After dominating the North American market for family sedans only to see Japan steal it like a masked bandit, General Motors is trying to recover from lackluster sales in America thanks to a string of bland products.
I know, I know. You’ve heard it before — probably more times than you care to count — but it looks like an American company finally found the right formula for beating the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It’s just the new Chevrolet Malibu, but listen up. This could be a sign of big things to come. Read more…
If this were 1994, the Saturn Ion would be praised as a fabulous new car with an advanced suspension, innovative styling, and refined interior. Too bad it’s 2004.
While it’s far from awful, the latest Ion seems to lack the quality, refinement, and precision found in its Japanese rivals — and even a few Korean ones. Sure, it has some one-of-a-kind features and a dent-resistant plastic body, but it still feels like a cheap rental car. Read more…
If Cadillac’s mammoth Escalade isn’t big enough for you, take a look at this brute.
It’s the giant Escalade ESV, one of the most overindulgent vehicles available today in terms of size, power, and electronic gadgets. It has the same fabulous engine and luxurious amenities as the regular Escalade, but those three magic letters — ESV — make a world of difference in roominess.
Read more…
At a time when SUVs are becoming more like cars with each passing year, it’s refreshing to drive one that hasn’t lost touch with its off-road roots.
Driving the 2004 Jeep Wrangler feels like piloting a mountain goat — a capable, noisy, bumpy, unrefined beast that’s more at home in the wilderness than in the city. It stands in stark contrast to the cushy, modern SUVs that seem like sissies with their quiet cabins and spongy rides.
Read more…
Let’s face it. Minivans have gotten a bad rap.
Despite their undeniable practicality and family-friendly features, it’s just not chic to drive one because they’re seen as mind numbingly boring. And ugly. And slow. And soccer-momish.
Read more…
When you think of a luxury car, what comes to mind?
Most people would envision a huge Cadillac, Lincoln, or Mercedes-Benz that floats down the road like an ocean liner, its geriatric driver pointing his nose at the sky. This stereotypical luxury car is probably something quiet and smooth with snooty styling and a mushy suspension that makes the road feel like polished glass.
Read more…
Well, the folks at Volkswagen have finally gone off the deep end.
Or maybe they’re just marketing geniuses, because the new Touareg — the largest, most expensive vehicle ever to wear the VW badge — represents one of the biggest strategy shifts in automotive history. It’s quite a gamble for this German company, which for decades made nothing but low-priced economy cars and faces an uphill battle to change its public image.
Read more…
When the Dodge Durango was introduced in 1998, it was perfect for Goldilocks – not too big, not too small.
With a spacious cabin, rugged performance and valuable third-row seat, the Durango quickly gained a following for its just-right proportions that neatly filled the void between midsize and full-size SUVs. It was a perfect fit – for a while. Read more…
Holy crap!
German engineering, 340 horsepower, a lowered suspension, six-speed manual transmission, gorgeous body, and a convertible top that lowers with the push of a button — it’s got everything, plus a relatively comfortable back seat. What else can you say about a car like this? Read more…
