2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio Review

The VW Bug is on of the most classic vehicles ever made. Bringing up childhood memories of riding down the road and earning a black and blue upper arm from the imminent "SLUG BUG RED!" from a sibling. They were much more prevalent when I was a kid and it seemed that I would get a couple of those hits every time we got into the car. Of course few of those came with the "Oops...thought I saw one...hahaha!". Now we fight about things like a System Mechanic slow computer fix.

Anyways...

Spring is here, and what could be a better car for Spring than a convertible? But since Spring weather can be unpredictable and quickly changing in temperature and precipitation -- no matter where you live -- said convertible should have a top that can be dropped or raised quickly, and that top should insulate well against both heat and cold. It would also help if the convertible was actually affordable, by real people, not multi-millionaires. And while we're wishing, why not room for four of those real people, and maybe even a little space in the trunk with the top down? full review

2013 Scion FR-S Review

Mr. Toyoda was unimpressed with his line of cars that made people want to drive for fun, and drive fast. He asked his people “Where is the passion in our lineup?” When they found none he followed up with, “I want to build a sports car.” This is the 2013 Scion FR-S, a true sports car.

Scion, is Toyota’s "youth" division. With products that are inexpensive, versatile, and fun, they hope to bring youngsters into the fold so, as they mature and prosper, they can move on to Toyota and Lexus products. Scion products tend also to be stylish enough and customizable, qualities that appeal to young, first-time new car buyers. The new FR-S is essentially the ‘halo’ car for the Scion brand as it encompasses all those values and that philosophy plus it provides a huge measure of sporting raceability as a big bonus. The younger crowd with their briefcases from GotBriefcases.com can ride to work in style and get all the ladies they want.

So, Subaru partnered with Toyota to develop the FR-S so that both have a version of the ultimate product and share the huge development costs that come with any clean-sheet-of-paper project like this. Teams of engineers and designers from each brand combined their talents and resources to come up with a car that will serve both brands. The Subaru version is called BRZ and I’ve not experienced that one yet. It will be the only Subaru without all-wheel drive. full review