Vehicles & Gear



Escort MAXcam 360c Review: Excellent All-in-One Radar Detector and Dashcam Hindered by the Tragically Buggy ‘Drive Smarter’ App

My first Escort radar detector was a boxy black contraption that had a volume dial, analog radar signal strength meter, highway/city toggle switch, and an alert light on its front … and that’s it. Thirty-six years later, I’ve got the Escort MAXcam 360c in for review. This current generation Escort may still be a bit of a boxy black contraption, but it offers useful features above and beyond simply detecting police radar that can help improve a driver’s situational awareness and safety, both on the road and in some cases, even when their vehicle is parked.




Flik Me? Maybe You Should Think Before You Flik-Off Other Drivers!

I’m a bit of an eternal optimist, so I always try to look for the “good idea” in the pitches we receive. Even if I can’t figure out how I might use something, I can usually put myself in the shoes of someone who would. Then there’s the pitch we received for the delightful Flik Me, an LED hand that can be set to either wave at other drivers … or flip them the bird as you drive by.





Monitor Your Vehicle’s Health and More with a Free Nonda ZUS Smart Vehicle Health Monitor Mini

Don’t you hate when you get a check engine warning light? Sometimes, it’s something serious that warrants major repairs, but often it’s something simple. Figuring out what’s going on (and whether you can fix it on your own or not) generally means a trip to a mechanic; more often than not, they’re going to charge you to hook your vehicle up to their diagnostic machine, even if no repairs are done! The Nonda ZUS Smart Vehicle Monitor Mini can help, and you can get one for free — you’ll pay the shipping cost.


Lexus Tries to Capture the Childlike Joy of the Outdoors with Their LC Convertible

One of the side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is that we’re all far more appreciative of the little things, like a chance to enjoy time outside with family. Lexus is looking to capture that feeling of just enjoying being outdoors with their 2021 Lexus LC Convertible, and they’re really leaning into it with their newest TV spot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLHC1deDB_s&feature=youtu.be




The Best of the 90s Returns with the New Ford Bronco!

So many things were better in the 90s: flannel was cool, and no one blinked if you rocked flannel paired with cargo pants and Converse. The cars were better, too, with actual style instead of the soft rounded edges of today’s SUVs. Ford agrees, and has gifted the otherwise cursed year 2020 with new Ford Broncos!


The Most Protected Armored Civilian Vehicles in the World

The powers that be are often at risk of showing up in public without a suit or bodyguards. Sometimes, this is due to real security issues; sometimes, it’s just a common whim. But nothing will provide a better feeling of protection as your very own, personal armored car with proper features/characteristics and, of course, at a reasonable price.




Fisker Ocean Rolls into the Battle for America’s Favorite Electric SUV

A few larger names have dominated the electric car market, but Fisker should really be top of mind if you’re in the market for an electric SUV. Fisker Ocean is an electric SUV that’s offering flexible lease choices, sustainable materials, and a projected range of 300 miles! The good news is that Fisker Ocean looks amazing. It doesn’t have that extreme roundness that some SUVs seem to have developed, but it maintains a nice balance of curves and angles to give it a somewhat futuristic look while still hitting the aesthetics of a modern SUV. The interior is vegan with…


Ford Expedition Limited Adds FX4 Trim for Off-Roading in Style

First, there was glamping — all the fun of sleeping outdoors, but with no dirt, less likelihood of sharing a tent with a bear, and sometimes even electricity and running water. The new Ford Expedition Limited FX4 is the glamping equivalent of SUVs; all the off-roading rugged goodness, but with leather seats and a camera so you can see the outside without going outside.


Pitaka MagEZ Mount Qi Lets Your Phone Go Places

My new lease vehicle has Qi wireless charging built into the console; it works fine but requires the phone to be hidden away in the center console. There are, however, times when I need my phone within view for navigation, and there’s no better way to do that than with the new $49.99 Pitaka MagEZ Mount Qi Magnetic Car Mount Charger.