Few technologies hold as much promise- or instill as much trepidation- as artificial intelligence (A.I.). Perfect for fulfilling menial tasks that would bore a human worker to tears, A.I. has the potential to transform the world we live in, and the automotive sector is no exception. From prototyping new models and training autonomous driving systems […]
Author: Matt Dodge
From Cargo Van to Condo on Wheels: Part One, Starting the Van Conversion Process
The van life—sorry, #vanlife—has been an undeniable movement in the auto industry over the last few years. Spurred in large part by the changing employment landscape caused by the pandemic, van life has exploded in popularity since 2019. According to a study by Statista, 3.1 million Americans identified as van-lifers in 2022—up from just 1.9 […]
Exploring Hot Hatch History With the VW Golf GTI and Golf R
In the world of performance-oriented hatchbacks, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is a legitimate trailblazer. VW might not have invented the “hot hatch” concept––that honor would go to the short-lived Italian brand Autobianchi––but it did bring the idea to the masses, catering to a new generation of young, thrill-seeking drivers with a sport-tuned version of its […]
Midsize Showdown: 2024 Ford Ranger vs 2024 Toyota Tacoma
After years of playing second fiddle to their full-size cousins, midsize pickups are getting their moment in the sun as drivers increasingly gravitate towards this sensible segment. Sales have more than doubled since 2013, with midsize pickups now representing 4.4% of US vehicle sales; that trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, with […]
Toyota Launches an Electric Era With the bZ4X
The brand that kicked off the modern hybrid craze is back, aiming to do for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) what the Prius did for the hybrid segment back at the turn of the millennium. This year marks the debut of an entirely new model, the 2023 Toyota bZ4X, a battery electric compact crossover that marks […]
Are Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Ready for the Spotlight?
With all the recent talk about hybrid and all-electric models, one type of alternative fuel vehicle has flown under the radar. Hydrogen vehicles––technically known as fuel cell vehicles (FCV) or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV)––have long been an enticing prospect for those looking to move past the current internal combustion paradigm. Given the fact that […]
Rivian on the Ropes?
Everyone loves an underdog story, but one ambitious startup is having a tough year as it struggles to meet demand, and its stock price continues to plummet. Rivian started out with a promising business model, producing a line of luxurious all-electric pickups and SUVs, but market forces, recalls, and supply chain issues have seen the […]
Battle of the Sporty Subarus: WRX vs BRZ
A quick look around your local Subaru dealer is bound to uncover a number of enticing options. The Subaru lineup runs the gamut from best-sellers like the Outback and Forester to exciting new models like the all-electric Solterra. But what about performance? Sure, Subaru makes some of the most practical cars and SUVs on the […]
Safety Is in the Driver’s Seat on the 2023 Chevy Equinox
The 2023 Chevy Equinox is a perennial bestseller, holding its own in the highly competitive crossover SUV class year after year, thanks to a clever fusion of performance, technology, and value. One of the most affordable vehicles in its class, the Equinox is notable for the fact that it doesn’t feel like an entry-level crossover, […]
New Vehicles Are Historically Expensive. Who’s to Blame?
It’s not just your imagination—everything is getting more expensive. From grocery store basics like eggs and meat to transportation essentials like fuel and airfare, inflation has hit almost every corner of the market, and the auto industry is no exception. New vehicle prices have actually been on the rise for almost half a decade, but […]
Revamped EV Tax Credit: What You Need to Know
The financial market limped through much of 2022 with fears of a recession and rising interest rates both having a noticeable effect. The trend was especially pronounced in the automotive sector, with electric vehicle manufacturers logging a particularly bad year due to supply chain issues, competition from established brands, rising lithium prices, and Twitter-obsessed CEOs. […]
How the Nissan Frontier Sets Itself Apart From Its Mid-Size Truck Competition
Since its debut in 2005, the Nissan Frontier has delivered the type of consistent, reliable performance that’s so important in the mid-size pickup category. That said, the model had begun to look a little outdated in the last few years, with Nissan largely sticking to the same formula it had used for much of the […]
Tracing the Honda Pilot’s Evolution
Even in the hotly contested midsize SUV category, the Honda Pilot is a true standout. The three-row crossover has been recognized for its safety, performance, and resale value time and time again, with Honda’s stellar reputation for reliability helping the Pilot gain an edge in a crowded segment. With seating for up to eight, the […]
The Most Exciting New Cars of 2022
While each year brings a fresh set of car, truck, and SUV models, there are always a few standouts. Whether it comes down to style, performance, tech features, or just pure novelty, some models simply know how to separate themselves from the pack. Higher-end performance sedans and good old-fashioned sports cars dominate our list of […]
How Do Brakes Work and When Do They Need Service?
When you’re behind the wheel, safety should never be an afterthought. With cars, trucks, and SUVs playing such a central role in everyday life, it’s all too easy to take for granted the fact that you’re hurtling down the road in a two-ton vehicle, often at speeds of more than 60 mph. Automakers have rolled […]
Lift Kits 101: Everything You Need to Know to Make the Best Choice
For pickup drivers seeking a little more height on the road, lift kits are here to help. Lift kits are designed to improve a vehicle’s ground clearance and ride height, allowing pickup owners to transform their stock trucks into veritable off-road beasts that can easily clear almost any obstacle. While they’ve long been a popular […]
2023 Chevy Tahoe Goes Hands-Free With Super Cruise
While the 2023 Chevy Tahoe sees a few modest design changes over the 2022 model, namely three new exterior color options and a new available grille, the real highlight is the arrival of Super Cruise, Chevy’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The technology has been around for a few years but is finally trickling down […]
Seven Tips for Increasing Your Car’s Value
While it might not be as exciting as playing the stock market or as lucrative as real estate, your vehicle can be a real investment in its own right. A well-kept, reliable, or rare vehicle can be worth its weight in gold for those willing to put the work in. This is especially true as […]
2022 GMC Canyon Is a Midsize Without Compromise
The midsize truck segment is one of the most competitive in the market. Hitting the sweet spot between efficiency and power, midsize trucks are some of the most versatile vehicles around, so it’s little wonder that it’s become such a hotly contested category as of late. Some automakers have struggled to make their midsize offerings […]
How to Upfit a Van for Your Business Needs
For many business owners, a commercial van is more than a means of getting from point A to point B. It’s your mobile office, toolbox and your workshop all rolled into one. A properly outfitted van can make all the difference when it comes to the success of your business, maximizing productivity and lending an […]