2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack TSI SE

New VW Golf Alltrack brings fun to wagons ... Volkswagen brings a little fun to the small wagon market, which is a niche of a niche these days, but certainly compares well with small crossovers. But instead of a tall boxy AWD vehicle, the Golf Alltrack is a decidedly leaner machine that looks downright sporty compared... Continue Reading →

July 9, 2017 0

2018 Subaru WRX

Subaru's WRX makes you faster, more interesting ... Mention the Subaru WRX in front of young adult males and you’re likely to become the most interesting man, or woman, in the world. Subaru devotees are a, well, devoted lot and WRX fans are darn near rabid. Face it, some folks, especially young males, love speed... Continue Reading →

July 2, 2017 0

Mark and Paul’s fun at Road America

A Dream Day for driving As members of the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Mark and I make the trip to Road America where we get to drive new cars from the manufacturers. This year, we drove the Ford Focus ST, BMW M40i, Dodge Challenger Hellcat, and GT, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Lexus RC F,... Continue Reading →

July 2, 2017 0

2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ltd. Platinum

Highlander Hybrid excels at moving people, things ... A road trip to Louisville with a couple buddies, and plenty of cargo, proved Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid to be a perfect transport choice. Ours was a medium metallic brown, what Toyota calls Toasted Walnut Pearl. Probably should have been pecan since we were headed to the South. But,... Continue Reading →

June 25, 2017 0

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

Hyundai Elantra, perceptions change a bit ... Perceptions can shift and auto writers often perceive differences in similar models they drive. This happened on a couple fronts with my latest drive of Hyundai’s attractive Elantra Limited, its near top-level compact. I still like the car, its looks, its features, its gas mileage, its value. But compared... Continue Reading →

June 18, 2017 0

2017 Volvo S60 T5 AWD Dynamic

Volvo S60 OK, but doesn't distinguish itself ... Volvo’s S60 is a fine, but underwhelming, compact, entry-level luxury car. The S60 is nice looking and has all-wheel-drive, which will make it more useful to drivers in northern climes. It performs well, although its ride is rough, yet nothing really stands out. Some will argue that its safety... Continue Reading →

June 11, 2017 0

2017 Ford Focus RS

Ford's Focus RS is a scorching hot rod ... Simply put, Ford’s Focus RS is a street-legal race car. Not many of those out there, and most that are require you to sell your house in order to make a down payment on said speedster. So here, for “just” $36,995, Ford will put a scorching... Continue Reading →

June 2, 2017 0

2017 Lincoln Continental AWD Reserve

Mr. Lincoln returns with statuesque Continental ... Lincoln’s new Continental, its first since 2002, has the type of curb appeal that will instantly allow it entry into the country club parking lot. It looks luxurious and that big chrome grille lets you know it’s a Continental. For those interested in making a luxury statement,... Continue Reading →

May 26, 2017 0

2017 Kia Soul! (Exclaim)

Kia Soul! adds power to its hip, economical stat sheet ... In many regards Kia’s cute little Soul had everything going for it -- first, its looks. The slope-roofed compact stands out in the dull boxy crossover market. It’s also decidedly economical to buy and operate, with a low starting price and good mpg... Continue Reading →

May 12, 2017 0

2017 Toyota Prius Two Eco

Toyota's new Prius still dowdy looking, but a stellar hybrid ... I laid a lot of praise on Kia’s new Niro hybrid recently, all deserved, but I was basing my hybrid comparison to the previous Toyota Prius. Now I’ve driven the 2017 Prius Two Eco and wow, this is a stellar hybrid. Get this, I got... Continue Reading →