Automotive News, Car Reviews, and Podcast
It’s unlikely Ferdinand Verbiest was known as an environmentalist nor did he likely have a quest to be “green.” But as a Jesuit priest of Belgian ancestry living and working in China, Verbiest was a visionary. Four centuries ago, Verbiest was a renowned astronomer and he spent more than a decade developing a four-wheeled vehicle that could be powered by steam or horse. It was the first hybrid.
Read moreLife is different in a Jaguar Super V8. It’s especially different in a Super V8 with a 400 horsepower, six-speed automatic and a 4.2 liter engine adorned with inlaid walnut burl veneer and a whole busload of other items I didn’t even know could be put in a car.
Read moreBy Jeff Weidel Confused about the differences between the Ford Escape and the Mazda Tribute? Don’t be. They are essentially the same vehicle. And if two options aren’t enough, how about three, with a hybrid model?
Read moreGeneral Motors, the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) have announced they’re joining forces to encourage drivers to follow vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations on oil changes. And for millions of GM vehicles, that could be mean oil changes with much longer durations than decades-old standard of every 3,000 miles. General Motors will support public outreach efforts by the Cal/EPA and the CIWMB to help motorists understand how frequently they need to change their engine oil, and the proper methods of doing so. The traditional 3,000-mile oil change recommendation was based on past engine and
Read moreBy Jeff Weidel The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara will not be a first choice for many shoppers. And if money is not an issue, the compact sport utility vehicle may not even make the finalists’ list. Many competitors have better credentials. But if money is an issue, don’t dismiss the Grand Vitara.
Read moreA strong position at the forefront of the automotive industry is nothing new for Honda. But the Japanese manufacturer has added to its innovative legacy with the debut of its zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell car.
Read moreI first saw a Volvo up close when I spent a year one winter in Buffalo, NY. A Volvo sedan in front of a dealer was completely mangled. Smushed. Ready for the scrap heap. There was a sign next to it, “The Driver Walked Away From This Crash Without A Scratch.”
Read morePorsche continues to hold its status as the top brand for the fewest problems in the latest J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. For the third straight year, Porsche took honors while Infiniti also fared well, improving from No. 9 to No. 2 in the annual study that calculates problems per 100 vehicles.
Read moreI recently found another nugget on ‘net, and all my Formula 1 friends are happy and maybe mad at me at the same time. On the web site forum, www.ultimatecarpage.com, a post by Sledgehammer is bound to keep even the most adamant fans happy.
Read moreThe Chevy Volt took a major step toward the public showroom when General Motors officials recently announcement the manufacture of the extended-range electric vehicle has been approved.
Read moreForbesAutos.com is among my favorite automotive sites. It reviews cars like other sites, but what I really like is the site’s lists. Among the most recent compilations is the list of the cars young drivers (under age 21) want most.
Read moreWith no responsibilities on a recent sun-drenched Saturday afternoon, the candy-apple red sports car seemingly recognized my surprising block of free time and the 2008 Mustang Convertible and was beckoning for some action.
Read moreBy Jeff Weidel There was no urgent need for changes. Toyota already had success with the Highlander, a trend-setting model introduced seven years ago. It quickly became a template for a segment of crossover sport utility vehicles.
Read moreFirst driving impressions mean a lot — at least to me. Whether it’s a rental vehicle, a friend’s car or a new weekly test drive, I can usually tell if I’ll like the vehicle within a few minutes. Honda and Cadillac offer diverse cars, but I always immediately feel comfortable in all the manufacturers’ vehicles. Kia now joins my “comfort car club.”
Read moreIts name connotes royalty, but who would have known 40 years ago when it was first sold in the United States that the Toyota Corolla actually deserved such a lofty title?
Read moreEscalating gas prices and “green” cars are the most hotly discussed topics in the automotive industry. But there’s an equally important issue for car owners. It’s the determining factor for some new/used car buyers, while other consumers buy brands regardless of resale value and cost of operation. The factor, most expensive to repair goes to the Dodge Viper.
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