The Hottest New Cars For 2013

The Hottest New Cars For 2013

If you’re one of the many thousands of motorists who plan on returning to new-car dealerships in the coming months to renew your rides you might be confronted with an assortment of never-before seen cars with what are unfamiliar nameplates. The auto business has undergone dramatic changes over the last few years, and if you haven’t gone car shopping since before the economy crashed you’ll find it to be the proverbial brave new world.
As they say, you can’t tell the players without a scorecard, so we’re highlighting the 15 hottest models that are brand-new for the 2013 model year, and which fresh elements each brings to the market. So let’s get ready to meet the freshman class of 2013.
For starters, you’ll find a greater emphasis on small cars these days, many of which now offer amenities like heated seats and advanced data connectivity features that were likely limited to luxury cars the last time you set foot on a showroom floor. Buyers are embracing the latest round of compact and subcompact cars with a passion these days, from empty nesters looking to downsize their rides but maintain desired levels of comfort and conveniences to younger motorists looking to minimize their carbon footprints and budget-conscious buyers looking for a lower sticker price and higher fuel economy.
The assortment of small cars expands for 2013 to include the economical Chevrolet Spark and Dodge Dart, the luxury-minded Acura ILX and the sporty Cadillac ATS.
Click here for the full gallery: Hottest New 2013 Cars.
The population of crossover SUVs, which have all but supplanted traditional truck-based SUVs in America’s driveways for their more car-like handling and improved fuel economy, has likewise grown exponentially. Small crossovers in particular have been booming, with most automakers now including a compact model in their lineups; subcompact crossovers are the next frontier, with two – the BMW X1 and Buick Encore – debuting for 2013. Additional new crossovers this year include the Audi Allroad, Infiniti JX, Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru XV Crosstrek.
What’s more, Cadillac debuts a new large front-drive sedan, the XTS, while Scion and Subaru bring excitement back to their showrooms with a pair of economical low slung sport coupes, the FR-S and BRZ, respectively. Among several new fuel-frugal electrified models for 2013, Ford pulls the wraps off the tall-roofed C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid wagons. These join the luxury-oriented limited-production Tesla Model S all-electric and Fisker Karma extended-range electric sedans.
Of course you’ll also find an expansive assortment of models that have undergone significant redesigns for the 2013 model year. These include sedan stalwarts like the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Lexus ES and GS, Nissan Altima and the Toyota Avalon. Redesigned crossover SUVs are likewise plentiful and include the Acura RDX, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Escape, GMC Acadia, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Outlander and – crossing over from truck-based SUV to car-like crossover – the Nissan Pathfinder.  An all-new version of the Ram 1500 full-size pickup helps create some excitement in an otherwise quiet truck segment for 2013. For the fast and furious crowd, there’s a revamped version of the Porsche Boxster roadster and the return of the snake, the rip-roaring Dodge SRT Viper sports coupe/roadster.
Click here for the full gallery: Hottest New 2013 Cars.
And for those keeping track of both sides of the scorecard, models being discontinued for 2013 include the Hyundai Veracruz, Jeep Liberty, Mazda CX-7 and Mercedes-Benz R-Class crossovers/SUVs, the Kia Sedona minivan, Lexus HS 250h hybrid and the Mitsubishi Eclipse sports coupe/convertible and Galant sedan.
Of course there’s a lot more to the above new models than just new names, fresh styling and updated powertrains. Check out this recent post for a look at some of the fanciful safety, convenience and connectivity features that are premiering among the cunning crop of model-year 2013 cars and crossovers.

Kia Rio - cheap new car

Base price: $13,600

Fuel economy: 29 City, 39 Hwy

Kia makes plenty of cars that are both good looking and good to drive. This isn't one of 'em. Sure, the Rio looks pretty sharp, at least on the outside, but, with squishy suspension and numb steering, the Rio feels all wrong on the road. Basically, it's a cheap car that drives like one. You can get cheaper cars that don't.

2014 Toyota 4Runner First Look

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For the dyed-in-the-wool Toyota 4Runner fans, here's all the important information you need to know about the 2014 version: The word "new" appears in 16 instances throughout the midsize SUV's eight-page, introductory press release, but it doesn't show up anywhere in the 1.5 pages dedicated to the engine, chassis, and drivetrain. Which, if you can believe it, will be good news for the 4Runner devotees who uses their 'utes for serious 4Running, off-road activities. For that group, the fewer mechanical surprises, the better. For those of us whose job or hobby it is to gripe about all things automotive, here are the facts. The 2014 4Runner continues with body-on-frame construction and is powered by a 270-hp, 4.0-liter V-6. A five-speed automatic matches to the engine with a choice of rear-wheel, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive. Control arms suspend the front corners and a four-link rigid axle handles the rear wheels (coil springs all around, of course). The long-standing SR5 trim name retains its entry-level position. The midlevel, 4WD Trail edition soldiers on with Multi-Terrain Select, low-range crawl modulation, and the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The topline 4Runner Limited takes on greater passenger-coddling responsibilities with its X-REAS self-adjusting suspension and longer list of comfort and convenience features. An available third row enables a seven-passenger seating claim. It all sounds too familiar, right? Our presumption for the familiarity: In 2010, Toyota announced it would offer a 157-hp, 2.7-liter four-cylinder in the then-new, fifth-generation RWD SR5 (with a four-speed auto). It got exactly 1 more city mpg in the EPA ratings than the comparable V-6 model. And see how long that lasted. So what exactly is new about the 4Runner? Let's go through those 16 "new" points. 1. "New 2014 4Runner Features Rugged Exterior Design To Match Its Authentic Off-Road Heritage" This is the press release title. Makes sense, yes? 2. "…and the redesigned 2014 4Runner receives a rugged new exterior design…" See point number 1. 3. "The Trail grade features new color-keyed bumpers and overfenders…" Just when we had gotten used to the black ones. 4. "In addition to the distinctive new grille…" Toyota updated the 4Runner's front and rear fascias for a bolder appearance, which meant modifying the graphics, front grille, and the light housings. The redesigned, smoked headlights switch from halogens to projector-style illumination, and LEDs are incorporated into the head- and retouched taillights. The Limited goes heavier on chrome-plated trim pieces. 5. "Both the SR5 and Trail grades will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with a new wheel-design for both…" The Limited model rides on 20-inch wheels (now painted black). Maybe that's why they're paired with the X-REAS adaptive shock

2012 Ford F-150 Lariat 4x4 EcoBoost Long-Term Update 4 Tow Truck

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When the F-150 was used as the tow vehicle for the Tesla test -- the one where Motor Trend editors drove the Tesla Model S from the Los Angeles area to Las Vegas -- we were reminded that at some point soon, the truck should really get a trailer brake controller. Since we weren't towing a heavy load that day, the truck's brakes would suffice, but that wouldn't always be the case, and we probably wouldn't get a lot of advance notice when the Ford would be called upon to tow closer to its capacity. It would be better to make the truck ready ahead of time than to not have it and regret it. Ford does offer a trailer brake controller from the factory, and to be honest, when we ordered our truck with the Lariat trim level, and saw that the Trailer Tow package was included, we made the mistake of presuming that a trailer brake controller was part of that package. It isn't. You may ask why it isn't; we certainly did. The answer makes total sense, though: people that tow on a regular basis may want to use their favorite brand of controller, so Ford gives them that choice. We opted to stay with the unit offered by Ford, and took it to a local dealership to have it installed. The controller cost $230, and there was already a space in the dash for the controller. We followed along as the installation took place, a process that took about an hour. The installer unbolted the bottom of the center stack, which freed the center console. He unbolted that, removed it, and set out of the way. He also unbolted the dash, exposing the areas where the wiring had to go. There had been a cover behind the dash where the controller wiring would connect to the truck, and once the installer removed that, he could plug the controller wiring in place. The unit itself, at least the interface that the driver would use, slid right into place on the center stack. Then he reassembled the interior, and the truck looked just as nice as when we brought it in, except for the new addition. But there was one more step to the installation. The electronics had to be programmed so the controller would work. After connecting a computer at the OBD II connector under the dash, the installer found the right program on the computer, and set it to run. We saw the gauge needles quickly blip from left to right (0 to max) and back, twice, and then the trailer brake controller installation was complete. He toggled through the menu within the gauge cluster to prove that the controller was set up correctly -- he checked to make sure that adjusting the gain was now an option (and it was), so his job was done. And now our long-termer is ready for towing heavy loads.

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Our Cars
Service life	8 months/21,476 miles
Average fuel economy	14.2 mpg
CO2 emissions	1.37 lb/mile
Energy consumption	237 kW-hr/100miles
Unresolved problems	None
Maintenance cost	$107.58 (2 x oil change, tire rotation, inspection)
Normal-wear cost	$0

2013 Kia Rio SX Arrival

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Does this Motor Trend Garage introduction qualify as one of those "that awkward moment" Internet posts? Our last subcompact hatchback comparison's final draft order made the Kia Rio the automotive proxy for Mr. Irrelevant ("Shiftbox Revolution," April 2012). We aired grievances ranging from driving dynamics to the lack of features onboard. But that was a stripped-out LX, picked to the bone and devoid of power door locks, electric-crank windows, and cruise control for the sake of low pricing. The Rio SX furnishes all three, plus automatic headlights, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power-folding side mirrors, and backup camera. The SX-specific sport suspension has higher-rate rear springs, specially valved shock absorbers, and a 2 mm-thicker front anti-roll bar. Despite the LX's poor showing, our new long-termer is the kind of car embraced by car buffs. Not because it's crazy powerful -- the direct-injection, 1.6-liter I-4 makes 138 hp, "beating" the 140-hp VW Passat TDI for least amount of pony power in the Garage. It's the transmission. A limited run of just 459 SX five-doors with six-speed manuals were built and sent to Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Miami, four East Coast markets, and Southern California.

Behold the only long-term garage vehicle named after a city. Or a river. Or a restaurant? It couldn't be the kid-friendly movie...

Further tickling the car aficionado gene is a calculated purloining of equipment from the auto SX's $2350 Premium Package. The single-spec manual SX nabs the keyless entry with push-button ignition and 7-inch audio/video/nav touchscreen display at no extra cost. What didn't make the cut: a sunroof, leather seating, and heated front seats. We'll examine how the car behaves around town and far away from home base. We'll even see how it engages the enthusiast driver, and we'll sneak a peek at the chassis beneath the well-dressed sheetmetal. Nope, there won't be anything awkward about any of this at all.

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2013 Kia Rio SX
BASE PRICE	$18,650
PRICE AS TESTED	$18,794
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback
ENGINE	1.6L/138-hp/123-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION	6-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	2522 lb (61/39%)
WHEELBASE	101.2 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	159.3 x 67.7 x 57.3 in
0-60 MPH	8.2 sec
QUARTER MILE	16.5 sec @ 83.1 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	123.5
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.80 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	27.9 sec @ 0.60 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON	29/37 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY	116/91 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS	0.60 lb/mile
TOTAL MILEAGE	1442 mi
AVERAGE FUEL ECON	30.9 mpg

2014 Ford Fiesta ST (European Spec) First Drive

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After missing out for decades on the hot, small, and fun cars that personified Ford in Europe, now it seems the company can't stop bringing them over to the U.S. Not long after the Focus ST's arrival comes the Fiesta ST, a rowdy, unflappable, and hilarious little car. Smaller and lighter, it's the ST formula distilled, and that is a very good thing. First, a disclaimer. For the car's launch, Ford invited journalists to Nice, France, to drive two-door hatchbacks that won't be available in the U.S. The only trim we'll see is a four-door hatchback with a manual. While it has two extra doors and weighs more, there are no other hardware differences between the U.S. and European models. From the engine to the suspension to the tires, all the parts are the same, although some tuning differences exist. For example, the rebound setting on the U.S. car had to be changed to meet a U.S.-specific pothole test. As for the ST-specific hardware, there are the requisite drop in ride height, new dampers, and stiffer springs. A torsion beam with greater roll stiffness helps induce the tail-out antics, while new steering knuckles and revised camber give the wheel greater control. The brakes are discs all around; the bucket seats have thick side bolsters; and, of course, there's that potent turbo I-4.

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Though mechanically identical in other Fords, the calibration of the 1.6-liter here is specific for this application. It makes either 180 hp or 197 hp and 177 lb-ft or 214 lb-ft of torque depending on overboost, which is when the turbo breathes as much as 21 psi for 20 seconds maximum. (It reverts to 14.5 psi after.) Ford engineers say that the recovery time is virtually nil, so that lifting off the throttle briefly and going back to wide open throttle, either during a gear change or while navigating a corner, puts the engine back in overboost. That means outside of the autobahn, it's always available on public roads.

2014 Jaguar F-Type First Drive

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The instant designer Ian Callum began to calmly speak about his new design, it was apparent that Jaguar had decided to confront the F-Type's first problem -- the ancient E-Type -- head on. Never mind that the E-Type was introduced in 1961, and left the stage along with Richard Nixon's presidency. It was an ominous presence here, a fuselage-shaped ghost threatening to haunt the new cat king's coronation. In fact, an E-Type was at the event. It shared the courtyard stage alongside a C-Type and D-Type Le Mans racer, making for a Holy Trinity of Jag alphabet-soup sports cars ceremonially arranged around the F in Pamplona, Spain, a place better known for rampaging bulls than fleet-footed cats I was all ears, because the E-Type largely shaped my own conception of what a sports car is supposed be -- and certainly should look like. I had driven a '66 roadster to high school (among Orange County's most astonishing parental misjudgments). And as a refresher before packing for Spain, I'd asked a friend if I could go for a ride in his spectacular '65 example. All the magic remained -- the urgent cam chain whir, the hood so long it prompted off-color jokes, the view of the taut grilles of louvers set on top of it (mine, often venting steam), the patented English burble when you'd lift off its throttle. How could the F-Type possibly top this?

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Pointing to the nearby E-Type, Callum calmly said it can't. And, basically, get over it. Lawyerly, he explained that modern regulations on crash standards, bumpers, lighting, rollover -- the whole thick book of them -- simply wouldn't permit an E-Type's existence today. It's a pointless comparison. Moreover (my addition here), after a 40-year hiatus that included at least a pair of stillborn attempts at an F-Type, almost two

2014 Lexus IS 250 F Sport Lamb in Wolf's Clothing

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Having shamelessly modified a classic idiom for our subtitle, we presume there's explaining to be done. We just had our first 2014 Lexus IS in for testing -- an IS 250 F Sport. The bad news first: Since the car doesn't drop to the public until this June, we can't attest with hand over heart to the value proposition, because pricing was unknown at time of writing. Also, the test car is an early-build vehicle and hopefully not production-representative (we'll get into this later), and as the IS 250 doesn't reinvent itself mechanically over the 2006-2013 model, some of its newness is lost on the enthusiast populace. So, symbolically, the holdover 2.5-liter V-6 and basic mechanicals are the lamb that hasn't yet grown into a sheep. Now, the good news. Lexus bills the latest IS as having "[kicked] it up a notch with true sport sedan driving dynamics, state of the art onboard technologies, and an all-new design that makes it look fast even when it's standing still." The design certainly plays a big role in an attempt to shake things up in the world of sporty luxury sedans. The cabin's modernization brings a familial but fresh take to the center stack and console. Neat electrostatic switches (a first for the brand, says Lexus) manage the dual-zone automatic climate control's temperature settings, perfect for the generation used to finger-swiping their smartphone touch screens. The F Sport tachometer needle's color can be changed to red, white, or blue. Backseat space in the 2013 model was laughable. For 2014, the IS is noticeably more spacious for passengers astern, with 0.2 inch more headroom, 0.3 inch more hip room, 0.7 inch more shoulder room, and, most conspicuously, 1.6 inches of additional legroom. Only time will tell if the exterior design -- with its aggressive stance and fascias, elongated wraparound taillights, and enormous, pinched front grille -- will age as gracefully as the safely styled IS 300 and IS 250, but there's no doubt the 2014 car has attitude. The big(ger), bad(der) IS 250 F Sport has its wolf's clothing.

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Here's how the First Test went down. The early-build IS 250 F Sport was delivered to us after it partook in the 2014 IS media launch in Austin, Texas -- the navigation system had Texas destinations programmed into it. Snooping around the infotainment system with the Remote Touch mouse controller

2013 Honda Accord Sport vs. Toyota Camry SE vs. 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring

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Believe it or not, some midsize sedan buyers view these four- doors as exciting signs of hope, evidence that the fun isn’t over just because kids and jobs now consume 23 hours of the day. Despite their prevalence—at least that of the Accord and Camry, which sold more than 300,000 and 400,000 units in 2012, respectively—the three family sedans here are injected with a shot of sport aimed at enlivening the daily doldrums of commuting, errand running, and passenger hauling. If you can zip from light to light a little quicker or take the freeway on-ramp a bit more aggressively—anything to brighten your day—why not, right? With that in mind, we gathered the all-new Mazda6 and Honda Accord Sport, as well as the best-selling veteran, the Toyota Camry SE, to see which one delivered the most effective spoonful of sport medicine. Each boasts a stout four-cylinder, a seamless automatic, an athletic body kit, and a sport-tuned chassis, designed to collectively stimulate the senses and soothe the soul. We tried to get a Fusion SE, but Ford claimed it couldn’t source one. And the top-dog VW Passat? With the new EA888 turbo I-4 poised for 2014 duty and a dedicated sport trim still a distinct possibility (see the Passat Performance Concept from this year’s Detroit auto show), the Chattanooga champ was relegated to Round 2 and a face-off with this test’s winner. But let’s focus on Round 1…

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Toyota Camry SE

The SE accounts for about 40 percent of Camry sales, which equates to around 160,000 units annually. That’s nearly five times as many 6s as Mazda sold last year. SE drivers are treated to the same 2.5-liter, 178-hp, 170-lb-ft I-4 that powers most Camrys not wearing V-6 or Hybrid badging, but the six-speed automatic (the only tranny offered) comes with paddle shifters and an S mode that delivers quicker shifts and downshift throttle blips. Nice. The chassis receives firmer springs and dampers, stiffer lower front-control arms, strut tower and trunk-mounted braces, and 17-inch alloys wearing 215/55 rubber. Outside, there are SE-specific side skirts, mesh upper grille, black headlamp bezels, and rear spoiler. Inside, a three-spoke steering wheel and thicker bolstered sport seats round out the package. Problem is, the aesthetic parts are more appealing than the finished product. Styling, inside and out, was deemed dated, with the slab-sided exterior and ’80s-esque interior drawing criticism.

2013 Fiat 500e Quick Drive

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Reexamining photos of Chrysler's ENVI program, it's hard not to think about what could've been. It's been about three and a half years since the first news of the alternative propulsion unit's closing. ENVI took with it the most conspicuous evidence that the then-fresh-out-of-Chapter-11 automaker had new products and ideas to help establish a foothold in the AP market. Dark times, those. But now we've had our initial crack at Chrysler's first battery-electric vehicle that's not a neighborhood electric vehicle (GEM) and will be sold to the "general" public. The happy-go-lucky Fiat 500e will henceforth be remembered as the root from which all other Chrysler EVs sprung. Roughly two years after development began, the fully electrified 500 fulfills a number of firsts: Chrysler's first EV, of course; the first 500 with a 7-inch thin-film transistor display serving as the gauge cluster; the first 500 with push-button transmission controls; and Chrysler's first stab at the California Air Resources Board's zero-emissions vehicle requirements. The last point ties to the quote marks around the word "general" above: The 500e will only be sold in EV-friendly California for the time being, but it might be offered in other markets in the future.

2013 Chrysler 300S Arrival

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I called dibs on the Chrysler 300S just about the minute I heard one would be joining our long-term fleet. The timing lined up well, with my Hyundai Elantra long-termer set to go back as the Chrysler was to arrive. Well, the Elantra stayed a little longer than it was supposed to, but the Chrysler ended up fashionably late. The S trim of the 300 eschews the flashy chrome the big sedan is known for. Blackout and body-color elements give it a classier, more old-fashioned look, one that goes well with our long-termer's white paint job and contrasting black leather interior. The S also comes standard with a subwoofer-equipped 10-speaker 552-watt Beats sound system, continuing the trend of Chrysler vehicles offering high-quality audio.

Since I got the 300, many have told me 'That car is so you.' I don't disagree.

We wanted to try out the new ZF eight-speed auto, so we skipped the optional Hemi V-8 and stuck with the Pentastar V-6 (which makes 300 hp in the S) -- and then proceeded to check practically every option box save for the panoramic sunroof. The $1995 Safety Tec package that includes, among other things, adaptive cruise control, blind spot and cross path detection, and forward collision warning? Check. The $795 Light Group that throws in auto-leveling HID headlamps with automatic high beams? Check. The $2850 Luxury Group that includes a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, power adjustable steering column, and power-adjustable pedals? You got it. For good measure, we also opted for the $995 navigation system. Total price? Only $40,625 -- about 20 large less than our 528i, which doesn't even warm our buns. Though I've had the car for only a couple months, I've

Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept First Look

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Prepare for confusion: The Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe concept isn't a coupe -- it's a four-door crossover. And it isn't even blue -- it's metallic orange. Clearly some product planners at VW have an interesting sense of humor. Instead of focusing on what the CrossBlue Coupe concept isn't, though, we'll focus on what it is: an innovative plug-in hybrid, wrapped in attractive sheetmetal. Like the CrossBlue concept from the Detroit auto show, the CrossBlue Coupe concept from the Shanghai motor show is built on VW's MQB architecture and powered by a gas engine paired with twin electric motors. The system consists of a transverse 3.6-liter turbocharged V-6 making 295 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, a front electric motor making 54 hp, and a rear motor making 114 hp. The system's combined output is an impressive 415 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and center tunnel-mounted 9.8 kW-hr lithium-ion battery pack bring the plug-in powertrain together. Volkswagen estimates a 0-62 mph time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 147 mph, giving the CrossBlue Coupe some scoot to back up the sporty bodywork. Sportiness is only half of the CrossBlue Coupe's MO. Efficiency is the other half. On that front, the CrossBlue Coupe can operate as a pure EV for as many as 21 miles up to a top speed of 75 mph, when the engine will presumably start up. While in EV mode, the rear motor powers the CrossBlue Coupe, while the front motor and engine are decoupled from the drivetrain for efficiency's sake. When the battery's juice runs dry, the crossover switches to its default hybrid mode, where VW expects the vehicle to get 79 mpg combined on the new European driving cycle. If it hasn't been plugged in and is running on gas, the CrossBlue Coupe is reportedly capable of 34.1 mpg combined. Thanks to a 21.2-gallon gas tank, VW estimates the Coupe's range to be around 720 miles.

2012 BMW 328i Sport car

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If you haven't been reading our Car Salesman Confidential series, I recommend it. It's a fascinating look behind the scenes at a dealership and shows how slim the profit margin can be on a new car. The service department, though, is where there's money to be made. I discovered this firsthand when the 328 recently suffered a flat tire while out on a video shoot. The video producer who was driving it had it shipped down to South Bay BMW in Torrance, California, via BMW Roadside Assistance, because the fix-a-flat in the trunk wasn't going to cut it. That's where the trouble started. The car was "lost" for approximately five hours at the dealer -- the tow truck driver had apparently dropped it in a corner somewhere the dealer didn't think to look. Once found, the dealer determined it didn't have an OEM Pirelli Cinturato tire in stock and would have to order one, which meant it wouldn't be fixed on the same day. Never mind that the 3 Series is far and away BMW's best-selling model. A follow-up call to the dealer a day later revealed the car had been "lost" again, but this time for only an hour. Two days later, the dealer announced it had successfully installed a new tire. The charge for this service? $500.93. A quick Internet search on my phone showed the retail price for that tire at a place like TireRack.com was just $289. Being a very large dealer, it's unlikely the service department was paying retail price rather than wholesale, but a look at the invoice showed the same tire with a list price of $428.40, a $139.40 markup over bricks-and-mortar retail. After fees and labor were added, it came to $437 before tax. I argued this point with the service consultant, who at first insisted that the service manager set the prices and he had no control over it. When I refused to pay that price, he disappeared for 10 minutes, then returned with a bill for $342.82. The fees for balancing, a valve stem, old tire disposal and a state fee were all still present, but now the tire list price showed $340, and he'd knocked the price down even further to $306 (a supposed loss, based on the numbers presented) and waived the $25 labor charge. (The sales tax went down to $27.32.) Sensing that

2012 Nissan Frontier 4X4 PRO4X

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Another month gone and another month with nearly 2000 more miles added to our midsize hauler. With so many miles under our lightweights' belt, staffers have noted the manual transmission is starting to whine more. Associate editor Scott Evans took our Nissan Frontier home for the weekend: "There are really only two things I'd change about this truck. First, they've got to tone-down the gear noise. I realize it's a truck, but I've heard race cars with straight-cut gears that didn't make as much racket as the transmission in this truck." "Second, they've got to update the styling of the dash, console, and door panels. It looks straight out of 2003 and is desperately in need of a refresh." Evans continues, "They can use the same materials, all the same mounting points and dimensions, keep the seats and the rest. Just make it look new like they do to the grille every few years. Everything else can stay." "This truck feels right-size to me. Full-size trucks have gotten so tall and so large they're impractical if you live any place denser than a suburb. This one feels nimble enough to get around a city and still rugged enough to tackle a trail. The tall seating position, manual transmission and 4x4 stickers on the bed make me want to prerun it on the nearest dirt road. It certainly feels robust enough to take the abuse. It's got good power, good clearance and it's not too big or too heavy for moderate obstacles." After a Vegas road trip and daily commutes, our Frontier is nearing its 15000-mile checkup. We'll have more on that update next month when we take it into our local dealer for its second routine maintenance service.

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2012 Nissan Frontier 4X4 PRO4X
Service life:	6 mo/13,732 mi
Avg CO2:	1.11 lb/mi
Energy cons:	194 kW-hr/100mi
Unresolved problems:	None
Maintenance cost:	$173.63 (oil change, rotate tires, inspection)
Normal-wear cost:	$0
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ:	15/20/17 mpg
Average Fuel Econ:	17.4 mpg