There is little arguing against the notion that today’s vehicles are far cleaner for the environment to operate than those of yesteryear. Of course, reaching this level of cleanliness was not achieved overnight. In fact, efforts to reduce the internal combustion engine’s carbon footprint began in the early 1970s, when … Read more
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover utility vehicle with room for five. Every manufacturer offers at least one such model. Nissan distinguishes the Rogue with its styling, amenities, and price. The company also avoids the hybrid bandwagon by powering every model with an efficient, yet potent three-cylinder engine. 2023 … Read more
Back in the 1980s, cars and vans began to employ darker window tints as a means of boosting privacy and adding a little more insulation to the single-pane windows. Gone were the days of having to hang actual curtains in your station wagon or van, and the improved affordability meant … Read more
Sporty cars are typically very expensive, but there remains a breed of entry-level models to satisfy budget-minded consumers. The Toyota GR86 and its Subaru BRZ sibling are two of them and along with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, prove that driving fun is attainable. The GR86 marks its 10th anniversary this … Read more
The purchase of tires for any vehicle comes as a significant investment, requiring consumers to part with a fair sum of cash in any event. In order to make the most of such an investment, one must go to every length possible to maintain the condition of their vehicle’s tires. … Read more
Today’s family livery is often a three-row utility vehicle, represented by more than one dozen crossover models. The Nissan Pathfinder is in the thick of things, a model that seats up to eight and delivers class-leading towing capabilities. For 2023, the Pathfinder gains a Rock Creek edition, a special grade … Read more
You pull your car out of the driveway, then notice something unusual in the spot your car just left. There’s a small dark spot there, a small puddle of some vehicle fluid, and you don’t know what. Is it normal? Is it bad? There are a few different types of vehicle … Read more
The Kia Telluride’s reputation precedes it, a three-row crossover utility vehicle that is among the best available. Prized for its rugged looks, the Telluride also delivers a comfortable and upscale cabin, loads of tech and safety equipment, and a decent powertrain. It is also one of the most difficult models … Read more
Today’s internal combustion engines are relatively complex in nature, featuring some critical components, none any less valuable than the last. The vast majority of these components, as well as the systems they make up, have evolved significantly from what there were just 20-30 years prior. Perhaps no automotive system has … Read more
For nearly four decades, the minivan has been a factor for families considering their mode of transportation. These models might not be style winners, but they’re highly versatile, comfortable, and even efficient. The Chrysler Pacifica builds on that tradition by delivering a modern model that is anything but mini. SUVs … Read more
The Hyundai Santa Fe blends style, comfort, and efficiency to deliver an affordable midsize crossover utility vehicle with room for five. This SUV sits between the Tucson and Palisade, offering more room than the former, and better maneuverability than the latter. Most shoppers will choose the gas model, but a … Read more
Our vehicles’ airbags are easily forgotten until their use is required to prevent significant injury in the event of a collision. This, of course, is an easy oversight to make. The vast majority of a vehicle’s airbag system is hidden away until it is deployed at a moment’s notice, leaving … Read more
Affordability and luxury are not mutually exclusive, particularly with an entry-level sedan such as the Audi A3. This model offers one of the best values for the segment, but also comes with a pair of performance variants. Though smaller than the average midsize mainstream sedan, its low starting price makes … Read more
Lexus’ compact NX was overhauled in 2022 and carries forward for 2023. Its style, amenities, and safety features are among its strong suits, while a pair of hybrid choices set this model apart in a crowded segment. Our test plug-in hybrid model blends performance with efficiency, a combination that we … Read more
Today’s vehicles are finely tuned pieces of equipment, featuring a wide array of individual components, all of which must function flawlessly to facilitate proper operation. If any one of these components were to fail, a number of serious mechanical issues could arise. One such component of value, which must function … Read more
Honda took the dilemma of a canceled vehicle platform and turned it into an opportunity. With the Honda Fit hatchback no longer around, the platform that also supported the Honda HR-V SUV went away. Instead of creating an all-new platform for just the HR-V, Honda tapped the compact CR-V’s architecture … Read more
A vehicle’s transmission is extremely vital to its overall operation, ultimately facilitating the delivery of engine-produced power to a vehicle’s drive wheels. Luckily, most of today’s transmissions are rather hearty by design, often lasting for the entire service life of a vehicle itself. However, achieving this level of longevity requires … Read more
Mazda is experiencing a bit of an identity crisis, thanks to new and updated premium models that are pushing the brand toward luxury. Although Mazda chiefly targets mainstream competitors such as Toyota and Ford, certain top-trim grades apparently have Audi and Lincoln shoppers in mind. For 2023, an all-new Mazda … Read more
There are few safety-sensitive automotive systems as vital as a car’s brakes. A vehicle’s brakes allow us to reduce our speed whenever necessary and stop quickly to avoid collisions. This is why it is essential that our brakes function flawlessly, under a wide array of circumstances. Unfortunately, like any other … Read more
We love our utility vehicles and manufacturers are responding in kind. Infiniti has a quartet of choices, including a pair of models that are based on the same platform. While the compact QX50 delivers a satisfying experience, the fancier QX55 comes better equipped. For 2023 the changes are light, but … Read more
Today’s vehicles come equipped with an ever-growing number of safety appliances, intended to keep motorists out of harm’s way. Many features and functions of this type are government mandated, and now come standard on virtually every vehicle manufactured. Few of these safety features and functions are as prevalent as the … Read more
In an age where electrified vehicles enjoy enormous recognition, it’s refreshing when manufacturers remember traditional enthusiasts. The Toyota GR Supra is a modern sports car from the world’s leader in hybrid technology, a proper reminder that the internal combustion engine remains important. That Toyota pragmatically partnered with BMW to revive … Read more
There is little as alarming to the average motorist, as coming to the realization that their vehicle has begun making an odd noise. This is especially concerning if the source of this new noise is not easily distinguished. One cannot help but feel as if their vehicle is falling apart … Read more
Luxury and value seldom intersect, but there are a few exceptions. The Lexus ES 300h is an exception as this large front-wheel-drive sedan can be had for under $50,000. Moreover, it comes well equipped and offers a hybrid variant, the latter our recent weekly test driver. 2023 Lexus ES Review … Read more
Most motorists at least partially understand the function of a vehicle’s spark plugs, recognizing the importance of these pint-sized engine components. After all, a spark-ignition engine would be of little real value without a reliable source of spark. However, a spark plug is only able to function as intended, if … Read more
A vehicle’s engine is composed of parts too numerous to count, each of which plays a pivotal role in ensuring streamlined and efficient operation. On top of that, many of these individual components work in relation to one another, to perform a specific function. If any one of these components … Read more
If you’ve shopped for an electric vehicle, finding something that costs less than $40,000 is a challenge. Typically, comfort, range, or something else is sacrificed to reach a palatable pricing level. One significant exception is the Nissan Leaf, a model that brought full electrification to the masses in 2011. Its … Read more
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row, midsize crossover utility vehicle with room for seven or eight. It’s the crossover complement to the Toyota Sienna van, with both models ideal for growing families. The Highlander Hybrid is the fuel efficiency champ in this segment, matching the hybrid-only Sienna with a combined … Read more
A vehicle’s front end is composed of many different steering components, each of which plays a pivotal role in providing ample maneuverability. However, these components must all be in satisfactory condition to operate at an optimal level. This bears consideration, due to the fact that each of these components is … Read more
With some notable exceptions, modern cars sold in North America almost come with automatic gearboxes. People love these transmissions because they are much easier to use than a stick shift. Also, since you won’t focus on changing the gears, automatic cars are safer. Are you wondering what the different automatic … Read more