Invariably, when I am asked my opinion about a new passenger vehicle, the conversation includes one or more crossover utility vehicles (CUVs). These models are immensely popular and represent today’s version of the sport utility vehicle. SUVs are built on truck-based platforms while CUVs have “crossed over” to car-based platforms. … Read more
One year after taking delivery of my first 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee test vehicle, the fourth model pulled into my driveway. Among Grand Cherokees the Summit appropriately occupies the apex of the model line although the Grand Cherokee SRT costs much more and acts like a sports car. It is … Read more
Audi offers five crossover/wagon models and will soon add a sixth when the Q3 joins the line up later this year. The Volkswagen Group luxury brand has been enjoying record sales of late with its Q5 crossover and A4 sedan leading the way. The largest crossover in the mix is … Read more
Driving the little van that could. Cars, trucks, utility vehicles and vans have come and gone, but there has been nothing quite like the 2014 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van that was a recent weekly driver. For one thing, the compact Nissan was the first model supplied by a manufacturer’s commercial … Read more
Audi diesel delivers excellent fuel economy and performance. My first and only diesel vehicle was a used 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit, a model with a single, overarching positive attribute: it got 50 miles per gallon. Beyond that, the Rabbit diesel was as slow as molasses to the point where my palms … Read more
The current Infiniti QX60 is the former JX35. Infiniti has changed its model naming convention by assigning a “Q” or a “QX” to precede the two-digit name for every vehicle that it sells. The “Q” precedes every car model, the “QX” designation is for its utility vehicles. Thus, a 2013 … Read more
The Hyundai Sonata is not the best selling vehicle in the midsize segment. That honor belongs to the Toyota Camry. As a matter of fact, the Sonata trails the Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and the Ford Fusion. And at present, it is running neck and neck with the Chevrolet … Read more
Second-generation model makes a luxury statement. Hyundai offers four medium to large sedans, more than any other brand. The Korean manufacturer has steadily expanded its product line to provide incrementally larger and more luxurious vehicles beginning with the midsize Sonata and extending to the larger Azera, the still larger Genesis, … Read more
A North American sedan with European roots. In 2013, GM sold more than 9.7 million vehicles worldwide for one of its best years ever. Its Buick brand contributed over 1 million sales, nearly matching Opel, and behind Chevrolet. China is the biggest market for Buick. In the United States, … Read more
Small sedan provides big value. The Toyota Corolla may offer the best bang for the buck, a five passenger front-wheel drive sedan that can be had for under $20,000. Corolla is the best selling vehicle of all time, a compact model that competes against the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen … Read more