Aside from being the most capable off-road vehicle in this segment, Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque offers luxury in a very stylish, compact package. The Evoque is a subcompact SUV competing against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. Although it’s smaller than compact SUVs such as the Acura RDX, […]
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
Fun Goes Electric
By now, just about every mainstream auto manufacturer has introduced an electric vehicle (EV). The latest in this parade is Korean automaker Kia, which recently debuted an EV version of its charmingly hip, offbeat Soul crossover. Although totally electric cars make up a minuscule percentage of U.S. auto sales, increasingly tough EPA fuel economy standards […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Unparalleled Luxury in a Tough Truck
The full-size 2014 Toyota Tundra pickup features evolutionary styling, with most of its body panels sporting a new look, while offering realistic work capability and legendary Toyota reliability and durability. There are three engine choices, three cabs, three bed sizes and five trim levels — including the top-of-the-line 1794, which was my test vehicle. Towing […]
Posted inAuto Talk, Blog
All-New 2015 Lexus NX Compact Luxury-Utility Offers Choice of Turbo or Hybrid Power
In 1998, Lexus created the luxury-utility crossover segment with the debut of the original midsized RX, and is looking to take the lead again the growing compact segment with the all-new 2015 NX. Following the route of the Lexus GS and IS sedans, the 2015 NX introduces enticing design to a segment known for its […]
Posted inAuto Talk, Blog
Ford Claims Bigger Share of Police Vehicle Market
In just two years, Ford has revolutionized the police-vehicle market by equipping much of its Police Interceptor lineup with standard all-wheel drive, which works full-time for greater mobility and security; adding more fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines; and introducing two new body styles — including a popular utility vehicle. Ford police vehicle sales grew 48 percent in […]
Posted inAuto Talk, Blog
Things to Know Before Buying a Hybrid
Gas/electric hybrid cars have come a long way from the geeky-looking Honda Insight and the original Toyota Prius. Today, there are hybrid choices by almost every manufacturer in almost every market segment, from compact two-seaters to full-size, nine-passenger SUVs. The greatest number of choices are in the compact or midsize sedan segment, and include hybrid […]
Posted inAuto Talk, Blog
New 2015 Volvo XC90 Launch now Underway
One of Volvo’s’ most anticipated car launches of recent years — the all-new XC90 – has officially begun. Consumer insights have led to the development of many of the interior features of this all-new SUV — including style details first previewed in three award-winning concept cars. These features highlight Volvo’s new design language, which is […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
The Original Hybrid Still Tops the Charts
After 12 years and more than 3 million vehicles sold worldwide — half of them in the United States — the venerable Toyota Prius remains the most popular hybrid vehicle on the planet. Now in its third generation, the Prius first debuted in 2000 as a 2001 model. It was redesigned for 2010, and the […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Jeep Cherokee All-New for 2014
This year marks the return of the classic Jeep Cherokee nameplate. Retired in 2001, the Cherokee was the dominant yuppie-soccer moms’ SUV of choice in the late 1980s and early ’90s. The all-new Cherokee is totally different. It boasts a pretty fair amount of all-terrain capability for a small crossover SUV, and since it shares […]