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 →
Die-cast: Maisto 2013 SRT Vipers
New Vipers win on value in two scales OK, enough with all the Corvette diecast models. I love Corvettes, but everyone likes seeing something new, and different. So Hello SRT Viper! For 2013 the snake returns as the muscle atop Chrysler Corp.’s various makes and models, and none too soon. Viper was a hot commodity... Continue Reading →
2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Mitsubishi doesn’t sell a lot of vehicles in the U.S. market, but it still appeals to the boy toy racer crowd with its Lancer Evolution. However, it probably says something about the market for a super high-horse turbocharged 4-cylinder sedan that it’s pretty much a two car segment consisting of... Continue Reading →
Slot.it Porsche 911 GT1 EVO98
Detail, performance mark new Porsche as a winner Slot car racers who prefer to run something different and value fine body detail, along with performance will love this crisp white Porsche 911 GT1 EVO98 from Slot.it. Slot.it is known for its strong lineup of LeMans and GT racers and this one is from the 1998... Continue Reading →
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD
Good-looking crossover/SUV loaded with tech goodies There are a lot of mid-size SUVs (crossovers) to choose from and now Hyundai has gone and redesigned its Santa Fe, to help complicate your choices. First, it’s a good-looking reskin with an edgier look and Hyundai continues to refine its vehicles to make them more upscale to fill... Continue Reading →
2013 Lexus ES350
ES350 handsome blend of luxury, elegance You’d have to be crazy or lacking in the ability to physically feel anything to not enjoy riding in the new Lexus ES350. This is a fine front-drive mid-size luxury sedan, with a restyled grille and lines that give it a somewhat more interesting look. At least you notice... Continue Reading →
Slot car: Slot.it 10th Anniversary Audi R8C
Special Audi LeMans racer looks great, fast on track! I first ran into Slot.it racers in while walking the exhibits at Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, 10 years ago and was impressed with the firm’s detailed car bodies. But I have to admit, at the time I thought, “Good luck. Hope you make a go... Continue Reading →