PRODUCT REVIEW: ProClip offers simple, safe iPhone car use

When I received my ProClip in the mail I was skeptical. Why would I want to car mount my iPhone where I could easily see it? I didn’t want an iPhone distracting me from my driving. I have always synced my phone to my car and thrown the phone in a inconvenient storage area — never to be seen again while driving. Not any more. iOmounts has paired its patented, infinitely rotatable, magnetic mount with the uber-slick, auto dashboard mounts from ProClip USA. With ProClip, my mobile phone usage habits have totally changed. The phone is held in my ProClip

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Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan recall 2.3 million cars, vans

Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai combined are recalling 2.3 million cars dating to 2004 and for reasons varying from defective shift levers to faulty sensors to brake light issues. The Toyota recall involves 694,000 Sienna minivans, from the model years of 2004-2005 and 2007-2009, because of the risk of rolling away while parked. The Detroit News reported the minivans have defective shift lever assemblies that could be moved out of park without the foot on the brake pedal. As a result, the minivans could rollaway. Twenty-one minor accidents and two minor injuries have been reported. The Toyota recall covers 615,000 vehicles

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Rare 50-year-old Corvette set for pending Mecum Auction

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A 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, one of only four ever made and given to automotive pioneer who brought the iconic sports car to the public’s attention, will soon be auctioned in Chicago. The Corvette, which features factory-customized side exhaust, is a longtime member of the Corvette Hall of Fame. The rare car, given to Harley J. Earl, will be among about 1,000 cars auctioned Oct. 10-12 by Mecum Auctions. Earl joined General Motors in 1928 and became the head of the GM design team before retiring in 1958. The 1963 Corvette will be auctioned in the final day of the

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Review: 2013 Toyota RAV4: Updated, mature SUV

Some models just keep rolling along, while getting better all the time. One such model is the 2013 Toyota RAV4. The original crossover SUV, the fourth-generation Toyota RAV4 model shows Toyota has kept improving it since its debut in the mid-1990s. The smaller first RAV4s were noisy, underpowered and rough-riding. But they had decent utility and good fuel economy. Honda, which was Toyota’s main rival, soon got into the small crossover SUV arena with its CR-V. Others followed. Toyota has dropped the RAV4’s potent V-6 and third-row seat for 2013, and the top-hinged rear hatch finally replaces the clunky side-swinging

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Nebraska car auction broadcast live on Autoweek.com

The buzz surrounding the massive Nebraska car auction of nearly 500 new cars and vintage barn finds has gathered such international attention, it’s warranted a live broadcast. Autoweek is broadcasting the auction Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29 via a live stream. Click here NEBRASKA CAR AUCTION for the sale of the estimated 500 cars. According to the auction company, more than 300 of cars and trucks will be auction Sunday. The auction both days will begin at 9:30 a.m. local time in Pierce, Nebraska. The second day of the sale will feature numerous Fords, Pontiacs and Studebakers. Here’s

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Massive small town Nebraska car auction ready for ignition

The massive Nebraska car auction of vintage barn finds and nearly new cars and trucks that has brought international attention to an abandoned Chevrolet dealership in a small city is about to unfold. The Lambrecht Chevrolet auto auction and its estimated 500 abandoned vehicles, all dating from 1958-1980, has been featured in the New York Times to specialty automotive sites. Finally, after weeks of anticipation, it will all begin Saturday, Aug. 28 at 9:30 a.m. local time in Pierce, Nebraska. The Lambrecht dealearship, a family owned business in community for decades, closed several years ago. Some cars in the dealership

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Rent a Tesla? It’s cheap at $500 per day compared to a Ferrari

Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche Audi and Mercedes-Benz are “dream cars,” to rent. At least that’s how Hertz describes its rental program of top-end cars that now will include arguably the most unique vehicle in the top echelon lot — Tesla. Hertz, Enterprise and other rental car agencies are now offering limited Tesla Model S models with different battery sizes in selected Southern California locations. Like Hertz, Enterprise has a special name for its high-end fleet. The Tesla is in the agency’s Exotic Car Collection. “The Tesla Model S is a new luxury sedan that is transforming the way the

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Tesla seeks autonomy (for once) with driverless car

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Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, doesn’t stay out of the automotive spotlight long. In addition to his innovative, expensive sports cars and a plan to soon drive one across the United States, the controversial entrepreneur is now joining other carmakers with a plan for a Tesla driverless car. Musk said recently Tesla is planning to manufacturer a car capable of running on “auto-pilot” within the next three years. Several other carmakers and Internet monolith Google have announced plans for similar cars. Telsa’s autonomous car, according to Musk, could have 90 of the driving responsibility controlled by the vehicle’s computer

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Review: 2013 Ford Fusion gets sporty, flirts with luxury

Redesigned for 2013, the Ford Fusion is firmly positioned in the midsize sedan market — the most prevalent and most competitive segment in the auto industry. Available in three trims, the 2013 Ford Fusion is a four-door, five-passenger offering. Like several of its many competitors, the Fusion was also previously firmly planted in the world of pedestrian vehicles. Not any more. It’s now in a segment chock-full of cars hard-to-beat. They’re fairly priced and offer high quality in comfort and equipment with comprehensive standard equipment lists and plenty of option packages. In its new design, the 2013 Ford Fusion goes

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New Product: Easy access fire extinguisher car mount

Convenience and access are good things in the fire extinguisher world, in homes, office buildings, schools, churches and in often-forgotten locations — automobiles. H3R Performance in Larkspur, California, has made the car option easier with a fully adjustable fire extinguisher seat mount that installs easily in most vehicles. It attaches to the seat rail bolts or above the sliders of the driver or front passenger seats. The extinguisher is easier access, and its installation eliminates the need to drill mounting holes. Attaching the assembly above the sliders, where possible, allows it to move with the seat when it is adjusted.

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Best Used Cars: Volkswagen Beetle, 2003 GLS Convertbile

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No one forgets their first car. For me, it was a 1962 Volkswagen Bug. With my own savings, I bought it from family friends in 1972 for $500. It was beige, in near-pristine condition, had a four-speed stick shift, the original Blaupunkt AM/FM stereo radio and chrome front and back bumpers. The VW insignia shield, a rare decal near the front trunk handle, was intact. I drove the car everywhere and washed and waxed when it didn’t need cleaning. I learned how to change the oil and adjust the valves, which to this day is the full extent of my

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Car Review: 2013 Toyota Sienna: Practical, Easy Drive

With all the emphasis on stylish crossover vehicles, some might suspect that the generally dull-by comparison minivan is dead. But the 2013 Toyota Sienna shows some minivans still sell at a brisk pace. That’s because it’s hard to beat a minivan for sheer practicality and family utility. After all, a minivan’s boxy shape provides lots of interior space, and it has carlike manners. The 2013 Sienna is designed, developed and assembled in America. However, it isn’t purely apple-pie American because it is, after all, a Japanese brand. But, with the growing worldwide sharing of vehicle components and manufacturing because of

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Best Used Cars: 2012 Honda Civic

Introduced 40 years ago as a two-door model and soon after in a three-door hatchback, the 1972 Honda Civic included a basic AM radio, heater, foam-cushioned plastic trim, two-speed wipers, and painted steel rims with a chromed wheel nut cap. A lot has changed in four decades. Now in its ninth generation and its first redesign since 2006, the 2012 Civic showcases one of the best-selling cars in history at its best. Like all Honda models, the 2012 Civic is available in numerous configurations with gasoline, hybrid and natural gas variations. The gasoline-engine lineup includes a sedan, coupe and two

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2014 Kia Forte: redesigned, affordable, fuel-thrifty

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The 2014 Kia Forte sedan is longer, wider, lower and sleeker than its predecessor, which makes it sound like something from a 1950s or 1960s American car advertisement. The Forte’s predecessor arrived at about the time when desirable compact car rivals hit the scene, so sales have been generally disappointing. Kia thus is presenting the third-generation front-drive Forte to compete with cars such as the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra. The Forte fits between Kia’s subcompact Rio and the automaker’s Optima mid-size sedan. While Kia may not use 1950s “longer-lower-wider” advertising for the new Forte, its all-new slightly longer, lower

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Hyundai Azera, 2013: Strong entry in tight full sedan field

One year after its complete redesign, the 2013 Hyundai Azera remains much the same as its year-older sibling. It’s the South Korean manufacturer’s entry level full-size sedan and it’s positioned between the Sonata and Genesis. Unlike many manufacturers who sometimes make it difficult to chose from an overload of available trims, the 2013 Hyundai Azera is available in only one trim. It’s offered as a 3.3-liter V6 with 293 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Weekly Drive It’s uncommon for two different cars from the same manufacturer to be considered competitors. But the Genesis is Hyundai’s entry

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Ford has gone to the dogs with pickup truck campaign

The message is simple: Dogs should never ride in the bed of a pickup truck. Why? According to the American Human Association (AHA), an estimated 100,000 dogs die each year riding in truck beds. As such, Ford and the AHA have teamed in a new pet safety campaign to remind pickup truck drivers that dogs should never ride in the bed of a pickup truck. Called “Dogs Ride Inside,” the campaign reminds all drivers that simple, basic actions can prevent serious injury or death while transporting a beloved family pet. “Unfortunately, we have all seen dogs riding in the bed

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