2013 Buick Encore: Versatile crossover joins crowded SUV field
The new 2013 Buick Encore is the automaker’s first small crossover vehicle. It comes with front-or all-wheel drive and has luxury, nimble handling, four-door hatchback … Read more
Lexus IS sedans for 2014: New design, new technology, wicked new grille
The newly desiged 2014 Lexus IS sedans, which will feature revamped seats, technology upgrades, more interior and cargo room and a wicked-looking futuristic front grille … Read more
Electric carmaker Coda pulls plug after one year, 100 sales
Coda, which joined the green car fraternity and introduced its vehicles to California consumers about one year ago, has filed for bankruptcy protection after selling … Read more
Ford Taurus Ecoboost, 2013: Fuel stingy, surprisingly powerful
I expected the large, sleek 2013 Ford Taurus sedan with its turbocharged 2-liter “EcoBoost” four-cylinder to be lazy. But it turned out to have strong … Read more
Porsche adds beauty to beauty, names Maria Sharapova ambassador
Maria Sharapova owns a Porsche, she’s famous, she’s athletic and she’s stunning. That’s the ideal combination for the German sports car manufacturer. It has signed … Read more
Honda Civic Si, 2013: Coupe or sedan, it’s a sports car (video)
With the 2013 Honda Civic Si, there’s no transmission choice. The coupe and sedan only have a six-speed manual transmission option, which is a good … Read more
2013 Audi RS 5: Dynamic coupe a classically elegant race car
The all-new 2013 Audi RS 5 almost feels like a race car for the street, with its glued-to-the-road suspension, strong brakes and awesome, high-revving 4.2-liter … Read more
2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid: New competitor for dominant Toyota Prius
The all-new 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid is designed to outgun the popular Prius V model, the largest Prius hybrid model. That’s a big job because … Read more
Hyundai Veloster, 2013: Looks like a sports car, drive disappoints (video)
The Hyundai Veloster joined the South Korean manufacturer’s lineup in 2012. As contributing editor Dan Jedlicka pointed out earlier this year in his review of … Read more
Hyundai, Kia recalling nearly 2 million cars dating to 2007 via faulty brakes, air bags
Despite experiencing record sales and infiltrating many car-buying segments with innovation and value, Hyundai and Kia are facing major growing pains with a massive recall … Read more
Small cars still mean big things for collectors, museums
After World War II, the troubled global economy prompted innovation in the auto industry. As a result, microcars — the original green cars — became … Read more
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: Redesigned Crossover has sleeker styling
The mid-size 2013 Santa Fe Sport crossover has rakish new styling similar to that of Hyundai Sonata and Elantra sedans. It also has carlike road … Read more
Sacramento woman ‘electrifying’ in her kiwi green ZAP car
Five years ago, Pennie and Howard Taylor of Sacramento, concerned about the environment and energy use, bought a 2006 ZAP! electric car from a dealership … Read more
Ford Flex, 2013: New minivan standard for saddle shoes on wheels
Now in its fourth year, the Ford Flex has undergone substantial changes for 2013. While its long, flat roofline remains, the front and rear grille, … Read more