Archive for January, 2017
2017 Alfa Romeo Giula Quadrifoglio in Vesuvio Gray
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 
Class: Premium Compact Car
Miles Driven: 148
Fuel Used: 10.7 gallons
1978 Dodge Magnum XE
One thing Dodge lacks that Chevrolet and Ford have always enjoyed is a memorable—and arguably beloved—brand logo. The Chevy “bowtie” is genuinely iconic, while Ford’s script-in-blue-oval marker as much a symbol of American freedom as it is a trademark.
Remembering “Cash for Clunkers”
Many dealers used condemned “clunkers” as rolling billboards for the program.
With the benefit of a few years’ time, I can now look back and safely say that the “Cash for Clunkers” (CFC) program was one of the strangest auto-industry events of the past 50 years.
Jim Mateja (lower left), seen here with Tom Appel (upper right) and other past presidents of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. Jim helped found the MAMA organization, and remained an active member throughout his career.
Long-time Chicago Tribune Auto Editor Jim Mateja died today after a battle with cancer. Thanks to widespread syndication of his column, Jim spent several decades as one of the automotive media’s most influential voices. Here, Consumer Guide Publisher Tom Appel remembers Jim.
2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD in TorRed
While it’s certainly not the first all-wheel-drive coupe on the market, the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT is putting a new spin on an old formula.
2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack in Reflex Silver Metallic
2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack TSI SE
Class: Compact Car
Miles Driven: 323
Fuel Used: 13.5 gallons
1963 Mercedes-Benz Ad
Mercedes-Benz can lay claim to a history that goes all the way back to 1886. That was the year the first Benz Patent- Motorwagen was introduced. The German company has been building cars and trucks ever since then.
Quick Spin: 2017 Toyota 86
2017 Toyota 86 in “Hot Lava” paint
2017 Toyota 86 
Class: Sporty/Performance Car
Miles Driven: 407
Fuel Used: 16.9 gallons
1960 Chevrolet Ad
There’s no way to accurately paint a picture of a brand as popular and long-lived as Chevrolet in just a dozen ads, so we didn’t even try. Instead, we’ve gathered twelve of our favorite print advertisements, and didn’t worry too much about amassing a representative sample.
Test Drive: 2017 Ford Fusion Sport
2017 Ford Fusion Sport in Burgundy Velvet (a $395 option)
2017 Ford Fusion Sport 
Class: Midsize Car
Miles Driven: 204
Fuel Used: 11.5 gallons
