I Review Cars

If You Really Want to Use Less Gas...

2011-02-25T04:55:00.000-08:00

If people are serious about using less gas and fewer resources then just drive something like this - the 2012 Mazda5 is a six passenger minivan that gets 28 miles per gallon on the highway. By the way, a near $40,000 Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets 28 miles per gallon in mixed highway/city driving. In the Mazda5, I was able to get 24 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The Mazda5 is comfortable, fun to drive and versatile - plus, it costs about $20,000. Maybe you don't need a hybrid or electric car.

It's a similar story with cars like the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Kia Sportage.

Getting Real about EV Charge Times

2011-02-19T08:14:00.001-08:00

There's a lot of talk about electric vehicle charging times but it might not be as rosy as you'd think. First of all, I did an Internet search for EV charging stations near my home and found about three - but they were all the old paddle type chargers from the Nissan Altra or GM EV1 days. Had I been counting on those chargers being there, I would have been stranded.

Thankfully cars like the Nissan Leaf come with a home charger - all you need to do is plug it into a household style three pronged outlet and charging begins. But this can take up to 20 hours for a full charge - plug the car in every night and you probably won't ever need a full charge. Buy the optional ($2000) 240v charger and a full charge takes about 7 hours.

The bottom line - no matter which EV you get, you'll need the optional quick charger. The upcoming Ford Focus promises a charge time of half that of the Nissan Leaf but let's face it, at this point the Leaf is the only real 100% electric vehicle that's suitable for the masses.

The standard 120v power cable can work in emergencies but it's just not practical for anyone who plans to put a lot of miles on thier electric car.

Stop Using Sporty as a Cover for Harsh and Unrefined

2011-02-16T09:20:00.001-08:00

I'm tired of harsh riding, bouncy and noisy cars being give a pass because some PR person said "It's sporty." Acura, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz and Infiniti make perfectly sporty cars and they don't jar your teeth even on rough roads. Even the Honda Civic has a pretty decent ride. Sporty shouldn't mean unrefined.

New High Tech Key for BMW Owners?

2011-02-16T09:03:00.001-08:00

Soon BMW owners may be able to use their car's electronic key to do more than just open doors and start the engine.

Thanks to Near Frequency Communications (NFC), a BMW key could be used like a credit card to pay for purchases and maybe even access card lock doors.

But the technology could go even further by linking the key to the vehicle’s navigation system. This would allow the driver to buy tickets or make reservations through the vehicle’s navigation system and because the key is integrated into the car, paying for or verifying that purchase would be as simple presenting your BMW key upon arrival. Even your electronic proximity key for a hotel stay could be integrated into the electronic BMW key. BMW’s electronic key already holds some vehicle information on it so paying for maintenance or repairs is another obvious application.

Valentine's Day and Cars do Mix!

2011-02-14T19:50:00.000-08:00

AutoTrader.com has some really cool lists of Valentine's Day friendly cars - the Inizio electric sports car shown above isn't one of them but it's red and looks cool. Here's three especially clever examples of car themed Valentine's:

Car's that Attract Women

Car's with Inner Beauty

Two's Company - Our Favorite Two Seaters

2011 Nissan Quest - Boxier

2011-02-14T19:39:00.000-08:00

Nissan has done a full 180 with the new Quest minivan. The previous version was curvy and had an interesting interior - it was an attempt to stylize the minivan. Now, the 2011 model is like a giant box. Nissan readily admits it - "A box is the most efficient use of space" company officials said. It's not bad looking but many will disagree.

The interior is a step above other minivans - even the base and midtrim models have an upscale look. The Toyota Sienna by comparison seems a little cheap in LE trim.

The Quest's 3.5 liter V6 is carried over from last year but it's plenty powerful and super smooth. That engine makes 260 hp – all Quests get that same V6. Acceleration is more than adequate and the engine never sounds harsh. Expect 18 mpg city / 24 highway. The Quest is front wheel drive with constantly variable transmission or CVT.

Prices range from $28,550 to just over $42,000 and there aren't many options since even the mid-level SV van is well-equipped.

2012 Ford Focus Electric

2011-01-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

Ford just showed the Focus Electric at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. Unlike the Nissan Leaf, the all-electric Ford is based on a gasoline powered car. The Focus EV will charge up quicker than a Leaf and has a little extra power too. The Focus EV's 6.6kW on-board charger has twice the capacity of the Leaf's. The Focus EV has a top speed of 84 mph, delivers 123 hp and includes tons of standard features like 17 inch wheels, MyFord Touch, Sat nav, and four wheel disc brakes. Ford hasn't confirmed range but did say it's about 100 miles, like the Nissan Leaf.

The 2012 Ford Focus Electric should be available by early next year.

High Tech, Low Price

2010-10-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

There's plenty of expensive cars with cool high-tech features like navigation, dual clutch automatic transmissions, turbocharged engines and awesome multi-media connections. But what if you only have about $20,000 to spend - check out this report from AOL's Translogic web show.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta and 2011 Nissan Juke both offer compelling features that any tech-head would totally get geeked out about. Price range? $16,000 - $22,000.

2010 Lexus IS 350C

2010-10-26T09:21:00.001-07:00

Two parts sports car, one part luxury convertible, the Lexus IS 350 Convertible is the one Lexus that combines the best of sport and luxury. The rear-wheel drive IS convertible is based on the IS sedan so handling is sportier than other Lexus vehicles - it feels more like a BMW 3-Series or Infiniti G37. The 300+ hp six-cylinder engine is powerful and fun, plus it has a nice, subtle exhaust note.

The interior is perhaps a slight step down from more expensive Lexus sedans but the heated and cooled seats are comfortable, materials are high quality and all the features you'd expect in a Lexus are there. The power folding hard top instantly converts the IS from an open top sports car to a smooth and quiet luxury coupe.

In the end the Lexus IS 350C is the perfect car for someone who enjoys driving and seeking out twisty roads but wants to balance that with a comfortable everyday car. The ride is firmer than a Lexus ES but a little more forgiving than that of a BMW.

The Infiniti G is a little sharper and better looking but the Volvo C70 lacks the Lexus Convertible's refinement and polish.

2011 Mazda2 - Seems Fine to Me

2010-10-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the problem with reading too many car magazines, they're not speaking to the people who actually buy cars. They're writing to people who wish they owned a Porsche 911 or a BMW M5 and think everything else is terrible, In short, they're writing to themselves. Know-it-alls and loudmouths populate the halls of these long overly esteemed publications that are lucky if they reach 200,000 people. Of course they go on like they're doing Tonight Show numbers circ 1973 but really they're just living in the past. They hate cars like the Mazda2 - it's underpowered they say, it's got an outdated automatic transmission is another complaint. Really? Seems fine to me.

With 100 hp, the 2011 Mazda2 feels plenty powerful. Is it going to win at Le Mans? No, but it is a fun car to drive that provides both entertaining handling and a high quality interior. The seats are comfortable and the back seat isn't impossible to use. The 2011 Mazda2 is mechanically related to the Ford Fiesta so that good - the Fiesta is probably the best subcompact out there.

At just $16,000 for a nicely equipped Mazda2, I say ignore all the old guys that write and talk too much simply for their own pleasure. Go test drive a Mazda2, it's a well-made little car that will have you re-thinking just how much car you really need.

A Sporty Hybrid? Crazy or Not?

2010-09-27T19:03:00.001-07:00

Thanks to eGM Car Tech for the pic of Honda's 2011 CR-Z as shown at the Detriot Auto Show. Honda says it's a sporty hybrid - that sounds like an oxymoron. Either way, here's Translogic's take on the sporty but fuel sipping CR-Z hybrid. Six-speed manual trans doesn't hurt the sport cred that's for sure. http://translogic.aolautos.com/

What do you think, can Honda have it's S2000 cake and daintily sip fuel at the Insight table too?

Electric Cars - It's Nothing New

2010-09-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

Electric cars are the future right? Who killed the electric car? Electric cars will get us off of imported oil, right? Probably not. It turns out, the problems with electrics cars have been the same for more than 100 years. A century ago, gues what the range was on a Detroit Electric - yep about 100 miles, just like the Nissan Leaf. Granted the Detroit Electric would only go about 30 miles per hour but that seems like a very minor gain for 100 years of science. Check out this report from AOL's Translogic.

The truth is, gasoline is more efficient. There is no big revolution coming for electric cars, that's been the hope for 100 years and it's time to get over it.

Facts on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt

2010-08-12T20:38:00.001-07:00

There seems to be some confusion about the Chevy Volt - here's a few facts:

The Chevrolet Volt uses a gas engine to make electricity when the batteries run down.
The 1.4 liter gasoline engine never powers the wheels.
Chevy suggests premium fuel but it will work on regular unleaded.
Fully charged, the range is 40 miles total - that's 20 miles each way.
While driving, the gasoline powered generator kicks on automatically but you really can't feel it.
It is possible for the gas engine to charge the batteries and store some electricity.
In "Mountain Mode" the car's gas engine can run and will put a little power back in the batteries.
The retail price is $41,000 - some people will qualify for an IRS tax credit - not cash back.
The Volt will not qualify for HOV status in Calif.
Many dealers have already said they will mark the car up $5,000.
The Chevrolet Volt is built in the US, including most of the battery pack.
Chevrolet will warranty the batteries for 8 years or 100,000 miles.
Not all Chevy dealers will sell the Volt - high demand areas like California will get the cars first.

Online Research Shows Sienna and TL Ads Work

2010-07-18T18:51:00.001-07:00

Check out this AutoTrader article that says vehicles like the 2011 Toyota Sienna and Acura TL are moving up on the list of considered new cars. The Ford Mustang is number one with AutoTrader users and the Sienna is now fifth.

Nissan Leaf Leads to More Electric Cars

2010-07-12T07:04:00.001-07:00

As the reality of the all electric Nissan Leaf draws nearer, expect to see a lot more all-electric vehicles, concepts, drawings and promises. One is the Audi e-tron, and all electric, high performance coupe that looks like a smaller version of the R8 - it's a real car but just not for US buyers. Recently, Audi entered the car in a 100+ mile rally. A high performance electric car may seem silly but Mercedes Benz says a battery powered SLS could be a reality and the Tesla Roadster is fairly quick without the help of a gasoline engine. BMW is also working on an all-electric car based on what the company learned from the Mini-e. The luxury hybrid Fisker Karma is also on the way and Tesla promises a four-door, all electric performance sedan. Also look for Mitsubishi's electric i-Mieve and of course the Chevrolet Volt is on its way.

Bye Bye PT Cruiser!

2010-07-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Say goodbye to the Chrysler PT Cruiser, production ends this week. The car has been around since 2000. Housewives over 40, retirees, Victrola collectors and Dale Ernhardt t-shirt wearers will have to pick a different ride - Chevy HHR anyone? The Jeep Compass is just a crappy as the PT Cruiser sot that's one you can consider too. Actually, the PT Cruiser is nicer than the Compass.

Truth is, the PT Cruiser was never a super star - it's been primarily a value proposition. At one point, you could lease one for $99 per month. FIAT, Chrysler's new owners, has a lot experience with small, affordable cars that are fun so maybe they can come up with non-retro replacement for the PT.

MSN Autos has a much more in depth article on the PT Cruiser and it's long, slow demise. Soon, we'll be seeing fewer and fewer of those PT Cruisers with the wood paneling - now what will we make fun of? But we didn't always look at the retro PT with such contempt, according to the Detroit News Chrysler sold more than 1.3 million PT Cruisers. And remember, the PT was an almost instant success - just goes to show, today's superstar is tomorrow's sad story. Hey Kayne, better spend the money wisely.

2010 Toyota Matrix Review - Mid Trim Matrix S $22,000

2010-07-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Toyota Matrix is a lot like the 2009 Toyota Matrix. That's just as well since the Matrix was redesigned in 2009. Due to increased concerns about safety, the 2010 version of the Matrix does get stability and traction control added to the standard features list. The price also jumps up about $250.

There's a lot to like about the Matrix, it's basically a Corolla wagon but with an extra dose of attitude. The mid-level Toyota Matrix S is likely the best seller as it combines value and desirable features. The standard engine is a 1.8 liter inline four cylinder but the S model comes with the more powerful 2.4 liter engine (158 hp). An eight speaker stereo with satellite radio, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power windows and keyless entry are all standard. Add a few extras like $880 alloy wheels, sport package (front and rear spoilers) and carpeted floor mats and cargo mat for an extra $200 and the price is just a hair over $22,000, base price is $19,650. The one feature you'll miss on the S is cruise control - it is not standard and well worth adding to the options list. There's also an all-wheel drive version of the Matrix.

On the road, the Matrix feels like a competent economy car - the ride is neither exceptionally smooth or excessively busy. On rough roads the Matrix feels a bit jittery but other than than it's fine. The 2.4 liter engine is powerful enough, the five speed automatic transmission helps keep the revs (and noise) down but if you really step into it there's a lot of noise. Road and wind noise are managed well.

As a versatile wagon, the Toyota Matrix works well. It's not remarkable but it does provide that extra measure of Toyota-ness that we've come to expect from cars like the Corolla. The interior is neither plush nor super-cheap but somewhere in the middle. Cargo space is OK for a compact and the wagon configuration adds a little more total volume versus the trunk on a sedan. Think of the Toyota Matrix as a nothing more than a well-built compact wagon that will likely hold its value over the years. It's no sports hatch like the Mazda3, nor it is penalty box.

Nissan Leaf Ad - Truly Interactive for the iPod

2010-07-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

Here's just a hint at how Nissan is incorporating mobile and smartphone tech into the advertising and function of the new electric Leaf. The Nissan Leaf will be on sale soon and will be the first mass produced, all electric car.

2011 Toyota Sienna SE - Blame Ford and Mercedes Benz

2010-06-30T19:13:00.001-07:00

I blame the Ford Flex and Mercedes Benz R-Class for the SE version of the new Toyota Sienna. For 2011 the Sienna is all new and it is a fairly remarkable minivan as far as minivans go. A spacious interior, swoopy new look, remote keyless entry and standard rear parking camera on all but the base model add up to a pretty compelling van.

But this time around there new Sienna on the block, the cool cat of minivans if such a thing could ever exist. See, Toyota says the Sienna SE is for those who see themselves as cooler than a minivan but since they're likely parents they can't deny the usefulness of a minivan. I say competition from family friendly and super stylish haulers like the Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT and Mercedes Benz R-Class led Toyota to such a radical attempt at cool. Family friendly layout + still want to drive something stylish + Toyota resale value = Sienna SE. Officially, Toyota says "The SE has a lot of design features not normally seen on a van such as a sportier grille and taillights, tighter tuned handling, and 18-inch alloy wheels to name a few."

OK, if that's the intent of the Sienna SE then Toyota can call it a success. As much as it kinda seems silly, I have to admit the sporty minivan sorta works. It does feel sportier and the look is more aggressive with that wide front air dam and rear roof spoiler. I even like the "sport" black and white gauges. Plus, it has the features that make minivans so family friendly anyway - side sunshades, power sliding side doors, fold flat third row seating and a large, very useful center storage box. But those useful features sort of miss the point of the new Sienna SE - this rap video produced by Toyota says it all.

2011 Honda Accord - Small Improvements and Better MPG

2010-06-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

The popular Honda Accord gets a few tweaks for 2011. Thanks to better areodynamics, revised gear ratios and improvements to engine and transmission friction the 2.4 liter version of the Accord now gets 34 mpg on the highway and 23 in the city. That puts it in better contention with Hyundia's new Sonata, a car that gets an EPA highway rating of 35 mpg.

The Accord's look has been slightly redone for 2011 as well. The grille is the most noticable revision - it now has a slightly stronger look and borrows some styling cues from the Accord Crosstour. The front bumper cover has been redone as well. V6 models get new wheel choices for 2011 too. The pictured above is a 2011 Accord EX-L V6.

The interior gets a mild makeover too with some primary controls being relocated to improve ergonomics. Newly available features include USB audio input, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for some models and a rear parking camera.

Finally, there's a new Honda Accord SE for 2011. It basically takes the features from the LX-P then adds leather, heated seats and power lumbar support for the driver's seat.

The revised 2011 Honda Accord goes on sale in August of 2010.

Living Legend Hiromu Naruse Killed in an Auto Accident

2010-06-24T19:01:00.001-07:00

Since the 1960s, any Toyota worth getting excited about had the thumbprint of legendary test driver Hiromu Naruse on it. He started Toyota Motorsports, the 2000GT was his baby and so was the fearsome 90s era Supra. Sadly, he was killed in an automobile accident. AutoBlog has a nice tribute.

2011 Ford Mustang V6 Fuel Economy

2010-06-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

It's clearly a stunt but Ford took the new 2011 Mustang and lapped Bristol Motor Speedway as many times as possible on just one tank of gas - the result: more than 1,450 laps or about 776 miles. Ford said they used special driving techniques to maximize fuel economy but other than that, the car is a stock 2011 Ford Mustang V6. The end result is an astonishing 48.5 miles per gallon. The Mustang's speed was kept at an average of 43.9 miles per hour. The drivers did not run the air-conditioning and avoided quick starts and stops. Keeping a steady speed also helps raise fuel economy - no matter what car you drive, these types of driving techniques can raise your mpg.

The new all aluminum V6 displaces 3.7 liters and makes 305 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission helps keep rpms low and that contributes to the Mustang's high fuel economy. Clearly Ford was feeling the sting of GM's new V6 as found in the Camaro - it too is a 300+ hp engine that delivers decent fuel economy. Ford says this engine will earn an EPA rating of more than 30 mpg highway which will top the Camaro V6's highway mpg of 29.

2011 Toyota Avalon Limited Review

2010-06-18T09:46:00.001-07:00

As soon as my eight year old son opens the rear door of the 2011 Toyota Avalon he says "this looks like a car for someone who lives in an mansion." Is that a good thing? He sure thought so - granted, comfortable cars like the Avalon often get labeled as cars for old people but guess what, old people have nice stuff so I don't think of it as a slam.

For 2011 the Toyota Avalon gets a few cosmetic updates - the look is a little less generic and it has more presence on the road. A larger grill and restyled wheels are the only real reasons for this. Plus, some of the lines are now sharper which adds a slightly more masculine tone. The tailights have been resculpted too. Under the hood is the same 3.5 liter V6 from before - it makes 268 hp and is good for 20 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway.

The interior gets a bit of a refresh too. The gauges are now separated into two distinct clusters with metallic looking trim surrounding each. It looks good but the materials feel kinda cheap, ditto for the faux wood trim on the dash and doors. I know it's not a Lexus but this is the top of the line Toyota, some real wood would be nice.

All Toyotas, including the 2011 Avalon now get the company's Star Safety System. It incudes stability control, ABS, brake assist and traction control.

Even a quick 10 min drive proves my son is right - this is a car for people who live in mansions. It just has this serene quality that oozes luxury and quality. It's not that the cabin is so deluxe, it's not really. But driving the car reveals such a purity and isolation you can't help but love it. Sure, people who still read car magazines will agree with the arrogant editors that the Avalon is basically a Japanese Buick. Again, I don't see the harm in that but clearly that crowd does. But remember these are the same people that think spending $50,000 on a compact sedan with little rear seat room and too firm suspension is worth it because, well it's got that blue and white logo and is rear wheel drive. Instead, for less than $40,000 I'll take the Avalon and it's business class rear seat spaciousness and plenty of up to date tech features like XM nav/traffic, rear parking camera, Bluetooth and iPod connection.

The 2011 Avalon isn't lazy or floaty, it's just smooth. Smooth acceleration, smooth ride, smooth steering. You're not going to conquer the slalom in this car - then again, who lives near a slalom? Exactly, no one. Besides, a palpable smoothness speaks to precision and quality - who could be against that?

If you have enough drama at work each day and want to feel like you live the pampered life of a mansion owner (at least for the duration of your commute), spend a little time in the 2011 Toyota Avalon's accomdating, heated and cooled seats. It's a car that looks and feels like a real luxury without the luxurious price tag.

Oldsmobile Revival - With Mercury Out of the Way...

2010-06-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, Mercury hasn't been a serious contender for years maybe even decades. Old S-55, Cougar Eliminator, 60s era Grand Marquis and others were certainly cool but like Janet Jackson said, "what have you done for me lately?" Well, nothing. And that's exactly why Oldsmobile is ready for it's big comeback. No, really.

Oldsmobile has a rich performance history with cars like the 4-4-2, the 65 Starfire with a 425 cu in V8, Achieva SCX and the powerful Quad 4 engine. Oldsmobile also got the luxury side of things right - witness the 60s Olds 98, 80s era Olds Cutlass, Oldsmobile Silhouette and the last Olds Aurora.

An American car that's equal parts performance and luxury is just what we need - but with a much lower price than brands like BMW and Cadillac.

There, I said it. Oldsmobile in '13 - the company is tan, rested and ready. So long Mercury, hello Oldsmobile.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - First for New Chrysler V6

2010-06-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

Jeep's all new Grand Cherokee should be on sale soon and with it comes an all new V6 engine that will eventually find its way into most future Chrysler products. But even that's a loaded statement because it's still not clear that Chrysler will have much of a future. Even when the '11 Grand Cherokee debuted, the new SUV was overshadowed by FIAT and Chrysler execs showing off a FIAT 500. Too bad because the new GC is more luxurious and more capable off-road with features like air-suspension and a higher grade interior.

Jeep is the one thing Chrysler owns that still rings true with consumers, especially Americans. The name Jeep still has enough equity that it will likely be around for years to come no matter who owns it - let's just hope future Jeeps aren't rebodied FIAT Pandas. Hey FIAT, good luck with the Dodge Caliber and Dodge Avenger too.

But the new Pentastar V6 sounds promising. It's an all aluminum, DOHC w/VVT, 3.6 liter engine that's good for 280 hp - Chrysler says the new V6 is more fuel efficient too. If the new engine is as good as the 2011 Grand Cherokee looks then they'll have a winner.

Hybrids are Best for City Dwellers

2010-06-11T20:05:00.001-07:00

If you want a hybrid - deciding which one is best for you might depend on where you live. Many hybrids get better fuel economy in city driving - that's not true of convential gas only cars.

Cars like the 2010 Toyota Prius, 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, 2010 Lexus HS250h and Mercury Milan Hybrid do better in the city while cars like the Camry Hybrid and Honda Insight are slightly better on the highway.

Here's a breakdown of which hybrids urbanites might want to check out thanks to Bunker Hill Magazine.

Father's Day Gifts for Car Loving Dad

2010-06-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Looking for a good, original Father's Day gift - here's a few for the dad who's into cars:

Vintage racing jackets are affordable and look cool: http://www.vintagetrends.com/ is a good place to start.

Old Decals work too: www.porkystruckstop.com/nostalgia.htm

Check out http://www.diecastmodelcars.com/ for a good online selection of scale model cars, old and new. Or how about some old racing movies - http://www.raresportsfilms.com/ has old racing footage, racing movies as well as football, baseball and other nostalgic sports videos.

Or if your dad is really into keeping that old or new ride clean, hit http://www.griotsgarage.com/ for stuff like special buffers, lighted tweezers, a windshield cleaner that gets the corners, motor oil colonge (yes, really) and the ultimate car washing kit. They even have thier own father's day gift guide.

If that doesn't work how about a vintage soda machine - http://www.barsandbooths.com/ and maybe a little old style, original recipe Dr Pepper to fill it - http://www.dublindrpepper.com/

2010 Jeep Patriot Limited - Butterface?

2010-06-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

Ever hear the term butterface? I never heard it before a year ago - there was this woman who worked at the office. She was blonde, drove an M3 and from about 10 yards away she looked like a teen blogger's definition of hot. This creepy guy named Glenn was all over her - I thought, no way, she's five steps over his head. Creepy, balding single guys in their 40s who spend lots of time with mother have little feel for what league they're truly a part of. Anyway, one day I saw this woman up close and was later told about butterface - everything is totally rockin' but her face. Yikes!

As the months went on ol' butterface realized even she was out of Mr. creepy, winebar stalker, pseudo-intellectual, wannabe movie expert's league and she started to ignore him. Good thing, she probably would have ended up in mother's basement.

That's just a long and draw out way to say the 2010 Jeep Patriot is sort of like a butterface - looks great, works well on paper and seems to offer a good dose of Jeep-ness for a low price. But up close and personal things start to get unattractive. The drone from the 172 hp, 2.4 liter inline four is bothersome and the CVT feels kinda clunky. Still, 172 hp isn't bad for a four banger and the Patriot is good looking when compared to the generic Honda and Toyota compact SUVs.

The Patriot doesn't have much rear seat legroom and the quality of materials inside isn't anything to get excited about but the darn thing starts at about $16,000. Opt for the Limited and your well into low $20,000 territory. For that price you'll get leather seating, 17-inch polished aluminum wheels and monochrome paint. Even in 4 wheel drive trim, the Jeep Patriot delivers best in class fuel economy - 28 mpg highway is the best you'll get in an SUV that drives all four wheels and the Patriot does have an off road mode and hill descent control for the the 4x4 version. Much has been made of the Chevy Equinox's 32 mpg on the highway but that's for the front-wheel drive version.

Yes, the Jeep Patriot may be a butterface of sorts but just like that semi-attractive woman with the M3, someone will marry her and think he won the lottery - nothing wrong with that. The Patriot is the same way, it will have plenty of takers simply because it looks like a real deal Jeep from 50 paces - the low price doesn't hurt either. But look a little closer and the flaws become obvious.

A Few Good Reasons to Kill Mercury

2010-06-03T22:15:00.001-07:00

As a counterpoint to Inside Line's excellent The Art of Mercury photo essay I'd like to point out a few reasons Mercury should have been killed long ago and how they've never really had their act together since the 1970s. Starting with the most unattractive sports car ever - the 1990 Mercury Capri. An American Miata? Not really, the Australian built Capri's front wheel drive and sedan like styling meant Capri shoppers ran to the local Mazda dealer as soon as they got a whiff of this disaster.

But there was trouble long before in the form of the Merkur brand, a German built Ford or Mercury depending on how you look at it. How do you say ugly in German? I think it might be Merkur Scorpio. Hey Germany, please stick to building harsh riding $50,000 compact sedans and starting wars - you rock at both.

The 1986 Mercury Cougar was the only car that made the Chevy Celebrity look sexy. Congrats on that one!

Maybe it was the 1980s that really killed Mercury and they've been sort of a walking corpse ever since. The Mercury Topaz was a Ford Tempo clone...., and that's the good news. The cars were hoplessly unreliable and even doing a double take you'd still mistake a Topaz for the equally attractive Plymouth Acclaim, or Dodge Aries or maybe a Nissan Stanza (Pssst, that's not a compliment).

And what about this hideous contraption - it looks more surprised than Christina Gonzalez after her well publicized facelift. Thanks to Ford EXP.com for this gem. The Mercury LN7 was, well it was just a hideous contraption - and yes, I'm gonna keep using the word contraption.

And finally, please to present..., the 1999 Mercury Cougar! Ugly doesn't even begin to cover it. The edgy design seemed modern at the time but it looked dated real fast, sort of like that teal green Honda used on the 90s era Accords. This Cougar was a fairly large coupe and yet the rear seat was for contortionist and babies only - even then, I recall a few babies asking for more leg room. The quality was poor and even with the V6, you could feel the A/C sapping power as it cycled on and off. Horrible car. So long Mercury, I guess I won't miss you as much as I first thought.

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - The Last Mercury I'll Drive

2010-06-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

I was all set to say how much I like the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid. Yes, it's basically a Ford Fusion Hybrid but I just like the way the Mercury Milan looks. On the road it feels like the Fusion - smooth, refined and plenty powerful. There is a bit of engine drone under full throttle but it is a remarkably nice car and gets about 40 mpg. It's easy to get high mpgs because the car willing goes into full electric mode. Prowling parking lots or stop and go freeway traffic usually means you're using no gas at all.

But it really doesn't matter because Ford is killing the Mercury brand. Let's face it, all Mercury vehicles are just re-branded Fords and many are set to expire soon. The Crown Vic and Mercury Grand Marquis are both set to be replaced soon and the Mountaineer (a Mercury version of the Explorer) is also dead. The only real relevant Mercurys are the Mariner and Milan both have hybrid versions but both are also just Fords with nicer trim.

Mercury is 71 years old and has brought us notable cars like the Mercury Cyclone GT, Mercury Comet, Colony Park wagon and the Mercury Monterey S-55. It used to make sense that there'd be a brand between the basic Ford and the classier Lincoln but now that can be accomplished with an high end Ford model (say a Taurus Limited) and an entry level Lincoln (say a Lincoln MKZ).

So long Mercury - the 2010 Milan Hybrid is probably the last new Mercury I'll ever drive.

2012 Buick Regal GS - Not Just a Concept

2010-05-29T16:12:00.001-07:00

Now that the Buick Regal is a reality, GM officials confirm that the high performance GS has the green light. GM will build the car but not much else is known.

Buick has been without a performance model for some time. There was a 2000 Buick Regal GSX SEMA car that was lowered, and supposedly made 300 hp from a supercharged, intercooled V6. A milder dealer installed GSX option from SLP was available and it added GSX badges, a smaller blower pulley and a reprogramed computer plus dual exhaust - output was bumped up to 270 but good luck finding one.

We expect a turbocharged four cylinder engine making about 250 - 260 hp in the 2012 Regal GS. No V6 will be offered but if those numbers are accurate, Buick won't need one.

The last production Buick Regal GS made 240 hp using a supercharged V6 - pictured is a GS from 2000. The turbo I4 will certainly get better fuel economy, and deliver more power. Plus, the new Regal seems like a slightly smaller, lighter car than the previous version and this new Regal GS will route that power through all four wheels (or not - several web sites are saying the Buick will not get all-wheel drive b/c engineers don't think the weight/cost is worth it.) No doubt the Opel Insignia which shares the Buick's platform will get the AWD system.

The latest high performance Buick Regal is just the latest in long line of hot rod Buicks starting with the 1965 Buick Skylark GS. This one is part of a private collection you can check out at steevee.com

Later the GSX, Regal T-Type, Regal Grand National and Regal based GNX carried the performance torch for Buick.

No prices have been announced for the latest generation Buick GS but low to mid $30,000 range is a good guess.

Where Have All the Jobs Gone? Abandoned Dealerships

2010-05-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

Want to know where many jobs in local communities have gone - just take a look at these pictures.

Each of these dealerships employed hundreds of people from entry level salespeople to college graduates in the management and finance departments to highly trained technical people. This Pontiac dealership had been in place for decades.

Plus, each of these closed dealerships represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost city and county tax revenue - why are they closing fire stations and laying off teachers? Not enough tax money to support them.

Here's an empty service drive at a former Volvo dealership. This picture was taken on a Friday at 4pm.

Not just discontinued or slow selling luxury brands got the ax.

2011 Nissan Leaf - taking orders

2010-05-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

If you want a an all-electric Nissan Leaf, better get your request in now. There's a $99 placeholder fee - you can sign up at the Nissan web site.

Asking price should be about $32,000 but you can get a $7,500 tax credit from Uncle Sam so the real price is even lower. The Leaf is all electric and Nissan says it has a 100 mile range. I drove a prototype Leaf and it feels smoother, quicker and is quieter than other 'lectric cars like the Mini. It should seat 5 passengers comfortably, have an optional navigation system and emits zero emissions.

2012 Dodge Charger - All New Charger On Sale Soon!

2010-05-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

Made ya look! I wish this was the all new 2012 or 2013 Dodge Charger. The promise of the revived Dodge Charger has never really be fufilled. This concept car from 1999 looked like the real deal - rear wheel drive, Hemi V8, sleek styling that hints at the past but is completely forward looking. Sadly, it never showed up. Instead we got the current generic and plasticky 'hood cruiser. The 2010 Dodge Charger is more like a Dodge Intrepid II than a real Charger. OK, it's rear wheels move the car and you can get a Hemi but c'mon the current Charger is really nothing special.

Although a decade old, this concept car's look is still fresh unlike the current Dodge Charger. Please Fiat, if you know what's good for you build a car like this one. An all-new Dodge Charger is long overdue - do it, Fiat!

10 Coolest Cars for Under $18,000 - Thanks KBB.com

2010-05-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Kelley Blue Book says they've figured out the 10 coolest cars for under $18,000. It's a pretty solid list with expected entries like the 2011 Ford Fiesta, 2010 Honda Civic and the 2010 Kia Soul. I'm not entirely sure I'd have the the Scion xB or Suzuki SX4 on my list but they're entitled to their opinion. The 2010 Kia Forte EX should be on the list and it's not.

I'd also add a used Mercury LN7, Chevy Lumina APV and the Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport but that's just me.

Maybe You Don't Need a Hybrid

2010-05-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet makes a hybrid Tahoe - it gets 21 city / 22 highway. But the company's own non-hybrid SUVs do better than that. The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse gets a combined average of 19 mpg topping out at 24 mpg on the highway. The smaller 2010 Equninox does even better with a 26 mpg combined EPA estimate and 32 mpg on the highway.

Although the Toyota Prius does get a real world 50 mpg, many more affordable small cars do nearly as good as other hybrids - Kia Forte EX w/ fuel economy package 36 mpg highway, 2011 Ford Fiesta w/ automatic transmission 29 city / 40 highway, 2010 VW Jetta SportWagen TDI 30 city / 42 highway. Other cars like the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra Blue, VW Golf TDI and Honda Fit do well too but most are priced at or below $20,000 (the VWs are a little more)

So maybe skip the hybrid and save some money.

Red Light Cameras - You Can't Trust Journalists

2010-05-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here's one more reason you CANNOT trust journalists or news organizations. The Arizona Republic newspaper has hired a former Redflex spokesperson to cover the red light camera industry. Redflex is a company that makes and sells red light camera - Imagine having a Toyota spokesperson or former spokeperson in a decision making position regarding auto safety coverage at The New York Times or CNN. What a scam - it's clear the Arizona Republic isn't the least bit interested in what's best for readers. The Truth About Cars has the full article.

What to do if You get Stopped by the Police

2010-05-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

It seems obvious, pull over in a safe area, don't yell at the cop - this Tips from a Police Officer article includes the obvious and not so obvious.

2010 Jaguar XFR Review - 510 HP Sedan

2010-05-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Jaguar's XFR is a better luxury sport sedan than the BMW M5. Yes, it is. Plus, the Jag is a little less expensive - $80,000 for the Jag is nothing to sneeze at but the M5 is about $5,000 more. I suppose the BMW would be best for a racing series but the 2010 Jaguar XFR is better for everyday use. With a supercharged V8 cranking out 510 hp, the Jag has the performance side covered. But where the Jaguar really shines is in terms of balance and luxury.

The interior is high tech and high quality. Two tone seats, exposed stitching on the dash and door panels plus a Bowers and Wilkins stereo give the XFR a look and feel that's just as comfortable on the town as it is carving up a favorite back road. There's even a place for your iPod.

The shiftable six-speed automatic transmission seamlessly sends power to the rear wheels and that power comes on fast and strong. Launch the car from a stop and it jumps ahead with all the ferocity of a caged cat. The sound bellowing from the quad exhaust tips combined with the whine of a spooling up blower is the kind of thing that gets the attention of every man, woman and child within a three block radius. High performance R brakes and 20-inch wheels shod with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires mean braking and handling are equally impressive.

It's likely a car like the BMW M5 racks up quicker track times but in a luxury performance car, that's only a fraction of the story. The 2010 Jaguar XFR sure gets the performance part right but it also does luxury just right too. The XFR is all Jag, all luxury and all awesome.

2011 Ford Fiesta 40 MPG Fuel Economy - It's Official

2010-05-16T21:00:00.001-07:00

The 2011 Ford Fiesta has officially earned an EPA fuel economy estimate of 40 MPG highway making it the most fuel efficient car in it's class. Thanks in part to the PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission, the car will also earn a high city MPG estimate from the EPA - that's 29 mpg.

Ford's PowerShift transmission is a dual clutch setup that works like a real manual transmission without the clutch. Competitors like the Honda Fit get 35 MPG on the highway, the Kia Forte EX with a Fuel economy package earns an EPA estimate of 36 MPG.

In addition to the high fuel economy, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is also a blast to drive and has available high-tech features like Sync and AppLink that allows access to smartphone apps like Twitter and Pandora.

1992 Oldsmobile Trofeo - Now, I'm the Sucker

2010-05-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

I admit it - I like a lot of 80s and 90s GM cars. In my dream collection I will have a 1996 Buick Roadmaster wagon and a 2003 Buick Park Avenue. Plus, a Reatta, Allante and probably a 1992 Oldsmobile Trofeo. It looks awesome. Like the Regal Grand National, the Trofeo looks like your grandparents car with blacked out trim, fog lights and bigger wheels. Something about that formula is really cool. Mechanically identical to the doofier looking Toronado and Buick Riviera, the Trofeo is probably little more than an appearance package but it's one that works.

The Trofeo was powered by GM's prolific pushrod, 3.8 liter V6 and that was good for about 170 hp at the time. 1990 models have slightly less power. The '91 and '92 models had ABS standard and incorporated steering wheel audio and climate controls - pretty sweet for 1992. 0-60? Sure. Slalom? Maybe.

Consumer Guide says an Olds Trofeo is only worth about $1300 at most.

Five Reasons the Smart ForTwo is for Suckers

2010-05-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

1. The Smart ForTwo is ugly - no, that's not cute, that's hideous. The Miata, Beetle and Fiesta are cute. Even the long gone Dodge Neon could teach the Smart a thing or two about good looks.

2. The transmission is terrible - they call it an automatic but it feels like a 15 year old girl who just got her learner's permit is shifting it for you - jerky and unrefined.

3. The Smart Car is not inexpensive - about the same price as a nicely equipped Kia Forte or Honda Civic. Pssst, just get one of those instead and you'll get to forego the "why am I so stupid" speach you will no doubt give yourself every morning,

4. It's noisy, and hard to control at freeway speeds. Safety cage, shmaftey cage - it better have some protection because as jittery as the Smart is on the highway, you're bound to wreck eventually.

5. It is PAINFULLY slow - 0-60, no not really, highway merging? Do not attempt.

It's just a horrible little car - get a Ford Fiesta, Chevy Cruze, Kia Forte, Scion xD or even a pedal car instead - even Roddy the bouncing pony is more refined. Unless you're getting the Smart as a toy for your car loving kid, skip it.

2011 Ford Fiesta Begins Production

2010-05-11T17:55:00.001-07:00

Ford's stellar new subcompact for 2011 begins production this week. It's being built in Mexico at Ford's Cuautitlan plant recently converted from full size truck duty. Two Fiesta versions will be produced - a four door sedan and a five door hatchback.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta is an all new subcompact that offers high tech features like Sync and AppLink which allows voice control of some smartphone apps like Pandora. A turn by turn navigation system, leather and a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission are also available on the new Fiesta.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta goes on sale this summer and frankly, it looks like it will blow away every other subcompact sold in the US.

2010 Dodge Journey R/T Review

2010-05-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

With three rows of seating, a tall roof and hatch style rear door, the 2010 Dodge Journey sounds a lot like the Dodge Caravan. Well, it is and then it isn't. Let's say multi passenger vehicles are dorky, let's say no one really wants to drive one but let's say plenty of people need the function and features of a minivan. Sound like you? The you might be a cadidate for a Dodge Journey R/T.

In many ways the Journey has a split personality - it looks like an SUV but works like a minivan, it looks distinctly American outside but has an obvious European feel inside. Ride and handling are sporty enough to make the Journey R/T entertaining at times but the really interesting features are family items like Sirius Backseat TV that allows rear seat passengers to watch Disney Channel and Nickelodeon programs, that plus tons of underseat storage will make road trips much less of a hassle. There's also a built in child's booster seat in the second row - again, very European in terms of features and presentation.

The 3.5 liter V6 that's standard on the R/T moves the crossover Journey from 0-60 in 8 seconds - 23 miles per gallon is not stellar but certainly in line with other crossover SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse. Acceleration is more than adequate and the Journey R/T actually feels quick.

As an alternative to a minivan, the 2010 Dodge Journey is excellent. As a serious competitor to other crossover SUVs it's just middle of the road. Still, the Dodge Journey's aggressive good looks and interior flexibility are enough to earn it a test drive by anyone looking for a good, non-minivan family wagon.

Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition

2010-05-10T10:22:00.001-07:00

Here's a look at the upcoming Lexus super car the LFA - a Nissan GT-R fighter maybe? Well, like a GT-R but with at least SOME comfort hopefully. The car pictured has the Nurburgring package which adds 10 hp over the standard LFA. Total output from the 4.8 liter V-10 is up to 562. It also gets sport tuned suspension, grippier tires, larger front spoiler and fixed rear wing. The package adds $70,000 to the LFA's already lofty $375,000 base price. Only 50 will be sold.

25 Collectible Cars of the Past 25 Years

2010-05-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

Consumer Guide has a list of 25 recent cars that may be worth holding onto - don't get me wrong, I liked the Oldsmobile Aurora and Saturn Sky Red Line when they were new but collectible? Probably not.

There are a few cars on the list that will likely get some attention when they roll across the auction block in coming years - the 2002 Ford Thuderbird was underwhelming in a lot of ways but it has a V8 and just looks right. The 2003 Mercury Marauder is nothing more than a Crown Vic with blacked out trim but the old guys with money for old cars will like it no matter what I say. Buick Grand National is obvious, but the Buick Reatta and Cadillac Allante might be odd and nothing more. The Consumer Guide list is heavy with American cars - I'd add the second generation MR2 and 1999 Honda Civic Si to the list - good luck finding one that hasn't been ruined. Also, they have the last Mercury Cougar on the list - I say that car is one of the world's worst.

Ultra Rare Cadillac Jacqueline - only $285,000

2010-05-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks to prolific forum poster Waynep7122 - I ran across this super rare, super "I've never heard of it" Cadillac.

The for sale ad says it was built and designed by Pinin Farina for the 1961 Paris Auto Show. Asking price is a mere $285,000 for a slice of automotive history. The car is for sale at Heritage Classics in Beverly Hills, CA. You can see their other high end and rare classics here.

According to Concept Carz.com the Jacqueline was built without mechanical running gear since it was a concept/show car only. In the 1990s, someone outfitted the car so that it could be driven. It sure is a slick looking car but I can't help but think "stylish Checker Marthon" when I see the front end treatment - maybe I'm crazy.

Even Smaller Engine for Mini? 3 Cylinder Could be Coming

2010-05-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

According to AutoBlog, the next Mini Cooper might be good for 50 mpg - not because it's a hybrid but thanks to a smaller three cylinder turbocharged engine. The base 2010 Mini Cooper already gets 37 mpg on the highway which isn't bad. Direct Injection and a small turbo should keep performance at expected Mini levels too.

Aston Martin Lagonda - cool web article

2010-05-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

If you like old Astons, this short but informative article is worth reading. Retrospective: The 1976 - 1989 Aston Martin Lagonda Saloon. The fact that Aston slapped the name on a recent crossover-looking thingy is sad and will have even young guys asking "what are they thinking." And we thought the SS Malibu Maxx was an abomination.

This '76 model is so odd it's cool - sort of like a Citroen SM or modern Citroen C6. There seems to be a bit of late 80s Oldsmobile Trofeo in the styling along with a little 1985 Cadillac Seville. Of course the Aston predates those cars by at least a decade. By the way, there are tons of cool looking car pics over at NetCarShow.com - that's where I stole this picture. Then again, I like the Buick Reatta and just said two Citroens are cool so what do I know?

Volksfest in Pennsylvania - Clean, rare VWs

2010-05-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

If you like VWs, you've got to check out Volksfest in Central Pennsylvania. Every year some of the cleanest, quickest, rarest and sometimes pointless VWs gather in a small town near Hershey, PA. Is an 80s era VW Cabrio worth spending every spare monment on? Someone thinks so. There's a nice summary of the event over at VW Vortex.com including nice pics of some of the sharpest VWs in the US. Water cooled VeeDubs welcome too.

2011 Hyundai Sonata - Camry Owners will not likee

2010-05-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Do you have or want a Toyota Camry? If yes, then you should skip the new Hyundai Sonata for 2011. The swoopy styling alone will probably give Camry owners nighmares -the lack of cheap plastics on the dash will also have them scratching their heads. The Sonata's price is right too - about $19,000 to start and $25,000 for a top of the line Limited with sweet looking red leather seats, iPod connection and an Infinity sound system. Even The Truth About Cars says Hyundai is "on a roll" with the new Sonata.

The 2011 Sonata offers a remarkably roomy back seat, firm but comfortable front seats and fuel sipping four cylinder engine. The 2.4L engine delivers 35 mpg on the highway and an estimated 26 mpg combined average. If you like your midsize family sedans with an extra helping of V6 then you're out of luck - the Sonata no longer offers a V6. Buick is doing same thing with the new Regal.

On the road, the Sonata has a smooth ride a but a few passengers complained that it was too firm, handling is much sharper than both the Accord and Camry. Road trips are no sweat thanks to an iPod connection, XM radio and an Infinity sound system.

Based on style, price, fuel economy and interior room, I'm going to give the 2011 Hyundai Sonata a big Yes Please when it comes to midsize family sedans.

New Suzuki Kizashi Turbo

2010-04-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

So the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is a hit - that much is obvious. Even the somwhat picky Inside Line seems to like the car. You can read the full review here.

The Kizashi Sport the made it's debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Now, there's a Kizashi Turbo Concept. You can see it on the Speed TV show/commercial cleverly named Test Drive. We're not certain but after just one viewing of Test Drive, the show seems like nothing more than pay for play dressed up with... well, no it's just pay for play - sort of like autmotive QVC without the call-in number.

Still, the Road Race tweaked Kizashi could be quick. Power is up to 290 and it eventually shreds the pavement thanks to 19-inch Dunlops. Suspension tricks include Road Race springs and four wheel independent suspension.

We weren't looking for more reasons to like Suzuki but we found one anyway.

Who's buying the Toyota Yaris?

2010-04-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Toyota Yaris is a terrible car. Who's buying this thing, really? It offers none of the expected Toyota qualities - at a minimun Toyotas generally have a smooth, quiet ride. Turns out, a LOT of people really like that in a car. But the Yaris is noisy and harsh. The ride is stiff yet it doesn't deliver especially sporty handling. It wouldn't be so bad if there weren't several other better choices for just a little more money. The Honda Fit is much better and starts at about $15,000. The 2011 Ford Fiesta is better than both the Fit and the Yaris and its base price is $14,000. Even the Hyundai Accent is better. There is some good news however, if you walk, ride the bus or drive a Smart ForTwo, the Yaris will seem like a big step up.

2010 Toyota Yaris - skip it.

Mercury Messenger - Ford, Please Build This Car

2010-04-28T23:27:00.000-07:00

Here's the last Mercury that was really worth getting excited about - sure the Milan is OK but imagine a Mercury that people under 70 would buy. Sort of like a modern Cougar (let's just pretend the late 90s Cougar never happened).

Since this was a concept, details are scant. The idea was to build a sort of Mustang but with the luxury of a Mercury. Under the hood is a 4.6 liter V8 - 300 hp isn't out of the question. As Mercury continues to languish I can't help but think fondly of Mercurys of the recent and distant past. If you like the Messenger, here's a bunch of cool pics.

Alternative Power = Clean Nuclear Power

2010-04-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

Forget hybrids, here's the kind of thing US automakers ought to be building. This is the long gone Ford Nucleon concept - yep, a nuclear powered car. The small reactor is right there in the back. Well, diesels are good too but just imagine how cool this thing would look cruising the local strip mall. So long as you don't get into an accident, the Nucleon would be a zero emissions vehicle.

Even though the Nucleon is atomic powered, the reactor would really just heat water turning it into steam - so it's more of a steam powered car than anything. A modern version of this car might be the fuel cell Chevrolet Equinox. I wonder what happens if you get it up to 88 miles per hour and Michael J Fox is driving...?

Costco Gas Along Interstate 5 - LA to SF

2010-04-27T19:04:00.001-07:00

Did you know Costco gas is sometimes .15 cents cheaper than regular name brand gas? That's kind of a lot - shop on a major interstate like I-5 and the price difference can be even more dramatic. The problem is, most Costcos are near city centers or shopping area - not really ideal for the highway traveler. So here's a few you can easily find on the road from LA to SF.

There's a new Costco in Lakewood, CA right behind the Lakewood Center Mall. It's not really freeway close but about 2 miles East off the 605 Fwy or 2 miles South of the 91 Fwy. The address is 340 Lakewood Center Mall.

Just North of Los Angeles the Pacoima Costco is very near the 118 Fwy. If you use the 210 to get to I-5, this one is perfect. It's located at 13550 W Paxton in Pacoima.

Travel North out of LA on I-5 and the Costco's get pretty slim. If you need gas just outside the Grapvine, take 99 instead of I-5 for a few miles. The speed limit is still 70 here so you won't lose much time. The Southwest Bakersfield Costco is located a 4900 Panama Lane. Don't go back to CA 99, instead keep driving West on Panama Lane for several miles and you catch I-5 again. The road is rual and there's little traffic once you pass a few traffic lighs.

Into the Bay Area, ther's a freeway close Costco gas in Livermore at 2800 Independance Drive and one in Farifield at 5101 Business Center Drive.

Or, if you're heading to Sacramento look for a Costco gas station in Tracy at 3250 W Grant Line Road.

On the way to Roseville or Tahoe via I-80 there's a Costco Gas station in Citrus Heights at 7000 Auburn Blvd.

Up Highway 50 on the way to South Lake Tahoe there's two places just outside Sacramento to get cheap gas. One is off Iron Point Road near El Dorado Hills but that one can get really crowded. Instead, get off at Sunrise Blvd - there's an older Costco at Sunrise and White Rock Road.

Unless you're driving a supercharged F-150, you should be able to hit a Costco and pay less for gas the entire trip.

2011 Ford Fiesta Review - Better than the Honda Fit?

2010-04-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

After driving the 2011 Ford Fiesta for about two days in San Francisco, CA I can honestly say this small car is better than any other subcompact - better than the Fit Sport, Yaris, Smart, Aveo and probably even better than the current Focus (although Ford is quick to point out the current Focus won't be with us much longer).

The Fiesta's 1.6 liter inline four isn't dripping with power but it is more than adequate. The 120 hp engine also gets decent fuel economy - in mixed city and highway driving from Half Moon Bay back to the city I averaged 38.9 mpg. This is thanks, in part, to the new PowerShift six-speed dual clutch transmission. Sadly, there's no shift it yourself feature.

Handling is excellent for such an inexpensive car - Scion's xD feels sloppy by comparison and even the Fit Sport doesn't quite deliver the Fiesta's crisp, sure feel.

Amazingly, the interior remains quiet even on the highway, the seats are comfortable and the interior materials are well above anything you'd expect from a $14,000 - 19,000 car. A texturized rubber material covers the dash and the optional leather is soft and cool looking thanks to a white border.

There is a upgraded stereo - the Sync and Sound package means an 80 watt stereo with six speakers. 911 assist in case you're in an accident, turn by turn navigation, vehicle health report and traffic info. Ford's new AppLink means you can access certain smartphone apps through the car by just pressing a button and saying what you want - Pandora is the first smartphone app. You can listen to your Pandora channels, assign each a hard button on the radio head unit and even thumbs up or down a song while you're in the car. This one feature moves Ford so far ahead of the competition it'll take years to catch up - the Pandora feature alone is just plain awesome! An excellent car overall - this is exactly the kind of small car we always hoped Ford would sell here in the US.

2010 Chevrolet Traverse AWD 2LT Review

2010-04-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

I took a quick road trip from Los Angeles up to Northern Calif in the 2010 Chevy Traverse. It's basically the same car under the skin as the Buick Enclave and other large GM crossovers so I expected to like it and I did. This version is a mid trim LT and has the 2LT package - that means a nicely equipped SUV including such features as leather seats, Bose stereo and OnStar - no nav screen in the dash, no sunroof and no rear seat video system.

Like the Enclave, the Chevy Traverse has an excellent highway ride, plenty of power and comfortable seats. The main difference between the Buick and the Chevrolet is interior appointments - the Buick is clearly nicer with more chrome trim, faux wood and more interesting textures. The Traverse looks a few cuts above basic with a nice two tone dash, leather steering wheel and shift knob and black rubber and plastic for the center console. Although the front seats are comfortable -after three hours in the driver's seat with no break, the seat bottom started to feel a little hard.

Since there's no nav screen, Chevy moved the rear parking monitor to the rear view mirror and that takes some getting used to. Still, a cost effective solution for those that don't want or need a nav system. Besides, OnStar can give you turn by turn instructions and the radio display shows arrows and street names when navigation is active.

Because this is an all-wheel drive version, fuel economy isn't great. On the highway I was getting better than 22 mpg but around town I could almost see the gas gauge move as the 3.6 liter V6 had to move the big SUV from a dead stop through left turn arrow heavy El Dorado Hills, Calif. In LS and LT models, the V6 makes 281 hp, in LTZ trim it's good for 288. Still, the engine is fine even at the lower hp rating and provides more than enough power for everyday use.

Here's the bottom line, if you really want a Chevy Tahoe, drive the Traverse first. They feel similar in size but the Traverse has more useable interior room and feels less like a truck than the body on frame Tahoe. In the end, anyone who doesn't need to tow or go off-road may be wasting money on the V8 powered Tahoe.

For more info listen to Car Concerns Radio weekday mornings 9-11am on these AM radio stations: WBXR, Boston - WJOB, Chicago - KNUU, Las Vegas - WLFP, Pittsburgh - KGUM, Guam

2011 Ford Fiesta - New Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Car

2010-04-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen Ken Block's jaw dropping Gymkhana 2 video by now you've probably been doing a 20 year stint at Folsom Prison or you're a parent with a toddler - different choices, same result, you don't get out much. Just in case - you can see it here.

Now we know there will be another super stellar stunt video and this time around Block trades the modified Subaru in for a tweaked Ford Fiesta - no, not the yellow hatchback from the 80s, the new 2011 Fiesta that's set to go on sale here in the US this Summer.

The Ford press release reads, in part - "For Monster World Rally Team driver Block, the opportunity to push the limits of his car control while maneuvering around a series of cones, slaloms, 180-degree and 360-degree and figure-eight turns and other obstacles all while utilizing extreme acceleration, braking and drifting is pretty much the definition of fun. For that reason, Block chose the Ford Fiesta as the car that will be purpose-built for his highly anticipated Gymkhana THREE."

What more can you say.

Five Earth Day Tips for the Average Motorist

2010-04-20T16:09:00.001-07:00

1) If you really want to save the planet but insist on driving a car, get a diesel powered VW like this Jetta Wagon - 42 mpg on the highway comes pretty close to matching the overall fuel economy of a hybrid like the Honda Insight. Besides, are you 100 percent convinced that all those extra electric motors, switches, circuit boards and batteries are REALLY better for the environment than a typical gas or diesel powered car? I'm not.
2) Walk more. Granted this won't work for everyone but if you live within two miles of a shopping area, consider walking once in awhile.
3) Keep your current car or buy a used one - building new cars generates heat, waste and pollution. Even a normal car that gets so-so fuel economy has a less harmful impact on the environment the longer it stays in service. Scrapping so many cars and then getting new ones is clearly not a green solution.
4) Keep you current car running properly. Make sure the air filter is replaced regularly, replace spark plugs and oil at regular intervals too - and the easiest thing to do is check tire pressure.
5) Stop speeding - by driving at more moderate speeds you can use up to 30 percent less fuel. Slow starts and avoiding abrupt stops will help too.

2011 Ford Fiesta Pandora and Twitter Tech

2010-04-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that Ford has been planning an upgrade to its stellar Sync info-tainment system but now we know that the first car to get the expanded Sync services is the 2011 Ford Fiesta. This week in San Francisco, Ford is showing off the new Fiesta to a select group of people - sorry no driving impressions until Monday. The new Sync features include a Pandora and Stitcher interface - you can even "thumbs up" a song. The new system is called Sync AppLink which allows a driver or passenger to access smartphone apps via voice control.

The truly amazing thing about Ford's Sync system isn't so much what it does - and it does a lot. No, the really great thing here is that Ford clearly gets that most people who get all geeked out by Sync like technology probably aren't in the market for a $30-40,000 car. Putting AppLink on affordable cars like the 2011 Ford Fiesta is almost as brilliant as the software itself.

Here's a video on the Twitter/OpenBeak feature.

2010 VW Golf TDI Review - Road Test

2010-04-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

Somehow, small diesel powered cars are still looked upon as odd by many new car shoppers - how the Prius has earned mainstream acceptance while diesel powered VWs and Benzes have not is beyond me. The 2010 VW Golf TDI is essentially state of the art when it comes to afforable diesels. There's plenty of power, the engine is not annoyingly loud and the car's overall look and feel seems more like a $35,000 sports car rather than a $22,000 commuter car. The Toyota Prius does offer an impressive 50 mpg in all around driving but it's not really a fun car and is best suited for those who simply drive to and from work in a straight line, never thinking or even wishing for more.

The Golf TDI's 42 mpg highway estimate is close enough to most hybrids and better than many smaller cars. Cars like the Kia Forte, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris can do about 36 mpg highway but the Golf TDI tops those cars and is MUCH more rewarding to drive. The turbo diesel provides plenty of power and the car actually looks pretty sharp too - just don't expect the space age wheels like in the pic above.

Rear seats fold down easily and the cargo bay is big enough for any daily task. The seats are comfortable even on long trips and the Dynaudio sound system sounds very good - say a 7 out of 10 for clarity and distortion.

Opt for the Golf TDI with a Direct Shift Gearbox and shift paddles then add a few options like a sunroof, Dynaudio sound system and the Xenon adaptive front lighting system and the affordable diesel Golf becomes a $27,000 car. TrueCar.com says most people are paying about $26,400 for that car. Skip the fancy transmission and get a six-speed manual instead and you're looking at about a $25,000 car.

Yes, you can get a small commuter car for less but less is less in this case. Add VW's free oil change and vehicle service for three years and the car gets pretty compelling in a hurry.

It's Official - Drifting is now this Generation's Roller Disco

2010-04-15T14:58:00.001-07:00

Remember when drifting was edgy and cool? Not anymore, it is now officially the Roller Boogie pastime and spectator sport of the 2010 era. This childs toy, sold by Razor - yes, the scooter company - attempts to mimic a real drift car but add the ability to do "awesome" stunts and "far out" tricks.

The next step is for Formula Drift attendees to wear crazy costumes or exceptionally revealling.. uh oh, STEP ONE IS COMPLETE!! The next step is someone will suggest drifting be in the Olympics and then a network TV special hosted by Mario Lopez or Ryan Seacrest. My gut says it will be ABC b/c they want to prove they're not just for old people - cuz that's whack...., yo!

Don't get me wrong, the Razor Ground Force Drifter is cool and all - it has an electric motor and slick tires in the rear plus a hand brake. Sure, it's cool but so was Roller Boogie. At least that's what Pam Dawber told me while wearing a satin jacket, satin shorts and knee high tube socks.

Tell Your Grandparents to Cancel Consumer Reports Subscription

2010-04-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hey, Consumer Reports - that Toyota bashing bandwagon is leaving, better catch..., Oh good, you caught it.

Consumer Reports magazine recently gave the Lexus GX460 (a Lexus version of the Toyota 4 Runner) a "Don't Buy" rating because of (supposed) roll over risk. But before anyone gives this too much credit let's recap Consumer Reports' legal troubles over the past few decades. This Wikipedia page sums it up nicely. Also, check out the web site Consumer Distorts for a little background on the magazine's problems in the late 1990s and what, at the time, seemed like an anti-SUV bias.

The bottom line is that Consumer Reports magazine has been sued several times by automakers for making false claims. The most notable was related to testing of the Suzuki Samurai in the late 1980s. Later, a court found that Consumer Reports had a "reckless disregard for the truth" with regard to Isuzu Trooper tests in the mid 1990s. More recently, the magazine said many child seats they tested were unsafe, later we learned the testing was done incorrectly. They also had to change their tune when stating that several hybrids wouldn't save buyers money over time - wrong again. Also, if you listen to the conclusions CR has come to concerning the Lexus GX, there are a lot of words like "may," "could," and "might." Maybe they should be sure when advising the over 60 set about what cars to buy or avoid.

My grandmother swears by Consumer Reports. I'm a bit more skeptical.

Five New Cars You Should Skip

2010-04-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

Most new cars are pretty good - even a JD Power and Associates rep recently told me that the lowest ranked cars today are better than average cars of 10 years ago. With the playing field pretty much level, are there any bad cars left? Yes, and here's five of them:

1. 2010 Smart ForTwo - calling it terrible is too kind. It's loud, underpowered, ugly, jumpy and jerkier than the super sales-y guy an ex-girlfriend left me for.

2. 2010 Toyota Yaris - Don't all small cars suck? No, just the Yaris. The Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Ford Fiesta aren't half bad - what happened Toyota?

3. All Chrysler Sebrings - pick a year, any year and the Sebring will still stink. Shoddy build quality is highlighted by a rather high price.

4. 2010 Jeep Compass - It's nothing like a real Jeep. Cheap plastics and lots of road noise make it almost unbearable to drive.

5. 2009 Suzuki XL7 - Roomy? Sure but after that there's little to love, engine and road noise rule the day in this big Zuki.

Honorable mention would go to the Hummer H3 and Pontiac G6 but GM was smart enough to cancel them - let's just call it a mercy killing.

New SMART car coming?

2010-04-08T23:19:00.001-07:00

Now that a Daimler/Renault relationship is essentially certain, Smart may be able to build a four door version of the ForTwo. Maybe it'll be called the ForFour? The Daimler/Renault relationship means Nissan is in the mix too and that access to small car platforms and manufacturing could mean more Smart cars.

Whatever, Smart car suck. They're noisy, unrefined, jerky and frankly just terrible cars. The ForTwo is the only car I've ever driven that made me angry b/c it's so awful. Please, put this them out of our misery. Autoblog says the next series of Smart cars will be developed and built alongside the next generation Renault Twingo. The Twingo is not a terrible sub-compact so maybe the Smart will stop sucking so bad. If you need a struggling French automaker to save you, maybe you're beyond help.

2010 Mazda5 Grand Touring Review

2010-04-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

Minivans aren't so mini anymore. Both the 2010 Honda Odyssey and 2011 Toyota Sienna are great family cars - I'll even throw the Kia Sedona in there too. But one thing those family vans are not is mini. The first minivan, the Dodge Caravan was based on a stretched K car platform and subsequent Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi vans (or whatever they were) actually did ride on compact car underpinnings. Today, a Honda Odyssey is more SUV sized than compact. A 2010 Honda Odyssey is about the same size as a Chevy Tahoe in terms of lenght and distance between the wheels.

Enter the Mazda5. It has seating for six, side doors that slide open like a typical van plus power comes from a fuel sipping 4-cyl engine (28 mpg highway). It clearly feels small from behind the wheel but the Mazda5 does a lot with its small size. There are three rows of seats - second row seats slide foward and back and third row seats easily flip up or down.

The Mazda5 is probably the perfect family vehicle for anyone who lives in or has commute into a large urban area. If you call Montana home, get an SUV or a traditional (not so)minvan but for families in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York the 2010 Mazda5's combination of a small footprint but roomy cabin will work best. Also, the Mazda5 is remarkably affordable - it's about $21,000. Top of the line Grand Touring models sell for about $23,000.

BTW - after driving the Mazda5 Grand Touring for about a week I keep finding things to like. The manual sliding side doors are probably better than power because the effort to open and close is very low. Also, this Mazda5 has automatic HID headlights and they have a height adjustable feature. Also heated front seats and rain sensing wipers.

New VW Beetle at 2010 LA Auto Show

2010-04-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

The VW Beetle as we know it is on its way out. This will be the last year for the cute little car that makes its female owners that much hotter and the guys that dare step inside about 100 times less straight. College girls, former hippies and metros need not be alarmed however, a new version is due by 2012 - rumor has it the new version may look a lot like the VW Ragster Concept show car (shown above). We'll know for sure come November as a concept shown at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show will strongly hint at the next gen Beetle.

Suddenly all Toyotas Go Crazy?

2010-04-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a few fun facts to consider with regard to the Toyota acceleration "problem." I don't know, maybe they all started going crazy, like in the movie Killdozer..., or maybe it's something else.

1) There have always been reports of unintended acceleration - all models, all years for about the past 100 years. 2) The problem almost never happens with cars that have a manual transmission. 3) When most automakers began installing a shift lock feature that won't allow you to shift out of park until the brake pedal is pushed, the reported number of runaway cars dropped significantly. 4) The Audi story of the 80s and supposed problems occured before most cars used electronic or "Drive by Wire" components.

Also, here's a little excerpt from Car and Driver, Feb 2010:

"We're no Toyota apologists, but if you look past the media circus, the numbers don't reveal a meaningful problem. Every man, woman, and child in the U.S. has approximately a one-in-8000 chance of perishing in a car accident every year. Over a decade, that's about one in 800. Given the millions of cars included in the Toyota recalls and the fewer than 20 alleged deaths over the past decade, the alleged fatality rate is about one death per 200,000 recalled Toyotas. Even if all the alleged deaths really are resultant from vehicle defects—highly unlikely—and even if all the worst things people are speculating about Toyotas are true, and you're driving one, and you aren't smart or calm enough to shift to neutral if the thing surges, you're still approximately 250 times likelier to die in one of these cars for reasons having nothing to do with unintended acceleration. So if you can muster the courage to get into a car and drive, the additional alleged risk of driving a Toyota is virtually negligible."

Also remember - NBC News rigged Chevy trucks to explode for Dateline, CBS News left out known facts in a 60 Minutes report about Audi vehicles to make the story more dramatic or scary or whatever. Who would you believe, money starved, taking obvious sides, zero objectivity network news or an automaker that makes most of it's money selling reliable, safe cars to Americans? Toyota is a for profit company - so is ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox News. The trouble is, most Americans don't know that news programs are just another TV show designed to make money, everyone knows Toyota's goal is to make money, they're not trying to fool anyone into believing they're watchdogs for the public good.

New Acura TSX Wagon - Daddy Likes

2010-03-31T22:19:00.001-07:00

How awesome is this - at the New York Auto Show, Acura showed off the new TSX wagon. In Europe it's the Accord Touring. 200 hp, 2.4 liter inline four or a 280 hp, 3.5 liter V6 are the engine choices - same as the TSX sedan. LOVE IT!

Nine teens charged in school bullying suicide of Phoebe Prince | Irish News | IrishCentral

2010-03-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

Nine teens charged in school bullying suicide of Phoebe Prince Irish News IrishCentral

ABC News blows chunks - again

2010-03-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

Toyota is asking ABC News for a retraction of its story titled "Electronic Design Flaw Linked to Runaway Toyotas." That's the LEAST they owe Toyota. Here's the full story on Autoblog. Toyota says the circumstances that were electronically created by an expert for the ABC show are "virtually impossible to occur in real-world conditions."

Stupid suits ought to be ashamed. They're not of course, news programs are simply entertainment designed to sell advertising and that's it. News isn't a public service remeber that when you watch.

Cool Citroen TV ad from UK

2010-03-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

Citroen C3 Commercial Video

Wish I could drive a C3 or C6 here in the US

Scammer Alert - SIKEd you out!

2010-03-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Automotive web site Jalopnik ran this story that may not bode well for the James Sikes. Shock, horror, a former business partner says the guy is a "scammer." His next gig, automotive writer.

Here's whole story: http://jalopnik.com/5492199/exclusive-ex+business-partner-claims-runaway-prius-driver-a-scammer

The Rules

2010-03-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here are the new automotive rules for 2010:

Frequent garage sale shoppers must drive a Ford Aerostar or Chevy Astro van. Acceptable substitues include the Chevy Lumina APV, 90s Honda Accord with mismatched wheels and any Toyota Pickup sold before 1988.

Attractive college girls will drive a Jetta, formerly attractive college girls trying to prove youthful sassiness and continued attractiveness will drive a VW Beetle.

Girls who are average looking but believe they're super hot will continue to drive BMW 3-series coupes. Weasely guys who just want to drive a 3-series will continue to ask them out.

Creepers who hang out at 7-11 still have to drive full size vans including old, clapped out van conversions, former ambulances purchased at auction or and van with curtains in the back window and a Bud Man bumper sticker. This year, the Chevy HHR is added to the list.

Short guys must still drive lifted Silverados although an F-150 will work too. Bonus knob points for custom mud flaps, super spooky skull grill ornament and flames of any kind. Anyone driver under 5' 6" must have rubber nuts hanging from the tow hitch. Don't have a tow hitch? Then you're probably taller than 5' 6"

West Hollywood queens are still stuck with the Lexus SC430 but a Chrylser Sebring will work if you can't afford the Lexus. The BMW 1-series convertible and Mitsubishi Eclipse are now available in this category too.

"Big girls" wishing to appear more dainty and petite will drive a PT Cruiser - decorating it with cute little stuffed animals and "I'm a Princess" license plate frame is a plus. As a side note, wearing Mickey Mouse PJs and Bart Simpson slippers in public really tricks the eye and brain into thinking you're much thinner, please keep doing this. (Bugs Bunny and Marvin the Martian work too).

Hollywood, Burbank and Studio City production assistants must keep driving the Toyota Yaris or an old Geo Metro. Sorry, those are your only choices. And I said F&^%$$ VANILLA LATTE with a SPRITZ of ORANGE!!!

And finally, there's no change for the 'Hood Rat category. You will continue to drive the Dodge Intrepid or Chevy Caprice. 'Hood rats that have acheived some success with drive Monte Carlos with two tone paint - preferably silver and orange or green and black.

Don't Believe the TV!

2010-03-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

There's something fishy going on - the San Diego dude who says his Prius had a stuck accelerator must not have realized that his 2008 Prius has only a VOLUNTARY recall by Toyota (November 2009) for a floor mat problem that MAY trap the gas pedal. The Prius braking issue was only a software fix that caused a slightly odd FEEL in the brakes (not failure) and that was for Prius models NEWER than James Sikes' 2008 Toyota Prius.

Bad News
Also, at least one local news station reported that Sikes' Prius had to be stopped by a CHP officer using his patrol car "as a brake" in front of the Toyota. That is not true, the CHP officer told the Prius driver what to do over his patrol car's loudspeaker system. When Sikes applied the parking brake and the regular brakes the Prius stopped. Despite this, many So Cal TV news outlets worded their stories in such a way that it IMPLIED the Prius had to be stopped with the cop car and they showed video of the patrol stopped IN FRONT of the Prius furthering the mis-information. So the dude could spend 23 min on a 911 call but couldn't figure out to shift the car into neutral or apply the parking brake? C'mon.

And another thing - why haven't we heard about any Corollas or RAV4s or Highlanders taking off by themselves? Those cars ARE included in the unintended accleration recall. So far over 37 Million Corollas have been sold worldwide so where are all the news stories about those cars taking off by themselves. Matrix, Avalon and Sequoia are under a recall too. Hear that? It's crickets.

You Too WSJ?
The Wall Street Journal mistakenly claimed that a new Toyota recall had bee issued and every other lazy news organization with $9 an hour producers/interns ran with it prompting Toyota to issue this: "Media reports, citing a Wall Street Journal article, have incorrectly reported that Toyota plans to announce a new recall for the 2004-2009 Prius to address the potential risk for floor mat entrapment of accelerator pedals." You can see the whole thing on Toyota's Media Site
Oh, and ABC News most likely "Manipulated faults" in an unrealistic manner just to get a specific result during a televised "Unintended Acceleration" segment with Brian Ross on Feb 22. Check out this page for the whole science-y breakdown according to Toyota engineers.

This isn't really new though - In 1992, NBC's Dateline rigged GM trucks to explode on impact in the segment titled "Waiting to Explode" Wow! Good one NBC news dudes, great title. Sadly, they did not tell viewers about the little 'splodin devices they installed. And in the late 80, CBS New program 60 Minutes had someone rig an Audi 5000 to move on its own and distorted interview responses from customers making it seem like the cars just took off by themseleves. Automobile.com has the whole run down. News programs are designed to get ratings and sell advertising just like Survivor and Big Brother. It's just a TV show, don't believe what you see.

10 Best Modern Rock Songs

2010-03-12T14:03:00.001-08:00

Sister Havana - Urge Overkill

There is a Light that Never Goes Out - The Smiths

Would? - Alice in Chains

My Name is Jonas - Weezer

Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz

Panic Switch - Silversun Pickups

Kids - MGMT

Snow (hey oh) - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Unbreakable - Fireflight

No Cars Go - Arcade Fire

Double Check that Mirror

2010-03-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

It seems unfair to change the type of car the police use. I mean, I'm already used to checking my mirrors for the familar boxy shape and wrap around lights of a Ford Crown Victoria. I'm still not used to Dodge Charger cop cars and now this? Ford says the Police interceptor will be a purpose built cop car available just before the current fleet Crown Vic goes out of production late next year. Me + Interstate 5 + unfamiliar new cop car + borrowed press car then subtract kids = more traffic school. It just doesn't seem fair.

2010-03-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

Jalopnick.com reports: James Sikes, the San Diego runaway Toyota Prius driver, filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and now has over $700,000 in debt. According to one anonymous tipster, they're also told he hasn't been making payments on his Prius.

Hmmm.... Even I'm not this cynical. Stranger things have happened I guess.

Rock n Roll is not for Children

2010-03-11T11:06:00.001-08:00

As I watched Michael Lynche belt out the song This Woman's Work on American Idol, it occured to me that the true meaning of the song would be lost on about 60% of the home audience and the entire tweeny-bop front row at the live show. When I say Rock n Roll is not for Children, I don't mean b/c of the content. You could make a strong case against the morality of many rock songs but even a casual listener knows that for every song that's overly sexual or violent, there are at least 5 more that offer well thought out questions and sometimes answers for life's many complexities - Is It Any Wonder by Keane and I'd Love to Change the World by Ten Years After are just two examples.

In many respects pop/rock and rap music lyrics are essentially modern poetry. The National's Mistaken for Strangers and Brainy are great examples. And it's at this point that it seems clear to me that the depths at which most artists are writing is well above the heads of most kids. OK, it's not too hard to figure out lyrics like "run this town tonight" or "I'm hot for teacher" but for every simplistic, meaningless rhyme I say there are 100 or more songs that no kid can truly understand.

Even the ostensibly low brow metal genre isn't immune - painting every metal band with a broad brush would miss real thinkers like System of a Down, OTEP, Fireflight and Look What I Did . Even Some Metallica lyrics are thoughtful. Or take a sort of forgotten band like Y&T - a big deal in the 80s. The song Mean Streak on the surface is about nothing more than a bitchy woman. However, lines like "big better best tell me where does it end, keeping up with the Joneses is tough" the song is obviously getting at the problems money brings to a marriage or (adult) relationship - even when you have it.

The popular British band The Beautiful South's song Big Coin is about the worries of taking on the Euro, a monetary system that seems as if it's been invented out of thin air - "it ain't gold, it ain't silver" and "the coin has no North or no South." Here are others pop/rock songs no high school kid could REALLY get: Easier than love by Switchfoot, Rubber Ring by The Smiths, Fame by Bowie, The Stroke by Billy Squier, Alive by Pearl Jam, Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac, Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin, London Calling by The Clash and Born to Run by Springsteen.

There are many others - what do you think, did I miss some or am I just wrong wrong wrong?

Prius Suddenly Accelerates?

2010-03-10T11:45:00.001-08:00

Suddenly Prius' have started accelerating on their own? There have been two or three recent news stories about this problem but how did this start happening to everyone at the same time? Maybe Toyota has a timer, after a certain number of miles, the cars just start failing - the same people who conspired to kill General Motors' EV-1 are likely behind it.

A stealth group of industrial/eco-terrorists has been plotting to keep us free from cancer causing electromagnetic fields and polluted water from improperly dumped lead acide batteries. And now they've turned their ire toward the popular Prius. What else could it be? A little driver error combined with extra scrutiny from ratings hungry local news stations - no, that's too easy. It's clearly a stealth group of industrial/eco-terrorists.

Not so Smart

2010-03-10T11:24:00.001-08:00

I'd rather ride this kids toy (called the Plasma Car) than drive a Smart Car. The Smart is too jerky, slow and the ride is terrible. Why not just get a Kia Forte or Honda Fit - it's about the same price. Who's buying these horrible cars?

How Much??

2010-03-10T09:55:00.001-08:00

Wait a second! I just spent the past week driving a $70,000 Mercedes Benz GL350 diesel. Nice? Sure, what else would you expect for 70k? But then I check into the Toyota Land Cruiser. Base price $65,000. With similar options and features to the Benz, the Toyota is $74,000 and a some change. Why would I want to pay MORE for a Toyota, and the Toyota didn't even have real wood inside. Benz is the bargain? What's this world coming to?

Hybrids are Pointless

2010-03-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

Here's the 2010 Mercedes Benz GL350 BlueTEC. BlueTEC means it's a diesel. It gets roughly the same fuel economy as a Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. The complexity of a hybrid isn't needed. The VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI is another great example - 42 mpg highway, again nearly as good as a hybrid like the Honda Insight. Why get a hybrid, diesel is better.

Diesels make sense in fire engines and Ford F-450s but a luxury SUV? Yep, 400 lb-ft of torque means the GL350 BlueTEC is not slow and at the same time the V6 is smooth and only a little noisy. Benz's gas engines are quieter but with 23 mpg on the highway you'll hardly have room for complaint. The interior is exactly what you'd expect from a Benz - lots of leather and plenty of gadgets. Too expensive, right? Maybe but the base price of a diesel powered GL350 is about $59,900 - add some features and the price can hit $70,000 or roughly $5k cheaper than a Toyota Land Cruiser. I'll take the diesel Benz.

-Brian Moody