2013 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

Sporty looks, but handling falls short I’ve always liked Mazda vehicles because they look and drive a little sportier than most brands that us average middle class folks can afford. That’s why I’m disappointed with the new Mazda CX-9, the large sport-utility/crossover I just tested. It only delivers on half the equation. It still looks... Continue Reading →

February 8, 2013 0

Dwarf Cars

Saw this video on Auto Week about a guy who makes 7/10th scale cars. Cool stuff.

February 7, 2013 0

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Mitsubishi doesn’t sell a lot of vehicles in the U.S. market, but it still appeals to the boy toy racer crowd with its Lancer Evolution. However, it probably says something about the market for a super high-horse turbocharged 4-cylinder sedan that it’s pretty much a two car segment consisting of... Continue Reading →

January 28, 2013 0

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD

Good-looking crossover/SUV loaded with tech goodies There are a lot of mid-size SUVs (crossovers) to choose from and now Hyundai has gone and redesigned its Santa Fe, to help complicate your choices. First, it’s a good-looking reskin with an edgier look and Hyundai continues to refine its vehicles to make them more upscale to fill... Continue Reading →

January 27, 2013 6

2013 Lexus ES350

ES350 handsome blend of luxury, elegance You’d have to be crazy or lacking in the ability to physically feel anything to not enjoy riding in the new Lexus ES350. This is a fine front-drive mid-size luxury sedan, with a restyled grille and lines that give it a somewhat more interesting look. At least you notice... Continue Reading →

January 19, 2013 1

Slot car: Slot.it 10th Anniversary Audi R8C

Special Audi LeMans racer looks great, fast on track! I first ran into Slot.it racers in while walking the exhibits at Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, 10 years ago and was impressed with the firm’s detailed car bodies. But I have to admit, at the time I thought, “Good luck. Hope you make a go... Continue Reading →

January 16, 2013 0

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Veloster Turbo rocks the entry-level market Hyundai wasn’t happy to leave well enough alone, so it went and added a turbo to its sporty coupe/hatch, the Veloster. Yes, you’ll still hear jokes about the name and its similarity to the famous dinos in “Jurassic Park,” but you won’t care. You’ll have a sporty car with... Continue Reading →

January 12, 2013 0

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

GLK350 laddles on the luxury Small luxury utes are nearly as plentiful as entry-level small utes, and sometimes I wonder what you get for that extra $15 grand. But a week in the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 reminded me what it is, luxury looks, feel and ride. A bunch of the little luxury utes handle pretty well... Continue Reading →

January 1, 2013 1

Die-cast: Replicarz Marmon Wasp

Final look before the real deal hits I know I’ve been teasing you a bit with updates on the new Replicarz 1/18 die-cast model of the 1911 Marmon Wasp, but this one promises to be a winner. Well, it already was the winner of the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. (Uh, the real car, not... Continue Reading →

December 31, 2012 0

2013 Honda CR-V

Upon further review ... solid, but bulbous and not as refined as expected Every once in a while I get to test a vehicle twice in a single year. It’s rare, but this week I had the 2013 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L with navigation, just one model year newer than the CR-V I had tested early... Continue Reading →