Auto News 5

I just can't get past the price of this car. There's a decent amount of power, but it's going to the wrong wheels, and the result is tons of violent torque steer. The pedals aren't positioned for heel-and-toe shifting, and the turbo lag is very noticeable. Other cars in the segment (VW GTI and Honda Civic Si) are much more fun to drive and offer better value for your money. Bottom line: the competition in this segment is very strong, and the Caliber just doesn't cut it.

The phone rings, and it's Todd Mittleman, Director of Environmental PR for Honda, and he wants to meet me so I can drive the hydrogen-powered, zero-emissions FCX Clarity.

The global economic crisis has severely curtailed future product plans for the world's automakers. Here are some of the casualties - so far.

This Honda Insight lists for about $5000 more than our similarly equipped Four Seasons Fit. The extra money nets you a continuously variable transmission rather than the Fit's 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, two inches more in length (the cars have identical width and track), nicer floor mats, and, oh yeah, Honda's Integrated Motor Assist Technology. The hybrid scores a whopping 12 mpg better in the city and 8 mpg better on the highway. And yet, it drives very similar to the Fit, not surprising since they share many suspension components. In fact, the most noticeable difference on the road is not due to the Insight's electric motor but rather to its transmission. The CVT eliminates the engine drone that afflicts the Fit at highway speeds. Around town though, it makes the Insight feel more sluggish, and doesn't offer the precision of Honda's excellent manual shifter.