Like the minivan, the sedan was supposed to have gone away. But on closer inspection, even the minivan has staying power. Both body styles are surviving the increasing onslaught of utility vehicles. But for the remaining players, at least in the sedan segment, millions of shoppers still prefer them. One … Read more
The Ford Bronco made its debut in 1966 and was discontinued 30 years later in 1996. It then went on a 25-year hiatus before the sixth-generation Bronco arrived in 2021. The latest Ford Bronco delivers a lovable old-school look with modern finishes. The 2022 Bronco also delivers great power and … Read more
Following a prolonged hiatus, the Nissan Z Series is nearing its return, and the pricing details are now known. This summer, the first of the 2023 Z models roll out, launching a new generation with two trims: Z Coupe Sport ($39,990) and Z Coupe Performance ($49,990). Add $1,025 for the … Read more
Subaru Legacy is refreshed for 2023. Hooray for sedans! No, that isn’t an exclamation heard often, but it is the sentiment for some, including this writer. There is something about four doors, hugging the road, and a reasonable price that appeals to yours truly. Sedans, like minivans, are disappearing across … Read more
If cars could talk, the Kia Sorento would have plenty to say. Introduced in 2003, the Sorento originally occupied the white space between compact and midsize utility vehicles. As this crossover aged and was replaced by subsequent generations, the Sorento gradually grew and transformed into a bona fide three-row midsize … Read more
The Sonata N-Line showcases its performance chops. Are comfort and power mutually exclusive? Thankfully, no. We expect an extra bit of kick in grand tourers and of course in sports cars. But the midsize, mainstream sedan is usually geared toward efficiency and comfort than performance and drivability. Fortunately, some manufacturers … Read more
The 2022 Subaru WRX is a compact, performance all-wheel-drive machine. This year launches the fifth generation of the WRX, bringing with it a larger engine and an available adaptive suspension system. What is not coming back, at least not in gas-powered form, is the range-topping STI. 2022 Subaru WRX Overview … Read more
If you are in the market for a new vehicle, chances are you have a utility in mind — SUV, truck, or van. Americans have overwhelmingly shown their preference for models that go beyond the standard four doors and a trunk. Mazda has the segment well covered, as it offers … Read more
Grrrr! With the GR Corolla! The rumor mill suggested it, but it wasn’t until March came to an end that Toyota confirmed that the GR Corolla is, in fact, REAL. No, this is not some April Fool’s Day prank. The Corolla line is indeed expanding to accommodate a performance variant … Read more
Until the late 1960s and early 1970s, Japanese vehicles were not much of a threat in the U.S. market. At that time, the Big Three domestic manufacturers dominated, with General Motors, the Ford Motor Company, and the Chrysler Corporation battling it out. Sure, Volkswagen had a place at the table … Read more
The Peugeot 308 is a compact hatchback or station wagon first revealed in 2007. Foremost, the Peugeot 308 was aimed at the European market, which extended to select regions in Asia, Russia, and South America. A significant market for the 308 is China, where it is sold as a compact … Read more
The Ford Maverick reopens an old segment. Who would have ever thought we’d see a new compact pickup truck sold in America? Few people, that is for sure. Well, two new models arrived this year, one from Hyundai and the other from Ford. Unlike the previous models, though, these are … Read more
The Ford Bronco takes on the Jeep Wrangler. It has been decades since we last saw a Bronco SUV, particularly a small one. But for 2022, the Ford Bronco is back, an all-new model that was initially launched in 1966. This four-wheel-drive SUV possesses the off-road chops one would expect … Read more
We have long kept our eyes on Mazda, one of the smallest of the remaining Japanese automakers. Mazda has grown its brand over the years, thanks to styling flair, quality materials, and reliability. Did we say that they are also fun to drive? In the crushingly competitive compact crossover sport … Read more
This week’s ride is the Kia Stinger, a midsize rear-wheel-drive sedan-like model with a liftgate. That is a fancy term for a hatchback, a derisive moniker for those who recall the forgettable hatches of the 1970s. Instead, the Stinger is much more like the Audi A5 Sportback in design, if … Read more
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe gains an XRT trim with blacked-out touches. A few years back, Hyundai trailed its competitors in rolling out crossover models. But within a few years, it filled out its product line and updated its ongoing utility vehicle models, including the midsize, two-row Santa Fe. Now … Read more
The Nissan Altima is your crossover alternative. Shoppers looking for a new ride that combines value, room, tech, and safety features might consider the Nissan Altima. This midsize, five-passenger sedan offers a solid alternative to crossover utility vehicles (which Nissan offers in abundance) and at a price point below $30,000. … Read more
The VW Golf R is back and better than ever. Not since 2019 have we seen a Golf R, the ultimate expression in subcompact hatchback prowess from Volkswagen. This model along with the GTI is all that’s left of the Golf product line for the U.S. market as VW pivots … Read more
Seven years is a long time between new models for an automotive brand. Then again, we are talking about Alfa Romeo, a niche Italian make from Fiat that is now under the auspices of Stellantis. The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale compact crossover is the first new model since the midsize … Read more
Mazda has a new model and this one was designed with the US market in mind. In January, Mazda rolled out the CX-50 from an Alabama assembly plant. This five-passenger, compact model updates the brand’s portfolio with a thoroughly modern and competitive utility vehicle. Mazda’s newest model is the first … Read more
The 2022 Dacia Duster is a subcompact crossover SUV that is also sold as the Renault Duster in some parts of the world. It is now in its second generation, with a facelift as of 2021 reflecting some of Dacia’s new design philosophy. There are multiple engine choices, two gearbox … Read more
The Maverick joins the Ranger and F-Series to fill out Ford’s truck line. The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck roughly the size of the original Ford Ranger. This car-based model has few direct challengers, therefore it is an unusual entry into the market. Now on sale, the Maverick … Read more
The Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan. Likely, it is the last of its kind for the bowtie brand as Chevy does away with most of its car models in favor of utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and vans. Chevrolet’s domestic competitors have quit the segment, while most foreign makes are … Read more
A hot little hatch from Hyundai. Small cars with a performance edge represent a dwindling niche. One model, the Hyundai Veloster N, brings the most performance we’ve seen in a small package from this Korean brand. Moreover, it has a quirky style with three doors and a liftgate, but with … Read more
The smallest of all crossovers covers the subcompact range, one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry. That’s not too surprising as these models offer value and a place for first-time shoppers to jump in. The Chevrolet Trailblazer is one such model, a five-passenger SUV with available off-road chops. Chevrolet … Read more
It has been a long year of anticipation for fans of Ford’s newest pickup truck. No, we are not talking about the all-electric Lightning, which carries near-equal attention for enthusiasts. Rather, the current shiny object we are awaiting will debut first. And that is none other than the Ford Maverick … Read more
Electrification has come to the Hyundai Santa Fe line and that is a first for this midsize, five-passenger crossover sport utility vehicle. For 2021, the Santa Fe gains a conventional hybrid, followed by a plug-in hybrid for 2022. Together, the hybrids give customers much more to consider when comparing two-row … Read more
The Honda Civic has long been a top player amongst small cars. Ever since its 1973 release, the Civic has won new customers, increased in size, and is now arguably the best compact mainstream model. Though the competition remains intense, the Honda Civic demonstrates that small does not just … Read more
After what seemed like months of waiting, Toyota has taken the wraps off the 2022 Tundra. The Tundra is this brand’s full-size pickup truck and we had not seen a new one since 2007. A 2014 refresh and a few other changes during the intervening years helped sales remain steady, … Read more
The Volkswagen Taos is a sizable entry-level model. Volkswagen has a new crossover and it occupies the entry-level position once held by the VW Tiguan. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is the latest utility vehicle from this German brand, a subcompact model with room for five. The VW Taos slots beneath … Read more