use. Overall, the dash has a contemporary, clean, upscale look mostly due to its available six-inch touch-screen display. Unlike some other mid-size cars, the rear seating area is reasonably comfortable for three adults. Interior storage is more than adequate, with plenty of bins and cubbies.
The trunk - at a little more than 15 cubic feet - offers plenty of storage that can be expanded by folding down the 60/40-split rear seat.
The bottom line: The newest Camry continues to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary in its development and is better in most every way. The ride and handling have improved, the car continues to be one of the quietest on the road and fuel economy for a mid-size car is quite good. Add in an available hybrid model and it is no surprise why the Camry has been a bestseller for 12 of the past 13 years.
Tune into AAA's Car Doctor, John Paul, at 9 a.m. Saturdays on WROL, AM-950, or online at www.wrolradio.com.