Quick Drive: 2011 Infiniti G25x AWD

The 2011 Infiniti G25 is a great car to drive and offers a lot of value. This car competes against the Lexus IS250 and the BMW 328i. Before driving the Infiniti G25 I was a little weary about how it would drive because of the engine change. The G25 is powered by a 2.5L V6 engine that produces 218 hp and 187 lb-feet of torque. I only had the opportunity to drive this car in the city and didn't get a chance to take it on the highway. But I can say that I actually enjoyed this car very much even with the dip in horsepower compared to the G37.

This entry level sedan is offered in three trim levels: the G25 sedan, G25 sedan Journey, and the G25x sedan AWD. Standard with each trim is a 7-speed automatic transmission which is carried over from the G37. This vehicle also offers better fuel economy than the G37 at 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway(rear-wheel drive models). There is a lot of standard equipment offered on this vehicle which makes the G25 a great value. I will say that some choices such as not offering a navigation system in this car is a bit strange. There are also a few other nifty Infiniti technologies that are also not available. I think that Infiniti doesn't want to take sales away from the G37 but in my opinion I don't think that would happen if those features were offered.

The interior of the G25 is just as luxurious as any other Infiniti. Just like in my review of the 2011 Infiniti EX, I just love the easy use of the knobs and buttons. Some other luxury vehicle's interiors are just way too complicated. There are many people who like the complexity but I like others like things to be simple without being overwhelmed. The materials that are used in this vehicle are of great quality, there is surely no skimping on Infiniti's part in this interior. The G25 offers the same interior as the G37. For those that feel they would be losing out on the luxury by buying this vehicle will be rather pleased. Just like the interior of this car, its exterior   shares the same good looks with the G37. While there is room for 5, the hump in the rear seats creates a problem for anyone who has to sit in the backseats. So I would say that this vehicle seats 4 comfortably.

The G25 drives just how you would expect an Infiniti to drive. But I could definitely feel the loss of the power that the G37 has. However I was quite pleased with the power that the 2.5 engine has to offer. Because I was doing city driving I never missed any of the extra horses. It isn't the faster car but it sure isn't that slow by any means. I actually found this engine to be smoother than the engine found in the G37. Everything just seemed to come together very well and it a thrill to drive this car.

The G25x Journey I drove is priced reasonably at $34, 825, with the base modeling ringing in at more than $31,000. I see this car being perfect for anyone who is looking for a reasonably priced luxury car and for someone young who is buying their first luxury car. The G25 fits in nicely in the Infiniti G family.Overall I think that the G25 is a terrific entry level luxury car and maybe next time I can get to drive it a little bit longer and give a more detailed review.


What are some of your thoughts and feelings about the G25?

For more information about the G25 check out Infiniti's website: http://www.infinitiusa.com/

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What Are Some of the Best Car Interiors offered?

Over the past few years many automakers are really doing a good job offering great quality interiors. I think that Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge have really done a nice job of improving their interiors recently. But there are still some automakers that need to improve their interiors. Some of my favorite interiors are offered by Infiniti, Audi, Hyundai, Kia, and Cadillac.
Who do you think offers the best interiors? What automakers need to improve their interiors?

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2012 Acura TL design

I've just seen the new TL and personally it is not as attractive as the 2011 model. I loved the beak on all of the Acura's and disappointed that they decided to soften it out. But I understand why they did it, not a lot of people liked that design. Just about all of the reviews I've watched and read hated the car's design. That design made that car very interesting and made it stand out from the crowd.  Now the interior is another story, they just remind me of Honda. I don't find the interior luxurious at all. This car may drive well but now it blends in with the other bland cars on the road.

For more information about the TL check out Acura's website: www.acura.com

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Is Lexus still considered a top luxury brand?

On Motor Trends website today there is an article about the 2013 GS Prototype and if this will make Lexus a "cool" brand again. I found it interesting because for the past few months I've been thinking about how strong of a brand Lexus used to be. I really think that Lexus has lost it's way compared to when it was first introduced. One major problem that I have with Lexus lately are the designs of their vehicles, they just aren't interesting. These designs are just as bland as the designs of Toyota's. Other luxury automakers such as Infiniti, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW offer more interesting exteriors and interiors than Lexus does. Offering different vehicle designs allow the companies to reach a interested buyers from all age demographics.

When I talk to my friends about cars there is never a discussion about Lexus. They all talk about other luxury and non-luxury brands. It is important that Lexus try to appeal to a younger demographic because it will allow them to grow with new customers. I don't think that it is impossible for Lexus to change around its image but they need to start sooner than later. My favorite Lexus model was the first generation RX300. Lately I have not been a fan of Lexus but I'm hoping they can change my view.

Do you agree? What are your views about Lexus? Please comment and lets start a discussion.

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The Green Light: 2012 Nissan Versa

The Green Light: 2012 Nissan Versa: "The Nissan Versa sedan is all new for the 2012 model year. I can say that this sedan is better looking than the model it replaces but I can'..."

Anticipation of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster is the car that I can't wait to drive when it becomes available. I am a big fan of funky designs (my favorite so far- Nissan Juke) and Hyundai delivers with the Veloster. The design direction that Hyundai and KIA have taken, in my opinion are paying off for them. The choices of paint colors Hyundai has decided to use also make a bold statement.

Hyundai's interiors have been on point lately and they look better than most of their competitors. From the ads that I have seen lately Hyundai claims that this vehicle will get 40 miles to the gallon. This will definitely boost sales because many people are looking for vehicles that get the most mpgs.
                                                                     This is one great looking car and I applaud Hyundai for taking a chance with the Veloster because I get tired of seeing vehicles that are bland and conservative. I have really become a big supporter of Hyundai lately and I doubt that I would be if they didn't come out with the models they have released. I can't wait to see these cars on the road and I hope that I have the opportunity to review one. Other automakers need to start following Hyundai because they are setting the stage. HYUNDAI PLEASE SEND ME ONE TO REVIEW!!!!

How do you feel about the Hyundai Veloster?

For more information on the Veloster check out Hyundai's website: http://www.hyundaiusa.com/veloster/

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2012 Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa sedan is all new for the 2012 model year. I can say that this sedan is better looking than the model it replaces but I can't say that it is better looking than the competition. While not everyone will find it attractive I think that those who don't will find the price attractive. Nissan has undercut the competition by pricing a well equipped Versa at $10,990.

The Versa now rides on the global "V" platform which weighs 150 pounds less than the outgoing model. It is available in three trim levels: 1.6 S, 1.6 SV, and 1.6 SL. A manual transmission is only available in the 1.6 S trim.

I know that in order for Nissan to get the price as low as it is cuts had to be made. Those cuts seem like they were made in the interior of this car. I can't complain to much about this because the consumer will get a lot for their money. But comparing it to others in the class people might be turned away by this. I personally think that Nissan has winner on it's hands and the Versa will be a big seller. I just hope that when the hatchback arrives it will be more attractive than the sedan.

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Review: 2011 Infiniti EX Journey AWD

 The 2011 Infiniti EX35 is a stylish compact crossover that competes against the Mercedes-Benz GLK, BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Acura RDX. I had the opportunity to drive a Journey AWD model with the premium package for the past two weeks.   The last EX35 I drove was the 2008 Journey AWD model.  There are many crossovers offered by luxury automakers, but in my opinion not many come close to the EX.

For the 2011 model year the EX gets quite a few enhancements. Replacing last year’s five-speed

transmission is a new seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Standard on both trim levels are 18-inch wheels, iPod input, Bluetooth connectivity, side curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, and dual-zone climate control. I feel that dual-zone climate control should have been standard on all levels when the EX was first introduced. The EX is offered in Base or Journey models, they both come in rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The exterior of the EX is a mixture between the G and the FX. There is no denying that this vehicle is a part of the Infiniti family. Compared to other compact luxury crossovers, the EX sits lower to the ground making it look like a G wagon rather than a CUV. The EX was the first vehicle to have “Scratch Shield” paint which lets the EX heal itself from small scuffs and scratches. 

Compared to the competitors the EX really has a great presence and stands out from the crowd. While driving I got many points and stares from people mainly because this may be one of three EXs in Greenville, NC they’ve ever seen.

The term “Luxury” is defined by the interior of the EX. The materials that are used in this vehicle are of great quality. The Audi Q5 is the only other crossover that comes close to offering a great interior. But the EX’s interior just stands out once you’re inside of the cabin. What I really liked about the interior is the easy use of the touchscreen monitor and the simplicity of the knobs and buttons. While there were many things I loved about the interior there were three things I didn’t like so much. The backseat of the EX is much smaller than many of the competitors. I’m 5’8” and felt if I was any taller I would probably be very uncomfortable. Another issue I had is the size of the cargo hold which is a lot smaller than other vehicles I have come across. The other issue I had was with the navigation screen. There was a lot of glare from the sunlight which made it difficult at times to see everything on the screen. One of my favorite features was the Around View Monitor which made pulling in and out of tight spaces easy.

The 2011 EX uses a 3.5 V6 engine that produces 297 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The fuel economy is rated at 17 city and 24 highway with a combined rating of 20 mpg. I can say that I didn’t even come close to the combined mpg rating; in mixed driving I achieved 15.9 mpg. My driving experience with the EX was amazing; it offered a great balance of handling and performance.  The ride quality of this vehicle was very smooth but the standout star of the EX is its V6 engine. It may not use the same engine as the G37 but there is more than enough horsepower and torque to satisfy me. I found myself going over the speed limit plenty of times but I couldn’t help it!

Overall I think that the Infiniti EX is great to look at and very exciting to drive. I should be seeing more of the Infiniti EX on the road but I don’t think that will happen until Infiniti addresses a few things. In order for the EX to really compete in sales with the Q5 and X3 it has to grow in size and offer more of a CUV stance. I feel many people who do look at the EX are not happy with the cramped backseats and the cargo area. Anyone who looks at the G37 should also take a look at EX35 the only thing you will be sacrificing is horsepower. The EX is still one of my favorite Infiniti models mainly because it offers amazing styling, a terrific engine, and a luxury interior for a good value.


What are your thoughts on the EX?


For more information on the EX and other Infinitis check out Infiniti's website: www.infinitiusa.com

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Opinion of the Lexus CT200h

After reading a review of the Lexus CT 200h in the newspaper this morning and watching several reviews in the past few weeks, everyone agreed about the lack of sportiness this car offers. I think this car will do well because the appearance and price are very attractive, as well as the MPGs. I have not been a fan of Lexus' designs recently because they just are to bland and basic for my taste. One thing I don't like about this car is the interior. Other reviewers praised the interior but to me it seems very old, like they pulled most of it out of previous generations. In y opinion this will be a huge seller in many major cities. I would love to have a chance to drive this vehicle and see what it's all about.


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