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
The move to vehicle electrification is coming in steps with manufacturers such as Hyundai choosing hybrids as part of the transition. For 2022, the compact Hyundai Tucson crossover is all new. This year, it gains standard and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle variants, models that blend power with efficiency to deliver … Read more
Over the last couple of years, fuel prices have skyrocketed, placing additional financial pressure on motorists far and wide. Even those driving smaller, compact cars have begun feeling a significant amount of pain at the pump. This has caused many to forgo their typical Sunday afternoon drive, in favor of … Read more
The Audi Q5 is a handsome SUV, one that effectively blends styling, performance, and luxury. All models come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine while one grade adds an electric motor to form a plug-in hybrid. Like its German competitors, pricing is divided by grade with further divisions by trim. Consumers … Read more
As most motorists are well aware, tires are anything but cheap to purchase and continue to increase in cost with each passing year. For this reason, it is easy to justify going through a little additional effort to ensure that your tires are maintained in the best way possible. This … Read more
Model year updates typically allow manufacturers to extend the lifespan of a particular model by several years. That’s exactly what was accomplished with the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, a compact crossover utility vehicle with room for up to seven. Updated exterior styling, an overhauled interior, and upgraded technologies chart the changes. … Read more
The automotive market is largely split between mainstream and luxury vehicles, with ultra-luxury and exotic models sprinkled in. But there is a gray area some manufacturers exploit, a premium middle ground that combines elements from the main choices. In the Hyundai Palisade, we have a conventional model with opulent aspirations, … Read more
The road to electrification is paved with pricey and, in some cases, ugly models. Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but there is no excuse for new Tesla models that look so dull. Fortunately, some manufacturers realize that one important aspect of convincing consumers to adopt EVs … Read more
Cars are like ballerinas. They got their own feet, with their own toes that point in or out. They can dance around the track, or fail terribly and break their ankles. The difference between proper toe settings and a miserable failure can be a matter of a few degrees when … Read more
Crossovers continue to dominate the market as car models disappear. Hyundai is no exception as the tiny Accent and sporty Veloster N go away for 2023 with the likelihood the Sonata sedan will soon follow. Among the crossovers gaining market share is the subcompact Hyundai Kona, a model imbued with … Read more
One of the most misunderstood of all automotive concepts is front-end alignment. The term front-end alignment refers to the orientation of a vehicle’s front wheels, in relation to the road ahead, as well as the rest of the vehicle itself. The alignment of a vehicle’s front tires directly dictates the … Read more
Some of the most frustrating of all vehicle-related issues are those pertaining to mysterious noises, which often tend to get louder as time passes. Issues of this type can be maddening, as motorists search eagerly for the source of such noises, often to no avail. This, in turn, only intensifies … Read more
A half-century has passed since the first Z-Series model arrived. The original Datsun 240Z was in direct response to the Toyota 2000GT and other performance models of that day. Over the years, the model changed, and the nameplate is now Nissan. For 2023, a new Nissan Z model arrives, a … Read more
It’s scary. A suspension word that could be pivotal to your car’s handling…or is it a natural remedy for constipation? Although the latter would be a fun read, it’s more suspension-related and plays a great deal into your vehicle’s handling and driving characteristics. Related – Average Cost of a Wheel … Read more
As motorists, we tend to know our vehicles quite well. This is why most motorists are able to recognize slight discrepancies in the way their vehicle runs, from one day to the next. We are often quick to pinpoint any issues that arise, due to our perception of symptoms related … Read more
For most motorists, the idea of starting their vehicle with the use of a key requires little in the way of additional thought. We expect to place our key in our vehicle’s ignition, when starting our vehicle, only to retrieve it upon reaching our destination. This is an elementary concept, … Read more
Full-size sport utility vehicles remain a popular choice for large families, businesses, and sporting enthusiasts. New or updated models from Jeep and Toyota give consumers much to consider, along with mainstay versions from Ford and GM. For 2022, the Ford Expedition receives a styling update along with tech and performance … Read more
With Ford’s recent launch of the F-150 Lightning pickup, the most popular vehicle in North America has gone electric. With 200,000 reservations for the all-electric truck already logged, the release is seen as a bellwether for consumer acceptance of electric vehicles—EVs have officially gone mainstream. The increasing electrification of the … Read more
In 2015 Hyundai decided to spin off its Genesis line to form a new luxury division. The Genesis marque led off with three sedans, followed by three utility vehicles, filling out its promised six-vehicle model line. The latest model is the 2023 Genesis GV60, a compact utility vehicle with room … Read more
Few vehicle components are as significant in terms of operational value, as a transmission. Without a transmission, a vehicle would be incapable of delivering power to its drive-wheels, thereby making it impossible to commute from one location to another. A specialized lubricant, known simply as transmission fluid, is utilized to … Read more
For 25 years the Lexus LX coexisted with the Toyota Land Cruiser with the former based heavily on the latter. But that all changed this year as a new LX launches this luxury SUV’s fourth generation, while the Land Cruiser is no longer available in the U.S. The decision is … Read more
It is no secret that tech giant Sony desires to build automobiles. The company showcased a pair of EV concepts earlier this year, intending to find a partner to bring these models to the market. After a brief search, Sony is tapping Honda to bring its dreams to fruition. The … Read more
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV, a model available in standard, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid configurations. It now outsells the midsize Camry sedan and compact Corolla sedan and hatchback and is one of the best-selling vehicles in America. With such a strong nameplate driving sales, the automaker is … Read more
Long before the digital age, a pair of walkie talkies supplied ideal short-term communication. Also known as a handheld transceiver (HT), kids of certain era looked forward to communicating with each other while running around the neighborhood. Walkie talkies do have some limits, including range, battery life, and weather conditions. … Read more