Hyundai named most reliable carmaker

Hyundai has continued to receive praise. This time, the Korean carmaker has been named the “Most Reliable Manufacturer” in 2013 via the CarMD Vehicle Health Index Manufacturer & Vehicle Reliability Ranking. The annual report by the California-based consumer organization compiles a system that helps drivers monitor vehicle health and minimize related repair costs. The ranking details the manufacturers and vehicles with the lowest combined “check engine” repair incidents and costs. The Index ranks the top 10 manufacturers, top 100 vehicles overall, top vehicles by category and the most common repairs by make. Hyundai finished second to Toyota the past two

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2013 Ford C-Max/C-Max Energi: Clever crossover

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Get past their odd names and you may find that the 2013 Ford C-Max and its sister C-Max Energi are surprisingly good hybrid crossover vehicles. New for 2013, the C-Max/C-Max Energi front-drive, four-door compact hatchbacks are virtually unchanged for 2014. They’re designed to directly compete with the top-selling Toyota Prius and seat five, although the center of the rear seat of the C-Max Energi I tested is too stiff for longer trips. The C-Max and C-Max Energi use a two-liter four-cylinder gas engine and electric motor. Both have a combined 188-horsepower rating, which gives them lively acceleration and good highway

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CAR REVIEW: 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Sporty, affordable

The Mazda MX-5 Miata debuted in 1989 as a 1990 model at the Chicago Auto Show — and at an ideal time. Roadsters we’re particularly en vogue at the time. But Mazda nevertheless introduced the little beast as an affordable two-seat convertible sports car. The rest is automotive history. The Mazda MX-5 or as it’s called only in the North America, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, is the best-selling car of its class globally. More than 900,000 have sold since the most recent international tally at the end of 2011. The name Miata derives from the German word for “reward.” And

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GM first: Mary Barra picked as new chief executive

Mary Barra became the first woman at the top level of the United States automotive industry Dec. 11 when she was named chief executive of General Motors. Barra, 51, the currrent executive vice president of global product development and global purchasing, will replace current chief executive Dan Akerson on Jan. 15. The selection of Barra to lead GM marked the latest among several appointments of woman chief executives to corporations long dominated by men. Last year, the technology firm Yahoo named a woman as president and CEO. Also, women have been named in recent years to run defense contractors General

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ICONIC CARS: 1957 Chevy Bel Air: One owner beauty

The 1957 Chevy Bel Air is not the fastest nor the best-looking car of its time. But no other car is more iconic than a 1957 Chevy. The 1957 Chevy has been a classic now for years. It’s been in many movies and it’s one of the most popular choices for fanciers of street cars to rebuild. The 1957 Chevy also caught the eye of Grace Braeger. She owned a 1950 Chevy, but seven years later began to shop for a new car. The 1957 Chevy Braeger purchased was a demonstrator model at the local dealership in Milwaukee of the

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2013 Jaguar XJ: Plush, sexy, upscale option

Want something different? Check out the 2013 Jaguar XJ sedan. It’s often overlooked by buyers who automatically go after, say, a large BMW, Mercedes or Audi. The Jaguar XJ sedan long has been among Jaguar’s most venerable and popular models. It has never caught up with such heady rivals as BMW or Mercedes, but is a good alternative to sporty, elegant upscale sedans—foreign or domestic. I drove a 2013 XJ sedan in December, 2013.  The 2014 model year officially began in October, 2013, but never mind because the 2014 XJ is virtually identical to the 2013 model. You thus might

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Winter Driving Tips: Prepare for the worst

Like the human body, preventative maintenance in cars often means the difference between safe and healthy travel and catastrophe, particularly during winter driving conditions. Here’s  the second in a series provided the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) to held drivers prepare and participate safely in winter driving conditions. Stocking your vehicle is appropriate supplies for the season of the first priority.  Carry the following items: * Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper. * Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow. * Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such

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Winter Driving Tips: Wild animals, strong planning

Winter driving can be safe and it can be treacherous. Learning how to best handle your car or truck in inclement weather conditions is paramount to safe driving. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHSTA) offers a detailed list of safety instructions for during winter  — from knowing your car to planning for trips during poor weather conditions to being aware of wild animals’ changing winter behavior. And there’s is stocking your vehicle with severe weather conditions equipment to properly servicing your car before driving in winter driving conditions. Here’s the first in a series of article that include

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2015 Ford Mustang

The 2015 Ford Mustang has been unveiled with a new engine option, updated interior and technology features and a stylishly tweaked sleek exterior design that further enhances the iconic American muscle car. The carmaker Ford also announced the 2015 Ford Mustang will be sold in several countries in Asia and Europe and on four continents. The original Mustang, which debuted in 1964, was available as either a coupe or a convertible. And it had several engine options: A 101-hp 6-cylinder engine, a 164-hp V-8, a 210-hp V-8, and beginning in June of that year, a powerful 271-hp V-8. Many of

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BEST — — USED CARS: 2006 Mazda MX-5, 2006

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(Editor’s note: TheWeeklyDriver.com is now 10 years old. We’re visiting our archives to review cars once new and now well-suited for best-buy status in the used car market. The 2006 Mazda MX-5 is one of our choices.) Certain cars acquire their reputations via buyers’ gender or age group rather than the size, style, price or performance of the vehicle. Volkswagen’s Beetle and Chrysler’s PT Cruiser are surprisingly popular among women drivers. The Honda Element was marketed to appeal to young drivers, but it’s been successful among urban families who enjoy recreation. Like the Beetle and PT Cruiser, the Mazda Miata

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2014 Chrysler Town & Country: Upscale minivan

Have big old plush station wagons come back in a different form? The 2014 Chrysler Town & Country is reminiscent of  large old upscale station wagons—those with loads of room and decent road manners. After all, this minivan is heavy and big like those old wagons, with a 121.2-inch wheelbase and length of 202.8 inches. The front-drive Town & Country is an uptown version of the lower-cost Dodge Grand Caravan, which lacks the Chrysler version’s upscale nature. Heck, anybody can get a Dodge, but a Chrysler is still a Chrysler—although Chrysler lacks the prestige it began losing in the 1960s.

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CAR REVIEW: 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer: Enduring Mediocrity

The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer continues the enduring legacy of the compact sedan. It’s now 41 years old. The Lance is rarely mentioned first and often mentioned among the least favorite options for compacts in a car segment with more than 40 options, including perennial favorites like the Honda Civic, Ford Fiesta and Mazda3. But the Lancer has endured. During its first 35 years ending in 2008, more than six million Lancers were sold worldwide by nearly a dozen different names. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Available in five trims, including the top-line, performance-oriented Ralliart and Evo models, my test drive

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RVs: Mobile Homes on Wheels

Traveling in recreational vehicles is, for some, the ultimate way of travel. No airports, no security lines. No luggage hassles or rude or sick fellow travelers. The beauty of the country at close range. Although its history is older on other continents, modern-day recreational vehicle travel in the United States dates to the 1920s. Several manufacturers began to offer what were then called house trailers or trail coaches. Airstream was among the the earliest and still among the most well-known RV makers. In their early years, RVs were often associated with the mobile home industry and few units were longer

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Paul Walker: car crash death leaves Hollywood uncertain

The death of the actor Paul Walker two days ago (Nov. 30) in a single-car automobile accident in Santa Clarita, California, has reverberated throughout the film industry and among the popular star’s global fan community. Walker, 40, was the star of the “Fast & Furious” film franchise. He was preparing to resume production of the film’s seventh installment. Walker played the rogue ex-cop Brian O’Conner. Walker had already filmed scenes the movie, the pending edition of which features a vengeful rivalry between racing crews. James Wan, the director of the film, Neal Moritz, the lead producer and executives haven’t made

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AUTO RECALL: 2013 Ford Escape — eighth time

For the eighth time since it was redesigned and debuted in early 2012, the Ford Escape sport utility vehicle is being recalled. This time, the recall is to fix oil leaks that could cause engine fires. The recall will affect more than 161,000 Ford Escapes from the 2013 model years with 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engines. The oil leaks can occur, according to the carmaker, when the cylinder heads overhead and crack. Additionally, approximately 12,000 of the recalled Ford Escapes have incorrectly installed fuel lines that could chafe and leak gas. Many of the problematic fuel lines were repaired under a previous

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Two Mazdas, Honda Accord among Car and Driver’s 2013 Best

Two Mazda models, the perennial favorite Honda Accord and several sports cars and sedans have been selected in Car and Driver’s 32nd annual 10 Best list of 2013 cars with prices less than $80,000. Car and Driver this year recognized five all-new cars to redefining excellence for the entire industry. Half of the 10 vehicles selected have starting costs of less than $25,000. Car and Driver writes, “These are the vehicles that offer the most value, that elegantly and comprehensively fulfill their missions, and that engage their drivers in spirited conversation. They are not always the newest or the trendiest,

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