For any readers who might have fallen behind on their Land Rover models since the brand’s departure from Ford into the capable hands of Tata Motors of India, the compact class Evoque is the fabled British carmaker’s smallest SUV. While small physically, it surely packs a big visual punch as the evocative shape is like …
Decades ago, before airbags were liberally sprinkled around your car’s cabin, regulators were trying to force consumers to use their seat belts, as crash data indicated too many drivers neglected this valuable safety tool. Death rates were rising in America, as more and more cars and commercial trucks, and many more drivers, filled our byways. …
For Ford’s domestic rivals, the Raptor version of the top-selling F-series pickup line has presented huge marketing issues to overcome. With outsized pricing — as well as matching profits — the Raptor has a distinct dynamic, an extroverted character that overshadows any potential competitor. Indeed, over six years in, no other automaker has yet to …
For buyers of a certain age, let’s call them empty-nesters, midsize SUVs are attractive alternatives to staid sedans. Featuring roomy cabins, composed road manners and (usually) the inherent advantages of all-wheel drive, these two-row, five-passenger wagons seem mature, responsible vehicles that meet modern living. Head south to visit the grandkids; load up the SUV. Schedule …
What is a UX250h? It is the smallest Lexus model available in two models: UX200 with 2.0-liter four-cylinder power and UX250h with hybrid power added. F-sport trim is also available. How big (small) is it? Based on the front drive Toyota C-HR compact five-door, the UX has a higher hip point than most cars, yet …
Since 1984, many American families have utilized the virtues of minivans as a primary mode of transportation. An efficient one-box design that was more about function than style, the venerable minivan is clinging to the last vestiges of marketshare as the crossover onslaught has reduced consumer appeal and, ultimately, minivan sales. Last year, the five …
While once only a small segment of the driving fleet, today’s compact and subcompact crossovers are now the leading automotive segment in America, displacing compact and midsize sedans like yesterday’s trash. Five-door crossovers are everywhere. Think of them while you drive — what are you meeting for traffic? Toyota RAV4s, Honda CRVs, Chevy Equinoxes and …
CUMBERLAND — Maserati claims that its new Levante SUV is “snarling responsiveness to long-distance refinement.” Built in Maranello, Italy, with a throbbing engine built by Ferrari, there is no arguing with the brand’s distinguished pedigree — even as you survey the interior and find hints of the FCA hardware used for various controls. These controls …
CUMBERLAND — In 1914, two very disparate events occurred that would make large impacts on society in American as well as automobile styles, performance and general attitudes about luxury motoring. Event one was Henry Ford gathering several friends, including at the time Thomas Edison, Firestone tire magnate Harvey Firestone, naturalist John Burroughs, plus Presidents Warren …
At the halfway pole in this year’s car sales race, it remains clear that buyers are still choosing crossovers, small wagon-ish cars and pickup trucks over conventional sedans. The American new-car market is witnessing a small downtick in annual sales this year, despite heady new products, as pundits believe that overheated borrowing, higher transaction prices, …
Sixty-one summers ago, a compact car called the Toyopet Crown went on sale in California. The four-cylinder engine provided a top speed of 78 mph for negotiating LA’s notoriously busy freeways. This $2,200 car was Toyota’s first offering in America. Last year, Toyota sold over 2.4 million new vehicles in America, making it the second …
Volvo, once a part of Ford Motor Co.’s Premier Portfolio with Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin, has aggressively moved beyond this ill-conceived marriage with the significant aid of new owner Gheely Holding’s financial resources. Selling well in China (home of Gheely) and doing better in Europe, its home turf, Volvo is doing better in …
