My Car Reviews
2009 Nissan Cube 5dr Wgn Man
Updated 3 months ago- F: A failure
- D: Unsatisfactory
- C: Satisfactory
- B: Good
- A: Delightful
My familiarity with this car:
Know about vehicleMy review:
I was actually so struck by this vehicle when I saw it driving on the street for the first time that I looked it up online. The sad thing is, my impression was that it was probably the ugliest new vehicle I'd ever seen. You know how they say a poor opinion is shared with a number of friends and hurts business? I know I've mentioned to several of my friends and coworkers whether they've seen this ugly vehicle. I can't imagine why anyone would want one, although I'm surprised it's so cheap. Nissan I think is a pretty decent name too. So unless Austin Powers is out there somewhere collecting these I'm guessing the price is a bigger selling point for folks than the decorative shag carpet patch accessory? Which is for WHAT??? I'll give them credit though, the colorful accessories where you can personalize the interior is something I'd spend money on... if it were for a vehicle I'd actually be caught dead driving.
My suggestions for improving this car:
Um, a body style that's attractive and maybe more aerodynamic since that affects gas mileage? And accessories that actually have a function besides looking like a toupee cut from a 70s shag rug?
2009 Smart fortwo 2dr Cpe Pure
Updated 10 months ago- F: A failure
- D: Unsatisfactory
- C: Satisfactory
- B: Good
- A: Delightful
My familiarity with this car:
Know about vehicleMy review:
I totally get the concept of a cheap, small, economic car that's small and uses very little gas. The tradeoff being space, comfort, style and features. OK, I get that, and I think I'd even be interested despite the fact that I don't like the way they look. Except for me there's not ENOUGH of a savings here to make it worth the tradeoff. I could get a small new or used car with more room and low mileage without paying too much more than I would for a SmartCar, and it would have things like room for groceries or other passengers. So for me, the tradeoffs not there, which makes this car a flop.
My suggestions for improving this car:
I think the only way to make the concept worth it for me would be to make it cost a lot less so there's a very clear benefit to not going with a roomier, more comfortable and nicer looking vehicle.
2009 Subaru Forester 4dr Man X $19,995
Updated 10 months ago- F: A failure
- D: Unsatisfactory
- C: Satisfactory
- B: Good
- A: Delightful
My familiarity with this car:
Driven itMy review:
When I drove the Subaru Forester I was impressed with how easily it handled, and the gas mileage for an SUV is excellent. I know it does great in the snow - I've heard from several friends - and it's lower to the ground than the average SUV which I understand helps with traction and maybe gas efficiency although personally I prefer to ride higher to the ground. The interior of the Forester isn't fancy or luxurious but it's nice enough. The seats weren't super comfortable to me but they were better than those of other models or older Foresters I've ridden in, and i found with a pillow for lumbar support they would work for me. Overall, it's a smart choice financially and safety-wise, but I still don't like the body style. It looks too much like a station wagon and not as sporty as most of the competition.
My suggestions for improving this car:
More sporty, younger looking body style. Also, the seat/steering wheel adjustability could be improved. I'm 5'10", which isn't super tall, but I found that if I push the seat back enough to accomodate my legs the steering wheel doesn't adjust well to a comfortable position.
2009 Subaru Outback 4dr H4 Man
Updated 10 months ago- F: A failure
- D: Unsatisfactory
- C: Satisfactory
- B: Good
- A: Delightful
My familiarity with this car:
Driven itMy review:
I had the chance to drive an Outback when I borrowed one from a friend to move some furniture, and I was impressed with how much it can haul when you fold down the seats and load it up! It gets excellent gas mileage and handles nicely. My impression getting in and out was that it's very low to the ground which makes it a little uncomfortable for me, but I know that adds to the traction and safety features. I'm just not loving the body style, and the interior styling is just as boring to me as the exterior. I know this is supposed to be the more stylish younger model if you're looking at station wagons, but I still just can't stomach the idea of the image no matter how practical. I wish they'd make something that looks and feels sportier; I know there's the suburu version of an SUV but even that looks "old lady" to me. So, I guess I won't be buying one any time soon, although I know several owners who would never trade Subaru for any other brand because of reliability.
My suggestions for improving this car:
Do something with the look of the car, inside and out. You shouldn't have to sacrifice the pleasure of feeling like you're driving something that represents your style for the undeniable practicality and reliability of the Outback. Can't you find a way to offer both?
2009 Kia Sportage 2WD 4dr I4 Manual LX
Updated 10 months ago- F: A failure
- D: Unsatisfactory
- C: Satisfactory
- B: Good
- A: Delightful
My familiarity with this car:
Driven itMy review:
I test drove the Sportage because it's a great value for an SUV and has a lot of nice standard features. It drives well, but my big disappointment was that the seats seemed very uncomfortable. I do like the body style and thought it handles nicely. It seems like a great choice for someone who really wants a low-cost SUV, maybe a younger person, but isn't picky about seats.
My suggestions for improving this car:
The seats are too uncomfortable for me and that's why I didn't buy one. The standard features are nice but it would be great if it had more options to make the interior more like a luxury car for those that want them.
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD Reg Cab 119.0" Work Truck
Updated 10 months ago- F: A failure
- D: Unsatisfactory
- C: Satisfactory
- B: Good
- A: Delightful
My familiarity with this car:
Driven itMy review:
This is my son's truck, and I've ridden in it and was very impressed with how comfortable the interior was. His is fully loaded and the inside is like a luxury car (once you climb in!). I did think it was a little on the expensive side, but it works great for his job and he's had no problems. Also, I was very impressed with the safety of the truck. Not long ago he was in an accident and there was extensive damage to the vehicle, but thanks to the solid construction and airbag features my son walked away from what could have been the end of his life with barely a scratch. OnStar even called for help when he was unable to do so himself.
My suggestions for improving this car:
I loved the ride, but when I drove it briefly I felt like the truck was hard to steer - it seemed to want to pull to the side and require extra effort to drive it. I'm not used to this size vehicle so I don't know how that compares to other trucks, but it would keep me from buying one.
2009 MINI Cooper 2dr Cpe $20,200
Updated 10 months ago- F: A failure
- D: Unsatisfactory
- C: Satisfactory
- B: Good
- A: Delightful
My familiarity with this car:
Know about vehicleMy review:
I'm not sure why but I always think of these as cars that older retired people drive, and yet I'm seeing a lot of younger people reviewing them or talking about them, so my perception is changing. I really like the body style, it's got a very unique look so people tend to love or hate it I think. Maybe it's kind of timeless, it seems to appeal to all ages. My friend owns one and I know it's comfortable inside and gets good gas mileage. It doesn't have as much space as some other options but it's definitely got personality.
My suggestions for improving this car:
You know, I can picture a "type" that might drive most brands but this one seems to elude me. I actually think I might be more likely to buy this car if I associated some kind of image with it other than "retired golf guy". I rarely see the vehicle advertised; it's a little odd admitting this but I guess image is part of why we buy, and I'm thinking that while the body style is very unique I'm not sure exactly what image I'd be portraying by owning the car. Maybe it's time for a better ad campaign? Oh boy... did I say that? :)
2010 Ford Mustang 2dr Cpe
Updated 10 months ago- F: A failure
- D: Unsatisfactory
- C: Satisfactory
- B: Good
- A: Delightful
My familiarity with this car:
Know about vehicleMy review:
I've test driven a Mustang several times thinking of buying one. The new body style to me is a step down from the last few years - it's boxier without gaining any aesthetic sense. I'm not sure why they changed it. Bummer.
This car drives like what you'd hope for in a sports car. It's a great style, and I'm tempted even though I don't have a very good perception of Ford's reliability as a brand. The other down-side if you're wanting to stand out is that there seem to be a lot of mustangs on the street, so they are cool and attractive but perhaps not very individual.
My suggestions for improving this car:
The two big things for me are uncomfortable seats and poor reputation for reliability in the Ford brand overall. It could use more leg room and just a more comfy seat.
2010 Honda Insight 5dr CVT LX
Updated 10 months ago- F: A failure
- D: Unsatisfactory
- C: Satisfactory
- B: Good
- A: Delightful
My familiarity with this car:
Know about vehicleMy review:
I really love the look of this car, the body style is unique enough to be individualist and sporty without compromising practicality or price. It's a great price especially for a Honda. The chrome grille on front is a nice sporty touch.
My suggestions for improving this car:
More leg room would be nice, but that's typical for a smaller car.
2010 Toyota Camry 4dr Sdn I4 Man (Natl)
Updated 10 months ago- F: A failure
- D: Unsatisfactory
- C: Satisfactory
- B: Good
- A: Delightful
My familiarity with this car:
Owned itMy review:
This is my third Toyota Camry and I'm very impressed with how long they hold up! My last Camry continued to get excellent mileage for years with minimal service. The Toyota Dealer in Beaverton has provided excellent service, too, which is a real plus. I love the newer body style, it feels so much sleeker now. The looks of the car finally caught up with the practicality.
My suggestions for improving this car:
With the new cell phone laws coming out requiring headsets it would be great to have some kind of integrated system where your car radio speakers act as a speakerphone...