Bullz-Eye took the Audi Q5 out for some review time recently, testing the crossover up against the rest of its very crowded segment. Audi has one thing going for it above other carmakers though – a history of making high quality sedans. Crossovers are all about providing the handling and finesse of a great sports sedan with the utility and extra space of an SUV. It’s a delicate balance, and one Audi was able to strike perfectly.

Here’s and excerpt from the 2011 Audi Q5 review:

The interior of the 2011 Audi Q5 3.2 quattro Tiptronic is one of the top of its class, serving as a reminder of how well Audi knows her customer. The upscale black leather and sliding rear seats make it obvious that interior quality was a top priority for the Audi design team. Our test model sported three zone climate control, heated 12-way power front seats with driver memory, decorative wood inlays, tilt and telescopic adjusted steering column and privacy glass. Other notable features included the 60/40 split folding rear seats with passthrough adjustment and power tailgate. The dash was smart and efficient with an Audi MMI navigation plus package and included Audi’s parking system plus rearview camera, CD/DVD player, HD radio, color driver information system and HDD navigation with voice control. The stand out for us was the Bang & Olufsen sound system. It was off the charts fantastic and we had to struggle not to crank up every song we liked on the included Sirius radio. The seating was roomy enough for five adults and the ride was quiet and smooth. The panoramic sunroof was enormous and enhanced the lighting in the cabin of the Q5. We also found the cargo space behind the rear seats to be larger than expected with more than enough space for those with an active lifestyle.

For the complete review, be sure to head over to the Bullz-Eye Cars Channel.

Just because you haven’t heard of the Suzuki Kizashi doesn’t mean you should write it off. Suzuki has been a bit of a sleeper brand in the US, but the 2011 Kizashi SLS Sport was enough to surprise our staff member while he test drove it for Bullz-Eye.

Here’s an excerpt from his review:

The interior of the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS felt like it belonged to a much higher priced vehicle. Our test model included push button ignition, 10-way power driver seat with memory, dual zone auto climate control, 425W Rockford Fosgate CD Audio with booming 10 speakers, iPod and MP3 USB Port. The Kizashi also had Bluetooth hands free calling, a leather steering wheel, power moon roof and heated mirrors. I also want to mention the upscale black appointed leather seats as they were some of the most comfortable and stylish seats I have seen in a vehicle with a 20k sticker price. Suzuki used the same leather to accent the door panels. That’s a detail normally used in much more expensive sedans than the Kizashi Sport. The dashboard is sleek with a very clean center stack, featuring quality dials and buttons that also give that feel of “affordable luxury”.

To read more about the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi, including our staff’s take on the car’s performance, head over to Bullz-Eye.com.

One of our staff recently got behind the wheel of a Volvo S60 T6 for Bullz-Eye.com. His review highlights the way Volvo is operating under new leadership and how the design has changed over the last several models.

Here’s a quick look at what he had to say:

Volvo is known for safety innovation but over the past few years it seems like their interiors are receiving as much attention, if not more. The soft, black leather sport seats in the front and rear were some of the most comfortable seats I have experienced in any car I’ve driven as of late. The dashboard is crisp and precise without clutter and the center console is tilted slightly towards the driver for better views and execution. Our model had a 7-inch color LCD monitor, 8-way power driver seat, a thick and sturdy leather sport steering wheel, dual zone electronic climate control and Bluetooth hands free interface. The interior also has luxury details like its leather trimmed door panels and the high performance Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby Pro. Going into spring in Ohio I was able to enjoy the power moon roof on some decent days.

For the rest of the Volvo S60 T6 review, including performance impressions, head over to the Bullz-Eye Cars channel.

The 2011 Nissan Rogue is the latest vehicle Bullz-Eye has had the chance to test drive. The crossover SUV is one of the most crowded segments of the American auto industry, but Nissan was able to do a few things to make the Rogue stand out. The car definitely has the looks, but is there enough power to back up a pretty face?

Here’s an excerpt from our staff’s 2011 Nissan Rogue review:

Much like the exterior, the interior of the 2011 Rogue benefitted nicely from the 2011 refresh. The cabin sports a new dashboard, iPod connectivity, a new navigation system with a 5″ touch screen monitor and a very comfortable leather wrapped steering wheel. The cabin of the 2011 Nissan Rogue SV AWD has a decent amount of room for its segment; the leather appointed seats were wide enough to handle larger passengers. The new dashboard is clean and easy to navigate while also taking things up a few notches in comfort and styling. The heated seats in our model had two levels and were a welcome feature during this cold Ohio winter. The crystal clear, 7-speaker Bose sound system pumped out impressive, high quality sound. The system also included XM satellite radio, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, a rearview monitor and Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry and ignition. The Rogue manages adequate spacing in the back seats and sufficient cargo space as well.

For more about the car, and to find out if the engine held up to our staff’s standards, head over to the Bullz-Eye 2011 Nissan Rogue review.

Among Bullz-Eye’s recent list of car reviews is the 2011 Nissan Xterra Pro-4x. The Xterra is an iconic model for both Nissan and the world of SUVs. While the design hasn’t changed much over the years, Nissan continues to spruce up the brand with the latest features and technological improvements. Still, the Xterra remains an off-road vehicle for the rugged man within.

Here’s an excerpt from a staff member’s 2011 Nissan Xterra review:

As sharp as the 2011 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X the performance of this SUV just might be the top selling point. This isn’t a car-based crossover so don’t look for a luxury car ride. My bride and I both agreed that the Xterra was one of the funnest cars we had driven in a while. The truck feel of the Xterra was classic but also refined. The good qualities are alive and well but the overly stiff and bumpy ride is diminished. The 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine provided plenty of power and, coupled with 16-inch machined alloy off-road wheels and 4-wheel drive, we stormed through the snow filled roads in Ohio. Overall, we were impressed with the power and handling from the Xterra. The continuous variable valve timing control system (CVTCS) made for smooth driving and the rear leaf spring suspension handled whatever old man winter had to offer. Gas mileage is also respectable at 15mpg city and 20mpg highway. The front independent double wishbone suspension with coil springs, a fully boxed high strength frame with front and rear stabilizer bars and electronic locking rear differential give the Xterra a unique combination of toughness and technology.

For the full review, check out the 2011 Nissan Xterra Pro-4x review on Bullz-Eye.com.

The Durango may have been shelved for a short while, but now that it’s back, Bullz-Eye was glad to give it a test drive. The model has traditionally been known for its bulky road presence. For 2011, Dodge refined the exterior for a sleek, sporty look and improved the driving experience in an effort to give the SUV broader appeal.

Here’s an excerpt from the Bullz-Eye Dodge Durango review:

The new exterior design offers a more refined but still powerful look that will make it more appealing than a crossover, particularly to the male market. It sportsDodge’s signature cross-hair grille and has the look and feel of a powerful vehicle. Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles described it as a “forward-leaning” design and it fits in nicely with the new Dodge lineup. I’m not a fan at all of the chrome-plated wheels that the American brands keep offering as an option, but fortunately buyers can avoid this option if they like.

For about the Durango’s return, including the full 2011 Dodge Durango review, head over to Bullz-Eye.com.

The Ford Taurus is one of the most iconic models of the brand. It had been around for what seemed like forever and yet, despite the car’s success, Ford discontinued the model in 2004. It took a new CEO in the form of Alan Mulally to revitalize the model and bring it back to life. Bullz-Eye had a chance to review the new and improved Taurus this year.

Here’s what our staff reviewer had to say:

The interior of the 2011 Taurus Limited has a cockpit style dashboard, making it hard to believe it’s a Taurus at times! Our Taurus had many fitting features, including 10-way power driver and passenger seats with lumbar and driver memory, a leather wrapped steering wheel with wood accents, a tremendous sound system, voice activated SYNC and very classy wood grain throughout. We were also getting spoiled with the heated and cooled leather seats in the front and heated leather seating in the rear, rear window power shade (very cool), and blind spot monitoring system that works like a charm. I have to add again that the 12-speaker Sony sound system totally rocked!

All of these features, along with the extra large cabin space and design, put the Taurus interior right at the top of the class. You will be asking yourself at times, is this is really a Ford Taurus?

You’ll be surprised by the other features that will have you asking the same question. Check out the full 2011 Ford Taurus review at Bullz-Eye.com.

Bullz-Eye has another great car review up, this time covering the 2011 Ford Fiesta. The subcompact market hasn’t exactly been the backbone of the American auto industry, but as environmental awareness continues to grow and consumers are ever more frugal, you can bet you’ll see subcompacts dominating even American business.

Ford’s Fiesta is one of the early entries from the big three, and it points the market segment in a hopeful direction. This car sounds like the little car that could – it has a nice list of amenities but remains economical enough that you won’t feel as though you’re bleeding money when you drive.

A Bullz-Eye staff member had this to say:

The Fiesta we tested had a 1.6 liter Duratech 5-speed manual transmission. It didn’t blow me away with any kind of power but I didn’t expect that from the subcompact. There has been plenty of emphasis on gas mileage in this segment and, in mostly city driving, we averaged around 34 mpg. If you spend most of your time on the highway in the Fiesta, you can expect to hit the 40mpg mark – that is without a hybrid engine or electric surcharge!

The steering was very precise and handling around corners was much better than I have experienced in other subcompacts. The 5-speed had effortless shifting, again, much better than we’ve seen from more expensive nameplates.

For more impressions on the 2011 Ford Fiesta, head over to the Bullz-Eye cars channel.

The 2011 Lincoln MKS is part of Lincoln’s newest plan to regain a seat atop the American luxury market. It’s a solid bid for the throne, loaded up with features you expect in much more expensive luxury cars. It doesn’t have the feel of pretending to the crown, it proves to the driver that it deserves the crown, and does so while still being fun to drive.

Bullz-Eye had this to say about the car’s performance:

The Ecoboost engine has been a huge winner for Ford and Lincoln as it continues to get rave reviews. For the MKS, the new engine takes the vehicle from an above-average powered sedan to “Oh My!” This 3.5 liter twin turbo charged direct injection V6 with six-speed with select shift put out some serious power that rivals many sports cars on the road. The biggest difference is the smooth take off in the MKS Ecoboost while the four-wheel disc brakes with ABS made it easy to slow down when needed. When cruising on the highway and you need to pass or make a move, you are flying just like that. This turbo engine is awesome! Since the MKS is quite large, the gas mileage isn’t off the charts at 17mpg city and 25mpg highway but hey, when you’re laying down over $50K, a few miles here or there shouldn’t influence your decision as the driving experience matters much more. That said, the gas mileage is solid given the performance. When the winter months roll in, the all-wheel drive on the MKS we drove provides an invaluable feature for anyone living in colder climates.

For the full 2011 Lincoln MKS review, head over to the Bullz-Eye Cars Channel.

Few cars have had the lasting industry impact that the Infiniti G series has produced. Our boys at Bullz-Eye.com recently had a chance to test drive the 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible Sport 6MT, and they came away as impressed as you’d expect.

Of course the car is gorgeous. It’s got sleek lines, a fantastic interior replete with a Bose sound system, but we know what you’re really after. Performance:

Our G37 MT had a 3.7 Liter DOHC 24-valve VVEL V6 engine that produced a smooth 325 Horsepower and 267 lb-ft torque. Gas mileage came in at 16mpg city and 24mpg highway, and could be considerably better with “softer” driving. The vehicle is a true sports car so it of course is rear wheel drive with a 6-speed manual transmission with independent front and rear suspension. The sport brakes with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers are probably some of the strongest and easiest brakes you’ll ever press your feet upon! We effortlessly shifted between gears and even when hitting decent speeds (cough, cough), the ride was tight with the beefed up independent suspension working like a charm. We were impressed with the handling and overall performance, but if you’re looking for a soft and smooth ride in a luxury vehicle, this may not be your best option. It’s a better choice for someone looking for a sportier version of a luxury vehicle.

For the full review, head over to the Bullz-Eye Cars channel.