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Test drive: 2013 Nissan Juke

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:40:49 +0000

A few weeks back, I wrote about my snowy adventures in a Nissan Juke. I've got my full review posted, and it's on our SUVs site. Jason Fogelson, who runs said site, and I have been arguing since the Juke's introduction about whether it's a car or an SUV, and while I think it has a lot of car-like features, I've decided to give in on this one -- not that it matters, because as much as I love the Juke, it has some issues that go beyond classification... as you'll read about in my 2013 Nissan Juke review. Want photos? I took a bunch, and you'll find 'em here. -- Aaron Gold

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Test drive: 2013 Jaguar XJ 3.0

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:19:37 +0000

This is one of those test drives that didn't go as I expected. When I heard that Jag was going to offer a 3.0 liter V6 to replace the 5-liter V8 in the entry-level XJ, I figured this was a good trade-off -- a slower car that gets better fuel economy. That's the way of the world, right? Except it isn't. Somehow I missed the fact that the XJ's V6 is supercharged. So it turns out that the car isn't slower, but it is a lot more fuel efficient. Man, do I love the British! Get the full story in my 2013 Jaguar XJ 3.0 test drive. -- Aaron Gold

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Test drive: 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Wed, 15 May 2013 01:45:36 +0000

Regular readers know I am a big fan of diesel cars -- and that I am not a particularly big fan of the Volkwagen Jetta. (Well, except for the Jetta GLI.) So what happens when the two meet? Good stuff, my friends, good stuff. Get the story in my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI review. -- Aaron Gold

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Long-term Passat: March-April update

Mon, 13 May 2013 02:18:24 +0000

This spring, the Passat shed one of its parts -- the big plastic tray that sits behind the bumper. But who is to blame, the designers of the car or the guy driving it? Here's the story. -- Aaron Gold

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Test drive: 2013 Toyota RAV4

Thu, 09 May 2013 02:28:59 +0000

I don't mean to turn this into the SUVs site or anything, but this is one of those vehicles I've been curious about ever since I saw it at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show. The new RAV4 represents a very different direction for Toyota, at least in terms of styling -- so are we going to see a change in the way their cars drive? Perhaps a new personality to go with the new look? Find out in Jason's 2013 Toyota RAV4 review. (And if you'd like to take a closer look at the new RAV4, I suggest his RAV4 photo gallery.) -- Aaron Gold

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What's the strangest place you've ever lost (or found) something in a car?

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:00:24 +0000

This week's question is not just a random query: Some time in the last two days, I lost my wallet. This is not a terribly uncommon occurrence, but this time I seem to have lost it rather more thoroughly than usual.

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Jason takes another look at the Acura ZDX

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:49:30 +0000

You all remember the ZDX, don't you? It's Acura's answer to the BMW X6 -- which, for the record I liked -- and it's a fairly ridiculous vehicle. But I have to be honest -- and this is from a guy who has been sharply critical of Acura products like the ILX and TL -- I love the ZDX. I drove one a couple of years ago, and as ridiculous as it was, I thought it was the best product Acura had in its lineup. Not terribly practical, mind you, but very, very cool.

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What can I get: Buying American

Fri, 03 May 2013 03:12:07 +0000

I think we're starting to see a real change in people's attitudes towards American cars. Here in California, where Japanese and German wheels are the norm, more and more of my friends are expressing a desire to give American cars a try. And you know what? They should -- not just because American cars are getting better and better, but because our trade imbalance is a major economic problem.

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Test drive: 2013 Ford Fusion Energi

Wed, 01 May 2013 03:00:43 +0000

While I was traipsing around the wilds of Minnesota, I asked Jason Fogelson to check out the 2013 Fusion Energi -- that's the plug-in hybrid version of the Fusion. We've discussed the ups and downs of the car in my 2013 Ford Fusion review, so Jason concentrated on what sets the Fusion Energi apart -- and there's quite a lot. Ready to take a deep dive into the plug-in Fusion? Then check out Jason's 2013 Ford Fusion Energi review. -- Aaron Gold

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Top ten excuses given to cops

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:03:27 +0000

When I get pulled over -- and in my job, it's sort of an occupational hazard -- I'm usually pretty honest. I won't out-and-out admit wrongdoing, but I won't play the doe-eyed innocent. This usually works -- last few times I've been let go or let off with a lesser ticket. (The incident in the Sportage Turbo pictured above -- 75 in a 55 -- turned into a ticket for "Wasting natural resources," a $50 fine with no points.)

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