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

2011 Lexus LS 600h L

The 2011 Lexus LS series goes from large to larger, with the top-of-the-line model of this four-door luxury sedan being the hybrid LS 600h L, a long-wheel limousine that... August 8, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Lexus GS 450h

The Lexus GS series is now in its last model year before replacement, and its hybrid model, the GS 450h, soldiers on with the rest of the line. This fast, refined... August 8, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Smart ForTwo

The 2011 Smart ForTwo may be one of the more polarizing cars around. In theory, it’s a great urban runabout, the shortest car sold in the U.S. and one that you can park... August 8, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Honda CR-Z

The 2011 Honda CR-Z is the smallest hybrid sold in the U.S. and the only two-seat sports coupe hybrid to boot. It’s meant to recall Honda’s much-loved CRX from... August 8, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class / S 400 Hybrid

You might not think of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a full-size luxury sedan whose price starts at just south of $100,000, as being particularly green. But the $90,000... August 8, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 BMW 7-Series / ActiveHybrid 7

The 2011 BMW 7-Series represents the pinnacle of the BMW sedan hierarchy, and like its competitor the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, it’s large, comfortable, and packed with... August 8, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Hyundai Accent

At a price of $9,985 (plus destination charges) for the base GL hatchback model, the 2011 Hyundai Accent is the least expensive new car on the U.S. market this year. Sold as... July 31, 2011 by John Voelcker 1

2011 Kia Rio

The 2011 Kia Rio is one of the oldest cars on the market by now; the subcompact was first introduced in 2006. It’s bland inside and out, but more room than you might... July 31, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 BMW 3-Series

BMW is known for its sports sedans, and the BMW 3-Series is probably the best-known BMW. Sold in a variety of body styles (sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon) and... July 31, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 BMW X5

BMW blazed itself a new trail in the late 1990s when it launched the first X5 sport-utility vehicle, and the 2011 X5 continues to provide good handling, seating for five, and... July 31, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Audi Q7 / Q7 TDI

Unlike its brethren the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, the 2011 Audi Q7 carries on with the design that debuted in 2007, mildly refreshed inside and out last year... July 31, 2011 by John Voelcker

2011 Volkswagen Touareg / Toureg Hybrid / Touareg TDI

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is the priciest model in VW’s U.S. lineup, a near-luxury sport-utility vehicle from a company better known for its compact Jetta sedan and... July 31, 2011 by John Voelcker