Vehicles & Gear

Ach du lieber! Give me back my Fahrvergnügen!

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Ach du lieber! Give me back my Fahrvergnügen!

Quite often I am asked “What happens when you get a vehicle you don’t like”? Well, here goes. It has been very rare that I could not find it in my heart to enjoy something about the wide array of vehicles I have tested over the years. Each one of them seems to “speak” to me in a different way. Some through their luxury – others their fun factor. Lately, many have shone through the technological advancements in the marketplace. And then Volkswagen sends me the Routan minivan.

First drive: 2010 Chevy Camaro SS

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

First drive: 2010 Chevy Camaro SS

The wait is over. The trilogy, complete. Chevy Camaro is back – and back in a big way. After a seven-year hiatus, the new Chevrolet Camaro has (finally) returned to dealer showrooms, and thanks to the good folks over at Freedom Chevrolet in Southwest Dallas, I was able to spend some quality time with the new musclecar sporting the regal bowtie.

Dodge Charger still making tracks

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Dodge Charger still making tracks

Large, rear-wheel-drive American sedans still hold a place in consumer’s hearts judging by how many times I am asked my opinions on cars such as the Dodge Charger. I find quite a few folks, especially those with families, with the Charger on their list of possibilities when researching a new automobile.

2009 Jaguar XKR convertible

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

2009 Jaguar XKR convertible

Last year I wrote about the Jaguar XKR convertible as one of the cars I love the most on – appropriately – Valentine’s Day. This year I find folks green with envy as I enjoy the 2009 model on (wait for it) St. Patrick’s Day, as well as the first day of Spring.

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid

My relationship with the new fullsize GM hybrid SUVs continues to be a love/hate one. I love the fuel savings and cleaner emissions delivered by these “green beasts,” but I hate that consumers still cannot get one for less than 50 grand.

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

In a field already so overcrowded it can make ones head spin just trying to keep up, what’s one more model to further challenge for consumer dollars in the crossover utility vehicle segment? Volkswagen of America recently launched its all-new and highly anticipated compact sport utility vehicle Tiguan. Staying true to Volkswagen’s autobahn heritage, the Tiguan is truly the “GTI of compact sport utility vehicles.”

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Vehicles & Gear

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

I never really took notice of the benchmark status of Highlander until recent new model introduction events held by competitor automakers. More and more I heard the name “Highlander” included in their marketing and technical presentations when reciting segment target data.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Vehicles & Gear

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

This week’s Wednesday Walkaround takes place on a brisk 15 degree (F) day in Dearborn, Mich. as we check out the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. (Click on the image for video) UPDATED with review!

Lexus IS F: Fast, Fun, Fierce!

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Lexus IS F: Fast, Fun, Fierce!

“Military Intelligence” seems to have been the poster child for oxymoron for as long as I can remember. Since entering automotive journalism prior to the end of the last millennium I have had extreme difficulty using the words “Lexus” and “performance” to describe each other as well. Not anymore. Seriously … stop laughing. While Lexus has been giving the European luxury sedan segment fits for the past couple of decades, they have won many battles but fell short of winning the war. This may change things. Toyota’s luxury division has unleashed a new weapon – codename “F” – in hopes…

2009 Toyota Venza

Vehicles & Gear

2009 Toyota Venza

This week’s Wednesday Walkaround features a look at the all-new 2009 Toyota Venza. Is it a car? Is it an SUV? Is it the new Camry station wagon?

2009 Nissan 370Z

Vehicles & Gear

2009 Nissan 370Z

(Click on image to see video) We got to spend a little time behind the wheel of the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z on its Dallas stop during the national Follow the Nissan Z Tour making its way across country since the car’s debut at the LA Auto Show. While having the larger 3.7-liter V-6 engine first used in the Infiniti G37 Coupe last year, we really liked the new styling and the new SynchroRev Match technology that automatically serves up throttle blips during downshifts with the six-speed manual gearbox, a first for the industry. We did not have any time…

Dodge Ram vs. Ford F-150: Round two

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Dodge Ram vs. Ford F-150: Round two

Even before my Oct. 23 AutoworldToday hit the newsstands, controversy was brewing over which new pickup can lay claim to being the best. Our review looked at the 2009 versions of the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 half-ton trucks, each completely made over from the ground up. As I was preparing that piece for the print edition, press releases began flooding electronic mailboxes from the Dodge and Ford marketing divisions, who were apparently burning the midnight oil following the Texas Auto Writers’ annual Texas Truck Rodeo Oct. 17-19.

The Ford Rouge Factory Tour: Featuring the 2009 F-150

Events, Vehicles & Gear

The Ford Rouge Factory Tour: Featuring the 2009 F-150

Last week I had the opportunity to not only take the all new 2009 F-150 for several grueling test drives, I also got to see its creation from the frame up. Grinding Gears editor David Goodspeed and I met with other journalists at the Ford Rouge Plant in Dearborn, Michigan. Our day started at the Henry Ford Rouge Factory Tour…

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550: The four-door sport coupe

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550: The four-door sport coupe

Coupe: Stylish, sporty two-door presentation by automakers, designed to energize sales and attract drivers passionate about the motoring experience. Saloon (sedan): Usually upright, boxy styling on four-door platform, rarely evoking enthusiasm or excitement, suitable for family transportation. CLS550: unique synthesis of the two.