Brumm's latest among its greatest 1/43 releases … Italy’s Brumm excels at making sharp-looking vintage racers in 1/43 scale at an affordable price. These are fine collectables because they come handsomely packaged, easily stackable, and nicely detailed, often for less than $45. Last issue we told you of the 50th Anniversary release of a slightly... Continue Reading →
2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo
Optima Turbo is comfy, fast, high-value sport sedan for families … If you prefer driving a car rather than a truck or crossover and have been searching for the perfect sport sedan that will fit your budget, yet carry five folks comfortably, look no further. Kia’s Optima SX Turbo wants to be your playmate. It’s... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: NEO 1970 Pontiac GTO, The Judge
The Judge was Pontiac's ultimate torque master … By 1970 the muscle car craze had reached its peak and the Big 3 were mining niches in the muscle car vain with special models to maximize revenue These niche muscle machines were aimed directly at the most extreme torque-loving buyers. Into this world came Pontiac’s 1970... Continue Reading →
2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD
Mazda CX-5 delivers looks, power and sports sedan handling … Mazda may have dumped its zoom-zoom tagline, but the Japanese car maker hasn’t eliminated it from its vehicles, witness the CX-5 compact crossover. While most car makers are happy to offer decent power, meh handling and a useful interior, Mazda doubles down on excellent power,... Continue Reading →
2019 Volvo V60 T6 AWD Inscription
Volvo V60 brings style to station wagons ... Something strange happened as I was testing Volvo’s new wagon, the V60. People waved and gave me an approving thumbs up. A young man yelled to me at the gas station, “awesome car.” I remind you, this was a wagon. Is it possible we’ve started to tire... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Replicarz 1952 Indy 500 Winner, Agajanian Special
New 1/43 Indy Winner a colorful replica of Ruttman's racer … If you’re an Indy 500 nut like me you’ll recognize Troy Ruttman’s name, otherwise he might be a mystery, or vague memory to you. There’s a reason for that. Ruttman won the 1952 Indianapolis 500, but never won another IndyCar race during his long... Continue Reading →
Missing my car guy on Father’s Day
My dad made me the car freak I am today This coming Father's Day will be my first without my dad as he passed away February 14th. At his funeral, I did the eulogy, and after rewriting it a couple of times, decided to go with a car theme comparing his qualities to the window... Continue Reading →
2019 Honda Pilot AWD Elite
Well-rounded Honda Pilot a stellar SUV ... Not that long ago Honda’s Pilot was a boxy ol’ thing that frankly was as stylish as a shoe box jacked up on 20-inch wheels. But like its chief rival, Toyota, Honda seems to have suddenly gotten the word that blah styling doesn’t help you stand out in... Continue Reading →
First Drive: Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Gladiator, more than just another mid-sized truck.
2019 Nissan Altima Edition One
Altima's engine main difference from Maxima … Outside of engines there’s not much difference between Nissan’s Maxima, tested a few weeks back, and the latest version of Nissan’s Altima. The sedans are nearly identical in size now, the Altima actually having a longer wheelbase than Maxima, which used to be the larger of the two.... Continue Reading →