Model Tested: Range Rover HSE Td6 Engine: 3-liter turbocharged V6 diesel Horsepower: 254 Torque: 443 pound-feet Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 22/city, 29/highway, 25/combined Base Price: $93,950 As Tested: $107,311 Overview: Everyone knows there’s arguably no more capable off-road vehicle on the planet than the classically styled, opulently appointed Range Rover. I once attended the […]
Lary Coppola, (in memoriam)
Having been a gearhead since he was a pre-teen, Lary's been a hot rodder, drag racer, customizer, restorer, and mechanic — as well as a nationally published automotive writer for over 25 years. In addition to appearing here, his automotive reviews are accessible at WestSound Magazine Magazine and appear in 14 city/lifestyle magazines around the country, and are accessible through the Auto Reviewers Facebook page. He is a member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association and served two terms as its President and two as its Treasurer. He is also a member of the Motor Press Guild. Follow him on Twitter at @LaryCoppola. #Larythecarguy
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Chevy Silverado — Improved, Smooth, Comfortable and Quiet
Model Tested: 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 AWD LTZ Crew Cab Engine: 6.2-liter V-8 Ecotec3 Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 15/city, 20/highway, 17/combined Base Price: $47,175 As Tested: $60,020 Overview: The full-size 2017 Chevy Silverado holds its own in a power and styling battle not only with traditional rivals — Ford’s venerable F-150 and Ram 1500 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Lexus NX — Unconventional Luxury Small Crossover SUV
Model Tested: 2017 Lexus NX 200t F-Sport Engine: 2-liter turbo, 16-valve, DOHC, dual VVT-IW — 235 HP; 258 lb.-ft. of torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, w/dynamic torque control AWD EPA Ratings: 22/city, 27/highway, 24/combined Base Price: $38,585 As Tested: $46,439 Overview: The 2017 Lexus NX is an unconventional small-luxury-crossover SUV — the first for Lexus — […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata — A Personal Favorite Gets Better
Model Tested: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF Engine: Skyactiv-G 2-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder — 155 HP; 148 lb.-ft. of torque Transmission: Skyactiv 6-speed manual EPA Ratings: 26/city, 33/highway, 29/combined Base Price: $32,620 As Tested: $33,885 Overview: The Mazda MX-5 Miata was completely redesigned and reengineered for the 2016 model year. This fourth-generation Miata honors […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Chevy Malibu — Among the Best Midsized Sedans
Model Tested: 2016 Chevy Malibu 2LZ Engine: 2-liter, turbocharged, DOHC 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 22/city, 33/highway, 26/combined Base Price: $30,920 As Tested: $34,285 Overview: The 2016 Chevy Malibu, with its attractive new design and entirely new body structure, was a finalist for the North American Car of the Year award and ranks among […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Honda Civic — The All-New Game Changer
Model Tested: 2016 Honda Civic 1.5T 4D Touring Engine: 1.5-liter, DOHC 16-valve direct injection, turbocharged 4-cylinder Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) EPA Ratings: 31/city, 42/highway, 35/combined Base Price: $26,500 As Tested: $27,335 Overview: The all-new, 10th generation 2016 Honda Civic is the comeback player of the year after years of careening deep into the abyss […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Volvo XC90 — Volvo’s Second-Generation AWD Luxury SUV
Model Tested: 2016 Volvo XC90 AWD R-Design Engine: 2-liter, supercharged, turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed Geartronic automatic EPA Ratings: 20/city, 28/highway, 23/combined Base Price: $49,800 As Tested: $67,155 Overview: The 2016 Volvo XC90 is the first redesign of the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker’s flagship SUV since it debuted to numerous accolades in 2003. Having owned a […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Nissan Titan XD — The Latest Neighborhood Bully
Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Titan XD Pro-4X 4WD Engine: 5-liter V-8 Cummins turbo diesel Transmission: Aisin six-speed automatic EPA Ratings: Not required for this vehicle Base Price: $50,970 As Tested: $58,165 Overview: There’s been a lot of buzz about the all-new 2016 Nissan Titan XD — and since I own a 2007 Titan 4-by-4 Crew […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Honda Accord — Value-Priced Sportiness
Model Tested: 2016 Honda Accord EX-L, two-door Engine: 3.5-liter SOHC, 24-valve iTech V-6 Transmission: Six-speed manual EPA Ratings: 18/city, 28/highway, 22/combined Base Price: $30,925 As Tested: $31,745 Overview: For 2016, the Accord gets minor styling revisions and additional safety features. The EX-L two-door is the sporty version of the venerable Accord sedan, which offers surprising […]