Editor's Notebook:

The newspaper industry is suffering. A recent headline in  The New Yorker magazine dramatically introduces a feature on the desperate situation. It reads: Out Of Print.

How does this relate to automobiles? In Sacramento, and I'm assuming in many other regional newspapers, print coverage of niche areas has been canceled, streamlined or refocused. The Sacramento Bee on April 2 replaced its editorial auto section with an advertising-based auto section edited by the special sections advertising department.

I write about The Bee's change in The Weekly Driver blog. There's also a blog on the  2007 Buick Rendezvous' new dubious  distinction: Most Dangerous Vehicle To Be In During A Crash.

Also in this issue, Jeff Weidel, author of the syndicated review column, Weidel on Wheels, has three new reviews. The pieces include the featured review of the issue, the 2008 Acura RL.

And, as always, there's a varied selection of review favorites, video reviews, features and industry news.

Featured Review:
Acura RL, 2008: Weidel On Wheels

Like many drivers, I’ve always been a fan of the Honda Accord. Second on the list of top-selling cars in the United States, the Accord always looks and feels like a more expensive vehicle.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise I thoroughly enjoyed a week behind the wheel of the Accord’s more sophisticated cousin, the 2008 Acura RL.

As Honda’s luxury division, it’s no surprise Acura shares similar views as its parent company and has a good idea of what attracts car buyers and keeps them coming back. Just like the Accord, there is a lot of value in the RL, Acura’s flagship sedan.

Although there are no significant changes from the 2007 model, does there really need to be? There’s a simple reason for the lack of any new features — the 2008 Acura RL is already considered one of the finest sedans in the premium mid-size category.

To read more, link: Acura RL, 2008

More In This Issue:

New Review: VW R32, 2008: Weidel On Wheels
If you’re shopping for a steroid-induced, compact hatchback, call off the search. Although not all aspects of the 2008 Volkswagen R32 are appealing, it will definitely satisfy your need for speed. Read more...

New Review: Saturn Sky, 2008: Weidel On Wheels
Needing a little "bling" in its lineup, Saturn finally convinced parent company General Motors a sports car could elicit positive results. Although the Sky convertible wasn’t exactly unique when it came out a year ago, it provided Saturn with definite eye appeal. Read more...

Review Favorite: Honda Fit, 2008: The Weekly Driver.
One friend took out the rear-seat headrest while driving so he could get a better view out the rear window. Another friend ripped through the gears of the automatic transmission to test the car’s sportiness. And a lot of other friends still didn’t recognize The Fit. Read more...

Review Favorite: Audi A4, 2008: The Weekly Driver
Since its debut a decade and a half ago, the Audi A4 has built a reputation as a versatile entry-level luxury car. It’s strong on design, with superb handling and personality. Read more...

Review Favorite: Cadillac, CTS, 2008: The Weekly Driver
A mid-size entry level luxury car, the Cadillac CTS was introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the Catera. Five years, later it's become the manufacturer's first success story in recent market campaign to sell vehicles to younger buyers. Read more...

News: Audi May Have World's Most Expensive Vehicle
Deusenberg, Ferrari and Buggati are all fine automobiles, and all might logically hold the label as the World’s Most Expensive Car. However, the most expensive car in the world might not be the classic that readily comes to mind. Read more...

News: Consumer Reports' Most Overlooked 2008 Cars
The Consumer Report list that impressed me recently is Consumer Reports list of Most Overlooked Cars. It’s a short list for 2008 — four vehicles. Read more...

Blog: Don't Crash In Buick's Rendezvous
For the 2007 model year, the minivan-based Buick Rendezvous, the Sport Utility Vehicle promoted by golfer Tiger Woods, was ranked as the most dangerous car to be in during a crash. Read more...

Blog: Sacramento Bee Dumps Editorial Auto Section For Auto Advertising Section
In recent months, some newspapers have made drastic moves. The Orange County Register recently stopped printing a business section, opting to transfer its business content online. Read more...


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