Because pandemic lockdowns have eliminated the use of beachfront hotels and resorts, many families have turned to a more traditional form of vacation; the camper. However, the costs of maintaining an RV, especially as new regulations force manufacturers to modify their engines, can cause unwanted stress when you are supposed to be relaxing. The less-than-stellar fuel economy of RVs …
Those shopping for a family car often place safety ratings very high on their list of priorities when choosing a new car. Though safety ratings include the efficiency of lighting, driver assist features, driver and passenger restraint systems, and braking and handling features, a primary focus of auto safety ratings include crash test ratings, carried …
Kelley Blue Book described the 2020 Nissan Rogue as very “vanilla” in spite of its position as a top-seller among Nissan’s offerings, and especially when compared with Toyota’s RAV4. Whether KBB’s comments motivated Nissan to revitalize Rogue for 2021 or a significant refresh was already in the works is difficult to tell. However, given comments …
Where the GMC Canyon stands within the midsize truck market has raised some questions about the automaker’s production strategy in this vehicle class. Canyon sales have been low since the UAW strike of September 2019 and recovery has lagged. However, GMC’s recent production move of adding an available diesel engine option to the 2021 Canyon …
The 2020 Santa Fe was mentioned among the most reliable and fuel efficient two-row SUVs by Consumer Reports. In addition to the Santa Fe, Hyundai’s 2020 Kona crossover and EV variation rank well among 2-row SUVs and you cannot ignore Tucson, which was in a six-way tie with some heavy hitters on the U.S. News …
The good news for those considering the Infiniti QX80 is that their choice of a luxury SUV is getting much-needed changes to the 2021 model. Car critics identified some standard safety features absent on the 2020 QX80, which kept it from topping the list of 3-row luxury SUVs. It appears that Infiniti listened to the critics’ input and made the recommended …
The 2020 Dodge Durango might have finally turned itself around. What about the newest Durango left critics actually impressed?
Midsize SUVs represent a leading segment for overall sales. Toyota produces two of the perennial leaders of this class, the 4Runner and the Highlander. The 2020 Toyota Highlander provides surprising luxury, though priced a little above its competitors, but maintains an excellent track record for reliability. However, the 2020 Subaru Ascent is mounting a significant challenge to this long-time …
In recent years, automaker Hyundai has pushed the envelope to become more competitive with each automotive sector’s leaders. Hyundai’s 2020 Sonata Hybrid is a perfect example of their capacity to compete with Honda and Toyota. In a market dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the Sonata is a champion to keep sedans into consideration. Though the 2020 Hyundai Sonata presents no over-the-top …
It seems that Toyota has a few more tricks up its sleeves in 2021. Although it appeared the Toyota Venza was to fade away into automotive history, the automaker revived the Venza nameplate for 2021 as a hybrid crossover with aggressive lines and some impressive interior features. As critics respond to the move, most have …
Among America’s favorite ways to “get away from it all” is off-roading. There are plenty of classic vehicles that have played the off-roading role for decades, and several modern additions to the list of off-road worthy vehicles will surprise you. However, one vehicle added to the list is that will make you think of Tim …
Mercedes-Benz has represented the gold standard of interior luxury for decades. Despite being a luxury crossover, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 has nothing to apologize for as a representative of the brand. As the automaker introduces the roomier GLE class crossover in 2020 and the sportier GLB luxury subcompact crossover turns heads, the GLC300 has taken a backseat in the commotion. Though competing …
Green Car Journal awarded the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV the Family Green Car of the Year. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was not without accolades, tagged as the Number 1 Best Hybrid SUV by Kelley Blue Book. As Mitsubishi and Toyota roll out their 2021 versions of each SUV, shoppers and critics alike wonder if the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will compete …
The Ford F-150 has dominated the full-size truck market for more than 30 years, ticking off all the items on the list of priorities for truck owners. Affordability is one of the features that buyers check on their list every time. Kelley Blue Book gave the 2020 F-150 their “best buy” ranking for the sixth …
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 has received mixed reviews from automobile critics. In spite of the fact that many suggest that you can do a lot better than the XT5 for a midsize luxury SUV, sales of the 2020 XT5 have remained steady. These statistics could reflect the exterior improvements and selection of quality engine choices, …
As the pandemic loosens its grip, auto enthusiasts are anxious to get out to a local showroom and get up close and personal with the new 2021 offerings. Though the 2021 BMW 5 Series doesn’t differ drastically from 2020 models, it has undergone enough of a refresh to meet the needs of BMW fans without …
While the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman is beginning to draw much of the attention from the sports car set, those set on the luxury SUV market can keep their focus on another Porsche offering that continues to thrill the SUV set while maintaining its value. The 2020 Porsche Cayenne is still a top-rated luxury SUV, ranking number one atop Consumer Reports Top Five …
Automobile safety and convenience are among the areas that apply technological innovations. Some manufacturers include features like backup cameras as standard features while some keep costs down in base models and provide advanced technologies as added features. Because technology continues to advance in the automotive industry, a wide range of futuristic trends are the norm, …
SUVs, cars, and trucks are evaluated by how they compare to their competition. This is true of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 and the 2020 Hyundai Tucson, which critics compare to the best selling crossovers in their class. Each of these SUVs is making a unique impression. The CX-5 has critics talking about how this compact crossover is fun to …
Dominating brands in the midsize luxury sedan market include brand names like BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes as expected. However, the Genesis G80, a relative newcomer to the class made a significant move toward the top in 2020, providing potential buyers with a lower-priced luxury option. Those who purchase the G80 in 2021 will have to pay more, but they’ll receive a …
Regardless of class, seating capacity is among the most common critical features to check off on the SUV buyers’ list. There are plenty of options among midsize and full-size luxury SUVs like the BMW Alpina X7, the Lexus LX470, or Mercedes-Benz GLS to name a few. Though luxury SUVs don’t have to cost more than $50,000, you will pay significantly more to drive …
Known for his obsession with power on Tool Time, even Tim Allen was impressed by the incredible power of the 2018 Dodge SRT Demon present in Jay Leno’s Garage. Touted by Leno as “the most powerful muscle car on the planet,” the Demon’s rule of the streets has ended. A June 2019 announcement of the Demon’s discontinuation made by the …
Parents who dread the process of teaching a teen how to drive a car with a manual transmission should prepare to do their happy dance. Other than the 2021 Ford Bronco, select SUVs, and several sports cars, it appears that the manual transmission is dying. What reasons are behind manual transmissions dying out, and what will kill them off completely? …
The Toyota Tacoma has earned a place in the spotlight among compact trucks by meeting the needs and expectations of its owners. To keep up with compact truck owner demands, Toyota made some significant changes to the 2020 Tacoma that were not present in the 2019 model. These improvements provide potential owners with a broad …
Whether shopping for a teen who just got their driver’s license or searching for a replacement for an existing family vehicle, many buyers place safety at the top of the list right beside affordability. Automakers like Toyota and Honda have a reputation for providing a wide range of sedans to vans and safety features at a price you can …
Most car critics have been less than complimentary when discussing the price and available features of the 2020 Porsche Macan. Have car critics given the Macan a fair shake? Car and Driver have a difference of opinion with the auto critics crowd, placing both the Porsche Macan at the top of its Best Compact Luxury SUVs list for 2020. However, buyers …
Buyers have to be careful when shopping for a luxury SUV because a lot of automakers cut corners and sell an inferior product at a luxury price. Mercedes-Benz has cut back on passenger car production and transferred its trademark for gold-standard luxury and superior engineering to the more popular and lucrative SUV/crossover market. Though no one is complaining about …
Chevrolet struggled in the first quarter of 2020 due to COVID-19 woes. However, there were two bright spots among its 2020 line of cars. In spite of a less-than-favorable critique from Consumer Reports, one of Chevy’s cars that produced first-quarter sales was the Chevy Spark. Looking at the production of 2021 cars, Chevrolet looks to …
Consumer Reports placed the 2020 Buick Enclave atop their list of large luxury SUVs, basing their claim on its road-test performance, predicted reliability, and predicted owner satisfaction. However, mediocre overall reliable scores in the model years from 2017 to 2019 leave many critics wondering if the higher-priced Enclave is any better than its two closest competitors Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot. …
The 2020 Chevy Traverse has made a significant impression on Consumer Reports automotive critics. In contrast, its classmate, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder missed out on much of the praise the SUV has enjoyed in the past. Due to affordability and their three-row layout, both are good candidates as reliable family transportation, but which one is …
The price for a gallon of gas in 1935 was 19 cents, the average house cost a little more than $4,000, and the sticker price on the average car was $760. Into this world where a dollar went a lot further, Chevrolet introduced their Suburban Carryall with a $675 price tag. The world has seen …
To the surprise of many auto critics, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade shook up Hyundai’s closest rival by topping the Kia Telluride. The automaker’s new midsize SUV accelerated to the top of its class, stacking up awards and turning heads away from some of the segment’s most sought after models. Hyundai refuses to back off the …
Subaru automobiles rank among the most dependable on the road, recognized for longevity, low cost to own, and maintaining their resale value. With Subaru models like the Forester and Crosstrek securing places among the top SUVs in 2020, it is rather inconvenient that the automaker has to endure another recall issue – this time a …
While it is no secret that 2020 was a rough year for Chevy’s reliability, the lackluster performance of the 2020 Chevy Spark stands out as a possible omen for the nameplate. In spite of taking the top ranking among U.S. News’ Cheapest Cars of 2020, many automotive critics speculate that the Spark is among the …
A major deciding factor for choosing one SUV over another includes its capacity to accommodate passengers, which draws potential buyers toward three-row models. In addition to adequate passenger space, many shoppers also want plenty of cargo space. When it comes to exceptional cargo space, Chevy is one automaker to turn to. The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse …
Most critics praise the overall reliability of the Mitsubishi Outlander, but to provide guidance to those who place a priority on safety, requires a more critical look at the overall safety of this compact SUV.
It is no secret that the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, a relative newcomer to the compact SUV scene, has had less than stellar reviews.
Shoppers in the compact SUV market have an abundance of makes and models to choose from, which leaves some car critics scratching their heads when it comes to the 2020 Hyundai Tucson’s lack of flair when it comes to its base trim level. When competing with other Hyundai SUV options like the larger Santa Fe …
Whenever car owners and car critics discuss the reliability of midsize sedans, several names linger at the top of their list. However, U.S. News has singled out the 2020 Kia Optima as the new reliability leader among midsize sedans, even beating out Toyota Camry. The standard features in the base model of the Optima also …
Yamaha motorcycles have earned a great reputation over the years all over the world. However, one of the most beloved bikes can’t be bought in the U.S.
Even the most reliable SUV models can have moments their engineers and manufacturers would like to forget. The fourth generation of Toyota 4Runners (2003 to 2009) experienced plenty of troublesome issues with the model’s V6 editions. Since its debut in 1984, the 4Runner has provided a high rate of owner satisfaction for nearly 40 years, …
As nearly every sector of society makes a shift toward sustainability, hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), battery-electric (BEV), and fuel-cell electric (FCEV) vehicles have become a major focus for carmakers. Though hybrids have gained a lot of ground in the market, many hybrids like the Honda Clarity remain unnoticed or fail to receive the respect …
Great news has come to the ears of Ford Mustang lovers as the major automaker released news surrounding the 2021 Mach-E, touted as the coolest hybrid on the horizon. However, Mustang lovers have to swallow the bad news along with the good as dissatisfied owners have filed a class-action lawsuit against Ford. The suit brings …
Chevrolet drives in its banner at the top of the midsize truck heap once more with the 2021 Colorado. There are plenty of must-see updates to this year’s model. Kelly Blue Book (KBB) echoes our observations while adding a few eloquent impressions of their own as they note that the Chevrolet Colorado will outlast the …
Auto reviewers and critics provide useful feedback to car companies, but the best indicator that designers and manufacturers are getting things right comes from the satisfaction of real owners. In spite of the rather lackluster performance scores by the 2020 Toyota Tacoma on Consumer Reports’ road tests, real owners have nothing but praise for one …
On the surface, the 2020 Fiat 500X has a lot to offer. However, Consumer Reports warns against falling in love with it too quick.
The introduction of a revived Toyota Venza in the crossover market where Toyota already sees significant success with its RAV4 Hybrid has auto critics scratching their heads. The return of the Venza, discontinued a little bit ahead of its time six years ago, represents a rare trend for Toyota. The question begging to be answered …
Meeting the needs of eco-friendly/family-conscious car buyers presents a wide range of challenges to automakers competing in the midsize SUV crossover market. As car manufacturers scramble to carve out their piece of a larger market share, many of their offerings are redundant within their own lineup or fall behind their competitors in reliability and performance. …
Elon Musk and his plans for Tesla are usually hard to pin down. However, in a recent interview Musk revealed a few nuggets of key information.
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Chevrolet is one of the largest and most iconic automakers in the world. Its lineup is full of vehicles from every end of the spectrum, from extra-large pickups to super-small compacts. One of its smallest vehicles, the Chevy Sonic, met the world with a warm reception but also proved how one of the biggest companies …
