Reviews of 2011 & 2012 electric plug-ins, hybrids, diesel vehicles

2011 Chevrolet Volt

Years from now, the world might just view the 2011 Chevrolet Volt as the car that showed General Motors was worth saving. The Volt is GM’s first electric car since the... July 22, 2011 by John Voelcker 5

2011 Nissan Leaf

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is the first battery electric car from a major carmaker built in high volumes for almost a century. Its distinctive five-door design makes it as... July 18, 2011 by John Voelcker 1

2011 Toyota Prius

The 2011 Toyota Prius hybrid has the highest gas mileage of any car sold in the U.S. this year: 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway, for a combined EPA fuel efficiency rating of 50... July 16, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Unlike dedicated hybrids without a comparable gas-only version, the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid carries its gasoline-electric powertrain in a body that looks just like the... July 13, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Lexus RX 450h

The 2011 Lexus RX 450h may be the star attraction of the most popular model in the entire Lexus line. Now in its third generation, the RX mid-size crossover utility vehicle... July 13, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is the first fully competitive compact sedan Chevy has ever fielded, and in some areas it outshines the perennial class leaders, the Honda Civic and... July 13, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Ford Fusion Hybrid mid-size sedan was Ford's second hybrid vehicle after the Escape Hybrid crossover. The Fusion Hybrid, launched early in 2009 as a 2010 model, was a... June 30, 2011 by John Voelcker 1

2011 Ford Escape Hybrid

It was the first hybrid sport utility in the world, launched with great fanfare by Ford in 2004, and for 2011, the Escape Hybrid is still going strong--and still selling... June 30, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Tesla Roadster

The Tesla Roadster will always occupy a prominent place in history, as the first modern electric car in mass production. Sure, it's expensive, and sure, there will only ever... June 30, 2011 by John Voelcker 3

2011 Audi A3

Given the premium positioning of the 2011 Audi A3 compact hatchback, you won't be cross-shopping it against mass-market Asian brands. But as a refined, versatile German... June 30, 2011 by John Voelcker

First Drive Review: 2011 Nissan Juke

The 2011 Nissan Juke small crossover is a one-of-a-kind vehicle. Its extroverted styling, turbocharged engine, and comfortable interior go a long way toward giving this... February 9, 2011 by John Voelcker 4

First Drive Review: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

Saddled with perhaps the oddest name in all of the automotive kingdom, the Volkswagen Touareg nevertheless gets a refresh for 2011, adding Volkswagen's first-ever hybrid... February 7, 2011 by Tim Healey