Kirk Bell

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Kirk Bell is a seasoned auto scribe with more than 20 years of experience writing about cars. He spent 12 years editing Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine, five years at Consumer Guide Automotive, and has been a prolific freelancer since 2007. Bell’s knowledge of cars includes both the old and the new. He has edited several books on automotive history, winning gold and silver International Automotive Media Awards for Hot Rod & Custom Chronicle and NASCAR Chronicle, respectively. Kirk grew up around Pontiacs. His father drag raced them and his mother’s daily driver was a 1969 GTO Ram Air IV. Bell now spends his time fiddling with a 1968 Pontiac Firebird.

Reviews by Kirk Bell

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  2009 Chrysler Town & Country

  Chrysler redesigned the Town & Country minivan for 2008 and adds new safety technologies for 2009. In addition, the popular Stow 'n Go seating arrangement, which has second-row seats that fold...

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  2010 Mazda 3

  The 2010 Mazda 3 is a premium car in a compact package. The Mazda3 is available as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback, and offers comfort and luxury features we’re not...

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  2009 Chevrolet Traverse

  The Chevrolet Traverse is one of a new generation of large crossover SUVs making big, clunky, truck-based SUVs practically obsolete, at least when it comes to moving people and cargo. More...

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  2009 Toyota Highlander

  The Toyota Highlander is a family hauler that's smooth and comfortable with generous space for passengers and cargo. The Hybrid model delivers excellent fuel economy with minimal emissions, while a new...

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  2010 Ford Shelby GT500

  Due to go on sale this spring, the next Ford Shelby GT500 benefit from lessens learned from the ultra high-performance 2008-2009 Ford GT500KR. The next GT500 will also be improved inside...

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  2009 Acura TL

  The Acura TL has been a favorite among the so-called entry-luxury cars since its release for the 1996 model year. Last redesigned for 2004, the TL is redone again for 2009,...

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  2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

  While America equates station wagons with conservative, almost nerdy designs (and, therefore, drivers), Cadillac is hoping the CTS Sport Wagon will catch on as a cool form of family transportation. The...

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  2009 Volkswagen Routan

  The new Volkswagen Routan is a minivan, its first in six years. VW's last effort in this market, the EuroVan, was panned in the U.S. This time, Volkswagen has turned to...

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  2009 Hyundai Genesis

  The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is a totally new luxury sport sedan. With its rear-wheel drive and available V8 power, the Genesis aspires to the BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class,...

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  2008 Subaru Impreza

  The Subaru Impreza lineup is redesigned for 2008, getting bigger and more refined in the process. A four-door sedan body style remains, but a four-door hatchback replaces the previous generation's wagon...

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  2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

  The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is an all-new compact SUV that VW is releasing at the right time. VW calls it the GTI of crossovers, an apt description based on our test...

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  2008 BMW X6

  The crossover SUV market has grown by leaps and bounds over the past couple of years. Along the way, a few vehicles have tipped the scales more toward car than SUV....

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  2009 Dodge Journey

  The crossover SUV market is growing by leaps and bounds. While Chrysler Corporation has had an offering in this segment since 2004 in the form of the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge has...

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  2008 Mini Clubman

  BMW's Mini division introduced the Mini Cooper in 2002 as a premium subcompact car. The Mini Cooper gets rave reviews for its go kart driving dynamics, but the small size and...

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  2008 Infiniti EX35

  The 2008 Infiniti EX35 is a new crossover SUV slightly smaller than the Infiniti FX and is aimed more at luxury than sportiness. That doesn't mean it's not sporty, but it...

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  2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid

  Like sister brand Chevrolet, GMC offered a light hybrid version of its Sierra full-size pickup for the 2005-2007 model years. That system was limited, only offering engine idle shutoff; it improved...

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  2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

  Mitsubishi redesigned the Eclipse for the 2006 model year, adding a big 3.8-liter V6 instead of a turbocharged four-cylinder and opting for front-wheel drive instead or rear- or all-wheel drive. At...

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  2009 Hummer H3T

  Hummer released the full-size H2 SUV in 2003 and followed with a pickup version called the H2 SUT in 2005. Hummer expanded its lineup with the midsize H3 SUV in 2005...

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  2009 Acura RL

  At the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, Acura announced a mid-cycle enhancement to the Acura RL. On sale in July, the 2009 Acura RL will feature a new 3.7-liter engine, a new...

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  2009 Yes Roadster

  A small boutique car manufacturer called Funke & Will AG opened its doors 10 years ago and produced its first vehicle, the Yes Roadster, in 1999. The firm sold 200 of...