Posted in Uncategorized on Apr 15th, 2010
Toyota has taken another turn for the worse as today’s headlines detail. Front page news details Consumer Reports magazine’s recommendation that consumers not purchase the Lexus GX 460 SUV citing safety hazards. Toyota has halted sales of this model pending its own safety tests. Consumer Reports said its engineers experienced problems in emergency-handling tests that […]
Posted in Uncategorized on Apr 21st, 2009
I think I got talked out of it. I read Lawrence Ulrich’s review of the soon to be released Chevy Camaro in the New York Times today. I’ve been following this car’s design evolution for some time. The memories of my royal blue 1969 Camaro are still vivid – I wish I still had it […]
Posted in Uncategorized on Feb 25th, 2009
Another season of American Idol begins with the usual array of Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken wannabes and a return to the Ford showcase. Idol is really a great way of showing off the new models. No one disputes Idol’s ratings and the indirect marketing messages are almost subliminal. Last night, the Ford Flex was […]
Posted in Fuel Savings, Honda, Toyota, Uncategorized, hybrids on Oct 16th, 2008
Yesterday I was lamenting the less than thrilling body styling of the Toyota Prius, at least that’s the way I reacted to it. Now, the Honda Civic Hybrid is a bit of a different story. It’s a little longer and sleeker than the Prius but you won’t confuse it with a Lexus. You will likely […]
Posted in Uncategorized on Oct 10th, 2008
We featured the Jeep Patriot 4×4 as a possibility of a more fuel efficient off-road vehicle without the increased costs of a hybrid. What about the Toyota FJ Cruiser 4WD? This thing will make you think you are on an expedition on the African veldts or the Australian Outback! It is retro-styled after one of […]
Posted in Uncategorized on Sep 9th, 2008
Function and fashion have been the buying forces behind the movement away from the sedan but can it be done with economy? The Volkswagon Passat Wagon is just that, a station wagon type that beats the minivans we have been used to with 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the road and […]
Posted in Fuel Savings, Toyota, Uncategorized on Aug 28th, 2008
Evan Griffy of MSN Autos presented a great feature recently on gas savers and their lifestyle implications. First up is the Toyota Yaris which is rated at 29 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway. It’s taken the lower slot that Corolla occupied when it was bumped a little upstairs. A great student […]
Posted in Uncategorized on Aug 15th, 2008
Are you a freeway commuter? Is it time to think about a diesel engine? They go about 30% farther on a gallon of fuel but they also cost more and so does diesel fuel. If you’re driving “trucker” miles, then diesel is something to consider especially since there are more models available with diesel engines. […]
Posted in Family Cars, Ford, Mini, Scion, Uncategorized on Jul 21st, 2008
Doug Newcomb’s article on MSN Autos about the new 2009 Ford Flex was the first I’ve read that seemed to find its way to the subject of fuel economy ala June 2008’s new consumer attitudes toward cars and gas. Before $140 a barrel, we leaned toward fuel efficiency. Since then, we demand it. Mr. Newcomb […]
Posted in Uncategorized on Jul 10th, 2008
Well, California once again will lead the nation in reducing harm to the environment. As reported in several news sources, California is requiring all new vehicles sold as of January 1, 2009 to display a sticker with information regarding the environmental performance of the vehicle. The lead agency in charge is the California Air Resources […]