Automotive Trends

     Whilst out and about in southeast Michigan, on Ford road no less, I caught this guy hanging out in a Home Depot parking lot. It was a test mule for sure for the soon to be released 2005 Ford Super Duty. We saw earlier what Ford could do with their bread and butter F-150, and we are looking forward to some great things from the harder working  Super Duty’s. Judging by the wear and tear this test mule has seen most if not all of Michigan’s fine roads already. From what we can tell the new truck is sporting some frame enhancements; evidenced by the coil sprung front suspension, and their appears to be a reworked facsia and new clear headlights. The rest of the body work looks to be carryover. Unfortunately, through the windows we aren’t seeing much influence from the F-150’s stunning interior. Based on the badging the V10 lives on in some form. Likely to feature the 3-valve per cylinder configuration of the smaller 5.4L V8 that debuted in the F-150. Click into the post for a gallery of our shots. 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.
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     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.
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     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.
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     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.
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     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.
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The Best Car Under $20,000?

     It’s not hard to find a publication that will rave about the latest supersedan from Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Lexus. After all, those cars cost $60,000, $80,000, even $100,000. For that many greenbacks the car had better give us something to be excited about. That kind of money buys you a high-quality interior, a delightful driving experience and styling that is clean and upscale. Imagine our surprise, then, when we found all of these things and more in a sub-$20,000 compact from Mazda. We’ll warn you, this review contains ego-enhancing praise galore. Mazda, don’t let this go to your head. 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…