Kia has never had much of a presence in the pickup segment, at least in the US. But when it comes to the South Korean brand’s home soil, it’s a whole different story. From an early T-600 “sambari” or “ three-footed vehicle” to the K-Series trucks that are a part of everyday life in Southeast […]
Author: Matt Dodge
Between spending Father's Day at the local race track and watching NASCAR in his grandparent's living room, Matt Dodge has long been fascinated with all things automotive. Matt has worked at a variety of business magazines, daily newspapers, and trade publications while making time for some unique side hustles, including stints as a tour guide and pedicab operator. Quirky tales from automotive history and helpful how-to guides are some of Matt's favorite topics, though his own D.I.Y. efforts have largely been limited to keeping his 1999 GMC Savana from imploding and removing the backseat of his Honda Accord to make more room for surfboards.
Four Must-Have Options for the Jeep Gladiator
Modifications and accessories are an inexorable part of Jeep culture. Sure, every automaker offers their cars, trucks, and SUVs in a variety of trims and colors, not to mention marketing a healthy dose of optional equipment, but at the end of the day, you’re left with a vehicle that’s largely identical to every other model […]
Putting in the Work With a Jeep Gladiator
Since joining the Jeep lineup in 2020, the Gladiator has quickly made a name for itself as one of the hardest-working midsize models on the market. The truck’s best-in-class payload capacity and unbeatable towing capacity are two notable highlights, but they’re not the only features that have made so many drivers consider a Jeep Gladiator […]
Do Low Rolling Resistance Tires Make a Difference?
Choosing the right set of tires at your local tire shop can make all the difference when it comes to outfitting your vehicle for certain applications. Are you looking to conquer your local off-road trails? A good set of all-terrain or mud-terrain tires will go a long way toward ensuring consistent traction when you need […]
From Silly to Suspect: Cataloging Iconic But Useless Car Accessories
If you’re ever looking to fall into a particularly fun internet rabbit hole, just do a quick search for “chindōgu.” Literally translated as “strange device,” chindōgu is the Japanese art of creating impractical inventions that no one asked for. Classic examples of chindōgu include a tie that doubles as an umbrella, a small broom and […]
The High-Performance Evolution of the Dodge Charger
The reports of the Charger’s demise were greatly exaggerated. While the iconic muscle car did take a brief hiatus from Dodge dealers for 2024, it’s back and better than ever. What a difference a year makes. Dodge has redesigned nearly every aspect of the Charger while folding in some classic features that are sure to […]
Great Features That Set the 2025 Ford Explorer Apart From Its Rivals
The Ford Explorer has long been a leader in the ultra-competitive three-row SUV segment, blazing a new path and setting a high bar that can be difficult for some of its competitors to match. The Explorer can be largely credited with the modern SUV craze, bringing the format to the masses when it first hit […]
Is the Porsche 911 Hybrid a Sign of the Automotive End Times or the Wave of the Future?
Those who think that hybrid powertrains can’t compete with their traditional gasoline counterparts simply haven’t been paying attention. While early hybrids put the emphasis on fuel efficiency, automotive engineers have been steadily uncovering the performance potential of a little electrification. From the ability to increase horsepower and torque to the sort of advanced equipment that’s […]
Headed Off-Road With the Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser
For some drivers, off-roading is something to be avoided at all costs. While we certainly understand the preference for paved surfaces, there’s also a lot of fun to be had by leaving the asphalt behind. Off-road vehicles have become an increasingly popular corner of the automotive market in recent years, with more and more brands […]
Just How Work-Ready Is the Chevy Colorado?
Pickup trucks have become all the rage in today’s market thanks to their ideal fusion of performance, capability, and comfort, but this rise in popularity isn’t without its consequences. In a bid to capitalize on the trend, some automakers have started introducing lighter-duty pickup models that can’t really keep up with the demands of the […]
Alpine Makes a Play for the US Market With Two New EVs
From macarons, Bordeaux, and the eponymous fries to the Statue of Liberty, the layout of Washington, DC, and 7’4” NBA big man Victor Wembanyama, there are a few French contributions to American culture that are undoubtedly très magnifique. However, French vehicles have never seen significant success in the US market. Renault was probably the most […]
Honda Changes the Compact Segment With the New 2025 Civic Hybrid
A consensus can be hard to come by in today’s world; while nine out of ten dentists might recommend one toothpaste brand, there’ll always be that one holdout who refuses to side with the majority. The urge to be the lone voice of dissent is an almost intrinsic part of human nature, which is what […]
Honda Ditches GM and Forges a New Path in EV Segment
While other brands barreled headlong into the emerging EV market, Honda took a decidedly more measured approach. In fact, the Japanese automaker released its first high-volume EV for the North American market when the 2024 Prologue SUV hit your local Honda dealer earlier this year. Produced in collaboration with General Motors, the Prologue was supposed […]
Can Jeep Break the Luxury Barrier? The Grand Cherokee 4xe Makes Its Case
Fully redesigned in 2022, the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee builds on an established formula that’s proved so successful for over 30 years. Jeep really seems to have prioritized the SUV’s road manners as part of the new generation, upgrading the Grand Cherokee’s steering, suspension, and brake response to create a dynamic, well-rounded ride. The Grand Cherokee […]
Honda Corners the Family Used Car Market With the CR-V, Pilot, and Odyssey
When picking your next family vehicle, there are plenty of things to consider. Passenger room and cargo space often rank at the top, especially for those with a full complement of kiddos in tow, but they are not the only metrics by which these models are judged. Selection and price are certainly important considerations, but […]
Can the New Giulia Keep Alfa Romeo Relevant in a Changing Market?
Alfa Romeo has always been something of a niche brand in the United States. The Italian automaker sold just under 11,000 units in 2023, earning the company a paltry 0.07 percent market share. Still, if there was one bright spot, it would have to be the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Debuting in 2016, the rear-wheel drive […]
Sound Investment: Reviewing the Best in Mobile Audio
A good soundtrack can make all the difference. With the right music, podcast, or audiobook, doing chores around the house can be elevated from a hum-drum task to a chance to reconnect with your favorite album, indulge in a little true crime, or work your way through that new bestseller. This also holds true when […]
Born at the Brickyard, Raised on the Battlefield: The Allison Transmission
On the surface, an M1 Abrams main battle tank, a school bus, and a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD might not have much in common. All three play an important role in society and are expected to deliver consistent performance over a range of demanding applications, but it’s the Allison transmission that ties these disparate vehicles […]
Nissan’s Arc Plan and What It Means for the EV Market
The dramatic arc is a cornerstone of the literary world. It all starts with the exposition, setting the scene for the story before an inciting incident ratchets up the action to an eventual climax, resolution, and eventually a satisfying denouement that ties up all the loose ends. If the modern auto industry followed this well-worn […]
What Can You Do With the Ford Maverick?
When it comes to trucks, Ford is well within its comfort zone. The brand’s full-size F-150 is easily the country’s best-selling truck and—along with the Super Duty, midsize Ranger, and all-electric Lightning—has helped to build one of the most versatile lineups in today’s market. That said, there has been one glaring omission. Ford retired the […]