The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado comes with several powertrain options. The first is a 2.9 liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.

The second option is the 3.7 liter inline 5-cylinder engine which makes 242 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque. The final option is a V8 engine capable of producing 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of Torque.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Truck	Base Price: $17,475.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (71l)	MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy

Dimensions*

Length: 192.4 in. (488.6 cm)	Wheel Base: 111.3 in. (282.7 cm)
Height: 64.9 in. (164.8 cm)	Width: 67.6 in. (171.7 cm)
Curb Weight: 3366 lbs (1526 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.7 in. (19.5 cm)
Cargo Volume: 44 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 3 people

Performance

Engine: Inline 4 DOHC	Displacement: 2.9 Liter
Horsepower: 185 HP	Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 190 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Max Towing Capacity: 2400 lbs (1088 kgs)	Maximum Speed: NA

*Regular Cab

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Regular Cab 4WD	MSRP: $20,980; MPG: 18 city / 24 hwy
Option:Extended Cab WT 2WD	MSRP: $19,730; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option: Extended Cab 1LT 3.7L 5 Cyl.	MSRP: $22,955; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy
Option:Crew Cab 1LT	MSRP: $24,285; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:Crew Cab 2LT	MSRP: $27,490; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy

Performance

The 4 cylinder engine comes with a 5 speed manual transmission, while the V8 and 5-cylinder engines come with a 4 speed automatic transmissions. The maximum towing capacity of this truck is 6,000 pounds. The most fuel efficient model is the two wheel drive, 4 cylinder model which gets 25 mpg on highway with either automatic or manual transmission.

Exterior

The Colorado’s body is painted with a Pepperdust Metallic finish, accented with refined aluminum details on the fascia. When the truck is illuminated, the full width LED-lit tail lamp strikes a magnificent look in and around the tail of this pick up.

Additional key features worth noting include: the integrated side steps, gray accents on the front, side mirrors with LED turn-signals indicators, black masked projector style headlamps, and a set of 20 inches aluminum wheels with liquid metal finish.

At the back of the truck, the Colorado comes equipped with a standard drop-in bed liner to shield the truck bed from dents and scratches while carrying cargo.

Interior

The Chevrolet Colorado has a big and comfortable cab, which makes the ride enjoyable. The seats are available in heated leather which compliments other features. Among these features include the adjustable leather wrapped steering wheel, SiriusXM satellite radio (with a 3 month trial), and an FM/AM stereo with CD/MP3 player to keep you entertained throughout your journey.

The inclusion of a dual-cockpit instrument panel gives the entire cabin a spacious feel. This instrument panel comes with three dimensional gauges, which gives a sporty and rugged look. Every Colorado is also fitted with a Driver Information Center to give detailed information on functions like tire pressure and oil life.

Safety & Reliability

The 2012 Colorado has a warranty of 3 year or 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper and another one of 5 year or 100 mile for powertrain. This covers more mileage compared to Ford’s. When it comes to safety, the Colorado comes with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, daylight running lamps and a StabiliTrak Electronic stability control system with traction control.

All these are aimed at avoiding collisions. The Colorado can be relied upon to protecting the driver and the passengers. This is achieved through the inclusion of driver and the front passenger frontal airbags, head curtain side impact airbags, and passenger sensing system. Other key safety features include: steel safety cage, side impact protection door beams.

Pros

• Capable V8 engine.
• It’s affordable.
• Compact in size.
• Wide variety of configurations.

Cons

• Weak power and towing capacity from base engines.
• Aging design.
• Mediocre interior finish.
• Low grade interior plastics.

The Chevrolet Colorado is suitable for medium sized families, and for business people and contractors who are looking for a customized, small work trucks.

Competition

The Colorado has joined the likes of the Toyota Tacoma (MSRP $27,585; 16 city / 21 hwy) and the Nissan Frontier (MSRP $26,800; 14 city / 19 hwy) in the small sized pick-up truck segment.

Overall Rating
54 out of 100

What others say:

“Now that Chevrolet’s announced a replacement to come in 2013, the Chevy Colorado pickup’s fate is clear. This will be the final model year in its current form, and the compact truck will move from its assembly home in Louisiana to a plant in Missouri.”Car Connection

“All models corner with reasonable poise, though some testers find these trucks slow to react to steering inputs. Good straight-line stability. 4WD models have a noticeably larger turning radius than 2WD versions. The brakes provide quick, even stops with good pedal feel.”Consumer Guide

“The Colorado’s five-cylinder engine is unrefined and has worse fuel-economy than competing V6s. Handling is sound but unexceptional.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“If your pickup’s capabilities are more important to you than its fancy styling or cushy interior, the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is a truck that should be in your driveway.”KBB

“The 2012 Chevy Colorado still looks sharp, but inside and underneath it lags behind the competition in both passenger comfort and overall refinement.”Edmunds

Several drivers liked the 2012 Dodge Journey. This affordable compact SUV does many things well, including sufficient cargo room and features that are aimed to provide comfort and ease.

The surprisingly affordable base price is attractive. Still, though there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, reviewers are reluctant to recommend it.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $18,995.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.5 gallons (77l)	MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 192.4 in. (488.7 cm)	Wheel Base: 113.8 in. (289 cm)
Height: 66.6 in. (169.1 cm)	Width: 72.2 in. (183.3 cm)
Curb Weight: 3818 lbs (1731 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.3 in. (18.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 39.7 cu ft behind 2nd	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: I4 DOHC Dual VVT	Displacement: 2.4 Liter
Horsepower: 173 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs (453 kgs)	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:SE	MSRP: $20,995; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Option:SXT	MSRP: $22,995; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Option:SXT 3.6L V6 AWD	MSRP: $26,395; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy
Option:Crew 3.6L V6 RWD	MSRP: $28,195; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy
Option:R/T 3.6L V6 RWD	MSRP: $29,995; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy

Some found the engine weak and felt the second and third row seats weren’t roomy enough for tall people. All in all, the Journey is a good family compact SUV for people who want to move the kids, pets and their stuff around with just a little more panache than usual.

The Journey comes in five trims: the American Value Package, the SE, the Crew, the SXT and the R/T.

Engine

The Journey’s American Value Package and SE models have 2.4 liter, four cylinder engines that bring 173 horsepower with a three speed automatic transmission. The other trims have a 3.6 liter V6 engine that will deliver 283 horsepower with a six speed automatic transmission.

The front wheel drive four cylinder trims get about 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The V6 models get a little less.

People tend to like the power brought by the V6 engine, but they feel the standard four cylinder engine is feeble and the fuel economy uninspiring.

Performance

The 2012 Journey handles well, especially the V6 trims, but the base, four cylinder engine just isn’t powerful enough to give even a compact SUV the vim and vigor it needs. Overall, the Journey gives a good, smooth ride. Most agreed that the steering was properly weighted and the braking was confident and responsive.

Interior

The Journey was updated in 2011, so there’s nothing brand new about it. However, Dodge does offer optional heated front seats on the Crew trim and an optional DVD system for the rear seats. There are also optional child booster seats and a third row, though seating for five is standard on all models. The trim is also pleasing to the
touch.

The SUV boasts a keyless entry and start up, dual zone climate control, an impressive UConnect system and a USB port. The vehicle also has sufficient cargo space. With the third row installed it has 10.7 cubic feet available for cargo. With only the second row the Journey provides 39.7 cubic feet for cargo. With the second and third row folded away, there’s about 67.6 cubic feet available. There are storage bins for all types of uses.

Safety

The 2012 Journey received high marks for safety. One institution gave it its highest marks for all crash tests, while another gave it an overall four out of five stars.

Reliability

J.D. Power gave the Dodge Journey two out of five stars for reliability. It has a standard, basic three year or 36,000 mile warranty and a five year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

The Journey provides a three year warranty for rust damage. Unfortunately, it has been subject to two recalls. One was for a problem with the service brakes and hydraulic fluid, the other was for the engine cooling system. Both recalls were form 2011.

Pros

Reviewers thought the 2012 Journey’s cabin was superior and the features surprisingly easy to use.

Cons

Reviewers complained that the second and third rows were too small for tall adults and the base engine is weak.

Competition

The similar Kia Sportage (MSRP $18,500; 21 city / 29 hwy) shared the Journey’s low price but had sexier standard features like Bluetooth. The GMC Terrain (MSRP $25,560; 22 city / 32 hwy) and the Chevrolet Equinox has more room in the second row. Their fuel economy was also superior to the Journey’s. The Honda CR-V (MSRP $24,595; 23 city / 31 hwy) and the Toyota RAV4 (MSRP $22,650; 22 city / 28 hwy) also delivered better fuel economy as well as a more muscular driving experience.

Joining in this ever growing market segment are the likes of the previously mentioned Chevrolet Equinox (MSRP $23,530; 22 city / 32 hwy), the Nissan Murano (MSRP $29,960; 18 city / 24 hwy), and the Ford Edge (MSRP $27,770; 19 city / 27 hwy). All of these are worth considering; it all depends on your personal preference.

Overall Rating
69 out of 100

What others say:

“We say vanlike in the best possible way here: the 2012 Dodge Journey has flexible seating with good passenger space, and plenty of small-item storage in unexpected places.”Car Connection

“Steering is alert and reactive. Journey feels fairly poised when cornering; little lean is noticeable. All models have responsive brakes with a reassuring pedal feel.”Consumer Guide

“Dodge’s midsized SUV seats five, with an optional third row that increases seating to seven. The new 3.6-liter V6 got only 16 mpg in our testing. The noisy 2.4-liter engine is only available on front-wheel-drive versions.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Dodge Journey SUV fits comfortably between a full-size and compact SUV, giving it the room to hold up to seven passengers in a package that is not unruly to drive or park.”KBB

“Sophisticated interior; family-friendly size; available built-in booster seats; strong V6 engine; smart touchscreen interface…Overmatched four-cylinder; less utilitarian than competitors.”Edmunds

The 2013 Dodge SRT Viper was premiered at the New York International Auto Show in April 2012.

The car, which comes in two models, the SRT Viper and the SRT Viper GTS, comes with a massive 8.4-liter, V10 engine capable of generating 640 horsepower.

Its torque rating is 600 pounds-feet, which is the highest torque rating in the world for a normally aspirated engine in the sports car class.

Torsion stiffness has been increased by half in the redesigned chassis, and significant weight reduction has been achieved by using lightweight materials for engine and body components. Internally, the Viper has been completely revamped.

Interior Seating

Sabelt racing seats are fitted as standard equipment. The seat frames are constructed from a mixture of Kevlar and fiberglass, making them less bulky while improving durability. To give extra headroom, the new seats are .75 inches lower.

The bulkhead has been moved further to the rear, giving an extra 3.5 inches legroom and allowing extra seat travel. Additionally, the seats are now height-adjustable. Height adjustment is manual in the base model and electrically controlled in the Viper GTS.

Exterior

The door panels are built from aluminum, while the hood, deck lid and roof are made from carbon-fiber, contributing to greater stability, greatly reduced weight, and much lower drag; the headroom has been increased without compromising the front, making it more comfortable for those who wear crash helmet.

The projector headlamps, turn signal lights and the LED daytime running lights have been stylishly grouped, giving it a “snake eye” look. The rear lights, the brake lights and the turn signals, all use LED technology, have been integrated into a single unit.

Access

The 2013 SRT Viper is equipped with the UConnect Access system. This includes an 8.4-inch, touchscreen LCD display, which also has solid buttons to control the most common functions. The system provides centralized control for car climate, navigation functions and the car radio, as well as phone-handling options and third-party application packages.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe	Est. Market Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16 gallons (70 liters)	MPG: NA

Dimensions

Length: 175.7 in. (446.3 cm)	Wheelbase: 98.8 in. (251 cm)
Height: 49.1 in. (124.6 cm)	Width: 76.4 in. (194.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 3297 lbs (1495 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.0 in. (12.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 14.6 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2

Performance

Engine: V10 OHV Turbo	Displacement: 8.4 liters
Horsepower: 640 HP	Max RPM: 6150 RPM
Torque: 600 lb-ft @ 4950 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

With one of the highest safety rankings in its class, the 2012 Audi A3 wagon transports your family with class.

The sleek exterior design makes this hatchback appear elegant and sporty, giving a whole new look to this family-friendly vehicle.

Engine

The driving performance of this A3 model is just what you would expect from Audi. You have the freedom to select a manual or automatic transmission, as well as a diesel or standard gas engine. Both 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engines are turbocharged, delivering up to 200 horsepower.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Wagon	Base Price: $27,270.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons (55 liters)	MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 168.9 in. (429.2 cm)	Wheel Base: 101.5 in. (257.8 cm)
Height: 56 in. (142.3 cm)	Width: 78.5 in. (199.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 3219 lbs (1460 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 19.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.0L Turbo DOHC Inline 4	Compression Ratio: 9.6: 1
Horsepower: 200 HP	Max RPM: 5100-6000 RPM
Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1800-5000 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds	Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Premium Plus 2.0T	MSRP: $29,270; MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy
Option:Premium 2.0L TDI	MSRP: $30,250; MPG: 30 city / 42 hwy
Option:Premium Plus 2.0L TDI	MSRP: $32,250; MPG: 30 city / 42 hwy

Performance

The diesel engine provides some extra torque for better acceleration; you can enjoy up to 236 pounds per foot of torque versus the 207 pounds per foot of torque offered in the standard model. For the best gas mileage, the diesel engine wins out at 30 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway; that rating is about 10 miles more per gallon than the standard Audi A3 gas engine, and it can really make a difference for those traveling regularly on long commutes.

Interior

The predominantly black interior has the same touch of class found on all Audi models, and larger cargo can easily be accommodated by folding down the rear seats for 39 cubic feet of storage space.

Passengers travel in comfort on the leather seats with automatic climate control options. Children sitting in the rear are surrounded with pinch protection automatic windows, which use advanced sensors to prevent children’s fingers from catching in the window as it closes.

Safety

With airbags on three sides, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and three-point safety belts, this car can handle all possible crashes while offering the highest level of safety for the car’s occupants. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested this car and given it the best possible rankings in terms of handling frontal offset, roof impacts and side impacts.

Reliability

The A3 comes with a limited warranty that protects the car for up to four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Audi is so confident about the exterior body quality that they guarantee no corrosion on this car for up to 12 years. You can also rest assured knowing that during the first four years of ownership; Audi provides 24 hour roadside assistance as well so that help is always available when you need it.

Pros & Cons

Audi has offered the option of front wheel or all wheel drive on the A3.
Some customers have noticed a slight tendency to under steer on the front wheel drive models; however, the all wheel drive models perform perfectly.

Competition

The Audi A3 is more luxurious than other popular hatchback models, and it is not in everyone’s price range. For those on a tighter budget, the Volkswagen GTI (MSRP $23,995; 24 city / 33 hwy) offers a bit more space for passengers at a lower price; however the driving experience will certainly differ.

Other cars that the A3 can be compared to are the Saab 9-3 Griffin (MSRP $29,830; 20 city / 33 hwy), the Jetta Wagon from Volkswagen (MSRP $25,540; 30 city / 42 hwy), and the Volvo V50 (MSRP $29,000; 21 city / 30 hwy).

All in all, the 2012 Audi A3 combines a taste of luxury with more reliable safety features than nearly any other car in its class.

Overall Rating
76 out of 100

What others say:

“Audi is a leader when it comes to quality interiors and its A3, despite being on the lowest rung of the automaker’s U.S. lineup, has none of the signs of cost cutting that some rivals are guilty of with their entry-level offerings.”Car Connection

“Any A3 is agile, but base-suspension versions suffer from a bit of noseplow in tight, fast turns. A3s with the sport suspension have sharper responses and little noseplow. Steering feel on all models is accurate and linear, though some testers want firmer feel. Rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer in front-drive models. Braking is strong.”Consumer Guide

“The A3 is an upscale hatchback with a tasteful interior and generous power output. Base models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. The S-tronic transmission, a manual that shifts automatically, works very well.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Blurring the line between hatchback and wagon, the 2012 Audi A3 combines utility and excitement in a compact design. Despite its entry-level price point, the 2012 A3 offers a variety of upscale amenities and drivetrain options.”KBB

“Upscale interior; enjoyable driving dynamics; versatile interior space; high fuel efficiency from available diesel engine.”Edmunds

The 2012 Audi A8 sedan’s 4.2 liter V8 engine gives 372 horsepower, the perfect size for a luxury car with the primary purpose of comfort.

For those who want extra power, the A8 W12 model delivers up to 500 horsepower and 463 lbs/ft of torque from its 6.3 liter 12 cylinder engine, with the tradeoff of less gas mileage than the standard engine.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan	Base Price: $78,750.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 23.8 gallons (90L)	MPG: 18 city / 28 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 202.2 in. (513.7 cm)	Wheel Base: 117.8 in. (299.2 cm)
Height: 57.5 in. (146 cm)	Width: 83.1 in. (211.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 4409 lbs (2000 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 13.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 4.2L DOHC V8 FSI®	Compression Ratio: 12.5: 1
Horsepower: 372 HP	Max RPM: 6800 RPM
Torque: 328 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	Transmission: 8-Speed Auto Tiptronic
0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds	Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Quattro L	MSRP: $84,700; MPG: 18 city / 28 hwy
Option:Quattro L W12 6.3L	MSRP: $133,500; MPG: 14 city / 21 hwy

Performance

This Audi has an eight speed automatic transmission and comes with all wheel drive for maximum control. The aluminum body is lightweight enough to allow a good fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

The adjustable air suspension keeps the ride smooth from start to finish with a sportier handling than its predecessors. Reviewers were pleased with the crisp and immediate steering response, which is complemented by highly responsive brakes.

Exterior

The long body has the same style of a limousine, allowing for extra legroom inside the spacious interior. Choose from nine available colors for the body: Quartz Gray Metallic, Phantom Black Pearl Effect, Savana Beige Pearl Effect, Night Blue Pearl Effect, Oolong Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Havanna Black Metallic, Emerald Black Metallic, or Glacier White Metallic.

The color choices all give a slightly luminous effect to the car that makes it shine anywhere.

Interior

Every reviewer of the 2012 Audi A8 has been notably impressed by the exceptional taste and quality of its interior. Even the horizontal shape of the gear shift handle reminds you of the throttle aboard your yacht. Black and coffee-colored leather line the spaciously comfortable cabin, with wood and aluminum accents in the trim and console areas.

The optional premium interior package allows both of the front seats to be not only heated, but also offer a massage function. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is perhaps the best of any luxury car available, and the intuitive multimedia interface is operated with a convenient touchscreen, putting all of the controls you need is one place.

Safety & Reliability

The Audi A8 comes equipped with anti-lock brakes and air bags in a total of four locations for protection in all directions. With the Driver Assistance option you can have added safety features like active blind spot monitoring, pedestrian detection at night, and pre-collision warnings.

The limited warranty from Audi guarantees this vehicle for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, free roadside assistance is included while the car is under warranty. Your first scheduled car maintenance, due at 12 months or 5,000 miles, is also free from Audi.

More

In comparison to its other features, the fuel economy of the 2012 Audi A8 is its weakest point; however, it’s worth mentioning that the fuel economy of the standard 2012 Audi A8 is in fact better overall than similar cars of its class like the BMW Active Hybrid 750 Li.

The only other minor drawback of this Audi is its small trunk. All things considered, this luxury car offers everything one could ever want to drive in style and comfort.

Competition

This class is getting crowded pretty quick. The A8 is joined by the Cadillac CTS-V (MSRP $63,215; 14 city / 19 hwy), the BMW 750i (MSRP $87,300; 17 city / 25 hwy), and the Mercedes Benz S550 (MSRP $97,500; 17 city / 25 hwy).

Overall Rating
86 out of 100

What others say:

“For discerning luxury shoppers interested in getting the best long-distance comfort, the 2012 Audi A8 Lwon’t disappoint.”Car Connection

“The A8 remains surprisingly agile for such a large, heavy sedan, with firm, accurate steering, modest cornering lean, and secure AWD grip. The car feels most athletic in Drive Select’s Dynamic mode, but at the expense of noticeably higher steering effort that some drivers may not like.”Consumer Guide

“Audi’s big flagship scores very high among luxury cars. Its powerful V8 provides smooth and effortless acceleration, yet attains commendable fuel economy even with the standard all-wheel drive.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Audi A8 offers a fine balance between a luxury cruiser and sports car when driven.”KBB

“The 2012 Audi A8 gives nothing away to its rivals in terms of performance, comfort, technological wizardry or build quality. As such, this driver-focused luxury sedan should be on the consideration list of anybody shopping this segment.”Edmunds