http://www.thecrier.net/our_columnists/article_6f97819a-3127-11e7-8ad5-4b4be04e1577.html

Buying a car is similar to dating. There’s always the flashy guy who has lots of toys and lives a fast life; but you always think in the back of your mind that he will cost you money in the end. So, you go looking for someone with no flash — just a bare-boned nice guy. It’s like buying a car that is four wheels, two doors and can get you from place to place. And again, in the back of your mind you think you deserve more.

So then, try the Volkswagen Passat 1.8T R-Line. For the starting price of $23,975 you get a lot for your money, without it costing you a lot of money. There’s lots of room in both rows and a really impressive amount of space in the trunk. In fact the 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space is among the largest in its class, and with the 60/40 split in the back, even more space is added. Both rows feature plenty of legroom and enough padding in the seats to make a road trip enjoyable. The Passat also comes with heated leatherette seats, which is a nice upgrade from a basic vehicle’s cloth seats.

Ford has made some technology and creature comfort changes to the Fusion Spoprt. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at what is new.

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Find out how to make an EV work for you. Here's a little informational piece I put together for my favorite auto blogger, Motorhead Mama.

I finally got a hold of my dream van. Read about it on InsideEVs.com to find out if my dream came true or was dashed. 

I was fortunate enough to spread my EVangelism to CBT. Their audience is dealership sales people and those folks are first in line for heavy questioning from potential EV drivers. Click here to read more.

The Mazda CX-9 fills a void in the market place — a spacious, three-row car that can carry kids, dogs, groceries, and junk and still have a cool factor to it. Not off the charts cool, but enough that people don’t automatically ask you about your kids and your knee operation.

In other words, it offers a terrific driving experience with all of the practical necessities of lugging a well-lived life. Again, the Mazda really does meld a sporty ride, which the essence of the Mazda brand, with a family vehicle. It’s a large cross-over that offers better-than-average fuel efficiency with all the bells and whistles and spaced needed for most families.

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http://www.thecrier.net/our_columnists/article_daaa08e2-fa39-11e6-94d7-c73323a9bc90.html

Posted: Thursday, February 23, 2017 9:35 pm

By Mary Welch | 0 comments

Buick’s latest advertising campaign is to take unsuspecting consumers and let them check out the look, affordability and performance of a car that — surprise — turns out of be a Buick. The company almost protests too much. After several good years of respectable cars and reviews, consumers should realize that Buick offers a line of well-built, affordable, high-in-its-class, competitive cars. Those who think the Buick was their grandma’s cars need to get on the Nehru jackets, love beads and go-go boots.

The 2017 LaCrosse was redesigned to offer full-size sedan customers an all-new design, sophisticated technologies and a more responsive performance that matches its competitors — and then some. With a 3.6L V-6 VVT engine with direct injection and an eight-speed automatic transmissions, the LaCrosse delivers 310 horsepower with 282 lb-ft of torque and a very comfortable, serene yet feisty ride.

By Mary Welch For The Crier | 1 comment

It’s always a happy feeling entering a Hyundai. You open the door and welcoming music starts, you settle into your seat confident that you will have a smooth, fast and totally satisfying ride. To paraphrase Mary Poppins, riding a Hyundai 2015 Genesis RWD 3.8 is practically perfect in every way.

‏When one reads the Genesis’ rap sheet, it looks great on paper. Its standard features are among the best in the business, including: vehicle stability management system, heated dual power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather seating with heated front seats, Bluetooth hands-Free phone system and three year complimentary Sirius XM Travel Link. The car’s V6, 8-speed automatic transmission puts out a quite suitable 311 horsepower. It offers an EPA estimate of combined 22 miles per gallon on rear window drive; 19 mph for all-wheel drive. With a 20.3 gallon fuel tank capacity, the fuel bills runs to about $2,400 annually.

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AutoAcademics doesn't typically get Audi vehicles for review, yet we finally got our hands on one - a 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T quattro with the Prestige package. M.S.R.P. - $66,770.

Take a look!

 While we usually report on automobiles and trends in the industry, we don't often discuss what cars can do--take us from one place to another. Bumper2Bumpertv recently participated in a three city tour of the northeast sponsored by Toyota that focused on the historic contributions of African Americans.

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