Automotive Reviews

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Mazda 6 bids farewell at its best

Say goodbye to the Mazda 6. The highly rated family sedan has been discontinued after the current 2021 model, and it’s a shame when many undesirables remain. The issue for the Mazda is two-fold. Its current generation debuted in 2016 and the competition is increasingly wicked. Matched against the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry, the Mazda 6 could barely infiltrate the brigade of perennial top-sellers. How could it? Honda and Toyota have armor-solid reputations and the industry’s best resale pedigrees. For its last appearance as a new vehicle, the 2021 Mazda 6 has a few upgrades. The Carbon Edition joins the family of now six trims. It features a Polymetal Gray exterior color, black exterior accent

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Versatile 2021 Ford F-150 has PowerBoost hybrid engine option

The 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid engine is offered as an option in the 2021 Ford F-150 and changes the game for V-6 engines in pickup trucks. The combination of a V-6 and a pickup truck was once relegated to use as service vehicles and for supervisors to drive. Ford’s creation of the hybrid PowerBoost has raised the V-6 to a new level of functionality and usefulness. The PowerBoost performs at the level of a V-8, uses less gasoline, and takes advantage of proven technology to handle wear and tear once reserved for V-8 engines. An Overview of the Ford 3.5-liter PowerBoost The Ford 3.5-liter PowerBoost is a hybrid currently used in the manufacturer’s F-series of full-sized pickups starting in 2021. It’s

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2022 Honda Civic: Best got better at age 50

Fifty years ago, the Honda Civic was introduced as a two-door or four-door subcompact sedan, a three-door or five-door hatchback and a five-door station wagon. It had starting cost of about $1,400 and weighed 1,411 pounds. Simultaneously, not much and everything has changed. The debut Civic’s four-cylinder, 61-horsepower engine, was propelled by a four-speed manual transmission. It advanced from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 10.5 seconds and it had a top speed of 90 mph. The new Civic had a spacious interior, and it quickly built a reputation as environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient and reliable. The 2022 Honda Civic, the debut of the car’s 11th generation, designates the brand’s 50th anniversary. It does so in grand fashion, particularly with the sport

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2021 Ford F-150 4×4 SuperCrew Lariat Hybrid Electrifying

The Ford F-Series of pickup trucks has been at the top of the automotive world so long, the manufacturer could slide along for a few years without worry. But that hasn’t happened. Trucks dominate yearly sales figures and Ford likes its perch. As such, the carmaker adds and tweaks its trucks, offers variations of variations. It keeps ahead of rivals and their continued attempts to outdo the industry stalwart. Ford hasn’t flinched. New for 2021 is the Ford F-150 4×4 SuperCrew Lariat Hybrid. It pushes the truck leader to the saturation point. It’s offered in three cab style choices, three-bed lengths, six powertrains, six trims and the performance-oriented Raptor. Buyers have preferences, some of which they may not know they

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2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Better but not good enough

After seven straight years of increased annual sales, Mitsubishi followed the industry trend in 2020 and stumbled nearly 28 percent, 12 percent more than the industry average. It was a mighty fall for the underdog manufacturer. It annually has the county’s lowest sales among major carmakers. But just when Mitsubishi‘s misfortunes in 2020 (about 88,000 yearly sales nationwide) seemed likely to further dim the brand’s reputation, good fortune arrived. The vehicle didn’t have a 2021 edition, but the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has provided hope. A modernized exterior design, including a streamlined one-window liftgate and bold new lettering (Range Rover-like) have eliminated the staid look of yesteryear. The revamped exterior look includes an increased length by 5.5 inches (including 4

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2022 Subaru WRX, the third generation of the compact sports sedan, features improved performance and the most advanced features in the car’s nearly 20-year history. Powered by a new 2.4-liter, turbocharged 271-horsepower engine, the WRX has either a six-speed manual transmission or new automatic transmission. New also are a high-definition tablet-style 11.6-inch multimedia system and the latest generation driver-assist technology. The WRX adds a new top-of-the-line GT trim with a new automatic transmission, the Subaru Performance Transmission, as standard. The new WRX GT offers a first-ever for WRX, new electronically controlled dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver’s preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. The Drive Mode Select also offers additional options to configure steering

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2021 Honda Ridgeline updated, future seems grim

Seventeen years ago, Honda introduced the Ridgeline to challenge the mainstream pickup truck empire. The Ridgeline was something. It had the industry’s first lockable in-bed storage trunk. It had a fully independent suspension. The truck’s dual-action tailgate could be opened to the side or down. The 2006 Honda Ridgeline (made in Canada beginning in March 2005) also had an unusual exterior design, a unibody frame. It had a 3.5-liter V6 transverse-mounted engine a five-speed automatic transmission and 247 horsepower. Its towing capacity was (and remains) 5,000 pounds. Accolades arrived quickly, including the Ridgeline’s selection as Motor Trend’s 2006 Truck of the Year. It was also named Car and Driver’s top mid-size truck for 2006. The Ridgeline combined truck capabilities with

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2021 Mercedes-AMG A35: a worthy double life

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC, a compact luxury sedan, is positioned in a wickedly competitive segment. It defines automotive industry rivalry at its best. Several BMW and Audi models are top German counterpart competitors. The Cadillac CT4, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS and Volvo S60 are also long-time stalwarts. More recent additions include the Kia Stinger, Genesis G70 and Volkswagen Arteon, expanding the all-worthy list to more than a dozen choices. Pick one and rejoice in your good choice. The AMG (Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach) lineup showcases Mercedes at its best. The manufacturer customizes its vehicles with improved performance and more features. The A35 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 302 horsepower and a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The

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VW Basis-Transporter: Rare, odd collectible pickup truck

In the Philippines, it was known as a “country truck” or “Trakbayan.” In Indonesia, its name was “Mitra,” meaning partner. By any name, the Volkswagen Basis-Transporter was among the carmaker’s oddest creations. The two-door, boxy work truck, manufactured in German and in Mexico, were made between 1975 and 1979 only 6,200 were built. It was called the Hormiga or “Ant.” As a basic utility vehicle, the Basis-Transporter was primarily shipped to Mexico, Turkey and Pakistan. It had a 1.6-liter, 50-horsepower engine and a maximum speed of 48 miles per hour. Its bed had a maximum payload of 2,205 pounds. VW Basis-Transporter: Odd, Rare The utilitarian vehicle founds some success during its short tenure because of high fuel prices and a

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NEW TRUCK REVIEW: 2021 Ford F-250 rocks power

Fifty years into its unequaled success, Ford decided it needed more from its lightweight pickup trucks. The Super Duty lineup, including the F-250, was introduced. The family of haulers comprises the country’s best-selling vehicles, and it’s been that way for decades. With its siblings, the F-350 through F-750, the F-250, which debuted in 1998 as a 1999 model, features a heavier-duty chassis and heavier-duty suspension. The result is a pickup truck with a complementary role as a rugged small apartment on wheels. Pickup truck owners accustomed to the girth and power of the beasts will rejoice. The F-250 ideally defines the segment. It’s in charge on the road with a commanding presence but without having to prove its appeal with

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#193, Monterey Auto Week: Classic cars, Classic owners

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:50 — 41.0MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | More Donald Osborne is an opera singer, museum CEO, international business owner and one of the voices of the Concours on the Avenue in Carmel, California. He knows cars and people and the gift of gab. Osborne recently returned from Europe but in plenty of time for Monterey Auto Week. The coronavirus and its variants are in different stages in Italy and England, where he attended globally renowned automotive events. On Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, the proprietor of Audrain Auto Museum in Newport, R.I., was in his usual perch nearly the judging platform on Ocean Avenue, looking dapper in his official blazer, bowtie and

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Rare Steve McQueen Husqvarna could fetch fortune in Monterey

Steve McQueen, the iconic actor known as the King of Cool, rode many motorcycles in his movies and for recreation. Several vintage bikes from the actor’s estate have sold. But the first Husqvarna dirt bike McQueen owned is particularly revered. And the machine of legend could several hundred thousand dollars when it’s auctioned during RM Sotheby’s sale Aug. 12-14 during Monterey Auto Week. McQueen’s coveted two-wheeler is a classic 1968 Husqvarna Viking 360. It’s believed he first saw the high-octane Husky tear up the track during a series of races in Southern California in 1968. Steve McQueen: Motorcycle Icon After watching acclaimed motocross rider Bengt Åberg in the saddle, McQueen bought the bike from Swedish rider after the third race.

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2021 Jeep Wrangler (hybrid!) still best off-road

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the new hybrid trim, is available as a four-door in three high-end offerings: the premium Sahara, more premium High Altitude, and Rubicon, geared toward off-road excursions. The 4xe (pronounced “four by E”), engine combines a 270 horsepower turbocharged inline-four-cylinder with a 44-horsepower motor connected through a front-end accessory belt. A 134-horsepower motor replaces the transmission’s back-end torque converter. The motors draw power from a 14.0-kWh lithium-ion battery located under the rear seats. Whether the 4xe is in electric mode or running as a hybrid, torque is routed to the wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. A transfer case offers rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive (4WD Auto), and high-or low-range four-wheel drive for off-road use. In its

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Used pickup truck prices surge, notably Ram and GMC

If you’re considering the purchase of a new used pickup truck, be forewarned. The prices may be alarming, notably for a Ram 1500 or GMC Sierra 1500. Both trucks are among the top-10 vehicles with the greatest prices increases, according to a recent survey by iseecars.com. The automotive search engine and research website tallied the datasets for 1.1 million used car sales from model years 2016 to 2020 in June 2021 and more than 800,00 used car sales from 2015 to 2019 in June 2020. Pickup truck prices surge The average price increase from June 2000 to June 2021 among all vehicles is 32.7 percent. The Ram 1500 pickup had an average used price of $40,200 in June of 2021,

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2021 Volvo XC90: Safe, handsome, EV oddity

Volvo makes cars that encompass the compelling characteristics of Scandinavian design — simplicity, minimalism and functionality. The 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Inscription oozes with automotive modernism. A three-row, midsized luxury SUV offered for two decades, the XC90 is available in T5, T6 or Recharge (T8) options. The powertrains are mated to trim levels with marketing wizards’ think session wordplay. Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the Recharge powertrain), R-Design and Inscription. The 2021 offerings are largely carryovers from last year, with a few keen changes, for the second edition that debuted in 2016. The T8 plug-in hybrid model is now known as Recharge. The standard features list throughout the lineup is further extensive. Every Volvo model now had front parking

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Kaiser Darrin, 1954: Best Of Show At Concours On The Avenue

It was one of the first cars I noticed, and after looking at an estimated 200 other vehicles, the 1954 Kaiser Darrin was still my favorite at the recently concluded Monterey Auto Week. The Concours on the Avenue in Carmel was only presented for the second year in 2008. But it has come into its own, particularly with cars like the Darrin Owner John Nirenstein of Tiburon, California, showcased it on Tuesday, Aug. 12, the second day of the event. Kaiser Darrin: Art Decco on wheels Nirenstein, participating in the event for the first time. He bought the car 10 years ago and took 22 months to restore it. While soft jazz played in the background, the car got plenty

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