Clifford Atiyeh

Owners of the new
cars reviewed by this
critic give him/her
an overall credibility
rating of:

7.3 out of 10
Critic's Review History

In their published
reviews, this critic awards
an average score of:

85

The highest score
awarded by this critic is:

93

The lowest score
awarded by this critic is:

76

2012 Honda Civic

06/30/11
76
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2012 Honda Civic
Sedan

The Honda Civic, as always, is a dead reliable and affordable compact, but there are too many stronger players now to recommend a Honda that feels half-baked. For the first time perhaps ever, the almighty Honda Civic disappoints.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In

01/27/11
78
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In
Hatchback

The Toyota Prius Plug-in is an experiment, and for many people living in cities, a stretch of the imagination to work properly. But if Toyota can build enough of them, the company’s staunchly conservative culture could see it lead yet another niche.

2010 Ram 2500/3500

03/22/10
80
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2010 Ram 2500/3500
SUV/Truck

When a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Heavy Duty greeted me at the Globe for the ride back to Brookline, I felt intimidated. That’s the point. The 3500 is a condensed Mack tractor, with its five yellow roof lights, swinging mud flaps, and big-bore diesel exhaust.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle

09/24/11
81
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
Hatchback

Volkswagen, in its attempt to make the Beetle unisex, is starting to muffle the charm as its competitors crank it up. For a car rooted in carefree, ’60s euphoria, Volkswagen may be taking the Beetle too seriously.

2011 Audi Q7 TDI

01/12/11
82
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2011 Audi Q7 TDI
SUV/Truck

The Q7’s shocks deliver a creamy ride with minimal brake dive and body roll. The quick steering seems to shrink the Q7 down to Q5-size, especially when parking. Many midsize sedans don’t handle and steer this well.

2011 Acura TSX

02/17/11
82
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2011 Acura TSX
Wagon

The Acura TSX is very pleasant to drive and feels light and easy to toss into corners.

2012 Hyundai Genesis

08/10/11
83
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2012 Hyundai Genesis
Sedan

This is the Hyundai Genesis R-Spec, the sleepiest four-door of them all. Then again, no one knows how much fun you’re having in a Genesis, including the insurance companies.

2011 Nissan Leaf

05/06/11
83
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2011 Nissan Leaf
Hatchback

The Leaf is impressive. It’s incredibly smooth and silent, seats five, and is a genuine, tire-spinning hoot to drive. But the constant downtime, never mind the inability to find a plug at every stop, is too frustrating.

2012 Fiat 500

05/30/11
83
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2012 Fiat 500
Convertible

Despite being less than 12 feet long and as wide as my arm span, the Fiat 500 sports four cylinders and the actual semblance of an automobile.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

05/06/11
84
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2011 Chevrolet Volt
Hatchback

The Chevrolet Volt is the most advanced hybrid ever made. It’s designed to be plugged in like a pure electric car, but it’ll run all day and all week like a gasoline car.

2010 Mazda Speed 3

01/31/10
84
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2010 Mazda Speed 3
Hatchback

For the rawest performance, good looks (the 3’s smile made my day), and affordable price, grab a healthy dose of fear and buy the Mazdaspeed. And then buy another one with all-season tires.

2012 Jeep Wrangler

12/16/11
85
100

Overall score awarded to vehicle by this critic. [?]

Reviewed By Critic Credibility [?] Style Reviewed
Clifford Atiyeh Clifford Atiyeh 7.3 out of 10 2012 Jeep Wrangler
SUV/Truck

The 2012 Wrangler hasn’t changed its basic and most-loved features, and it’s remarkably tolerable. The new V-6 is smooth, pulls hard, and is nearly Lexus-quiet at low speeds. And I actually have room to stretch my arms and legs.

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