Archive for March, 2017

2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country
Despite their current popularity, it has come to my attention that some people just don’t like SUVs. Even when branded with the cuter “crossover” tag, they strike some as too boxy, too tall … and too common.

Our long-term Kia Soul EV on the charger. Can you tell it’s cold outside but warm inside? Probably not.
One of the downsides of electric cars — as noted in our previous Kia Soul EV long-term update — is that cold weather really cuts into the driving range. That’s likely due in part to the battery being less efficient in cold temperatures, and certainly to the fact that creating heat from electricity is an extremely inefficient endeavor.
The 5 Best-Looking Cars of 1970

1970 Oldsmobile Toronado
Having been born in 1965, I can’t claim to have been very aware of the vehicles of 1970 when they were new, nor can I claim to have experienced them from behind the wheel.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
By Don Sikora II
Note: The following story was excerpted from the October 2016 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine.
Jeep introduced its original go-fast Grand Cherokee SRT8 for the 2006 model year. Powered by a 420-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V-8, it was available through 2010.
First Spin: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox

2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet has no fewer than five SUVs in its corporate lineup, yet none fit neatly into the “compact crossover” segment, currently the most popular in all of autodom. None, that is, until now.
Cheap Wheels: 1995-99 BMW 318ti

1997 BMW 318ti
by Don Sikora II
Note: The following story was excerpted from the October 2016 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine.
BMW’s 3-Series has been around long enough that its basic premise is well defined. Think sporty, rear-drive, premium-priced sedans, coupes, and convertibles. Handsome, if maybe a bit conservative, styling is part of the mix, as is a highly desirable overall package.
Quick Spin: 2017 Toyota Corolla iM

2017 Toyota Corolla iM in Barcelona Red Metallic
2017 Toyota Corolla iM
Class: Compact Car
Miles Driven: 234
Fuel Used: 8.6 gallons