After pushing the luxury brand in a new direction with the release of the Cadillac CTS in 2003, the CTS has been reissued this year, in its second generation, with big - and better - improvements. Although the first generation CTS renewed consumer interest in Cadillac as a luxury brand worthy of consideration, it is with this second generation version that this model is able to realistically compete with other luxury brands such as Lexus, Audi, and Infiniti. The 2008 Cadillac CTS showcases much better exterior styling; we've never cared for Cadillac's aggressive, militaristic, Hummer-inspired styling as it was too harsh for a luxury product. So we're glad to see that it's been toned down this time. Read More »

The Altima coupe has its own, hip-styling which is part of it being a good value for its price. 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe – exterior – enlarge 2008 Nissan Altima Overview We got our first glimpse of this hip sports coupe when it debuted at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show and came out in the summer of 2007. While ... Read More »

Styling is also a plus on this car. It looks seductive and slinky, with a sexy nose and sloping coupe-like rear. 2008 Infiniti EX35 – exterior – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Infiniti EX35 RWD Journey ($34,850). Options: Premium package ($2,150), luxe style package ($1,250), navigation package ($2,150). Price as tested (including $815 delivery charge): $41,215. This vehicle is a ... Read More »

The 2008 Civic GX comes only as a four door that looks identical to gasoline Civics. 2008 Honda Civic GX exterior – enlarge As gasoline prices soar, drivers are driving less, downsizing vehicles and looking at alternatives like hybrids. One option overlooked is natural gas (NG) that is very environmentally-friendly, is domestically produced or comes from friendly countries and is ... Read More »

Exterior photo of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia Fullsize Sport Utility Vehicle. 2008 Toyota Sequoia – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Toyota Sequoia LTD 4×4 ($48,450). Options: Navigation system ($1,650), daytime running lights ($40), moonroof ($810), floor mats ($290), cargo net ($49). Price as tested (including $685 delivery charge): $51,974. Before safe deposit boxes, wealthy people used to keep their valuables ... Read More »

Let’s say you need a practical car but don’t want it to be boring. What are your options? Assuming you want something affordable that gets decent gas mileage, too, your choices quickly start to narrow. When you ask for four doors, a stylish body and a big, SUV-like cargo area … well, that’s just about impossible. But here are two ... Read More »

Until you drive it, it’s hard to imagine how great this car performs. Infiniti G37 (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Infiniti G37 Journey ($35,000). Options: Power sliding glass moonroof ($1,000). Price as tested (including $715 destination charge): $36,715. OK, Infiniti. This is overkill. The G35 Coupe was probably the best car in its class last year, but Infiniti ... Read More »

The Scion XB returns in its second generation with styling (interior and exterior) and engine changes. Built in Japan, this compact, five-door hatchback is produced by Toyota for its youth-oriented Scion brand, with its first generation version introduced in 2004 and capturing the hipper American market with its quirky styling. Launched at a time when Toyota was concerned about losing younger American buyers, the spin-off Scion brand carried the first XB with a daring square-ish look, standing out among other economy cars that all looked the same. Read More »

It has the sporty looks and excellent driving dynamics. Nissan Altima (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE ($24,580). Options: Splash guards ($135), floor mat set ($175), premium package ($4,200), vehicle dynamic control ($900). Price as tested (including $625 destination charge): $30,615. There was a time, not too long ago, when American cars’ suspensions were designed ... Read More »

It’s not as exciting as some of its competitors, especially the razor-sharp Honda Civic Si. Nissan Sentra SER (2008) – enlarge What was tested? 2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R ($19,680). Options: XM Satellite Radio ($150), splash guards ($140), stereo upgrade ($750), moonroof package ($750), floor mats ($165), intelligent key ($250). Price as tested (including $625 destination charge): $22,510 The first time ... Read More »