2012 BMW 3-Series

This sleek, luxury, mid-sized sedan, redesigned for 2012, was a favorite among test drivers and reviewers thanks to the mighty engine and the crisp and precise handling.

The BMW 3-Series comes in a sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon body styles, and a wealth of trim levels. Only the sedan was redesigned for 2012. Still, for folks who like and can afford luxury as well as a good handling and performance, BMW’s 3-Series can’t be beat. Some even say that the 3-Series, pricey as it is, is a bargain given its sterling qualities.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $34,900.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.8 gallons (59L) MPG: 23 city / 34 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 182.5 in. (463.5 cm) Wheel Base: 110.6 in. (280.9 cm)
Height: 56.3 in. (143 cm) Width: 71.3 in. (181.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 3461 lbs (1570 kg) Ground Clearance: 5.5 in. (13.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 17.0 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 2.0L Twin Turbo DOHC Compression Ratio: 10.0: 1
Horsepower: 240 HP Max RPM: 5000-6000 RPM
Torque: 255 lb-ft @ 1250-4800 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Coupe MSRP: $38,700; MPG: 18 city / 28 hwy
Option:Convertible MSRP: $47,600; MPG: 17 city / 26 hwy
Option:Wagon MSRP: $37,500; MPG: 17 city / 26 hwy
Option:Active Hybrid MSRP: $49,300; MPG: NA

Engine

The 328i sedan has a new 240 horsepower, turbocharged, 3.0 liter, 4-cylinder engine. The six speed manual transmission is standard and the eight speed automatic transmission is optional.

The coupe and convertible comes with a 230 horsepower, six cylinder engine, and comes with a six speed transmission with an option for either automatic or manual. All of the 3-Series vehicles have rear wheel drive, but also come in all-wheel drive. The fuel economy is different depending on the style, and the sedan gets 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Performance

Many believe the BMW 3-Series’ performance is the best thing about the car. The car is exquisitely responsive and gives the driver a sheer rush of adrenaline. The braking is powerful, but some weren’t wholly in love with the steering because, ironically, it was too easy.

They wanted to feel the car more as they steered it, especially around corners. Still, the car was fun and exciting to drive.

Exterior

The exterior was the only thing the test drivers weren’t crazy about, though they didn’t utterly hate it. Some thought the silhouette of the sedan seemed truncated.

Interior

The sedan received a makeover for the interior as well as the engine. It’s both wider and longer than it was, and so gives more room to the passengers in the back seat and allows the trunk to be bigger.

The sedan now has 17 cubic feet of trunk space, and the coupe has 11 cubic feet. The materials are as sumptuous as they’ve always been. However, some reviewers thought the interior was too fussy with too many displays, warning systems and other unnecessary gadgetry.

Some didn’t like the vinyl seats. They believed a car that’s as luxurious and expensive as the BMW should have all leather seats as standard. Drivers did appreciate the iDrive system, which allows the driver to control all of the car’s electronics.

Safety

The BMW 3-Series sedan was judged to be safe by the federal government, which gave it a five star rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety designated the car a Top Safety Pick. The 3-Series comes with, among other safety features, anti-lock brakes, six airbags, and cornering brake control.

Reliability

J.D. Power gave the sedan a 2.5 out of five rating. The BMW 3-Series comes with a four year or 50,000 mile warranty, with the customer enjoying free maintenance during the warranty’s life. They’ll also get roadside assistance for four years. There’s no mileage limit when it comes to the roadside assistance.

Pros

  • The powerful, aggressive engine
  • More space in the sedan
  • Beautiful handling

Cons

  • The trunk in the coupe and the convertible are too small
  • The exterior isn’t as sexy as one would expect from a Beamer
  • The steering is too easy for some people
  • The interior is too busy for some people

According to the others, all the styles smash their competition, though the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (MSRP $34,800; 21 city / 31 hwy) comes close. The Hyundai Genesis (MSRP $34,200; 19 city / 29 hwy) is also a good ride that costs much less.

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 BMW 3-Series is still very much a compact sedan—and a sport sedan at that, which means that interior space could potentially take second stage to hitting the perfect proportions and weight distribution for performance.”Car Connection

“The new 3-Series remains the class benchmark for overall control and steering feel. Even with the base suspension, all models display excellent balance, sharp moves, and little body lean in turns; they’re even sharper with the sport suspension.”Consumer Guide

“By almost any important measure the redesigned BMW 3 Series sedan is an excellent car.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“You’ll like the BMW 3 Series if you want a luxury sedan with a performance edge. With up to 34 mile-per-gallon fuel economy on the highway the 2012 3 Series might also appeal to buyers with a vocal frugal side.”KBB

“Excellent ride/handling balance; powerful and reasonably efficient engines; upscale cabin; four body styles; elegant hardtop convertible design. Limited interior storage space; options can inflate price quickly; new sedan is less involving to drive than carry-over models.”Edmunds

May 28, 2012 at 8:04 pm | No comment

2012 Dodge Caliber

The 2012 Dodge Caliber is a small car that most reviewers were pleasantly surprised with.

It ranks comparable to the likes of the Ford Focus and the Honda Fit as better vehicles.

The Caliber is for people who want a car that’s strictly utilitarian and can get them where they need to go and back with no fuss.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Wagon Base Price: $17,380.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.6 gallons (51l) MPG: 24 city / 32 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 173.8 in. (441.4 cm) Wheel Base: 103.7 in. (263.3 cm)
Height: 60.4 in. (153.4 cm) Width: 68.8 in. (174.7 cm)
Curb Weight: 2940 lbs (1333 kg) Ground Clearance: 7.6 in. (19.3 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 18.4 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 4 Cylinder DOHC Dual VVT Displacement: 2.0 Liter
Horsepower: 158 HP Max RPM: 6400 RPM
Torque: 141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Available Trims & Engine
Option:SXT Plus CVT II MSRP: $18,730; MPG: 23 city / 27 hwy
Option:SXT CVT II MSRP: $18,765; MPG: 23 city / 27 hwy

Engine

The standard engine for the Caliber is a four cylinder 2.0 liter that delivers 158 horsepower and 141 pound feet of torque.

One of the Caliber’s biggest flaws is its engine. The engine lacks power, loud and has a continuously variable transmission that people disliked. Overall, the car gets 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Performance

Some say that the Caliber is too heavy for its size which makes handling sluggish. Test drivers complained that it has a large turning radius and that the brakes didn’t work with the smoothness they liked. They worked well enough, but were grabby.

Exterior

The reviewers appreciated that the unique look of the car makes it stand out, but its style is getting a little old. Most test drivers and reviewers agreed that the sheet metal need to be updated.

Interior

The 2012 Caliber’s interior is acceptable in terms of roominess and comfort, and the instrumental panel is easy to read. However, reviewers still found the interior less than riveting. Most believe that the Caliber’s competitors have much more stylish interiors.

It comes with the usual air conditioning and sound system and other bells and whistles like a 12 volt power outlet and a glove compartment that’s climate controlled. But the trim seems largely made of hard plastic and looks cheap.

The car has a decent amount of cargo space, though the Fit has more. With the rear seats folded away, the Caliber can hold 47.4 cubic feet of cargo. When it has five passengers, it can hold about 18.4 cubic feet.

Safety

The Caliber received good safety scores from the federal government and other establishments that rate car safety. Test results from one institution ranged from marginal to good. Another institution gave it four stars for the front crash test and rollover test, three stars for the side crash test and an overall rating of three stars.

Reliability

J.D. Power gave the Caliber a 2.5 out of 5 rating for reliability. It has a three year or 36,000 mile basic warranty. It also comes with a five year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. There have been no recalls associated with the Caliber.

Pros

Reviewers appreciated some aspects of the interior, like the ease of using the stereo system and the rechargeable flashlight. They also liked the beverage cooler that was tucked into the glove compartment.

Cons

Most reviewers found most aspects of the Caliber uninspiring. The engine was weak and noisy, and the interior was dull. The car also rattles when it’s confronted with rough city streets.

Competition

The Chevy Cruze (MSRP $16,800; 25 city / 36 hwy), the Ford Focus (MSRP $18,300; 26 city / 36 hwy), and the Toyota Corolla (MSRP $16,130; 27 city / 34 hwy) achieve better fuel efficiency, and are among those that the Caliber can be compared to when it comes to price and performance.

Overall Rating
55 out of 100

What others say:

“There’s plenty of headroom front and back in the 2012 Dodge Caliber, though the front seats themselves aren’t all that comfortable.”Car Connection

“The 2012 model year will be the last for Caliber, as it’s being replaced by the 2013 Dodge Dart. Caliber has been built in the United States.”Consumer Guide

“This small four-door hatchback has a raised seating position similar to that of a small SUV. Interior fit and finish is subpar and the styling impedes visibility, but there are some clever interior storage features. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“If you need the fuel economy of small compact car, but the room and versatility of larger wagon, the 2012 Dodge Caliber hatchback has you covered.”KBB

“Despite some unique features, the versatile 2012 Dodge Caliber is compromised by lethargic performance. There are better hatchbacks to choose from.”Edmunds

May 28, 2012 at 4:47 pm | No comment

2012 Buick Enclave

The 2012 Buick Enclave is a great family car. It comes in Base, Convenience, Leather and Premium trim and all of them can come with either front or all wheel drive. Buick didn’t add too many changes from last year, but there’s now a brake override system that shuts off the engine when the driver steps on the gas and brakes simultaneously.

People found the Enclave sumptuous, roomy and comfortable, even though its handling and acceleration may leave something to be desired.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Luxury SUV Base Price: $36,500.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 gallons (83L) MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 201.8 in. (512.5 cm) Wheel Base: 118.9 in. (302 cm)
Height: 72.5 in. (184.1 cm) Width: 79 in. (200.6 cm)
Curb Weight: 4780 lbs (2186 kg) Ground Clearance: 8.4 in. (21.3 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 23.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 7 people
Performance
Engine: VVT V6 w/ SIDI Displacement: 3.6 Liter
Horsepower: 288 HP Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 4500 lbs* (2041 kgs) Maximum Speed: NA

*with tow package

Available Trims & Engine
Option:Convenience Group FWD MSRP: $37,420; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Leather Group FWD MSRP: $40,400; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Premium Group FWD MSRP: $43,765; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Base AWD MSRP: $38,500; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy
Option:Convenience AWD MSRP: $39,420; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy
Option:Leather AWD MSRP: $42,400; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy
Option:Premium AWD MSRP: $45,765; MPG: 16 city / 22 hwy

Engine

The Enclave has a V6, 3.6 liter engine with 288 horsepower engine. The Enclave’s engine can handle what’s required of it, but that’s about all reviewers could say about it. It gives you 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway and is able to tow up to two and a half tons.

Performance

The Buick Enclave is a family SUV and is not sexy to drive. It’s smooth and balanced and meant to haul kids, parents, pets other cargo, which it does admirably. If a driver wants something with a bit more swagger, they might consider something else.

Exterior

Reviewers appreciated the Enclave’s refined and attractive exterior, which, given the clumsiness of other midsize SUVs, is high praise indeed.

Interior

The Enclave seats eight passengers, and is quiet and elegant. Best of all, the vehicle’s third row seats can even accommodate adults. The third row of most other midsize SUVs is just about big enough for children. It has many standard features, including a steering column that can tilt and telescope, three zone climate control, and brightly lit but not glaring gauges.

Some have complained that it’s a bit tough to see the rear and the chrome trim is blinding on sunny days. But rearview cameras can be installed as an option.

Another attribute is that the Enclave can carry a lot of cargo. Only the Traverse and the GMC Acadia can hold more stuff. The Enclave holds up to 115.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the front seats, 67.5 behind the middle seats and 23.2 cubic feet behind the back row. It’s also full of storage cubbies.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2012 Enclave a Top Safety Pick. It also scored quite well on tests performed by the federal government. They gave it five out of five stars for side and overall crash protection.

Reliability

J.D. Power gave the Enclave a 3 out of 5 Predicted Reliability rating. The SUV comes with a four year or 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. It also has a five year or 100,000 mile power train warranty.

Competition

The luxury SUV market is filled with a lot of choices, among them include the Acura MDX (MSRP $43,030; 16 city / 21 hwy), the Lexus RX (MSRP $39,075; 18 city / 25 hwy), and the Lincoln MKT (MSRP $44,300; 17 city / 24 hwy). The Enclave holds its own in price, features, and horsepower.

Overall Rating
80 out of 100

What others say:

“A roomy, quiet interior really is the Enclave’s forte. This large crossover vehicle has seating for up to eight passengers and sports lots of cargo room, and it has a soft, mostly composed ride as well as a standard of refinement you won’t find in some other large crossovers.”Car Connection

“Enclave holds the road with impressive stability and agility for a vehicle of this size, with direct, well-balanced steering. Body lean is noticeable in fast turns, but the vehicle never feels unwieldy. Its long, wide body makes it somewhat difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Enclave’s brakes are smooth and powerful.”Consumer Guide

“This large SUV has a comfortable and quiet ride, and handling is agile and secure. The third-row seat is roomy enough for adults.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Buick Enclave can easily carry up to eight adults in relaxed comfort. The driving dynamics for the Enclave are not sports-car-like, but there is plenty of useful feedback via the steering wheel, and the cable chassis and suspension turn in an impressively stable performance.”KBB

“ The three-row 2012 Buick Enclave crossover SUV is an excellent choice for families who want minivan functionality along with classy styling and a luxurious interior.”Edmunds

May 28, 2012 at 12:30 pm | No comment

2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline

Dodge is a brand that has reinvigorated itself over the last few years, and the 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline is a perfect example of why that has happened.

With a truly satisfying blend of style, performance, and a storied brand history, this Challenger will delight the enthusiastic driver.

Performance

The Rallye Redline features a Pentastar V6 engine displacing 3.6 liters, whose dual exhausts and finely tuned induction system produce a mighty 305 horsepower. The engine is constructed from lightweight aluminum, in order to minimize the vehicle’s weight, and the car also offers tweaked weight distribution in order to enhance driving pleasure.

Special care has been applied to the engine’s responsiveness, too, with its torque output reaching 90 percent or more of its maximum 268 lb ft for almost the entire rpm range.

Responsive

The Rallye Redline is all about feedback, and giving the driver the confidence to undertake precision maneuvers whenever they are required. The transmission is a five-speed Auto Stick paddle shift affair, with obvious nods to the race track.

These are teamed with a three-spoke wheel that allows the driver’s hands both long-ride comfort and accurate control. The car’s tuned suspension enhances the sporty feel, as does the inclusion of larger brake discs than on the standard model.

Interior

Despite its sporting feel, the Rallye Redline by no means sacrifices accessory levels when compared with its standard stablemate. In fact, quite the reverse.

The list of standard equipment on the model is extremely lengthy, and includes such highlights as heated front seats, a year’s subscription to Sirius/XM satellite radio, a driver’s seat with 10-way power control, and no fewer than six airbags – making the 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline not only one of the most satisfying cars you can drive today, but one of the safest as well.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe Est. Market Price: $28,745.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.1 gallons (72 liters) MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 197.7 in. (502.1 cm) Wheelbase: 116 in. (294.6 cm)
Height: 57.1 in. (145 cm) Width: 75.7 in. (192.3 cm)
Curb Weight: 3834 lbs (1739 kg) Ground Clearance: 4.8 in. (12.1 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 16.2 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4
Performance
Engine: Penstar V6 DOHC Displacement: 3.6 liter
Horsepower: 305 HP Max RPM: 6350 RPM
Torque: 268 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm Transmission: 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic

May 28, 2012 at 4:56 am | No comment

2012 BMW X6

The 2012 BMW X6 has been praised for its powerful engine, sports car-like performance, spacious cabin and well designed interior. However, car shoppers who look for practical luxury midsize SUVs may find the X6 overwhelming.

In fact, most test drivers view the X6 as a sports car that is big enough to carry a family and strong enough to pull 3 tons of cargo that you cannot put inside.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $59,800.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.4 gallons (85L) MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 192.1 in. (487.9 cm) Wheel Base: 115.5 in. (293.3 cm)
Height: 66.5 in. (168.9 cm) Width: 78.1 in. (198.3 cm)
Curb Weight: 4784 lbs (2170 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 25.6 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 3.0L Inline6 TwinTurbo DOHC Compression Ratio: 10.2: 1
Horsepower: 300 HP Max RPM: 5800-6200 RPM
Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds 1/4 Mile: NA
Max Towing Capacity: 6000 lbs (2721 kgs) Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:xDrive50i 4.4L V8 MSRP: $70,200; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy

Engine

Two engines are available for the new BMW X6. First is the turbocharged inline-six 3.0 liter engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 300 lbs/ft of torque. The other is a turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 450 lbs/ft of torque. All trims for the X6 use BMW’s proprietary all-wheel drive technology, the xDrive.

Performance

By just looking at the specifications, it is easy to discern that the X6 is fast and powerful. Test drivers say that driving the X6 is like driving a sports car. For its size, the X6 is very sporty. Whether you are in the city or on the highway, you can surely drive on the streets with fun and confidence.

The X6 has excellent grip as well, making the turns even in tight corners effortless. However, car shoppers who are looking for comfort may be deterred by the sporty ride that the X6 brings.

Exterior

The front fascia of the 2012 X6 looks aggressive and muscular. It bears the trademark BMW front grille and headlights that are organically shaped. The hood has definitive lines that contribute to the sporty appeal of the SUV. The sides have subtle curves and edges that make the X6 look sleek for its size. The rear, not having too many lines and fine details, looks neat. Overall, the X6 looks seriously sporty.

Interior

The typical BMW’s gorgeous fit and finish can be found in the X6. The interior is made of top-quality materials and the seats accommodate passengers comfortably. The X6 does not lack technology features that can make your sporty ride more fun. However, very tall passengers may not find enough legroom in the backseats. They can sit on the front without any problems though. For some, the iDrive system seems too advanced and cumbersome.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the federal government are yet to crash test the X6. Nevertheless, the X6 is packed with features that ensure the safety of the driver and the passengers. These features include a rearview camera, lane departure alarm system, active cruise control, electronic stability control, cornering brake control and hill descent control.

Reliability

The 2012 X6 comes with a standard 4-year warranty and 24 hour road assistance during the warranty is in effect. X6 owners can also avail factory-recommended maintenance during the first four years without restrictions in mileage. This is average in its class.

Pros

The BMW X6 has powerful engines that can deliver sports car-like performance. The handling is nimble and sporty. The cabin is luxurious, the interior is made of high quality materials and the front seat is comfortable. The X6 has numerous safety features. The construction for the X6 is solid. Furthermore, the X6 has looks good enough to suggest its sportiness.

Cons

The backseat is small and the high tech features seem too advanced and cumbersome for most car shoppers. And it is expensive.

If you can afford the X6, you will definitely get what you paid for. But if you are a practical shopper, the X6 may just be too expensive.

Competition

Infiniti’s FX35 (MSRP $45,150; 16 city / 21 hwy) and the Porsche Cayenne (MSRP $48,200; 15 city / 22 hwy) are two vehicles that the X6 has been compared to.

Overall Rating
72 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 BMW X6 isn’t as roomy as a full-size SUV, but it’s well-built and the sedan-like environment will appeal to many.”Car Connection

“Dry-road grip and balance are very good on X6 models with the sport suspension and 20-inch wheels. On wet surfaces, X6s so equipped become more skittish, with lots of slowing required before entering corners.”Consumer Guide

“The X6 platform benefits from all those well-engineered chassis that went before it. And while it sits higher than a 3 Series or 5 Series sedan, a rigid body structure,…”KBB

“Powerful and fuel-efficient base engine; wickedly fast V8; capable handling; comfortable front seats; solid construction…Limited backseat headroom with no adjustments; small cargo area; poor rearward visibility; hefty price; heftier weight.”Edmunds

May 27, 2012 at 7:20 pm | No comment

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