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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Sleeker Honda CR-V debuts for 2012
The Honda CR-V is a popular choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. Now, for 2012, Honda has completely redesigned the CR-V with a long list of standard equipment and new features, making it more appealing. Beginning with curb appeal, I like CR-V’s new look. …Read More
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Jeep delivers improved 2012 Grand Cherokee
Fully redesigned last year, Jeep delivers more refinements to the Grand Cherokee for the 2012 model year. This year also marks the arrival of a new top-of-the-line trim level (Overland Summit) and the return of the high-powered, pavement-pounding SRT8 edition. The current-generation Grand Cherokee is …Read More
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All-new 2012 Beetle blasts off with turbo version
Volkswagen has totally redesigned the Beetle for 2012 and you’ll notice that “new” no longer precedes Beetle. Ironically, the New Beetle, which is now the old version, had become long in the tooth, with no major revisions since it was reintroduced in 1998. Now the …Read More
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Fiat re-enters U.S. market with the 500 Cabrio
The Italian brand Fiat is once again selling cars here in America. Say hello to the cute little 2012 Fiat 500 coupe and convertible (500c) models. More models are expected to join the Fiat lineup, but for now Fiat is hoping the 500 will pave …
Acura tweaks TL styling, performance
After a complete redesign several years ago, Acura has refreshed its TL midsize sedan for 2012 with a sleeker, more attractive profile, a new six-speed automatic transmission and improved ride characteristics. The previous rendition of the TL delivered a pleasing ride but its expressive exterior …
Audi A7 melds sedan prestige, coupe form
The all-new 2012 Audi A7 is a seductive and luxurious sedan that looks more coupelike thanks to its low, sweeping roofline, integrated rear doors, frameless windows and rear hatchback design. So it should be no surprise that the new A7 sedan actually pays homage to …
Legendary Boss Mustang returns to Ford corral
The Boss is back. The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 builds on the heritage of the original 1969 Boss 302. The limited-production 2012 Boss 302 is a street-legal race car that is track-ready right out of the box. In fact, those who are lucky enough …
Challenger SRT8 delights with performance, technology
The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is one of the most exciting rear-wheel-drive muscle cars you can get your hands on. The “392 Hemi” badges on the front fenders let you know what’s under the hood, and that would be a 392-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) Hemi V-8 …
Chevy charges ahead with quick, quiet Volt
The much-anticipated Chevrolet Volt is an intriguing vehicle because it offers pure electric operation for up to 40 miles when its lithium-ion battery pack has been fully charged. Volt’s gasoline-powered engine (acting as a generator) extends the driving range by about 340 additional miles before …
New Honda Odyssey provides versatility, comfort
The Honda Odyssey has been one of the top picks in the minivan segment for its exceptional versatility, comfortable cabin, responsive handling and lengthy list of amenities. For some consumers, though, the stigma of owning a minivan has influenced them, driving them away from this …
Subaru tweaks WRX styling for 2011
What really sets the Subaru Impreza apart from its competition is its standard all-wheel drive system and horizontally opposed Boxer engine. The Boxer engine, which has its pistons moving horizontally instead of vertically, provides a much lower center of gravity. This improves handling characteristics. Back …
Kia hits the mark with 2011 Soul
The Kia Soul delivers a pleasing combination of style, value and versatility, making it a popular choice in the entry-level crossover utility vehicle segment. Soul’s exterior styling oozes personality. Soul’s playful and youthful appearance embodies the mantra “a new way to roll.” While the Soul …
Toyota’s Prius is still planet’s best-selling hybrid
Having driven a number of hybrids over the years, the Toyota Prius stands out in this segment. Take one for a drive and it’s easy to see why Prius is the best-selling hybrid on the planet. The Prius is nicely styled, has an affordable price …
Infiniti G offers lots of ‘bang for the buck’
Infiniti expands its G Sedan lineup for the 2011 model year with the addition of a new 2.5-liter V-6-equipped G25 Sedan and two uniquely equipped versions of the G37. Now there are 10 appealing G sedans to choose from with prices ranging from $32,000 to …
All-time best-selling Corolla still a winner
With more than 30 million units sold worldwide since 1966, the Toyota Corolla is the all-time best-selling passenger car. Chances are pretty good that you or someone you know currently owns a Corolla or has previously owned one. Corolla’s popularity can be attributed to its …
Kia debuts sleeker, carlike Sorento
With an all-new platform, sleeker styling and available third-row seat, Kia hopes its totally redesigned Sorento will gain more respect in the competitive crossover utility segment. In a segment dominated by vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the new 2011 Kia Sorento is …
Ford Focuses sights on small car segment
Ford has redesigned the Focus, setting new standards in the small car segment. The all-new 2012 Ford Focus is fun to drive and very appealing, both inside and outside. Speaking of good looks, I lost count of how many fellow motorists offered positive comments on …
Fiat 500 returns to U.S. roads
While it’s been a long time since the Italian brand Fiat has sold cars here in the United States, the brand is quite popular all over the world, especially in Europe. As part of its acquisition of Chrysler, Fiat has been working on plans to …
All-new Elantra combines style, efficiency, value
An all-new Hyundai Elantra debuts for 2011 with improved styling, superior fuel efficiency, a long list of standard equipment and a price that’s easy on the budget. For about $15,000 you can get the 2011 Hyundai Elantra in base (GLS) trim and that includes keyless …
Volvo XC70 wagon touts safety for 2011
Some of the reasons I like the Volvo XC70 is that it’s a nice-sized, versatile and safe wagonlike crossover. But the two main reasons I like the XC70 are its exceptionally refined ride, and its extremely comfortable and supportive seats. It’s not easy making seats …
Subaru’s Forester SUV top pick in segment
Thanks to its roomy cabin, comfortable ride, ample cargo space and phenomenal all-wheel drive system, the Subaru Forester has been a top pick in the small SUV segment. Now, for 2011, Subaru has tweaked the lineup and added new features as well as provided an …
Avenger stands tall in midsize sedan segment
Forget everything you knew about the Dodge Avenger. For 2011 the Dodge Avenger is significantly better. This new rendition should delight midsize sedan shoppers. The 2011 Dodge Avenger offers attractive exterior and interior styling, loads of standard features and a much more pleasing ride. Avenger’s …
