2013 Chrysler 200 Limited Convertible

Despite low cost, Chrysler 200 droptop leaves us cold First impressions can be skewed by many factors, and it probably did not help that the Chrysler 200 Limited Convertible arrived on a near zero degree day in a week where snow was forecast, and fell, over several days.No, I didn’t drop the top! The test car... Continue Reading →

March 26, 2013 0

Die-cast: 1971 Plymouth Road Runner (NASCAR)

AutoWorld's Richard Petty Daytona 500 winner marks 120th Petty win There was only one Elvis and there is only one Richard Petty. Both are Kings. With Petty, NASCAR, or better yet, stock car racing, was his kingdom and he rules it still, behind dark glasses and under a crowning cowboy hat with a feather cluster and... Continue Reading →

March 25, 2013 0

2013 RAM 2500 SLT Crew Cab

CNG powered RAM aims at farms and fleets There are big trucks and Monster trucks, no not those with the giant wheels that crush cars in arenas around the Midwest all winter, but Really Big trucks, like the RAM heavy-duty beast I just drove.I’ve been on the commercial test truck list for Chrysler Corp. of late. So... Continue Reading →

March 20, 2013 2

2013 Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0T

Looks, handling, turbo give small Cadillac a boost Those of us who have been around for a few decades may be forgiven for our skepticism when we hear Cadillac is creating an entry-level sport sedan. Visions of Cimarron dance in our brains. Ah, but those who observe the car market closely know that Cadillac has... Continue Reading →

March 10, 2013 0

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i Limited

Attractive Crosstrek a bit of sedan, wagon, crossover Subaru’s new crossover, the XV Crosstrek, is an attractive vehicle that splits the difference between sedan, wagon and crossover, with many of the good characteristics of each. But the Crosstrek, which rides on the compact Impreza platform, is underpowered, so keep that in mind if you plan to... Continue Reading →

February 23, 2013 0

2013 Honda Accord Sedan EX MT

Fine Accord masters the fine art of blending in ... Honda’s Accord has become the generic family sedan in America, the car everyone’s neighbor owns. It’s a good value, an excellent performer, but it blends in. So you’ll likely never notice the 2013 model, but you may want to own one. While Toyota has added... Continue Reading →

February 10, 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 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 →