Devon test drives a Jeep Compass (Used)

The one star rating is all you need to know. Look elsewhere!

Performance: Two engines are available with the Compass. Standard 2-liter four-cylinder producing 158hp is best had with a manual gearbox because you’ll really need to work this engine hard. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 172hp is optional but well worth paying extra for. It feels much more up for the job. Even with all-wheel-drive optioned it still doesn’t feel as sluggish as the 2-liter with just front-wheel-drive.

On the road: We haven’t had the chance to take the all-wheel-drive Compass on any off-road terrain. But we were bitterly disappointed with its on road dynamics. The car leans too much into corners and bends and the ride comfort is just too fidgety and unsettled. The 2-liter engine sounds coarse when pushed hard while the 2.4 feels more relaxed at highway speeds. Wind and road noise will be unwelcomed companions on the highway.

Behind the wheel: The elevated driving position is great but we wish the steering wheel adjust for reach instead of height only. Some drivers will struggle to get comfortable. Over the shoulder visibility isn’t great either thanks to thick side pillars. The optional touch-screen infotainment system can be a bit fiddly to operate on the move. There’s plenty of space for four-passengers in the cabin and the boot isn’t massive but it has plenty of handy storage to compensate.

Equipment: Sport trim offers a five-speed manual gearbox, air-con, cd-player and alloy wheels. Latitude trim adds color matched exterior rearview mirrors, sport mesh seats and upgraded sport seats. Top of the range Limited adds projector headlamps, fog lights and a rear back up camera.

Buying & Owning: The Jeep Compass is aimed to undercut cars like the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. But we think that you’re better off picking one of those than the Compass. Even if the purchase price is lower, resale value isn’t all that great and running costs are a mere average compared to its rivals and that’s just not good enough reason to want to buy one other than the badge.

Quality & Safety: The cabin doesn’t really feel classy and the plastics used feel cheap. We aren’t sure about reliability either because Jeep has scored low in that department. Six airbags come standard with stability control, anti-lock brakes and all-wheel-drive optional to help keep things under control. Compared to its rivals the Compass scored much lower in crash safety. A engine immobilizer and alarm system keep theft at bay.

If you have to have a Jeep the Cherokee is worth paying the premium for. Even its rivals are worth paying the extra for.

Likes: It's a cheap Jeep with an okay amount of kit standard.

Dislikes: Other than its cheap price, this Jeep is utterly disappointing in everything else.

Devon test drives a Buick Lacrosse (Used)

Long gone are the days when you'd consider a Buick because you were ready to retire or loved golf. The new Buick Lacrosse is a radical depature from the previous genrations of Buick. Long gone are the dull and bland looks, in are stylish Euro flared Buicks that ooze style and quality. Has Buick finally found a voice for itself? Or is it all talk and no show?

Performance: The Lacrosse comes with two engine choices. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 182hp is a mild-hybrid. Stop/start technology comes standard as well as two electric motors to help improve fuel economy around town and on the highway. The 3.6-liter six-cylinder produces 303hp and can be had with all-wheel-drive. The extra oomph from the six-cylinder makes the Lacrosse more enjoyable to drive, but for the average commuter the 2.4 makes the most sense. It's fuel economy advantage helps it become the more ideal choice and our pick of the range.

On the road: The Lacrosse feels very light on it's toes even though the car is nearly the same size as a BMW 7-series. Steering feels very light but weighs up nicely as your pace increases. The comfort is by far the best we've ever experienced in this segment. It's very smooth and irons out bumps completely. Handling however suffers a bit with some body lean in corners, but then again this car won't be pushed to its handling limits. Refinement is smooth as well. There's virtually no wind noise whatsoever in the cabin. Road noise on some surfaces is the only issue here, but this is only a problem with the 2.4 with low rolling resistant tires. The engine start/stop technology on the 2.4 is too eager to shut off the engine at standstill. Once you take your foot off the brake pedal the car tends to jerk a little when the engine reactivates.

Behind the wheel: There's plenty of adjustments for the driver seat and steering wheel. Short and even tall passengers can get comfortable. The dashboard takes a little getting used to. The touch screen menus can be a bit intimidating at first glance, but are very easy to navigate through. The rear seats offer more space than you'd think. It's almost limo like amount of legroom and headroom. The trunk is generous too in the non-hybrid forms. With the hybrid forms the battery eats up some trunk space but not much.

Equipment: The Lacrosse offers a genrous amount of equipment standard. Climate control, electric fronts seats, touch screen infotainment system and leather wrapped steering wheel come standard. You can option for the 3.6 at no extra charge on the base trim. You'll have to pay extra for leather seats and integrated turn signal indicators on the side view exterior mirrors. Top of the range trim adds Xenon headlamps, all-wheel-drive and keyless start.

Buying & owning: The Lacrosse is on point with the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon. If you stay light on the options list you can get a Lacrosse at a decent price. The 2.4 makes the most sense financially if you want to save money on running cost thanks to the eAssist mild hybrid technology applied to it. Resale value should be strong thanks to strong demand for a Lacrosse.

Quality & safety: The interior feels much more upscale than ever before. This is a step up for GM and Buick. There are a few bits of the cabin that feel sort of been there done that, but the overall impression is very good. Reliability should be good as with most Buick vehicles. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, frotn and side curtain airbags come standard. You'll have to pay extra for a rear view parking camera and parking assist. An engine immobilizer and anti-theft alarm come standard to keep theft at bay.

The Lacrosse is a major step forward for Buick. It's sylish, roomy and very comfortable to drive as a daily car. It may not offer the sporty drive feel like a Nissan Maxima but it offers a unique driving experience that other cars in this segement don't offer. It's not the most exciting of its rivals but for the money we think that it's worth a strong look. 

Likes: Stylish looks inside out. Ultra comfortable ride comfort. Plenty room for five inside.

Dislikes: Bland driving experience. Engine stop/start too eager to shut off engine. Road noise on hybrid models.

Devon M

Devon test drives a Acura sport wagon (used)

Photo by Raul 

The Acura TSX sport wagon is designed and aimed at at those tempted to buy a BMW 3-series touring and Cadillac CTS wagon. It's a better option compared to most crossovers, but is it enough to convince people to consider? 

Performance: There is only one engine available for the TSX sport wagon and that's a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 201hp which is the same engine used in Civic SI. It may not offer the same blistering performance as the SI but it does offer decent pace around the town and on the highway. It's a shame that there is only a five-speed auto gearbox offered. A six-speed automatic or manual gearbox would help performance and fuel economy even more.

On the road: The Acura TSX feels comfortable and smooth on the highway. Venture into the city on uneven road surfaces, you'll be greeted with a firm and unsettled ride. Handling is great but is a let down due to the numb steering which ruins the sporty nature of the engine. You won't hear too much wind or road noise thanks to a pretty insulated cabin. The engine feels smooth even when revved hard.

Behind the wheel: The front seats provide comfortable support with good visibility. The dashboard layout isn't very easy to navigate. There are too many similar shaped switches and controls. This makes it impossible to tell apart at a glance. The TSX doesn't have a large boot compared due to the low slung roof and intruding rear suspension. With the seats folded down there's bundles of space to spare.

Equipment: The TSX sport wagon comes with plenty of kit standard. Automatic climate control, Bluetooth and HID headlights are standard. You'll have to step up to the top of the range trim to get navigation system, power tailgate and perforated leather seats.

Buying & owning: The Acura TSX wagon is cheaper to buy than a 3-series Touring and Cadillac CTS wagon. Running costs are also lower thanks to the fuel-efficient engine. Finding one should be a lot easier than both the Cadillac CTS wagon and BMW 3-series touring. If you are considering one you need to act now as the TSX wagon may not be available for long.

Quality & Safety: Acura and Honda share most of their mechanicals. This means that the Acura TSX wagon also has a spectacular reliability record. Interior quality is very good and feels long lasting. Customers have rated the TSX below average for interior quality. This is a let down because it's keenrivals offer much better and classier interiors. Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and six-airbags come standard across the range. A lane-change warning system and cruise control that brakes in emergancies are optional. Deadlocks and an alarm system keep theft away.

The TSX wagon offers a fuel efficient engine and tons of equipment standard. It may be cheaper than the BMW 3-series touring and Cadillac CTS wagon, but it doesn't offer a more powerful engine option and/or all-wheel-drive option like the CTS and 3-series. You'll need to act fast if considering one because the TSX wagon may not be in production for long in the U.S. 

Devon's Pick: The base trim of the TSX Sport Wagon is all the TSX you'll ever need. There's enough kit to justify not having to climb into the top of the range which adds a technology package. Unless you desire the navigation system and power tail gate. I highly suggest sticking with the base trim which is pretty much great value for money. 

Likes: Decent peformance with impressive fuel economy. High standard equipment level at a reasonable price.

Dislikes: No turbo or V6 engine option. All-wheel-drive isn't offered either. Acura may discontinue it after 2013.

Devon M