Toyota Prius honored as best value in auto industry

The Toyota Prius has been named the best value in the automotive industry for 2013. The top-selling hybrid costs owners only 47 cents per mile to drive, according to Consumer Reports. The Prius, which debuted in the United States in 2000, moved ahead of the Honda Fit in 2012 for the first year of its now two-year reign at the top of the best value list. The Fit held the No. 1 position for the previous four years. In its best value reports, Consumer Reports also selected leaders in many segments of the auto industry. The list incorporates owners’ costs

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New Jersey gets dubious honor, country’s worst highways

Lousy newspaper delivery, telecommunication company hassles and increasing utility costs are constant common public annoyances. But poor road conditions may be the leading frustration. The Reason Foundation embraces it. Among other public issues it investigates, the Los Angeles-based Libertarian think tank recently released is 24th Annual Highway Report. It analyzes via a varied list of considerations, the best-performing and most-efficient highways systems state-by-state and the worst. The report details what drivers may think seems obvious. After years of improvement, overall the nation’s highway systems are deteriorating. California ranks 43rd in performance and cost-effectiveness, one position worse than the previous report.

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North Dakota, California have best, worst highways

Lousy newspaper delivery, telecommunication company hassles and increasing utility costs are constant common public annoyances. But poor highways may be the leading frustration. The Reason Foundation embraces the issue. Among other public issues it investigates, the Los Angeles-based Libertarian think tank recently released is 24th Annual Highway Report. It analyzes via a varied list of considerations, the best-performing and most-efficient highways systems state-by-state and the worst. The report details what drivers may think seems obvious. After years of improvement, overall the nation’s highway systems are deteriorating. California ranks 43rd in performance and cost-effectiveness, one position worse than the previous report.

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Looking for a New Car? 5 Things You Have to Consider

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT It’s a great experience to own a new car, whether it’s your dream vehicle or not. The freedom to go where you want on your schedule and no to having to rely on public transportation is convenient, especially for a first-time car owner. Owning a car can be a difficult decision, and it’s beneficial to make precise decisions. To get the best deal that matches your budget, develop a priority checklist. It should include a “must-have” features section and a non-essential features list. Here are five things you should consider when looking for a new car: Financing The

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Toyota test comparison helps determine best model

With dozens of models on the market, choosing just one Toyota can be as difficult. How do you know which model will meet all of your needs? How are you supposed to decide between a red Yaris and a blue Corolla? Here are a few tips in a Toyota test comparison to  help you decide. 1. Consider the Year The first thing to decide is how modern do you need your car to be? If you’re looking for something with integrated touchscreens or cutting-edge fuel cell technology, your search will be limited to models produced in the last five years.

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Ford F-150 Again Tops Cars.com "Most-American" Index

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For the fifth consecutive in succession, Ford’s F-150 has claimed the top spot on the Cars.com American-Made Index. The index is a semiannual ranking of vehicles deemed most American based on American production, percentage of domestic parts and American sales volume. Domestic-parts content is based on data that appears alongside the window sticker of new cars as a result of the American Automobile Labeling Act, enacted in 1994. The AALA mandates that virtually every new car display the percentage, by cost, of its parts that originated in the U.S. and Canada. Only those vehicles with a domestic-parts content rating of

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#202, Joe Wiesenfelder of Cars.com talks future of EVs

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:39 — 53.1MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreJoe Wiesenfelder is the executive editor of Cars.com and he’s immersed in the future of EVs — electric vehicles. According to the website’s recent data, about one-third of car buyers are actively looking to purchase their first electric vehicle. But many questions remain with the anticipated growth. Wiesenfelder and his colleagues are counting on it. Wiesenfelder is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. EVs: Marketplace will expand Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I discuss with the long-time journalist the future of

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#265, Lightship: entrepreneurs debut EV RV

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:37 — 59.4MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreBen Parker and Toby Kraus are co-founders of Lightship. Both entrepreneurs worked for Tesla but are now immersed in a collaborative project in the recreational vehicle industry. Parker and Kraus recently introduced the prototype of the L1. It’s a pending all-electric trailer Lightship is marketing for a 2024 debut. Parker was my recent guest on The Weekly Driver Podcast. During the indoor Outdoor Sports Retail Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah, Parker and I sat in the front seat of a Ford Lightning, the

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The Return of a Legend: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

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The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is making a triumphant return, and it’s packed with features that off-road enthusiasts and luxury lovers alike will appreciate. With three distinct trim options—Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and Land Cruiser First Edition—this iconic SUV offers a blend of rugged capability, innovative technology, and refined comfort. Whether you’re navigating rough trails or cruising city streets, the Land Cruiser’s range of options ensures there’s a model tailored to your needs. Explore the specifications, features, and unique characteristics of each trim to discover why the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is set to become a sought-after vehicle in

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#55, Farewell manual transmissions except in collectibles

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:45 — 36.7MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreChris Warren, sales manager for Premier Financial Services in Florida, knows the vintage car market well. He works for the prominent national company that for more than 20 years has provided financing for previously owned exotic, vintage and luxury cars. What Warren has observed is an increasing renaissance among purists who want to buy vehicles with manual transmissions. Warren is our guest on Episode 55 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss the automotive industry and the increasing lack

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Land Rover Defender, Ford Bronco as mini-RVs

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GehoCab has taken its current expertise in off-load motorhome conversion in the Volkswagen Amarok into a far larger market for RVs. The German-based company has announced it’s reconfiguring its carbon-shelled, chassis-mount campers for installation in the Land Rover Defender, Ford Bronco and other popular off-road SUVs. The company’s goal is to create the lightest available off-road 4×4 campers. Gehocab makes carbon fiber modules for RVs Unlike typical bed-top and chassis-mount truck campers, GehoCab’s original Kora camper has a sleek, glossy carbon fiber construction. It has wide-stretched windows, flush integration with the base truck and color-matched paint. Now, GehoCab is designing

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Toyota Land Cruiser, Honda Ridgeline top 200K list

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The Honda Ridgeline is arguably the most unusually designed truck on the road. It has a large fan base and detractors. But one area in which there’s no disagreement, the Ridgeline has the best longevity of any of its competitors. Although the Toyota Land Cruiser has the top ranking, the Ridgeline is among the three trucks in the top-15 vehicles reaching 20,000 miles, according to iseecars.com. The result of the survey makes a good case for consumers considering buying a used vehicle instead of purchasing a new car or truck. The iSeeCars.com site is a comprehensive platform for all car

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Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Sonata among top-10 best used cars

The automotive industry had a lot of surprises in 2012, not the least of which was a recent yearly record for used car sales. More than 40 million used cars sold last year, the highest total since 2007, according to a report on Cars.com. The used car totals by CNW Market Research detailed that for every new sold in 2012 , nearly three used cars sold. The numbers prompted Cars.com to rekindle its former annual list of the top-10 used cars available for around $10,000. The list includes cars seven years old or newer and selected with some safety and

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BEYOND THE GLOVE BOX: ESSENTIALS FOR EMERGENCY KIT ON A ROAD TRIP

Imagine cruising along a picturesque road, wind in your hair, favorite tunes playing — a perfect road trip. Suddenly, a hiccup occurs in your journey. You’ve got a flat tire. Or perhaps your engine is grumbling in an unfamiliar way. But you’re not stressed because you’ve put together a vehicle emergency kit. It’s like the Swiss Army Knife of car preparedness. It’s more than just jumper cables and a flashlight. It’s a comprehensive blend of survival gear, communication tools and information reserves to deal with roadside surprises. Here are key items to include: Think Medical Emergencies First Always be prepared

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Driving the Tour of California #1: On the way to San Diego in a Hyundai Santa Fe

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Hyundai’s expanded lineup in recent years has received vast praise for its value, warranty and workmanship. It all adds up to increased visibility and sales for the South Korean manufacturer in the madness of the ever-complex auto industry. Arguably the most competitive auto segment is the growing SUV and crossover market, where Hyundai’s Santa Fe is an emerging option. I’ll be reviewing the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (Limited) for the next two weeks during the Tour of California. The professional bike race is now in its eighth year and features Tour de France-caliber riders, Olympians and world titlists from many

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The Weekly Driver Newsletter, Volume 1, #2: Technology overload

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The term technology overload is new to the automotive world. In recent years, manufacturers have gone to great lengths to provide more gadgets in their vehicles to beat the other guy. The competition is fierce, but what does it all mean? Do drivers need all this stuff? Many of the safety improvements, side detection mirrors, traffic monitoring, backup cameras, are beneficial. But over-sensitive bells and buzzers that engage seemingly at random? David Lyon, a former General Motors designer, speaking at the 2015 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit, stressed the need for an industry “features intervention.” Likewise

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