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Texas Truck Rodeo – what's your pick? w/poll

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2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser reviewed by txGarage

Truck and SUV of Texas poll by txGarage

The Texas Auto Writers Association are about to invade a quite, country ranch in a secret location within Texas for their annual Texas Truck Rodeo. Here they will be testing out all the new trucks and SUV’s. Taking these trucks on road and off getting the real Texas driving experience and naming the Truck of Texas, the SUV of Texas, and more.

Unfortunately we won’t be making the event this year but thought it was worth putting out this poll to see what you guys thought was really the Truck of Texas and the SUV of Texas. Continue reading →

Quick Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna Mini-Van

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2011 Toyota Sienna Mini-Van

2011 Toyota Sienna Mini-Van

The mini-van is a vital part of American culture, and although we Texans love our SUVs, we also realize that the mini-van is just as roomy, if not more, and more fuel efficient. The Sienna was the only van we took the time to hop in at the Auto Roundup, although we really wanted to drive the new Grand Caravan R/T.

The impressive part about the Sienna wasn’t really the way it drove, although it was good. It wasn’t really the room offered by the mini-van, although it was good as well. The real impressive part was the comfort and luxury offered by the Sienna. The middle two seats reminded me of seats in a private jet. They had a full leg rest and tilted back for maximum comfort. The rear entertainment system had a huge and wide screen that could display a full widescreen or split the display into two separate screens. Continue reading →

Quick Drive: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

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2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

We have already done a full review of the CTS-V Wagon and I’ve been chomping at the bit to drive the Coupe. I do like the way the Wagon looks, and not because I think it’s a sleeper – because it’s not – but it just looks good. The Coupe on the other hand just looks that much better. I know there are many out there that would disagree, but if it was my money, I’d go for the Coupe in a heartbeat.

Inside the CTS-V Coupe is exactly the same as the Wagon. Surprisingly enough, driving the coupe felt exactly the same as driving the Wagon. You never really notice all the mass behind you in the Wagon until you look out the rearview. Continue reading →

Quick Drive: 2011 Dodge Avenger

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2011 Dodge Avenger

2011 Dodge Avenger

We’ve had our fair share of run-ins with the Dodge Avenger, even using one in our videos as a chase car, and although it’s a step forward from the Stratus, it was never really a good car. The biggest problem is that it has the potential to be. Dodge has had that more aggressive style and feel about their cars, but it never really translated into the Avenger. It was never the “baby Charger” it should have been. The interior was too cheap, the drivetrain too slushy, and the ride was just ridiculous. Continue reading →

Quick Drive: 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition

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2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon by Non Stock Photography

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon by Non Stock Photography

We’ve driven a few Corvettes in our time including some random C5s, the C6 Grand Sport, and a Lingenfelter C6, but when the opportunity arises to drive another, we still jump at the chance. The Z06 is already one of GM’s fastest and most expensive Corvette models to ever hit the sales floor. With its massive 7 liter V8 dubbed the LS7 pushing out 505 naturally aspirated horsepower, you can see why. Chevrolet has since introduced the Supercar Corvette named the ZR1 with its supercharged 6.2 liter V8 and an even more staggering sticker price. Continue reading →

Quick Drive: 2011 Dodge Charger R/T

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2011 Dodge Charger RT on the Track

2011 Dodge Charger RT on the Track

I’ll have to admit, I’m not a big fan of the previous generation Charger. Mostly because I most often encounter the base V6 models, but even the R/T and SRT Chargers just never really did it for me. They are too big and heavy, and yes they have the power, but if I’m looking for a quick sedan, give me a Taurus SHO or even a German competitor any day. Continue reading →

Quick Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG

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2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG

What can I say, besides amazing, when talking about the CL 63 AMG. This car is everything you want out of a car including looks, power, technology, exclusivity, and safety. By far, this is one of the most impressive cars we’ve tested in all these categories and it’s hard to say we’ll find something as good.

Let’s start with the looks of this car. The old CL-Class looked good, but the rounded headlights and overall shape of the car was just getting, well, old. The new CL takes more design cues from the new C and I think it look amazing. The stretched hood indicates that lots of mass is able to fit under there and the long coupe profile gives this a true grand touring look. Just looking at the car, you get the sense that it’s fast, yet comfortable, especially in AMG trim. Continue reading →

Quick Drive: 2012 Volvo S60

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2011 Volvo S60 by Non Stock Photography

2012 Volvo S60 by Non Stock Photography

One of the great things about being involved in the Texas Auto Roundup is getting the opportunity to really test some cars we wouldn’t normally test. Case in point, the Volvo S60. We haven’t featured a Volvo on txGarage before, but it’s not because there are no Volvos we like. So when given the chance, we jumped right into this sedan. Continue reading →

Quick Drive: 2011 Chrysler 300C

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2011 Chrysler 300 at the Texas Auto Roundup

2011 Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 has needed an update in a bad way. When it first came out, it was a great looking car that stood out from the crowd. Now though, it’s become more common and the more you see it, the more you pick it apart. Chrysler knew they had to get this one right as it’s really their flagship car. Chrysler has told us before that they opened the redevelopment process up to the consumer. They asked current owners what they’d change and asked customers in the market what they would be looking for. They took the answers they received into consideration and lots of them implemented into the car. Everything except the chassis itself has been touched and revised on this car. Continue reading →

Quick Drive: 2011 Jaguar XJ-L

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2011 Jaguar XJL by Non Stock Photography

2011 Jaguar XJL by Non Stock Photography

This was by far one of my favorite cars that I had the opportunity to drive during our Auto Roundup. It’s no wonder as it was one of the most expensive cars as well, hitting your pocket at around $80,000. The new design of the XJ is beautiful and aggressive and even the “L” (long wheelbase) is a sharp looking car. As you might know, I’m not a big fan of big sedans. Jumping into this XJ didn’t feel like jumping into a large sedan. Although there is loads of room and it’s comfortable, it really drives like a smaller, sporty car. This is helped by the all aluminum body keeping the weight to a minimum.
Continue reading →