The 2012 Ford Flex is targeted for families that want to have a midsize SUV that is affordable.

It is a good alternative to a minivan with its spacious cabin.

With its above average performance, families can surely have one SUV with great versatility.

Engine

The Flex comes with a standard V6 3.5 liter engine that delivers 262 horsepower and 248 lbs/ft of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. What is surprising about what Ford did to the Flex is that they give the option of the EcoBoost, a 3.5 liter V6 twin turbocharged engine.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Crossover	Base Price: $29,465.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.6 gallons (70 liters)	MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 201.8 in. (512.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 117.9 in. (299.5 cm)
Height: 68 in. (172.7 cm)	Width: 75.9 in. (192.7 cm)
Curb Weight: 4471 lbs (2028 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 20.0 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 3.5L Duratec V6 DOHC	Compression Ratio: 10.3: 1
Horsepower: 262 HP	Max RPM: 6250 RPM
Torque: 248 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Auto
Max Towing Capacity: 4500 lbs (2041 kgs)*	Maximum Speed: NA

*With Towing Package

Available Trims & Engine

Option:SEL	MSRP: $32,100; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Limited	MSRP: $35,765; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Titanium	MSRP: $38,260; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy

It brings 355 horsepower and 350 lbs/ft of torque. Flex’s standard engine is more than enough to sustain the needs of the family; the additional power that the EcoBoost gives is just astounding. In fact, it is what the media and the market is excited about.

Performance

When the power provided by the EcoBoost is combined with power shifters, the Flex delivers a performance that is very sporty; which is very rare for its class. However, the EcoBoost is only available for the Titanium and the Limited trims.

That means if you want to enjoy the power that the EcoBoost brings, you must be willing to spend a little extra. There are reports from reviewers and car owners that driving the standard V6 is competent but boring.

Exterior

The 2012 Flex truly looks big from the outside and it effortlessly tells the beholder that it can carry a family well. It has a box style with straight lines. Those who go after organic curves and sporty lines may shy away from the Flex but those who love the classics will surely become a fan of the Flex at first sight.

Interior

The interior of the Flex is believed to be one of the largest in its class. It has a third row that can fit adults, has a better finish and is equipped with all the standard features. The Flex can seat seven persons unless the second row is converted into two captain’s chairs.

It has two LATCH connectors in the second row and one in the third row. The seats of the Flex are also considered as among the most comfortable in its group.

With all seats in use, the Flex can hold up to 20 cubic feet of cargo. Folding the third row will let you have 43.2 and stowing the second row will give you 83.2.

Safety

So far, the Flex has only been subjected to rollover tests by the federal government but nevertheless scored 4 out of 5 stars. It is a Top Safety Pick for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for scoring “good” in all its crash tests.

Reliability

The 2012 Flex comes with the standard 3-year warranty and a 5-year powertrain warranty. The reliability is average as most of the vehicles in its class provide the same.

Pros

The Flex comes with a genuine three rows and a very spacious cabin. It provides an excellent ride and offers good amount of safety features. Its styling is unique.

Cons

The EcoBoost and the coolest features are too expensive and the cargo space is a midget compared to its competitors.

Verdict

With its power, comfort and versatility, the 2012 Ford Flex is a good choice when it comes to large crossovers.

Competition

The segment shared by the Flex include the Honda Pilot (MSRP $31,470; 18 city / 25 hwy), Chevrolet Traverse (MSRP $29,510; 17 city / 24 hwy), and the base Buick Enclave (MSRP $36,350; 17 city / 24 hwy).

Overall Rating
84 out of 100

What others say:

“It looks quirky, but there’s nothing unconventional about the charming 2012 Ford Flex when it comes to space, comfort, and ride.”Car Connection

“Direct steering and controlled body lean in corners give Flex a fairly nimble feel. EcoBoost-equipped models have a specific steering system that is accurate and well weighted. But some testers find the steering too light in models equipped with the base engine.”Consumer Guide

“The 2012 Ford Flex is not your typical 7-passenger CUV, at least not if looks count for anything. Where most CUVs attempt to mirror SUVs, the Flex takes a decidedly different approach.”KBB

“Spacious and versatile cabin with genuine three-row space; refined ride; excellent safety scores; high-tech features; turbocharged engine option; unique styling.”Edmunds

There are no radical changes to the 2012 Ford Edge.

But still, people found it compelling, especially the new features such as the MyFord Touch System, the vista roof glass panel and the real grownup interior.

Let’s take a look into what the new Ford Edge has to offer.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Crossover	Base Price: $27,770.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons (68 liters)	MPG: 19 city / 27 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 184.2 in. (467.8 cm)	Wheel Base: 111.2 in. (282.4 cm)
Height: 67 in. (170.1 cm)	Width: 76 in. (193 cm)
Curb Weight: 4050 lbs (1837 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.9 in. (20 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 32.2 cu ft (2nd row)	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 24 Valve DOHC V6	Displacement: 3.5 Liter
Horsepower: 285 HP	Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 253 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs* (1588 kgs)	Maximum Speed: NA

*With Towing Package

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Edge SEL 3.5L V6 AWD	MSRP: $31,080; MPG: 19 city / 27 hwy
Option:Edge Limited 3.5L V6 AWD	MSRP: $34,935; MPG: 19 city / 27 hwy
Option:Edge Sport 3.5L V6 AWD	MSRP: $37,110; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy

Engine

The 2012 Edge sports a V6 3.5 liter engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 270 lbs/ft of torque. It is paired with an automatic 6 speed transmission.

The Limited and SEL models are available in manual mode with the SelectShift Automatic feature. The Sport model has a V6 3.7 liter engine that delivers 305 horsepower, also paired with 6-speed SelectShift paddle shifter-equipped automatic transmission.

Ford brings another option which is the EcoBoost 4-cylinder 2.0 liter engine that delivers 240 horsepower and 270 lbs/ft of torque.

Performance

By the numbers, the EcoBoost is overshadowed by its more aspired bigger brother. But wait until you get to drive the Edge with the EcoBoost Turbo 2.0. This version delivers 17 lbs/ft of torque more than the 3.5L and it can be reached at 3,000 rpm.

The maximum torque for the 3.5L sibling cannot be achieved until 4,000 rpm. The EcoBoost version provides excellent straight line acceleration for a 2.0L. From a standstill, you can reach 60 mph in just a little under 7 seconds.

The EcoBoost has a fuel economy rating of 30 highway/ 21 city mpg and the 3.7L model at 17 city / 23 highway mpg. The base 3.5 V6 front wheel drive consumes a generous 27 highway/19 city mpg while its all-wheel drive counterpart has mpg 26 highway/19 city rating.

The Edge handles well for a crossover SUV except for the Sport model. The 22″ wheels seemed too big that they decreased the SUV’s maneuverability. Furthermore, it tends to transmit all the bumps of the road to the cabin.

Exterior

The changes in the overall exterior design are profound enough to tell car owners that the 2012 Edge is fresh and is different from last year’s model. At first glance, the new Edge looks beefy, a good compliment for its muscle on the road.

Interior

The interior of the new Edge is attractive and classy. Its seats are roomy and comfortable. It has two sets of LATCH and the rear seats can be reclined or folded to increase backseat comfort and cargo space. The base models come with the standard cloth seats.

The Limited and the Sport models come with leather seats. Optionally, you can get the MyFord touch screen interface but if you are not interested with cutting edge technology, you may skip it.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2012 Edge a score of 4 out of 5 stars. It has also earned the Top Safety Pick title from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Edge comes with MyKey, a proprietary technology from Ford that limits car speed, audio volume and seatbelt alerts. It also has anti-lock brakes, hill start assist, roll stability control, traction control, and side and front curtain airbags.

Reliability

The Edge comes with a 3-year standard warranty and a 5-year powertrain warranty.

Competition

There are a handful of crossovers available in the market, they include the Honda Crosstour (MSRP $30,440; 18 city / 27 hwy), Nissan Murano (MSRP $29,960; 18 city / 24 hwy), and the Toyota Venza (MSRP $29,250; 19 city / 26 hwy). These, along with the Edge provide for interesting competition in the Crossover segment.

Pros

The new Edge has a classy interior, high-tech interface and a well working powertrain.

Cons

The reliability is not the best in the competition and the Sport model is quite sluggish.

Verdict

The new Edge is a good choice for car owners who want the power and the looks. The 2012 Ford Edge is a well designed vehicle that is worthy of your consideration.

Overall Rating
81 out of 100

What others say:

“Until this year, the Ford Edge has been available only with six-cylinder engines. For 2012, Ford’s brought fewer cylinders to the party, but with turbocharging, the newest drivetrain’s a solid option for those wanting 30-mpg highway ratings under the hood.”Car Connection

“Edge’s steering is well weighted and accurate with no need for excessive correction, even with Sport’s bigger tires. Body motion and cornering lean are well controlled for an SUV, but it never quite manages to feel sporty. Still, Edge’s road manners are pleasant.”Consumer Guide

“If you’re looking for the Goldilocks of CUVS, the 2012 Ford Edge is it. Not too stiff yet far from being a marshmallow, the Ford Edge’s ride and handling strike the right balance between car and SUV.”KBB

“Quiet and comfortable cabin; abundant features; comfortable ride; composed handling; available “EcoBoost” four-cylinder engine. Difficult-to-use MyFord Touch system; transmission can be slow to respond.”Edmunds

The 2012 Honda Ridgeline has been released. We know that trucks are made to deliver stern utility, but nowadays, it is not uncommon to see pickup trucks lounging in parking lots as much as we see them in construction sites.

Car manufacturers found a way to sell trucks to people who want to have a truck for more domesticated purposes. Honda did it by making the Ridgeline.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Truck	Base Price: $29,350.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 gallons (83.2 liters)	MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 206.9 in. (525.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 122 in. (309.8 cm)
Height: 70.3 in. (178.5 cm)	Width: 77.8 in. (197.6 cm)
Curb Weight: 4513 lbs (2047 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.2 in. (20.8 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: V6 24-Valve SOHC VTEC® 4WD	Displacement: 3471 cc
Horsepower: 250 HP	Max RPM: 5700 RPM
Torque: 247 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs (2268 kgs)	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Ridgeline Sport	MSRP: $30,095; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:Ridgeline RTS	MSRP: $32,055; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:Ridgeline RTL	MSRP: $34,930; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy

The Honda Ridgeline is very appealing as far as pick up versatility and comfort is concerned. It is constructed as a single body that has independent suspension in the front and the rear which make the ride as if you are driving a sedan. The handling and the dynamics are above reproach.

The cabin is spacious, with great measurements and thus makes sure that you will never run out of space when it comes to storage. Furthermore, it shines with its dent resistant, 5 foot bed and a handy lockable trunk. The Ridgeline can deliver at times when you need to get rugged.

Engine

The new Honda Ridgeline has a V6 3.5 liter engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 250 horsepower and 247 lbs/ft of torque. There are no other power-train options for the Ridgeline, though. The Ridgeline has a fuel consumption rating of 21 hwy/15 city which puts it in the middle spot in the arena of fuel efficiency. It actually has a good rating for a V6 4-wheel-drive pickup.

Performance

Without a doubt, the Ridgeline has enough power for daily use. It can even perform well during busy weekends when you need to haul and move a number of things with the truck. It is understandable that the Ridgeline’s V6 is less powerful than the V8s from other brands.

What we don’t understand is that some V8 equipped trucks are as fuel efficient as the Ridgeline. Perhaps this is something that Honda is working out. If towing is important to you, it is recommended to consider trucks with V8 engines. As for the rest, the Ridgeline does fairly well.

Exterior

The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup that has a crew cab body, four doors, and seating for five. It is available in four trim levels which are the RTL, RTS, Sport and RT. The entry level RT sports 17″ wheels and other standard features such as under the seat storage, audio speakers, power accessories, trip computer and a sliding rear window.

The Sport has black 18″ alloy wheels, black tail light and headlight housings, leather-wrapped audio-control-studded steering wheel, fog lights and rear privacy glass. The RTS features all that the RT has with the additional rear privacy glass, two-zone climate control and 8 way power driver seat. The RTL features leathered upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, fog lights, ambient lighting for console and a satellite radio. The RTL also has 18″ alloy wheels.

Interior

The Ridgeline provides enough room for the head and the legs and offers comfortable seating. There is enough headroom for averagely sized adults, although taller drivers may need to have more rearward seat travel.

It is standard for the Ridgeline to have 12 volt power outlets, the CD/FM/AM players, that can read WMA and MP3 formatted discs. There have been a lot of complaints about Honda’s use of plastic. But it is worthy to note that this approach is not uncommon in pickup trucks.

Safety

The federal government tested the Ridgeline in their rollover test and it scored 4 out of 5 stars. On the other hand, it is a top pick for the Insurance Institute for highway Safety after scoring “good” in all their crash tests.

Reliability

The Honda Ridgeline comes with a three-year limited bumper to bumper warranty, a five-year limited power-train warranty, and a five-year warranty for corrosion protection.

Pros

The Ridgeline provides good handling, superior comfort, and ruggedness enough for your other needs.

Cons

The Ridgeline is not as powerful as you need it to be when you need to tow. Its fuel economy is not the best in its class and it is only available in one body style.

The 2012 Honda Ridgeline is a good choice if you want to have the versatility of a pickup and the comfort of a sedan.

Competition

There are only two other trucks that the Ridgeline can be compared to, these are the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4×4 (MSRP $27,585; 16 city / 21 hwy) and the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4×4 (MSRP $32,190; 14 city / 19 hwy). All three can be considered as a combination of truck and car.

Overall Rating
73 out of 100

What others say:

“Best-in-class handling and a smooth V-6 are winning features of the Honda Ridgeline, but its towing and hauling fall far short of the benchmarks.”Car Connection

“Drives more like a car or minivan than a typical pickup. Still, Ridgeline’s height and heft mean a fair amount of body lean and noseplow in fast turns. Steering feel is too light at low speeds, but a relatively tight turning circle aids parking-lot maneuverability. Braking is strong and sure.”Consumer Guide

“Honda’s pickup truck has agile handling, a supple and steady ride, and an all-weather, lockable trunk beneath the bed. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Honda Ridgeline doesn’t have the muscle that serious truck buyers demand, but its combination of a carlike ride and pickup utility makes it all the pickup many buyers will ever need.”Edmunds

“If you need the open-bed utility of a pickup truck, but you don’t want the rough ride, poor handling and fuel-thirsty engine that usually accompany such trucks, the 2012 Honda Ridgeline truck deserves a good hard look.”KBB

Honda is a giant in the automobile manufacturing industry for more than 50 years. The company has its base in Japan, but has market shares all over the world. They are the largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines in the world.

They are the seventh largest producer of automobiles in the world with reference to the volume of production. The engines produced by them are of the top notch. Their green vehicle and the hybrid cars are some of the most reliable ones in the market.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sport Hybrid	Base Price: $19,695.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons (40 liters)	MPG: 31 city / 37 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 160.6 in. (407.9 cm)	Wheel Base: 95.9 in. (243.5 cm)
Height: 54.9 in. (139.4 cm)	Width: 68.5 in. (174 cm)
Curb Weight: 2657 lbs (1205 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 25.1 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: Inline 4, 16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC®	Displacement: 1.5 Liter
Horsepower: 122 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 128 lb-ft @ 1000-1750 rpm	Transmission: 6-speed manual
Electric Motor: Standard	Output: 100.8v
Horsepower: 13 HP @ 1500 RPM	Torque: 58 lb-ft @ 1000 rpm

Available Trims & Engine

Option:CR-Z w/ CVT	MSRP: $20,345; MPG: 35 city / 39 hwy
Option:CR-Z EX	MSRP: $21,255; MPG: 31 city / 37 hwy

The 2012 Honda CR-Z is considered to be the best hybrid car manufactured in 2012. But, this is not the most fuel efficient or the most spacious one. Let us look into the details on why this car is called the best hybrid car.

In this car, the manufacturers have set importance on obtaining maximum power from a hybrid car. This car can seat only two people, there is no rear seat. The increase in power has reduced the fuel economy by a large margin. Its fuel efficiency is comparable to that of other gasoline powered cars. This car is best suited for those who are looking for a hybrid car with sporty performance.

Trims

The Honda CR-Z comes in two trim levels, the base model and the EX model. The base model sports 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, fine cloth-upholstery, adjustable seats for driver, automatically controlled climate system, 6-speaker surround sound system, assistance for starting in sloped surfaces, audio controls in steering wheels, USB interface etc.

In the EX model we have got all these with addition of extra headlights of Xenon, fog lights, metallic interiors, Bluetooth connectivity, a seven speaker sound system, and 17 inch alloy wheels.

Interior

The first thing you will notice about the interior is the design of its dash. The speedometer is large with other tachometers which is also analog. These backlit meters will change color with the change in driving styles. There is a gauge which displays the average fuel usage and economy of the vehicle.

The seats are comfortable, but tall drivers will face difficulty in adjusting their position while on the ride. The rear cargo space of this car is 25.1 ft3. The cargo space is separated by a height-adjustable divider. The CR-Z sold in the American market has a flip down shelf in the rear.

The interior of the car is plain when compared with that of other cars in its class. The rear glass in made of dual panel and it is covered with extra body work, which makes it hard to have a clear view of the rear.

Engine & Performance

Both trim levels with manual and automatic transmission sports the same engine. The power output of the engine is obtained from a combination of both electricity and gasoline. The engine is I4 1.5 L/91 gasoline/electric engine. It produces a total of 122 hp of power and the torque output is 128 pound per foot. When transmission assistance (CVT) is used, the torque drops to 123 pounds per foot.

The mode of driving can be selected from the three options available, which are normal, sports, and economy. This adjusts various parameters like throttle, steering, transmission and AC usage in the car. The car gives an average of 35 – 37 mpg on highway and 31 mpg in city roads. The pickup is great, as it can reach 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. This is more than the average of other cars in its class.

Safety Features

Federal government safety test has given this car an overall score of four out of five stars. Four stars for a front crash test, three stars for side crash test, and five stars for rollover test. It has a score of “good” for the strength test on all sides of the vehicle.

The standard safety features in this vehicle includes brake assistance; front, side-curtain, and front-side air bags; assistance for hill start. There is a three year/36,000 miles limited warranty on the new vehicle and a five year unlimited warranty on rust damage.

To point out a defect, it is the poor visibility of the rear and low fuel economy, which goes against this vehicle. Overall verdict is that this vehicle is a good option for purchase if you are looking for a hybrid vehicle with sporty features.

Competition

There are only two vehicles that fall under the same class as the CR-Z, and those two run on regular gas engines, the Scion tC (MSRP $19,305; 23 city / 31 hwy) and the Mini Cooper (MSRP $20,700; 29 city / 37 hwy).

Overall Rating
65 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Honda CR-Z is the second model year for a car that hasn’t quite lived up to the high hopes raised for it.”Car Connection

“The Honda CR-Z is an automotive anomaly – not because it’s a hybrid, but because it’s a sporty hybrid, being the only one in the U.S. market that’s a 2-seater and the only one to offer a manual transmission.”Consumer Guide

“The CR-Z two-seat hybrid is based on the current Insight and Fit. It uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine that produces 122 hp overall. The electric power is used to enhance performance, and acceleration is livelier in Sport mode.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Nimble size and handling; quick steering; good fuel economy; sporty looks. Poor rearward visibility; excessive road noise; most competitors have backseats; missing a few upscale features; so-so crash scores.”Edmunds

“In the great tradition of small Honda 2-seaters, the CR-Z hybrid offers a fun, fuel- efficient way to get around.”KBB

Porsche has introduced its all new 2013 Boxster, which has undergone significant changes and is looking pretty fresh.

The open-top entry level Boxster has been given a whole new platform and body work, which has helped the car shed some weight resulting in better fuel efficiency and power to weight ratio.

The car is scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March, but Porsche has given out some preliminary details before unveiling the car.

Design Upgrade

Changes in design are more evolutionary than revolutionary. Still Porsche has managed to dish out a handsome design. The new square shaped headlamps, the wider stance and shorter overhangs, add to the character of the car. The new design seamlessly masks the increased length and width of the platform.

The new Boxster would be equipped with larger 20-inch alloys. The interior of the 2013 Boxster is inspired from the 2012 911. A fully electric top would close the cabin space and the company suggests that the cabin space for driver and passenger has increased in the new design.

Performance

Boxsters are known for their performance and the new model certainly won’t disappoint. The standard Boxster will be powered by a 2.7 liter flat-six engine with direct fuel injection that churns out 265 horsepower, 10 hp higher than previous model.

The more powerful Boxster S would be powered by a 3.4 liter six cylinder engine generating 315 hp, which is a marginal increase over the previous model (by 5hp). The engine is available with a 7 speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6 speed manual transmission.

The performance of the Boxster has always been top notch. The new standard Boxster does the 0-60mph dash in 5.4 seconds while the Boxster S takes 4.7 seconds for the same run, both with the automatic transmission.

The lighter chassis and body work of the new Boxster translates in better fuel economy as well and customers can expect an increase of 15%.

The 2013 Porsche Boxster is expected to hit the showrooms by summer. Expect the starting price tag to be around $49,500 for the standard model and $60,900 for the sportier Boxster S.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: $49,500.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 gallons (64 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: NA

Dimensions

Length: 172.2 in. (437 cm)	Wheel Base: 97.4 in. (247 cm)
Height: 50.5 in. (128 cm)	Width: 70.9 in. (180 cm)
Curb Weight: 2888 lbs (1310 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 4.6 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: 6 Cylinder Mid Engine	Displacement: 2.7 Liter
Horsepower: 265 HP	Max RPM: 6700 RPM
Torque: 206 lb-ft	Transmission: 6-Speed Dual
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds	Maximum Speed: 164 mph (263 km/h)