Matthew Skwarczek started blogging in 2015 and focuses his writing on motorcycles and engineering science. A graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned his Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Matthew served as an applications engineer for BASF before joining MotorBiscuit in 2019.
In Matthew’s words, the visceral nature of riding requires you to be in the moment. Combined with his fascination in the analytics surrounding the building and designing of cars and bikes, both modern and classic, you’ll find his voice blends functionality and phenomena. He rides motorcycles and bicycles often, photographing them as well.
Matthew has contributed to Oppositelock and is now an alumnus. He plays Dungeons & Dragons and reads sci-fi and fantasy in his spare time, and appreciates the works of Peter Egan, Sam Smith, Brandon Sanderson, and Alex Goy.
It’s not only celebrities that are going electric. Classic trucks and SUVs are now being converted to electric drive, keeping classic utility without problematic powertrains. Swapping the engine out for an electric motor also makes affordable importable off-road SUVs easier to live with—fewer obscure parts to break. But SUVs aren’t the only off-roaders. Both Lancia …
Although it doesn’t sell in massive numbers, the Toyota Land Cruiser is an amazingly reliable and well-regarded SUV. The rugged 70-Series, first introduced in 1984—and never in the US—has been so popular, brand-new ones are still sold in Australia. It comes loaded with off-road features, is less prone to rollovers than the Jeep Wrangler, and …
When it comes to tough and reliable off-roaders, Toyota’s Tacoma pickup and 4Runner SUV are common choices. Although Jeep’s Gladiator and Wrangler can edge them out in rock-crawling, the Tacoma and 4Runner are better daily-drivers. That’s why, despite their age, they’re still popular, new and used. Used 4Runners hold their value better than almost any …
This is it, you have your new three-row SUV, with all sorts of room for activities. You get it home, and try to park it in the garage—but, oh no, it doesn’t fit. With how big SUVs and trucks have gotten, it’s not uncommon to find owners of F-150s and Silverados who can’t park their …
Genesis is out to prove you don’t need a hedge fund to get behind the wheel of a luxury SUV. We’ve known the automaker would release its first SUV, the GV80, sometime this month. And previously, we were only able to share a few design and interior details. But now, we have more information. Genesis …
While reliability (strangely) doesn’t appear in the top list of brand loyalty factors, it’s undeniably important to consumers. SUV owners wouldn’t hold onto their vehicles for so long if they couldn’t stand up to daily abuse. 3rd row SUVs especially need to be reliable, as they’re often used to transport families, although minivans are arguably …
In contrast to some other celebrity car owners, Fast & Furious star and rapper Ludacris keeps his collection relatively humble. One of his most well-known vehicles is a 1993 Acura Legend that he’s described as a “dream car.” He still dailies it, and it even shows up on an album cover. But that Legend may …
Mercedes has made some fairly wild pickups. Engineers took a last-gen G-Class, added a pickup bed and an extra axle, and created the G 63 AMG 6×6. Customizers created the closest thing to a factory E-Class pickup. And it’s still possible elsewhere in the world to buy a stripped-down G-Class pickup. But when it comes …
Since the new Land Rover Defender was officially revealed, the SUV has generated tons of questions. Considering the legacy of the original Defender, this was something Land Rover couldn’t really afford to screw up. Even though it now owns off-road expert Bowler, the Defender needed to be capable of off-roading right out the gate. Even …
Modern pickup trucks are quite luxurious. And while that makes them more usable day-to-day, more features also means more things that can fail. Today, it’s hard to find even a base Ford F-150 work truck that doesn’t have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. That’s one reason why the demand for classic trucks is growing, and …
Some of the most extreme versions of the Mercedes G-Wagon, like the G 63 AMG 6×6 and the G550 4×4 Squared, can seem more like Transformers than actual usable vehicles. When even a base G-Wagen offers more capability than many will tap into, it can turn these luxury SUVs into symbolic toys. But the G-Class …
Whether entry-level Evoque or tricked-out mild hybrid, the Range Rover can handle both off-road trails and downtown parties. It’s been that way since the first generation, now called the Range Rover Classic, first debuted in 1970. Unfortunately, no Range Rover is immune from glitches and faults. And buying a classic SUV means dealing with outdated …
Because of how difficult it can be to find an EV charger, and long recharge times, many EV owners install home chargers. Recharging at home is also cheaper than charging at, say, McDonald’s, and more convenient. Park, plug it in and go to bed. But with how big modern battery packs can be, and how …
Racing doesn’t just improve vehicles; it also helps automakers start fanbases. Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, and Audi made names for themselves on the rally circuit. And often the technology being flung about on gravel tracks or through desert sands ended up on sale in the showroom. The Audi Ur-Quattro, in particular, helped usher in the modern …
The increased number of heavy-duty trucks on the road today has caused headaches. Not just from the traffic, but because of the emissions. Heavy-duty trucks don’t have to report to the EPA, a loophole Tesla may be taking advantage of with its Cybertruck. This loophole, along with the problematic pastime of rolling coal, can lead …
Like Frankenstein’s monster, Hummer is alive again courtesy of a jolt of electricity. There have been hints that the military truck brand would be revived, but the “how” remained unclear. Some rumors claimed Hummer would be brought back as a high-end off-road truck and SUV brand. Logical, given the brand’s roots, and the growing value …
Although the latest Chevrolet Suburban’s styling can be an acquired taste to some, there’s no doubt the SUV has staying power. In addition to the good safety rating and long list of standard features, the Suburban now comes with independent rear suspension. While the smaller Tahoe has higher Consumer Reports reliability scores, the Suburban holds …
Tuscany Motor Company has made quite a few special-edition Ford trucks over the years. The customizer turned an F-150 into a full-size Tonka truck, for example. But Tuscany is perhaps best known for the F-150 and F-250 Harley-Davidson edition trucks, reboots of pickups once made by Ford. But while Tuscany does customize and modify GM …
The Jeep Gladiator has been winning critics over on both sides of the Atlantic. Car and Driver put the truck on its 10Best list for taking the Wrangler’s fun parts and adding utility and daily refinement. Although the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison edged it out, the Gladiator has proven better than other off-roaders, like Toyota’s …
There are a number of things that can make a ‘special edition’ turn out not so special. Sometimes, too many were made, like the original Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson edition. Or the features don’t justify the price, as with the current F-150 Harley-Davidson. But sometimes, a special edition stands out, but not for the best reasons. …