If you want a compact truck, it might be a good idea to raise your hand now. Although the Tacoma is here to stay for the foreseeable future, it’s one of few compact models remaining in a seemingly dwindling corner of the market; and with the discontinuation of the Ford Ranger this year, the […]
Consumer Reports regularly ranks cars on factors like reliability and bang for the buck. The company recently crunched all the data collected on 2012 models, and now it’s announced a list of ten Top Picks for the year. In compiling its rankings, Consumer Reports looked at three factors: reliability, safety, and a road test. […]
When planning a road trip these days, you’ve got plenty of tools at your disposal. Countless sites allow you to book hotels and event tickets, and even more offer reviews of restaurants and attractions. But of course, you still need a tool to arrive at your destination. If you don’t already have one, you […]
Today at High Gear Media, Volvo revealed the new V40 hatchback and Chevrolet released new sales numbers for the the Camaro during 2011. Nissan and Infiniti issue a recall, and seat warmers can be bad for you. All this and more in today’s car news, right here on The Car Connection. We spoke semi-exclusively […]
If you ever seriously wreck a car, you never forget the experience. And it may be the most effective way yet devised to burn into your brain how important seatbelts are to keeping you alive and reducing the injuries you sustain. In 1985, I wrecked my 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit while driving a twisty road […]
Online new car configurators are valuable tools for shoppers and curious enthusiasts. Based on the website for the 2013 Dodge Dart, it’s valuable to Chrysler as well. Automotive News (subscription required) caught the not-so-fine print: “By building and personalizing a Dart, you will provide us with information on how you want to see…
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Today’s X3 is German at heart, but it’s built here in South Carolina–since last year, when the latest version went into production here. At the same time, BMW redesigned it, making it longer, wider, more spacious, more appealing, and most importantly, more like its energetic 3-Series sedans. It’s not the first luxury crossover you…
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If you live in one of America’s colder climate zones, you know the importance of seat warmers. But according to CBS Minnesota, seat warmers aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. In certain cases, the amenities can lead to rashes and permanent scarring for passengers. The problem affects people who take long trips in […]
On July 8, 2004, five-year-old Benjamin Donnell was killed when his father backed over him in the family’s SUV. On October 9, 2004, two-year-old Adrianna Clemens met a similarly tragic fate. These stories are not unusual. In fact, according to a report in the New York Times, over 50 children in the U.S. are […]
The Basics: Volvo has slimmed its model line in recent years, and its legendary wagons are no longer offered here. So the 2012 Volvo XC70 is the closest you can get if you’re looking for a traditional, mid-size Volvo wagon. It fits between the slightly smaller XC60 crossover–which has been a great success for […]
