James Raia

Articles by James Raia

#94, West Sacramento truck company helps Paradise Fire cleanup

Not too long ago, I overheard a conversation in a Starbucks in Sacramento. The barista asked the woman in front of me what she does for a living. The response: “My husband and I own a dump truck.” It turns out, the Maricela and Adam Fry, husband and wife, own Big Country Restoration and Transport in West Sacramento. They own three massive dump trucks and have one of many contracts to help the cleanup of The Camp Fire in Paradise, California. Adam Fry is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Drive Podcast. The fire started in Paradise on Nov. 9 2018 and was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. It was also the deadliest wildfire in the United

Read more
,

2019 Honda Insight comes of age as handsome four-door hybrid

The original Honda Insight debuted as a 2000 model and received more mockery than respect. It was a far-from-perfect, two-door subcompact that looked like a mechanical peanut on wheels. With its unique appearance, the Insight garnered more attention as an oddity than it did for its now-important legend. It was the first mass-produced hybrid available in the United States. It was ugly, simultaneously cool and it got whooped in sales a few months later when the Toyota Prius debuted. Key Takeaways Insight grows up into a midsize four-door hybrid sedan: Honda replaced the two-door subcompact hatchback with a mainstream four-door design that finally looks like a conventional sedan rather than a mechanical peanut on wheels. 151-hp hybrid powertrain with 1.5-liter

Read more
,

2019 Nissan Armada: powerful, safe, guzzles gas

The Nissan Armada is a well-adjusted teenager. It’s positioned firmly in the mix of large sport utility vehicles that remain popular with their massive engines, family comfort, safety and putrid fuel efficiency. The 2019 edition is the vehicle’s 16th year, and its technically and oddly named after a fleet of warships but used in the singular form. It’s also the third year of the Armada’s second generation after Nissan introduced the current model in 2017. Sales doubled. With an unyielding variety of SUVs entering the market as crossovers and other large SUVs improving, the Armada’s sales fell a few thousand last year. Yet there’s still a solid corps of buyers who don’t seem concerned about driving a vehicle that weighs

Read more

2019 Hyundai Ioniq: odd name, worthy EV wheels

The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq, the third model year of the South Korean liftback, is unique in the ever-evolving, alternative fuel segment. It’s the least expensive mainstream electric vehicle available in the United States, and it has the best fuel economy. Cheap and economic don’t always equate to quality. But the five-door Ioniq provides another example of why skeptics of Hyundai and its close relative Kia should be forever enlightened. The manufacturers’ lineups have vastly improved in recent years. Key Takeaways Only alternative-fuel vehicle offered as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, AND all-electric: The Ioniq was the first car to offer all three powertrains in one model, letting buyers match the variant to commute profile without switching nameplates. 57 mpg city, 59 mpg

Read more
,

Matt Damon, Christian Bale set for FORD v. FERRARI film

Among the epic rivalries in motorsports, Ford v. Ferrari and the 1966 contest between Carroll Shelby and Kevin Miles at Ford and Enzo Ferrari and his entourage at the 24 Hours of LeMans is unsurpassed. Actors Matt Damon and Christian Bale weren’t born yet when the respective drivers and carmakers from Ford and Ferrari matched their driving skills and risk-taking desires in the famous French race. But the accomplished actors will portray the icons in the film FORD v. FERRARI. 20th Century Fox recently released the official trailer and poster for the pending film. It’s based on the story of Shelby, the visionary American car designer, and Miles, the fearless British-born driver. They’re dispatched by Henry Ford II and the

Read more
,

#20, Vintage firetruck gets new life as mobile party pub (video)

Kevin Mullan owns a 1987 E-One first pumper. It’s a fascinating vintage firetruck. And he’s made it further intriguing by converting it to a mobile pub. Mullan, 38, of Toledo, Ohio, purchased the truck, had a walk-in cooler with 10 beer taps installed, and named the business-on-wheels Ladder 419 beer truck. The name is a nod to the city’s area code. As co-hosts of The Weekly Driver Podcast, Bruce Aldrich and I are now bonafide members of the Mullan’s fan club. He’s our guest on Episode #92 of our weekly discussion of all things automotive. The beer truck, which debuted in late June in Blissfield, Michigan, is unique. Its walk-in cooler was installed after the 1,500-gallon water tank was removed.

Read more
,

2020 Jeep Gladiator stands alone among truck malaise

Lots of new vehicles look similar cruising down the highway. One family sedan is likely related to another. The flood of SUVs, with rare exception, could all be made by the same manufacturer. Tesla and pending electric competition from Byton and Rivian are non-conformists. A Porsche Panamera stands out anywhere. Hummers stand alone in gaudiness. A few gimmick cars get attention. And now there’s the industry’s first convertible truck, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. It’s a midsize vehicle that resembles its sibling, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, but simultaneously looks nothing like its relative. Beyond its signature spindle grille, an extended wheelbase and a five-foot cargo bed, the Gladiator is unlike any other mainstream vehicle. When it literally gets unhinged (the doors

Read more
, ,

2019 Maserati Levante growls Italian but luxury SUV misfires

A friend has commented for years that older Mercedes-Benz station wagons are contradictory automobiles. The stately sedans offered as utilitarian family vacation haulers? It isn’t right. Some enthusiasts in more recent times have echoed similar thoughts about Bentley, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari (pending) offering sport utility vehicles. Why compromise the wondrous ways of cruising down the highway in a sedan of refined performance and overt plushness? Like other top-line automakers, Mercedes-Benz never uses the word “station” in describing its wagons. But Maserati, a niche seller, has no issue calling the third-year Levante an SUV. The acronym translates into sales. The ever-present family haulers come in econoboxes. And they’re offered as half-million-dollar creations with hand-selected wood trims and

Read more

#92, Vintage firetruck converted into Ohio mobile pub

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:53 — 52.0MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreKevin Mullan is an easy guy to like, particularly if you appreciate beer, vintage firetrucks and the entrepreneurial spirit. Mullan owns a 1987 E-One pumper first E-One pumper firetruck converted into a mobile brewpub. Mullan, 38, of Toledo, Ohio, purchased the truck, had a walk-in cooler with 10 beer taps installed,  and named the business-on- wheels Ladder 419 beer truck. The name is a nod to the city’s area code. As co-hosts of The Weekly Driver Podcast, Bruce Aldrich and I are now bonafide members of the Mullan’s fan club. He’s our guest on Episode #92 of our weekly discussion of all things automotive.

Read more

#19, Car collector Andy Harris talks Citroen, Chrysler, Mazda

Every vintage car collector has great stories to share about their vehicles. Andy Harris recently added to trend as a guest on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Harris lives and works in Sacramento, California. He’s owned United Attorneys’ Services for many years, and he shares two of the same pastimes as the podcasts’ co-hosts. Harris is a veteran long-distance runner and a vintage car collector. Harris is our guest on Episode #19 of our weekly video conversations about all things in the automotive industry. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Harris the particulars of the four vastly different cars he owns. How about a 1959 Crown Imperial? Or consider Harris’ 1973 Citroen SM or his 1991 Mazda Miata. And

Read more

#91, Sacramento vintage car collector Andy Harris

Andy Harris lives and works in Sacramento, California. He’s owned United Attorneys’ Services for many years, and he shares two of the same pastimes as the co-hosts of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Harris is a veteran long-distance runner and he’s a vintage car collector. Harris is our guest on Episode #91 of our weekly conversations about all things in the automotive industry. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Harris the particulars of the four vastly different cars he owns. How about a 1959 Crown Imperial? Or consider Harris’ 1973 Citroen SM or his 1991 Mazda Miata. And for a daily driver, how about Harris’choice of a 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth? While all of his cars attract attention, the

Read more

#17, USA Today asks The Weekly Driver’s car advice (video)

Going to auto shows, driving new vehicles, interviewing vintage cars owners is fun. It’s a job, too, although to enjoyment far outweighs the usual definition of work. The issue came to mind recently when USA Today asked for my opinions in several automotive areas. USA Today project is its 10 Best lists, including several in the automotive field. The categories were favorite car show, NASCAR track, motorsports, and best experience. I hadn’t thought about the topics much in my 15 years as an auto journalist. But it’s one of several areas Bruce Aldrich and I discuss during video episode No. 17 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. My choices in the various areas included: The Los Angeles Auto Show, Monterey Auto

Read more

#90 The Weekly Driver podcast gets USA Today car karma

USA Today has 10 Best lists, including several in the automotive field. The Weekly Driver and the site’s podcast was contacted by the newspaper to give my opinion in four categories — car show, NASCAR track, motorsports, favorite experience — for a contest. I hadn’t thought about the topics much, but it’s one of several areas, Bruce Aldrich and I discuss during episode No. 90 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. My choices in the various areas included: The Los Angeles Auto Show, Monterey Auto Week and Pacific Coast Dream Machines among auto shows as well as watching MotoGP and reviewing two Bentleys. Bruce had similar answers but also cited Daytona Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. While I was on assignment,

Read more

#15, How to move the Endeavor Space Shuttle (video)

Moving the Endeavor Space Shuttle? How does that work? The folks at Commercial Truck Trader can help you with that. The Virginia-based company rents vehicles of all shapes and sizes, particularly when the task involves moving something on the road that requires special needs. Amanda Ayala, vice president Commercial Truck & Equipment Trader, is our guest in Episode #88 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia interview Ayala and examine what’s involved moving the famous shuttle. It’s only 12 miles from the Los Angles International Airport to the California Science Center. But as Ayala explains, the move required the use  of six freeway lanes. The moving crew was also required to trim trees as the move

Read more

#88, Moving a space shuttle, other big stuff on roads

If you want to transport the Endeavor Space Shuttle or a similarly large object, there’s a good chance Commercial Truck Trader will be involved. The Virginia-based company rents vehicles of all shapes and sizes, particularly when the task involves moving something on the road that requires special needs. Amanda Ayala, vice president Commercial Truck & Equipment Trader, is our guest in Episode 88 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia interview Ayala and examine what’s involved moving the famous shuttle. It’s only 12 miles from the Los Angles International Airport to the California Science Center. But as Ayala explained, the move required the uses of six freeway lanes. The moving crew was also required to trim

Read more

Volvo, VW and driving in the pro cycling caravan (video)

For every cyclist competing in a professional bike race, there’s seemingly a corresponding vehicle. But it’s not an exact parallel. In fact, in top-level races, there are several times more team, organization, media and sponsor vehicles, equipment trucks, fans’ motorhomes, police cars and motorcycles than competitors. Like the cyclists, race vehicles get down time at hotels, but otherwise, they’re all almost always on the move, climbing mountains, negotiating narrow roads and descending at top speeds. Volvo saw an opportunity at this year’s event and provided three V60 AWD T6 Inscription trim wagons for the seven-rider team. Team managers Michael Sayers and Michael Creed are driving the cars during every stage. Scott Schnitzspahn, USA Cycling’s vice president of Elite Athletics, has

Read more
Previous Next