Test Drive: 2014 Bike Month Wagon Comparison

During the last couple of weeks, we have taken a look at each of the individual contenders in our bike friendly wagon comparison. You can click on each of the following links to take an in-depth look at each:

2014 Acura TSX Sport Wagon
2014 Audi Allroad Premium Plus
2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon
2015 Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E Premier
 
These long-roof cars offer tremendous versatility, but try hard not to sacrifice the driving dynamics that make them fun for the driving enthusiast. Each vehicle won at least one category and the difference in score between the winner and the runner-up was just a few points and only one point separated second and third. The gap that separates the last place contender from the rest of the pack is a fair bit larger. Overall, there were several categories where it was so close, I felt it best to declare a tie. However, none of these is cars is terrible at all. In fact, I can honestly say that there is not a single bad car in the group and that the winner was decided largely by a matter of degrees.

Test Drive: 2014 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Tech

Update: See how the TSX did against its competitors in our Bike Month Wagon Comparison Test.

The first wagon I ever experienced was a massive mid-80's Chevy Caprice Classic. During the brief period when we lived in New York, my father drove this absolutely absurd land yacht, complete with faux wood paneling along the sides. I have vague recollections of playing around in the spacious cargo space and taking many trips to the local grocery store with my parents. Sadly, it was stolen from us at one point. Yet, those experiences have had an influence on my taste in cars, even after all these years, because I still have a real affinity for wagons. They are versatile in their utility without all of the sacrifices in driving dynamics and fuel economy that come with even the best CUVs.

In recent years, as I got more and more into cycling, I have come to the realization that I really want a vehicle that allows me the flexibility to throw a couple of bikes in the back and drive out to some great cycling locations for a full day of riding. Plus, with the possibility of adding a pet to our family in the not too distant future, a wagon seems like the perfect match for my changing lifestyle. As a result, I have started my hunt for the perfect wagon that offers the cargo versatility I am looking for without sacrificing too much driving enjoyment. Most importantly of all, I should be able to toss my K2 road bike in the back without it being an impediment to my visibility.

So, the search began with the TSX Sport Wagon, the one that is closest to the car that I currently own.

Guest Post: 3 Days and Nights - 2013 Dodge Charger SE

This is our first, of what we hope will be many, guest post and comes to us from a friend, Christine T., in Richmond, VA. If you are interested in contributing a post, please submit your idea through the Contact Us page and we will reach out to you to discuss.

From the southern garage of Richmond, VA, comes a review of the 2013 Dodge Charger SE. During the drive, weather ranged from freezing and downpours to sunny and clement. Driving consisted of stop and putter along the inner city, speeding down the highway late for a conference, and cruising around town with a friend. Overall? I really enjoyed it, and the few complaints that I had are relatively minor.

The captain’s seat is easily adjustable and comfortable, which is important when you’re a compact 5’ pilot. Seats are firm and held me comfortably in place on aggressive turns, but some may find more lumbar support desirable. The thicker multi-function steering wheel is comfortable and easy to use, even with my small paws. Driver visibility and rear passenger headroom are marginalized by the sporty body style.

Long Term Test: 2011 Honda Fit Sport 5AT post #1

My fiancee has had her 2011 Honda Fit Sport for over two years now. In those two years, the Fit has performed very well, both as a people mover and cargo hauler. When we were searching for a car to replace the aging 1997 Honda Accord LX that I had sold to her, the Honda Fit was not actually her first choice.

The first car we looked at was a certified pre-owned (CPO) 2006 Acura TSX. My fiancee enjoyed the car, but the price was unfortunately a bit out of her price range. Another car that piqued her interest was the Acura RSX. Unfortunately, at the time we were looking, the only two Acura RSX that were available near our area were both Type-S models. This meant that she would have had to learn how to drive a manual transmission in two days, which she did not have the patience or the time for. Having to spend extra money on 91 octane fuel also bugged her. In an effort to find her something sporty, roomy, had an automatic transmission, and did not drink 91 octane, I thought of the Honda Fit. It was a car that met all of her criteria, and I thought she would find it cute and would fit her bubbly and fun personality (a point that to this day, she still will not let me live down).