compact

2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited

2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited One of the best values in the compact car segment. By Cherise Threewitt, Contributor, Car-ED.com | June 2018 What is this vehicle? The Hyundai Elantra is a well-equipped compact car that is available as a sedan and a hatchback. The Elantra is one of the least expensive vehicles in the segment, starting at just several hundred dollars more than the segment’s cheapest car, but bucks expectations by providing good value. According to J.D. Power and Associates, which tracks vehicle reliability, the Elantra is one of the most dependable models in this segment. Furthermore, Hyundai backs the Elantra with a class-leading warranty. These two factors should help you feel confident that the Elantra is a smart and responsible way to spend your money. Who is this vehicle for? The Hyundai Elantra is a good choice for savvy shoppers who like to get a lot for their money, especially those who are satisfied with a comfortable, but not especially sporty driving experience. The Elantra might not be as stylish or as fun to drive as some of its competitors in the compact car class, though it is generally pleasant to drive. Even then, there are few competitors that can provide a significantly more enjoyable driving experience while coming close to matching the Elantra’s reliability, practicality, efficiency, and long list of standard features. Why is this vehicle important to you, [...]

2018-09-04T22:39:29-04:00Sep 2018|Car Reviews|

2018 Hyundai Accent Limited

2018 Hyundai Accent Limited First, take a look at the lower trim levels. By Cherise Threewitt, Contributor, Car-ED.com | July 2018 What is this vehicle? The Hyundai Accent lineup has been fully redesigned for the 2018 model year. In base form, the subcompact Hyundai Accent is one of the most affordable new cars you can buy, and it is a great choice for shoppers on a very tight budget because it has above-average reliability scores and is backed by Hyundai’s excellent warranty. It is a good car for a young or first-time buyer or a buyer on a tight budget. The Accent Limited, however, is a slightly different story. The Accent’s top-tier trim, which is the model supplied by Hyundai for this review, is something of a distraction to the Accent’s entire purpose. Keep reading to learn why. Who is this vehicle for? If you are looking for a cheap new car on a very tight budget (think $15,000) the Hyundai Accent sedan is a great choice for you. There are only a handful of brand new cars available in this price range or less, and the Accent is better than most of them, thanks in large part to its fresh redesign. It’s not particularly fun to drive, but it is new, it has a good predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power, and it carries the benefit of Hyundai’s solid reputation for vehicles [...]

2018-07-11T18:50:39-04:00Jul 2018|Car Reviews|

First Impressions: 2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2 Can this all-new subcompact crossover carve out a niche in a crowded lineup? By Cherise Threewitt, Contributor, Car-ED.com | June 2018 The X2 is an all-new addition to BMW’s lineup for 2018. This subcompact crossover slots in above the established X1 and differentiates itself with coupe-like styling and a considerably higher entry price. We had the opportunity to test the new X2 in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, at the annual Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally.  The X2 comes powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, rated for 228 horsepower. Though we had only a short time to play with the X2, it proved a willing partner. The X2’s acceleration is smooth and peppy, and handling is absolutely fantastic on the curvy roads around the lake. The paddle shifters are an effective way to extract a little more fun out of the driving experience, and help make passing super smooth. Sport mode makes the steering and acceleration a little sharper. The interior is mostly a win. The front seats were extremely comfortable, as we’ve come to expect from BMW. We also really liked the interior layout; everything on the dashboard was easy to see and reach. The X2 isn’t perfect. It seems kind of redundant alongside the existing X1, which provides the same specs and more interior space (due to the higher roof) at a lower price. Since [...]

2018-07-11T18:49:22-04:00Jul 2018|Car Reviews|

2018 Mazda Mazda3 Grand Touring

2018 Mazda Mazda3 Grand Touring This sedan begs to be tossed around. By Cherise Threewitt, Contributor, Car-ED.com | June 2018 What is this vehicle? The Mazda Mazda3 is the most affordable point of entry to the Mazda brand. This compact car is available in sedan and hatchback body styles and is known for being one of the best-handling vehicles in its segment. In base Sport trim, you’ll get a fun-to-drive, stylish, efficient, well-rounded compact car with a decent list of standard equipment. In the top-of-the-line Grand Touring trim, which we tested for this review, the Mazda3 sedan feels surprisingly premium and provides some advanced technology features that aren’t often seen in this class. Who is this vehicle for? The Mazda3 isn’t the absolute most affordable vehicle in the compact segment, but it’s priced pretty reasonably considering all that you get. This car is perfect for buyers who want something a little nicer than most entry-level compact cars, and who appreciate that a car can be genuinely enjoyable to drive even if it doesn’t have the most powerful engine on the market. The Mazda3 has modest horsepower compared to other sporty compact cars, but it’s also quite efficient, making this a good choice for fuel-conscious shoppers who don’t necessarily want a hybrid or EV. Why is this vehicle important to you, the buyer? The Mazda3 is really a great choice for shoppers [...]

2018-06-22T12:42:42-04:00Jun 2018|Car Reviews|