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

2020 Toyota Corolla LE Hybrid

Corolla hybrid delivers high value, high mpg, low cost … After 60 years in the U.S. market Toyota continues to impress when it comes to value and its redesigned 2020 Corolla is a prime example. Toyota revamped its popular Corolla to lower its ride height, widen its track, lower the cowl for better visibility and... Continue Reading →

June 6, 2019 0

2019 Nissan Maxima SL

Near-luxury Maxima loaded with power, technology … If you’re looking for a sporty family sedan, one that looks stylish, rides sweetly and generates plenty of V6 power, well, you’re among a shrinking minority. Still, a few automakers continue courting this formerly mainstream market. Nissan is trying to woo you with its near luxury Maxima sedan... Continue Reading →

March 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 Lexus UX200 F Sport

Tiny UX 200 big on luxury, small on power ... Fins are back! That’s right, if you’ve secretly been craving the fin-crazy styling of the late 1950s and early ’60s, Lexus has something special for you, finned taillights on its new UX. No, these aren’t those Himalayan peaks from grandpa’s old Dodge or Plymouth, these... Continue Reading →

January 6, 2019 0

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE

Corolla Hatch a practical sharp looker … Back in the day I owned a Toyota Corolla, but then again, nearly everyone did at the time. The Corolla was to the 1980s what the Chevy Nova was to the 1970s, namely an inexpensive reliable car. While much has changed in the ensuing 35 or so years,... Continue Reading →

September 5, 2018 0

2019 Subaru Ascent Touring

Subaru's new Ascent nails 7-passenger crossover market … Subaru took a couple years off from the minivan/larger crossover market in an effort to get it right. The strategy worked, its new 2019 Ascent nails it. Rarely does a vehicle deliver fully what it promises and at a reasonable price. Ascent offers room for seven or... Continue Reading →

August 11, 2018 0

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL S-AWC

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 →

June 13, 2018 0

2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium

Toyota C-HR takes cute, useful and fun to drive to a new level ... Mini has had cute pretty well sewed up among small cars with four doors, but now Toyota has stepped up to the plate with its latest C-HR crossover. The tested C-HR (cute hot rod?) was the top-level XLE Premium model decked... Continue Reading →

May 17, 2018 2

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited

Crosstrek sporty, practical, moderately priced ... Subaru takes a serious step forward with its new Crosstrek, a small crossover that mates sporty styling with practicality and moderate cost, a winning combo. While the former Crosstrek was sporty, it rode worse than most trucks with a choppy ride that spoiled its otherwise useful and economical underpinnings.... Continue Reading →