Automotive Reviews

Tesla oddity: Safest car ever tested but unreliable? (VIDEO)

Telsa has revolutionized the automotive industry, but the super luxury electric car has just received its first major dubious honor. Consumer Reports has described $127,000 Tesla Model S has “worse than average” in reliability. The unexpected rating is odd considering the prestigious publication in recent months selected the Tesla as the safest car ever made. It’s also rated as the publication’s best performing car. According to the publication, results from the 1,400 responses from consumers detailed a long list of “maladies with the drivetrain, charging equipment, big-screen center console and evidence of a poorly-built vehicle with squeaks, rattles and leaks.” Tesla Model S sets record as safest car in history As a result, a Consumer Reports’ representative commented, “We are no longer

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2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Review: Underdog SUV improved

Thirteen years since its North American debut as the replacement for the Montero Sport, the Mitsubishi Outlander is vastly updated from its predecessor. Most notably, there’s improved fuel mileage, more attractive exterior and interior designs and a standard third-row seat that translates into seating for seven. Still, Mitsubishi has long been an automotive underdog. And with the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, the Japanese carmaker is making a further attempt to gain a slice of the ever-popular SUV market. The heavily revised Outlander now includes what Mitsubishi calls “Dynamic Shield.” The standard improvements include: a steering wheel headliner, rear folding seats, door controls, increased sound insulation, reinforced door glass, dynamic suspension and thicker weatherstripping. The Weekly Driver Test Drive It’s been two

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Volkswagen can’t sell 2016 diesels in the U.S.

Volkswagen of American won’t be able to sell 2016 diesel 2.0-liter engine models in the United States, and the carmaker has withdrawn its application for EPA certification. If the manufacturer complies with U.S. emissions standards, it can again begin selling its vehicles currently in violation of emissions policies. Volkswagen had been awaiting EPA approval for the 2016 diesels, but withdrew its request as part of ongoing discussions with U.S. regulators following emissions violations. Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn disclosed the decision in written testimony he delivered at a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce committee. In his testimony, Horn said part of VW’s emissions control strategy included a “software feature” that should be “disclosed to and approved by”

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700 Horsepower Ford Mustang too good to be true

Neiman Marcus, in its famed annual Christmas catalog, is offering 100 examples of the most unique Ford Mustang ever manufactured. It will be a supercharged 700 horsepower, 195 mph Mustang convertible. Powered by a specially tuned supercharged V8, the vehicle is rated at 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The exotic Mustang is further enhanced with unique chassis and suspension tuning, a dual exhaust system, lightweight forged 20-inch wheels, and body panels and aesthetic modifications specific to the Neiman car. The Neiman Marcus catalog lists the vehicle as having all-wheel drive. Several automotive website outlets are reporting that description was erroneous. Several other features of the limited Mustang have also been questioned by national automotive writers, but Neiman Marcus hasn’t yet

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2016 Kia Sorento Review: Underdog SUV gains on Toyota, Hyundai

With increasing competition among sport utility vehicles, the 2016 Kia Sorento is nearly all new to keep up with the pace. It’s been re-styled inside and outside. It’s slightly bigger in most dimensions and there are lots of new high-tech options. And there’s also versatility with three different engine options. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Available in five trims and in five and seven-seat configurations, the 2016 Kia Sorento is arguably the most versatile midsize SUV in the marketplace. My test vehicle was the topline SXL or Limited. It’s among the V6-powered Sorentos with seven-passenger only seating in three rows. Smaller L trim models equipped with a midrange turbocharged engine are five-passenger only. While vying for a market share with

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60 Minutes, Mercedes-Benz steer driverless cars

In its segment on driverless cars, 60 Minutes showcased the latest technology being hotly pursued by numerous automakers, most notably Mercedes-Benz and Audi. With Bill Whitaker as the segment host and Mercedes-Benz engineer Alex Hilliger von Thile as the “driver” the duo took a spin in a Mercedes F015. It’s the futuristic-looking prototype the German carmaker is testing as car that does the driving — on a pre-programmed course. The sleek Mercedes-Benz had a lot newfangled equipment: As the segment detailed: * Any passenger can control the car from any seat, two of which can face forward or backward; * The no-button dashboard pops up with the swipe of a hand and responds to both eye movements and hand gestures;

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2016 Mazda CX-5 Review: Versatile, sporty, fuel efficient

The Mazda CX-5 replaced the Mazda Tribute and Mazda CX-7 in 2012 as a 2013 model, and it has succeeded quickly in the popular compact SUV segment. For 2016, the Mazda CX-5 has been refreshed with minor interior and exterior upgrades, including improved materials quality, additional insulation and an improved technology interface. There’s also improved and additional equipment in option packages. Some former options, including Bluetooth and audio connectivity, are now standard to keep up with improved compact SUV offerings from other manufacturers. The Weekly Driver Test Drive With its new features and options and its availability in three trims with either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, it’s likely the Mazda CX-5 will continue is impressive upward sales trend. The

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VW made $600 car for China, but did world’s cheapest car vanish?

A new cheap single-seat car, introduced several years via a prototype, was scheduled for release recently China and would have made the Tata Nano, the not-too-long ago world’s cheapest car, seem expensive. Made in Hamburg, Germany, and shown only to Volkswagen stockholders in secrecy, the unnamed vehicle was said to 4,000 Yuan or the equivalent of $600. That’s about one-third of the cost of the original Tata Nano, the India-made vehicle that debuted via much publicity in 2009. (But has anyone heard anything further about arguably one of oddest-looking vehicles in history?) The new vehicle, built in Germany, was predicted to travel 100 kilometers (62 miles) on one liter (28 ounces) of fuel, also making it the world’s most economical

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Carsquare.com: the easiest, best way to buy or lease a car

Carsquare.com is a new website that provides something previously absent from the online car-buying experience. Whether a consumer is looking to purchase a new car in a specific price range or interested in reading used car reviews, Carsquare.com features a diverse offering — from the best used car tools to educating yourself about buying a new car to generating a specific vehicle’s used car history check. The Carsquare.com platform aggregates information from the best automotive industry companies available on the Internet and has developed relationships with Carfax, eBay Motors, CarsDirect, Usedcars.com, MyCarMatch, LotLinx, Swapalease.com, and others. The new portal provides all the tools to help make a consumer’s search simple, precise and ongoing, whether looking for new or used, to

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2015 Nissan Murano Review: Driving the USA Pro Challenge #2

The USA Pro Challenge, the fifth-year professional cycling event in Colorado, takes the riders throughout cities large and small. In the past few days, I’ve driven the 2015 Nissan Murano from Frisco to Copper Mountain to Aspen to Breckenridge. The route has primarily been along winding and hilly Interstate 70 that advance through wondrous rock formations. I also drove on a several state routes along flowing rivers and on a few frontage roads and on city streets in Frisco and to the top of Snowmass. My guide was the touchscreen navigation system. I liked the clarity of the seven-inch screen and its functionality via  straightforward features. When I was getting low on fuel, I quickly found the closest gas station

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2016 Toyota Tacoma Preview: Stronger, more trims

The redesigned 2016 Toyota Tacoma will feature a new powertrain, enhanced suspension timing and an expanded range of trim possibilities adding to the appeal of the enduring mid-size pickup. Fortified with additional steel, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma will have enhanced rigidity and more overall strength. The steel was integrated into the body shell using a new hot stamping process that reduces weight. Two engines will be offered: * A 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder with VVT-i that will produce 159 horsepower and EPA estimated city/highway/combined mpg for the 4×2 with an automatic transmission is19/23/21. Estimated fuel efficiency for the 4×4 with a manual transmission is 19/21/20 and 19/22/20 for the automatic. * A V6 with a segment-first 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle with VVT-iW

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2015 Nissan Murano Review: Driving the USA Pro Challenge #1

Newly designed for 2015, the Nissan Murano is a midsize, versatile crossover SUV. It’s available in four trim levels and all with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. My weekly driver of the USA Pro Challenge, a seven-day pro professional bike race in Colorado, is the SL trim with all-wheel drive. Standard equipment on the base S model includes: 18-inch alloy wheels, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and cruise control. Electronics and entertainment features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, smartphone app integration and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary input jack. The SL trim, two trims advanced, includes a host

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2015 Lexus ES 350: Perfect sedan for a 2,000-mile desert trek

What car enthusiast wouldn’t welcome the opportunity to drive across three sates, including long stretches in the desert, on wide, high-speed roads? And considering super cars to classics, what would be an ideal car to drive just under 700 miles from Sacramento, California to Logan, Utah? And after eight days in Utah, how satisfying would it be to make the return trip on the ninth day and in one day instead of the two-day departure journey? Performance freaks might select any number of rarities. Perhaps others would prefer a sports car or a gas-guzzling exotic. But what about a vehicle the public has readily available at an affordable price? I haven’t driven a sedan priced at the entry level luxury

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Rare Bugatti Veyrons at auction, rare pedal car an option

The first and last hardtop Bugatti Veyron supercars made, numbers #001 and #300, went up for aution in RM Sotheby’s auction Thursday night, Aug. 13 during Monterey Auto Week. It will be nteresting to note what prices the two rare cars attract as well as the difference between the selling points the two iconic vehicles. The three-day auction, which began with a preview Aug. 12, is being held at the Portola Hotel and Spa in Monterey. The original Bugatti, a 2006, Bugatti Veyron 16.4, is predicted to sell for $1.8-$2.4 million. The second Bugatti, a 2012 Veyron 16.4 Super Sports, is predicted to sell for about $1 million. Bugatti enthusiasts can also take note: If you didn’t make the highest

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2015 Porsche Panamera Hybrid: The perfect cycling car?

The fledging Airgas-Safeway cycling team is still seeking competitive clout. But the squad has attracted major attention at the Tour of Utah — if only in the caravan of race vehicles. The first-year team and its exuberant owner, Chris Johnson, secured the use of two 2015 Porsche Panamera S Hybrids as team cars for the biggest race of the team’s short tenure. Subaru is a race sponsor and there’s the usual assortment of manufacturers represented among team vehicles, Kia to Volvo. But it’s a safe bet to assume $110,000 high-performance, four-door hybrid sports cars with 380 horsepower are a first in the sport. “I think cycling is a perfect type of audience; a lot of cyclists drive Porsches,” said Johnson,

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Driving the Tour of Utah in a 2015 Lexus ES 350, #1

Driving from Sacramento, California to Logan, Utah is doable in one day. It’s about a 685-mile trek and takes 12 hours with stops. I opted for the two-day version, and one reason was because of my ride, a 2015 Lexus ES 350. A logical approach to attend the Tour of Utah bike race was a first night’s stop in Elko, Nevada, a 415-mile effort east on Interstate 80 to Reno, Nev. It was then into the desert for several-hour effort into open range, past small towns, plenty of sage brush and where the 75-mph speed limit is barely a deterrent. The 2015 Lexus ES 350 is the upscale version of a Toyota Avalon. It’s a four-door, luxury sedan featuring a

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