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
There’s something unique about French cars. It’s a combination of style, fun factor and something we can’t quite put our finger on. Something only French cars bring to the table but is unquantifiable. With better build quality than ever before and huge strides in reliability and ease of maintenance, French … Read more
The Tesla Cybertruck remains but a dream for this EV maker. Elon Musk is well known for his grand pronouncements, but at least his usual hoopla eventually becomes true. We waited ages for the first Telsa SUV and eventually got two models. A pair of sedans complete the product line. … Read more
A pending recall for the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This week, the Ford Motor Company ordered dealers to stop selling the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle. The order follows the recognition that a safety defect might make cars immobile. Currently, 49,000 vehicles are covered and will likely face a recall. Mach-E … Read more
If you’re a builder of an electric vehicle, one of the selling points is a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 available to most buyers. The credit saves customers money on their taxes, effectively reducing their ownership costs. Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit Available for applicable vehicles purchased after … Read more
The upcoming Rivian R1S is delayed; investors write down losses. Rivian was the darling of the electric pickup truck market, that is until the Ford F-150 Lightning arrived. The Normal, Illinois-based manufacturer of all-electric vehicles enjoys financial backing from Amazon, Ford, and T. Rowe Price. But the company is bleeding … Read more
My, how much things have changed! Ten years ago, the midsize pickup truck market was seeing a steady decline. For instance, Ford ended the production of the Ranger for the US market, while GM abandoned the segment where it had previously offered two models. Even the Ram Dakota would only … Read more
You’re forgiven if you don’t remember that the Chrysler brand still markets a full-size sedan. We will also forgive you if you did not realize that the Chrysler brand itself was still around. Such is life for the marque that once comprised the top-tier models for the Chrysler Corporation. Now … Read more
You’re driving down the road, paying attention to your surroundings, and out of nowhere, a car clips your right rear fender. Somehow, you maintain control of the vehicle and manage to make your way off to the side of the road to assess the situation. Fortunately, everyone is okay, but … Read more
Fix that scratch yourself with the right paint code. For the umpteenth time you’ve taken your car to the store and like several times before it has acquired a new ding or a scratch. This time some paint was removed, exposing your finish to the elements and making your car … Read more
Tesla is an early pioneer of Level 2 autonomous driving thanks to its so-called Autopilot technology. The equipment, though, is far from automatic as it still requires the driver to sit behind the wheel and intervene when necessary. Autopilot: SAE Level 2 Since its rollout in 2014, Autopilot has received … Read more
Insurers write-off damaged vehicles for a variety of reasons. Car accidents can be traumatic experiences. Even if you are not injured or in any danger at all, a collision is abrupt and shocking. You may also feel some sadness at the loss of a car you have spent so much … Read more
Editor’s Note: The world is on the cusp of autonomous driving, a technology that has been under development for decades. From time to time, Auto Trends Magazine has covered the topic, but we haven’t dissected the language involved. This article is the first of an occasional series of stories covering … Read more