Versa is inexpensive, versatile, but extremely underpowered Rarely have I driven a car as underpowered as the Versa Note, Nissan’s new four-door hatchback version of the Versa, which debuted last year as a sedan. Naturally this is an economy model, but still, with a 1.6-liter, I4 that cranks only 109 horsepower the acceleration is lackluster,... Continue Reading →
2014 Ford Fiesta SE
Small cars can be fun to drive if spunky and good handling Driving small cars isn’t a turnoff to me. I enjoy their economy, their simplicity their easy handling and their low cost. But frugal needn’t mean blah, and Ford’s Fiesta has learned that lesson. It offers a spunky look and feel, good handling and an... Continue Reading →
2014 Lexus IS350 AWD
Who makes the best compact sport sedan? Well, BMW has owned that segment for years, but it would be hard to argue against Lexus now making the best looking sport sedan with its new IS series. Lexus created the IS to be a BMW 3 Series (now renamed the 4 Series) fighter, but Lexus is... Continue Reading →
It’s only money, right?
It all depends on how badly you want that car I've done blog entries on the real collector cars with some of them going for millions. If I had the cash, which I don't, at least until the pull my numbers for the Mega Millions, I'd pop for one or two. Won't hold my breath... Continue Reading →
The car that nearly killed GM, the 2nd time
And has virtually no value beyond sentimental I remember when the Chevy Citation was introduced by General Motors in 1980. This X-body car was Chevy's front wheel drive car. Because of the transverse mounted engine, no transmission hump, it had tons of interior space. My experience comes from working at two TV stations where the... Continue Reading →
Promo models from the country that gave us Saunas
The U.S. isn't the only country which likes making promo models Say what? So I'm perusing the model car auction sites, as I almost always do to see what's up for auction and what cars in my collection are worth, when I come across a couple of Volvo's, yup Volvo's. Not from one of the... Continue Reading →
Chasing Classic Cars: A Camaro soon to be classic.
2014 Camaro Hot Wheels edition Every may Mark and I head up to Road America (our favorite place) to the Midwest Automotive Writer Association event. There are cars from just about every manufacturer with the cars they want us to write about. Sure there are "family" cars but sprinkled in are lots of fun cars.... Continue Reading →
Chasing Classic Cars in the woods
Sometimes you never know where you will find them If you're like me out on the road, your head turns if you see even a slight view of a piece of metal resembling a potential classic car. My neck gets sore on many trips and if I want to stop, it drives my wife nuts.... Continue Reading →
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 1LT
Fast & furious new Stingray sets a new standard The company parking lot was alive with color, as was the driveway at home. People stared, gave a thumbs up and admired what for 60 years has been America’s Sports Car. This was a Torch Red Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51, fresh off the assembly line in... Continue Reading →
Chasing Classic Bond Cars
How can a car guy not like James Bond movies? The cars in the movies could almost be listed as co-stars with all the gadgets and those chase scenes. But it didn't start that way. James Bond's first car was the modest '62 Sunbeam Alpine Series II, in lake blue appearing in Dr. No (1962).... Continue Reading →