2011 Maserati GranTurismo,Reviews

The new Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, made its worldwide debut first as a 2008 model.

The engine delivers 405 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 339 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters for the manual control mode.

Maserati's tradition of the Maserati Gran Turismo concept dates back to 1947 when the Trident Company, following its clients' demand, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show its first Gran Turismo, the A6, designed by the great Pininfarina. It was the first Maserati road car and was produced in 58 units.

The electronically controlled front seats strike a balance between comfort and support needed for spirited driving, and are covered in Poltrona Frau leather upholstery.
The Easy Entry system powers the front seats forward to allow ample space for rear passengers to climb on board and share in the roomy and refined atmosphere.

2012 Nissan GT-R,Reviews

Nissan GT-R fanatics will also be pleased to know that the iconic blue paint option has been reintroduced into the range named Aurora Flare Blue Pearl along with a revised black called Nebula Opal Black.

A new wheel option has also been made available in the form of Rays forged aluminium wheel which cut 3kg off the new GT-R’s unsprung weight at each corner for a total weight saving of 12kg – finished in either a Hyper Blue Black or Hyper Titanium colour

Perhaps you remember the original Nissan GT-R as easy to drive but uninvolving. Anyone who's still singing that tune, Mizuno thinks, hasn't driven this car.
Because, in this case, there's nothing bland about the GT-R.

You see, even in this business, where 500-hp cars come along every few weeks, the speed and control that accompany the 2012 Nissan GT-R driving experience are rare. Because control, friends, kicks ass. There's more than enough power here to balance the GT-R's chassis with the throttle, and understeer is noticeably reduced at lower speeds while stability remains high in triple-digit corners.
There's the same heavyweight steering — even at low speed.

By the Numbers
According to our test equipment, 2012 Nissan GT-R is both quicker and faster than the car it replaces. We've tested multiple GT-Rs in the three years since the car's introduction and the best acceleration we've recorded to date came from our long-term test car with the VDC switched off.

It hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds (3.3 seconds with a 1-foot rollout) and completed the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds at 118.9 mph.
Handling numbers are similarly improved. Porsche's GT3 and GT3 RS hold the record at 75.3 mph.

Dunlop developed the GT-R's proprietary tire — the SP Sport Maxx GT600 (255/40ZRF20 front, 285/35ZRF20 rear) — with Nissan. Caster is increased from 5 to 6 degrees to improve high-speed stability. Even the stock wheels — now 10-spokers — are 20 percent stiffer and 6.6 pounds (per car, not per wheel) lighter. The Rays six-spoke wheels that come as part of the Black Edition scrub another 3.5 pounds (per car).

R-Mode Start, or Nissan's name for launch control, remains functionally the same as in 2011 GT-Rs. Bump the transmission and VDC setup switches into the R position (the suspension switch can remain in the "normal" position), then pin the brake, wood the throttle and release the brake.
There's another change, too: 2012 GT-Rs are limited to four launches in a row before the system requires a 1.5-mile cool-down drive.

The Critical Test
That the 2012 GT-R is insanely, stupidly fast is evident. City fuel economy jumps from 15 mpg to 16 mpg, while both highway and combined numbers see a 2-mpg increase (21 to 23 mpg and 17 to 19 mpg, respectively).
A Premium GT-R (there is no base model) costs $90,950 — about $5,900 more than a 2011 Premium model.

2012 Nissan Altima,Reviews

Nissan announced pricing on Friday for the 2012 Altima sedan and coupe, which is on sale now.

Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing for 2012 Altima Sedan and Coupe
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan and Coupe, which are on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

include:
Altima Sedan 2.5 CVT $20,410 USD
Altima Sedan 2.5 S CVT $22,570 USD
Altima Sedan 3.5 SR CVT $25,430 USD
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe

include:
Altima Coupe 2.5 S 6MT $23,600 USD
Altima Coupe 2.5 S CVT $24,100 USD
Altima Coupe 3.5 SR 6MT $30,760 USD
Altima Coupe 3.5 SR CVT $28,430 USD
About the 2012 Altima Sedan and Altima Coupe
The 2012 Altima Sedan is available in three well-equipped models - the 2.5 CVT and 2.5 S CVT featuring a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and the 3.5 SR CVT with a standard 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine.
The 2-door Nissan Altima Coupe, like its 4-door Altima Sedan stablemate, offers high quality and high value - while adding an extra touch of aggressive coupe styling for Altima customers seeking a more personal expression of individuality and sporty appearance. "The 2012 Altima" Coupe is available in 2.5 S and 3.5 SR trim levels, equipped with 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines, respectively.
2012 Nissan Altima Sedan and Coupe are manufactured in the United States.

2012 Volvo C30,Reviews

Volvo has reshuffled its product plans and will launch a new Golf-size five-door hatchback for 2012 Volvo C30. The new model, based on the current Ford Focus-derived S40 sedan and C30coupe platform architecture, takes precedence over a replacement for the XC90 SUV and has been initiated by new CEO Stefan Jacoby.

Although less important in the U.S., hatchbacks of this kind are the most popular vehicle body style in Europe, making this new model vital to Jacoby's aim of reversing Volvo's recent sales decline.

Last year the company sold 335,000 cars globally — it has the capacity for 500,000 — but Jacoby says: "I believe a vision of 800,000 cars a year in 10 years' time is achievable. As a relatively small car company we can move quickly. Jacoby is also redefining Volvo's brand image, saying: "We need to focus on luxury.

2012 Volvo C30 has lost its distinguishing points as a product. In the Volkswagen Group [Jacoby previously headed up Volkswagen of America], everyone knew what each individual brand meant. Volvo at the moment is not sharp enough or in harmony with what the brand stands for. Jacoby would like to see the simple, elegant functionality of Apple products in Volvos. Also up for a rethink is Volvo's platform strategy. As far as engines are concerned, Jacoby considers them a "core competence." Next week, Jacoby and Volvo will be developing a new strategy for the U.S. market, where sales fell to 61,000 cars last year. It's a tough, competitive transparent market."

First you need consistency and sustainability. Inside Line says: A Golf-rivaling 2012 Volvo C30 should help Volvo in Europe, but whether Jacoby's reconfiguring of the brand image will help the marque enough remains to be seen.
Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. A system that you will soon see in a number of cars is the UniValve valve-lift system. Efficiency grows significantly, between 5.5 and 8.5 percent even if applied on the intake side only.

Even though Kolbenschmidt Pierburg’s core business is parts for internal-combustion engines, the company hugely profits from the trend towards electrification and increased efficiency. Fuel-saving technologies that the company peddled to carmakers for years with limited success now sell like hot cakes, according to CEO Gerd Kleinert. That includes variable pumps and low-friction products, lightweight components, etc.

While many recent concept cars might be well-suited for cramped European cities, several manufacturers claim their revolutionary (now we have to pay ourselves $1.50) cars are headed to our shores as well. Among dedicated hybrid models, Toyota’s Prius has nothing you could even call a rival. General Motors is targeting 10,000 sales for the Chevrolet Volt this year—that breaks down to over 830 cars per month—but while this month’s 281 units isn’t so hot, the car still isn’t available in all 50 states.
ach week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.

Is carbon fiber replacing aluminum as the “cool” material to have?
Now the company is re-focusing on carbon fiber, and significant parts and panels could be used for series production vehicles as early as 2012.
GM’s control of Opel is underscored by design executive Liz Wetzel’s upcoming move to Rüsselsheim. The car has not been clearly defined yet. Buick gets a compact SUV based on the small Gamma platform (Chevrolet Aveo, etc.), and there could be a Chevrolet version of this SUV as well.

The R-Design is the sportiest member of the 2012 Volvo C30 lineup. The R-Design adds aesthetic differentiators like a full body kit with a monochromatic paint scheme, R-Design logos inside and out, matte-silver side-mirror housings, and 18-inch wheels. The company is currently testing a small number of electric C30s to determine the “viability of an entirely electric car.”

Alongside the (mildly) freshened C70 droptop it is debuting at the Frankfurt auto show, Volvo will be unveiling a likewise face-lifted C30 hatchback. There’s a larger trapezoidal grille, bigger headlights, and an overall smoothing of edges.

2012 Honda Civic EX-L,Reviews

A two-door 2012 Honda Civic EX-L or a Kia Forte Koup? Luckily, Hyundai is readying an Elantra coupe that should be totes cute. Other options that might show up include the Kia Forte Koup’s larger fours (a 156-hp 2.0-liter and a 173-hp 2.4-liter are offered), or the 210-hp, 1.6-liter turbo four that’s currently in development forHyundai’s Veloster, but we don’t expect hot performance to be the Elantra coupe’s thing. The Korean company must, after all, protect both the funky-doored Veloster and the rear-drive Genesis coupe.

DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: After driving this 2012 Honda Civic EX-L, I'm beginning to understand why Honda delayed the car. As for the Civic's power? Outward visibility was outstanding in the best Honda tradition. I can't imagine anyone except the most die-hard Honda aficionado choosing this car over the competitive offerings.

The small information screen tucked up high on the two-tiered dashboard seems to have no real purpose in a car with a big navigation/audio screen in the center console.

There's an Eco button, which seems to force the car into a fuel-saving, lesser-performance mode, but this seems hardly necessary in a car that already measures up quite well on the fuel-economy scale. Not in a Honda. All would be forgiven if the car still felt as if it was providing that same mechanical-direct link among driver and machine and road.

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: So this is the new 2012 Honda Civic? It looks decent, drives fine and in general sips fuel. There's nothing wrong with the Civic. It's just that other small cars have gotten so impressive with almost premium interiors and better, classier sheetmetal that Honda seems almost stagnant. There's some irony in that, considering that Honda made cars like this matter. Ford and Chevy were late-comers to quality smaller cars, and Hyundai--well, it wasn't even in the discussion earlier in the decade. The Civic looks nice enough. It's a Civic. On the road, the Civic performed well. The brakes were very well mannered. If you happen to enjoy a permanent state of boredom, check out the 2012 Honda Civic.

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO-WRIGHT: I came away from an overnight with the 2012 Honda Civic EX-L feeling there was nothing particularly noteworthy about his car. The Hyundai Elantra immediately comes to mind. That car has sporty sheetmetal, good styling inside and out, and it's fun to drive. As for the Civic, not so much.

First, the driver's seat felt as if it was designed with seven-foot-tall people in mind. The Civic held expressway speeds well and there is decent power underhood. And the brakes are strong. 2012 Honda Civic EX-L Navi Sedan Base Price: $24,205 As-Tested Price: $24,205 Drivetrain: 1.8-liter I4; FWD, five-speed automatic Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 32/33.0 mpg

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder,Reviews

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2012 Ford Fiesta,Reviews

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2012 Honda Civic,Reviews

How good is the newly redesigned 2012 Honda (HMC) Civic that hit the market on Apr. 20? The Civic used to be the classiest compact economy car on the market. Rather than make dramatic changes to fend off rising competition, Honda improved the Civic in numerous small ways. The price of the Civic hybrid rose a mere $100, to $24,800. Crucially, with gasoline prices topping $4 per gallon in some areas of the country, the Civic's is up 3 miles per gallon. With an automatic transmission, both the Civic sedan and two-door coupe are rated to get 28 mpg in the city, 39 on the highway, for an average of 32 (up from 29 before).

However, that still leaves the Honda a tiny bit behind the 2011 Elantra sedan, which is rated at 29/40/33 whether with an automatic or a stick shift, and versions of the 2012 Ford Focus that are rated at 28/40/33 with an automatic. (The 2011 Toyota Corolla trails behind at 26/34/29.)

Honda claims the HF gets the best highway mileage of any car on the market with an automatic transmission and conventional gasoline engine.

The efficiency-oriented Civic HF sedan will list from $19,455 with a standard five-speed automatic, while the range-topping Civic EX-L sedan with navigation and XM Satellite Radio stickers for $23,455.

2012 Honda Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas vehicle specifications
All of these models share a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine that is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. This model uses a modified version of the same model on the standard Civic, and increased fuel economy by 7 percent, meaning highway fuel economy should come in between 38 and 39 mpg, but power will be slightly down compared to the gas-powered models.

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid specifications
Should fuel economy be at the top of your list, and your budget isn’t too tight, stepping from the 41 highway mpg Civic HF to the combined 44 mpg rating of the all-new Civic Hybrid is the move for you. The Civic Hybrid also features ECO Assist, a system that provides feedback to drivers to optimize fuel econo
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2012 BMW X5,Reviews

Almost 1,000 clean-diesel versions of the 2012 BMW X5 crossover will be recalled to replace a part that could cause the power steering to fail.
All BMW X5 models are built in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Affinia and NAPA Auto Parts are recalling certain aftermarket Acura TL suspension parts for incorrect labeling and sizing. BMW is recalling all 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d models for issues with welds in the belt tensioner.

Aftermarket Suspension Ball Joints for 2004-2008 Acura TL Recalled for Improper Sizing, Labeling
Owners can also contact Affinia at 1-815-759-7757.
Only extends to 2004-2008 Acura TLs with aftermarket suspension parts purchased through NAPA.
"2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d" Recalled for Belt Tensioner Issues
Customers can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 923 2012 X5 xDrive35d models, manufactured between March 31 and M

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class,Reviews

We usually see women behind the wheel of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. The original SLK debuted in 1996 with a four-cylinder powerplant and all of 136 ponies. The SLK gained some testosterone with its first facelift in 2000. While the exterior was still rather tame, the chick car jokes ceased in 2001 with the introduction of the 354-horsepower SLK 32 AMG.

The reality that AMG could stuff its hand-built 5.4-liter V8 under the hood made the second-generation SLK a serious performance car.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Classrides on the same 95.7-inch wheelbase. In the States, we will eventually get two of three available engines for the new SLK: the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6. Four-cylinder models will be called the SLK250, while V6 models gets the SLK350 badge.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class engineers use the crankshaft position sensor to know which cylinder has stopped closest to the optimum position for re-starting the engine. Mercedes-Benz literature claims 6.4 cubic feet with the roof lowered and 10.1 cubes with the roof raised. The SLK's hallmark retractable hardtop comes in three varieties: solid steel panels, a tinted roof section or with Benz's trick new Magic Sky Control electrochromatic roof section. (Geek Note: Magic Sky Control uses a similar principle to Delphi's Magnetic Ride Control dampers that control the flow path of damper fluid.)

The imperfect roads on Tenerife presented a less-than-ideal surface that worked to shake and rattle the SLK. Short-wheelbase cars can feel skittish, but the SLK simply doesn't. Even at full throttle with every foot-pound of torque twisting the rear half shafts, the SLK350 felt unshakable and secure.

The SLK senses the understeer and helps to mitigate it by adding a measured amount of braking to the inside rear wheel, helping to increase the car's yaw rate and make it rotate more easily.

Unfortunately, the ESC on the SLK350 cannot be completely disabled. Even with ESC on, the SLK remained a remarkably fun steer. In all, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class driving experience was a good one. First, we're looking forward to some time behind the wheel of the lighter SLK250. The SLK350's smaller-engined sibling could end up being the better of the two offerings – that is, until the V8 AMG model enters the mix.

2012 Ford Mustang,Reviews

The big news for the 2012 Ford Mustang is the revival of the storied high-performance Boss 302 model. For 2012, Ford reintroduces the Mustang Boss 302, a nameplate that recalls the Boss 302 of 1969. The 2012 Ford Mustang isn't the only horse in the race, either.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

"The 2012 Ford Mustang" is available as a coupe or convertible and is offered in five trim levels: V6, V6 Premium, GT, GT Premium and Boss 302. The V6 Premium adds upgraded 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, Ford's Sync system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, color-adjustable gauges, ambient lighting, upgraded interior trim and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system with satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio interface. The V8-powered GT comes with the base V6's features plus 18-inch alloys, automatic headlights, a rear spoiler, adjustable steering effort and foglamps. The GT Premium is essentially a GT with different 18-inch wheels and the V6 Premium's roster of features.

Options on Mustang V6 models include an exterior appearance package that adds bodywork graphics and a rear spoiler. Also available is a V6 Performance package (for coupes with manual transmissions) that includes 19-inch wheels with summer tires, numerous suspension and brake upgrades, a recalibrated stability control system and a 3.31 rear axle ratio.

The Mustang GT can be outfitted with upgraded Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, summer tires and the recalibrated stability control system. The GT Premium can be had with all the options of the V6 Premium and GT packages plus a selection from an array of 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, the California Special package (more exterior styling variations) and a more powerful 10-speaker sound system (not available with the Electronics package).

The new high-performance Boss 302 is only available as a coupe and adds a more powerful V8 engine, 19-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips, special exterior trim and aerodynamic elements, a 3.73:1 rear-axle ratio, Brembo brakes, adjustable shock absorbers, unique interior trim, a suede-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals, cloth seats and the base audio system. Recaro front seats (from the GT500) and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential are optional.

The 2012 Ford Mustang V6 is powered by a 3.7-liter engine producing 305 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. The Mustang V6 coupe earns an EPA fuel economy estimate of 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 23 mpg in combined driving with the automatic transmission, while the manual is estimated at 19/29/22 mpg.

Standard safety features for all 2012 Ford Mustangs include antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags, side spotter mirrors and stability control. In Edmunds brake testing, the V6 and V8 Mustangs turned in impressive stopping distances. The Mustang also lacks a telescoping steering wheel, though thankfully most drivers should be able to find a comfortable seating position

2012 Chevrolet Express,Reviews

2012 Chevrolet Malibu,Reviews

Designed to be sold in nearly 100 markets, the new Malibu boasts a new exterior design, new interior design, Ecotec engine and well, new just about everything else.

“The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has left an award-winning impression and changed the way people think about Chevrolet. “This all-new Malibu delivers on the intangibles of today’s Malibu but gives customers even more: more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, craftsmanship, and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans.

Other exterior design cues include 2012 Chevrolet Malibu dual-port grille, projector HID headlamps, larger Chevrolet bow-tie badges front and rear, and new Camaro like LED dual-element tail lamps. The new Malibu has a 4.5-inch (114 mm) shorter wheelbase and 62-inch (1,574 mm) front and rear tracks that are more than 2 inches (51 mm) wider than the model it replaces.

Ice blue lighting on the center stack dials, exposed ice blue French contrast stitching, soft-touch and textured surfaces, and "strategic" applications of noise-deadening materials.

The new 2012 Chevrolet Malibu rides on MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspensions with ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, clamped on by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum calipers, four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control, electric power rack-and-pinion.

Safety features include Dual-stage driver and front passenger air bag, Driver and front passenger pelvic/thorax side-impact air bags, Driver and passenger knee air bags, Roof rail air bags with rollover protection. Malibu production in the United

2012 BMW 7-Series,Reviews

Reports indicate that the 2012 BMW 7 Series will be available in the standard length and Li models. The Li orexecutive saloon model has a slightly wheelbase.

Models
In addition to the Li several other models of the BMW 7 series should hit the showrooms in 2012. The Alpina are higher performance models of the 7 series that are slightly more polished and sporty.

The turbocharged 3.0 liter six cylinder should provide drivers with 315 horsepower and 330 pounds of torque. The 4.4 liter V-8 should give drivers 400 horsepower and 450 pounds of torque. All series 7 models will be available in rear wheel drive. Most Series 7 models will have BMW’s xDrive all wheel drive available as an option. This feature won’t be available on this years Series 750 and Alipina B7 models.

Features
As usual BMW will be offering a wide range of features in this years’ Series 7.
• Xenon Headlights
• Keyless push button ignition system.
Price
Unfortunately the sticker price for this year’s BMW 7 series hasn’t been announced

2012 Ford Escape,Reviews

Consumer Guide’s Impressions of the 2012 Ford Escape

A popular compact SUV is redesigned within a new global vehicle family headed by the next-generation Focus compact car. What We Know About the "2012 Ford Escape"

The Ford Escape remains one of America’s most popular compact SUVs. No market looms larger in global sales and earnings than the so-called C-segment--compact cars and SUVs--so the redesigned Focus and 2012 Ford Escape are bound to loom large in the automaker’s future.

Ford’s global C-segment sales were about a million units in 2008, but involved three different platforms. Though Ford and others have tried “world cars” before, most of the efforts were commercial disappointments, especially in North America. (Remember the Euro-designed Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique compact sedans?) Because we’ve now learned enough about the redesigned Focus and Focus C-Max to sketch the broad outlines of the 2012 Ford Escape.
The Ford Vertrek Concept from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show adds a few more hints. The current Escape, designed in collaboration with Ford’s Japanese affiliate, which sells the same basic vehicle as the Mazda Tribute, uses orthodox concentric strut-and-spring units and freestanding shock absorbers.

2012 Acura TL,Reviews

The 2012 Acura TL Sedan Review – Luxury and Performance in a Midsize Sedan
The name Acura is synonymous with technologically sophisticated luxury. The 2012 Acura TL lives up to this reputation with advanced styling and features throughout the vehicle and an available Technology options package.

Under the hood
"The Acura TL" features a powerful V-6 engine with plenty of power for performance-minded drivers. The SH-AWD model handles noticeably better than the basic Acura TL, especially on uphill climbs and curving roads, but both trim levels benefit from the Vehicle Stability Assist feature to prevent oversteering and understeering on curves.
TL model Details:
Engine: 3.5 liter V-6
Horsepower & Torque: 280 hp/254 lb-ft
Transmission: six-speed automatic standard
Fuel Economy: 20/29
Base MSRP: $35,605

TL SH-AWD model Details:
Engine: 3.7 liter V-6
Horsepower & Torque: 305 hp/273 lb-ft
Transmission: six-speed automatic standard; optional manual
Fuel Economy: 18/26
0 to 60: 5.2 seconds manual; 6.2 seconds automatic
Base MSRP: $39,155

2012 Audi A7 New,Reviews

2012 Chevrolet Colorado,Reviews

Rolls-Royce Phantom New,Reviews

The 2012 Mazda5 New,Reviews

The 2012 Mazda5 has been completely redesigned.

There's a reason the minivan is considered the quintessential vehicle for parents. No other vehicle can match the minivan's huge interior space, three rows of seating, sliding rear doors and low ride height. With two seats in each of its three rows, it only seats six compared to the seven- or eight-passenger seating of a big minivan (now that's an oxymoron). There's another advantage the The 2012 Mazda5 has over its quasi-family mobile competitors -- it's fun to drive. Like the Mazda 3, it goes around corners with control and poise.

Some automakers may boast that their minivans or SUVs "handle like a car," but The 2012 Mazda5 actually does. The Mazda 5 also isn't available with certain features common to regular minivans, like power-operated sliding doors, sunshades or factory-installed navigation and entertainment systems. Essentially a design hybrid between a minivan and a wagon, the Mazda 5 is a great alternative choice and definitely worth a look in these lean economic times.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Mazda 5 is a three-row, six-passenger compact minivan available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The base Sport comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, automatic climate control (with rear vents and fan controls), a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

This package is standard on the 5 Grand Touring, which also gets automatic xenon headlights, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, driver lumbar adjustment, heated front seats and leather upholstery.

Every 2012 Mazda 5 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. "Every Mazda 5" comes with standard stability and traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
Interior Design and Special Features

The front seats provide respectable comfort, though taller folks may wish for more rearward seat travel.
Driving Impressions
On the Edmunds test track, the 5 nearly matched the handling numbers of the much