Archive for February, 2014
Test Drive: 2014 Lexus LS 460
Our test Lexus LS 460 AWD came to $90,675 on the sticker, including a $910 delivery charge.
2014 Lexus LS 460 AWD
Miles driven: 585
Fuel used: 37.1
This pinto-meets-Pinto pic was featured in a 1971 ad for Ford’s still-new compact.
Not too long ago editor John Biel put together a collection of classic car ads that included swimming pool, airport, and golf-course imagery. Turns out a lot of carmakers saw value in the positive associations potential buyers made with said images.
Killing a Deer, and a Mazda
Tom Appel recounts hitting a deer, and the sad demise of one of our favorite long-term cars.
With spring upon us, we’re reposting Tom’s cathartic recollection of his encounter with a bobtailed Michigan resident. The original story appeared in September of 2010.
The formula is pretty simple: Stationary deer corpse + Mazda 3 doing 70 mph = totaled Mazda 3. That’s the formula. Similar equations are tested and retested by thousands of drivers each year. The crazy part here is that the deer was already dead. I didn’t even get to kill it; only spread it, like Jif, over about 1000 feet of Michigan State Route 14.
Our test 2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring came to $40,005 with AWD and a $795 destination fee.
2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD
Miles driven: 724
Fuel used: 41.2
Real-world fuel economy: 17.6 mpg
Review Flashback! 1982 Honda Accord
Accord prices started at $8,245 for the base sedan with manual transmission. A 2-door hatchback was also offered.
I would argue that it was the ’82 Accord that changed the way Americans thought about Japanese cars. By this time many car shoppers had heard good things about Honda, but the cars were still a little too small, a little too modestly powered, and a little too, well, Japanese-looking. That all changed for 1982. All new that year, Accord grew up before shoppers’ eyes. The car now stood taller, boasted substantial-looking creased lines, and offered a decent increase in horsepower and torque. Also worth noting, 1982 was the first year for U.S. Accord production.
Attempting to quell torque steer, Pontiac shod the 2006-2008 Grand Prix GXP with larger tires up front (255/45R18) than out back (225/50R18).
While drive reports typically deride it, the truth is that torque steer can be fun. And nothing in recent memory could saw the wheel like the midsize, V8-powered, front-drive sedans offered in the “original” GM’s final days.
Our test Tundra arrived in top-line 1794 Edition trim. With options our test truck came to $49,715.
2014 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition 4WD Crew Cab
Dates tested: 1/27/2014-2/10/2014
Miles driven: 484
Fuel used: 39.8
Real-world fuel economy: 12.2 mpg
Tom lists the three most egregious traffic blunders he’s witnessed while commuting to and from work.
Hitting the road is more than just the opening salvo of your daily commute.
Most of us understand that when you take the wheel, you enter into a social contract obliging you to make driving as easy and uncomplicated as you can for every other driver on the road.
Lindsey Wolko’s career as a pet safety advocate began when her dog Maggie was injured by a vehicle safety harness.
Having learned of her concerns regarding a recent CG Daily Drive post regarding dog safety in cars, publisher Tom Appel reached out to Center for Pet Safety founder Lindsey Wolko. Presented here is the interview that resulted from that conversation.
“MAMA” approves of the Chevrolet Impala, at least for family duty.
The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) recently announced the recipient of its 2014 Family Vehicle of the Year award. The staff of Consumer Guide Automotive is proud to be part of that organization, and to have taken part in the voting for this year’s award. Presented here is the unedited press release that accompanied this year’s award announcement.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Midwest Automotive Media Association Names Chevrolet Impala the 2014 Family Vehicle of the Year
