Robust GX460 boasts V8, 4-wheel-drive, luxurious interior SUVs have become as commonplace as spring potholes, and large luxury SUVs, at least by appearance, fill a sizeable spot in this pricey segment. This week’s Lexus “tungsten pearl,” silver, GX460 Luxury, certainly fits the bill. This is the top-level luxury version of Toyota’s 4Runner, not the biggest,... Continue Reading →
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Outlander Sport SE AWC = smooth looks, ride Maybe I’m becoming more tolerant as I age, but I liked the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport better than I had the first time I drove it three years ago. What I liked was its looks, a smooth sophisticated body, and its smooth well controlled ride, something one comes to appreciate... Continue Reading →
2014 GMC Sierra 1500 AWD Crewcab SLT
Luxurious GMC Sierra the Cadillac of pickups GMC is the Cadillac of pickups, juicing up the chrome levels on the exterior and adding a bit more finery to the interior, compared to its kissin’ cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado. Make no mistake, both trucks can be equipped and decked out much like any fine luxury sedan,... Continue Reading →
Die-cast: Autoart 1:43 Lamborghini Miura
Autoart brings big model detail to small-scale Lamborghini We’ve become accustomed to highly detailed 1:18 and 1:24-scale models, but fine detail and working parts at 1:43 scale is much rarer, until now. Autoart’s finely sculpted Signature Series moves to 1:43 scale with a beautiful Lamborghini Miura. Previously Autoart had reserved the Signature Series for its... Continue Reading →
2014 Ford Escape SE
2014 Ford Escape SE FWD Ford’s Escape is a pleasant compact sport-ute with quick handling and edgy stylish looks. The tested metallic blue SE is the mid-level model, with the S being the base and the Titanium being the high-end model that I’d previously tested. Starting price is $25,550 for the SE and it features... Continue Reading →
2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
Accord Hybrid quietly delivers improved gas mileage Honda's Accord has grown to be a larger sedan, but remains a smooth, quiet comfortable family car that will haul five adults while remaining a good family value. NOW, it adds a hybrid power system. The tested silver Accord features a 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder gas engine that creates... Continue Reading →
2014 Mazda3i 4-door Grand Touring
Mazda3 delivers good looks, modest price, driving flair The new Mazda3 is better looking than its predecessor, gets better gas mileage and still delivers driving flair, a fair accomplishment for a modestly priced family sports sedan. First, Mazda reshaped its former gaping smiling nose with this more Audi-like big grille and swept its profile lines back... Continue Reading →
2014 Lexus RX 450h
H = hybrid in luxurious 450h crossover for a smooth quiet cruiser Lexus makes quiet, comfortable and reliable vehicles as well, if not better, than most car makers and its RX crossover has been a hit for years, being an early entry into the crossover, or tall wagon, market. Certainly Lexus does nothing to embarrass itself... Continue Reading →
2014 Toyota Corolla S Premium
Simplicity, reliability, economy = Corolla Our family owned a Toyota Corolla in the 1980s and it’s on that generation of Corolla’s reputation that Toyota has built its automotive empire. Simplicity, reliability and economy were the building blocks and the revamped 2014 Corolla appears to continue that corporate line of thinking. There are no surprises here,... Continue Reading →
2014 Kia Forte EX
Common sense Forte also sporty, fun, loaded with goodies Kia cranks out another winner with its updated Forte compact sedan, a near sport sedan with a modern sporty look and common sense price tag and performance. The Forte is stellar in nothing, but good at everything. Such solid execution from a car maker creates the... Continue Reading →