By Chris Chase Welcome to the latest in our series of “old versus new” used vehicle reviews, in which we compare the reliability of older and newer versions of popular vehicles. This time around, we’re looking at a trio of German models: BMW’s X1 subcompact luxury SUV, the Volkswagen Jetta economy car, and the Audi
... Read More.Category: Mid-size
2020 Models Least Likely to Cause Buyers Remorse
By Chris Chase J.D. Power has named Porsche and Dodge the industry’s top brands in the 2020 version of its annual Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study. The APEAL survey measures which vehicles are most likely to make their owners feel good about their purchase. It’s a less tangible thing than the organization’s initial
... Read More.
The Safest Cars for New Drivers
by Lori Straus Although car safety has increased dramatically over the years, safety ratings still show some cars are overall safer to drive than others. In this blog post, we’ll share with you tips for evaluating a vehicle’s safety as well as a few recent listings of the safest cars on the market. What to
... Read More.
2020 Toyota Tacoma Review
by Chris Chase In the last two years, the mid-size pickup segment has expanded to include the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator, the latter’s bold styling providing a dose of attitude in a segment geared toward mainstream truck buyers. This fast-growing class also encompasses the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Honda Ridgeline, and will soon
... Read More.
ALG 2020 Canadian Residual Value Awards
By Chris Chase Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) published its 2020 Canadian vehicle residual value awards in January, naming Toyota and Porsche its top brands for this model year. These annual awards recognize the vehicles that ALG’s industry watchers predict will hold their value best as they age; the company calculates residual value (also known as
... Read More.
Same Car Different Name
by Chris Chase Using one vehicle platform to underpin different models is not a new practice in the auto industry. It gives a car maker a common starting point for a variety of vehicles and reduces R&D costs. A single platform might be used by different brands owned by the same parent company. Sometimes, companies
... Read More.
Good to Drive… Not the most Stylish
The last 20 years have seen a number of car companies’ design departments get adventurous with more affordable models. Sometimes, taking a chance with a car’s appearance works. When it doesn’t work, however, it can kill the public’s interest in a vehicle.
... Read More.
2019 Honda Passport Review
Honda’s latest new model is the Passport: A mid-size, five-seat utility that fits between the compact CR-V and three-row Pilot. Overall rating 4.1/5
... Read More.
Mid-Sized Luxury Diesel SUVs
We realize that much of what you’re about to read may scare you away from a diesel-powered SUV. However, like any reliability issue, many of these problems are closely linked to how the vehicle is used and maintained.
... Read More.
2019 Ford Ranger Review
Now it’s Ford’s turn, with a reborn Ranger, a name that disappeared from the pickup segment in 2012. What was last sold as a basic compact is back as a mid-size promising more refinement, performance, and capability.
... Read More.