Outlander a star in Mitsubishi's quiet lineup ... Mitsubishi is the quiet company in the U.S. auto market; we hardly hear a peep out of the Japanese vehicle maker. Its lineup is compact and advertising minimal. But the star of its lineup for several years has been the Outlander, a competent crossover with available AWD... Continue Reading →
2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T
Hyundai's Sonata just keeps getting better ... Hyundai’s Sonata is back on track to being a major challenger to the likes of Toyota’s Camry and others in the crowded mid-size sedan market. Hyundai’s last generation Sonata wasn’t nearly as attractive as its predecessor. This one is a sharp looker with a distinctive nose and improved... Continue Reading →
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Limited
Hyundai's Ioniq takes hybrid competition up a notch ... Hybrids are beginning to come in all shapes and sizes. Toyota’s Prius remains the dominant player, but like a college football player moving up to the NFL, the Prius’ will be facing stiffer competition. Now comes Hyundai to the hybrid big leagues with its Ioniq. It’s... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
2017 Kia Niro Touring
Kia's new hybrid will knock your socks off ...            Roughly once a year a test car knocks my socks off, trips my trigger, simply surprises the heck out of me and this week’s Kia Niro Touring has me amazed. Looking at it you’ll say that’s no car, that’s a crossover vehicle. And that’s what... Continue Reading →
2017 Jaguar F-Pace 20d Prestige
First Jaguar sport-ute off to fast start ...            Jaguar has its first sport-utility truck, the F-Pace and it’s already its best-selling vehicle. That tells you a lot. First, it tells you that tradition and heritage take a back seat to the overwhelming popularity of sport-utes and crossovers. Second, it tells you Jaguar buyers were ready... 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 Hyundai Elantra Limited
A happy surprise, new 2017 Elantra arrives early ... Looks like 2017 is already here, at least at Hyundai. My test car was a sparkling white 2017 Elantra Limited, the compact sedan that improves with each iteration. One thing that hasn’t changed is its stellar looks. Hyundai and its cousin Kia have been leading the styling... Continue Reading →