IIHS Names Mazda CX-5 as Top Safety Pick

IIHS has announced that the new 2013 Mazda CX-5 is a member of its Top Safety Pick club. It has gotten the highest rating in each area of the crash tests, which includes front-impact, side-impact, rear strength and roof rigidity. Keep in mind that IIHS does not test the car's side rigidity by smashing the car into a pole at 20 miles per hour beside the driver's seat, that's the government's job.

Mazda's new small crossover has gotten good reviews from critics for its nice driving dynamics, quality interior and excellent gas mileage. It selling at a base price of $20695, not including a $795 destination fee!

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Mini's Continuation of Expensive Little Cars

The John Cooper Works (JWC for short) moniker for Mini has meant high performance. Now, the Cooper John Cooper Works is supplemented by the bigger John Cooper Works Countryman. An all-wheel-drive, 1.6-liter turbocharged four cylinder powered fun little hatchback might lead you to believe it would be sensibly priced, but the JWC Countryman instead starts at $35550, and that's only the beginning of the story for more options. At that point, you can get a lightly equipped sports sedan than is more powerful and far more refined than the JWC Countryman would be. If you really want Mini's British charm and relatively go-cart like handling with more space than a regular JWC Cooper and an even costlier JWC Cooper convertible, this is it for you. The JWC package does get you 19-inch wheels and red trim inside and out, though. If you're looking at competitors, the Volkswagen Golf R will have to be the sole car. Its starting price is within $200 of the JWC Countryman's, and...

2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L Review

These pictures aren't of the actual vehicle, but the colors and trim level are correct. Those of you who have been following this blog since its inception know that my parents have two cars: a 2006 Nissan Sentra and a 2005 Mazda MPV. Well, we recently swapped our dear little MPV for a 2003 Odyssey. The reason for that is, well, there isn't much reason. It's mostly to spice things up in our lives and have a different car for a change without spending any extra money. Our Odyssey came with every bell and whistle you could get in a minivan in 2003, including a factory-installed DVD entertainment system, leather seats, heated seats in the front, and dual power sliding doors. First impressions were a mixed bag. The engine was very smooth, quiet, and powerful, apparently typical of Hondas, but there was a rough patch between 1000 and 1500 RPM or so. You can't feel the road textures at all while driving the car, but it crashed loudly over larger bumps. Loud can als...

I'll be Gone for a While

Well, it's that time of the year where students go back to school, and I am no exception. Since this is my first year of high school, I am super excited and anxious. But with the inevitable assignments and assessments, I feel I should take a break from my blog. The next time I will return will be Monday-Wednesday on Thanksgiving week. Until then, my readers! -Jason L.

From the Passenger's Seat

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