The Skinny on Summer Tires

Summer tires are a thing, but they’re probably not what you think they are: one-season tires. In fact, summer tires are best known as performance tires, which supply excellent dry and wet road traction and precise handling. What’s in a Name? So, why are they called “summer tires?” Likely for … Read more

End of the Road: Ford Taurus

Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan, once one of the most popular models in the blue oval’s arsenal. Changing consumer tastes and Ford’s reluctance to invest in an all-new model took its toll on sales. On March 1, 2019, the last Taurus rolled off of a Chicago assembly line. … Read more

2019 Nissan Altima: Second Look

2019 Nissan Altima rear

Like other manufacturers, Nissan has a full stable of utility vehicles in its portfolio. This automaker offers five crossovers, ranging from the small Kicks to the three-row Pathfinder. Add in the bigly Armada SUV and you’ll find a half-dozen vehicles for consumer consideration. Unlike its domestic competitors, Nissan isn’t giving … Read more

How to Prep Company Cars for Employees

One way to attract and retain talent is by including a company car in your employment offer. Even if used primarily for business purposes, personal use may be permitted, perhaps with some restrictions in place. However, before you hand the keys to a company car to an employee, there are … Read more

4 Common Car Recall Misconceptions

car recall notice

Tens of millions of cars are recalled each year, representing problems that may occur after a car has been sold. Many car recalls are the result of faulty airbags produced by airbag supplier Takata and are found in vehicles produced by more than a dozen manufacturers.[1] Unfortunately, there are common … Read more

The Segment-Defining Hyundai Kona

Hyundai’s smallest crossover is big on value and amenities. We’re fans of the Hyundai Kona and the reason is quite simple: this subcompact crossover utility vehicle is big on value, looks, and amenities. The Kona rolled out in 2018 and features light changes this year, including newly added dual front … Read more

5 Places to Buy Replacement Tires

where to buy replacement tires

When it comes time to replacing tires, you have several places to consider for new ones. Ideally, you’ll swap out the original employment manufacturer (OEM) with the same set, but keep in mind that you have choices, depending on the brand, tire tread, and warranty miles. The following are five … Read more

The History of the Hyundai Tiburon

Hyundai Tiburon

The Hyundai Tiburon represents one of this Korean automaker’s earliest forays into the sport coupe segment. It was produced from 1997 to 2008, replacing the earlier Scoupe before it was succeeded by the Hyundai Veloster and later the Genesis Coupe. The Hyundai Tiburon is a favorite car for the tuner … Read more

The Sixth-Generation VW Jetta GLI

The Volkswagen Jetta requires little introduction, a compact model with 40 years of history on tap. This vehicle is based on the brand’s modular platform, which includes such disparate models as the subcompact Golf hatchback and the midsize Atlas crossover utility vehicle. The seventh-generation model rolled out in 2018 and … Read more

The History of the Cadillac XLR

Cadillac XLR

Declining Cadillac sales in the 1990s forced General Motors to take a hard look at its luxury division and that marque’s model offerings. New models were soon conceived including an Evoq concept, a two-door roadster that made its debut at a 1999 Detroit auto show. Five years later the Cadillac … Read more

5 Retired American Car Brands

1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser

The auto industry continues to evolve and consolidate, casting off brands or seeing the demise of entire automakers including Saab. In the United States, we have seen the death of several car brands in recent years including Mercury, Pontiac, and Plymouth. Hundreds of brands have come and gone down through … Read more

Rivian’s Electric Truck as a Meal Ticket

Rivian has yet to release a production model, but its prototypes are certainly getting a workout. Moreover, when a Rivian SUV or truck appears at a special event, including Overland West 2019, it may come with a very special feature: such as a connected electric camp kitchen. Camping, Glamping Style … Read more

Dogs, Drivers, and the Honda Element

Honda Element history

The Honda Element is a vehicle that defies easy categorization. One part utility vehicle, another part car, the Element is a multipurpose vehicle prized by pet owners for its available dog-friendly components. This four-passenger model had a nine-year model run, with production ending in 2011. History of the Honda Element … Read more

About the Refreshed 2020 Lexus RX

Ever since its 1999 model year introduction, the Lexus RX has played a significant role in the luxury utility vehicle segment. In fact, it was a groundbreaking vehicle, as it brought the first luxury crossover SUV to the market. Since then, the RX has evolved significantly, as Lexus increased its … Read more

About the Fox-Body Ford Mustang

Throughout the long reign of the Ford Mustang, several different platforms have underpinned this iconic pony car. Probably the least popular was the Mustang II, which shared the same platform supporting the lowly Pinto, a subcompact model. The Pinto was a poster child for 1970s-era crappy car design, although the … Read more

Notes From Uwharrie:
2019 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler has a reputation for off-road prowess, but you’d never know how well this utility vehicle performs unless you personally put it to the test. Admittedly, my previous two times with the Wrangler barely touched on its capabilities, although navigating through several ruts offered a tantalizing taste of … Read more

How to Temporarily Fix a Cracked Windshield

cracked windshield

Who knew that one tiny pebble could cause so much damage? A small chip can soon expand, with a web-like crack slowly crawling across your windshield. Put off this repair long enough and your windshield may suddenly break, showering your interior with glass. You may be able to handle a … Read more