Jeep’s Renegade a fun drive, high-value 4x4 … Young folks wanting a Jeep for its looks and rugged personality, but who are on an entry-level budget and prefer comfort to mudding ability can find refuge in Jeep’s Renegade. This is a multi-trim model that ranges from $20 grand, including delivery, up to $30 grand for... Continue Reading →
2017 Jaguar XE 35t Prestige
Jaguar XE stands out in all its models ... If looks are important to you, styling that will get you noticed or at least be recognized as a non-generic luxury car, then Jaguar’s new entry-level luxury sedan, the XE, should have your name printed on its title. The new small Jag has dashing looks that communicate... Continue Reading →
2017 Genesis G90 RWD 5.0 Ultimate
Genesis has it all, but the panache and name ... When Toyota launched Lexus in 1989, its first sedans impersonated Mercedes-Benz models, but cost a lot less. Now Hyundai has launched its impressive new Genesis luxury car lineup with two models and the top-level G90 looks like a Bentley. Even its logo resembles that of... Continue Reading →
2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Premium
Hybrid Avalon comfy big sedan, easy on the gas ... Sadly big comfortable sedans are about as popular these days as a new Nickelback album or The Dixie Chicks at a Texas veterans fundraiser. Too bad because as passé as big sedans are, they can move a family of five in smooth, quiet comfort and also... Continue Reading →
2017 Volvo V60 T5 AWD Cross Country
Volvo 's V60 Cross Country touts pizzazz, not smooth ride ... Volvo’s V60 Cross Country wagon/crossover wisely borrows some styling pizzazz from the likes of Mazda, then goes about saturating the vehicle with its usual core competency, safety. Pretty nice combo, but it ladles on enough luxury to push the V60 to luxury-level pricing, but without... Continue Reading →
2017 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
New Hybrid Accord comfy family sedan with top-notch mpg ... Honda’s Accord is a car that’s hard not to like. It’s comfortable, handles well and provides a first rate ride. There’s room for four or five adults and the trunk is sufficiently large. Sexy it ain’t. Now add a hybrid power system and well,... Continue Reading →
2017 Volkswagen Passat V6 SEL Premium
New VW Passat hits for the cycle ... It may be a bit early in the calendar year to talk about hitting for the cycle, but the 2017 Volkswagen Passat does just that. Rare is the mid-size car that delivers healthy power, refined handling and ride along with a quiet interior. Often a sedan with... Continue Reading →
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD
New Nissan Pathfinder more civilized, comfy ... My Navy son had a Nissan Pathfinder years ago and it was a true sport-utility truck, built on a truck chassis and able to go off-roading with the other utes of the day. Pathfinder has been around now for 30 years, but those trucklike days are gone as more... Continue Reading →
2017 Infiniti Q60 Premium AWD
New Q60 emphasizes performance, but ride suffers ... Driving similar cars back to back puts both into perspective, an unfortunate turn for the sporty Infiniti Q60. I’d driven the Mercedes-Benz C300 coupe with 4Matic, its all-wheel-drive system, the week before I slipped behind the wheel of the new Q60, which replaces the fine G37 in Infiniti’s lineup.... Continue Reading →
2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 Coupe 4Matic
Mercedes' sporty C300 coupe a smoothie ... Mercedes-Benz is on a roll. Not only has its Formula 1 racing team dominated for three straight years, now its street cars are back on top of their game. A couple years ago I sort of fell for the C300 sedan and now, in the dead of winter I... Continue Reading →