Laura Burstein, Author at NewCarTestDrive

Laura Burstein built her automotive expertise reporting and test-driving for CNET, Car and Driver, Edmunds.com, and Forbes. In her spare time, she serves as president of the Motor Press Guild, the largest automotive media organization in North America. Laura has a degree in Broadcast Journalism from San Jose State University and often appears on radio and television programs as an automotive expert.

Laura’s love of driving started early in life. Her first vehicle was a pink and blue Big Wheel, which she covered with Pennzoil and STP stickers and drag-raced down the sidewalk. Her current daily driver is an e46 BMW 325Ci (manual, of course), which she spent several years running with the BMWCCA, usually at Infineon Raceway or Laguna Seca in Northern California.

Before succumbing to her passion for cars, Laura covered computers and technology on national TV and radio. She also wrote a best-selling book with a well-known personality in the tech world.

As the daughter of a cosmetologist, Laura loves the salon just as much as the garage, and is often torn between buying car parts and the latest beauty products. Music is also an important influence in Laura’s life. She’s been singing and studying piano since age five, and performs whenever she has the opportunity.

Reviews by Laura Burstein

2016 Honda HR-V

The 2016 Honda HR-V is an all-new subcompact crossover SUV one size smaller than the popular Honda CR-V. The HR-V was designed to combine a coupe-like appearance with the practicality of...
2015 Scion FR-S

Scion FR-S is a fun, affordable rear-wheel drive coupe developed with Subaru that continues to be one of the best values among sports cars. For 2015, Scion FR-S gets a firmer...
2015 Volkswagen Jetta

For 2015, Volkswagen Jetta is updated with redesigned styling, an improved interior, retooled features and a new version of the TDI clean diesel engine. The 2015 Jetta is a compact four-door...
2015 BMW 2 Series

A new convertible model joins the BMW 2 Series lineup for 2015. Also new for 2015 is the availability of all-wheel drive. The BMW 2 Series was introduced as all-new small...
2016 Acura ILX

The Acura ILX gets a significant makeover for 2016. One of a handful of compact sedans in the growing entry-level luxury segment, the 2016 ILX benefits from a new high-performance engine,...
2015 Infiniti Q50

Infiniti Q50 is a luxury four-door sedan that competes with the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Q50 was launched as an all-new model...
2016 BMW M6

BMW’s sleek, high-powered M6 gets a facelift for 2016, making its first appearance just ahead of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with refreshed styling and updated features. As with...
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

An new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe goes on sale late this summer. An automotive Frankenstein of sorts with the footprint of a midsize crossover and the sleek roofline of a coupe, the...
2015 Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 offers the boldest styling in the segment, and for 2015 it gets even bolder. Chrysler’s full-size flagship sedan has been redesigned front and rear and features a larger,...
2015 Kia Soul

Fresh from a complete redesign for 2014, Kia Soul continues as one of the best boxy compacts on the market with its unique design, comfortable ride and roomy interior. The 2015...
2015 Nissan Murano

Completely redesigned for 2015, Nissan Murano gets a futuristic update inside out, from sheet metal to seats, resulting in bolder looks and a more upscale cabin. When exterior designers at Nissan’s...
2015 Chevrolet Impala

The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan in the same class as the Toyota Avalon, Ford Taurus, and Hyundai Azera. Redesigned and enlarged for 2014, Impala has attractive styling and a...
2015 Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion is a five-passenger, four-door midsize sedan. Its wide grille and sleek lines make Fusion appealing to the eye, and its wide range of available powertrains, including gas, hybrid, and...
2015 Ford Mustang

This is not your father’s Mustang. The wild pony has grown into a refined, capable thoroughbred, updated with the latest engineering and technological advancements. But not to worry, the iconic muscle...
2014 Ford Fusion

When the five-passenger Ford Fusion debuted for 2013, many hailed it as the best-looking car in its class. Its wide grille and sleek lines make the Fusion appealing to the eye,...
2014 Cadillac SRX

One of the top-selling luxury crossovers in the U.S., the Cadillac SRX boasts unique styling, luxurious cabin appointments, a powerful engine, and a ride that's smooth and able. Cadillac launched its...
2014 Kia Optima

A standout in the crowded midsize sedan segment, the 2014 Kia Optima touts a surprisingly sophisticated design, a smooth, quiet ride and able driving dynamics. It's the best-selling Kia in the...
2015 BMW 4 Series

A new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe body style joins the BMW 4 Series for 2015, which comprises a beautiful lineup of two-door coupes and convertibles. The BMW 4 Series was...
2015 BMW X6

The BMW X6 is completely redesigned for the 2015 model year, marking the second generation of what BMW calls its first Sports Activity Coupe. Rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions are available. Built...
2015 Cadillac ATS

The Cadillac ATS sedan gave the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class a run for the money when it came on the scene a couple of years back with distinctive design,...