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.

2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD – A Cut Above

August 10, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

The Toyota Highlander represents an SUV for those of us who don’t necessarily want to drive a serious off-roader everyday. Normal folks who don’t need 4×4 capability for the commute to their nine-to-five, and don’t have to drive down fire roads out of the hills to fetch groceries from town.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC – How Does it Stack Up?

July 13, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

Previous experience with Mitsubishi products may have tainted my perception of the brand for the worse. Has Mitsubishi changed their tune for 2018?

What if Science and Reason Dictated Automotive Design?

May 11, 2018.Reading time 2 minutes.

Ever notice how hybrid and electric cars, share a similar shape no matter what brand they are? Of course there are exceptions like the Tesla Model S that make efficiency look sexy, but on the whole these cars look like an egg cut longways and dropped onto skinny tires.

2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium – Big Name, Small Car

April 27, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

The Toyota CH-R didn’t begin life as a Toyota at all. It started as a design project by Scion way back in 2014. Since then Scion has died, but the little C-HR lives on under the Toyota marque.

2018 Honda Civic Type R – The R is for RIOT!

April 23, 2018.Reading time 7 minutes.

In a previous article, I said the 2017 Civic Si could be the best Civic yet. That was before I drove the 2018 Type R. This car is hysterically fun to drive without sacrificing practicality.