Neutral Reviews

Taking a first look at the refreshed 2027 Chrysler Pacifica Select today! It's looking sharp out here in the field. Stay tuned for our full review!

🎉 IT’S LIVE! Our full review of the 2026 Mazda MX-5 RF is out NOW! Hit the link in our bio to see if this sports car legend is still the ultimate answer. 🏎️💨

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Throwback Thursday! 🏎️💨 Taking it back to our very first Mazda Miata review! The iconic MX-5 truly proved why it's always the answer.

​Stay tuned, because our latest Miata review is coming real soon! 🔥

​Watch the full original review here: https://youtu.be/zBOXGYRWR0Q?si=XB0T-MUEi9p1oOBW

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I GET IT NOW! The Miata is always the answer!! | 2023 Mazda MX-5 RF GT Manual Review ...

Before we put the VW Jetta GLI head-to-head against the Honda Civic Si in our latest comparison showdown, we had to see what the GLI could do all on its own.

​Looking back at our first manual review of the refreshed Jetta GLI, we put its daily practicality, EA888 power, and multi-link rear suspension to the ultimate test. Does it have what it takes to challenge the Civic crown?

​📺 Need a refresher? Watch our first full Jetta GLI 6MT deep-dive here: https://youtu.be/Ar92T9MuO3M

​And if you haven’t seen our new Si vs. GLI comparison yet, make sure to check it out on the channel to see which manual sports sedan reigns supreme!

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Is the GLI better than the Si? | 2025 VW Jetta GLI Manual Review Today Chris and I borrow the keys for the 2025 VW GLI manual and in...

Lexus is taking another major stride forward in its global transition toward electrification with the reveal of the updated 2027 Lexus NX, which officially drops pure gas powertrains to go 100% hybrid. Marking a key shift for the luxury brand's second-best-selling model, the refreshed compact crossover will now be offered exclusively as either the self-charging NX 350h or the high-output NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. Beyond eliminating pure combustion options, the 2027 update introduces a more compact e-Axle setup, a higher-capacity battery for the PHEV variant that adds DC fast-charging capability, and structural chassis reinforcements to sharpen handling dynamics. Visually, the updated NX sports a cleaner front fascia with Double L LED lighting, standard blacked-out trim accents, and an updated cabin centered around a standard 14-inch Lexus Interface display. Because the luxury NX shares its core platform roots with Toyota's mainstream hybrid lineup, it builds directly on the proven foundation of the popular RAV4. We recently put the closely related Toyota RAV4 Hybrid through its paces in a full review, so stay tuned to see how its upscale Lexus sibling stacks up when it hits showrooms!

​Do you think dropping non-hybrid models entirely is the right play for Lexus, or do you prefer having a pure gas option in the luxury crossover segment?

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Acura has officially announced that its performance-focused MDX Type-S will be going on a temporary hiatus after the 2026 model year. Powered by a 355-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, the flagship three-row crossover is the latest casualty of lingering uncertainty surrounding evolving EPA emissions compliance standards. Notably, this marks the second major emissions-related hiatus announcement from Honda Motor Co. in short succession, following the recent news that the Civic Si and manual Integra A-Spec 6MT will also pause production for 2027. While standard V6-powered MDX trims will remain in full production, enthusiast models packing specialized higher-output powertrains are bearing the brunt of regulatory adjustments across the lineup. Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to put this twin-scroll turbocharged, air-suspended luxury crossover through its paces in a full review, which you can check out on our channel to see how it performs before existing showroom stock runs dry. Taking another performance-tuned variant off assembly lines highlights the mounting regulatory pressure automakers face in balancing high-output combustion engines with strict fleet targets.

​With both the MDX Type-S and Honda’s manual sport compacts sidelined over emissions regulations, are you concerned that fun, performance-focused trim levels are going to become increasingly hard to buy, or do you expect them to return stronger than ever once compliance strategies are finalized?

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As the manual transmission slowly goes the way of the dodo bird, driving enthusiasts face a shrinking pool of affordable, three-pedal performance cars that still stir the soul. In our latest comprehensive comparison video, we put two of the last great standard-bearers head-to-head: the razor-sharp Honda Civic Si and the muscular Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Both sedans aim to capture the hearts of everyday drivers without breaking the bank, but they achieve that mission through radically different personalities.

Under the hood, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI operates like a straight-line sledgehammer. Propelled by its punchy EA888 turbocharged 2.0L engine, it lays down effortless low-end torque that wants to chirp the tires at a moment's notice. Meanwhile, the Honda Civic Si acts more like a high-revving scalpel, encouraging you to wring out every last rpm from its 1.5L turbo motor as it delivers crisp throttle response and a wonderfully eager exhaust note. Despite the fact the Honda is down 28hp and 66 lb-ft compared to the Jetta, any difference in engine performance is negligible according to our ultra-reliable butt dyno.

When the road starts to twist, the differences in suspension and handling truly come to light. The Jetta GLI utilizes a multi-link independent rear setup, rather than the torsion bar in the standard Jetta, which keeps it stable and planted over mid-corner bumps. However, the Civic Si counters with a stiffer, track-honed chassis and a helical limited-slip differential that bites into apexes with a confidence-inspiring eagerness that feels akin to a dedicated sports car.

Out on the open road, the overall dynamics and driver feel highlight each car's unique character. The Civic Si boasts a legendary six-speed manual shifter sourced from Honda's Type-R lineage, offering precise, mechanical throws that make every commute feel therapeutic. The GLI matches this engagement with a heavy-hitting German-engineered personality, though its pedal box and steering weight lean slightly more toward a grand touring style, typical of German cars.

Inside the cabin, comfort and refinement play a major role in how these daily drivers treat their occupants. Both vehicles wrap you in well-bolstered sports seats designed to keep you firmly planted during spirited driving while remaining plush enough for long road trips. The Civic Si leans into clean, physical ergonomics with easy-to-reach climate dials, and a responsive centre display flanked by hard buttons and k***s. The GLI, on the other hand, leans heavily into theatrical digital displays and touch capacitive controls which can make using basic controls tedious while driving. Both share minor gripes regarding dated screen and back-up camera resolution in an otherwise premium-feeling space.

When it comes to daily usability, both sedans prove that you do not need to surrender practicality for the sake of fun. They feature surprisingly cavernous trunks, spacious rear seats capable of handling child safety seats or adult passengers with ease, and compliant ride qualities that absorb rough city pavement without breaking a sweat.

Packaging and everyday economy are where these performance bargains truly shine for the everyday buyer. Crucially, both the Civic Si and Jetta GLI happily accept regular 87-octane fuel and return exceptional highway efficiency—landing in the mid-6L/100km range—making them remarkably friendly on the wallet during routine daily commutes.

Ultimately, choosing between the sledgehammer torque of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI and the surgical precision of the Honda Civic Si comes down to what kind of enthusiast you are. Both cars prove that the affordable manual sports sedan is still alive and well, but you should probably grab the keys to one before these glorious internal-combustion machines go the way of the dodo bird.

📺 Watch our full comparison review here: https://youtu.be/2Ii577Mjj-E