siegel
Ira Siegel
Ira Siegel is an automotive correspondent for Sun-Times Media. An assistant professor of automotive technology at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Ill., Siegel has been an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician for more than 25 years. Siegel has worked professionally as an automotive technician …Read More
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Beetle Convertible debuts with sportier style
The 2013 Beetle Convertible features a more aggressive stance that is bold and engaging. It also comes well equipped with full power accessories, an eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, heated front seats and exterior mirrors, cruise control and leatherette seating surfaces.
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Acura ZDX boasts advancements in styling, technology
The 2013 Acura ZDX offers a host of standard features such as 19-inch wheels, a 435-watt Acura/ELS surround 10-speaker audio system with 15 GB hard drive, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, eight-inch high-resolution VGA display, multiview rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, heated and cooled front seats with perforated premium Milano leather, keyless access and dual-zone automatic climate control.
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Acura’s ILX Hybrid a welcome addtion to compact luxury sedan segment
Acura reemerges in the compact luxury sedan market with the impressive ILX and ILX Hybrid. The ILX looks more like an Acura than a Honda and features a luxurious interior loaded with technology, amenities, and a high level of fit and finish.
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Honda Odyssey delivers smooth ride, technology enhancements
The 2013 Honda Odyssey is a versatile minivan that can accommodate up to eight passengers, plus sporting equipment, and/or building materials. Although Odyssey’s second-row seats do not fold flat into the floor, the second row is wide and roomy.
Dodge Dart adds style and sophistication to compact sedan market
The Dodge Dart compact sedan is highly attractive. It’s stylish and fun-to-drive with sporty and expressive exterior styling.
Infiniti G37 Coupe features distinctive styling
The Infiniti G37 Coupe features distinctive and seductive styling. It also boasts advanced technologies and a high level of luxury, which afford a more refined driving experience.
Volvo S60 a sexy, sporty sedan
Volvo’s S60 is aestetically appealing, safe and fun to drive. Standard safety features are plentiful, and there are some unique advanced safety technologies available as an option.
Love it or hate it, 2013 Nissan Juke is unique
Now in its third year, the Nissan Juke offers outlandish exterior styling and a pleasing ride in the mini-crossover segment. Not everyone will be enamored with the Juke’s styling. If you can get past that, and the small cargo area, you’re likely to be impressed with how fun it is to drive.
Acura re-enters compact sedan segment with impressive ILX
The ILX is much, much more than a Civic with an Acura badge. The ILX is a bit longer and wider, possesses a distinctive Acura theme that’s sporty and sleek, features an interior with a high level of fit and finish, and comes loaded with amenities and technologically advanced features.
All-new Infiniti JX stirs up crossover segment
The JX is a remarkable vehicle with many standard and available advanced technologies, and its versatile and comfortable cabin is quite impressive. It is worth a serious look for those needing a comfortable, luxurious family hauler.
Refreshed Taurus has more style, bigger cabin
The 2013 Taurus features a sportier, more muscular profile. Its cabin is quieter, more refined and more inviting. It also oozes technological advancements. Improvements have been made to the steering and braking systems to dramatically improve its driving mannerisms.
Ford Escape raises bar for compact segment
The all-new 2013 Ford Escape features a unique design that is sporty, aerodynamic and appealing.
New Mustang offers bolder look, better performance
The 2013 Ford Mustang delivers impressive styling, improved performance and interior upgrades.
Refreshed Ford Flex gets the job done
The Ford Flex is one of those vehicles that you’ll look at and either love or hate. I’m not sure anybody will feel neutral in regard to its exterior styling. That’s what I experienced during my weeklong test of the redesigned 2013 Ford Flex. More …
V-6 engine improves pep of 2013 Acura RDX
Acura improves the 2013 RDX with better styling, more refinement and a V-6 engine that’s more powerful and more fuel efficient than the turbo four-cylinder it replaces.
Jaguar XJL Supersport speeds to the top
For those fortunate to be considering an ultra-luxurious sedan, the Jaguar XJ is quite attractive and offers better driving dynamics than its competitors. Thanks to a lightweight all-aluminum structure, powerful V-8 engine, quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission and sophisticated adaptive suspension system, the XJ delivers lightning-quick …
Honda tweaks Ridgeline, adds Sport trim
The Ridgeline, Honda’s cross between a sport utility vehicle and a pickup truck, provides versatility for those with an active lifestyle and for hauling supplies from your favorite home improvement store. Pickup truck purists should know that the Ridgeline was not designed to directly compete …
Volvo adds two trim levels to S60 lineup
When you think about exhilarating European sports sedans, you’re unlikely to have Volvo in your thoughts unless you are familiar with the evolution of the brand and the exciting S60. The Volvo S60, which debuted about a decade ago, represents a major leap for the …
Grand Cherokee offers impressive refinement, power
Jeep completely transformed its Grand Cherokee last year giving it an unprecedented level of refinement, impressive features and a host of available amenities. For 2012 Jeep has put a cherry on top of that sundae with a new top-of-the-line Overland Summit edition and the much-anticipated …
M-B SLK features seductive new styling, advanced tech
When the Mercedes-Benz SLK first arrived on our shores in January 1997, the roadster version received much attention due to its bold design and sophisticated retractable hardtop. Back then, only the SLK and Mitsubishi 3000 GT Spyder featured retractable hardtops. Now, with so many other …
Sleek Honda CR-V offers safety, improved fuel efficiency
Compact crossover SUVs like the Honda CR-V continue to be a popular choice for those desiring an elevated view of the road, versatile cabin, pleasingly carlike ride and modest price tag. The Honda CR-V has been a popular choice in this segment but it needed …
Dodge enhances versatile Journey for 2012
First introduced a few years ago, the Dodge Journey entered a competitive crossover field with an unimpressive ride and an interior that left a lot to be desired. Well, Dodge took note. Last year Dodge completely redesigned the Journey and gave it an improved suspension …
2012 Cadillac CTS-V delivers brawny luxury
Cadillac’s CTS-V series is a very special breed. Available as a coupe, sedan or wagon, the sporty and luxurious CTS-V features the most powerful engine in Cadillac’s history. It’s quite a rush planting the accelerator pedal to the floor and feeling the full force of …
