2019 Honda Passport AWD Elite

Dandy new Passport hauls a lot of gear ... A loaded-down road trip to Minnesota was the perfect test for Honda’s latest crossover/SUV, the midsize Passport. You may recall Passport as a midsize SUV offered earlier by Honda until 2002. It was a revamped version of Isuzu’s Rodeo (Remember Isuzu?). This is a whole new... Continue Reading →

October 14, 2019 0

2019 Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport

Small Caddy offers sexy looks & luxury ... There was a day when a Cadillac HAD to be as big as a cruise ship and loaded down with enough chrome to make a knight on horseback feel inadequate. No more. Cadillac has decided that affordable luxury with interesting styling is the way to get post-Boomer... Continue Reading →

August 31, 2019 0

2019 Lexus LC 500h

Lexus LC 500h: A fast hybrid beauty that whines ... What must one expect when buying a car for $100,000? Certainly standout looks and performance are in the top couple “must haves.” But do you expect a hybrid sports car with supercar looks and a steady whine? Well, Lexus delivers on looks, performance and comfort... Continue Reading →

July 3, 2019 0

2019 Mazda3 Platinum AWD Hatch

Mazda3 hatch with AWD is sleek, fast and fun ... I’ve owned a couple Mazdas through the years. I’ve liked them for their sporty handling and edgy styling that set them apart from many competitors. The new 2019 Mazda3 Hatchback does nothing to spoil those differentiators, in fact it improves on the looks and upgrades... Continue Reading →

May 31, 2019 0

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 →

May 4, 2019 2

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 →

April 27, 2019 0

2019 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line

VW Jetta offers high value, driving fun … With all the trucks, SUVs and crossovers crowding showrooms these days it’s refreshing to come across a sporty sedan like Volkswagen’s Jetta, that also represents high value. Jetta was restyled for 2019 and mostly that’s all good news. First, it continues the lean European look that VW... Continue Reading →

February 16, 2019 0

2019 Subaru Forester Limited

New Forester offers better ride, power, value ... Full disclosure, a few years ago our family owned the previous generation Subaru Forester. It was light and lively, but its ride was a bit stiff for us Boomers. Subaru’s 2019 Forester solves that, plus moves Subaru into the automotive mainstream by offering a heated steering wheel.... Continue Reading →

January 20, 2019 2

2019 Kia Sorento SXL AWD

Sorento trims galore will fit all SUV lovers' budgets … It had been a couple years and three model years since I’d driven Kia’s Sorento, its large SUV that aims to be a family hauler and has migrated, in top-end trim, to being a luxury vehicle. Luckily all the good stuff remains, including a standard... Continue Reading →

September 12, 2018 0

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 4motion

VW's Tiguan leads the brand with better handling ... Volkswagen has had its rocky moments the past few years. One word – diesel – tells you everything you need to know. But of late the giant German automaker seems to be getting its mojo back, and none too soon. More new models are hitting the... Continue Reading →