Automotive News, Car Reviews, and Podcast
The A4 is Audi’s top-selling line and it’s available in three different models and nearly 20 configurations in sedans, wagons and convertibles. Categorized as a premium compact car, it’s a fine choice for drivers seeking a sporty sedan that smoothly finds its way in any driving scenario via stellar steering and handling and a sophisticated design.
Read moreI’ve been reviewing cars for about five years. And if I’ve learned anything after driving more than 200 vehicles, it’s that every manufacturer has a terminology “spin” for what it believes is its revolutionary automotive technology. Some of the parlance is clever and represents great innovation; Other descriptions are shameless, meaningless hype. Regardless, with the admission that I’m a minimalist, I think it’s fair to say some manufacturers’ equipment offerings have reached critical mass or perhaps exceeded it. In short, some cars have too much stuff, some of which just doesn’t work well. Hypersensitive electronic sensors, rear view navigation systems
Read moreBeyond its omnipresent "Zoom-Zoom" television commercial jingle, Mazda has a new motto: "The SUV you never saw coming. It's a trademarked slogan, but it just didn't fit with my weekly driver, a 2007 Mazda CX-7.
Read moreIt’s not often a car gets renamed after only one year on the market. But that’s exactly what happened to the Lincoln Zephyr. It debuted in 2006 as a entry level luxury sedan and now it’s gone.
Read moreIf there’s one sure thing about the Saturn Sky, it’s the new sports car’s attention-grabbing appearance. Passersby stopped me at traffic signals and asked questions. Restaurant patrons came to my table and inquired. Neighbors wanted to know about the Sky, and even friends who care little about cars were interested.
Read moreWith 16 manufacturers offering midsize cars and another 10 manufacturers in the premium midsize market, newcomers in the exceedingly popular category often face rough sales roads. Saturn didn't fare well with its midsize L-Series, which was discontinued in 2004. But the General Motors division is trying again with the 2007 Aura.
Read moreNot even experts agree on the definition of “crossover” vehicles. But in general terms, consumers seeking the combined best components of a sport utility vehicle and a car are increasingly purchasing “crossovers.” The crossover term, however, isn’t even en vogue anymore for some industry experts. “We don’t call them crossover; We call them car-based SUVs, because that’s what they are,”Gabriel Shenhar, senior auto testing engineer for Consumer Reports magazine, said in a recent article in bankrate.com. “These are vehicles that are usually derived from passenger cars, not trucks.” Crossover vehicles also often have fully independent suspensions and more adept for
Read moreIn the 15-year span beginning in 1990, sales of sport utility vehicles grew at at alarming rate. In 1990, about 900,000 SUVs were purchased. By the end of 2004, about 28 percent of all new vehicle sales, or about 4.75 million units, were SUVs.
Read moreHardtop convertibles have been around periodically in the United States for about 50 years. And from the early years of Ford Fairliner to the current offerings of several manufacturers, the same question always arises: How mechanically sound is the retracting hardtop mechanism?
Read moreCould there be a more generically named group of vehicles than those lumped together as “midsize cars”? The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima are all in the category, and all enjoy a loyal consumer following. The Mazda 6 is also in the group. And while not as refined as the Accord or Camry, the Mazda 6 — available in 16 configurations — is a sporty alternative. In fact, with a wagon, hatchback and turbocharged, 274-horsepower edition among the options, the Mazda 6 greatly expands the boundaries of the class. My weekly test drive was Grand Sport
Read moreIn January, 2004, the automotive industry arrived at another unique plateau. For the first time, the average price of a new car in the United States surpassed $30,000. Ironically, it was also only a few years ago, the same amount designated the minimum amount of a luxury car.
Read moreGolf courses to restaurants, the quaintness of the small towns to the Pacific Ocean, there’s nothing quite like a visit to the Monterey Peninsula. But the 200-mile drive from Sacramento is also an ideal route for testing cars, particularly the 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Read moreThe oddity, of course, is that General Motors owns Saab. And for purists fond of the vehicles first offered in 1947 as a outgrowth of Swedish Aeroplane Corporation, the 9-7X SUV shares a lot with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy and Isuzu Ascender. Additionally, the 9-7X is assembled in Moraine, Ohio. Nonetheless, Saab’s maiden journey into the SUV market isn’t necessarily a bad thing just because the vehicle isn’t outright Swedish. On the contrary, the 9-7X offers a lot of Saab traits and it’s unique enough to fare well against the major players of the category — the
Read moreAccording to the National Automobile Dealers’ Association, the average price of a new car in the United States in 2006 is $28,600. That’s $1,400 less than what not too long was considered beginning price point for a luxury vehicle.
Read moreThe television commercial touting the 2006 Hyundai Sonata matches it confidently against the Honda Accord. That’s a brash move, considering the immense popularity of the country’s best-selling midsize car. But after the driving the redesigned Hyundai for a week, the Sonata represents itself well. The Accord and other well-established vehicles in the class — Toyota Camry and Chevrolet Malibu — have long histories and well-proven resale values. Yet, the Sonata is worthy of a careful look, particularly considering its price point, manufacturer’s warranty, standard features and its attractive new interior and exterior designs. My weekly drive was the top-of-the line
Read moreAs the replacement for the XG350, Hyundai introduced the Azera earlier this year as the Korean manufacturer’s most luxurious and most expensive offering to date. Luxurious and expensive have never been synonymous with Hyundai. And with the Azera only luxurious applies. It’s a vehicle that may finally allow Hyundai to infringe on sales of the popular Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. Even with the name change alone, the high-end Hyundai has a chance. The now-gone XG350 had its upside, but its name seemed more conducive to a robot or a vacuum cleaner, rather than a car. Although it’s
Read more