Automotive News, Car Reviews, and Podcast
2026 Camry vs Accord head-to-head. Pricing, MPG, hybrid vs gas trims, tech, and cargo. Toyota went all-hybrid. Honda kept gas. Here's who wins.
Read moreThe Weekly Driver has launched a free engine-specific reliability database covering 4,553 engines across 50 brands, built entirely from 1,508,163 federal safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is live now and open to anyone shopping for a used car. No subscription, no manufacturer sponsorship, no paywall. What separates this tool from existing reliability resources is specificity. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power rate vehicles by model; this rates them by engine. That distinction matters more than most buyers realize. Take the Ford F-150 from 2009 to 2014. The generation accumulated 26,884 NHTSA complaints. Sounds terrible. But the 5.0L V8 in that same truck? Sixty-six complaints total. Rated “Recommended.” The EcoBoost variants drove the overwhelming majority of
Read moreYou’re cruising down the road and notice something off. You turn the wheel, but there’s too much play before the car actually responds. Your steering feels sloppy, disconnected, mushy. This isn’t normal, and your gut tells you something’s wrong. A few years back, I had a customer bring in his Honda Accord with exactly this problem. He thought it might just be the wheel itself getting worn out—he was prepared to shell out $300 for a replacement. Turned out the issue was his tie rods. After I replaced them, his steering came back tight and responsive. Cost way less than he expected, but the point is: a loose steering wheel points to a real mechanical problem that needs attention. The
Read moreKey Takeaways TL;DR: Despite recent decreases, catalytic converter theft remains a significant threat in 2025. Effective anti theft technology combines physical barriers, strategic parking, and alarm systems to protect valuable emission control devices from opportunistic criminals targeting precious metals. Catalytic converter thefts continue plaguing vehicle owners nationwide, despite promising statistical improvements. The national insurance crime bureau reported a 23% decrease in reported thefts during the first half of 2025, yet the problem persists with sophisticated methods employed by thieves targeting these valuable exhaust systems. Understanding prevention strategies becomes crucial for car owners facing this ongoing threat. Recent data reveals that unprotected vehicles remain vulnerable to theft attempts lasting mere minutes, while properly secured catalytic converters deter thieves seeking quick cash
Read moreThe highly anticipated Sony Honda Mobility AFEELA 1 EV represents a watershed moment in automotive partnerships, merging Sony’s technological prowess with Honda’s manufacturing expertise. I was invited down to the popup showroom to experience the AFEELA 1 firsthand. After seeing the development over the years at CES in Las Vegas, I was excited for some dedicated time with the production version. I was taken through the Signature trim level of the AFEELA 1 by Shay at Corte Madera, who went over the infotainment system and customization features. Additional information and talking points were provided by Adre Rodriguez, Public Relations Manager, and Monica Matsuda, Marketing and PR. The Signature is slated to begin deliveries in 2026, with Origin beginning in 2027.
Read moreOccasionally, a Ferrari or another elite supercar that made the country’s automotive industry famous, maneuver along small roads in Naples, Italy. But they’re outliers, open-road machines glorified in movies and showcased by snooty auction houses. Little cars, some familiar but with unfamiliar names reign in the nation’s maze of constant congestion and ego-driven driving. Narrow, often cobblestoned streets are the canvas for the pedestrian-versus-driver turf conflicts. Who goes first and why is hard to determine. It’s a skill honed more by instantaneous visual assertiveness rather than emotional outbursts. For automotive enthusiasts, observing the vast array of scooters, new and old petite vehicles from Fiat and the small transport vehicles, the Ape Calessino made by Piaggio, can supersede the frustration of
Read moreThe Honda Pilot debuted 21 years ago as the Japanese carmaker’s largest sport utility vehicle. It succeeded quickly as an alternative to its seven-year older and smaller sibling, the Honda CR-V. The Honda HR-V, the smallest of an SUV foursome, arrived in North America in 2015. The Honda Passport, positioned between the HR-V and the Pilot debuted in 1993. Without exceptions, the vehicles provide customers Honda at its best: value, dependability and strong resale marks. But other manufacturers have infiltrated the marketplace which makes the 2023 Honda Pilot not quite the front-runner it once was. Kia, Hyundai and Mazda, among other manufacturers, offer formidable competition. Still, the Honda Pilot, newly designed for 2023, is far from a slacker. It’s a
Read moreIntroduced in 1976 as a three-door hatchback, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid moves the iconic vehicle closer to its 50th birthday as among the automotive industry’s most reliable cars. It’s been the country’s top-selling signature family sedan for decades. The 2023 Honda Accord marks the debut of the car’s 11th generation. It’s also the start of the fourth generation for the Accord Hybrid, and it’s three inches longer than the previous model. The new length means more back-seat legroom and it’s part of the car’s substantial overhaul. Cargo space is also a strength for the sedan at 16.7 cubic feet. The sedan is classified as appropriate for five occupants. The Accord is no different than other vehicles in the segment.
Read moreSelecting the cars of the year helps celebrate another year reviewing new cars and trucks, visiting auto shows and talking with vintage car owners, book authors and industry experts about their cars of the year. There are always great and not-so-great moments driving vehicles. The industry is always abuzz. There are always changes, oddball statistics, recalls and new models and makes. What has Elon Musk done now? Will autonomous driving and EVs ever make a significant difference? Will low-profile tires stop blowing while negotiating small divots in the road? Will Audi ever change its front-grille design? As much as the automotive industry changes, sometimes not much happens. In 2007, the year the iPhone debuted, the starting price of the Toyota
Read moreThe Los Angeles Auto Show has lots of bright lights and bling, concept cars and customized cruisers from yesteryear. It’s the annual first major industry showcase uniquely held at the end of the calendar year. Global debuts of the newest Aston Martin, Hummer and Porsche are fine. Concept cars are great, although many may never be made for consumers. The latest electric vehicle innovation are the industry’s future. But much was made of the Bollinger, Byton, Canoo and Elio and none have been manufactured. The 115th The Los Angeles Auto Show will be held Nov. 18-26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Charge Cars, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, ElectraMeccanica, Fiat, Genesis, GMC, Hummer, Hyundai, INDI EV, Jaguar,
Read morePickup truck owners get the best of all automotive versatility. But there’s also a dubious consideration — theft. According to newly released statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, four of the top-10 most stolen vehicles in the United States are pickup trucks. At the top of the stolen list for the second straight year is Ford F series pickup truck. Theft of the country’s most popular vehicle increased 13 percent from 2019 to 2020, with 44,014 reports of stolen. The most “popular” year for the full-size pickup truck’s theft is 2006. Pickup Truck Theft: Ford Tops List Trucks on the most stolen vehicle list also include the 10. Dodge Ram 1500 (11,991); No. 7, GMC Sierra 1500 Denali (13,016)
Read moreEarly in 2021, a teenage boy witnessed a colleague and me exit a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost at a local sandwich shop. He approached us, looked at my friend and said: “Excuse me, sir. What kind of job do I need to get to afford a car like that?” A few hours later while waiting in the Ghost at a stoplight two men in a vehicle to my right that may not have made it to its destination, caught my attention. Before the light changed, they uncorked a jubilant dance of synchronized hand signs and body gestures. I didn’t know what the display meant, but I’m certain it was a good thing. Far more expensive vehicles exist. But the Ghost, with
Read moreAbout 55 years ago, the Chevrolet Electrovan debuted as the first modern hydrogen-powered vehicle. It weighed 7,100 pounds. It had a top speed of 70 miles per hour, a milestone achieved in an eternity of 30 seconds. The vehicle was scrapped not too long after its short life only in General Motors’ testing facilities. The Electrovan had a 150-mile range but its alternative fuel was expensive. And its large carrying containers, positioned behind the middle bench seat, didn’t define automotive safety. Not much in the technology’s sustainable future occurred for nearly a half-century. Hydrogen cars most prevalent in California Now, three vehicles — the Honda Clarity, Hyundai Nexo and Toyota Mirai — are part of the still-niche hydrogen marketplace. All
Read moreSay goodbye to the Mazda 6. The highly rated family sedan has been discontinued after the current 2021 model, and it’s a shame when many undesirables remain. The issue for the Mazda is two-fold. Its current generation debuted in 2016 and the competition is increasingly wicked. Matched against the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry, the Mazda 6 could barely infiltrate the brigade of perennial top-sellers. How could it? Honda and Toyota have armor-solid reputations and the industry’s best resale pedigrees. For its last appearance as a new vehicle, the 2021 Mazda 6 has a few upgrades. The Carbon Edition joins the family of now six trims. It features a Polymetal Gray exterior color, black exterior accent
Read moreFifty years ago, the Honda Civic was introduced as a two-door or four-door subcompact sedan, a three-door or five-door hatchback and a five-door station wagon. It had starting cost of about $1,400 and weighed 1,411 pounds. Simultaneously, not much and everything has changed. The debut Civic’s four-cylinder, 61-horsepower engine, was propelled by a four-speed manual transmission. It advanced from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 10.5 seconds and it had a top speed of 90 mph. The new Civic had a spacious interior, and it quickly built a reputation as environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient and reliable. The 2022 Honda Civic, the debut of the car’s 11th generation, designates the brand’s 50th anniversary. It does so in grand fashion, particularly with the sport
Read moreIn its sixth decade, the Honda Accord is part of a small fraternity of vehicles that changed the automotive industry. Unveiled in 1976, the Accord was joined by the Toyota Camry six years later. The vehicles’ rivalry has continued since, with the carmakers’ healthy competition a constant in the always-in-flux family sedan segment. Key Takeaways Six decades of evolution pay off: The 2021 Accord Hybrid continues Honda’s rivalry with Toyota Camry, now in its 10th generation with refreshed styling and a sport sedan personality. 212-hp hybrid system erases stodgy reputation: The combined four-cylinder gas engine and electric motor deliver adequate power while achieving an estimated 43 mpg combined. Manual transmission is gone: Honda joined the growing manufacturer trend of eliminating
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