Danger From GPS?
Driving Today

A new study suggests that GPS systems might actually present a road safety hazard by becoming a distraction

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Epoch-Changing Decision from the EPA
Tom Ripley

The reality of climate change doesn't change the stark reality for auto manufacturers, who must toe the line whether the regulations will actually cure an ill or not. The order of the day is to limit car and truck carbon dioxide emissions. The EPA ruling isn't just a game changer, it's an epoch changer. These new regulations potentially change the nature of the vehicle you drive each day

Tracking Device Saves You Money on Car Insurance
Driving Today

Progressive's new Snapshot Discount program revolves around their ability to get a snapshot of your driving habits. After drivers sign up for the Snapshot Discount, Progressive sends them a small device that plugs into the on-board diagnostic port of their car. The device records and sends the data to the company. After 30 days, customers find out if they're eligible for a discount

Electric Cars May Not Make the World Greener
Tom Ripley

These days, car manufacturers are converting cars and trucks they make to hybrid and electric power. Government regulations, not consumer demand, have driven car manufacturers that direction. But is the direction we are headed the right direction? Will it result in the greatest good for the greatest number of people? A new white paper suggests that it isn't

10 Ways to Exercise Your Driving Muscles
Tom Ripley

Playing a computer game to keep your driving skills sharp as you age seems like science fiction, but it is one of several activities gaining attention as the population ages and older drivers fill the roads. Doing things as diverse as eating fish, choosing more challenging hobbies and playing catch can help aging drivers retain and actually improve their driving abilities

When Should You Buy Gas?
Tom Ripley

Rumor has it that gas pumps deliver more fuel when it is cooler outside. This suggests you should buy your gas early in the morning rather than in the heat of the afternoon

American Carmakers Cry Foul
Tom Ripley

Recently the Japan Auto Manufacturers Association (JAMA) made a plea to the Japanese government to intervene in foreign exchange markets to weaken the yen. The American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC,) which represents Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp., says it strongly objects to JAMA's action.

Breathe Easier With 5 Cost-saving Clean Air Tips
Luigi Fraschini

You don’t have to throw up your hands and simply be part of the problem. There are plenty of small steps you as a driver can take to improve our air quality and our health while saving money. Here are some tips from the Drive Clean campaign

Chrysler Tries to Kick up Incentives in July
Driving Today

Auto industry optimism based on positive May sales results was crushed in June, a month that offered only lackluster sales. On the heels of those results, Chrysler became the first manufacturer to put a big push in the incentives wars this July in an effort to move the sales needle in a positive direction

Austin 7
Jack Nerad

This Model T competitor (later a Model A competitor) helped turn Britain into a car-making nation worthy of the world stage.

Benz Patent Motor Wagen
Jack Nerad

Despite what in some ways was a primitive contraption, the first automobile was a far cry from a carriage with a motor on it.

Continental Mark II
Jack Nerad

It was hand-built to such a high quality standard that Ford claimed it lost a thousand dollars or so on every one it sold.

Cadillac V-16
Jack Nerad

The tragedy of the Cadillac V-16 is that it was a car tailor-made for the exuberance of the Twenties that was launched after the stock market crashed in October 1929.

Chevrolet 409
Jack Nerad

The story of the Chevrolet 409 actually goes back to the mid-Fifties, when Chevrolet was preparing the follow-ups to its landmark 1955-57 series

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
Jack Nerad

When fantasy collides head-on with reality something's got to give, and, sadly, reality usually wins out

Stutz Bearcat
Jack Nerad

In 1914, after a stirring list of racing victories, Henry C. Stutz added the Stutz Bearcat model to his line

1959 Chevrolet El Camino
Jack Nerad

The 1959 Chevrolet El Camino was more an artistic success than a commercial triumph, but that does not diminish the importance of this highly stylized vehicle.

Porsche 356
Jack Nerad

Given the crippling combination of war, prison, and exile which surrounded its genesis, the creation of the company's first vehicle was well-nigh a miracle

Compromise Between New and Used Cars
Luigi Fraschini

With the economy at a low ebb, there is little doubt that consumers are going out of their way to seek value, so it is not surprising that certified pre-owned cars are growing in popularity. But their current popularity might actually represent a wave of the future -- a wave that could well keep rolling even after the economy improves

American Cars vs. Import Cars: The Short Course on Vehicle Quality
Tom Ripley

Recent J.D. Power data indicates that American cars have surpassed import cars in vehicle quality, but what does it mean to you?

Honda Element Outlives Its Birthright
Driving Today

The SUV craze has come and gone, but the Honda Element soldiers on -- with an improved fuel economy.

Defaulting on an Auto Lease Contract
Driving Today

The number of consumers who are voluntarily defaulting on an auto lease contract (and walking away from a car) has tripled.

Smart Car Goes Electric
Driving Today

Smart USA launches the EV version of its diminutive Smart Car two-seater

The Top 5 American Cars of All Time
Luigi Fraschini

Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette among the best cars America has ever offered

 

Sunbeam Tiger

1964 - 1967 Sunbeam Tiger Roadster
Jack Nerad

With the help of Carroll Shelby, the pint-size Sunbeam Tiger Roadster became special -- and pretty quick -- after a V-8 was shoehorned into it

1967 Chevrolet Camaro
Jack Nerad

The wild success of the Mustang combined with Ralph Nader's attacks on the Corvair helped launch Chevy's entry into the "pony" car race.

Nash Metropolitan
Jack Nerad

Compared to the American behemoths of its day, the Nash Metropolitan was undersized and underpowered. But this cute compact would be a harbinger of cars to come

Ferrari GTB/4 Berlinetta Boxer
Jack Nerad

The Ferrari GTB/4 Berlinetta Boxer's big flat-12 engine had a lot to say about the body that wrapped around it. And what a body it was.

Austin-Healey Sprite
Jack Nerad

The 'bug-eye' wasn't the greatest car that Donald Healey built, but because of the Austin-Healey Sprite's low price and high cuteness quotient, it had the most universal appeal

Dodge Charger
Jack Nerad

Based on the Coronet, it wasn't much of a looker. But who could forget the Dodge Charger's menacing full-width grille with those hidden headlights.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396
Jack Nerad

This sub-series replaced the Chevelle Malibu SS models, and their low-cost/high-performance equation and wide availability quickly made the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 extremely popular

Lamborghini Miura
Jack Nerad

Quite simply, the Lamborghini Miura changed everything about the way people thought about passenger cars. Oh, and it out-Ferraried Ferrari, too.

Stanley Steamer
Jack Nerad

There was a time when many people believed the best way to propel a vehicle on road or rails was the same -- with steam.

Mercedes-Benz 500K/540K
Jack Nerad

The Mercedes-Benz 500Ks and 540Ks were among the best-engineered cars of the 1930's, a decade when car designers around the world seemed ready to try anything.

Ferrari 550 Maranello
Jack Nerad

The Ferrari 550 Maranello, an exotic sports car with truly stupefying performance potential, doesn't have to subject its driver and passenger to extravagant amounts of physical travail

Fuel Economy Limits for Big Trucks
Luigi Fraschini

The Obama administration has directed its regulators to set mileage and pollution standards for big-rig trucks. Is that a good thing?

Gittin Gets 2011 Mustang Drift
Luigi Fraschini

Formula Drift driver prepares Mustang package tailor-made for tail-out drifting.

Hot Rods Invade Pebble Beach
Tom Ripley

Hot rods on the grounds of the utterly exclusive Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Pebble Beach event is the premier antique and classic car event in the world, and up to just a few short years ago, it looked down its patrician nose at any car that wasn't pedigreed. While some might call it sacrilegious, others might say the inclusion of these cars is long overdue

Have a Safe Trip
Kristin Bailey Murphy

Most parents think it will never happen to them, yet thousands of car accidents occur each year. According to the National Highway Safety Transportation Agency, 8,000 American children die in auto-related accidents each year -- 20 every single day. So how can you help protect your children? Follow these hard and fast car safety rules

Electrifying Transportation
Driving Today

With oil despoiling the Gulf Coast, the time seemed auspicious to introduce a vehicle electrification bill in Congress. The legislation creates the charging infrastructure and incentives needed for large-scale adoption of electric vehicles in key geographic regions. The Electric Drive Vehicle Deployment Act of 2010 have won the enthusiastic support of the nation's electricity suppliers

Prevent Overheating
Driving Today

The unique challenges of hot weather can create dangerous conditions for both the car and its occupants. Each summer, more than seven million cars break down on the road, but experts suggest that most breakdowns could be easily avoided with a little preventive care.

The Price of Global Climate Change Regulations
Tom Ripley

We can assume that most government regulations are instituted for benevolent reasons: to right a wrong, fix a problem or just generally improve conditions. But the sad fact is that many regulations have unintended, often-negative consequences. Could this apply to the set of regulations created around the world to address global climate change?

Sweet Deal for the Auto Dealers
Robyn Blumner

Car dealers, with their opaque pricing system and trade-in and financing tricks, make their customers feel like pigeons. The No. 1 consumer complaint received by the Better Business Bureau and other consumer agencies is on abusive financial practices by auto dealers, according to the Center for Responsible Lending

Crucial Safety Tips for Motorcycle Season
Luigi Fraschini

For riders, that first ride of the season is often a memorable one, opening a new summer season of riding adventure. But danger lurks within every other vehicle on the road: More than half of all motorcycle crashes involve a collision with another vehicle, and the driver of that other vehicle is most often at fault. Here's tips about motorcyclists

Auto Financing Outlook Improves
Driving Today

A full-on depression descended over the auto industry in late 2008, and it turned 2009 into one of the worst years for auto finance companies since the 1930s. But now relief appears to be on the way

Voice Control for Driving Safety
Luigi Fraschini

Voice control can reduce driving distractions and promote driving safety. How do we know? A new study shows that drivers can minimize visual distractions by using voice-controlled vehicle systems like Ford SYNC instead of operating hand-held cell phones and tuning music systems manually

Keep Your Family Safe This Summer
Luigi Fraschini

Since getting stranded on the roadside is inherently unsafe, avoiding that scenario is one key to summer safety. Another is maintaining systems that are vital to your well-being. Here's how to do it to ensure your family safe this summer

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car
Driving Today

Preparing your car for the busy season of car trips and hot weather is so important but is often an afterthought. A few preventative measures can keep your car running smoothly and help you avoid costly repairs. CarMax technicians suggest you perform the following five tasks in the spring

Hybrid Electric Cars Turn to Natural Gas
Driving Today

Hybrid cars are good for the environment, and natural gas cars are good for the environment, so shouldn’t natural gas-fueled hybrid cars be good for the environment too?

To Lease a Car or Buy a Car
Luigi Fraschini

When it comes to advice from personal finance experts, car leases usually get a bad rap. Financial gurus like Dave Ramsey tack a very dim view of leasing, suggesting it is just another way of racking up consumer debt. But are the dangers of making the decision to lease versus buy your car overblown?

Teens Don't See Drinking and Driving Dangers
Driving Today

Spring school rituals -- prom and graduation -- begin with so much excitement and promise, yet they can end in tragedy for hundreds of teen drivers and their passengers. New research from Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) suggests this season could be no different

Tesla Takes Big Step
Tom Ripley

It might not be the Ford Model T, but the Tesla Motors Model S might be the Model T of the electric car industry -- at least if Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk has his way.

Green Cars and Toyota
Luigi Fraschini

Toyota is more ready than ever to concede that its efforts in the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell arenas are driven as much by U.S. government regulatory policy as by the possible implosion of the world's ecosystem

Station Wagon Might Be Getting New Life
Tom Ripley

We don't have to tell you that the station wagon gets no respect. Long regarded as a Mommobile, the station wagon is about as cool as teaming a corduroy sport coat with a paisley ascot. But now, the station wagon might be getting new life. Witness the recent New York International Auto Show, which featured several intriguing, and dare we say it, stylish wagon offerings

Hydrogen for Your Car at Home
Luigi Fraschini

Honda, one car company that is still gung-ho about fuel cell vehicles, has just put into operation a next-generation solar hydrogen station prototype intended for ultimate use as a home refueling appliance capable of an overnight refill of fuel cell electric vehicles.

4 Ugly Cars Only Their Mothers Could Love
Tom Ripley

It's Mother's Day week, and so we at Driving Today feel it might be apropos to celebrate the love a mother has for her child by remembering the cars that only a mother could love

Hybrid-like Fuel Economy From Non-hybrid
Driving Today

It sounds too good to be true: hybrid-like fuel economy without paying a hybrid-like price. Yet that is just what Chevrolet believes it can deliver in the new Cruze Eco introduced at the New York International Auto Show

Eco-friendly Driving Tricks Anyone Can Do
Elizabeth Brownfield

In an eco-perfect world, we'd all drive zippy little electric cars. But with work, running a household, carpooling and your social life, living without your car isn't realistic for even the greenest among us. Luckily, there are several simple ways you can reduce your footprint on the environment. Try these quick changes and you'll make every trip behind the wheel greener

What's Driving Us to Road Rage
Mitch Albom

What makes us so angry behind the wheel? What makes us yell at a person who cuts us off? What makes us flip a finger if they yell back? What makes us slam on the horn, screaming through glass, as if the other driver insulted our family name? What makes us speed up, brake, weave in front -- any of the crazy acts that are now referred to as road rage?

Toyota's Future in America
Tom Ripley

Auto industry insiders and consumers are asking what will happen to Toyota next: Are U.S. government regulators really out to get the Japanese company as many in Japan believe because of the Obama administration's ties to the United Auto Workers union and its support of GM and Chrysler bailouts? Has Toyota's vaunted quality system suddenly gone terribly awry?

Is the Inside of Your Car Making You Sick?
Ruth Manuel-Logan

Far too many of us treat our cars like second homes. When was the last time you really gave your car a thorough cleaning on the inside? Germs run rampant all around us, including in our automobiles. Fortunately, there's much you can do to keep those pesky lil' microbes in check. Here are some tips from the country's leading germ experts on how to sanitize your ride's interior.

American Luxury Hybrid Style
Driving Today

Ford Motor Co. says it is further broadening its aggressive 'electrification plan' with the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid unveiled at the New York International Auto Show

Your Traffic Forecast Here
Driving Today

In the past several years, many providers have started to bring real-time traffic information into the cockpit in the dedicated navigation systems and in mobile devices. But to take that one step farther, we now have traffic forecasting.

Stop Curbstoning
Driving Today

Ever heard of curbstoning? It's the repeated, unlicensed flipping of used cars for profit. Now there's nothing wrong with private-party used-car sales, and there's nothing wrong with profit, but there is a new effort designed to fight unlicensed dealers who pose as private parties in an attempt to defraud buyers of a used vehicle.

Stuttering Start for Electric Cars
Rick Newman

You might get the impression, over the next year or so, that driving as you know it will never be the same again. The electric vehicle, you see, is about to arrive. The much-heralded Chevrolet Volt, able to travel up to 40 miles on a battery charged through a household outlet, is set to go on sale late this year. So is the Nissan Leaf, with a range of up to 100 miles

Going the Extra Mile
Rick Newman

The electric vehicles coming soon are just one choice for green-minded drivers. Automakers offer a range of high-mileage cars that don't entail inconveniences. Some of the options

Seat Belt With Air Bag Brings More Safety
Driving Today

Air bags and seat belts are two safety innovations that have saved thousands of lives. So, why not combine the ideas? That's the thinking behind the world's first automotive inflatable seat belts. The innovation, to be introduced by Ford Motor Co., mixes attributes of traditional seat belts and air bags to provide an added level of crash safety protection for rear-seat occupants.

Learn to Share the Road
Luigi Fraschini - Driving Today

If you spend a lot of time driving and take the time to observe the behavior of big-rig truck drivers, you will quickly determine that they are the best and most courteous drivers on the road. So where did the nightmare about big-rig trucks originate? Like most myths, in this case, a lack of understanding about what big-rig truckers are up against

Toyota: Profit Over Principles
Cal Thomas

When Toyota President Akio Toyoda testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, an attitude was exposed that Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) correctly characterized as fostering a 'cutthroat corporate' environment that placed costs ahead of quality and safety.

Toyota's Reputation Remains Strong
Driving Today

The last two months have been devastating for Toyota's reputation as a quality and safety leader, but a new report found that despite the eight million Toyota vehicles recalled since October 2009, current Toyota owners are not yet wavering in their support of the company.

Lease a Tesla Electric
Driving Today

Not sure whether an electric vehicle is right for you? Now, Tesla Motors, the maker of a well-regarded full electric, has decided to offer you the chance to drive one of its vehicles without the burden of ownership. It isn't exactly cheap, but some might find the environmental benefits and impressive performance of the Tesla Roadster worth the price.

The Future of the Fuel Cell
Tom Ripley - Driving Today

What are the attributes and benefits of fuel cell vehicles and why are they being put on the back burner in favor of battery electrics?

 

Honda

Honda Design Philosophy Stresses Function
Tom Ripley - Driving Today

Honda isn't typically singled out for its design expertise. Instead, it is the fun-to-drive and rock-solid aspects of Honda vehicles that usually get top billing. But quietly, Honda has been capturing more and more international kudos for its leading-edge design work

Financing Your New Car in a Difficult Economy
Luigi Fraschini - Driving Today

The fact is a lot of people are shying away from buying a car these days because they think car loans are difficult to get and expensive to pay for. But because the auto market has taken a huge dive in the last 18 months, auto manufacturers are more eager than ever to sell vehicles, and that means good deals abound. So where do you find a loan?

2011 Mustang GT

2011 Mustang GT Offers 412 Horsepower
Driving Today

The 2011 Mustang GT introduced at the North American International Auto Show featured a thoroughly modern 5-liter V-8 engine that will have all the niceties of twin independent-variable valve timing for its four-valve configuration.

 

2011 Shelby Mustang GT350

2011 Mustang Shelby GT350 Returns to Action
Driving Today

The concept behind the renewed GT350 was to build a car that is light, nimble and powerful. Beginning with the 5-liter Ford Mustang GT as its base, the Shelby American team worked with Ford Racing, Goodyear, Borla, Cragar and Baer to create a car that is fast and has razor-sharp handling. Every aspect is enhanced to create a performance pony car true to the spirit of the 1965-1970 Shelby GT350.

 

2011 Ford Edge Sport

Ford Gives Its 2011 Edge New Edge
Driving Today

Ford Motor Co. has decided to eschew quickies -- at least in this sense -- for more substantive changes, and the latest proof of that is the 2011 Ford Edge. Without changing the basic platform, Ford engineers and designers have wrought substantial changes.

 

Kepler's Motion Supercar

Kelper Motors Unveils 800-horsepower 'Motion' Supercar
Driving Today

Kepler Motors, a relatively new company founded by world speed record holder Russ Wicks, recently unveiled its groundbreaking MOTION supercar at the 10th annual Dubai International Motor Show. By using both an efficient engine and a powerful electric motor, the car is designed to have exoticar performance potential while using far less fuel that the typical exoticar.

Will 2010 be a Better Year to Buy a Car
Tom Ripley for Driving Today

One thing auto industry veterans will tell you is they never saw a year like 2009 and they never want to see another one like it. 2009 included the seemingly unthinkable: bankruptcy for General Motors. And as an added fillip, Chrysler went bankrupt too and was rescued by the unlikely combination of the Obama administration and Fiat. What does all this mean to prospective car buyers in 2010?

Post-Cash for Clunkers Buyers Think Differently
Driving Today

Many experts believe that U.S. auto sales will rebound in 2010 after a year that most characterize as the most cataclysmic in the past half century. But which brands and models will attract buyers and continue to evolve amid lingering economic pressures? The latest Automotive Consumer Dynamics study from Acxiom Corporation offers some interesting insight into the post-Cash for Clunkers era.

Modern Car Features for the Aging Driver
Rachel L. Sheedy

Shopping for a new car? Sure, that snazzy two-seater convertible looks like fun. But if you plan to keep the car for a while, look for design features that can help make driving safer and easier as you age. Here's a look at auto design features geared for older and elderly drivers

 

Porsche Panamera

Porsche Panamera: Never Turn Down a Porsche Even if It Has Four Doors
Jim Mateja

Panamera is not only the first all-new Porsche in seven years, it's also the first four-door from the sports coupe authority -- ever. Panamera is offered in rear-wheel drive S and AWD S and turbo versions. All are powered by a 4.8-liter, 400-horsepower V-8 with a 7-speed automatic. Twin turbos boost the horses to 500.

 

2011 Kia Sorento EX AWD

Future of KIA Sorento Bigger and Better
Jim Mateja

Sorento not only has been redesigned, it also has grown, with length expanding 3.2 inches. So Sorento, for the first time, sports a third-row seat to handle a couple munchkins. It's also 1 inch wider, perhaps necessitated by Mom, Dad and the kids munching a bit more than usual.

 

CADILLAC SPORT WAGON

Wagon Ho! Cadillac Going Off on New Trail
Jim Mateja

The midsize CTS helped ignite the rebirth of Cadillac, with its dynamic design and good appointments. Now it's time for CTS to capitalize on its popularity a couple of derivatives, a wagon and coupe. First up is the 2010 wagon, called Sport Wagon to keep people from using the word 'station wagon' and all the baggage it carries.

 

2010 GMC TERRAIN

GMC Terrain Is Mostly a Smooth Ride
Jim Mateja

GMC Terrain is designed to attract consumers moving out of gas-thirsty mid- and full-size SUVs, as well as minivans. Good plan, considering GMC has dropped its midsize Envoy and Chevy its midsize TrailBlazer, and GM and Ford have dropped minivans. Foreign competition includes the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

 

2010 LINCOLN MKT

Lincoln MKT Unparalleled in Parking Ease
Jim Mateja

When the 2010 Lincoln MKT arrived for testing, we spent the day cruising the neighborhood for one simple reason: to find cars parked on the street so we could experience how MKT parallel parks itself. The game ended when the fuel supply did.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe

New E Coupe a Near Coup for Mercedes
Jim Mateja

Mercedes-Benz has redone its popular E-Class midsize sedan and brought back a coupe companion, absent since 1995 when the E320 faded. The new E coupe takes the place of the CLK, though a new CLK cabriolet comes out next spring

 

Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS Get a Powerful Boost
Jim Mateja

Ford Motor Co., has a solution for those who like the Taurus and Lincoln MKS but would be happier if the sedans could motor from the light at full speed. While bringing those V-6s back for 2010, Ford also adopted an EcoBoost strategy, adding twin turbos to each for V-6 mileage -- 17 city/25 highway -- and V-8 muscle.

 

Audi A5 Cabriolet

Audi A5 Cabriolet Turns Up the Heat
Jim Mateja, Test Drive

The A5 stands out in its ability to keep a tight grip on the road while darting in and out of corners and turns. Thanks to the performance suspension and stability control, as well as optional 19-inch performance radials (summer treads that would have to go in the snow), you enjoy sure-footed handling. And, there's the quattro that allows the A5 to run as if locked into a slot on the road.

 

2010 Lexus IS250C

2010 Lexus IS250C - Hefty Price to Enter Land of Lexus
Jim Mateja, Test Drive

The Lexus IS sedan gets a sibling for 2010, a retractable hardtop version that gives the luxury automaker an entry-level coupe and convertible for the first time. The IS comes in two flavors: base 250C with 2.5-liter, 204-horsepower, 24-valve V-6, and top-of-the-line 350C with 3.5-liter, 306-hp, 24-valve V-6. The 2.5 offers 6-speed manual or automatic with manual-mode paddle shifting; the 3.5, automatic only.

 

2010 Jaguar XFR Sedan

2010 Jaguar XFR Sedan - Jaguar Launches a High-Performance Missile
Jim Mateja, Test Drive

Piloting a machine powered by a supercharged 5-liter, 510-horsepower V-8 able to burst from a standing stop to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph, won't win over many, if any, environmentalists. So why would Jaguar, the British maker of luxury machines even bother with the 2010 XFR? Because ...

 

Suzuki Kizashi

Suzuki Kizashi - Big on Excitement & Accessories
Jim Mateja, Test Drive

The Suzuki Kizashi is nothing to sneeze at. Kizashi is a big compact (as we see it) or a small midsize (as Suzuki sees it), about 2 inches shorter than a Volkswagen Passat. We tested the GTS with AWD, a very nice car.

 

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Gets Off To Stylish Start
Jim Mateja, Test Drive

Hyundai has added a 2010 Genesis coupe, a smaller (4.6-inch shorter wheelbase/13-inch shorter length) two-door companion. Kudos to the design staff. Admirers stopped, gawked and asked its ancestry, surprised it was South Korean. The long, low, wide hood suggests a secure stance on the road. The raised deck lid sports a modest, decorative spoiler. Deeply sculptured accent lines along the rear quarter panels and doors hint at spirited movement.

 

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Corvette ZR1 - Long Live the King
Jim Mateja, Test Drive

Corvette ZR1 is back with a supercharged 638-hp V-8. Enough said. Centuries from now when archeologists unearth the remains of this civilization, we hope among the countless Prius statues they will find at least one Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The ZR1 will serve to signify a time when a limited number of folks dared be politically incorrect by driving a V-8 coupe with the power of a rocket.

Buick LaCrosse

LaCrosse Leads off new Buick Lineup
Jim Mateja, Test Drive

Redesigned sedan positioned to take on Acura, Lexus. General Motors' cupboards aren't bare. Take the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. It's on sale as the first in a planned lineup of new sedans designed, built and sold by GM worldwide. Buick promises midsize and compact sedans and a crossover smaller than Enclave in a couple years for a broader lineup, not to mention lower cost and higher mileage.

Lexus LX570

Lexus LX570 Has It All, With a Price to Match
Jim Mateja, Test Drive

It can pilot the family on the open road or climb a hill and ford a stream, while cooling a couple cans of pop and a sub sandwich. Lexus loaded its LX570 full-size SUV with just about every conceivable amenity and then added a new one: a $4,050 luxury package with a radar system that senses when a car or person, motorcycle or wall, is in your path and applies the brakes to prevent contact.

Lexus HS250h

Lexus HS250h - Hybrid for Those Who Could Afford Expensive Gas Prices
Jim Mateja, Test Drive

In its quest to minimize emissions and maximize mileage, Lexus is offering its first 4-cylinder econocar for the well-heeled, the 2010 HS250h. The entry-level sedan joins the RX450h crossover and GS450h and LS600h sedans in the hybrid fraternity to give Lexus a full-range of vehicles as fuel-economy laws tighten

Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy - Better Legacy for Subaru Buyers
Jim Mateja, Test Drive

All you have to do is ask. That's what Subaru loyalists did, and the powers-that-be made requested changes in the fifth generation of the Legacy sedan for 2010. They asked for more and Subaru delivered

2010 Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln Makes Its Mark
Jim Mateja, Test Drive - 2010 Lincoln MKZ AWD

With two midsize sedans -- a larger MKS and a smaller MKZ -- and two crossovers -- a seven-passenger MKT and five-passenger MKX -- Lincoln boasts a solid lineup.

 

Nissan Cube S

Nissan Cube Aims at Young Buyers From Right Angle
Jim Mateja, Test Drive - 2009 Nissan Cube S

Cube is Nissan's answer to the Scion xB, Kia Soul and Honda Element, weird-looking boxes aimed at those 18 to 25 who want their wheels to say something about them.

 

2010 Ford Mustang convertible

Ford Mustang Slow out of Gate
Jim Mateja, Test Drive

Ford Mustang, last redone for the 2005 model year when Ford modernized its '60s fastback, has been tweaked and tinkered with and is now available for the 2010 model year in coupe, convertible or glass top version with V-6 or V-8 (GT) and a special high-performance Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible thrown in for good measure.

 

2010 Kia Forte

Bigger and Better Now Kia's Forte
Test Drive by Jim Mateja

Kia rolls out the Forte as an encore to the Soul, a boxy, compact rival to the Scion xB and Nissan Cube targeting youth who want to make a styling statement.

Kia's 2010 Forte, however, is aimed at a slightly older crowd looking for low price, high mileage and decent looks without sacrificing size or amenities.

2010 Ford Taurus

Ford Taurus Redo Aims to Recapture Early Success
Test Drive by Jim Mateja

Taurus captivated the public with its weird styling when introduced for 1986 and captured the auto sales crown from the Honda Accord. But Ford couldn't handle success. A 1996 redesign proved too radical. Worse, a name change to Five Hundred in 2005 erased one of the most successful cars in Ford history.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally noted the lunacy and brought back the Taurus moniker for 2008; 2010 completed the turnaround with a revamp of the car, including curvy sheet metal to remind of its heritage.

2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP

2 For the Road from Pontiac
Test Drive by Jim Mateja

Pontiac came so close to getting its act together.

But close, as they say, counts only in horseshoes, and the division designated by General Motors to create excitement is going to stop creating anything by the end of 2010. In exchange for government loans, General Motors had to jettison a chairman, Rick Wagoner, and several divisions. So long, Pontiac, the architect of the Grand Prix, Firebird and GTO.

Ford Fusion Hybrid Delivers a Solid Meld of Green Technology and Performance
Test Drive by Jim Mateja

Ford Fusion Hybrid

While slow to offer a gas/electric sedan, Ford finally has delivered: the 2010 Fusion hybrid.

This time, Ford got it right.

The regular 4-cylinder or V-6 gas-driven Fusion is a wonderful car, but the hybrid is a bonus for "should I or shouldn't I" shoppers worried about gas prices. The soul of the machine is the 2.5-liter 4, with a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack that delivers a combined 191 horsepower, ample power without taxing the weekly gas budget.

Chevy Equinox Equal to Crossover Sales Task
Test Drive by Jim Mateja

Chevy Equinox, Crossover SUV

The midsize TrailBlazer had to go. And take its 12 to 14 m.p.g. city and 16 to 20 highway mileage with it.

That puts the task of attracting buyers on the redesigned shoulders of the Chevy Equinox crossover. Though it's bigger than its three primary rivals -- the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape -- Chevy calls Equinox a compact. Perhaps because it's the smaller, higher-mileage companion to the midsize Traverse. With stricter mileage regulations on the way and some consumers fearful gas prices might skyrocket again before then, Equinox puts its focus on mileage.

Free-Spirited Mini Cooper S Convertible a Joy Ride
Test Drive by Jim Mateja

Mini Cooper S Convertible

We tested the Cooper S convertible the higher-performance version with a 1.6-liter, 172-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder; the regular version has a 1.6-liter, 118-h.p. 4, hold the turbo.

The Cooper S is a blast, especially with the top down.

Plus, not only is the Mini cute and cuddly, its owners will come back carried on their shields defending the coupe made by BMW.

 

Making Sense of 'Cash for Clunkers'
Matthew Bandyk

With new-car sales slumping, automotive companies have been looking for ways to get consumers back into showrooms. Washington checked one item off car companies' wish list when it passed the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 -- commonly known as 'Cash for Clunkers' ...

Cash for Clunkers Program Has Its Roadblocks
Kathy Kristof

If you want to trade in your junker for a new vehicle under the federal government's 'cash for clunkers' program, you'll have to act fast. Plus, qualifying for the vouchers isn't as simple as you might think. In fact, you'll need to know three things to decide whether it's a good deal for you.

Aston Martin DB9 Volante & Rolls-Royce Phantom
Test Drive by Jim Mateja

Aston Martin DB9 Volante

What better than a pair of once-in-a-lifetime machines: the Aston Martin DB9 Volante and the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The 2009 DB9 Volante (convertible) tops $200,000 after options. The link to James Bond is standard. But that's a bargain compared with the $380,000 base price on the 2009.5 Rolls-Royce Phantom we piloted. The 6.75-liter, 453-h.p. V-12 is potent and impressive and so silent that we committed the cardinal sin of trying to restart an idling car ...

 

Auto Review Toyota Prius
Test Drive by Jim Mateja

The Toyota Prius that debuted in the U.S. in the 2001 model year has become the nation's best-selling hybrid.

But with Chevrolet, Saturn, Ford, Mercury and Honda now in the game, Prius needs more than just high gas prices to keep folks interested.

Perhaps the 50 m.p.g. city/48 m.p.g. highway rating in Gen III will do it. That's a sizable gain from the industry leading 48/45 for 2009. It also delivers a 600-mile range ...

 

Auto Review Lexus RX350 AWD

The RX has proved most popular among women, who make up the majority of drivers. So while energetic, its ride also is smooth and jostle-free.

The Lexus RX also focuses on safety with stability and traction control. Combined with AWD, the Lexus RX350 is nearly bulletproof in keeping the wheels down. Just in case, anti-lock brakes and side-curtain air bags with rollover sensors are standard too.

 

Dodge Grand Caravan

Lee Iacocca knew his new "minivan" was going to be a success, though he never dreamed it would still be around 25 years and 12 million sales later as a much-honored people hauler often described as the chariot of choice for soccer moms and dads alike.

Nissan 370Z Coupe Auto Review

It's time to pay homage to the original Japanese sports car, a remade version of the Nissan Z, which bowed in 240 form in 1970 under its maiden name of Datsun.

With a dusted-off Challenger and Camaro joining the modern-day Mustang, Nissan responded with a new Z for 2009, a 370 upgrade to the 350 last redone for the 2003 model year.

 

Auto Review Hyundai Elantra Touring 2010

With crossover and station wagon DNA, Elantra Touring isn't the fastest or highest-mileage or most stylish vehicle in the market. Rather than stand out in a category or two, Elantra Touring simply does a lot of things very well, with almost no shortcomings.

The return of the hatchback, last offered as the 2006 Elantra GT, gives Hyundai an offering for buyers, particularly younger ones, looking for low cost and high mileage without making a ton of sacrifices.

 

2010 Bentley GTC Speed

The GTC Speed joins the GT and GT Speed coupes and GTC convertible in the Bentley lineup.

It's the word Speed that defines this GTC. No ordinary GT/GTC 6-liter, 552-horsepower, twin-turbo 12-cylinder will do. Speed explodes from the light with a 600-hp, twin-turbo 12 boasting zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds; zero to 100 mph in 10.6. Top speed is 200 mph with top up, 195 m.h with it down--expect to get there in about 20 seconds.

 

Auto Review Honda Insight EX 2010

Honda Reintroduces What Was the First U.S. Hybrid, With More Room But Not as Stingy on Gas.

The Honda Insight is back for 2010, arriving in showrooms now. It soon will have competition from the next-generation 2010 Toyota Prius, the hybrid sales leader.

The 2010 Insight looks strikingly similar to Prius.

 

Auto Review Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic

Compact GLK Delivers in Big Way

The GLK that twists and turns through those narrow European byways in TV ads is a well-appointed piece of fine art with craftsmanship worthy of the Mercedes-Benz name.

Each body panel is finely sculpted, making it the hands-down fashion leader in the SUV segment.

 

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S: A Guilty Pleasure

Times may be tough, but Porsche Makes the 911 Carrera 4S Hard to Resist

Tired of all the dreary news? Then slip behind the wheel of a 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera for a little R&R.

Also Porsche Cayman Auto Safety Review

 

Auto Review Toyota Venza 2009

If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it still could be a pheasant, maybe a lion, if you adhere to the gospel of Toyota. The principal of this gospel is Venza, a five-passenger vehicle that "couples the styling and comfort of a car with the flexibility of a sport-utility, an alternative to the traditional sedan."

Venza is derived from the Camry platform. But it doesn't look like a Camry -- or any car. It looks like the Lexus RX crossover.

 

Auto Review BMW 535i xDrive Sports Wagon

We tested the 2009 BMW 535i xDrive Sports Wagon to learn what's the charm.

The 535i wagon comes with a beefed-up, 300-horsepower 6-cylinder engine boasting twin turbos for BMW's trademark performance soul.

 

Auto Review Chevy Camaro LT

Chevrolet introduced the Camaro family -- LS, LT, RS and SS -- to the media last week.

And each is swift and sweet, regardless of whether it's packing the 3.6-liter, 304-horsepower V-6 or 6.2-liter, 420-h.p. (manual, 400 h.p. automatic) V-8. Either can be teamed with 6-speed manual or automatic.

 

Dodge Challenger Auto Review
The Ultimate Modern American Muscle Coupe

The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what pony car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, world-class ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking.

Dodge Challenger - History of Dodge's Pony Car

 

Audi R8 Auto Review

Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of a five-time Le Mans winner, the Audi R8 prototype race car, into a spectacular production sports car. Read the article and Watch the online Audi R8 Video Review

 

Nissan GT-R Auto Review
The Godzilla of Supercars comes to America

Japan's only Super Car, the Nissan GT-R, provides assured control and outperforms the best Europe has to offer.

Read the article and Watch the online Nissan GT-R Video Review

 

Gas-Saving Driving Tips
Driving Tip

The following tips, from the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), will help save more of your money

Spring Cleaning and Care Recommended for Your Car
Automotive Car Care

Next to being at home and work or work-related activities, most Americans spend their time in the car - nearly three hours each day. So, wouldn't it make sense, that if you clean your house and prepare it for spring, that you also prepare your car?

Which Car is Right for All Kinds of Weather?
Automotive Safety

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there are over 6,400,000 vehicle crashes each year. Twenty-four percent of these crashes-approximately 1,561,000-are weather-related. Additionally, nearly 7,400 people are killed and over 673,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year.

Top Five New Automobile Features
Auto Features

Whether related to safety, comfort or convenience, carmakers are constantly developing a wide variety of new features to attract new-car shoppers.

To Buy or Lease Your Next Car
Automotive Financing

When considering your next auto purchase, how can you decide whether to lease or buy? Here are some points to consider

Does Your Vehicle Have a Clean Bill of Health?
Automotive Care

Each year as spring rolls around, consider it time for your vehicle's annual check-up. Just as you schedule dentist and doctor appointments regularly, you should do the same for your vehicle.   So what can you do to ensure a healthy vehicle?

Shedding Light on Vehicle Safety
Automotive Safety

Night driving, especially in poor conditions such as rain and snow, is an unavoidable part of owning a vehicle - but it also has a negative effect on our safety.  Xenon headlight technology offers 70 percent more light than typical halogen bulbs, making driving safer.

Free Car Care Guide Helps Motorists Save Fuel
Automotive Care

Motorists who think the only way around high gasoline prices is hopping on public transportation or switching to a hybrid vehicle should think again. Better driving habits and regular vehicle maintenance can help any motorist save money by using less gasoline.

Don't Let Auto Tire Pressure Leave You Stranded
Automotive Care

As the 2008 model year vehicles hit the road, motorists will benefit from a new standard feature - tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), which illuminate an on-dash light when the pressure in one or more tires is low.

Brush Up For Winter Driving
Automotive Care

No matter where you live, winter driving requires extra-special attention. When the temperatures outside fall, keeping an eye on your car's mechanical condition, being prepared and driving cautiously are all critical to your personal safety and that of your passengers

Autos: Don't Be Left in the Cold
Automotive Care

The first signs of car trouble often arrive with the first signs of winter. Sluggish performance, rough idling, difficult starts or occasional pings are potential warnings for problems that will more than likely get worse as it gets colder.