New Chevy Impala brings GM all the way back Originally I thought Chevrolet’s Cruze signaled that the giant automaker was back, back to its 1960s world of innovative, high-value, handsomely styled vehicles. Cruze may have been the beginning, but Impala really says that Chevy has arrived. Since 1958 Impala has told folks that their neighbors have... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: AutoArt’s McQueen Porsche Speedster
AutoArt nails McQueen’s racy Porsche 356 Speedster If you’re old enough to remember the chase scene in “Bullitt” you’ll likely appreciate AutoArt’s fastidious recreation of any of Steve McQueen’s cars, including his 356 Porsche Speedster. McQueen was a movie star first, then a racer of some note in the sports car world. Two of his... Continue Reading →
2013 Nissan Leaf SL
All-electric Nissan Leaf fun, functional and easy to recharge I’ve driven my first all-electric car, Nissan’s latest Leaf, and I can assure you that if electric cars are to be our future, driving enthusiasts will still have fun behind the wheel. Contrary to many perceptions the car isn’t slow, it isn’t cumbersome in any way and... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Maisto 2014 Corvette Stingray
New Maisto Corvette Stingray easy on the eyes, good value My first hands-on, up-close-and-personal experience with a Corvette came in the early 1960s at a local Chevy dealer’s lot. My uncle had a white Corvair and I’m pretty sure my dad was jealous, so we were walking the lot, window shopping. There sat a white... Continue Reading →
2014 Acura RLX Advance
I'll be dogged, Acura RLX delivers power, elegance and PAWS My experience is that it’s hard to go wrong with an Acura sedan, and the new mid-size RLX does nothing to make me rethink that notion. Fairly handsome outside, elegant inside it’s smooth on the road, handles well and offers oodles of power. Even the... Continue Reading →
2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD
2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD.
2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD
Mazda CX-5 better than ever with more powerful engine Give Mazda credit, once it decided to remake its small sport-utility for 2013, it didn’t rest on its laurels, although it could have for a couple years. Nope, for 2014 it rolls out a new efficient, and more powerful 2.5-liter I4 using its Skyactiv technology that aims at... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Ford Country Squire, AMC Pacer
PremiumX models offer good detail at modest price In 1964 I was nine and car crazy, like a lot of other kids my age then, and now. But in the ‘60s cars changed virtually every year, with some sort of styling update, from headlights, to taillights to trim and accessories to make them look slightly... Continue Reading →
2014 KIA Sorento SX Ltd. AWD
Sorento handling, performance make it more fun than Santa Fe KIA has raised the bar with its revamped 2014 Sorento crossover, making it a much more enjoyable drive than the 2012 model I tested roughly 18 months ago. This is the smaller cousin of last week’s Hyundai Santa Fe, which wins on value and size,... Continue Reading →
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD
Santa Fe grows into large crossover with third row seat Korean automaker Hyundai’s market share is growing in the U.S. market and its vehicles are getting larger too. It appears Hyundai has adopted the age-old American car strategy of not only expanding its offerings, but its vehicles’ dimensions. Case in point, the new Santa Fe,... Continue Reading →