When I first started IT Consulting in August 1999 I encouraged clients to keep dynamic content on websites so they can provide ongoing value to visitors. I tried to set a good example by writing daily journal entries, which I did without missing until 2002. Nowadays, my "blog" consists of thoughts from work, (as an SAP Business Intelligence Consultant) travel (as a transportation enthusiast) and technology.
Buick Regal
Good For: What a mid-sized sedan shouldn't be. I already drove a Buick mid-sized sedan 4 months ago. But there's another one - the Regal. Introduced a year after the Lacrosse, it also has the new GM computer screens in the dashboards that I enjoy. The controls and displays are almost exactly the same as the Chevrolet Cruze, so the entire experience was very familiar. Features were almost identical to an LTZ rental I had recently.
Compromises: The size of the Regal is also close to the compact Cruze, while weighing 500 pounds more. The Regal has an optional 2.0L turbo with a 6-speed manual configuration to aid in differentiation from other models, but it's still a small, expensive, heavy, front-wheel-drive car with lots of torque steer and an electronic e-brake.
Overall reaction - Thumb down: If GM's goal was to create a smaller, sportier mid-sized sedan, they fell short and ended up with a smaller, less practical sedan. The shortened Epsilon platform still handles well, and the 3.23 final drive optimizes the 2.4L base engine's power. But the bigger motors would do better bolted into a Cruze, providing a true upgrade instead of just compensation for the weight. It seems like GM is going down that route with the Verano introduced this year. They could keep the ball rolling by offering the turbo and manual transmission configuration too, but please GM, put a real hand brake on it.
Thursday, 26th of April, 2012
Chrysler 300
Good For: Keeping the RWD American sedan alive. Other American brands have been letting their full-sized RWD sedans go stale and die in recent years, but Chrysler seems committed to keeping the 300 fresh with technology updates. While the new Pentastar V6 doesn't have a horsepower rating that starts with 3, I'll gladly take 292, and RWD is way more fun than wrestling with the torque steer on the competitors' FWD cars. Eight forward speeds on a transmission sounds ridiculous, but posting 39 mpg on the highway shows that it works. You'll find standard technology in the cabin too, like an 8.4" touch-screen media system that even reads SD cards. The body styling provides a pleasantly unique driving experience - the roofline drops towards the windshield in a way that complements the retro "chopped" effect of the windows, but visibility all around is still better than the modern curves you see in most cars today.
Compromises: The 300's starting price seems to position it as a premium sedan, but basic premium features push the price up rather quickly. Relatively basic things like fog lights, Bluetooth, and leather heated seats require stepping up to the $32k Limited trim, which the rental car was equipped with. Bluetooth audio was nice since I still can't stand the audio quality of Sirius. It occasionally had trouble keeping a connection with my iPhone, which has never been a problem in dozens of other cars. The simple garage door opener is buried in a $2420 safety package, though it does upgrade you to luxury gadgets like adaptive cruise control. Want a HEMI? Now you're looking at almost $40k.
Overall reaction - Thumb up: With so many available luxury features, one would expect to play the package configuration game. It's also easier to play if you don't mind getting the Dodge Charger instead. But regardless how the 300 is sliced, you end up with a decently fun RWD (or RWD-based AWD) sedan. This is fundamentally superior to the compromised offerings of most other manufacturers, who have catered to the idea that the mainstream buyer doesn't know or care about the drive layout of what they're buying. Thumb up to Mopar for the 300!
Wednesday, 25th of April, 2012
Tuesday, 24th of Apri, 2012
Monday, 23rd of April, 2012
Thursday, 19th of April, 2012
Subaru Forester
Good For: Tall rally car. The tradition for the Forester's design is to lift the Impreza wagon's suspension and square off the body, giving it the practicality of a small SUV while retaining the handling of a car. The 3rd generation sticks to this, though there is more differentiation from the Impreza this time around, as evidenced by the 5-door hatch design for the Impreza. It is noticeably taller and bigger than previous Foresters, and unique features like reclining rear seats and an oversized sunroof are carried over providing a nice experience for those in the back seat too.
Compromises: I like the older Foresters better. The 3rd gen is almost too tall for my tastes. A roof rack delete option would make it a look a lot better - the base model is the only one to come without it from the factory. My ideal package would also forego the top-heavy sunroof, but amazingly it is also standard on all but the lowest trim. Speaking of bad packaging, the turbo XT, along with the other nice packages, is now stuck with the 30-year-old 4-speed automatic, which makes it more of a downgrade.
Overall reaction - Two thumbs Up: I can accept that if I want a fast turbocharged car, I should be getting the 5-door Impreza STi as opposed to a tall wagon. But for something more practical in function and budget, a $21k Forester is hard to beat. Gas mileage is even on par with the new Legacy, thanks to the new FB25 design of the flat-4 motor. Besides, you don't need any particular amount of horsepower to do a Scandonavian Flick, which should be manageable since the handbrake is still in the proper place.
Tuesday, 17th of April, 2012
Monday, 16th of April, 2012
Thursday, 5th of April, 2012
Subaru Legacy
Good For: Mainstream Subaru. The Legacy basically delivers what mainstream non-enthusiasts want from a sedan. The CVT transmission delivers great efficiency in spite of the EJ25 motor and AWD drivetrain. The rental was broken in with 1400 miles and was doing well over the highway rating of 28 mpg with my mixed city driving. It has plenty of room, and is safe. Many of the updated elements of the Impreza are here too, like the standard fuel computer, and the no-brainer $1300 Premium package that adds Bluetooth phone and music, USB, 6-speaker stereo, alloy wheels, and steering wheel controls.
Compromises: But the current generation Legacy is missing some of the Love that makes a Subaru a Subaru. It blended in with all the other sedans at Hertz - I almost missed it and hopped into a Jeep this week. The trunk lid is microscopic for a sedan this size - the sloping rear window kind of begs to be turned into a 5-door but nobody else likes that sort of thing. And of course, the electronic parking brake, which even applies to the manual transmission GT, is clearly inconsiderate of enthusiasts.
Overall reaction - Thumb up: The Legacy is far from a bad car - none of the Altimas, Malibus, and Mazdas parked in the same row have Bluetooth, flappy paddles on the steering wheel, heated seats, and AWD. But the Legacy has become the weak player in the Subaru team - I'll definitely take the smaller, cheaper, Impreza over the Legacy when it's available, especially in 5-door form. For something bigger, I'd look to the Forester at the exact same price point. And obviously, I selected the 5-year-old Tribeca design over the Outback for our own garage. Perhaps Subaru will do better next time - the new Impreza is evidence that it's possible to build a car that both Consumer Reports and I can love.
Ford Mustang Convertible
Good For: Uncompromising convertible. I loved the Mustang GT I drove last year, and Ford didn't compromise anything with the convertible version. In fact, it makes everything better. There's probably a little less trunk space, but thats pretty much negligable. The top doesn't intrude on rear seat space - it actually improves head room because the roof line doesn't slope into the "fastback" style like the coupe, and of course with the top down the sky is the limit. Visibility improvement is like night versus day - while the coupe had some of the worst visibility ever, it doesn't get much better than having nothing obstructing your view. Another important attribute of the Mustang convertible is that unlike most other convertibles in this price range, it's still a sports car. It's rear-wheel-drive, available with a 6-speed manual, and has all the Mustang coupe goodies like limited slip, sport-mode on the power steering, etc.
Compromises: Unfortunately this rental was not a GT, and I missed way the V8 rumbled around effortlessly. But Ford keeps it real with a 305 hp V6 as the base engine. It doesn't have the excess of power everywhere like the V8 does, but get it wound up into the high revs and it's still way more interesting than a family sedan, especially mated to the RWD drivetrain. The 6-speed auto's ratios should have been tweaked to optimize the power band better though. It has a bunch of tall gears optimized more for fuel economy and is slow to downshift into the fun gears. Throw economics out the window when it comes to convertibles anyway - Ford charges $4-5k more for the convertible version of any trim level. By the way, I can't believe how awful Sirius sounds compared even to FM radio. XM technology is almost as good as CD, and is clearly the superior technology even though they are the same company with the same programming now. Fortunately the Shaker audio system also had Bluetooth audio so I stuck with that.
Overall reaction - 2 Thumbs up: The Mustang is really an American gem. It doesn't matter if it's a V6, V8, Shelby, coupe, or convertible, they are all really fun!
Thursday, 15th of March, 2012
Wednesday, 14th of March, 2012
Tuesday, 13th of March, 2012
Sunday, 11th of March, 2012
Saturday, 10th of March, 2012
Friday, 9th of March, 2012
Kia Sorento
Good For: Economic SUV - Any engine whose shift indicator calls for an upshift at 2000 rpm is serious about economy, especially with only 2.2L hauling a 4300-pound SUV. Such is the world of turbodiesels: 194 hp out of that sort displacement would be an impressive number even for a gasoline motor, but with the diesel you're focused on managing up to 311 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed manual makes that job easy and fun. Add to that a decent set of features like heated leather seats, bluetooth, climate control and backup sensors, and what we have is a very enjoyable and practical way to get around England.
Compromises: I've rented two Kias now with a USB port and both refuse to even charge my iPhone/iPod, not to mention play music. For the second generation, Kia completely converted the Sorento from a RWD-based SUV to a boring FWD setup.
Overall reaction - Thumb up: It's too bad that a 7-seater with a 6-speed manual does not exist in the United States anymore. The colleagues I was traveling with asked me to get an SUV for all the luggage they were hauling around, and it's nice to not have to sacrifice some fun in accomodating. I also appreciated the full-sized alloy spare wheel - the rear passenger side tire blew out on the M4 and I was able to get back on the road and keep going without having to limp back to Europcar on the space-saver wheel.
Thursday, 8th of March, 2012
Monday, 5th of March, 2012
Saturday, 3rd of March, 2012
Thursday, 1st of March, 2012
Nissan Rogue
Good For: Sentra wagon. I grabbed the Rogue at Hertz hoping it was going to be as nice as an Altima, but it fell short. The hatchback design provides significantly more room and versatility than the Sentra, and it does have the Altima's 2.5L CVT powertrain. Everything I liked about the performance of the Altima's CVT implementation is there, especially when you press the "sport" button.
Compromises: What's missing is the Altima's fuel economy advantage - and the 3446-pound curb weight probably contribues to this. Other nice features that Nissan was generous with on the Altima S are missing on the Rogue S, like the Intelligent Key. The iPod interface cable is actually included with this base trim car, though the connection was unreliable initially - probably due to pocket lint stuck in my iPhone 4. I can't blame lint for the stereo quality though - FM radio was very noticeably worse.
Overall reaction - None: The Rogue doesn't annoy me as Toyotas do, but I couldn't find anything to like about it either. At least the Rav4 still has a handbrake, while Nissan switches to the foot e-brake for the crossover. With many of the Altima's virtues missing from from the Rogue, all I can think about are some of the faults it shares with the Sentra. It's heavy for being a small 4-cylinder car, and expensive. The base AWD trim doesn't give you much for $23k, and option packaging is not flexible. If you're looking for something specific, like heated seats, you'll have to spring for an SL for $29k.
Tuesday, 28th of February, 2012
Picture - Details like this are what make Aloft hotels so interesting to stay at. Anyone can put a bike rack in front of their hotel, but do you have a bike rack that looks like a bike?
Thursday, 16th of February, 2012
Wednesday, 15th of February, 2012
Saturday, 11th of February, 2012
Thursday, 9th of February, 2012
Subaru Impreza
Good For: The perfect compact car. I don't like what Subaru has done with the Legacy, Outback and Forester lately, but I welcome the new 2012 Impreza. Weight has been cut back to 2911 pounds, allowing the new CVT powertrain to sip gasoline efficiently regardless of how fast you're going. Less weight also means better handling - subtle elements of this car remind me a bit of the Honda Civic I drove in July. Electronics are updated, showing some progression of technology over Subarus that were designed even just a few years ago. The Impreza now has a standard fuel computer mounted high on the dashboard, and pretty much behaves just like my Tribeca. Bluetooth is fully integrated with the stereo system now - I plugged the iPhone into the USB port only to realize that it will also just play it over Bluetooth, in addition to making calls. Leave the MP3 player in your pocket, and when you start the car it picks up right where you left off in the playlist when you last got out of the car. Even with the new gadgets and the CVT, though, Subaru always does a good job of retaining the important things that make Subaru unique - we still have the flat-4 engine, standard AWD and VDC, and there are 5-door and 5-speed manual configurations. The new big square mirrors and slanted A-pillar with a tiny extra window pane even remind me of the Tribeca a bit.
Compromises: I'm glad that the CVT has killed the 4EAT for the Impreza. The logic is well done - unlike the Sentra, it behaves a bit like "Sport" mode in my Tribeca, keeping the revs high and holding gear for a few seconds after aggressive accelerator pedal mashing. There are also flappy paddles on the steering wheel that will bang into downshifts with crispness that would embarass many hydraulic automatic transmissions. But even with all that, I think I'd still rather have the 5-speed manual - fortunately it's still available knocks down the list price $1k. Better to take half of that and put it towards the 5-door option instead anyway. The decrease to 2.0L for displacement has no negative impact. The 148 hp motor reminds me of the 2.2L motors that I drove for a long time in old Legacies. It is no road rocket but delivers superb fuel economy.
Overall reaction - 2 Thumbs up: I'm sure I had a grin on my face when I saw this car in the Hertz garage and the grin remained all week. At this price point I wouldn't have anything else - the "Premium" sedan I drove starts $18,795 and has features worthy of the name, including the upgraded stereo. It's no Harmon Kardon, but speakers on the dash help the sound staging, and the rear speakers on the door enhance the mids and highs, which is an interesting shared characteristic with my Tribeca.
Tuesday, 7th of February, 2012
Thursday, 2nd of February, 2012
Chevrolet Captiva
Good For: Chevrolet Vue. Chevrolet has a new crossover this year, the Captiva Sport, and it is not available for purchase by the general public. What? GM is playing the "Chevrolet Classic" game here, this time with the canned Saturn Vue crossover - rebadging it for fleet sales only. Unlike other fleet cars though, this one seems relatively up to date, with the usual GM electronic goodies wired up to the driver information center. After all, the second generation Vue was only sold for 2 years before the whole brand was disbanded.
Compromises: Transforming a Saturn to a fleet car is easy - just go around a ruin a few random things. Chevrolet could have kept the cool and classy handbrake from the Vue, but it now has the dumb electronic button that now transcends the entire lineup. The V6 engine option is good for 264 hp, but only as the revs wind up on the 3.0L motor. I guess they couldn't keep the "Red line" 3.6L engine. No "Green line" hybrid option either - fleet vehicles have to be boring!
Overall reaction - None: The LTZ trim I drove is loaded with much nicer things than a "classic" fleet car - all-wheel-drive, power leather seats, remote starter, rear view camera, climate control, premium audio with XM and iPod sync, and rain sensing wipers. Chevrolet also added a switch that slides the cupholder back in the middle console, revealing a fairly large, somewhat hidden compartment with a USB plug - clever and entertaining. As a rental fleet car, I can't deny that the Captiva Sport is a treat in the LTZ trim - though it supposedly sets the fleet buyer back $32k. But among all the cars you can actually buy, the general public isn't really missing out on anything.
Tuesday, 24th of January, 2012
Chevrolet Impala
Good For: Blowing the doors off other sedans. For 2012, GM gives all the Impalas the new 303hp LFX V6, which is quite fun even in the old W platform. The powertrain is new, but the good old stuff hasn't been ruined yet. The Impala is the only 6-seater sedan left in production. The LT trim in my rental also has the flip-fold-flat rear seat to expand the already gigantic trunk. GM does a good job with electronics too, with standard Onstar, remote start, XM radio, Bluetooth, and the driver information computer in the cluster that even displays the phone number of calls over Bluetooth.
Compromises: The W-body was always a mid-sized platform. The mid-size heritage shows up in the narrower body and lack of space rear seat space, which GM cannot fix just by marketing it as a full-sized sedan. I love the beefy motor, but as expected in a front-wheel-drive car there is noticeable torque steer.
Overall reaction - Thumb up: GM seems to always build a good motor, and as a standard motor in a $25k car it is very accessible. The seating configuration options are interesting, but it's not even close to accomodating 6 like a real full-size sedan or truck always has. But as a mid-sized sedan this blows away everything else in the segment, especially for the starting price, and the nicely equipped LT only pushes it up to $28k.
Saturday, 21st of January, 2012
Friday, 20th of January, 2012
Mazda 6
Good For: Bad math - 5 > 3 > 6. I like the Mazda 3, and I really like the 5, but there is not much to like about the 6. Honestly, I grabbed the Mazda 6 this week because I peeked inside and noticed it had a real handbrake. Everyone else observe - it is not hard to get 2 cupholders next to the handbrake.
Compromises: The 16" Michelins Energys that come on the base "Sport" trim aren't very sporty. Mazda has always been good about manual transmission options, but it is now only offered in this "Sport" trim. Therefore, choosing to zoom around in a manual now means you have to give up all sorts of things - no alloy wheels, power seats, bluetooth, climate control, leather - basically anything remotely nice.
Overall reaction - None: The Mazda 6 has lost unique wagon and 5-door configurations, and appears to be phasing out the manual transmission too. It starts at barely over $20k, but even at that price point there are plenty of nicer cars that don't demand such a serious penalty for sticking with stick shifting, including vehicles in their own lineup.
Thursday, 19th of January, 2012
Monday, 16th of January, 2012
Saturday, 7th of January, 2012
Sunday, 18th of December, 2011
Good For: Distinctly nicer than Chevrolet, cheaper than Cadillac. Now that GM is down to 4 brands, Buick's new role seems more obvious. The new Epsilon platform handles well, and the new 303 hp LFX V6 is quite fun to unleash. GM seems to always build a good motor, and more importantly, they are accessible to everyone. This fun 300+ hp motor is a no-cost option and can be found as base motors in more plebeian cars like the Impala and the $23k Camaro. Unlike the Camaro though, it's on a front-wheel-drive platform so there's a bit of steering-wheel-ripping torque steer when you're having fun. The Lacrosse is also distinctly larger than a Chevrolet sedan - it is so spacious that one wonders how GM ever got away with calling the Impala a "full-size". The "Premium 1" package I drove had everything a nice car should have these days - leather, dual climate control, heated and power seats, remote start, rear A/C, bluetooth, USB, and excessive courtesy lighting. These features are enhanced by GM's excellence in electronics, with nice color computer displays and customizable options. Higher trims offer Cadillac-type comforts such as ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Compromises: I complain about the lack of a hand brake on cars these days, but Buick has implemented the worst one yet - a switch that operates an electronic parking brake - disgusting! This is a problem that even the manual transmission Regal GS turbo has - gah! Even my wife, who never uses her parking brake, named this "feature" as the first reason she would not buy a Buick.
Overall reaction - None: The Lacrosse was a nice way to roll for the weekend but I could never live with an electronic parking brake either. There are other full-size cars in the price range - I should have gone back to the Hertz counter and asked for the Charger parked next to it...
Monday, 5th of December, 2011
Tuesday, 15th of November, 2011
The next morning, I gave up, put all the settings back, accepting that all 10 speakers had been balanced as good as it possibly can be from the factory. I was then surprised to find that it sounded significantly better than the day before. I even played a track I listened to the previous day and amazingly I could hear the bass pizzicato and timpani rolls with satisfactory clarity. I guess the fancy polyethylene speakers needed a little break-in.
Friday, 11th of November, 2011
Thursday, 10th of November, 2011
Picture - I picked the perfect day to take vacation and watch everyone else work in downtown Houston.
Tuesday, 8th of November, 2011
Tuesday, 1st of November, 2011
Saturday, 2nd of September, 2011
Subaru Tribeca
Good For: The best Crossover, 2.0. Subaru launched the "Crossover" trend in the 90s, way before the term was even coined, with the all-wheel-drive Outback. In 2005, Subaru played the lifted-wagon move again, using the BL/BP Legacy platform to create the next generation 7-seat crossover. The higher-end Subaru performance technology is all here - a 3.6L flat-6 motor, VTD with a 45/55 split, VDC, etc. Handling is really good - it's a performance sedan platform underneath and the beefy 255/55 tires handle 4000 pounds well.
Compromises: There is no manual transmission option, but I don't mind the 5-speed automatic with the performance-oriented VTD system found in high-end Legacies. It's really the only Subaru automatic that I will actually buy. The emergency brake is a foot pedal, but at least it's not electronic like the new Legacy/Outback, which I don't know if I can live with. The 3rd row of seats is just a bonus - it's not as roomy as a minivan. But for being a tricked out Legacy wagon, 7 seats is a wonderful upgrade, plus the 2nd row slides and reclines all the way back for maximum comfort when you're not using the 3rd.
Overall reaction - Two thumbs Up: Subaru is no longer bringing us the Legacy wagon, but this 7-seater is better. They paid attention to details, with everything standard - dual zone climate control, rear A/C controls, wiper deicers, big heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, power outlets everywhere, and a friendly trip computer that even says "Welcome to Subaru" on startup. At $30,495, that is a lot of value. The Limited trim is the one to get though - another $2000 provides essentials such as leather, garage door opener, bluetooth, and the Harman Kardon stereo. The Touring model I drove even had adjustments for the HID headlights. I still like the STi and EVO, but when it comes to everything else, this is the best car.
Thursday, 25th of August, 2011
Monday, 15th of August, 2011
Ford Mustang
Good For: The best performance V8 RWD sedan - for only $30k. This is what makes America great - you can buy the new Mustang GT, complete with the new 5.0L 412 hp DOHC V8, for a very average $30k. What's even better is that you can also rent it through Hertz, which is what I did. The GT is the sports car of the current muscle car selection - the others might have more tire-ripping displacement, but they are also seriously overweight. The new Coyote V8 delivers pleasant performance and feedback no matter what you're doing. It will rumble at low rpms around town, sipping gas efficiently, and moderate downshifts to the 3k rpm range do not go unnoticed. Open the throttle all the way and you will be planted to the back of the seat without a fuss. It's also relatively comfortable for being a sports car. While it does not hide any road irregularities, the Mustang is spacious and comfortable enough for 2 people to take a road trip. Even the Microsoft Sync system hooked up to my iPhone intuitively and worked better than other systems I've tried.
Compromises: The rear window louvers are garbage, pushing visibility into the M4 Sherman tank territory. Believe it or not that little window still comes in handy while making turns - fortunately it is optional. The tank-like design of the windows in general creates a sensation that you're driving a much bigger vehicle, but in the end it just made me more cautious maneuvering this baby around town.
Overall reaction - Two thumbs Up: Ford got it right with this muscle car, and it dares to be a track car too. You can take the whole family out to track day in the Boss 302.
Thursday, 4th of August, 2011
Mazda 3
Good For: Mainstream zoom-zoom. The Mazda 3 has been a great performer since its introduction, especially in the handling department. The second generation design is more of an update, retaining the platform and handling underneath. I'm also glad to see they fixed the goofy speedometer that encourages speeding. Mazda also added a startup sequence - the entertainment display greets you with "Hello" and plays 2 chords when you turn the ignition on.
Compromises: What's mainstream and not good is an increase in weight - about 200 pounds across the board. The increase in displacement to 2.5 might compensate for that in the "s" model though.
Overall reaction - Thumb up: The Mazda 3 is still a good performer and updated details keep things interesting. What's more interesting are the other configurations, which Mazda has and the Civic does not. There is still the 5-door, along with the 263-hp Mazdaspeed version for cheap hot rodding in a practical wagon. The 6-seater Mazda 5 also rides on the platform, with manual transmission configurations available all around.