consumer issues
DriveWays: BMWX5 prospered despite its shortcomings
Right out of the garage, the BMW X5 was an anomaly.
When it was introduced in 2000, it was a response by the Bavarian car company to a perceived threat from its arch-rival, Mercedes-Benz, which had brought out the first luxury sport-utility vehicle, the ML320, in 1998.
Autosside: 2011 Hyundai Equus
2011 HYUNDAI EQUUS
TYPE: Rear-drive, five-passenger, full-size sedan.
PRICE: TBA, estimated at under $60,000.
WHERE BUILT: Ulsan, South Korea.
KEY RIVALS: BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, Lexus LX 460.
POWER: 3.8-liter, 290-horsepower Lambda V6 or a 4.6-liter, 375-horsepower Tau V8; six-speed auto transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY: TBA.
Autos: Equus the next best thing for Hyundai
With the U.S. introduction of the luxurious 2009 Genesis, Hyundai began moving up-market with a vengeance.
That trajectory will continue in 2010 as the Korean carmaker launches an even more ambitious flagship currently known as the Equus.
Resumania: Focus on professional accomplishments and qualificatons
From the sight of yellow school buses to the clanking sound of lunch boxes, signs abound that school is back in session. It's a time of year when many people reflect on their own school days. But despite the warm memories you may have of early scholastic successes, avoid waxing nostalgic when you are preparing your resume or including education details that may no longer be relevant.
Compute: Q and A on software and laptop care
After a few columns about the merits of Windows 7 and the upcoming release I have let the mailbag sag to the floor. Let's answer a few good ones today.
Q. If I install AVG's Free Edition, will I have to renew it every few months? I keep getting a pop-up about it.
Game On: Checking out 'Wolfenstein' and 'Madden NFL 10'
"Wolfenstein"
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Genre: Shooter
Publisher: Activision
ESRB Rating: M, for Mature
Grade: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
Autosside: 2009 Mini Cooper S
2009 MINI COOPER S
TYPE: Front-drive, four-passenger, subcompact coupe.
WHERE BUILT: Oxford, United Kingdom.
PRICE: $21,950 base, $26,950 as tested.
KEY RIVALS: Smart For Two, Volkswagen New Beetle.
POWER: 1.6-liter, 172 horsepower, 16-valve, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine; six-speed Getrag manual transmission.
Autos: Mini again adapting to new economic realities
The original British Mini might not have become the second most influential car of the 20th Century if not for an energy crisis.
Facing a fuel shortage brought on by the Suez Crisis of 1956, British Motor Corporation designed the minuscule motorcar to compete with an adorable array of wheels from Germany known as "bubble cars."
DriveWays: Elantra Touring has style and bit of flair
It's not impossible. You can get sensible shoes with style, especially if they are of the sport variety like driving shoes or cross-trainers.
The same thing applies to automobiles. It is possible to get a sensible car that also has style and even a certain amount of flair: witness the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring.
DriveWays Specs: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
Specifications for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring four-door wagon.
Engine: 2-liter four-cylinder, 138 horsepower.
Transmission: Five-speed manual.
Overall length: 14 feet 8 inches.
EPA passenger/cargo volume: 101/24 cubic feet.
Weight: 2,937 pounds.
EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 23/31 miles per gallon.
