Cars

2010 Honda Odyssey minivan

Vehicles & Gear September 18, 2009

2010 Honda Odyssey minivan

The onslaught of SUVs in the 1990s and crossover utility type vehicles of the new millennium have kept minivan sales numbers from returning to those of their glory days – but automakers are still makin’ ’em and folks are still buyin’ ’em. There aren’t quite as many players in the minivan game anymore mind you, but one who held firm to delivering a quality product over the years has been Honda. Because of that, the Honda Odyssey minivan has had a target on its back almost since its inception.

Palm Pre App Catalog. 30 Apps in 30 Days. Day 27: Mileage Monitor

Reviews August 27, 2009

Palm Pre App Catalog. 30 Apps in 30 Days. Day 27: Mileage Monitor

This is a pretty simple app, but one which could be quite useful to those folks who spend a lot of time in their cars, whether that means travelling long distances, or commuting into town each morning.  This app lets you use your Palm Pre to track how many miles you are getting per gallon of gas, and how much money you are spending on gas. To begin, just create a new account with the name of your car.  Enter the current odometer reading and you are good to go.  For the most accurate results, you should start with a…

Volvo gives drivers a "brake" with all-new 2010 XC60

Vehicles & Gear August 26, 2009

Volvo gives drivers a “brake” with all-new 2010 XC60

Volvo, that Swedish car company whose memorable commercials included stacking car on top of car, etc., is expanding its crossover utility line with a smaller version of its venerable XC90. The new cute ute, dubbed XC60, offers up everything big brother 90 does while allowing the automaker an appearance into the quickly expanding small premium utility segment that features standouts such as the BMW X3, Acura RDX and Mercury Mariner.

Navigon MobileNavigator for iPhone Review

Reviews August 17, 2009

Navigon MobileNavigator for iPhone Review

A few weeks back I got a chance to take a look at the “Lite” version of Navigon – a version without turn-by-turn routing.  Now I’m back to take a look at the full North American version of Navigon MobileNavigator. Navigon, as one of the world’s leading navigation software companies, has a leg-up that is perhaps only matched by a few competitors like iGo (especially in Europe) and Tom Tom (who have yet to relase their iPhone product).  In the past, I’ve worked with Navigon on Windows Mobile, so let’s take a closer look now at the iPhone version!

Infiniti M reveal may be onto something

Vehicles & Gear August 13, 2009

Infiniti M reveal may be onto something

The event takes place at the prestigious 2009 Concours dí Elegance event in Pebble Beach where Infiniti will become the first company to launch a car via a full-size virtual model. The sedan won’t actually be there as Infiniti will become the first automaker to use virtual technology mapping to project the car on a full-size clay model of Infiniti’s flagship sedan to simulate the effect. In-person attendees will feel like the car is actually in the room. “On August 14 at 6:30 PM PDT, be one of the first to see the unveiling of the all-new 2011 Infiniti M…

2009 Chevy Aveo5: no movie star but worth a look

Vehicles & Gear August 7, 2009

2009 Chevy Aveo5: no movie star but worth a look

Chevrolet Aveo has been the anchor at the entry level for Chevrolet for quite some time now and is a carry over of GMs relationship with Korean automaker Daewoo. For 2009, Aveo receives a good deal more attention that began on the sedan model last year. This little econo-cruiser gets a more powerful engine, the 1.6L Gen 3 Ecotec, as standard in all models, delivering more horsepower but with the same fuel efficiency found previously.

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T: a blast from the past – and into the future

Vehicles & Gear August 5, 2009

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T: a blast from the past – and into the future

Being the most practical adult on your block will most likely earn you points at the PTA meeting and  the weekend youth soccer tournament, but for the rest of us, well, that’s why they invented pony cars.  Back in the 1960s and ’70s, two-door muscle cars were rolling out of Detroit in grand fashion, carrying  names like Mustang, Camaro and of course, Challenger.

2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid SUV

Vehicles & Gear July 15, 2009

2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid SUV

As General Motors enters its new generation, we are still testing vehicles designed and produced in its former life. The brand may have been resurrected, but much of what consumers will see over the next few years are the same products GM has been delivering – which is to say that while there are many bright spots in the lineup, there are still areas that need a bit of attention. We recently spent time in the new Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, and not just any old Escalade Hybrid but the new Platinum edition truck.

2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid 1500 pickup

Vehicles & Gear July 4, 2009

2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid 1500 pickup

My relationship with the new fullsize GM hybrids 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 an SUV for less than 50 grand. I also hate the acceleration/deceleration whine produced by the transmission/generator unit while operating in electric mode at low speeds, but then, this is the tradeoff for new technology. The good news is, these new trucks see a 40 percent fuel economy improvement in city driving thanks to GMs two-mode hybrid powertrain.

2010 Ford Taurus puts on a great SHO

Vehicles & Gear June 23, 2009

2010 Ford Taurus puts on a great SHO

The Ford Taurus – the car that changed America’s view of the family sedan – is all-new for 2010 and ready to take on the world’s best, with an upscale new design, enhanced driving dynamics, class-leading technologies and competitive pricing.

Nissan screaming 'Maxima is back' with 2009 model

Vehicles & Gear June 9, 2009

Nissan screaming ‘Maxima is back’ with 2009 model

Maxima is back. The 2009 Nissan Maxima marks a return to the longtime Nissan flagship sedan’s roots as a commanding four-door sports car – a vehicle that is unique in both appearance and driving feel, with renewed relevance for today’s active and ambitious sedan buyers.

First Drives: New Lexus IS convertible, HS250h hybrid

Vehicles & Gear June 1, 2009

First Drives: New Lexus IS convertible, HS250h hybrid

Despite all of the news coming out of Detroit recently, the rest of the automotive world is pretty much “business as usual.” Case in point, Lexus recently rolled out a pair of new models to the automotive press – a convertible version of IS sport sedan and a new entry-luxury hybrid sedan.

2009 Kia Borrego: Right truck, wrong time?

Vehicles & Gear May 19, 2009

2009 Kia Borrego: Right truck, wrong time?

As fuel prices reached all-time highs late last summer, Kia found itself introducing its newest vehicle to the American market at the worst possible time. Another big SUV into a market already overcrowded, with consumer buying trends heading in different directions. Fast forward to spring 2009, and as the U.S. prepares for vacation season amidst much lower fuel prices – but an uncertain economy – Kia once again finds itself facing challenging issues selling the new truck.

Ach du lieber! Give me back my Fahrvergnügen!

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear May 11, 2009

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 April 28, 2009

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 April 23, 2009

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.

Corvette still King of the Road

Vehicles & Gear April 13, 2009

Corvette still King of the Road

Year after year, the Chevrolet Corvette has been one of the most sought-after vehicles in the automotive press fleets. And, year after year, the car still continues to win praises and accolades.