It is hard to believe the Hyundai Sonata has entered its seventh-generation. Seems like just yesterday we were all struggling to figure out how to pronounce the brand’s name; here it is 2014, and the Korean automaker is launching an all-new version of its now very popular midsize sedan that is larger, quieter, smoother and more advanced than ever.
Did you know that when you drive an electric vehicle, random people will wave at you, like you’re a member of some special club? It’s true. I leaned that the other day while driving the 2015 Kia Soul EV. I also figured out that while electric vehicles are getting much more attainable, they still aren’t a realistic choice for me. I haven’t had a lot of experience with electric cars. I live in West Texas after all, and our infrastructure is simply not yet ready for vehicles which — with the exception of the $71,000 Tesla — typically only get 100 miles or less per charge. The other reason I haven’t seriously considered Electric…
I’ve never seen myself as a minivan type of person, but I have always considered myself practical. What will allow me to haul my family from Point A to Point B safely, comfortably, stylishly, and perhaps most importantly — without feeling like I’m driving a land barge? The 2015 Kia Sedona is a multi-purpose vehicle that easily accomplishes that goal. I recently spent an afternoon driving a loaded Kia Sedona SXL through some of the twisty Southern California hills near Dana Point. While I may not be the typical Minivan customer, I left thinking that driving a Kia Sedona was a much more attractive option than…
Following the makeover of its light duty pickup models, Chevrolet has given its Heavy Duty lineup of trucks a thorough overhaul as well. Featuring all-new exterior styling and all-new cabs and interiors, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD get the latest technology and powertrains offered by the automaker including a bi-fuel option burning gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG).
Two years ago I drove the then all-new, fifth-generation Nissan Altima and despite only spending an afternoon in the vehicle I knew it was a hit for the automaker. Fast-forward a couple of summers, and after spending an entire week behind the wheel of a 2014 Nissan Altima SL I am further convinced this may be one of Nissan’s best.
So you’re driving down the road when suddenly your check engine light comes on. Not too long ago this meant heading back to the dealership or your local garage for them to roll out their expensive code-reading machine and in turn hand you a hefty bill. An alternative to this is using the Lemur Monitors BlueDriver OBD2 Bluetooth Scan Tool.
Lincoln Motor Company is in the midst of a product revival, a task not helped by rumors of its demise not too long ago. In fact, new product has been rolling off the assembly lines of Ford’s luxury division over the past couple of years in the form of the MKZ/MKZ Hybrid and MKC models, and amidst this they have given the flagship of the fleet – Navigator – a decent makeover for 2015.
A Facebook post by Judie last night sparked renewed interest in the cars we pre-ordered from Elio Motors last January. Our upcoming vehicles get an amazing 84 MPG, top speeds of 100 MPH, and cost just $6800. In fact, since Judie and I each went all-in and put down a non-refundable $1000 deposit, our Elios will be just $5300!
A lot of intelligent and connected vehicle news coming out of Detroit this week, as automakers take part in the Intelligent Transport System World Congress. General Motors CEO Mary Barra led things off with her keynote address boasting new technologies arriving on an all-new 2017 Cadillac model that will include advanced driver assist dubbed “Super Cruise” and new vehicle-to-vehicle technologies.
I guess about all I can say regarding the new Lincoln ad spots featuring Matthew McConaughey is…I just liked it. OK, maybe I stole that from one of five new spots Lincoln recently produced. The actor is pitching Ford’s luxury division that is seeking to remake itself and after watching them on Lincoln’s YouTube channel, I really did like them.
Introduced as a true global effort, Mazda debuted its next-generation MX-5 Miata in a live-streaming reveal last night that featured 80s rock band Duran Duran headlining the multi-city event, opening with ‘View to a Kill.’ The fourth-generation Miata is wider, lower and much more dramatically styled (think smaller scale F-Type Jaguar here) and will feature Mazda’s Skyactiv powertrain technology.
The compact crossover utility segment is crowded, almost to the point where so many competitors get overlooked due to shopper fatigue. When Volkswagen of America launched its entry into the cute ute segment a few years ago they sought to bring a little fun – some of that Fahrvergnügen if you will – in the form of the Tiguan.
I have a coworker who just had an awful experience with Chrysler over her Jeep. We joked that she should have called Fiat directly, but after seeing this ad, courtesy of Jalopnik, I think I’m just going to avoid making eye contact with my local Fiat dealer at all. And I won’t look at forest animals the same way again.
Mazda recently sent us its family hauler vehicle in the form of the 2014 Mazda5 multi-activity vehicle. Its class is minivan, but Mazda builds the Mazda5 as more of a 7/8-scale minivan, and being smaller, shorter, narrower and lower makes for a much more maneuverable vehicle that, for many families, fits perfectly into their modern lifestyles.
In 1948, Land Rover began making vehicles with one intent – build the world’s most capable all-purpose vehicles. Since then, much has changed both around the globe and for the brand. Still, Land Rover has strived to manufacture authentic 4x4s that could tackle the worst roads in the world, and they are proving that again with the 2014 Range Rover Sport.
Dodge has been dominating headlines recently with its introduction of the new 707hp Hellcat models of Challenger coupe and Charger sedan. While these new demons of the pavement rightly deserve their place in modern motoring history let me remind you the automaker still offers modern musclecars for the everyday Joe or Jane, and recently we enjoyed the Challenger R/T Shaker.
For years, GM pickup buyers that wanted a really fancy truck had to purchase a GMC Sierra Denali to get the finery of a luxury automobile in a rugged package with a cargo box. That’s changed that for 2014, as the blue-collar brand now offers the new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country ready for the Denim and Diamonds Ball.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of one of the most beloved little roadsters in motoring history – the Mazda Miata. Born of an idea by a California automotive journalist, the Miata has spent these 25 years offering simple driving pleasure in an affordable package celebrating Mazda’s mantra of its Jinba Ittai driving experience – oneness between car and driver.
In 1989, Lexus introduced its flagship sedan to the world, dubbed LS. Over the past 25 years the luxury division of Toyota Motor Sales has tweaked and honed this impressive alternate choice to the German hierarchy into its current form of the LS 460, and offers it in standard, long wheelbase, hybrid and, as we tested, F Sport forms.
With each passing model year the field of fullsize SUVs has grown smaller as many automakers have chosen to go to a large crossover utility platform. Not so at GM. Chevrolet has redesigned the 2015 Tahoe inside and out looking to make the model more functional and refined while also keeping the vehicle relevant for consumers wants and needs.
A short while ago, I wrote about the Kinivo Bluetooth Car Kit; well, they’ve sent me one to review, and I like it so much that I will be ordering at least two more. Why? Because now my non-Bluetooth equipped SUV is now able to stream music and take hands-free calls. This solution is not perfect, but it’s pretty awesome.