Nissan Sentra proves the sedan is still very much alive in 2022

First introduced to the market in 1982, it’s now in its eighth generation and has never been better

Nissan Sentra proves the sedan is still very much alive in 2022Things have slowed down a little in the compact sedan market over the past few years. It used to be that when people went shopping for affordable transportation, they’d be thinking about the Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Sentra and so on. But these days, it’s compact SUVs that are catching people’s eyes:…

2012 Camaro all about baby-boomer nostalgia

A high-performance car for buyers who like to drive with enthusiasm and want everyone to know it

2012 Camaro all about baby-boomer nostalgiaThe 2012 Chevrolet Camaro offered a wide range of powertrain choices, including a convertible and the hell-raising ZL1. General Motors was banking heavily on baby-boomer nostalgia with this, the fifth-generation version of the Camaro. Aside from the fact that it delivered better fuel economy than its predecessors, had better handling and braking, and was more…

The 2022 Mazda MX-5 remains true to its sports car roots

This is a fun, lively car to drive. The shift mechanism, with its rifle-bolt precision, is a treat

The 2022 Mazda MX-5 remains true to its sports car rootsThe old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies in spades to the Mazda MX-5, or Miata as many of us still call it. Yes, it’s changed over the years – it’s a little bulkier and more upscale than it used to be. But, more than three decades after its introduction, it remains…

Buying used: 2012 Toyota Corolla holds its value

Standard equipment includes telescoping steering, split folding rear seat, anti-lock brakes and more

Buying used: 2012 Toyota Corolla holds its valueIn 2012, the Toyota Corolla sedan accounted for 40 per cent of the company’s total Canadian sales. It had been at or near the top of the sales heap in the compact car category for the previous two decades. This generation of the Corolla received a re-do in 2009, apparently styled in part in Turin,…

2022 Mazda3 stays true to its exceptional roots

A well-thought-out compact sedan/hatchback

2022 Mazda3 stays true to its exceptional rootsThe adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies in spades to the Mazda3. Since it was introduced in 2003, it has been an unqualified success, collecting numerous awards around the world. Those awards include the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) car of the year for 2022 and 2021, plus a handful of…

Buying used: 2012 Subaru Forester offers enduring quality

“Best vehicle I ever had,” claimed one owner

Buying used: 2012 Subaru Forester offers enduring qualityIn 2012, Subaru’s Forester was going into its 15th year. Based on the Impreza platform, and manufactured in Japan, it also received a bit of a redesign the year before, getting increased back seat elbow room and all-new rear suspension. Where the previous version featured strut suspension in back, this, the third-generation model, came with…

Plenty right with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 – if you can wait

But if you really want one, be prepared to shell out the cash

Plenty right with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 – if you can waitThe writing is on the wall. Electric cars are here to stay, becoming more and more abundant. There are at least 16 models available in Canada, and most of the major car manufacturers have something on offer. Hyundai has two fully electric models: the Kona and Ioniq 5. Kia – owned by Hyundai – has…

Buying used: 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 measures up to the competition

From a price of just under $22,000, the Ram 1500 has more than held its value

Buying used: 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 measures up to the competitionIn 2012, the Dodge Ram 1500 was well into its fourth generation and offered plenty of choices. It had three engine choices: 3.7-litre V6, 4.7-litre V8, and 5.7-litre V8. You could get this full-size truck in two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations, with a couple of automatic transmission choices and regular or extended cab body styles.…

Lexus UX 250h is a smooth, luxurious and sensible hybrid

This small SUV is aimed at urban drivers and those who keep an eye on fuel economy

Lexus UX 250h is a smooth, luxurious and sensible hybridIf you’re in the market for an electric car, you might have to cool your heels for a bit. With the soaring price of oil, increasing scarcity of battery components and supply chain issues, the waiting time for models like the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Chevrolet Bolt, Kia Soul, Tesla and others can be up…

Buying used: 2012 Ford Fusion has plenty to offer

Tasteful interior, available leather upholstery, heated seats, rearview camera, blind spot warning and more

Buying used: 2012 Ford Fusion has plenty to offerIn 2012, the Ford Fusion was two years into a mild makeover and a revised drivetrain. You could get it with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, plus a choice of two V6s and a hybrid. Ford also introduced a new six-speed transmission the year before and there was an all-wheel-drive version, so they were covering all…