Posts Tagged ‘chevrolet’

Jill Ciminillo

I really like the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. In theory.

This all-new car replaces the Cobalt for the 2011 model year, and it brings a much-needed “cool” into the compact car segment. The interior is stunning with nice touch points and an attractive, curving design. The exterior far surpasses its predecessor–from the headlights all the way to the taillights.

The 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 138 horsepower, and it’s just enough pep to move you through traffic and keep you competitive off the start from red lights.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ

The test vehicle was a top-of-the line LTZ model ($22,695) and included standard features like leather seats, OnStar Directions and Connections, XM Radio, Bluetooth connectivity for your cell phone, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, USB port and (my favorite) heated front seats.

All that combined with high fuel efficiency numbers, an affordable price tag and a cute, compact package, it should have made it a perfect 10.

That’s where the “in theory” part comes in.

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Jill Ciminillo

I’d like to think the hatchback craze has finally started to catch on in the US. And when you have vehicles like the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door, how could it not?

What an interesting, fast, attractive, functional and fun vehicle. The compact bullet shape is perfect for city driving, and the 265-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine is pure glee.

This is exactly the kind of car I could own living in Chicago. The compact size and I-mean-business hood scoop had me at hello. The peppy engine power and smooth 5-speed manual transmission got me shortly thereafter.

My first foray onto the highway had me smiling with delight at the quick on-ramp acceleration. And the tight steering and stiff suspension had me weaving in and out of traffic like a race car driver. The ride and handling was all sport and not an iota of cheap.

Which is nice considering the base price of the WRX is $26,220 with destination. And that includes the standard all-wheel drive (AWD), steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod integration and Sirius Satellite Radio. Personally, that’s all I’d need in a car.

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Jill Ciminillo

I honestly haven’t received this much attention in a while. And I wish I could say it was because of something I did with my hair or that really cute dress I was wearing.

But alas, it was all about the car.

I met neighbors I never knew. Had random strangers come up to the car and ask questions–while I was driving. Got more tweet traffic in a week than I usually get in a month. And had several photos taken, um, without me in the car.

The rear-wheel drive Chevrolet Corvette is always a favorite for ride, handling and sheer comfort. But you add “Grand Sport,” and you take it to a whole new level of cool. Especially when you add options such as the Grand Sport Heritage Package ($1,195), chrome aluminum wheels ($1,995) and dual mode performance exhaust ($1,195).

And the Torch Red exterior paint didn’t hurt.

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Jill Ciminillo

The 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid goes beyond big. It is well into gargantuan territory. Which isn’t necessarily a good thing. Especially if you live in an urban environment like I do. This tank of a vehicle was kind of like a bull in a China shop with nothing nimble about it.

Petite drivers need not apply.

While I was able to get a great driving position with excellent visibility with the 6-way power adjustable seat combined with the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and power adjustable pedals, everything else about this vehicle was cumbersome for this 5-foot-tall driver.

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

Entry and exit was doable with the running boards, but it wasn’t pretty. Especially in a pencil skirt and high heels. The third-row seat is an often necessary feature in growing families who carpool.

But if you need the cargo room over the passenger space, forget about it. The rear seats fold down, but they don’t fold flat. If you need the space, you have to remove these 100-pound suckers from the vehicle. Which is kind of easy as they slide down a track. But lifting them in and out, not so much. Read the rest of this entry »

Jill Ciminillo

I love playing the role of taxi driver when I have a test car. As a single woman, I sometimes have a very singular view of the cars I drive. But you put a firefighter or a mom in the passenger seat, and you get a whole new perspective.

This week, I had a mother or two car-seat-sized children in the jump seat, and she fairly oozed all over the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The very first thing she pointed out was the amount of rear legroom, which is perfect for a Snap N Go car seat. Or two as the as the case may be.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

She currently drives a Lexus GX 460, and she said that 3-row behemoth doesn’t have this kind of room.

One downside of the huge legroom, however: It’s really hard to reach the toys if they fall on the floor.

She didn’t check out the rear cargo area, but I suspect the 31.4 cubic-feet of cargo volume is more than adequate to fit a stroller. It was certainly more than enough space for my gym bag, yoga mat and running gear. And the optional cargo cover ($245) is a must if you plan to leave anything in your car and park outside (says the girl who’s had her car broken into twice when a cargo cover wasn’t available).

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