Road Test: 2009 Honda Fit

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Story and photos by John LeBlanc

When the first oil crisis hit with its associated jump in fuel prices and shortages way back in 1973, smaller, more fuel efficient family transportation alternatives to the traditionally larger Detroit land yachts were few and far between. Even the small cars that could be had, like the Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Vega and Chevette, AMC Gremlin, or funny sounding little foreign cars like Firenza, Colt, Corolla or B210s, were cramped, poorly made, and not really all that more fuel efficient. As not very compelling options, mid-1970 small cars were more like penalty boxes to own and drive than real solutions to a growing problem. Read more

Comparo: 2009 Acura TSX vs. Mazda GT-V6 vs. Volkswagen Passat

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Story and photos by John LeBlanc

At one time, all cars were driven by their rear wheels only. Demand in the past few decades for more space-efficient passenger cars, however, has shoved rear-drive vehicles to the fringes in the industry. Read more

Road Test: 2009 BMW 135i Cabriolet

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Story and photos by John LeBlanc

If the German automaker didn’t already use numbers to badge its models, the 135i Cabriolet should be called the “BMW Contradiction.” Read more

First Drive: 2010 Kia Forte Koup

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Story and photos by John LeBlanc

MIRABEL, Québec –”Desire.” A word you wouldn’t associate with any Kia products in the decade-and-a-half the maker’s been selling cars here. Read more

Road Test: 2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

Henry Ford may have said history is more or less bunk, but it’s obvious Hyundai hopes its new Genesis luxury sedan repeats the successful track record that Toyota had with its Lexus LS400. Read more

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