Car Tech

You either love this thing, or go away shaking your head.

The Murano CrossCabriolet has "Real Housewives of Orange County" written all over its tall, pudgy rump. But if you've always wanted your crossover with a splash of sun and wind in your hair, this may be your ride. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

Also, check out CNET's full review of the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. … Read more

Forty miles per gallon is the new 30mpg, and hybrids no longer get a pass just because they have batteries.

The Civic Hybrid is up against the Prius, which is enough to make any hybrid look bad. But Honda takes a different, less intense approach to hybrid cars that offers an alternative that's more than a direct competitor to Toyota. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

Also, check out CNET's full review of the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid.

Yes, Cooley really digs this van.

There's something about a seriously spacious van based on a compact car that is oddly appealing. Far from the "minivan" of the American idiom, this remarkably practical (and modest) Ford import is like no other in its class. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech (what there is of it).

Also, check out CNET's full review of the 2011 Ford Transit Connect.

The new Honda Civic is green, but in some ways rather gray.

Honda hasn't been a leader in sportiness, styling, performance, or even cabin tech. But somehow it still turns out alluring cars for the everyday driving set. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

Also, check out CNET's full review of the 2012 Honda Civic EX-L.

This is the first car we've ever renamed. And that's not a good thing.

The EOS follows in the hallowed and free-spirited footsteps of the Golf Cabriolet, but it just stumbles and trips. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

Also, check out CNET's full review of the VW Eos 2.0 TSI Lux.

The ugly days are over, Hyundai no longer makes anything you'd call hideous.

The Accent is a serious contender in the class of cars that are giving hybrids hell and doing it cheap. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

Also, check out CNET's full review of the Hyundai Accent SE.

A Mercedes you drive when you want folks to notice you're driving a Mercedes.

The CLS 550 is a baller, rather practical, and puts itself away nicely. Oh, and fast. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

Also, check out CNET's full review of the CLS 550.

The most amount of BMW ass kicking in the smallest possible package.

Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

Also, check out CNET's full review of the BMW 1M Coupe.

Does the Clubman fill a good niche in the Mini line, or is it just taking the shtick a little too far?

Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

You can also read CNET's full review of the Clubman John Cooper Works.