Archive for August, 2014
Full-Size 4WD: The Big Rigs of 1989
1989 Chevrolet Blazer
Fact: Nowhere in the 1989 edition of Consumer Guide: 4X4s, Pickups & Vans is the term “sport-utility vehicle” used. Let’s call this period in time the calm before the storm.
The 10 Cheapest Wagons of 1973
At $2399, the Plymouth Cricket was the 4th least-expensive wagon of 1973.
Even at the low end of the market, station wagons were treated by makers as premium models in most model lineups. The Plymouth Cricket above, for example, listed for a cool $404 more than the sedan on which it was based. That’s a substantial 20-percent bump.
Acura replaces its compact TSX and midsize TL with a single sedan for 2015. Meet the new TLX, which slots between its two predecessors in size.
Although Acura has been quite successful with its recent SUVs (the midsize MDX and compact RDX), it hasn’t been as lucky with its cars. One problem in some eyes is that Acura has been slicing the automotive pie a little thin.
3 Good Cars for Really Big Guys
Feeling pinched by your current car? You’re not alone. For some excellent new-car options, read on. (Image of enhanced-cabin Saturn Ion courtesy Consumer Guide Big & Tall)
The diet is going well, thanks for asking. But even when I hit my goal (weighing what I did when I got married), I still won’t be a slender man.
I am 6’ 1”, and at the moment weigh more than 350 pounds. The plan is for there to be at least 100 pounds less of me by this time next year. Wish me luck. Still, even at my target mass, I will be a big guy, which, I believe, qualifies me to speak on behalf of big guys everywhere.
Per Dodge, this car is the “quickest, fastest, and most powerful sedan ever.”
Presented here is an unedited press release issued by Dodge today. Images and captions were added by the CG Daily Drive team.
With 707 horsepower, an NHRA-certified quarter mile elapsed time of 11.0 seconds on street tires and a top speed of 204 miles per hour, the world’s only four-door muscle car is the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan ever
The hybrid 2014 Lexus ES 300h is EPA rated at 40 mpg in the city, and 39 on the highway. How did we do? Read on.
2014 Lexus ES 300h
Dates Tested: 4/28/2014-5/12/14
Miles Driven: 160
Fuel Used: 4.0 gallons
Driving Mix: 55% city, 45% highway
More vehicles than ever are E85 compatible, but fewer drivers than ever are seeking out the ethanol-based fuel.
General Motors has grown quiet on the topic, but just a few years ago the automaker was making considerable noise in support of E85. A mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, E85 was seen—and still is seen by many—as a means of reducing America’s dependence on petroleum, especially imported petroleum.
While the buzz surrounding E85 has died down, there remain a number of vehicles on the market designed to run on the blended fuel. The big question is, why would you consider using E85? A few thoughts on the topic:
At $4678, the Buick Estate is only the 3rd-most-expensive wagon available in 1972.
We recently shared a blog post honoring the five most expensive cars of 1972. For folks with the budget, all five would have made fine rides back in the day. But, what if you couldn’t get by with a sedan, much less a huge coupe? What if your familial commitments meant committing to a vehicle with some extra space aft of the rear seats, or even another row or seats?
The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is EPA rated at 27 mpg city, and 28 mpg highway. How did we do? Read on.
2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited AWD
Miles Driven: 514
Fuel Used: 17.0 gallons
Driving Mix: 40% city, 60% highway
Office Faux Pas: Pinstriping an Audi
Tom learned the hard way that nice cars and good taste do not necessarily go hand in hand.
Alex was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, the latter under some sort of orange cashmere sweater-vest. I mention this because I was wearing a double-breasted navy-blue suit, which proved unnecessary, even though this was a job interview.
