2020 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab

New engine improves Nissan's compact pickup ... I’d been looking forward to testing Nissan’s 2020 Frontier compact pickup since hearing about its upgrades at the Chicago Auto Show in February, just before the Covid lockdown. A Zoom update this spring further stoked my curiosity. I much prefer compact pickups to the big boys and Frontier... Continue Reading →

September 3, 2020 0

2018 Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium

Kia's Niro plug-in hybrid rocks the mpg ratings ... Last year Kia’s Niro hybrid crossover wannabe surprised me big time. It’s attractive, handles well, has decent power and achieved good gas mileage because it was a standard hybrid. Sure the Toyota Prius is queen of this category, but Niro has it all on looks and... Continue Reading →

June 1, 2018 0

2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD Hybrid

Toyota RAV4 hybrid = good mpg, sporty handling Funny, but I enjoyed driving the new Toyota RAV4 hybrid more than its gas-powered model that I had earlier this year. This one seemed sportier, and that’s a contradiction to all things hybrid. Power seems a bit better, and is with a combined 194 horsepower for the hybrid... Continue Reading →

September 2, 2016 0

2016 MINI Cooper Clubman

Bigger MINI makes Clubman more useful ... When does a MINI become so big that it’s not, well, mini? There’s a fine line to be sure, but the new MINI Cooper Clubman seems to straddle it pretty well. Visually the Clubman is still cute with the round headlights and profile of a MINI, but there’s no... Continue Reading →

June 10, 2016 0

2016 Kia Sedona SXL

New Kia Sedona improves on solid package I had driven the new Kia Sedona early this year and frankly, it had a few issues. I liked much the minivan had to offer then, and now. But I’m most impressed that all of my earlier concerns seem to have been tended to within the first year.... Continue Reading →

November 20, 2015 0

2013 Chrysler 200

Chrysler 200 Touring feels like a rental car, but scores with good MPG I wasn’t expecting much when the silver Chrysler 200 Touring arrived. It’s not a styling leader and isn’t far removed from its Sebring predecessor. It looks like a rental car and feels like one too. This one tried to spiff up a bit... Continue Reading →