Despite low cost, Chrysler 200 droptop leaves us cold First impressions can be skewed by many factors, and it probably did not help that the Chrysler 200 Limited Convertible arrived on a near zero degree day in a week where snow was forecast, and fell, over several days.No, I didn’t drop the top! The test car... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: 1971 Plymouth Road Runner (NASCAR)
AutoWorld's Richard Petty Daytona 500 winner marks 120th Petty win There was only one Elvis and there is only one Richard Petty. Both are Kings. With Petty, NASCAR, or better yet, stock car racing, was his kingdom and he rules it still, behind dark glasses and under a crowning cowboy hat with a feather cluster and... Continue Reading →
2013 RAM 2500 SLT Crew Cab
CNG powered RAM aims at farms and fleets There are big trucks and Monster trucks, no not those with the giant wheels that crush cars in arenas around the Midwest all winter, but Really Big trucks, like the RAM heavy-duty beast I just drove.I’ve been on the commercial test truck list for Chrysler Corp. of late. So... Continue Reading →
2013 Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0T
Looks, handling, turbo give small Cadillac a boost Those of us who have been around for a few decades may be forgiven for our skepticism when we hear Cadillac is creating an entry-level sport sedan. Visions of Cimarron dance in our brains. Ah, but those who observe the car market closely know that Cadillac has... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Replicarz plans more Indy racers
Replicarz announces Tom Sneva Indy 500 pole car from 1984 I know I’m prejudiced, but I love Indy cars. Born in Indy, have been going to races since 1962 … yikes I’m old! I mean real race cars don’t have roofs, right? Well, the folks at Replicarz in Vermont understand that and just keep the... Continue Reading →
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i Limited
Attractive Crosstrek a bit of sedan, wagon, crossover Subaru’s new crossover, the XV Crosstrek, is an attractive vehicle that splits the difference between sedan, wagon and crossover, with many of the good characteristics of each. But the Crosstrek, which rides on the compact Impreza platform, is underpowered, so keep that in mind if you plan to... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Autoart VW Beetle impressive
Volkswagen Beetle's popularity continues, in die-cast now Everybody loves the Beetle. I mean more than 21 million Beetles were made and sold since going into production in 1938, the final original style Beetle rolling off a Mexican assembly line in 2003. That makes Volkswagen’s Beetle the most produced car ever, at least using one basic design. So... Continue Reading →
2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL AWD
No longer truck-based, Pathfinder a softer, more civilized crossover Back in the day, which wasn’t long ago, Nissan’s Pathfinder was a sport-utility truck that was truck tough and set for off-roading and hauling gear. Today, like many of us as we age, it has gotten a little softer and is tailored now more for comfort.... Continue Reading →
2013 Honda Accord Sedan EX MT
Fine Accord masters the fine art of blending in ... Honda’s Accord has become the generic family sedan in America, the car everyone’s neighbor owns. It’s a good value, an excellent performer, but it blends in. So you’ll likely never notice the 2013 model, but you may want to own one. While Toyota has added... Continue Reading →
2013 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD
Sporty looks, but handling falls short I’ve always liked Mazda vehicles because they look and drive a little sportier than most brands that us average middle class folks can afford. That’s why I’m disappointed with the new Mazda CX-9, the large sport-utility/crossover I just tested. It only delivers on half the equation. It still looks... Continue Reading →