Consumer Reports: Best New Cars of 2017 by Weekly Driver News Service Consumer Reports picks lots of best lists. Arguably the most popular list is the publication’s annual best car list. For 2017, like in previous years, the Consumer Reports’ list of best new cars, was selected because the vehicles are outstanding all-around performers — … Read more
2017 Chrysler Pacifica: New strong rival in minivan niche by James Raia Pacifica isn’t a new automotive nameplate. Chrysler first used it on a concept vehicle 1999. The Chrysler SUV/wagon discontinued in 2008 after four years of production was also called the Pacifica. But the name has returned again with the debut of the 2017 … Read more
The worst car ever? Auto-Kabine, a VW Bug on steroids by James Raia The ugliest car ever made is an ideal topic over a great burger and couple of beers. There’s plenty of room for discussion. But the worst car ever? There seems to be a consensus: The Hoffmann Auto-Kabine. M. Hoffmann, a post-WWII engineer … Read more
Consumer groups to President Trump: keep passed gas deal by James Raia About 4 1/2 years ago, the Obama administration announced new strict gas mileage standards effective 2025. The rule mandates the U.S. auto fleet averages 54.5 miles per gallon. Industry leaders and environmentalist endorse the pending standard. Announced by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and … Read more
Lexus, Porsche top J.D. Power reliability survey by Weekly Driver News Service Lexus and Porsche are the most dependable car brands after three years of ownership, according to the 28th annual survey conducted J.D. Power, the global marketing research company. It is the sixth consecutive year that Lexus topped J.D. Power’s annual U.S. Vehicle Dependability … Read more
2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: Efficient, luxurious, priced right by James Raia One major consideration for car buyers considering a hybrid is the cost increase from the gas-only equivalent. Lincoln avoids the potential consternation. The 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is priced the same as its gas-only sibling. Lincoln for several years has been trying to regain … Read more
Mercedes-Benz gets dubious meanest ‘honors’ by Weekly Driver News Service The Mercedes-Benz AMG G65 has received plenty of praise, but it now also has a dubious honor — for the second straight year. A performance-oriented luxury SUV, the Mercedes-AMG G65 is the “meanest” car, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. It’s the … Read more
Watch Car of the Year pick live from Geneva Motor Show by Weekly Driver News Service The Geneva International Motor Show is arguably the most important car event of the year. In addition to new model debuts, the Car of the Year is selected. This year marks the 54th year of the honor. The announcement … Read more
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric greenest of green cars by Weekly Driver News Service The unheralded Hyundai Ioniq, the new midsize sedan with the unusual name, has the smallest environmental footprint among 2017 vehicles, according to American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The 20th annual environmental ratings, available on greenercars.org, is a comprehensive list of … Read more
2017 Volkswagen Jetta: enduring sedan holds its own by James Raia Now in the seventh year of its sixth generation, the Volkswagen Jetta is approaching its 30th birthday as a little sedan that can. The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta continues the enduring sedan’s legacy. All images © James Raia/2017. For 2017, the Jetta receives a few … Read more