2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid – A Silky Smooth Fuel Sipper

January 29, 2019.Reading time 8 minutes.

For 2019, Toyota unveiled the latest generation of their largest sedan. Now in its fifth iteration, the Avalon has grown both in proportion and in refinement. This is the second ’19 Avalon I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. I was smitten with previous car’s excellent 301 horsepower V6. But how does the hybrid version measure up?

1949 Ford Gets New Rear Springs

January 15, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

The rear springs on the project 1949 Ford were shot. They were soft and the ends had rusted to razor thin. The packs were coming apart too. A previous owner dropped the back end with some 4″ blocks. This combined with the sorry old springs lead to a lot of bottoming out, axle wrap, and […]

2018 Lexus RX 350L AWD – Bigger Isn’t Always Better

December 13, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

The Lexus RX series is built using a recipe that’s been refined for two decades, and has set the bar for what a mid-sized SUV should be. For 2018 Lexus sought to punch it up a little with the Lexus RX350L. But is more always better?

2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Ultimate – Hyundai Heats Up Their Hatch

December 5, 2018.Reading time 7 minutes.

For 2019 Hyundai has redesigned their sporty Veloster with more horsepower for all trim levels and a turbo option. The Turbo Ultimate offers a bevy of driver aids, conveniences, two-tone paint and a tasteful interior. But is it better than the previous generation Veloster?

2019 Kia Sorento SXL V6 AWD – Could This Kia SUV Be Too Nice?

November 28, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

It’s no secret that Kia has stepped up their game where quality and comfort are concerned. And with six trim levels to choose from, it’s likely there’s a version of this midsized, three-row, seven seater for nearly any budget. So, how does this top of the heap Sorento SXL measure up in such a competitive segment?

2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD – This Family Hauler Has It All

November 21, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

In the crowded seven-passenger SUV segment, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a standout for comfort, quality and value. With seating for nine people, amenities for days and the ability to tow, this SUV might have found a sweet spot in the market. Read on to find out why.

2019 Toyota 86 GT – A Bite-Sized Bruiser That’s Rough Around The Edges

November 5, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

In 2017, after the demise of Scion, Toyota began marketing the FR-S under the 86 moniker in America. Toyota initially sweetened Scion’s recipe a bit. The Dirt on Cars reviewed that early effort but very little has changed since then. So how does the Toyota 86 feel today?

2019 Toyota Avalon Touring – A Comfortable, Capable Cruiser

October 1, 2018.Reading time 9 minutes.

For 2019, Toyota unveiled the latest generation of their largest sedan. Now in its fifth iteration, the Avalon has grown both in proportion and refinement. The comfortable cruiser came with a touring badge on the back. I knew the only way to cover this car righteously was to tour it. The decision was made, we would have to cruise it to the coast.

2018 Lexus LS 500 – The Most Luxurious Lexus Ever?

September 18, 2018.Reading time 9 minutes.

Lexus didn’t pull any punches with the all-new 2018 LS 500. It feels more like a world-class luxury car than any other Lexus I’ve tested and seems to be aimed squarely at its Bavarian rivals. Its exterior is gorgeous, its interior is sumptuous, its twin turbo heart beats out 416 horsepower and it has an extravagant price tag. Does all this add up to the best Lexus yet?

2018 Mazda3 Grand Touring – Good Looks, Good to Drive, Good Value

August 22, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

When I got word that I’d be driving a Mazda 3 for a week, I didn’t really know enough to form an opinion. However, once the car arrived and I spent some time getting to know it, its subtle personality and amenities charmed me right away.