Eric Trytko - Rumblestrip.NET

We finally get our first Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram product in to test on Rumblestrip.NET and Ten Minute Test Drive, and it’s the Dodge Dart Rallye.

If you are a fan of Top Gear, you know that, according to them, you can not be a “proper Petrol Head” unless you have owned an Alfa Romeo. Well, here in the U.S., Alfa’s have not been sold new for almost 20 years, so, if you wanted an Alfa, you drove something old.

With Chrysler now owned by FIAT, who owns Alfa, that can now change, The Dodge Dart is built off an Alfa platform and we wanted to know, does that DNA come through in the Dodge, that’s what we find out in this review.

June 26, 2013

Reviewed: 2013 Ford Focus ST The Return Of The Hot Hatch

The “Hot Hatch” segment has come and gone several times in the U.S. The Volkswagen GTI kicked it off back in the early 80’s here, and it was joined by cars like the Dodge Omni GLH & GLHS, Ford Escort GT, Z24 Cavalier.

The 90’s came and they went away, the early 2000’s saw the SVT Focus and the Cobalt SS, but those were just short runs.

Now here in 2013 it looks like the Hot Hatch segment is back and Ford’s Focus ST is ready to do battle. How does it hold up? That’s what we find out on this episode of Rumblestrip.NET and Ten Minute Test Drive

June 6, 2013

Reviewed: 2013 VW Beetle TDI, Having Your Cake And Eating Too

A little over a year ago we had the VW Beetle in for a week of testing, it was the 2.5L 5 cylinder with an automatic. We never published a review on it, because we flat out didn’t like it, though it was for personal reasons more than anything else. It felt like a pure nostalgia play, and it wasn’t enjoyable to drive.

When our VW rep called and asked if we wanted to try the Beetle with the TDI Clean Diesel, we said, “sure, why not”. We wondered if Volkswagen’s terrific TDI engine could be a saving grace. Turns out it absolutely transformed the car!

This TDI Beetle with a manual was not only a hoot to drive, it returned 47-48mpg on the highway at 80mph! Sit back and have a look as Rumblestrip.NET and Ten Minute Test Drive have a go with the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI.

June 3, 2013

Reviewed: 2013 Chevy Traverse, The Modern Day Family Truckster

For 2013 Chevrolet refreshed the Traverse, it’s large Crossover vehicle that competes with the Dodge Durango, Ford’s Flex and Explorer, Honda’s Pilot and Toyota’s Venza.