Archive for 2012

Photo gallery: 2013 BMW M5

One of my Instagram followers asked me if I’d be sad to turn in the BMW M5 when the test week was over. My answer was an immediate and plosive: No! Not that the M5 isn’t a phenomenal vehicle. It is. I loved it. I loved driving it. I loved shifting the gears. I loved... Read more »
By Jill Ciminillo,
December 26, 2012 at 8:25 pm
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First glance: 2013 Nissan Murano

First glance: 2013 Nissan Murano
I’m only mid-test in the 2013 Nissan Murano with all-wheel drive SV trim, but there’s one thing I can tell you for sure. I really, really like crossover. From it’s odd-ball shape to it’s smooth acceleration, there really isn’t much I don’t like about the Murano. A few highlights before the test week is over:... Read more »
By Jill Ciminillo,
December 19, 2012 at 5:03 pm
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Today's Rave: Phone pairing in motion

Today's Rave: Phone pairing in motion
One of my biggest pet peeves in a car is being unable to do things while the car is in motion. From setting the navigation system to pairing your phone, I get very annoyed when I can’t perform a function in crawling traffic. Especially if I have a passenger in the car who is fully... Read more »
By Jill Ciminillo,
December 13, 2012 at 11:02 am
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Ladies: Am I the only one who has this problem?

Ladies: Am I the only one who has this problem?
Occasionally — not always — when I drive a manual transmission vehicle, I seem to have a female problem. And, no, not that one. It’s of the 1-inch, 2-inch, 3-inch or 4-inch variety. Heels. I’m talking about heels. When I release the clutch while wearing high heels, the end catches on the floor mat. This... Read more »
By Jill Ciminillo,
December 6, 2012 at 11:17 pm
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Photo Gallery: VW Jetta Hybrid

I recently had the chance to test the all-new 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid in Santa Fe, NM, and all I have to say is: WOW! I’ve driven most of the hybrids on the road, and while many of them a pretty good, this is better. From the way the Jetta Hybrid drives to the fuel... Read more »
By Jill Ciminillo,
December 2, 2012 at 1:05 pm
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Photo Gallery: Ford Flex

Retro quirk. That’s how my sister describes the 2013 Ford Flex. And, when you think about it, that’s just about right. The elongated form and faux side paneling give it an air of a different age. But all the tech gadgets inside show the SUV’s true colors. My sister says retro, I say just plain... Read more »
By Jill Ciminillo,
November 28, 2012 at 10:56 pm
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Today's Rave: Cavernous headroom in Ford Flex

Today's Rave: Cavernous headroom in Ford Flex
I love a good functional test in one of my cars. So, whenever I can, I bring friends into the process because, like it or not, there are some things that a single, petless, petite driver just can’t test. Last night, I took the Ford Flex out to Northbrook so that a pair of friends... Read more »
By Jill Ciminillo,
November 20, 2012 at 10:00 am
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Photo gallery: 2012 Kia Rio Sedan

One of the best compact cars I’ve driven this summer is the 2013 Kia Rio Sedan. Actually, it might be one of the best cars I’ve driven this year. It has a lot of value packed into a base price of $13,600, including Bluetooth connectivity, USB port and steering wheel audio controls. And if you... Read more »
By Jill Ciminillo,
November 19, 2012 at 4:55 pm
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Jill + Harlem Globetrotters = Thanksgiving Parade

Jill + Harlem Globetrotters = Thanksgiving Parade
Well, since I didn’t crash last year, they actually asked me back. This year, I’ll be driving a Jeep Wrangler in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade with the Harlem Globetrotters. Is it just me, or is that going to make for a hilarious photo? And believe me, one (or several) will be posted. Chrysler Group will... Read more »
By Jill Ciminillo,
November 16, 2012 at 9:43 am
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VW launches hybrid Jetta

I recently had the chance to attend the launch of the all-new VW Jetta Hybrid in Santa Fe, NM. My driving partner was Dan Gray of MPGomatic. And when he pieced together his video review, I made a cameo appearance. Or at least, @girlinthetrunk did. I’ll be uploading pictures and review soon, but in the... Read more »
By Jill Ciminillo,
November 12, 2012 at 1:09 pm
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