News & Features
Auto review: New Chevy Sonic is a stylish hatchback
The newest Chevrolet Sonic is a peppy, stylish, versatile and good handling RS hatchback with standard turbo engine, leather-trimmed seats and smartphone infotainment link — all for a starting price tag of less $21,000.
Audis, Ducatis lead cast of vehicles starring in movies this summer
"Iron Man 3" kicks off a summer blockbuster season that will see hundreds of speeding, squealing, exploding, airborne, rolling and smoking vehicles in dozens of high-adrenaline films.
Auto review: A crossover jostling to fit in showrooms already full
Subaru has created a new Forester for 2014 that offers more room, new features and better fuel economy, all based on the underpinnings of the redesigned Impreza introduced in 2011.
Cars meld with smartphones as automakers add access to apps
Two new factors are increasingly influencing buyers' auto choice: The kind of wireless connection a car has, and the kinds of mobile applications it runs.Noting the popularity of smartphones and the apps that run on them, carmakers are moving to make their vehicles "smarter" and more connected.
Auto review: Mercedes-Benz GL350 is in demand
The high mark for sales of big sport utility vehicles came years ago, but don't tell that to Mercedes-Benz customers.
Auto review: Aston Martin Vanquish a supercar that can stand on its own
As if playing musical chairs, ultraluxury carmakers have scampered to find a safe perch within the global automaking giants.
Propane gaining ground as alternative vehicle fuel
Most people stare blankly when Bret Chandler starts talking about using propane as an alternate vehicle fuel. But most people haven't spent the past three years working with companies that convert cars and trucks to run on propane and setting up networks of filling stations all over California, Texas and Colorado.
Top auto picks for Northwest road trips this summer
Northwesterners are definitely fun hogs. Our vehicles get us to ski slopes, coastlines, mountain-bike trails and wine-country getaways. We're blessed with more recreation per square mile than nearly anyplace on the planet, and the roads that get us there are truly spectacular.
New Odyssey adds built-in vacuum to draw more minivan moms
A vacuum cleaner is built into the trunk of the 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan. (Mary Altaffer / The Associated Press) Stray Cheerios, beware. The new Honda Odyssey minivan is here...
Auto review: Base Ford C-Max Energi is well-equipped
The Ford C-Max Energi can travel up to 21 miles in all-electric mode. (Ford) Ford's newest C-Max is the ultimate plug-in gasoline-electric hatchback for fuel- and environmentally conscious drivers yearning...
Auto review: Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts below $20K
Mitsubishi's Outlander Sport is neither an Outlander, like its bigger SUV sibling of the same name, nor sporty. But the Outlander Sport, which has been updated for 2013, is a compact SUV that can be had for slightly less than $20,000 in its base trim.
All wheels add to the handling of Acura RLX
The notion of making vehicles turn better by steering all four of their wheels has inspired engineers for decades. The U.S. Army experimented with all-wheel-steering jeeps during World War II, and the benefits to maneuverability of rear steering have long been known to firefighters assigned to hook-and-ladder trucks.
Hybrid sales heat up as selection improves
When Ferrari's biggest and baddest supercar is a hybrid, you know the world has changed. Once considered the province of techies and the eco-friendly, hybrids are catching on in almost every vehicle segment.
Super savers: What does $15K buy? There are plenty of choices
There are nine new cars with prices starting at less than $15,000. They come with unexpected standard equipment, and all of them possess an impressive safety list.
Auto review: Jeep Patriot is low-priced SUV
Buyers with a small-car budget don't have to settle for a small car when they would rather drive a sport utility vehicle. In fact, they can get a new Jeep for less than the retail price of a 2013 Toyota Corolla sedan.
Auto review: Mazda6 not your average family hauler
This is the golden age of the midsize sedan. The family car is the most competitive class in the auto industry, and consumers reap the benefits of this one-upmanship. The latest proof of this is the stylish all-new Mazda6.
Why they're wooing Chinese buyers in Shanghai
Global and Chinese automakers showcased family-friendly sedans and SUVs targeting coveted urban buyers at China's biggest auto show recently as competition intensifies in this huge but crowded market.
Metropolitan owners say the cute cars can be a bargain
The members of the Pacific Northwest Metropolitan Owners Club are out to prove that collector cars don't always come in big packages — or with expensive price tags.
Spring clean: 5 ways to shake winter off of your car
Winter can do a number on your car. Slush, salt and cold temperatures take a toll on everything from the tires to the wiper blades. As spring approaches, it's a good idea to give your car a thorough once-over to undo winter's damage.
Auto review: Chevrolet Volt a high-tech drive
The 2013 Chevrolet Volt has a lot going for it. It can travel up to 50 miles on all-electric power and has a backup gasoline engine for longer trips, is a recommended buy of Consumer Reports magazine and adds new features, including a new Hold mode that lets drivers set the Volt for gasoline-engine operation only, thereby saving the electric range for later in the trip, if needed.
Auto review: Porsche spices up SUV world with Cayenne
Forget what you know about diesels. Forget the arguments about whether Porsche should be making SUVs. The Cayenne Diesel, especially if you can ante up for the pricey options, will change any preconceived notions.
Luxury-auto sales rise as economy rebounds
With the luxury-vehicle market booming, automakers are rushing to fill their showrooms with expensive new models found at the New York auto show in March.
Tricks to get maximum mileage from hybrids, EVs
It's a no-brainer that electric vehicles get great mileage compared with cars powered by internal-combustion engines. Even so, many drivers of EVs and plug-in hybrids tweak their driving habits to achieve longer ranges on a single charge.
If you're not afraid, DIY vehicle repairs can save you money
(Thinkstock) A common theme when trying to save money is "do it yourself," but many car owners are hesitant to take that advice and attempt basic maintenance and repairs on...
Auto review: Kia Forte an exciting family car
Sometimes, we get as excited over a modestly priced car as we do over the latest exotic. We're serious. An economy car has to provide more bang for the buck in areas that matter to busy families. So we appreciate when a car delivers. Kia's all-new 2014 Forte sedan does this surprisingly well. It should hit dealerships any day now.
ABCs of tires: The right ones can help your car get a grip
If you find yourself in need of a new set of tires and don't know what all of those letters and numbers on the sides of tires mean, here's...
More to consider: Convertibles that deserve a look
The spotlight of popularity can also divert attention away from other things that deserve it. Take convertibles. Ask people to name three, and nearly everyone answers Mustang, Miata and "the Chrysler you rent on vacation in Hawaii." You already know about the top three in top-down motoring; it's time to shed some sunshine on some lesser-known drop-tops.
Peugeot's Hybrid Air holds promise of 81 mpg by 2015
What's that car that just breezed past? It's a Hybrid Air — an experimental vehicle that French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroen has been trumpeting as an exemplar of energy efficiency. While some skeptics wonder whether the Hybrid Air is truly a breakthrough technology, the Peugeot and Citroen research cars powered by it were some of the more intriguing models on display at the Geneva auto show in March.
Auto review: BMW adds small crossover, the X1
Finally, American car shoppers can get a small crossover sport utility vehicle from BMW that has a starting retail price of less than $32,000. In fact, the new-for-2013 BMW X1 five door has the lowest starting retail price of any BMW car or SUV — $31,695. The well-proportioned X1 looks pricier on the outside than it is and has great cargo- and people-hauling functionality.
Auto review: Open the top and up mpg with diesel VW Beetle
In 2006, I drove a Saab 9-3 diesel convertible in Italy. Aside from an unfortunate incident when a bird guano-bombed my head near Lake Como, the top-down experience was remarkably pleasant.
Catholic Church all for evolution — of popemobile
As the newly installed pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis will often be seen greeting the world from the back of a rather peculiar vehicle. It's taken many shapes over the past three decades, but the classification is one we've become pretty accustomed to: the popemobile.
Vinyl wraps let car owners customize their rides with color, graphics
Local companies, such as NorthWest Auto Salon in Lynnwood, are taking vinyl wraps to protect and transform luxury vehicles and sports cars such as Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
Eight compact luxury cars that have high style for less than $35K
Can a small car be a luxury car? It might sound like an oxymoron, but high-end manufacturers don't think so. In an effort to meet future federal fuel economy requirements, premium automakers are creating some of their smallest vehicles ever.
Auto review: Turbo creates a spirited Buick Verano
The 2013 Buick Verano Turbo is a stealth car. It looks pretty and rides comfortably. But stomp on the accelerator and this newest Verano sedan takes off.
Auto review: Hyundai Genesis has bolder look
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has more horsepower and a sportier look than previous versions. (Hyundai) Hyundai introduced its Genesis coupe in 2010 as a traditional rear-wheel-drive performance car for the...
Oddball autos: They don't make 'em like they used to
In this age of mass production and global distribution, have we seen the last taillights of cars with personality?
Why speedometers' top speeds exceed reality
The speedometer on the Toyota Yaris says the tiny car can go 140 miles per hour. In reality, the subcompact's 106-horsepower engine and automatic transmission can't push it any faster than 109.
Auto review: Spirit of Carroll Shelby lives in 2013 Mustang
Nearly a year after race car driver and car designer Carroll Shelby died, his spirit lives on in a 2013 Ford Mustang with the most powerful series production V-8 in the world and unmistakable Shelby Mustang styling.
Auto review: Buick stakes a claim in Munchkinland
Buick's image is so ingrained in the national consciousness that the name has become shorthand for a U.S. road barge with ample proportions. That moose, someone might say, "is as big as a Buick."
And to think we could all be driving Washingtons
As someone who grew up in a series of Lincoln automobiles, I am heartened at Ford Motor Company's belated attempt to revive this legendary luxury brand, even if it's odd that they use the former U.S. president in its advertising. And while there have been some remarkable Lincoln automobiles, you can't say the same for Washington, a name one associates with character and strength, but not for memorable cars.
Local drag racer aims to defend her crown at Northwest Nationals
Megan Ellingson, who had never won a divisional race, last year took first in the Sportsman's Class at the National Hot Rod Association's Northwest Nationals drag races. With that win, she became a part of racing history: part of a three-woman sweep of a national NHRA event.
Technologies in the works to make driving safer, less frustrating
During a frustrating rush-hour jam, drivers of an experimental car from Audi will be able to take their hands off the wheel, lift their feet from the pedals and focus on things other than the road, such as a movie or a newspaper. The car will take care of the driving.
Auto review: Refreshed Buick Enclave has smooth ride
The 2013 Buick Enclave is a V-6 with more than 115 cubic feet of cargo space. (General Motors) The Buick Enclave, the best-selling, seven-seat, premium- or luxury-branded sport utility vehicle...
Auto review: XC60 has that Volvo va-va-voom
The 2013 Volvo XC60 has a high stance, elegant roofline and a curvy rear end. (Volvo) The stylish XC60 puts Volvo's Scandinavian style into a small luxury crossover SUV. The...
Japanese brands rush to add N. American plants
Japanese automakers are building North American assembly plants at a breakneck pace to regain lost U.S. market share and reduce their dependence on a homeland that's become prohibitively costly.
Plug-in protocol: etiquette for EV charging stations
As more electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids hit the streets — and with at least a dozen new models poised to enter showrooms this year — the competition to "fill up" at the more than 300 public charging stations in Washington state could send sparks flying and tempers flaring.
Would you rent your vehicle to a stranger?
I, like many owners of the country's 260 million registered vehicles, rarely drive. Yet the bills keep on coming. I lease my car for about $200 a month. Add in the costs of fuel (electricity in my case), insurance and AAA coverage in case I crash, and the monthly bill is closer to $450.
Auto review: New Cadillac ATS chases BMW 3-Series
The 2013 ATS is Cadillac's smallest and lightest-weight car. (The Associated Press) The smallest and lightest-weight car from Cadillac, the ATS, is a sharp-looking, smart-handling, rear- or all-wheel drive sedan...
Auto review: Toyota's bottom feeder finally makes some waves
The Toyota Yaris now comes as a two- or four-door hatchback, starting at $15,165. (Toyota) Considering Toyota's expertise in democratic, affordable transportation — Corolla, Camry, Prius — you'd think it...
High-priced vehicles wow at Geneva auto show
While mass-market automakers are struggling in Europe with bloated inventories, falling sales and red ink, many luxury brands are reporting record sales and profits. Hence an unprecedented number of ultraexpensive new cars are mixed among the 130 or so premieres at the 83rd International Motor Show in Geneva.
Informed decision: It pays to know what's new before you buy
If it's been a few years since you last shopped for a new car or truck, there are technologies that have changed the way a car operates, sounds and feels. Misunderstand them and you could make a buying mistake.
Turbos have their critics, but they outsell hybrids 4 to 1
While electric vehicles continue to grab the green-car spotlight, an older technology has quietly emerged as a player in the fuel-economy wars: turbocharging.
Auto review: Toyota Avalon takes sleek turn in '13
The 2013 Toyota Avalon's base retail price is some $2,200 less than the starting retail price for last year's Avalon. (Toyota) Toyota's flagship sedan, the Avalon, is stylishly elegant for...
Auto review: Well-done do-over raises final grade on Civic
The 2013 Honda Civic looks more like its bigger sibling, the Accord. (Honda) The 2012 Honda Civic was a goof: a dull all-new car that wasn't better, in any significant...
GM, Ford leaders share technology, EV insights
Mark Reuss, president of General Motors Co.'s North American operations, and Mark Fields, the newly appointed chief operating officer of Ford Motor Co., address key issues facing the industry, including the future of in-dash technology, fuel economy, electric cars and the prospects for the industry at large.
High-tech innovations make cars smarter and safer
The future has arrived for innovative safety technology, making cars smarter and safer.
Owners enjoy the sights, sounds and speed of Triumph
OWNER: Karen and Eugene Penix, Quincy OCCUPATION: Retired CAR'S MAKE AND MODEL: 1960 Triumph TR3A "I LOVE MY CAR BECAUSE ... I love the old-school sports-car feel, the sound...
Halo effect: Big names poised to kick off supercar battle
Production for the Porsche 918 Spyder is expected to start in September. The hybrid, which offers nearly 800 horsepower, will cost $845,000. (Porsche) An $845,000 Porsche. A McLaren supercar likely...
Auto review: Turbo Taurus is tops in fuel mileage
For 2013, Ford's full-size and attractively restyled Taurus includes an optional, turbocharged, EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. (Ford) Don't expect to find a four-cylinder engine in a big, roomy, 17-foot-long sedan? You're...
Auto review: A hatchback marinated in hot sauce
The 2013 Ford Focus ST shown here features a roof spoiler, 18-inch wheels and a paint color called Tangerine Scream. (Ford) About a decade after sparking up its fondly recalled...
Let others buy the Dodge Dart for you on registry
Aimed at young buyers, the Dodge Dart Registry allows potential Dart owners to solicit donations toward the purchase of a new car. That's right, you can get other people to buy the car for you.
Big Three bank on loyalty to pickup trucks as competition heats up
When it comes to pickups, loyalty runs deep. There is no model more important or more zealously defended by Detroit.
Automakers show renewed interest in efficient diesel engines
Drivers in the U.S. are discovering what Europeans have known for years: Diesel engines are powerful and still get eye-popping fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.
Auto review: Acura RLX replaces brand's RL flagship
The 2014 RLX luxury sedan replaces Acura's flagship RL sedan this year. (Honda) The 2014 RLX luxury sedan is the most sophisticated Acura production car in history, topping even the...
Auto review: Fresh prince of full-size pickups
The 2013 Ram 1500 offers an efficient new V-6 engine and other significant refinements. (Chrysler Group) Some latter-day puritans contend that excess is a moral abomination and just plain wrong....
A look at the vehicles that won critics' hearts in 2012
The year 2012 is over, but one last vestige of it will linger deep into 2013 -- the "best of" automotive lists. Winners of the more prestigious titles will brag for months, if not the entire year. Modesty is not a virtue in the automotive world.
New crash-test dummies do a better job gauging safety
Engineers from General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and other companies have been working together to develop advanced crash-test dummies that can more accurately gauge vehicle safety. Their efforts are close to producing smarter dummies.
Auto review: Honda Civic sedan back as a smart buy
The 2013 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan has been redesigned after last year's updated version was criticized by reviewers and consumers. (Honda) The Honda Civic is back as a smart-to-buy compact...
Auto review: Like an aging Elvis, star retains its power
Now 275 pounds lighter, the new SL-Class has the first mass-produced aluminum structure on a Mercedes-Benz production car. (Mercedes-Benz USA) Mercedes-Benz couldn't have known it at the time. But from...
A test-drive of monitor for lower auto insurance rates
(New York Times News Service) Irecently installed a small wireless gadget under my car's dashboard that would monitor my driving. I wanted to see how it felt to have my...
A road trip could put turbo boost in your relationship
I have here on my computer unbiased, definitive data about how to enhance your love life. It comes to me compliments of a company called YourTango, which bills itself as "the digital leader in love and relationships." I know, not exactly Masters and Johnson, but better than Click and Clack. Maybe.
Technology push brings challenges for automakers
Automakers are racing to ramp up their digital offerings, linking in-dash systems to smartphones and services such as traffic monitors faster than you can say Pandora.
Auto review: Pamper yourself in a Lexus LS 460
After decades of top reliability ratings, the Lexus LS 460 remains the quintessential serene, no-fuss, pampering, large, luxury sedan.
Auto review: Fiat Abarth fun despite the rough edges
The 2013 Fiat Abarth is colorful and stylish. (Chrysler) We've driven a few different models of the Fiat 500 since its U.S. debut in 2011 and enjoyed the little Italian...
Fuel-efficiency panels make trucks less of a drag
The TrailerTail is designed to reduce the aerodynamic drag generated at the rear of trailers. The reduction in turbulence can raise gas mileage. (ATDynamics) Perhaps you've recently been surprised to...
Seattle RV Show a showcase for latest industry trends
Offering summer-fun inspiration, the upcoming Seattle RV Show promises to be a respite from the damp Northwest winter.
Automakers return to Super Bowl in full force
This year, automakers will return to the Super Bowl in full force, hoping to make big impressions with their cars. Here's a rundown of who's selling what during the big game.
Auto review: 2013 Nissan Altima is dressed up and thrifty
The 2013 Nissan Altima is slightly larger and has more power than its predecessor and is restyled inside and out for a more upscale appearance.
Auto review: Any engine you like, but only if it's a hybrid
The Ford C-Max comes in two flavors: a plug-in version, called the C-Max Energi, and a standard gas-electric C-Max Hybrid. (Ford) For many Americans, the basic compact car stands as...
Green-car devotion strong at Detroit auto show
The Tesla Model X was among the new electric options at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (The Associated Press) The greenest cars on the market --...
Father-son project yields two roadsters, several life lessons
Despite having no experience, one father ordered a British roadster kit, purchased an engine hoist plus a few basic tools, and, with his teenage son, spent 160 hours during the next six months figuring out the instructions.
Fuel economy adds big savings to new-vehicle purchase
The cost of fueling a new car should be a major consideration while shopping for a new car. These tips can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Auto review: Gas Jetta hybrid trumps diesel model
Volkswagen's newest Jetta has the highest mileage rating ever -- a combined 45 miles per gallon in city and highway travel. But, it doesn't use diesel fuel, as previous high-mileage Jettas have.
A parade of positive thinking, paced by a new Corvette
Cobo Center in Detroit has 723,000 square feet of exhibition space, enough to spotlight hundreds of new cars. Mysteriously, as journalists gathered there last week for press previews of the North American International Auto Show, it seemed as if there was room for only one vehicle: the 2014 Corvette.
Corvette grabs attention through its 60 years
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was revealed at the Detroit auto show last week. (Paul Sancya / The Associated Press) As automotive events go, the arrival of a new Corvette...
Detroit darlings: A sampling of hot cars from the Detroit auto show
The North American International Auto Show began last week in Detroit. Here are some of the exciting new cars and experimental concept vehicles unveiled at the show.
The next big thing: Mini-crossovers that offer gas savings, ample room
Mini-crossovers — small SUV-styled vehicles that share parts and systems with compact and subcompact cars — could be the auto industry's next boom.
Auto review: Nissan Pathfinder goes easy on gas
For 2013, the Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicle is longer, wider and has a roomier interior than its predecessor. At the same time, this new Pathfinder is 500 pounds lighter. And with a 30 percent boost in fuel economy, it tops all other mid-size crosso
Auto review: Mercedes GL350 Bluetec lives up to its price
"Put it in low range," says the guy at the starting line of the off-road racecourse. "It doesn't have low range," I reply, gesturing vaguely toward the console of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec.
Chrysler marketing chief generates buzz
In a scene that could have come from the television series "Mad Men" — except Don Draper didn't have the large flat-screen monitor — Olivier Francois is puffing on a cigarette and reaching for a mouse to unleash a blitz of images.
13 for '13: Outstanding cars that'll make it a year to remember
Since the apocalypse didn't happen last month, perhaps you're planning to celebrate humanity's survival by buying a new car. Being 2013, it seems appropriate to look at a baker's dozen of the most significant models arriving this year. Some are in showrooms, some will be out soon. Be patient — it's not the end of the world.
Bright ideas: Technology elevates lighting from functional to stylish
Lighting is the stuff of drama, in cars as well as on stage. More and more, dramatic lighting seeps from under dashboards and seats or gives a glow to the door sills. The 2013 Cadillac XTS has illuminated exterior door handles. A glowing ring surrounds the recharging port of the Ford Focus Electric.
Auto review: Chevy Spark looks electric but runs on gasoline
Don't be surprised if some people assume the 2013 Chevrolet Spark is another newfangled electric car. Just 12 feet long and with an aerodynamic front end and abruptly chopped-off rear, the South Korean-built Spark could pass for an electric car.
Auto review: Chevy Malibu an all-around decent car
My, my, late for the morning commute. Just a quick slurp of coffee; don't spill it on the tie again, and darn it, where did I leave those car keys? Oh, that's right: I don't actually have an office to go to. But with a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu waiting at the curb — Detroit's gray-flannel, workaday answer to the Toyota Camry — you'll forgive me for overlooking that fact.
Porsche and Tesla among the best of 2012
Automobiles occupy an outsized chunk of my time. When you drive as many as three new cars a week, every week, slamming doors, pinching leather, evaluating gas mileage and figuring out how the radio works, the small stuff matters. I love the smart, outrageous and practical, and am exasperated by the wrongheaded, timid and abstruse.
Sedan sizzle: Competition heats up among midsize models
Six big automakers are ready to slug it out over the next year or two in what is shaping up to be a heated competition for a prime slice of the American car market — the midsize family sedan.
Auto review: Roomy 2013 Honda Pilot is award winner
The Honda Pilot remains the most fuel-efficient eight-passenger sport utility vehicle for 2013, is rated above average in predicted reliability and offers a comfortable ride and versatile cargo hauling.
Auto review: Turbo kicks up appeal of Hyundai Veloster
When we drove the new Hyundai Veloster last year, we immediately took to the little hatchback with the odd number of doors and even odder name. We liked its funky design, but were disappointed with the "sporty" coupe's obvious lack of power. Now comes a turbo model, and all is right in the Veloster's world.
GM pickups get a much-needed makeover
General Motors is giving its big pickups a much-needed makeover. The company unveiled new versions of its top-selling Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra recently, aiming to get them to showrooms by late spring or early summer.
Lightweights: Three materials compete to reduce vehicle weight
Thanks to tough new federal fuel-efficiency rules, automakers must meet a fleet average of 54.5 mpg by 2025. More efficient engines and electric powertrains can't carry the whole load, so carmakers and the federal government are pouring resources into "lightweighting" cars to meet the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standards.
In-car systems increasingly tap into apps and smartphones
The love affair with the automobile has nearly been matched by consumers' passion for smartphones. So what could be better than joining the two? Automakers are introducing connected in-car systems that bring apps to the dashboard.
Auto review: Ford Explorer is a changed SUV
Wow, the Ford Explorer sure has changed. No longer a truck-based sport utility vehicle, the Explorer rides comfortably and is generously sized, with noticeable roominess.
Auto year in review: A year of few dull moments
In a year full of comebacks (and a few setbacks), memorable anecdotes were plentiful. Here are some automotive highlights of 2012.
Bidders battle it out over vintage war vehicles
An auction of World War II-era vehicles from the collection of the National Military History Center drew a surprisingly wide spectrum of auto enthusiasts.
It's the end of the line for these 2012 vehicles
For 2013, more than a dozen nameplates will not be returning, and two automotive brands have expired. Here are some of the more notable vehicles that are disappearing after the 2012 model year.
Ones to watch: Cars and trucks that'll bring intrigue to 2013
Here's a handful of new and upcoming cars and trucks that stand out for being the most important and intriguing vehicles in showrooms now and into the new year.
Auto review: Mitsubishi Lancer features all-wheel drive
Often overshadowed by its showier Lancer Evolution rally car sibling, the Mitsubishi Lancer sedan is a nimble-handling, decently powered and competitive compact four door in its own right.
Auto review: Once more, with shrinkage, for BMW
The BMW X1 is based on the solid 1 Series, and it may easily outstrip the popularity of that small but costly coupe. And the X1 is much more practical.
More boomers switch from bikes to trikes
In his nearly 50 years as an avid motorcyclist, Grady Howard has roared down the tobacco roads of North Carolina and through the mountains of old Kentucky, all with his wife, Barbara, tucked behind him. But with a balky left leg and myriad other maladies, he knew the only way to stay wild was to add a wheel.
Auto trends of 2012 may shape our purchases next year
While auto manufacturers are itching to drive into the future, let's look back at this year's major themes to help understand where they're headed.
Sliding doors and seven seats, but don't call it a minivan
It looks like a minivan. It has sliding doors like a minivan. So why isn't Ford calling its new seven-seater -- the Transit Connect Wagon -- a minivan?
Auto review: Ford Taurus proves sometimes less is more
With the smaller, turbocharged engine, the Ford Taurus is now the country's most fuel-efficient large traditional sedan, even with a curb weight of almost two tons.
More boomers switch from bikes to trikes
A legion of aging bikers -- suffering from aching joints and slowing reflexes -- have abandoned their traditional two-wheel motorcycles in favor of three-wheelers, the super-steady and seemingly safer machines commonly known as trikes.
Could long-range Tesla Model S change the way we view e-cars?
Hailed as a game-changing vehicle that erases the drawbacks of previous electric cars, the Tesla Model S has been highly anticipated by local electric car buffs, environmentalists and techno-geeks.
Time to prepare your vehicle before winter starts
As the sun sets earlier and temperatures fall, it's time to think about preparing your car for winter driving. Make sure your vehicle is ready for the onslaught that may come.
Auto review: 2013 XTS is a different Cadillac
Don't let the words "large, luxury sedan" fool you. The largest sedan in Cadillac's lineup, the 2013 XTS, handles with the poise and competence of a smaller car and with a smoothness not typically found in high-end, sporty sedans.
Auto review: Hyundai Azera keeps going with a good thing
Hyundai's Azera may not come to mind when you think of a full-size sedan, but it would be a shame to overlook it, especially because it has been stylishly redesigned for 2012. (The '13 has no major changes.)
Dealers not surprised by Suzuki's demise
A 2013 Ozark 250 quad is among the products that Suzuki dealers will continue to sell in the U.S. (Suzuki) To Thomas Joynt Sr., who opened his first used-car...
Local racing fan restores a legend from the track
John Nelson of Shoreline didn't just restore an old car. He restored a piece of racing history -- the 1955 Zink Championship Race Car.
More than 40 new vehicles debut at L.A. Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show opens to the public today. Here are some of the most talked-about vehicles that will be making their world debuts at the event.
Auto review: FR-S is Scion's sexy flagship release
The secret is out: You don't have to be a fanatical driving enthusiast to love Scion's new-for-2013 FR-S sport coupe.
Auto review: Infiniti's FX37 the sporty side of SUVs
For 2013, the FX37 replaces the F35 as Infiniti's midsize sport-luxury crossover, bringing a slightly bigger engine to its already carlike performance. It's a stylish way to set yourself apart from the SUV pack in the school car line or the company parking lot.
Family soldiers on to open tank museum
Tanks at the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation museum in Portola Valley, Calif. (Peter DaSilva / The New York Times) A tank museum anywhere is a strange spectacle. It documents humanity's...
Car shopping: Holiday gifts for the auto fans on your list
Treat the car lovers or power commuters in your life to a holiday gift that caters to their passion, whether it's classic cars, planning the ultimate road trip or finding ways to make the journey a little easier.
Tomorrow's classics? Auto experts pick future favorites
A car's attaining collector status often has less to do with its monetary value than with mojo. If a machine can make hearts sing, then there will always be a devoted following, regardless of the depreciation curve. The fact that there are still pristine Corvairs on the road speaks to the power of charisma. So which of today's cars will defy the call of the salvage yard?
Auto review: Eco hybrid is most fuel-efficient Malibu ever
While it may not be apparent from pictures, the new Chevrolet Malibu Eco has significantly new styling, including a taller hood, wider track and a 4.5-inch shorter wheelbase from the 2012 model. The styling and platform changes sweep through the entire 2013 lineup, marking the launch of the eighth-generation.
Auto review: Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S are fun, sporty twins
It's a word that nowadays seems to appear only in reviews of Broadway shows followed by four to eight exclamation points. It's the sort of word that, if you hear it spoken at all, is often uttered with resigned sarcasm. Maybe it's hokey and a bit archaic, but the word terrific perfectly describes the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S, twin sports cars only recently delivered and then sent to live with separate families.
It's hot: Porsche Spyder excels on desert test run
When a troupe of Porsche engineers arrived in Las Vegas last month, their cars — prototypes of the 918 Spyder, a supercar that is more than a year from its market debut — barely distracted tourists from their preoccupations. Instead of stopping the show, the two otherworldly supercars slipped unobtrusively into a hotel driveway.
Auto appreciation: The amazing qualities of our modern vehicles
You'll probably use a computer, washing machine, copier or smartphone today. But nothing is more complex and amazing than the modern automobile. It's easy to take its brilliance and durability for granted. They're so reliable these days, they seldom call attention to themselves.
Slideshow: Highlights from the 2013 Seattle Auto Show
The Seattle Auto Show runs through Sunday at CenturyLink Field Event Center.
Auto review: Honda Accord more high-tech for 2013
Honda's 2013 Accord sedan is handsomely restyled and re-engineered to be more fuel efficient and refined than its predecessor, and it offers more technology, including a standard rearview camera that's an option on major competing sedans.
Auto review: Nissan GT-R has supercar speed, performance at bargain price
After my first, shall we say, spirited ride in Nissan's top performance animal, the GT-R, I sat in the driveway for a moment waiting for that nasty grin on my face to disappear. Shutting down this twin-turbo beast sounded like a jet engine as it whirs slowly to a halt.
GM designer recalls Riviera as '63 style setter
Fifty years ago, General Motors cast off the overchromed, tailfinned excesses of its postwar auto designs and shocked the Paris auto salon by slipping into a clean, crisply tailored new suit. The 1963 Buick Riviera made its world debut, winning rave reviews even from Europeans who had been scornful of Detroit's irrational exuberance in the 1950s.
Seattle Auto Show lets visitors spend time with cars of their dreams
Each year, the Seattle Auto Show displays cars that are rarely seen in person. Lamborghinis, Porsches and Ferraris can be found in the same venue as the latest fuel-efficient family cars. This mix is a main draw of the show, organizers say, because people can shop and dream at the same time.
The few electric-car owners say they love their cars
Although sales of electric cars have remained slow since they came to the U.S. mass market in late 2010, early buyers tend to be true believers and quite likely to give their new vehicles the benefit of the doubt. For many, the honeymoon period is still on.
Auto review: Ford's Fusion is prettiest hybrid
Who says that fuel-thrifty gasoline-electric hybrid cars have to be snub-nosed, rounded and ho-hum to look at? Not designers at Ford Motor Co., whose 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is arguably the prettiest hybrid car in the U.S. market.
Auto review: Lincoln MKX tweaks tech and style
Lincoln's MKX is essentially the luxury version of Ford's Edge, a midsized crossover that we like. There's no doubt that Ford is seeking to carve out a new identity for its Lincoln brand and to remain relevant in the luxury-car marketplace. The question here: Is the MKX distinguished enough to stand out from its luxury competition?
When restored cars take a backseat to original
Among the rows of gleaming classics at collector-car exhibitions like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, a few clusters of vehicles seem decidedly out of place. These cars are not white-glove spotless, and they lack the perfect paint, flawless upholstery and brilliant chrome seen on almost every other vehicle awaiting the judges' inspection.
Brake basics: Bone up before your next inspection
You've probably heard ads for free brake inspections, and you may be wondering what the companies check for and how to know if you're being sold the correct services once they make a diagnosis. Here's a primer on brakes so you can make an informed decision.
Ceding the wheel: Self-driving cars are approaching fast
Having a hard time parallel parking? Press a button on a touch screen and let the car park itself.
Auto review: Hyundai adds new Elantra hatchback
The new-for-2013 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback is a stylish, fuel-sipping, nimble car with surprisingly quiet interior and luxury touches that include a huge panoramic sunroof and a sliding center armrest.
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Auto review: Touareg a diesel rhino, reborn for suburbia
The last time I drove a Touareg TDI, it was the muscle-bound 10-cylinder version that VW slipped into the country for a few months at the end of 2006. A rhinoceros with a saddle, that Touareg had a twin-turbo diesel that was perhaps overqualified for the duties of a luxury SUV in contemporary America.
Electric Brammo bikes gear up to go global
The drive to become the world's top electric motorcycle maker has led Craig Bramscher around the globe -- up twisting roads, off-road and face-to-face with corporate heads who share belief in the future of Brammo Motorsports' Enertia and Empulse.
Ones to watch: Some of the top 2013 vehicles
There's much in the automotive world for buyers to get excited about in 2013. A quick industry review: Quality and fuel efficiency are at all-time highs across the board. Technology is delivering new levels of safety, comfort and entertainment. White-hot competition makes us all winners.
New models and major changes for 2013 (Part 3: Mercedes to Volvo)
After a blitz of new models hit the United States last year, automakers have slowed down this year, at least on the surface. But the new models for 2013 are in key parts of the auto market and will have a bigger impact on car buyers. Here's a rundown of what's new for the 2013 model year.
Auto review: Subaru Crosstrek blends new look, utility
Fitted with a raised suspension, unique wheels and some bold paint colors, Subaru's new XV Crosstrek five-door hatchback gets attention.
Supercharger makes Tesla road trips possible
I recently drove the Model S, a full-size sedan just introduced by Tesla, the California electric-car startup, from Lake Tahoe to Los Angeles. I covered 531 miles and the drive took 11.5 hours, during which the car consumed zero gasoline and produced no tailpipe emissions.
Auto review: Scion FR-S a strong return to sport segment
Toyota's return to the affordable-performance realm has arrived in the form of the all-new, rear-wheel-drive 2013 Scion FR-S sports car.
Road rules: Know the latest in traffic safety
Chances are, it's been a few years (or decades) since you last cracked a driver's manual or took driver's ed. Are you keeping up with the latest laws and rules of the road?
New models and major changes for 2013 (Part 2: Ferrari to Mazda)
The new models for 2013 are in key parts of the auto market and will have a bigger impact on car buyers. Here's a rundown of what's new for the 2013 model year.
Auto review: CC remains a distinctive Volkswagen
Volkswagen's upscale CC compact sedan is nicely put together with a coupe silhouette, pretty lines, a taut, refined ride, well-crafted interior and for 2013, seats for five.
Auto review: Ford refines its Flex
Recently, Automobile magazine included the Ford Flex on its list of the ''best cars that nobody buys.'' We've been fans of the crossover since we drove one for our first Daily Drivers review, and we certainly understand how its boxy styling -- not to mention its sticker price -- can limit its audience. For 2013, the Flex gets cosmetic changes.
The best new features under the hood
There are so many cool features on new cars that listing them all would take too long, but here are some that could benefit from an explanation.
Local company supplies fleets of used vehicles for lease
Northwest Fleet Lease Vice President Ron Carlsen poses with vehicles available for lease. (Jeff Layton / Special to NWautos) When local businessman Steve Brown needs a replacement pickup truck for...
New models and major changes for 2013 (Part 1: Acura to Dodge)
The new models for 2013 are in key parts of the auto market and will have a bigger impact on car buyers. Here's a rundown of what's new for the 2013 model year.
Auto review: Ford C-Max Hybrid a Prius challenger
Ford's newest gasoline-electric vehicle, the C-Max Hybrid, is so roomy, stylish and smart, it's likely to attract buyers before they see the noteworthy 47 miles-per-gallon fuel rating on the window sticker.
Auto review: Mitsubishi Lancer a decent compact sedan
No, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer SE sedan is not the fun-to-drive Ralliart we've driven in the past, or the uber-sporty Evolution. This compact sedan is more pedestrian than performance, but the rally background helps.
Oh, the thrill of driving an untamed car
Driving a 1951 Allard K2 roadster is an exciting test of a driver's skill. (Allard Motor Works) If you're not the sort of person who enjoys old cars, you might...
These autos, priced below $20,000, offer fun and value
Even if your new-car budget is small — say, $20,000 or less — you can still drive a vehicle that meets your needs and makes you smile every time you climb behind the wheel. Consider this sampling of (relatively) cheap fun.
More is less: For good deals on new cars, look for high supply
Yet there are still some simple ways to get a great car at a relatively low price. It's all supply and demand. First, figure out what size and type of car you want, then find the cars in that segment that aren't selling.
Auto review: A more fuel-efficient Ram pickup
The full-size Ram pickup truck, revamped for 2013, still has its Hemi V-8. But a new and impressively powered V-6, with best-in-class fuel economy plus towing might, is getting all the attention.
Auto review: One big step for Tesla, one giant leap for EVs
The 2012 Model S, a versatile sedan that succeeds the company's two-seat Roadster, is simultaneously stylish, efficient, roomy, crazy fast, high-tech and all electric. It defies the notion that electric cars are range-limited conveyances.
A new motocross track has brought the sport back to the area
After a three-year absence, motocross has a home again in King County. In August, Pacific Raceways in Kent opened its newly revamped dirt-bike track.
Beep beep! Expanding global auto market spurs updates to car horns
Cars have gotten a lot more advanced in the past few decades, but at least one part — the humble car horn — has remained virtually untouched. Until now.
Auto review: New Audi allroad wagon not so much an off-roader
Some seven years after it left American shores, the Audi allroad returns as a more fuel efficient and quicker wagon with proper German road manners and toned-down off-road capability.
Auto review: Mazda CX-5 takes fuel efficiency seriously
There is no vehicle more important to Mazda right now than the CX-5. The five-seat crossover wagon, which went on sale in February, has been the main beneficiary of the company's research and development efforts over the past three years, making it something of a showcase for Mazda's strategy and intentions.
Kia casts net 'wider and wider' as fun brand
Kia Motors America is finding it harder to operate under the radar these days. This year, the company, known as the other Korean carmaker, likely will sell more than 500,000 cars and crossovers in the United States for the first time since entering the market in 1994.
Hashing out the confusing species that is hybrids
In the 15 years since Toyota introduced the Prius hybrid in Japan, the public's understanding of how these automotive wonders work their magic has generally ranked right alongside its comprehension of DNA sequencing.
Safety stance: States tighten restrictions on teen drivers
It is a rite of American teendom, celebrated in popular culture by "American Graffiti" and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High": a teenager with a driver's license piling as many friends as will fit into the car for a ride. But increasingly, states are legislating away that carefree cruise, passing laws that restrict when, how and with whom teenagers can get behind the wheel.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 roadster is high-tech and fast
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 roadster is faster, more fuel efficient, bigger and yet significantly lighter than its predecessor and aggressively styled on the outside to evoke SLs of the 1950s. But the high-tech and luxury features of this new, sixth-generation SL could bring buyers to showrooms, too.
Auto review: Honda Accord maintains no-nonsense reliability
Since 1976, the Honda Accord has been the car for people who don't want their car to say anything about them. It doesn't boast or gossip or tell lies. It's not glamorous, showy or racy. It's a stalwart car that does everything well except call attention to itself.
Bonneville Salt Flats: A wonder in need of friends
Any number of racetracks hold claim to colorful back stories, their heritage of championships battled fiercely to the finish. But it is doubtful that any racecourse has a history to match that of the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Motos meetup: Lovers of vintage two-wheelers gather each month
On a glowing August afternoon, the rumbles and sputters of vintage motorcycles blast down Elliott Avenue in regular intervals. Commuters eye the bikers, unencumbered by stuffy interiors, as they cruise to the corner of 17th and Leary avenues in Ballard.
3-D modeling helps Chrysler speed up production
The ability to map out the intricate machinery and processes of a powertrain plant in 3-D is saving Chrysler money and development time while improving quality, says Brian Harlow, company vice president and head of its NAFTA powertrain operations and global powertrain manufacturing engineering.
Auto Review: Infiniti adds smart SUV, the JX35
The new-for-2013 Infiniti JX35 is a nicely sized, well-appointed, luxury crossover sport utility vehicle with impressive room for seven people and combined government fuel economy rating that equals or is better than that of some five-passenger luxury SUVs.
Auto review: Chevy Spark is thrifty and city-smart
At the 2001 Detroit auto show, before he was pulled back into the family business like the movie mobster Michael Corleone, General Motors' godfather-for-hire, Robert A. Lutz, gravely assessed the design studies on display: "A whole family of angry kitchen appliances, demented toasters, furious bread machines and vengeful trash compactors."
Toyota squares off with Volkswagen in Brazil
Toyota Motor Corp. is scheduled to launch production this month of locally assembled small vehicles at a new factory in Brazil as part of its quest to unseat rival Volkswagen, the top manufacturer in the Latin American country.
Car shopping? Think like an auto reviewer
The question automotive writers get asked most by car buyers is "What do you drive?" To which I answer, "It doesn't matter."
Volkswagen amps its focus on U.S. market
Volkswagen is planning to step up its presence in the crossover-SUV market in a big way as the automaker attempts to elbow its way into the mainstream of the U.S. car market.
Auto review: Acura's RDX moves mainstream
Redesigned for 2013, the Acura RDX compact sport utility vehicle is slightly larger, with a more compliant ride, than its predecessor and has more power than ever while beating the popular Lexus RX 350 in fuel-economy ratings.
Auto review: Honda Fit EV plays hard to get
As the original owner of a fuel-frugal 2007 Honda Fit that has largely justified my faith in it, I've long wanted to get behind the wheel of its even more environmentally friendly electric sibling, the 2013 Fit EV.
EV charge of the future could be wireless
One reason electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles have hit the market with a thud is that there are strings attached: Drivers of models such as the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf must plug in to recharge the battery.
Distinctive Studebaker Avanti is once again up for sale
A breakthrough design introduced 50 years ago in a last-ditch attempt to salvage a gasping automaker, the Studebaker Avanti has been called the car that never dies.
New travel trailers bring innovation to RVs
For a long time, travel trailers came in two basic varieties: the big white shoebox or the Chiclet-shape pop-up. Airstream's iconic aluminum bubble was a notable exception.
Auto review: Ford Fiesta is a snappy subcompact
The Ford Fiesta is a versatile, budget-conscious small car with a stylish interior and upscale car options such as heated leather seats and voice-recognition controls. The Fiesta also has higher U.S. government fuel-economy ratings than does a gasoline-powered Honda Fit.
Auto review: Cadillac XTS a luxury workhorse
It will be the black car waiting to pick you up at the airport. It's the Cadillac upon which hearses and limousines will be based. When Hertz runs out of midsize cars, it is the luxury sedan into which you'll upgrade.
Alphabet soup of auto names stirs hunger for creativity
Where have all the car names gone? I looked into my driveway recently and saw a Cadillac XTS, Scion FR-S and Jaguar XKR-S.
Is it a boat? A car? Local Amphicar owners get two in one
What has a frog's face and a shark's body, and can move with ease across land and sea? It's the Amphicar — perhaps the best way to cruise on summer's more pleasant days.
Big luxury: More trucks filled with high-end amenities
Chrysler and Ford are testing the limits of truck buyers' appetite for pickups loaded with leather, chrome and heated seats at price tags that can top $50,000.
Auto review: Fiat 500 Abarth small but wicked
Auto enthusiasts lusting for something new, exotic and fun to drive but relatively inexpensive have a new choice this year.
Auto review: Porsche's revamp of Boxter pays off
Porsche doesn't like to be rushed. But while it took the company's lab-coated obsessives 16 years to fully redesign the Boxster, the two-seat convertible has steadily evolved into one of the world's best sports cars.
Ford CEO succession in the planning stages
Ford CEO Alan Mulally, who orchestrated a financial, cultural and product-led turnaround at Ford, turned 67 this month. Mulally -- the former CEO of Boeing -- is not expected to retire for at least 18 months, and Executive Chairman Bill Ford jokes that the architect of Ford's turnaround can continue to work as long as he likes.
EV drivers say 'range anxiety' fight is worth the reward
Picture it: You've just bought the electric car of your dreams, but you lost track of your charge and are now stranded miles away from home or an electrical outlet. This concern is called "range anxiety," and it's the No. 1 reason consumers give for not wanting to purchase an electric vehicle.
Looking for an electric car? Here are some things to consider
If you're thinking about purchasing a new vehicle, an electric car might be worthy of consideration for the first time since the Turkey Trot was a national craze. While the thought of never visiting a gas station again holds appeal, there are things to consider before you take the plunge.
Auto review: Range Rover a blend of luxury and ruggedness
The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover, which is the quintessential, large British sport utility vehicle that has chauffeured Queen Elizabeth on occasion, remains a proper and luxurious expression of British transport.
Auto review: McLaren MP4-12C not guilty of understatement
I'm driving along a residential street in a Boston suburb when a woman steps off the sidewalk and beckons for me to stop. "What is that car?" she asks. I tell her it's a McLaren, the new MP4-12C.
Sand drag strip draws racers to Oregon dunes
The 300-foot sand drag strip at the Oregon Dunes Raceway in North Bend has been packed with competitors this year, growing in popularity since its opening race on New Year's Eve.
More to come: Hotly anticipated cars still to roll out this year
Good things come to those who wait: That's sage advice for car shoppers. Many of the most anticipated new and redesigned 2013 model-year cars are arriving now or in the next six months.
Automakers rush to add apps, but regulators fear distractions
There have been the sexy horsepower wars and dull best-in-class fuel-efficiency battles. Now automakers are fighting an undeclared, escalating war over in-dash apps, worrying regulators about even more distracted driving.
Auto review: Room is key to Chrysler 200 Convertible
Buyers of Chrysler's 200 Convertible get a lot of room and style for the money.
Auto review: Lotus Evora S excels at handling
How deep is Lotus's obsession with handling? Well, the Evora S media materials note that relative to the nonsupercharged Evora, this car uses a larger-diameter rear antiroll bar -- a whole half-millimeter larger.
There's a familiar ring to the 2013 Dodge Dart name
It is entirely possible that young shoppers poking around Dodge showrooms for a view of the brand's just-arriving 2013 compact sedans will have no idea of the half-century history behind the car's nameplate.
Traffic relief: Crowd-sourcing offers insight on road conditions
Everybody complains about the traffic, like the weather, but hardly anyone does anything about it. That may finally be changing as new technology to track cars becomes more widely used.
Clubs, marketing grow as more women turn to motorcycles
Cris Baldwin was 7 when she commandeered her brother's minibike on their Wisconsin dairy farm and first felt the wind in her face. More than 250,000 miles and 42 years later, it's still two wheels and a gas tank for the school administrator.
Auto review: Acura adds entry-level compact
Acura's newest sedan, the 2013 ILX, looks good, is fuel-conscious and has a controlled, comfortable ride.
Motorcycle review: Suzuki V-Strom unremarkable, in a nice way
It is far too easy to underappreciate the Suzuki V-Strom 650 Adventure.
'Untippable' motorcycle nears production
Reporter Susan Carpenter takes the C-1 out for a slow spin in San Francisco, flanked by a designer and engineer from Lit Motors. (Don Kelson / Los Angeles Times) Lit...
Local metal shop specializes in improvisation to build hot rods
Joe Maxwell, owner of Maxwell's Metal Works, has been quietly pumping out some of the nation's finest hot rods and vintage vehicles for more than 20 years.
Life in the fast lane: driving three of the fastest supercars
Life is different driving 200 miles an hour. The magnitude of what you're doing -- traveling fast enough to lift a loaded Boeing 747 off the ground -- is belied by a surprisingly calm environment. Yet at the risk of stating the obvious, a 200-mph car needs things the family sedan does not.
Auto review: Smaller Prius is gas stingy
Not counting plug-in cars, the 2012 Toyota Prius c is the most gasoline-stingy auto on the U.S. market, with a combined city/highway rating of 50 miles a gallon, according to the federal government.
Auto review: Dodge Dart a higher-caliber small car
Dodge engineers and designers seem to have retained the best of the Alfa, including precise steering and driving dynamics, while improving on features that may matter most to Americans, like comfort, roominess and utility.
Dangerous for kids: a parked car on a hot day
Nationwide, 125 youngsters have died of vehicular heat stroke since 2009, including 10 this summer, according to KidsAndCars.org, a child advocacy group. More than half were inadvertently left in the car and a third got into the vehicle by themselves.
Cars that let the summer sun shine in — for less than $50,000
Top: The Volkswagen Eos' hardtop convertible top also contains a sunroof. Above, left: The Hyundai Veloster features panoramic glass. Right, the Mazda Miata comes in hard or soft tops. Northwest...
Chill out: Air conditioning has come a long way
Air conditioning would not become a big player in automobiles until 1953, when GM, Chrysler and Packard introduced new air-conditioning systems.
Auto review: Subaru Impreza an all-wheel-drive star
The Impreza's standout quality is its handling. The car took to curves with confidence and managed turns securely.
Honeymoon package: Bride, Benz and sunshine
It appeared from nowhere, as if a wand had been waved: a steel-gray Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet, practically glowing among the dusty airport vans and rental-car shuttles. We stood by our suitcases, gaping like two rubes at a state fair.
Auto loans break from lending norms
Millions of Americans have found that it's becoming surprisingly easy to borrow money to buy a car.
Road test: A Seattleite tries an all-electric car for a week
When I sat down in the driver's seat of the Wheego Whip that Seattle's MC Electric Vehicles loaned me for a week, I thought this little game would be fun. I could enjoy a short reprieve from ballooning summer gas prices and give myself a pat on the back for spewing fewer emissions — and then go back to my perfectly satisfied life as a Subaru Outback owner.
Tips for making your summer road trip one for the memory book
Summer road-trip time is upon us. Here are some tips to help ensure that your next outing is one you'll always remember, rather than one you'll want to forget.
Auto review: Mitsubishi's electric car sells for less than $30,000
The five-door Mitsubishi i-MiEV has an eye-popping, 126 miles-per-gallon-equivalent rating from the federal government in city driving.
Auto review: Chevy Malibu Eco's battery brings few benefits
Most people aren't aware of this, but since the late 1990s the Chevrolet Malibu's success has roughly tracked the career of Robert Downey Jr.
Incentives for drivers who avoid traffic jams
A Stanford professor is betting there's more than one way to get drivers to change their behavior. Congestion charges are sticks; why not try a carrot?
Summer school: Tips for a trip that's more fun, less frustrating
Lately, I've been thinking about how to make summer driving even better. Here are some tips for navigating the twists and turns the season brings.
Top family-friendly wheels for road trips to remember
While everyone loves the destination — whether it's the Grand Canyon or the beach a few hours from home — not many people relish the time spent in the car. But the type of car you choose can help ease that discomfort.
Auto review: Jeep Grand Cherokee shows why SUVs aren't dead
Buyers will find the 2012 Grand Cherokee is an American-built, handsome and comfortable five-seater that offers a surprisingly refined and free-of-wind-noise ride on pavement while retaining its off-road chops.
Auto review: Coda electric has the mileage, but no amenities
The all-electric Coda sedan carries an official range rating of 88 miles on a charge and proves sufficient for highway needs. But the ride is harsh and, inside, positions and proportions are out of whack.
Driving annoyances have storied histories
Driving annoyances didn't happen overnight. In fact, it's taken centuries. So, as you sit in traffic, remember that your misfortune is far from unique. Your ancestors suffered too.
Area brothers are living their dream as monster-truck drivers
Travis and Tyler Groth, identical twins from Gig Harbor, have always wanted to race monster trucks. Now, the brothers — better known as the drivers of Captain USA (Travis) and Double Trouble (Tyler) — are living their boyhood dreams at shows around the country.
'Talking' vehicles may be future of accident prevention
A safety demonstration at a recent transportation conference was a peek into the future of automotive safety: cars that talk to each other and warn drivers of impending collisions. This summer, the government is launching a yearlong, real-world test involving nearly 3,000 cars, trucks and buses using volunteer drivers in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Auto review: Nissan Xterra is an old-school SUV ready to play
To SUV purists, the five-door Nissan Xterra can be a refreshing vehicle that provides an old-school ride along with a new-car warranty.
Auto review: Jaguar XKR-S pushes aside British reserve
The new XKR-S is the fastest series production car in Jaguar's history. It's another model certain to lift Jaguar's esteem, if not its bottom line.
E-car owners may find other savings — on insurance
Early adopters of electric vehicles have to dig deep into their wallets to make the purchase, but some are reaping unexpected savings on their insurance bills.
Greenwood Car Show is a chance for collectors to show and tell
The Greenwood Car Show, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Saturday, June 30, is a 1.5-mile stretch of collector cars and hot rods along Greenwood Avenue North in Seattle. It draws thousands of spectators and is the biggest one-day car show in the state.
Chrysler leads the minivan market, but where will it go next?
Almost 30 years after the minivan was introduced, after attacks from all sides, Chrysler remains on top. Now, CEO Sergio Marchionne will have to decide how best to sustain the success.
Auto review: BMW X3 is SUV that drives like a sports car
The 2012 BMW X3 is a handsome, compact crossover sport utility vehicle that stands out from the pack because of its honest-to-goodness, sports car-like handling, strong turbo power and premium interior.
Auto review: VW Up is a small wonder — for rest of world
To see what we're missing, I tested Volkswagen's Up, fresh from having been named the World Car of the Year at the New York auto show. And this cute-as-a-bug VW proceeded to charm me: buzzing through traffic, topping 50 mpg on the highway and delivering improbable four-passenger space in a car seven inches shorter than a Mini Cooper.
To stand out in the crowd, automakers are improving interiors
Everyone makes quality cars in the low- to mid-price range. Fuel economy is soaring across the board. Even affordable brands have designer sheet metal. So how do manufacturers attract new buyers? Many have begun to think about interiors.
Automakers aim to make your next car your favorite gadget
Your next car might be able to read your text messages, adjust the suspension on a windy day or recharge itself wirelessly. Here are some of the high-tech options you'll find on upcoming cars and trucks.
Commentary: The secret genius of 'Car Talk'
For those of us who spent the boom years mostly in a car, in traffic, going nowhere memorable, news that Tom and Ray Magliozzi would retire from the airwaves in September comes as less a disappointment than a kind of reckoning.
Auto review: Honda Civic Si gets sporty engine, fresh looks
Honda's sportiest and most fun-to-drive Civic, the 2012 Si, has freshened interior and exterior, more power than ever and higher fuel economy ratings than its predecessor.
Auto review: Infiniti JX35 lacks in styling and sportiness
The JX35 is a rare seven-passenger hauler that's not a minivan. (Infiniti) Infiniti's advertising tagline is "Inspired Performance." And the mission statement of the Nissan luxury brand has long been...
Rarefied air creates draw for Japan's forbidden models
Chris Collins is among a group of enthusiasts who covet Japanese cars configured just as they would be in a Tokyo showroom. His Corolla is equipped as only the home-market models were, down to the steering wheel on the right side. He estimates that there are fewer than two dozen such cars in the U.S.
Make it a Father's Day to remember with auto-related gear
Father's Day is fast approaching. Don't get caught in the slow lane without a fun — or at least practical — gift to show how much you love him. These auto-related items will get him on his way to becoming king of the road.
'Car Talk' radio show to end; print column will continue
"Car Talk" hosts Tom and Ray Magliozzi said Friday they will stop making new episodes of their comic auto advice show at the end of September. Their print column will continue.
30 years ago, Honda made a daring move — that paid off
When Honda Motor in 1980 announced its then-radical decision to build cars in the U.S., the industry collectively said, "What?" While auto buyers now take for granted that many European- or Asian-brand vehicles are made in the heart of the U.S., 30 years ago, it was a stunning notion.
Auto review: Volvo S70 is a convertible for summer and beyond
Summer may be the usual time for convertibles, but the stylish, capable Volvo C70 is a car for all seasons.
Auto review: Ferrari FF is a spendy, fantastic family car
The Ferrari FF's mandate is to meld the performance of a Ferrari supercar with the four-season utility of an all-wheel-drive luxury wagon. Thus the hatchback body, which identifies the FF with a once-popular class of sporting wagon known as the shooting brake.
Buyers' appetites for small cars getting bigger
Compact cars are on track to outsell midsize ones this year, says J.D. Power and Associates, a marketing information firm. That hasn't happened in at least two decades.
Automakers redo full-size cars for those looking for V-6 power
Although still optional on some midsize models, the V-6 engine is becoming scarce on smaller cars. So if you prefer a V-6, you may have to opt for a large car. Several automakers have revealed newly revamped large cars that add a needed dose of style, technology and fuel economy in an effort to woo younger buyers.
Buyers paying more for autos as carmakers find sweet spots
Buyers are opting for more expensive options and trim levels, driving up average car costs. (Associated Press file photo) Vehicles are fetching record average prices of $30,748, up 6.9 percent...
Auto review: Buick Enclave comfortable, with some design flaws
It may be hard to believe, but Buick sold more sport utility vehicles last year than it did Regal, LaCross or Lucerne sedans. All the SUVs were Enclaves — a high-riding, upscale family vehicle with seating for at least seven, a quiet interior, pleasant ride and decent power.
Auto review: Chevy Camaro ZL 1 is a race car for the road
When I first heard rumors that Chevrolet was going to produce the 2012 Camaro ZL1, I thought, "Fine, GM is building a Camaro with a supercharger and more horsepower. Big deal." Now I've driven it and I know better.
Automakers on the fast track to more apps
Just as apps have transformed smartphones and tablets, car console screens are the next frontier. The number of apps available in vehicles is expected to multiply to dozens or perhaps hundreds over the next few years, just as they proliferated for smartphones.
Sweeping auto improvements making for a lack of lemons
Car shoppers today are less likely to end up with a lemon. In the past five years, global competition has forced automakers to improve the quality and reliability of their vehicles — everything from inexpensive mini-cars to decked-out luxury SUVs.
LeMay's grand opening will be a celebration of Americana
The new LeMay auto museum, a $60 million, 165,000-square-foot structure that sits next to the Tacoma Dome, opens to the public on June 2.
Auto review: Nissan Rouge is an SUV that's just right
The Rogue is Nissan's top-selling SUV. (Nissan) Americans still love riding high above the ground in their vehicles, but have been opting for smaller SUVs to save on gasoline costs....
Auto review: Prius c takes on San Fran hills with gas to spare
The 2012 Prius c, the newest, smallest and — with a base price of $19,710 — least expensive member of Toyota's expanding Prius family of hybrids is aimed at young, budget-wary city dwellers. This more petite Prius (the c is for city) deploys Toyota's gas-electric drivetrain in a sporty-looking four-door hatchback.
In today's world, concepts are more mild than wild
In their day, the jaw-dropping looks of concept cars merited rock-star treatment at auto shows. Today, in a more cynical age of downsized dreams and tight development budgets, the wild concept car — auto show eye candy — is becoming rarer.
Myth busters: Dispelling common auto-related misinformation
Some misinformation, such as the idea that the Ford Mustang is named for the horse, is unlikely to affect you. Other myths, however, can cost you money or invite injury. Here are some common myths debunked.
The split between e-car design that blends in or stands out
The Ford Focus Electric blends in. A century ago, when electric cars were popular, they looked discernibly different from gasoline-powered automobiles. They looked more like carriages than "horseless carriages." Those...
Auto review: Porsche 911 drives and sounds like a dream
The new-generation, 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera has the familiar, sexy shape of its forebears. But it's tastefully redone with a wider front track, a body that's a bit longer and lighter, a holistically designed interior and modern touches like light-emitting diode tail lamps.
Auto review: Lexus GS 350 looks, drives like a predator
More important than its looks, the fourth-generation Lexus GS is the most entertaining midrange Lexus sedan in memory. It defies the current midrange trend in which carmakers are prioritizing luxury over performance.
Big SUVs still selling to those who want space
In 2008, when gas prices first reached $4 a gallon, Americans could not trade in their hulking trucks and SUVs fast enough. But today, dealers and analysts say demand for the vehicles is steady and inventories are low, causing their values to stabilize or even increase.
The hottest garage-door trends are elegant, exhibitionist
Carriage-house doors have been the leading style choice in garage doors for the past few years. (Clopay) It's often the first thing you notice as you pull into a driveway:...
Before your teen's first driving lesson, talk about auto financials
Thinkstock Molly Helm didn't want to give her oldest son a brand-new car when he started driving. So the Enid, Okla., mom spent $500 on a 1990 Chevrolet Suburban. "We...
Auto review: Dodge Dart comes back as modern sedan
After 36 years, the Dodge Dart is back, and it's no retro model. The 2013 Dart five-seat sedan is modern and stylish, with European handling and heritage, fun features, 10 air bags and fuel-thrifty engines, including two turbos.
Auto Review: Ford Focus Electric breaks mold of goofy looks
The Focus Electric looks nearly identical to the gas version, a small "Electric" badge the only clue that internal combustion has been supplanted by swift and silent electric propulsion. Sit in the low-slung, well-conforming seats and you feel oh-so normal. There are no circuit-board motifs, techno start-up sounds, weird shifter knobs or special Eco modes.
Kit takes custom motorcycles to the masses
It's been a bumpy ride for the custom motorcycle business as sales of pricey, blinged-out bikes skidded with the economy. But one bike scene is thriving, and that's been a boon for Ryca Motors in Whittier, Calif.
Shop shopping: Tips for finding a reliable mechanic
Whether it's replacing a headlight, a battery or something more serious, asking the right questions before choosing a repair shop is essential. Here are some basic tips to help ensure that the mechanic jacks up your car and not your bill.
More than toys: Vintage vehicles are main attraction at toy show
Chuck Saul is one of about 200 vendors that gather three times a year for The Greater Seattle Toy Show at Kent Commons Community Center. The show, which has been operating around the area for more than two decades, is a marketplace for collectible toys made before 1975, focusing on toy cars.
Auto review: 2013 Ford Escape gets sleeker, more European
With European-style handling, luxury looks, surprising refinement and new features for 2013, Ford's compact sport utility vehicle, the Escape, doesn't seem like an Escape anymore.
Auto review: 2012 Toyota Camry still a popular, safe bet
As a car-buying choice, the Toyota Camry is like the "ask the audience" lifeline on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" The Camry, the best-selling car in America for 13 of the last 14 years, represents the wisdom of the crowd, a safe harbor for those who just aren't that interested in cars.
The full-contact Destruction Derby league encourages aggression
As the 40th anniversary of the Kitsap Destruction Derby approaches, Patrick Duncan, Robert Kirkland and Dan Harthorn are busy turning 1970s Chryslers into ramming machines.
Three-peat: 3-cylinder engines are returning to the U.S.
Get ready for a new generation of cars equipped with surprisingly powerful three-cylinder engines that, according to early reviews out of Europe, have both the zip and zoom Americans expect in the four-cylinder compact sedans they buy today.
Auto review: Lexus GS 350 may steal some BMW buyers
The re-engineered-for-2013 Lexus GS 350 shows that a Lexus sedan can have an overtly sporty ride, a snarly-looking front end and a noticeable exhaust note, all while hewing to the brand's high fit-and-finish reputation.
Auto review: Volkswagen Golf R is best hatch in VW history
But take it from someone who has owned several underdog Volkswagens: The Golf R is the most exciting, capable VW hatch ever; a stealth fighter that will strafe many highfalutin' cars.
Automakers aim to impress Chinese at Beijing auto show
Ford's SUVs, from left, the Edge, the EcoSport, the Kuga and the Explorer are introduced at the Beijing auto show on April 22. (Alexander F. Yuan/The Associated Press) BEIJING —...
What's in a name? Auto naming is a big decision for carmakers
Assigning a name to a new vehicle is a behind-the-scenes process, often aided by outside branding agencies, that starts as much as two years before the car hits showroom floors. It must tell the story of the car, jibe with the design and styling, and sound pleasant to the ear, marketing experts say.
Family sedans, SUVs steal the show in New York
Sobriety, not showiness, prevailed in the aisles of the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The vehicles that typically attract less attention — sedans and crossovers — were the real news at the last of this season's major auto shows.
Auto review: Fiat 500 Abarth is an atomic bomblet of fun
Hop in the new Fiat 500 Abarth, start the engine, stab the throttle and revel in the burbling growl of its exhaust. That subversively flatulent tailpipe emanation is an attention-getter, as bracing as a slap in the face, and proof that Abarth engineers have worked their mischief on the otherwise mild-mannered little Fiat.
A slew of luxury autos are downsizing to lure in new customers
A bare-knuckles fight is about to begin for low-end luxury-car buyers. Most of the cars will be smaller, to boost mileage, and lower-priced, in an attempt to draw a new crowd of younger buyers who'll stay with the brands long-term.
Auto review: Chevy Malibu Eco is a pretty fuel-sipper
Chevrolet's Malibu mid-size sedan is a welcoming family car — revamped for 2013 with handsome styling, a quieter, refined interior and a pleasant ride.
Auto review: Hyundai Accent is perfectly perfectly ordinary
Hyundai's redesigned subcompact, the 2012 Accent, is a simple, inexpensive sedan that works well, actually communicates with its driver and doesn't flaunt its compromises.
The fantastical concepts at the World's Fair had lasting impact
For many, the only thing more thrilling than the concept cars at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair was catching a glimpse of Elvis. Production automobiles already had modern monikers such as Futura, Starfire, Nova and Galaxie. But with the concepts, automakers promised that true space-age innovation was in our future.
Spring: A time for flowers, high gasoline prices
The price of regular unleaded gasoline stays just under $4 a gallon at a gas station in Breezewood, Pa., Monday. (Gene J. Puskar/The Associated Press) Ahh, spring. The days get...
Staying amped: The electrics and plug-in hybrids due out soon
Left column, top to bottom: Tesla Model S, Mitsubishi i, Cadillac ELR. Right column, top to bottom: Fisker Karma, Honda Fit EV, Audi R8 e-tron. Less than a year ago,...
Auto review: Buick LaCrosse's new eAssist boosts mileage
The 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist gets 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. (General Motors) Finally, there's a Buick LaCrosse sedan that puts many of...
Auto review: Infiniti FX35 is still a bionic cheetah
The Infiniti FX35 is a fundamentally strange beast, a crossover that shares its rear-wheel-drive platform with Nissan and Infiniti sports cars. After nine years, the styling is familiar, but let's not forget that Infiniti once described the FX as a "bionic cheetah." I think it looks like a jacked-up extraterrestrial insect, and I mean that as a compliment.
Kid powered: Area karting tracks thrill young and young at heart
As spring break approaches, plan to give your kids the thrill of the (semi-)open road with a trip to an area go-kart track.
Options optional: Automakers cut down on complex configurations
(Illustration by Sara Kennedy / NWautos staff) When it comes to ordering new cars, buyers are finding you can't always get what you want. But that may not be a...
Small cars are the stars at the New York auto show
The New York auto show opened to the public Friday with spring in the air — and not just because of the weather. The North American automobile market is experiencing a springlike rebirth this year, and the optimism is evident at the show: More high-profile vehicles are being introduced in New York than in recent memory.
Auto review: Lexus LS combines luxury and value
With a starting retail price of $68,505, the 2012 Lexus LS sedan is bargain-priced compared to European competitors.
Auto review: Fiat 500 cabrio is big on economy and cuteness
The Fiat 500C is the drop-top version of the 500 hatchback, a small and exceptionally cute car that's big on style and economy, though rather short on rear legroom.
Hatchbacks are on the road to a comeback
The Ford Focus comes in a hatchback version. (Ford) The Hyundai Accent hatchback. (Hyundai) Hatchbacks are back. The hatchback — a car with a top-hinged rear door, or hatch, instead...
This time, Detroit's small cars are ready for gas-price hikes
Clockwise from top: The 2013 Dodge Dart, the 2012 Ford Focus and the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. Gas prices are spiking. But this time, Detroit is ready. When prices soared in...
For good or ill, some cars scream 'male' or 'female'
It's obvious that some cars skew female or male, in terms of both audience and overall aesthetic. Most of us can easily identify in which camp a car sits.
Auto review: Infiniti hybrid has power and gadgets galore
The new-for-2012 INfiniti M35 Hybrid pairs a gasoline V-6 to an electric motor and lithium ion battery pack and manages the power through a seven-speed automatic transmission. There's no continuously variable transmission here.
Auto review: Mercedes ML350 is a top pick, if you have the funds
With this third-generation M-Class, Mercedes' confidence that its SUV values are the right ones has never been clearer. This is a subtle but enormously skilled contender in the midsize luxury class.
Safety group: Parents still failing child-seat test
Most parents aren't using child seats correctly, says the nonprofit group Safe Kids USA. Only 30 percent are using the tether straps that keep the tops of child seats — and children's heads — secured in crashes, and many are not using the safest seats for their children's ages.
Super local: The next big supercar is rolling out of the Tri-Cities
SSC North America is gearing up for production of the 1,350-horsepower Tuatara, a futuristic-looking machine with a luxury interior, priced at $1.3 million. SSC in January broke ground on its new world headquarters, a 36,000-square-foot facility in West Richland that will open to the public this summer.
Diesel boom: Wave of new releases could cause spike in sales
The 2013 Beetle TDI goes on sale this summer. (Volkswagen) After hyping hybrids and electrics as fuel savers, automakers are about to kick off a wave of new fuel-saving diesel...
Auto review: Hyundai Azera gives luxury for less
The new Hyunday Azera also has so many standard luxury features, including 293-horsepower V-6, light-emitting diode headlight accents, navigation system and rearview camera with large, 7-inch, in-dashboard screen display, that it might be confused with a high-tech, luxury sedan.
Auto review: Azera is another sign of Hyundai's dominance
Tacking $6,600 onto the price of any new car — let alone a Korean family sedan — doesn't usually enhance its prospects. But a move to the $33,000 neighborhood seems to suit the Hyundai Azera just fine.
Three SUV crossovers that are big on space, easy on gas
Three small crossover SUVs unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November point to the future of the family hauler. The Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V are all strong players for their respective brands.
New technology means a safe vehicle doesn't have to be huge
Twenty-five years ago, purchasing a safe car meant buying a land yacht. But it's time to rethink what makes a vehicle safe. Huge vehicles aren't necessary for protection anymore, as sophisticated electronics, warning systems and multiple airbags are becoming commonplace.
Auto review: Ford Edge gets EcoBoost engine just in time
The 2012 Edge gets 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway. (Ford) Talk about perfect timing. For 2012, Ford added a fuel-thrifty, EcoBoost four-cylinder engine to its mid-size Edge sport utility...
Auto review: Nissan Murano looks, rides like a luxury SUV
With the Murano, Nissan has struck a nice balance between a smooth ride and responsive handling, a crucial compromise that has tripped up many an automaker.
Good things come in small packages at Europe's big auto show
View image « previous | next » « previous | next » Flashy new models are vying for attention at the Geneva auto show this week. Europe's automakers are holding...
Geneva auto show has dream rides (for those with money)
View image « previous | next » « previous | next » GENEVA — Some people go to auto shows because they're looking to buy a new car. Others want...
A local company adds the shine of chrome to car parts
Queen City Plating owner Richard Frisch (in red) and head plater Dean Peterson show a chrome bumper at the Mukilteo shop. (Jeff Layton) Here's a sampling of what you'll find...
Family feud: Competition is heating up the midsize-car segment
Shoppers looking for family passenger cars could be the winners of a war breaking out in the auto industry. Over the next year, rival automakers are planning to roll out at least four revamped midsize sedans packed with new features and boasting better fuel economy.
Auto review: Volvo S60 may be safe, but it's not boring
It's no surprise that another Volvo, the 2012 S60 sedan, earned top safety ratings in U.S. government crash testing. The big surprise is the newest, high-performance version of the car has an exhilarating ride.
Auto review: Zero DS is a motorcycle ride on the quiet side
The new Zero DS, one of five models in Zero Motorcycles' revamped 2012 lineup of battery-powered bikes, is 95 percent new. It's immediately apparent: The 2012 DS feels like a genuine production motorcycle, while the earlier version felt as if it had been built in your neighbor's garage.
Disney's new driving track sure to be a wild ride
Richard Petty Driving Experience is expanding its offering with the new Exotic Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, Fla. The new attraction puts you behind the wheel of a performance car for a fraction of the cost of ownership.
Fight rising fuel prices with these money-saving tips
If the surge in gas prices has you hyperventilating, well, you're not alone. And the experts are predicting it won't be over for a while, what with the price...
Gen Y could be the group that makes 'green' vehicles the norm
When it comes to their autos, members of Generation Y want hybrid cars stuffed with technology.
Auto review: Buick Regal no longer a 'grandpa' car
Today's top-of-the-line Regal GS is a 270-horsepower, turbocharged four door with a fine manual transmission, European-style handling, noteworthy road manners, pretty exterior and a heritage of Buick performance.
Driver's licenses: Teens hold off while seniors hold on
In an era of expensive gasoline and a threadbare economy, fewer young people are getting driver's licenses and more older people are holding on to them as long as possible.
Auto review: Fisker Karma is ready for its close up
At first sight, the Karma seems a concept car come to life — and, in fact, it is. Little of the design has changed since it was unveiled at the 2008 Detroit auto show.
Rally up: A local school teaches the sport of rally-car racing
You've seen it in the movies: A car flies down a gravel road, hits a patch of mud and slides sideways through a tight corner. Wheels spin. Pebbles spray. The driver pulls out of the turn and roars away. What you might not know is that it's possible to drive like that on a professional course only minutes from Seattle.
Dare to repair: Tips for newbies on DIY car fixes
I'm not mechanically inclined. While I still go to the dealer for major repairs, here I am, willing to roll up my sleeves and do my own work if it will save a couple of hundred dollars. Here are tips for others who want to do their own repairs.
Auto review: Dodge Charger is a stand-out sedan
Forget about retro, nostalgia stuff. The 2012 Dodge Charger is an impressive, large, rear-wheel drive sedan for today's buyers who want to stand out from the crowd.
Auto review: BMW's first electric is all a Bimmer should be
The BMW ActiveE, even in full sprint, has absolutely no exhaust noise. That's because the car doesn't have a tailpipe — or an engine, for that matter. It's the first 100-percent electric Bimmer, offered to 700 Americans who will help BMW evaluate its electric technology.
Americans still have strong hunger for muscle cars
The Dodge Challenger SRT 392, left, and Dodge Charger SRT8 for 2012. (Chrysler) America is flexing its muscle. Sales of modern-day muscle cars are surprisingly strong despite gas price spikes...
Family values: Well-priced alternatives to the minivan
Maybe a minivan is too big for you, or you need all-wheel drive (though the Toyota Sienna has it). Or maybe boxy just isn't the fashion statement you're aiming for. Fortunately, there are plenty of non-van family vehicles to choose from.
Car ads that scored before, during and after the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is over, but there's still time on the clock for the auto ads that ran during the game. They can all still be viewed online.
Auto review: Centennial Corvette is a beauty in black
The Corvette Centennial Special Edition comes in one color: black on black. (Chevrolet) The Corvette wasn't around 100 years ago when Chevrolet was born. But for 2012, the iconic two-seater...
Auto review: Dodge Charger is a powerful bargain
In the midst of the creeping price inflation that seems to afflict all cars, the Dodge Charger stands out as a notable bargain, the lone rear-wheel-drive sedan (along with its cousin, the Chrysler 300) that's priced comfortably below $30,000.
As autos get better, a look back at the worst of all time
The Los Angeles Times asked the editors at auto information company Edmunds.com, senior director of Consumer Reports' automotive test center and readers to put together a list of the 10 worst cars ever sold in America.
China's goals for electric cars stuck on idle
Workers train to demonstrate a battery-switching platform at the China Southern Power Grid center in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. (Forbes Conrad / The New York Times) Three years ago, as...
Shaking up the competitive order of the auto world
A handful of cars and SUVs hitting the road this year could shake up the competitive balance among the world's top automakers.
Auto review: Hyundai Veloster is a good-looking miser
The Veloster's looks and starting price are intended to draw younger buyers. (Hyundai) With sporty styling and standard high-tech features, the Hyundai Veloster — the automaker's fourth new car that...
Auto review: VW Bug doesn't want to be cute anymore
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle abandons the iconic arched silhouette of its predecessor and in the process shifts its style and personality. It is also more macho. "More power, less flower" is the slogan.
New safety rules aim to reduce ejection danger
A safety standard issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Jan. 13 is intended to prevent occupants from being ejected through the side windows in accidents. The rule requires automakers to incorporate technology designed to protect both belted and unbelted passengers.
Coping with a commute: Use your time in the car to feel better
(Thinkstock and NWautos staff) For commuters, sometimes getting from Point A to Point B is easier said than done. Seattle's rush-hour traffic has been ranked between second- and fourth-worst in...
Detroit auto show serves up engineering wonders
Under the shapely sheet metal and ultraglossy finishes of the vehicles introduced at the Detroit auto show last month were technical details just as captivating as the visual attractions. The advances ranged from minor interior convenience features to entirely new approaches in structural design.
Auto review: Mazda3 makes fun more fuel efficient
Mazda, the car company known for its "zoom-zoom" marketing campaign, is selling fuel efficiency now, too. The company is applying SkyActiv, its package of fuel-saving equipment and upgrades, to the Mazda3 sedan and five-door hatchback.
Auto review: Honda CR-V gets mild updates in crowded market
Honda is meeting new competition in the compact crossover market with a carefully graduated step forward rather than a shoot-for-the-moon upgrade of its top-selling CR-V.
Lance Lambert shares the love on 'The Vintage Vehicle Show'
"Vintage Vehicle Show" host Lance Lambert's garage is a reflection of his love for collector cars. (Linda Hughes/Special to NWautos) Even after almost 20 years of hosting "The Vintage Vehicle...
Ford museum's 'Driving America' exhibit debuts
The suburban Detroit museum founded by auto pioneer Henry Ford is revamping its automotive displays, offering a fresh look at its rich collection and showcasing the enormous influence of the automobile on culture and daily life in the United States.
Downloads to help your car's computers stay up to date
In a world where technologies quickly come and go, automakers are pressed to keep pace. To ensure that the growing array of electronics do not become obsolete before the car's first oil change, engineers are creating vehicles that can adapt to new technologies and are flexible enough to accommodate future developments.
Auto review: Nissan Quest minivan has unique touches
Nissan's Quest is a nice minivan that many people may not know about. (Nissan) Do buyers know there is a minivan again at Nissan? The Nissan Quest, which had been...
Auto review: VW Eos sunroof is an engineering marvel
The Eos has a sunroof within its convertible top — an industry first. (Volkswagen) The 2012 Volkswagen Eos has an 8-cylinder. Not under the hood, but beneath the luggage compartment, behind...
Award winners: A roundup of the most-lauded autos for 2012
A roundup of the most-lauded autos for 2012.
Auto industry celebrates its turn-around in Detroit
The relief and sense of accomplishment among automakers was palpable at this year's North American International Auto Show, which opened to the public Jan. 14, as automakers rolled out an impressive wave of spit-shined recruits for showrooms.
Behind on your 'green' car knowledge? We'll catch you up
Hybrids and electric cars are hot, but what if you, well, haven't really been paying attention? Here's a primer on where we stand, so you can figure out where you're headed.
Auto review: Scion tC's sporty styling draws young buyers
Young male drivers lock onto the 2012 Scion tC like heat-seeking missiles. Judging from the attention the test tC attracted, these guys love getting 180 horsepower at a starting retail price of less than $20,000.
Auto review: Hyundai Accent offers inexpensive style
Shop wisely, and you can find a small car that offers a lot of bang for the buck. Even better news for those on a budget but who still consider themselves automotive appreciators: It's possible to find such a car that offers a degree of fun. The Hyundai Accent is just that.
With so many vehicles due in 2012, it may be hard to choose
Didn't make a New Year's resolution? Here's one for car shoppers: Do some deep research.
Three trends to watch for at the Detroit auto show
Here are three trends to look for when the North American International Auto Show in Detroit opens to the public Jan. 14.
More hybrids, electrics debut at Detroit auto show
The Toyota NS4 plug-in hybrid concept was unveiled at the Detroit auto show Jan. 9. (The Associated Press) Automakers aren't easing off the throttle in unveiling new electric vehicles and...
Auto review: Camry remains top seller for several good reasons
There are three thrifty reasons why the best-selling car in the United States for the past 10 years, the Toyota Camry, is likely to stay on top.
Auto review: Porsche Panamera Turbo S is a show-off
In keeping with the Porsche tradition, the Panamera Turbo S is like a Panamera Turbo that's having a really good day. The S is a little bit brighter, a little bit sharper and a lot more expensive.
Ford eager to show off redesigned luxury Lincoln
Ford is hoping high-tech features married with elegant designs will soon give its Lincoln brand an identity for which consumers will pay a premium.
Innovative garage-door products offer safety and convenience
They tell your garage door to go up and down; not too complicated. But garage-door openers have seen innovations lately that make up and down downright high-tech.
Insurance check: Evaluate your auto insurance to save money
Examining your car insurance makes a lot of sense. Prices vary widely and, on average, car insurance cost Americans $789 per vehicle annually in 2008. Here are some ways to save.
Auto review: New Range Rover Evoque is sleekest SUV
Boldly forsaking a history of boxy, gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles, England's Land Rover now sells a compact SUV that's so stylish former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham is consulting on a special edition model.
Auto review: 2012 Mazda5 right-sizes the minivan
The refreshed Mazda5 minivan has a friendly face on its smaller-than-average body. (Mazda) When Chrysler created the market for minivans back in 1983, the Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler...
Eating? Shaving? You're a distracted driver too
Perhaps you never have texted or talked on a cellphone while operating a motor vehicle. But there are plenty of other activities that can make you just as guilty of distracted driving.
Clouds ahead: Systems give drivers access to media anywhere
The goal of some automakers is make it easy for drivers to seamlessly access movies, music and other content always available via the Internet from central servers -- the so-called digital cloud -- instead of storing it on board or having to bring it with them on a personal device.
End of the road: 17 vehicles that won't return in 2012
The turn of the automotive model year usually brings a host of discontinued cars, and this go-round is no exception. As 2011 winds down, some 17 models have gotten the ax, from market weaklings to long-running strong sellers.
Auto review: Chrysler 300 turns heads, guzzles gas
The Chrysler 300 flagship sedan offers style on a grand scale and a roomy interior reminiscent of the big American sedans of yesteryear. But the V-8-powered SRT8 version of the 300 provides another, less nostalgic blast from the past: It guzzles gas.
Monster match: boy rides out his love for monster trucks
Kaid Jaret Olson-Weston can barely see over the steering wheel, but at 8 years old, he is the youngest monster-truck driver.
Auto review: BMW 6 Series is still a gentleman's ride
The type of car embodied by the BMW 6 Series once commanded the highest levels of respect. Provocatively styled and emitting satisfied burps from a V-8, the classic two-plus-two luxury liner proclaimed its owner to be a lover of the good life and the fast lane.
Buy before you try: Shoppers purchase cars without a test drive
At a time when consumers have become accustomed to buying flat-screen televisions from Amazon without seeing the picture quality and ordering shoes from Zappos without trying them on, is it any wonder that some would buy a vehicle without ever taking a test drive?
Dream machines continue to roll out for super-rich car fans
The automotive world finds itself awash in the kind of extreme two-seaters that are so quick, light and expensive that they are called supercars. More than a dozen choices, some costing upwards of $2 million, are here and more are on the way.
Auto review: Soul is top-selling Kia car for good reason
For 2012, the youthful Kia Soul is restyled for a more high-tech look, has more powerful, yet more fuel-efficient engines, new six-speed transmissions and more features, including an infotainment system with voice recognition.
Auto review: Buick Verano is luxury compact worth noting
There are signs that Buick is on the upswing, and the Verano luxury compact is the latest indication that corporate confidence is back, along with a new willingness to take a gamble.
Get your car ready for holiday travel season
An ill-prepared vehicle can not only jeopardize your holiday trip, but also the safety of you and your passengers. And on-the-road repairs are seldom cheap or convenient. A pre-trip check-up will ensure safe travels.
Halfway home: A look at the LeMay's stunning expansion
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Very slick: Automakers strive to reduce engine friction
Internal-combustion engines are by nature high-friction devices. Friction nibbles away at engine power, producing heat that is lost to the atmosphere. Limiting those losses is a goal of every automaker, with huge efforts directed toward tiny returns.
Auto review: Prius v rides like a fuel-efficient minivan
Toyota's biggest Prius, the 2012 Prius v, has arrived as a minivan-styled vehicle with 58 percent more cargo space than the current Prius and more room for passengers.
Auto review: New Subaru Impreza benefits from a mpg boost
The new Subaru Impreza sedan with an automatic transmission is rated at 36 miles per gallon on the highway, a whopping 38 percent increase from last year's figure of 26 mpg.
Technology, fuel-sippers take the spotlight at Japan auto show
"Green" cars and futuristic concepts rolled into the spotlight at the Tokyo auto show as Japan's automakers look to technological innovation to reinvigorate growth after tough times.
Classic autos can be a hobby and an education for kids
The Pacific Northwest's classic-car clubs and meetups aren't just populated by adults; kids and teens have a similar passion for antique autos. And when all the age groups come together, it can be a learning and bonding experience for everyone.
The quest for better gas mileage may make spare tires extinct
This year, more than 14 percent of new models on sale in the United States came with liquid tire sealant and a portable electric air pump instead of a spare, a trend that is growing as automakers try to shed pounds and boost gas mileage.
Auto review: Verano is a Buick that feels like a Lincoln
The 2012 Verano is a decidedly nice car with pleasing styling, quiet interior, decent fuel mileage and noteworthy ride and handling.
Auto review: New VW Passat ready to challenge midsize leaders
The redesigned, U.S.-built 2012 Volkswagen Passat has arrived — and appears to be a solid entry in the midsize-sedan segment, ready to challenge the dominance of the longtime leaders in the class, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Need for speed keeps supercharger maker's business humming
Vortech Engineering has built a business helping drivers satisfy their need for speed. The Oxnard, Calif., company manufactures superchargers that force more air into an automotive engine, providing a boost of additional horsepower.
Best of 2011: Year of change brings beauty, innovation to cars
This year may go down as one of the most exciting and unpredictable in automotive history.
Time, deals make the week after Christmas a big time to buy
Despite ads showing a brand-new car (complete with big red bow) in the driveway on Christmas morning, one of the biggest sales periods of the year actually comes after Santa has headed back to the North Pole.
Auto Review: Civic Natural Gas available to more consumers
Thirteen years after launching its natural gas-powered Civic as a low-emission, low-fuel-price vehicle for public utilities and other business fleets, Honda is expanding availability to more consumers than ever.
Auto Review: For new Buick LaCrosse, smugness comes standard
Easing along the New York State Thruway in a Buick LaCrosse, I am enjoying the hushed cabin and technological amenities of an entry-level luxury car as I keep an eye out for diminutive gas hogs like the Honda Fit and the Mazda 2.
Through the roof: Dual-pane, panoramic sunroofs are hot sellers
Americans have repeatedly indulged in big views: picture windows in the ranch house, CinemaScope at the drive-in, wide-screen television in the media room.
Pickups downshift: Some buyers swap V-8 engines for V-6s
Jim Leath has driven pickup trucks since the 1960s, always powered by V-8 engines beefy enough to tow a boat or carry a load of concrete blocks.
Auto Review: Rugged Jeep Wrangler popular again
Taming America's sport utility vehicles and turning them into new-day minivans for mainstream buyers took a toll on most classic SUVs. But the iconic Jeep Wrangler escaped the trend.
Auto Review: Throwing caution to the wine despite a chilly economy
Barricaded against the financial storms, Americans aren't exactly whistling "Here Comes the Sun."
Wish list: Play Santa with auto-inspired gifts for the holidays
Brighten the holidays for the car nut on your list with gifts that show you've been paying attention.
War legend: At 70, the Jeep has a place in American history
The Willys-Overland Jeep had a fast start. It was invented as the U.S. prepared to enter World War II, and nearly 650,000 were used by the time the war ended.
Auto Review: Mustang Boss 302 races back
After 42 years, the Mustang Boss 302 is back, channeling race car driver Parnelli Jones and his exhilarating 1970 Trans Am series win at Laguna Seca raceway in California.
Been a while since you bought a new car? Big advances are coming
Whether it's due to improved vehicle quality or the lousy economy, the U.S. Department of Transportation says we're keeping our rides longer than ever. These days, the average car lasts about 13 years and 145,000 miles.
Winter wiles: Head off rain and snow with these cold-weather car tips
Is your car ready for the cold? Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Auto Review: Camaro Convertible is a head-turner
Thank goodness you don't need one of the 100 special-edition Neiman Marcus Chevrolet Camaro Convertibles to enjoy a special open-top Camaro ride.
Auto Review: 2012 Audi A6: Actor in a supporting role
The new Audi A6 has arrived. And from its debut on the luxury stage until the end of its days, this sedan will be the William Mapother of the Audi lineup.
Who needs handles? Auto designers are hiding door handles for a sleek look
Automobiles seem to want to lose their old-fashioned door handles.
Show stoppers: What to look for at the Seattle Auto Show this weekend
--> « previous | next » « previous | next » The 2012 Seattle Auto Show runs Nov. 2-6 at Century Link Field Event Center. To learn more, read...
Auto Review: Rio still carries a low price
It's still called the Kia Rio. But the five-door hatchback for 2012 is a notable new model with sporty appearance, well-laid-out interior, a more refined and quiet ride and a government fuel economy rating of 40 miles a gallon on the highway.
Auto review: From not so good to not so bad
Plain, ordinary and uninteresting were core competencies of the old Chrysler Corp. From Harry Truman's 1941 Chrysler Windsor, through four decades of the nearly indestructible Slant Six engine and on to, yes, the boring front-drive K-Cars of the 1980s, Chrysler delivered plain, affordable transportation for plain, budget-conscious people who saw that as a virtue. The Chrysler 200 sedan is in keeping with that tradition.
2012 Seattle Auto Show vehicles are more efficient and more powerful
The vehicles at the 2012 Seattle Auto Show are a reflection of the times. Almost every automaker will be showing fuel-sipping hybrids, super-efficient compacts and zero-emission electrics.
Chevy turns 100 | 1911-2011
Greatest hits: Chevrolet's 10 best define American automobiles
Chevrolet doesn't just build cars and trucks. It creates archetypes. Close your eyes and think of a type of car or truck. It's amazing how often the vehicle in your mind's eye will be a Chevrolet.
Chevy turns 100 | 1911-2011
Chevy's history is a mix of economy, luxury and power
Like its famous bowtie badge, Chevrolet's past and present intersect at several ironic points.
Chevy turns 100 | 1911-2011
Iconic brand leaves pop culture imprint
In the 100 years that Chevrolets have roamed U.S. roads and byways, the car has been portrayed in movies, TV and music as the modest, everyman vehicle that anyone could afford, as well as a signifier of reckless speed, eternal youth and a persistent raffishness.
Chevy turns 100 | 1911-2011
Celebrating Chevrolet in song
If you like both kinds of music -- songs about Chevrolets and songs about Chevys -- Pandora has the playlist for you.
Auto Review: Smallest Scion ever debuts: iQ minicompact
Where is the rest of the car? Just about everyone asked this question when they saw Scion's newest car, the iQ.
Auto Review: Throw practicality out the window with well-designed, tough Land Rover LR4
Some vehicles defy rhyme or reason. Carmakers count on that.
Woodie worker: Local restorer brings exterior woodwork back to life
Rick Mack has owned woodie station wagons since the 1960s. Now he restores them. (Jeff Layton) Rick Mack shows the complicated cuts needed to replicate an original woodie exterior. He...
What's in store: New models and major changes for 2012 (Part 3: Maserati to Volvo)
Revamped versions of some of America's best-known cars are out this year, along with new fuel-sippers, electrics and high-powered performance machines.
Auto Review: Nissan's mid-size car is this year's big seller
Nissan's American-built mid-size car, the Altima, is catching on with car buyers this year.
Auto Review: Despite intelligent design, Scion iQ doesn't ace the test
The Scion iQ stretches out just a tenth of an inch beyond 10 feet long, but it packs some slick engineering into that short space. Maybe too much slick engineering.
Fixes by you: Self-serve car-repair shop lets you be the mechanic
Two years ago, George Patterson found himself faced with a routine car-maintenance problem that came with a big price tag. The high cost of labor in the repair shop's quote got him thinking that there must be a way to make the fix for less.
What's in store: New models and major changes for 2012 (Part 2: Fiat To Lexus)
Revamped versions of some of America's best-known cars are out this year, along with new fuel-sippers, electrics and high-powered performance machines. Here's a rundown of the 2012 cars on the market through next fall (all prices include shipping).
Auto Review: New engine boosts 2012 Cadillac SRX
The SRX, the Cadillac of crossover sport utility vehicles, gets smart improvements for 2012 -- notably, a better engine and an "eco" mode to try to maximize fuel efficiency.
Auto Review: Dusting off the recipe for a white-bread van
Everybody, it sometimes seems, complains about the minivan, or at least the bland, conservative image of the minivan. But despite the best efforts of marketing departments -- from Toyota's "Swagger Wagon" videos to Honda Odyssey ads pulsing with rock-concert fantasies -- tampering with the basic van formula is a dangerous business.
Timing takeoff: The zero-to-60 measurement is a mysterious status symbol
One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Miss -- boom! Congratulations, you've just hit 60 miles an hour. Or would have if you were piloting a Bugatti Veyron.
What's in store: New models and major changes for 2012 (Part 1: Acura to Dodge)
Everything old is new again. Revamped versions of some of America's best-known cars -- the Toyota Camry, the Chevrolet Malibu, the Ford Taurus, the Volkswagen Beetle, the BMW 3 Series -- are all going on sale in the 2012 model year. The industry hopes that as buyers return after the economic slump, they'll be delighted by new styling, significantly better fuel economy and, in some cases, lower prices.
Auto Review: Aveo out, Chevy Sonic in
Chevrolet improves its lineup substantially with the new-for-2012 Sonic compact sedan and five-door hatchback.
Auto Review: Bentley's flagship a threat to chauffer job security
The Bentley Mulsanne, it turns out, is a pleasant car to drive. I can hear the snorts already: "Excuse me? Bentley's flagship costs $330,000. I should hope it's pleasing."
What's inside counts: These 2012 models have head-turning interior upgrades
It's easy to get excited about the launch of an all-new car. Fresh sheet metal is like a newborn baby -- it commands attention while the older sibling gets ignored.
Automakers are making cars more aerodynamic and boosting mpgs
The government's tougher new fuel-economy standards are going to force automakers to go to new lengths to increase gas mileage, and many are already looking at fine details such as aerodynamics.
Auto Review: Infiniti adds first gas-electric hybrid
Luxury brand Infiniti finally joins the gasoline-electric hybrid car market with the 2012 M35h that's rated 38 percent more fuel efficient overall than its non-hybrid, V-6-powered M35 sibling.
Auto Review: New Civic keeps hybrid weirdness at bay
BETHLEHEM, N.H. -- The goal in designing the 2012 Civic Hybrid, Honda executives say, was to incorporate the hybrid virtue of superior fuel economy in a vehicle that drives like a conventional car. For the most part, Honda has accomplished that.
Get charged: A guide to finding local EV charging stations
Electric-vehicle charging stations continue to pop up like mushrooms in the Seattle area, enabling drivers to extend their driving range as they catch a football game in Sodo, enjoy a latte in South Lake Union or see a movie at the Bellevue Collection.
Auto ABCs: Deciphering the alphabet soup of modern safety systems
When Carol Grubb bought her new car, the salesman told her that the "BA" on the invoice stood for brake assist. He wasn't able to tell her much more about what brake assist actually does, or why she needed it, though. The Kissimmee, Fla., resident didn't even ask about "BFD."
Auto Review: Volkswagen Beetle looking for men
The Volkswagen Beetle is back as a new, larger car with a flatter roofline, wider track, shorter windshield, better fuel economy and no bud vase on the dashboard.
Home delivery: Need a repair? Consider a mechanic who comes to you
When Alan Titus' car broke down, he thought about having it towed to a shop, as he usually did. But he was intrigued by a mobile mechanic's advertisement and called him instead.
After a quarter-century in America, Hyundai is hitting its stride
As Hyundai celebrates its 25th anniversary selling cars in the United States, the brand that started out as a low-priced joke has become the fastest-growing automaker in the world.
Auto review: Hyundai adds biggest V-8
In tough economic times, large premium cars aren't big sellers. But Hyundai is undeterred. The South Korea-based company is upgrading its 3-year-old, rear-wheel drive Genesis sedan with a new model that has Hyundai's most powerful engine -- a 5-liter, direct-injection V-8 generating 429 horsepower.
Airstream mystique: Passionate local community grows with a new dealership
All it took was one camping trip in a borrowed trailer for Melanie and Lee Power to know that they wanted to get their own. And it took only about half a second for Melanie to know which kind she wanted.
Less is more: RV sales are up, but sizes are shrinking
Not noticing the usual convoy of motor homes headed for vacation spots this summer? That may be because RVs are getting smaller.
Auto review: Comfort is nicely sized in Equinox
Chevrolet's best-selling sport utility vehicle, the Equinox, is comfortable, attractive inside and out, and roomy without being oversized.
High mileage: Top new car picks nearing and surpassing 40 mpg
When it comes to birthdays, you may have heard that 40 is the new 30. That applies to automotive fuel efficiency, too. Every manufacturer is now gunning for the big 4-0.
Luxury lighting: Entry-level cars get big style with LED headlight accents
Those twinkling lights on the fronts of luxury cars are starting to find their way into the mainstream.
Auto Review: The Escalade is still a status symbol
Not even major league hockey's shiny, big, Stanley Cup trophy dims the glitzy looks of the 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV.
Interior restorer brings history and style back to classic cars
Tony Miller sits in a 1957 Ford Fairlane he is restoring at his shop Stitches in Poulsbo. (Amanda Layton / Special to NWautos) When Tony Miller was in high school,...
Big sales for U.S. carmakers as the best of the 2011 autos emerge
Clockwise from top left: The Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Elantra. It's the best summer in years for Detroit carmakers. New 2011 models are flying out of dealer showrooms,...
Auto Review: Kia adds mid-size hatchback
The newest Kia Forte is second-best in government fuel economy ratings among 2011 mid-size hatchbacks. Only the Toyota Prius, with hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain, does better.
Wired buying: The Internet provides an alternate route into dealerships
Websites for individual dealerships (like Renton Kia's, top left), Costco Auto (right) and eBay Motors are giving consumers a new entry-point for buying a vehicle. Beth Volk had done all...
A new crop of cars shows that inexpensive doesn't have to mean cheap
Priced at $10,990, the 2012 Nissan Versa is the epitome of the new value car. (Nissan) It would have been easy to overlook amid the shiny cars, fashion models and...
Auto Review: VW Eos convertible is refreshed
It's easy to get people staring at the newly restyled, 2012 Volkwagen Eos -- particularly when the convertible hardtop is down and a nearly 4-foot-tall, bright yellow M&M's character is strapped into the back seat.
Back-to-school 'uncool': Shopping for your teen? Forgo flash for safety
Clockwise from top left: The Kia Optima, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Tuscon and Toyota Venza are Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top safety picks. Ford If your back-to-school shopping list includes...
Train your teen driver with a good school and lots of road miles
(Thinkstock) In about two months my son will begin driving lessons, and I've realized that I have no idea how to choose a driving school. When I was a teen,...
Auto Review: Big changes to Hyundai's small car
Hyundai's smallest auto, the Accent, is no longer the cheapest new car in America. Instead, it's a stylish compact with class-leading fuel mileage, notable features and an interior so quiet at stoplights you might think the engine has turned off.
Gas-pump sticker shock? Meditate on these pricey comparisons
(Sara Kennedy / NWautos staff) "Have you seen the price of gas? It's almost five bucks a gallon!" OK, maybe it's only four bucks. Or $3.92. But whatever. If I...
Start-stop technology in U.S. vehicles could bring fuel savings
The stage is set for a relatively simple and inexpensive fuel-saving technology to proliferate on vehicles in North America.
Auto Review: Mazda minivan's a bargain
The 2012 Mazda5 is a pleasant bargain -- a nimble minivan that's smaller than others, yet has seats for six, best fuel mileage of any van, a value price and even an available manual transmission.
Listen up: Three car noises that could mean trouble
(Thinkstock) When your car squeaks, squeals or groans, it's asking for help. Ignoring those noises can cost big bucks later, so it's best to check them now and fix any...
Open season: Celebrate summer with the convertible of your dreams
Clockwise from top left: Audi A5; Chrysler 200; Mercedes-Benz SLK350; Volkswagen Eos. I'd argue that the Pacific Northwest is the best place in America to own a convertible. Don't wait...
Auto Review: Acura's top car gets better
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Acura's best-selling car, the mid-size TL sedan, is revised for 2012 with a new, modern transmission, interior upgrades and a toned-down grille design and rear end...
Techno-tripping: Websites, apps and gadgets to make your road trip a success
An ever-growing number of road-trip-related apps, websites and gadgets help make plotting a summer adventure almost as fun as the journey itself. Whether you're bound for the ocean, mountains or desert, here are some high-tech ways to ease your expedition.
Cool off hot car interiors with these low- and high-tech ideas
(Thinkstock) The Baby Bee Cool car seat cover, left, uses ice packs to keep the seat cool. A folding window shade, right, is convenient and effective. On a hot summer...
Auto review: Hyundai Elantra a real looker
The attractive 2011 Hyundai Elantra sedan is arguably the best-looking smallish sedan in the country.
Rising star: Custom auto painting melds passions for young artist
Custom auto-painter Josh Jones practices free-hand pinstriping (Photos by Jeff Layton) When Josh Jones was in school, there were only two things that appealed to him: cars and art. At...
Buy smart: Tips for getting the best deal on your summer ride
James Jensen checks out a Toyota Prius while car shopping in Braintree, Mass. Some Toyota models are in short supply this summer. (Jonathan Wiggs / New York Times News Service)...
Auto Review: Honda Civic still a strong contender
(AP Photo/Honda) The new, ninth-generation Honda Civic sedan isn't the sexiest small car. But it's surprisingly roomy for a compact, has a quieter interior and a more compliant ride than...
At one local rest area, everyone has a reason to be on the road
Summer will be prime time for these rest areas, and for every visitor there's a story.
Art of the car: Road trip to these museums for auto inspiration
Leah Nash / New York Times News Service A 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante waits in the Portland Art Museum's sculpture garden after being unloaded for the "Allure of the...
Auto Review: Acura adds station wagon
With stubbornly high gasoline prices, station wagons are suddenly appealing — and Acura's new-for-2011 TSX Sport Wagon should be especially so.
A journey across a Cascade mountain pass is a road trip through history
This photo of the "Sunset Highway" over Snoqualmie Pass is estimated to be from 1917. (Washington State DOT) If you're heading over the Cascades for warm weather or mountain majesty...
Avoid common road-trip nightmares with the right preparation
(Thinkstock) Drive, drag, dash, motor, start, run, race, roll, travel, cruise, crawl, fire it up, lean on it, step on it, on your mark, get set, go! The summer road-trip...
Top summer drives from A to W
The Payette River Scenic Byway in Idaho (Peg Owens). Rugged mountains and crashing falls, towering forests and photo-worthy small towns are just some of the highlights on America's roads and...
Auto Review: Hyundai's flagship sedan busts barriers
The only thing missing from the 2011 Hyundai Equus luxury sedan is a traditional luxury brand badge like a Mercedes star or a Jaguar leaping cat.
Turn your car into a rolling canvas with these tips from the masters
A full-blown art car isn't for everyone, but anyone can add fun and personality to their ride with just a little creativity and a whole lotta hot glue. Here are some tips from participants in the Fremont Fair Art Car Blowout, held June 18-19, on how to add a piece of art to any car.
Biggie smalls: New mini-crossovers meld the best of subcompacts and SUVs
Nissan's Juke has been on the market only since October, but it's started something: a new category of mini-crossover vehicles that are a sporty blend of subcompact cars and SUVs.
Auto Review: The best-looking hybrid is a Lexus
(AP Photo/Lexus) Are you tired of the look of the Toyota Prius and other sensibly styled gasoline-electric hybrid cars? With a sporty exterior and arguably the most attractive styling for...
Auto renaissance: Is this the next great age for vehicle innovation?
The 1960s were a golden age for automobiles. Designs became dramatic. Horsepower wars raged. Americans were introduced to oddly named companies like Toyota and Datsun. Volvo proved that safety...
The highest used-car prices in years make this an ideal time to sell
It's the best time in years to sell your car. People are holding on to cars and trucks for about a year longer than they did before the recession, which has created a tight supply of used vehicles. So few are on the market that prices have risen to their highest in at least 16 years.
Auto Review: 2011 Honda CR-V 4WD EX-L Navi
(Honda) The five-seat Honda CR-V sport utility vehicle is well-mannered and easy to drive, comfortable to get into and attractive without being flashy. Best of all, it keeps earning awards....
Help Dad celebrate Father's Day with one of these auto-related gifts
(NWautos staff) Whether he's a sports fanatic or a road-tripper, a classic-car enthusiast or a neatnik, let your dad know you're glad he's in the driver's seat this Father's Day...
The most common 'check engine' problems and how much they cost to repair
Drivers tend to get nervous whenever the "check engine" light illuminates on their dashboard.
Auto Review: VW Passat is Americanized, almost
German automaker Volkswagen is making its mid-size Passat sedan affordable and accommodating for more American car buyers.
Scooter style: Find a perfect match among these two-wheeled wonders
For many people, scooter experiences are limited to anemic vacation rentals.
Braking free: An inventor combines gas and brake pedals for safety
Two pedals, inches apart, one for gas and the other for brakes. For years, a Japanese inventor has argued that this most basic of car designs is dangerously flawed.
Auto Review: A small Lexus with big power
The 2011 IS F is a Lexus, but it feels more like a sports car than a luxury car.
Summer-ready: A little prep work can save you cash and boost your fun
Whether or not gas prices are throwing a monkey wrench into your road-trip plans, it's still time to get your car ready for summer driving -- below the chassis, under the hood, in the trunk and on the dashboard.
New technologies are poised to make cars more fuel-efficient than ever
The first modern mass-market electric cars -- the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf -- are causing a sensation, especially as gas prices top $4 a gallon. However, a quiet revolution in engines and transmissions promises to save vast amounts of oil in the decades before electric vehicles rule the road.
The Toyota Tacoma keeps on truckin'
The Toyota Tacoma, America's best-selling compact pickup truck, continues to garner praise -- and sales.
A Chevy car club offers a sociable starting place for new restorers
Last May, Vicki Sutton inherited her great-grandfather's 1957 Chevy 150. She knew she wanted to restore it, but she didn't know anything about classic cars or where to learn about them. After a search online, she discovered a local organization called the Northwest Classic Chevy Club (NWCCC), a group devoted to Tri-5s -- Chevys built from 1955-57.
Car insurance companies provide breaks for drivers who stay close to home
A form of insurance that requires electronic verification of miles driven, in return for a discount, is gaining popularity. These so-called pay-as-you-drive policies -- miles are often tracked through a GPS system in the car -- are now offered in more than half of the states and are spreading, albeit slowly, despite privacy concerns.
Auto Review: Audi debuts the elegant 2012 A7
German automaker Audi keeps turning out elegant-looking cars, and the newest -- the 2012 A7 -- is no exception.
Considering a motorcycle or scooter? Do your homework and some thinking
Save on gas. Spend more time outside. Meet a whole new community. Whatever the goal, Lisa Micone of Seattle Cycle Center has three words for would-be scooter and motorcycle riders: Get your endorsement.
Tracking systems give peace of mind -- and help get your stolen car back
Based on the advertisements, it would seem that technology has made it impossible to steal a car. Tracking systems with GPS can pinpoint any vehicle and direct the authorities straight to the crooks.
Auto Review: Euro-style Ford van has broad appeal
Maybe it was the bright Torch Red paint on the 2011 Ford Transit Connect van that attracted attention, or maybe it was how the very tall, yet small van moved nimbly into parking spaces labeled for compact cars.
Want your car to go the distance? Regular maintenance is the key
There are high-mileage clubs for virtually every make of car, with members boasting from 200,000 to 1 million miles. Even though the average life span of a car is 145,000 miles, local auto mechanics say proper maintenance can extend that indefinitely.
Legends of Motorsports series aims to recapture the magic of racing's past
Bobby Rahal and partners Peter Stoneberg and Zak Brown hope to boost interest in auto racing's past even more through Legends of Motorsports, a vintage racing series that started last year. The second season begins May 20 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.
Auto review: Fiat is back in the US with the economical 500
The 2012 Fiat 500 hatchback is the newest and arguably the cutest small car in the United States, with federal government fuel mileage ratings that are at the top of the subcompact class.
Cars vs. bikes in Seattle: Can't we all just get along?
Seattle's a great driving city -- just watch out for the belligerent bikers. It's also a great place to bike -- except for all the deranged drivers. ... This is Seattle's version of the Middle East conflict.
Spare yourself: Buying an extra key can save you big bucks down the road
Think it can't happen to you? Dealers and locksmiths say people frequently lose one or even two of their keys. It can cost more than $1,000 to replace both on some models. So it's a good idea to get a third as soon as you buy a new car.
Auto Review: Cadillac powers up CTS
Cadillac's most powerful two-door model for 2011, the CTS-V Coupe, is a hard-charging gas guzzler that looks like a futuristic concept car that escaped from its auto show turntable.
Kia, Chrysler, others prove high style doesn't have to mean high prices
Need proof that fine art exists outside museum walls? Check out a Jaguar. Sadly, like a Rodin sculpture, these cars are out of reach for the average Joe and Jane. There's good news for the paycheck-challenged, though -- refined automotive design is becoming democratized.
Honda hopes to turn homes into hydrogen-refueling stations
Imagine a world where all it took to power a car was sunshine and tap water. That isn't a pipe dream but, rather, the reality of emerging technology that someday could turn your house into a personal, zero-emission gas station.
Auto Review: Nissan tames the Rogue
Nissan retained the best attributes of the five-passenger, five-door Rogue. At just over 15 feet long, it handles nimbly, has high seat positions for good views out the front, is nicely sized for city driving and parking and is comfortable to drive and ride in.
Mechanic's hobby of splicing cars hatches some unique creations
John Walker's Seattle shop is filled with Porsches he fixes for clients, plus cars he modifies. (Jeff Layton) "That's the pickup they should have made," says John Walker, who has...
Four is more: A V-6 for a midsize is no longer the obvious choice
When it came time for Ray Hancart to choose the engine he wanted in a new Honda Accord, he decided there was no need for the bigger V-6. He picked one with four cylinders. The marketing and public relations executive from Columbus, Ohio, joined a growing trend in U.S. auto sales toward smaller engines. The trend is starting to erase what once was conventional wisdom: that a four is too small to power a midsize car, especially when it's carrying a family. Fours, boosted by turbochargers, are starting to show up even in larger vehicles such as the new Ford Explorer SUV.
Auto Review: Impressive second-generation BMW X3 arrives
I didn't build my own 2011 BMW X3 via the automaker's new custom order process, and television cameras didn't herald its arrival as they did when home maven Martha Stewart received her new X3. But the second-generation of BMW's smallish X3 crossover sport utility vehicle impressed just the same with its strong turbo power, standout road composure and quiet and upscale interior.
Get the drift: Motorsport gains popularity in US, but don't call it racing
Drifting is a driving technique that requires controlling a car in a sideways angle at high speeds around a marked course. It's often called "drift racing," but insiders don't like the term because drifting isn't a race. Spectators often compare it to skateboarding, motocross and freestyle skating.
Today's cars have more power than ever -- but how much can drivers handle?
Performance cars have undergone stunning gains in horsepower. But the trend also raises a question: How much is too much in horses under the hood?
Auto Review: Chevy's Cruze is a small car contender
Chevrolet's new small car, the 2011 Cruze, is a pleasantly styled, good-handling sedan with an inviting interior and impressive government crash test results.
See classics, customs, oddities and more at these events for car buffs
Whether you're a fan of vintage fire trucks, muscle cars, Model T's or DeLoreans, if it has wheels, there's probably a local show honoring it. More than just an opportunity for gearheads and collectors to show off their rides, many auto shows also offer food, music and plenty of other entertainment. Here are a few of the biggest and most interesting shows in the coming months, all of which promise a good time.
MPG + e: Mileage measurements can be puzzling to electric-car shoppers
Mileage-equivalent ratings, meant to help potential buyers compare electric cars with others in their class, are befuddling to some consumers who see them as an automotive example of comparing apples and oranges.
Auto Review: The Subaru Forester still garners praise
The Subaru Forester, a trailblazer in the car-sport utility crossover segment at its U.S. debut more than a dozen years ago, still garners praise for its durability, comfortable ride and sure-footed all-wheel drive character.
Inner beauty: Automakers rev up interiors with design and technology
While it's the sheet metal that draws us to vehicles, the interiors are fast becoming as exciting as the exteriors. Few of us spend an afternoon gazing at an automobile's fender, but the dashboard can catch our eyes for hours during a long drive.
Today's car washes are cleaner, greener and more convenient
Car washes while you shop. Car washes that come to your home or business. Greener washes. Softer cloths. Better computer technology. These are among the latest developments in the long, sudsy history of the car wash.
Auto Review: Big BMW sedan adds a hybrid
Gasoline-electric hybrid versions of BMW's big, 2011 BMW 7-Series sedans come with the federal government's lowest fuel economy rating of all regular-production hybrids. But the 750i and 750iL ActiveHybrids are the quickest hybrid luxury sedans in showrooms, jetting from 0 to 60 miles an hour in a sports car-like 4.7 seconds.
Parking space: reclaiming the garage for its original purpose
Take a look in your garage and you might find any number of things: the lawnmower, boxes filled with high school yearbooks, a hobby shop, your son's rock 'n' roll band -- maybe even your mother-in-law living there. But the one thing that seems to be conspicuously absent from many Seattle garages, oddly enough, is an actual car.
'Superbrakes' are stronger, longer lasting and coming down the road
For more than 30 years, Formula One racecars have benefited from powerful brakes that vastly outperform the systems available on any showroom model. The gap may be narrowing, though: High-tech materials similar to those on the racetrack began showing up in exotic sports cars about 10 years ago, and some luxury models now offer them as well.
The new Mini Cooper Countryman isn't so mini
The biggest Mini in new-car showrooms isn't so mini in size and price. The new-for-2011 Mini Cooper Countryman is some 15 inches longer, from bumper to bumper, than the diminutive, 12-foot-long 2011 Mini Cooper hatchback. The five-door Countryman also is 6 inches taller and 4 inches wider than the three-door Mini Cooper hatchback.
Area motorcycle-skills courses are part fun, part fundamentals
When Andrew Putnam enrolled in a motorcycle-skills class with 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, he thought it would be a fun way to push his Yamaha R6 to the limit. What surprised him was that the techniques he learned might have helped save his life.
How to charge your new electric car without overcharging yourself
In addition to installing a charging station at home, like this one by ECOtality, buyers of electric cars should locate charging stations near work or around town. (ECOtality) Getting your...
Auto Review: Ford's 2012 Focus gets 40 mpg
Just in time for $4-a-gallon gasoline prices, the 2012 Ford Focus compact arrives as a handsome new model with head-turning fuel mileage, comfortable ride and luxury options not usually found in small cars.
Oil smarts: A guide to picking the best one for your car
Without oil to lubricate its many quick-moving metal parts, a car's engine eventually will wear down and literally grind to a halt. With more choices than ever on the market, here's a quick look at the benefits of the most common.
Extended mileage: Aging drivers stay mobile, with technical adjustments
More than one in five licensed drivers will be 65 or older within 15 years, the National Transportation Safety Board says. Smarter cars and better-designed roads may help keep them stay behind the wheel longer and more safely.
Auto Review: Is Mercedes' R-Class a wagon, minivan or SUV?
With a newly styled front end for 2011, the six- to seven-passenger the Mercedes-Benz R-Class has more of a sport utility look than before. But from the side, it still looks like a minivan and station wagon.
The problem with parking rates isn't the money -- it's the message
Katie Miller / Special to NWautos In my experience, the three most beaten-to-death topics of conversation in Seattle are the weather, the traffic and the parking (or lack thereof). And...
Remember hand-crank windows and road maps? Young drivers probably don't
Not long ago, I gave a ride to a kid in an old car with no air conditioning. It was a warm day, so I told him to roll down the window. He had no idea what that meant. Having grown up with power windows, he had never seen a crank handle and didn't know how to use one. It got me thinking about all the things today's kids take for granted that either didn't exist or were far less common when their parents were growing up. Here are five ways in which kids experience cars differently, starting with those windows.
Auto Review: Sleek new Volvo is fun to drive
(AP Photo/Volvo) Volvo's 2011 S60 T6 compact car is not cheap, and it's not the first or second car that shoppers think of when looking for a fun-to-drive sedan. But...
The 'four-door coupe' trend keeps growing with more stylish models
Coupes look great, but aging baby boomers dislike the gymnastic moves needed to crawl into the back, making two-doors less popular these days. Therefore, the best way to jump-start coupe sales is to add two more doors -- but that makes it a sedan, right? Not according to Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes invented the "four-door coupe" segment when it unveiled the CLS500 to envious eyes in 2004.
Ford's new dashboard design reflects the race to keep up with technology
Look inside the 2011 Ford Fiesta and you will see dashboard controls that have been modeled after the keypad of a cellphone. The automaker, recognizing the challenge of keeping its vehicles' controls and instruments up to date, began in 2006 to establish a set of design principles for its automotive interfaces, aiming to improve what it called the cabin experience.
Auto Review: Nissan's latest Quest minivan has some new ideas
Just when you think you've seen every version of minivan possible, Nissan debuts its fourth-generation Quest with a few new ideas.
Special delivery: Buying a car abroad offers memories and savings
When I began shopping for a new car early in 2010, a European delivery was not in consideration. But during a visit to Habberstad BMW in Huntington, my salesman made the suggestion. Here was an excuse to travel, and it would be nifty to take possession of a new German car in its homeland, before it had been soiled by seawater and touched by strangers' hands at the port in Newark, N.J. Visions of autobahn motoring danced in my head.
Auto Review: Kia Optima's four-cylinder engine provides great fuel mileage
The new-for-2011 Optima, featured in a multi-million dollar Super Bowl ad, is handsome and well-powered and longer and wider than its predecessor. It even has better fuel mileage ratings than the non-hybrid versions of Camry, Accord and Fusion.
Small wonders: Seattle's racing league for radio-controlled cars is big fun
In the center of the hangar lay a large tract of carpet with a maze-like course plotted out across its surface. For the rest of the night, that course would be abuzz with fast and agile radio-controlled (RC) model cars. Seattle has long been a hotbed of RC racing because of its wealth of Boeing engineering types, says Todd Mason, founder and president of the Seattle RC Racers.
Design nouveau: More women are finding their niche as car designers
Auto design has become a global profession, where Germans design Korean cars, Koreans design German cars and design studios look like U.N. lobbies. Now, with more women taking the primary role in auto purchases, auto companies are shining the spotlight on the women on their design staffs -- still a tiny percentage of the total -- and hiring new ones.
Auto Review: Honda Civic remains a top seller
Honda's 2011 Civic retains the successful formula that has made the Civic a perennial top 10 seller in the United States -- a reputation for reliability, good fit and finish, a selection of engines and transmissions, interior comfort and good fuel economy.
As the first Nissan Leafs arrive, anticipation grows for those on waitlist
Jon Hoekstra and his wife, Jennifer Steele, were among the first in the country to drive home a Leaf, the first mass-produced sedan powered entirely by electricity. Several hundred others in the region are still eagerly awaiting a Leaf of their own.
Electric cars may be a new trend, but the concept is decades old
With the federal mandate that automakers' fleets average 35 mpg by 2020, many manufacturers are turning to electric and gas-electric hybrid cars as a solution. This may seem new and cutting edge, but, in reality, both ideas are as old as the automobile itself.
Auto Review: Chrysler 200 replaces the Sebring, with a new name and look
Chrysler's long-running Chrysler Sebring mid-size sedan is gone, sort of. The four-door, five-passenger, mid-size sedan is revamped for 2011 and given a new name -- Chrysler 200. New exterior styling gives the 200 the pleasing looks of other modern family cars. The interior is nicely upgraded, too, with better-looking plastics and other materials.
As wrecking yards go online, locating used parts is more efficient
Finding used parts was once an epic adventure for do-it-yourself mechanics like Day. Buyers had to sift through printed ads, visit swap meets or spend hours on the phone tracking down rare components. But now, because many used-parts dealers in the Northwest list their wares online, searching can be done in seconds with the click of a mouse.
Detroit's Big Three are pulling profits and winning over customers
It wasn't long ago that American consumers were wondering whether Detroit's troubled auto companies would survive, much less prosper again. Now, with Ford leading the way, Detroit is recapturing the interest of many consumers who ditched domestic brands in favor of Asian and European models.
Auto Review: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart is a racy hatchback
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart is a turbocharged, sporty hatchback that's tantalizingly close to a bad boy racer.
Stylish station wagons make this family car one to consider again
The station wagon is an automotive Rorschach test. Some people recall happy childhood memories of ricocheting around the cargo area while traveling to Grandma's house (no safety seats back then). Others remember the fake-wood cladding and cringe. Modern stations wagons have evolved from those 1960s and '70s styles, however, and should no longer be overlooked by car shoppers.
Highlights from the 2011 North American International Auto Show
The biggest domestic auto show kicked off Monday, Jan. 10, in Detroit, with automakers displaying more cars and new models than in the past few years. Here are some visual highlights from the show.
Hidden dangers: New findings on teen-driving risks
Some of the findings were no-brainers: Drinking and driving is the deadliest combination for teen drivers. Others were more surprising, and even conflict with conventional wisdom about what's dangerous for teens.
Auto Review: The Chevrolet Volt is an electric car with a backup plan
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) The innovative Chevrolet Volt is getting lots of attention. But in my home garage, the car that can travel up to 50 miles on a full...
One-wheel wonder: Portland inventor tries to launch futuristic machine
It's smaller than a bicycle, it motors you from point A to point B without gasoline and it would cost less than a new scooter. Chris Hoffmann, a laid-off machine designer turned inventor, thinks that his electric-powered "micro-cycle" could become the new urban commuter.
The 'three months/3,000 miles' oil change rule is now outdated
Justin Williamson checks oil at Valvoline Oil Change in Albuquerque, N.M. (Rick Scibelli Jr. / New York Times News Service) I still remember learning from my father how to carefully...
Auto Review: Honda Accord sedan's popularity endures
Even in troubled economic times, the long-running Honda Accord remains the second best-selling car in the United States. And no wonder it stays popular. The Accord sedan is a recommended buy of Consumer Reports magazine and earned top scores recently in newly revised, tougher crash testing by the federal government. With refreshed styling, the 2011 Accord gets better gasoline mileage than its 2010 predecessor, too.
2011 brings more communication and convenience to cars
Every year brings further technological advancement, and 2011 is shaping up to be among the most innovative ever. Here are some highlights.
Giving it away: Free maintenance plans hope to win buyers and loyalty
More automakers are offering free scheduled maintenance as an incentive for customers to choose their brand, and to encourage existing owners to remain loyal when they're ready for their next vehicle.
Auto Review: 2011 Nissan Juke is decidedly different
The name isn't the only thing that's different about Nissan's new, small, tall Juke hatchback. The only engine in the relatively lightweight Juke is Nissan's first-in-the-United-States direct-injection, turbocharged four cylinder that generates an impressive 188 horsepower and uses premium gasoline.
What will we do with all the dead batteries from electric cars?
But eco-conscious drivers will soon turn to the matter of a final resting place for their worn-out batteries. A bulky 500-pound lithium-ion battery pack will never be a candidate for curbside recycling. And improper disposal would undo the good accrued through years of zero-emissions motoring. This situation is years away, but battery suppliers and electric utilities are already working to establish a recycling stream.
A Christmas sale: A jolly, bearded man steps onto a car lot on Dec. 24
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the lot, not a model was moving -- sales were not hot. The keys were all hung in ignitions with care, in hopes that a customer soon would be there.
Auto review: Jaguar XJ Supersport is powerful, decadent
(AP Photo / Jaguar) The 2011 Jaguar XJ Supersport sedans are powerful, decadent -- and get the kind of gasoline mileage expected from a pickup truck. A very big...
The hatch is back: Several new five-door models spark US interest
Ford has sold more of its 2011 Fiestas as hatchbacks than sedans. (Ford) Americans, for the most part, love European stuff. We covet their cuisine, swoon over their accents, follow...
Movie magic: How many cars does it take to make a blockbuster?
One of 29 Chrysler Imperials used as The Black Beauty in the new movie "The Green Hornet" was displayed at Comic-Con in San Diego in July. (Mick Mayhew / New...
Auto Review: 2011 Ford Explorer switches to a car platform
For the first time in its 20-year history, the Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle is changing into a softer SUV with an underlying platform that's used by a car for a smoother ride.
Cash for clunkers: Donating a car gets you more than just a tax break
Everyone from cancer researchers to arts organizations -- especially at this time of year -- seems to be looking for vehicle donations. Vehicle-donation programs are an important source of revenue for many nonprofits. They also provide an easy way to get rid of a car, RV, boat or other vehicle and get a year-end tax break to boot.
Pushing 100,000: tips for getting your odometer into the six digits
It was once a huge red flag: When a car's odometer would hit 100,000 miles, "it was almost a magic threshold that meant the car was probably worn out," says Kay Wynter, who runs an auto service center in Fort Myers, Fla., with her husband, Terry. But thanks to improvements in car design and maintenance, that milestone now means something very different.
Auto Review: New Honda Odyssey is still tops in fuel economy
The redesigned-for-2011 Honda Odyssey is longer and wider than other major minivans, but it's still tops in fuel economy. With sleeker styling and lighter weight than its predecessor, the roomy, V-6-powered 2011 Odyssey with six-speed automatic transmission is rated at 19 miles per gallon in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway by the federal government.
Learning curve: One father's effort to help his teenager be a good driver
Behind the wheel, my son Kevin was on one of his first outings after obtaining his instruction (or learner's) permit. At 15 years old, he was soon to begin his driver's education class, and I was giving him a crash course -- er, initial overview -- in the finer points of driving.
Teen choice: How to get the safest first car for your new driver
Your teen is turning 16 and can't wait to get behind the wheel. For parents, though, it's time for a tough decision: What car should your child drive to be safe?
Auto Review: Nissan's electric Leaf is a trendsetter
The first all-electric car offered in the United States by a mainstream auto manufacturer since the early days of the automobile, the new-for-2011 Leaf has seats for five, a roomy, straightforward interior and a surprisingly solid, stable feel.
Driven to give: Auto-themed holiday gifts for everyone on your list
Whether you're shopping for a general car enthusiast, a design wonk or a motorsports fan, auto-related gifts abound this holiday season. Here's some inspiration for all ages, from the practical to the whimsical to the extraordinary.
Goodbye, 'new-car smell'; trained teams are sniffing out odors
In the highly competitive auto industry, no detail can be overlooked. That includes odors. Ford, Toyota, General Motors and other companies have trained teams of sniffers who evaluate scents and reject or reformulate any unpleasant materials. It's a daunting task. Car interiors are made of dozens of odorous materials -- plastics, foams, rubbers, carpet, fabric, leather.
Auto Review: Audi flagship sedan is sporty, not stodgy
(AP Photo/Audi) High-brow luxury sedan buyers who don't want to be stodgy or predictable have a newly updated choice, the 2011 Audi A8. Audi's flagship four door isn't just longer,...
Along Route 66, a local group takes a road trip back in time
When five Seattle-area couples set out to drive Route 66 last month, they expected it to be a fun -- and maybe weird -- road trip. What they got, they say, was the trip of a lifetime, in which they found an Americana they thought was long lost.
Roadside remedies: 10 items to stock in your car's emergency kit
As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, it's time to check your vehicle's emergency kit and make sure it has all the tools you need to get out of a winter roadside jam. If you're starting from scratch, you can put together a complete kit for about $60. Here are 10 basic items you should include.
Auto Review: Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan
Luxury car buyers don't have to pay a premium to get a hybrid anymore. The first gasoline-electric-powered hybrid at Lincoln dealerships, the 2011 MKZ Hybrid, has the same sticker price as the gasoline-only, 2011 MKZ -- $35,180. But it's the hybrid version of MKZ that can deliver more miles from every gallon of gas. The newest MKZ, which is a sibling of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, also ranks as the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America, even topping longtime hybrid seller Lexus.
Stars of the show: A look at some of the best of the Seattle Auto Show
Highlights of the Seattle Auto Show, which runs through tonight at the Qwest Field Event Center.
Vroom lens: How to get the best photos at the Seattle Auto Show
Photographing cars looks easy. It isn't. The challenge can be even more pronounced in a cavernous hall like Qwest Field Event Center -- where the Seattle Auto Show continues through this weekend, and where conditions are beyond the control of the photographer. Ask professionals for some guidelines to documenting an auto show and you'll get a diversity of opinions.
Auto Review: Buick's new Regal lives up to its name
The 2011 Regal -- the first Regal in U.S. showrooms since 2004 -- is attractive and modern, powered by four-cylinder engines, and it rides and handles with composure not traditionally expected of a Buick.
Seattle Auto Show highlights the boom in electric vehicles and hybrid technologies
The Puget Sound region has been a leader in embracing hybrid and electric vehicles, and this year's Seattle Auto Show will reward "green" technology fans with five cutting-edge electric cars. The show, opening Wednesday at the Qwest Field Event Center, will feature the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, Smart ForTwo Passion ED and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Seattle company Wheego also will be showing the Whip LSV.
Online gaming service iRacing.com is so realistic even pro drivers play
How does it feel to go flat out into a turn at Indy with all four tires fighting for grip, or to pick your way through the traffic at Daytona with Dale Earnhardt Jr. inches off your rear bumper? In the world of virtual racing, aspiring champions -- few of whom have ever been behind the wheel of a real racecar -- are coming closer than ever to finding out.
Auto Review: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet cruises in style
The new-for-2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolets are stylish cruisers -- but a bit old-fashioned.
Comfort fit: Retooled 2011 minivans feature better looks and more technology
while many SUVs and crossovers can also hold seven or eight passengers, none of them are as supremely functional as the minivan. Fashion forward? Maybe not. But they're as comfortable as well-worn jeans. Six models will be available for 2011; three of the freshest are featured here.
Minivans: The return of cool? Ad campaigns try to boost the family vehicle's image
The man behind the wheel of a minivan stuffed with children is probably doing more to announce his virility to the world than his Porsche-driving brethren. But the sliding doors, extra cup holders and all that room for child-safety seats have made the minivan a tough sell when the goal is manly cool. Sara Pines, spokeswoman for American Honda Motor Co., considers the main hurdle to be the misperception that "anything that offers so much function may not be as much fun. We think you can have both," Pines says. "I think most of our competitors in the market agree."
Auto Review: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid SUV offers a smooth ride
Known for its fine, diesel-powered vehicles with noteworthy fuel economy, Germany's Volkswagen AG is adding a gasoline-electric hybrid sport utility model for 2011.
Tips for finding cheap and easy parking in downtown Seattle this holiday season
There are probably oodles of things you'd rather do during the holidays than circle the block in search of an elusive downtown Seattle parking spot. Buy yourself some time (and save money) by heading out with a plan. Interactive maps, new electronic signs and other improvements make it easier than ever.
What's in store: New models and major changes for 2011 (Part 3: Mini to Volvo)
As the 2011 vehicles begin to roll out, we take a look at the model year's offerings. Part 1 covered Acura through Ford, and Part 2 covered GMC to Mercedes-Benz. This final installment covers Mini to Volvo.
Auto Review: 2011 Jeep flagship Grand Cherokee rides like a luxury vehicle
Jeep's flagship Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle is so improved for 2011, passengers might think they're riding in a luxury vehicle. The interior of the new Grand Cherokee is impressively quiet, with supportive seats and well-arranged controls. Exterior styling is more rounded and modern than before, and the new V-6 engine is more robust than its predecessor. Best of all, the vehicle rides in a nearly refined manner on pavement, while still capably handling rugged off-road duty when needed.
For tuner car enthusiasts, inexpensive imports are the top pick for racing
By the time Chris Jeanneret finishes customizing his '97 Nissan 240SX, roughly a year and a half of his life will have passed. But for Jeanneret, a tuner enthusiast, customizing the car's engine, suspension, brakes and more is worth the time and labor.
What's in store: New models and major changes for 2011 (Part 2: GMC to Mercedes-Benz)
As the 2011 vehicles begin to roll out, we take a look at what the new model year offers. Last week, we introduced Part 1, covering Acura through Ford. Part 3 will run Oct. 22.
Auto Review: 2011 BMW Z4 offers a powerful roadster ride
(AP Photo/BMW) If you envy folks who can enjoy autumn's scenery with the top down, you'll be positively jealous of anyone behind the wheel of BMW's 2011 top-level Z4 roadster....
Teen trackers: An array of real-time devices can help keep an eye on young drivers
Teensurance, a vehicle-tracking device offered in partnership with Safeco Insurance, allows Denise Johnson and her husband to be notified by text message if their son, Chris, goes over a certain speed limit or stays out past midnight. The GPS function also allows them to see his whereabouts and know whether he really went where he said he was going.
Auto Review: The 2011 Mazda2 Touring MT is fun to drive
(AP Photo/Mazda Motor Co.) The bright, neon-green exterior ensured no one missed my 2011 Mazda2 test car. But it was the hatchback's maneuverable small size and fuel economy that really...
What's in store: New models and major changes for 2011 (Part 1: Acura to Ford)
It's electric! The 2011 model year brings some revolutionary electric cars to the U.S. market, as well as more hybrids from more companies than ever. Here's a roundup, in alphabetical order, of the big changes for the 2011 model year.
High power, lower fuel: 2011 SUVs and crossovers that pair utility and efficiency
We're skiers, hikers and boaters in the Pacific Northwest, so our lifestyles are very active. To haul all that gear, we need vehicles with some size. But we also want fuel efficiency. Those dueling interests haven't gone unnoticed by auto manufacturers.
Aiming for potholes: A new type of shock absorber converts road bumps into energy
We already harvest the power of the sun and the wind. Soon we may also harvest the power of potholes. A type of shock absorber under development by the Levant Power Corporation converts the bumps and jolts of vehicles on rough roads into usable electricity.
Auto Review: Volvo's smallest US car is still a rare sight on the road
The Volvo C30 three-door, small hatchback sure isn't a "me-too" car. Three years after it came to the United States as Volvo's smallest vehicle here, the not-quite-14-foot-long C30 with distinctive, large rear liftgate glass and four seats has sold in such low volumes that it's still a rarity on most roads. And now that Volvo of Sweden has been sold to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. of China, little is changing near term for the C30, except the price, a slight styling update and stiffer suspension for an uplevel model.
Lowriders are a way of life for Seattle-area owners
South End Ryderz car club is a tight-knit group of locals who live and breathe lowriders -- cars with shortened suspensions that ride close to the ground.
Auto Review: Mercedes-Benz releases a hybrid version of its flagship S-Class sedan
The new-for-2010 S400 Hybrid is the first mass-production car to use a lithium ion battery to store and supply electric power. The 120-volt battery is more compact and adds less weight to the car than do nickel metal hydride batteries and has high energy density for its size.
Rare breeds: Looking for a bench seat? A small van? Options exist but are limited
Most of us start the car-buying journey expecting a lot of choices. When it comes to some types of cars, though, you might be surprised by the lack of choices. Want a midsize station wagon that starts at less than $30,000? There are two. Want a car with a bench seat? There are five, but soon only three will be available. And for an affordable two-seat roadster, you'll find just the Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that in mind, here's a look at some rare makes and styles.
GT PRSNL: Area drivers with personalized plates show some personality
Drivers who want to get creative with up to seven characters -- and who are willing to answer a lot of questions from fellow motorists -- are likely candidates for personalized plates. As of the end of August, Washington state has 81,993 cars registered with personalized plates, up from 81,143 last year.
Auto Review: 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks have super power and pull
Get ready to retrieve your jaw from the floor. The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks generate a jaw-dropping 735 foot-pounds of torque -- enough to tow more than 20,000 pounds of trailers, heavy-duty equipment and the biggest, most impressive fifth-wheel campers around.
Pickup trucks are now leaders in reliability, comfort and good looks
On a list of today's best-built vehicles, you might expect to find a sleek Mercedes sedan or an iconic Porsche convertible. Even a fuel-sipping minivan from Toyota. But a pickup? Probably not. Yet these workhorses are now among the highest-quality vehicles on the road, earning better marks in key quality studies than many cars, including some luxury models.
A trip for kicks: A local group drives the length of Route 66
This fall, 10 drivers from the area will caravan to Chicago, where they will begin driving the entire length of historic Route 66, ending in Santa Monica, Calif. They'll travel in four restored 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertibles and one 1956 hardtop Thunderbird.
Automakers are working continuously to boost the fuel efficiency of sedans
Customers shopping for midsize cars generally have families and need space for children, yet they are budget-conscious. So to improve gas mileage, automakers are tweaking cars and trucks between model years -- especially in their midsize sedans.
Auto Review: Toyota's largest sedan is so comfortable, even the back seats recline
The Avalon is, as Kelley Blue Book reports, eminently comfortable. At the same time, it's not ostentatious or overwhelming, the way some luxury-branded sedans are.
Five soon-to-be-released cars likely to make a big impact
Clockwise from top left: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2011 Buick Regal, 2012 Ford Focus, 2011 Kia Optima. In the past, fall was the time when automakers theatrically unveiled their new models....
Auto Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata is one stylish family sedan
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata sedan is selling at a record pace, and why not? With styling that makes the new, sixth-generation Sonata look richer than its under-$20,000 base price, the Sonata is arguably the most stylish of America's mainstream family sedans.
Meet the founders: The faces and stories behind the names on your nameplates
Top row: Charles Stewart Rolls, Frederick Henry Royce, Louis Chevrolet, Wilhelm Maybach, Karl Maybach, John and Horace Dodge. Center: David Dunbar Buick. Bottom row: Henry Ford, Ransom E. Olds, Kiichiro...
A local builder of the iconic sidecar ships his creations around the world
Pete Larsen has shipped hundreds of his hand-built motorcycle sidecars as far away as Indonesia. Billy Joel owns two of them. One even made an appearance in the 2007 film "Wild Hogs." Larsen, 62, has been building his retro-styled sidecars for nearly two decades, and still does most of the work himself inside his historic, 8,000-square-foot workshop on Rainier Avenue.
Driverless vehicles are the stuff of sci-fi fantasies, but have real applications
A team of Italian engineers have launched what has been billed as the longest-ever test-drive of driverless vehicles: an 8,000-mile, three-month road trip from Italy to China, not in search of silk, but to test the limits of automotive technology.
Auto Review: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is built for American tastes
Perhaps more than any previous VW Jetta, the redesigned-for-2011 five-passenger sedan is built for American tastes. It's a bigger car with a bigger back seat for the kind of legroom that Americans demand, new sheet metal that makes the car look more upscale than before, and a lower starting retail price that puts the Jetta closer to top-selling compact sedans like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
The LeMay museum's annual auctions cater to classic collectors of all types
Next weekend's LeMay Car Show and Auction in Spanaway is expected to draw more than 6,000 car enthusiasts and collectors -- people who are looking for fixer-uppers and parts cars from the auto museum's extensive collection.
Tire makers are going eco-friendly with new efforts to cut petroleum use
Efforts to burnish the eco-friendliness of tires are growing, with an emphasis on reducing the use of raw materials -- particularly the five to 10 gallons of petroleum ingredients needed to manufacture a tire.
Auto Review: Toyota Camry is still the top-selling car in the US
(AP Photo/Toyota, David Dewhurst) Toyota's top-quality reputation is tarnished these days because of a rash of safety recalls. But that's not stopping the Toyota Camry from outselling all other cars...
WWU's X Prize car was cut in the final round, but for the team it was a victory
Twenty-one Western Washington University undergrads who built the Viking 45, a sporty and aerodynamic plug-in hybrid, surprised their competition and themselves by making it to the final round of the Progressive Automotive X Prize -- the only U.S. student team to do so. The team was eliminated from the contest on July 26, when it failed to make it through safety trials. But as the students returned from Detroit's Michigan International Speedway to a welcome-home celebration on campus the first week of August, they were anything but disappointed.
Before you test-drive, shop around for competitive loan rates
If you have five kids, a big dog and a limited budget, even the most charismatic car salesperson probably won't persuade you to buy a Porsche. Especially now, when it's possible to go online and research every aspect of a vehicle -- from the manufacturer's suggested retail price to its safety record -- before you set foot in a dealer's showroom. But while many consumers spend hours searching for a vehicle that fits their lifestyle, they devote little thought to how they'll pay for it.
Concept Car: Electric Kia Venga EV has quick-charging batteries
(Kia) This concept, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is the same size as the gasoline-powered Venga available in Europe, but it runs on an electric powertrain....
Auto Review: New Kia is the ritziest Sportage SUV yet
(AP Photo/Kia Motors) The 2011 Kia Sportage is the ritziest Sportage sport utility vehicle ever, and yet it only comes with a four-cylinder engine. It's not as odd a...
Year of the cat: Jaguar owners celebrate the company's 75th birthday and reminisce
Jaguar built its brand by offering a vehicle with a mouthwatering aesthetic that looked far more expensive that it really was. The company celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, and Jaguars on the Green, the local Jaguar club's big bash on Aug. 14, will bring some 50 cars, as well as hundreds more classic and collector automobiles, from hot rods to Army tanks.
Safe Spot: Keep your furry friends safe in the car with these simple devices
Keeping your kids buckled up is the law. But so far, only a handful of states require pets to be tethered when they're in the back of a pickup truck, and no states require them to be restrained in cars. Here are some accessories to help your pet travel securely and comfortably, whether you're in a hatchback or a Land, um, Rover.
Auto Review: Thrifty Scion xD hatchback is still searching for attention
The Scion xD is a thrifty, nimble, small hatchback made by Toyota. It has more horsepower than its major competitors, and for 2010, it's a Consumer Reports recommended car with a strong reliability record. But sales are down 25.5 percent through the first seven months of 2010, and the xD is the slowest-selling of all non-luxury Toyota cars.
If we love our pets so much, why don't we buckle them up?
Dogs are people, too -- according to some people. But when it comes time to hit the road, we hardly treat them with the care we give our children or take for ourselves.
Summer car care: 5 maintenance tips to make it through long, hot trips
Winter driving, with its icy roads and salt buildup, can be tough on cars. But summer has its hazards, too. The heat stresses the engine, wears down the tires and makes the car work harder to keep everything cool. Here are five steps to help your car make it through any late-summer road trips.
Auto Review: BMW's 1-Series challenges small car stereotype
Leave it to Germany's performance car maker, BMW, to challenge small car stereotypes. BMW's entry model, the 1-Series, is a 14.3-foot-long, two-door, four-passenger subcompact car that's smaller than a Toyota Camry. But it's the 2010 1-Series -- not the bigger, five-passenger Camry sedan -- that comes only with six-cylinder engines rather than a fuel-thrifty four banger.
Tested trails: Three favorite drives that make the most of the Pacific Northwest
No one knows the Pacific Northwest's best-kept touring secrets like the road warriors of our local car clubs. Three clubs -- the Horseless Carriage Club of America (Seattle-Tacoma region), the Puget Sound Region of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America and the Puget Sound Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America -- have agreed to share their favorite routes with anyone looking for a satisfying summer drive.
Family fun: Road-trip-ready vehicles for toting the whole crew coast to coast
It's a good summer to take the family on a road trip. Domestic airfares are expected to rise an average of 22 percent compared with last summer, but gas prices have stabilized -- and even dropped in some areas -- heading into the summer travel season. At the same time, an incentive war is still in full swing, holding down prices on new road-trip-ready cars and trucks. Whether you're hauling the family to Mount Rushmore or heading to the nearest lake for a picnic, here are some vehicles to consider.
Auto Review: 2011 Sienna van is the first with a four-cylinder engine
It's time to stop calling the Toyota Sienna a minivan. There's nothing "mini" about the comfortable and roomy interior of this nearly 17-foot-long vehicle.
Audio upgrade: Update your most important entertainment accessory before you travel
When John Rice gets an incoming call, the music on his new Kenwood stereo mutes and his hands-free Bluetooth works directly through his stereo. Car stereos are no longer about just the radio, explains Kyle Brehm, commercial district manager at Car Toys of Seattle. The new-generation stereos hitting stores this summer are loaded with some exciting technology. Here are some of the latest trends.
Smartphone apps offer a new universe of music beyond the AM/FM dial
Rather than being shackled to the same old hits from local radio stations, drivers can more readily -- and more safely -- customize their music with new Internet-based technologies.
Auto Review: 2010 Panamera is a rare, first-ever Porsche sedan
Porsche's grand experiment -- a first-ever Porsche sedan styled in an elongated, yet familiar, sports car-looking body -- is doing well, even in a U.S. economy that's struggling to recover. Only about 4,700 of these rare cars have been sold in the United States so far, and the drive in a Panamera is special.
Pro tips for staying comfortable and alert on your long summer road trip
If you're planning to hit the road for a long drive this summer, consider these tips from experienced drivers.
Fossilized fuel facts: Separate fuel-economy myths from reality and save money
Some of what you know about fuel economy may be wrong -- and it could cost you money every time you get behind the wheel. To set the record straight in time for summer driving season, the Environmental Protection Agency came up with the top 10 misconceptions about fuel economy. Here are some of the myths.
Auto Review: 2011 Kia Sorento is a stylish, softer SUV
The 2011 Kia Sorento is the most stylish looking Sorento sport utility vehicle ever. It's also the first Sorento built in a U.S. factory, the first Sorento with unibody construction like that used for cars and it's the first offered in this country with a four-cylinder engine. But even shoppers who don't know or care about the big changes South Korea's Kia made for its 2011 mid-size Sorento sport utility vehicle are likely to be impressed.
Put the car in camping: Let your vehicle do the work during summer camping trips
To most of us, "car camping" means driving to a destination rather than hiking in. It also means we get to listen to the stereo and, best of all, we get to bring more stuff. But are you really making the most out of having your vehicle within arm's reach? These products are designed to maximize the use you can get out of your vehicle when out in the wild.
Renting on two wheels: Loaner motorcycles provide the ultimate open-air experience
If touring by motorcycle is on your to-do list this summer, but your destination is too far from home to take your bike, a rental may be the perfect alternative.
Auto Review: Sporty and fuel-efficient, the 2010 BMW 335d has diesel power
Germany's BMW car company is known for its sporty cars and not for fuel efficiency. But buyers of the 2010 BMW 335d get sporty performance and the best fuel mileage of any mainstream BMW vehicle.
Outrageous rides take center stage the Fremont Fair's Art Car Blowout
« previous | next » « previous | next » Build your own For more information on the Seattle art car community, go to seattleartcars.org Video: Art-car enthusiasts gather at...
Look, Ma! No hands are needed to drive a high-tech car controlled by the eyes
Tired of spinning that steering wheel? Try this: German researchers have developed a new technology that lets drivers steer cars using only their eyes.
Auto Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z is the most affordable U.S. hybrid
With a starting retail price of $19,950, the new-for-2011 Honda CR-Z, coming to showrooms in August, is slated to have the lowest starting price for a hybrid in the United States from a major automaker.
The DeLorean became a pop-culture icon in 1985, and its future is still bright
Next month marks the 25th anniversary of the release of "Back to the Future" -- a star vehicle for Michael J. Fox as the time-traveling teenager Marty McFly. But it was a literal vehicle that really stole the show: the gull-winged DeLorean DMC-12, which transported Marty from one decade to another with the help of a flux capacitor and 1.21 gigawatts of power.
Good deals abound on car leases; here's a guide to help
Auto-leasing deals are back in a big way. How about a well-equipped Honda Accord for $250 a month with no down payment or any other drive-off fees? What's the catch? There isn't any if you know what you're getting into. To get the best deal, you need to learn the art of the lease transaction. Here are some steps to take and things to consider.
Leasing a new car? Learn the lingo before you negotiate
Before you shop for an auto lease, familiarize yourself with these terms so that you understand what's being negotiated.
Auto Review: 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 is full of good surprises
There's value aplenty in the 2011 Ford Mustang. For a starting retail price of just $22,995, buyers get more than 300 horsepower, a six-speed transmission and the unmistakable sporty looks of one of America's favorite icons. The newest Mustang even has the best six-cylinder fuel economy rating ever in the car's 47-year history -- 19 miles per gallon in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway, according to the federal government.
Father's Day finds: Car-driven gifts for all kinds of dads
Dad may be the hardest person in the family to buy for, but if he loves cars and driving, Father's Day gift giving will be a cinch this year. Here are a few ideas for all types of dads.
Performance fans have access to more power than ever -- at least for now
"Green" vehicles may be stealing the spotlight these days, but fans of performance cars are reaping rewards like never before. Consider the 2011 Ford Mustang. It has a new 3.7-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower, only 10 less than the V8 in the 2010 Mustang GT. A step up, the 2011 GT's V8 generates 412 hp. For the ultimate in performance, there's the Shelby GT500, which also gets a new mill: an aluminum-block, 5.4-liter supercharged V8 rated at 550 hp.
Auto Review: The 2010 Acura TL offers a manual shift and sporty, spirited driving
Officials at luxury carmaker Acura aren't expecting shoppers to flock to the 2010 mid-size TL sedan because it has a new, six-speed manual. Maybe 5 percent of TL buyers will opt for the manual, they said. But the sporty transmission, combined with higher-power V-6 and retuned suspension for 2010, makes the TL a more compelling vehicle for drivers who need four-door room but want sporty, spirited driving.
Swap-meet fans say in-person shopping is best when looking for specific items
An automotive swap meet is a garage sale on steroids, featuring tables full of hubcaps, chrome bumpers, old steering wheels, eight-track tapes -- even fishing poles and harmonicas. While there are usually some automotive companies at swap meets, the majority of buyers and sellers are individuals or mom-and-pop businesses.
GM and Ford work to keep their momentum with an increased focus on reliability
In the past few months, GM and Ford have been handed a once-in-a-generation chance to make their case to an American buying public that is listening as never before. But are GM and Ford ready to answer? Absolutely, the companies say, and analysts and consumer surveys suggest that both automakers have made substantial strides in the last three years in improving vehicle reliability.
Auto Review: The 2010 Nissan GT-R Premium supercar is a rare and beautiful sight
In July, the Nissan GT-R supercar starts its third year for sale in the United States. But many Americans still haven't seen one on the road. The reason: The limited number of sleek, twin-turbocharged GT-Rs available for sale. Only about 3,600 have been delivered from the Japanese factory to eager U.S. customers since sales started in July 2008. Even if Nissan isn't ramping up shipments, it is ramping up prices and continuing to upgrade its most exclusive model.
Local Pontiac fans share the love of their recently closed brand
General Motors' announcement last year that it was shuttering the Pontiac brand has united local enthusiasts who have banded together to preserve the Pontiac legacy. Their drive comes from personal histories with the brand and a passion to keep those memories alive.
Some questions and answers to help you through the gas price high season
Trying to understand pump prices is enough to make almost any driver's head spin -- from the guy who just watched prices leap 20 cents a gallon between the time he got to work and lunch, to the person looking for the best place to fill up for a weekend drive. What exactly determines the price of a gallon of gasoline, anyway? Some questions and answers about gas prices.
Auto Review: The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG has a powerful handcrafted V-8
AMG is the sports/racing brand of Mercedes, and its vehicles hold special status around the world because of the attention to performance and exclusivity. Basically, if you have a Mercedes AMG vehicle in your garage, you're part of a small club.
For collectors of early cars, just getting on the road takes passion and patience
While fanatics of mid-century cars are easy enough to spot on the road, collectors of early automobiles from the 1910s and '20s are a rarer breed. They don't have a need for speed. What they do have is a lot of resourcefulness and patience.
Throw the top back with these open-air rides that welcome warm weather
To celebrate the arrival of spring and get in tune with the season, it's time to look at cars that will raise your spirits when their tops go down.
Auto Review: The 2010 Ford Fiesta is a small car with big-car features
The 2011 Ford Fiesta is a small car with big-car features and technology and a top mileage rating of 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Best of all, the Fiesta gets the most out of every sip of gasoline without forcing buyers to pay a premium price for a hybrid powerplant or fuss with the inconvenience of finding diesel fuel in town.
A little emergency-repair knowledge can get you back in the fast lane
Every car owner should know how to perform basic auto repairs and diagnostics, including changing a tire, jump-starting a battery, monitoring oil and fluid levels, and checking tire pressure, says Janet Ray, a spokeswoman for AAA Washington.
Disabled and aging drivers can stay on the road with help from specialty equipment
Life can throw anyone a curve ball, but when faced with diminishing faculties or a physical disability, retaining or regaining the independence afforded by driving is a priority. Chris Dailey knows. "I was stabbed three times and then I was shot," says the Virginia resident, now a paraplegic who drives a vehicle with modifications. Some fixes for modifying a vehicle are simple -- for example, for elderly drivers and passengers or for those with arthritis -- while others are extensive and involve cooperation with a doctor.
Auto Review: New 2010 heavy-duty Rams named Truck of the Year -- twice
Sales of large pickup trucks were hard hit as the U.S. economy slowed. Regardless, auto manufacturers are introducing new heavy-duty trucks this year with many improvements. The first out are the 2010 heavy-duty Rams from Chrysler Group LLC, and for the first time, Ram 2500 and 3500 models are offered as crew cabs. With four regular doors and two rows of seats, crew cabs account for nearly half the truck market.
Smooth out scratches and dents with simple products and techniques
So you've given your car a nice spring bath and vacuum -- but how about a little face-lift to get it back to its old familiar glory? Getting rid of scratches and dents doesn't have to cost a lot and, in some cases, can be done in the driveway with common household items.
This year's Beijing auto show went green, glamorous and -- above all -- global
April saw a flurry of new-vehicle launches at the Beijing auto show, as manufacturers from around the globe scramble for China's fast-growing market. In a reflection of China's new importance -- the country became the world's biggest auto market in 2009 -- global automakers showed 14 new vehicles at the event, while Chinese automakers displayed 75 new sedans, SUVs, experimental "green" cars and other vehicles.
Auto Review: Chrysler's 2010 Sebring convertible seats 4, with plenty of legroom
Chrysler's Sebring convertible, with rear seats that can accommodate two adults and a generous trunk, languished in recent years as its manufacturer went bankrupt and was sold. But the Sebring is still around, with nicer front styling for 2010 and other minor revisions such as a new instrument cluster and anti-whiplash front-seat head restraints.
Alfa Romeo's U.S. comeback started early and beautifully for an elite few
The recent buzz around Alfa Romeo has focused mostly on parent company Fiat's assertions that it will keep backing the struggling sports-car line, and that a return to the U.S. is imminent. But for a few elite Northwesterners, the Italian car company has been back in the States for years -- and the cars they're driving are more Ferrari or Maserati than the Alfas you might remember from the '70s and '80s.
Retro already? These autos from 1985 become (gasp) antiques this year
A fresh batch of vehicles turns 25 years old this year, making them antiques in the eyes of regulators and eligible to participate in an Antique Automobile Club of America car show. Here, then, is the Class of 1985. Get ready -- you're about to feel a little older.
Auto Review: BMW's big 7-series sedans are executive rides
Bumper to bumper, the BMW 7-Series cars are as long as sport utility vehicles. They weigh as much as SUVs, too. In the first quarter of this year, 7-Series sales in the United States tripled from the year-earlier period to total nearly 3,000. The 7-Series' U.S. sales surpassed those of major competitors -- the Mercedes S-Class and Lexus LS sedans.
Battery-operated car is Spokane high-schooler's senior project
If you happened to notice Dalton Fetsch's 1991 Geo Metro, you would see the peeling blue paint and a red hood that doesn't match the rest of the car. If he happened to be stopped with the back hatch open, you might notice he needs a pair of pliers to keep it open. But what you wouldn't notice was the motor. It doesn't make a sound. Fetsch has turned this car, which he bought for $150 after someone he knew blew out the engine, into a completely electric vehicle. He will be submitting it as his senior culminating project Thursday.
A rare car and a rare skill meet up in Michael Hall's Tacoma garage
Michael Hall is one of a shrinking group of people skilled at fixing legacy cars such as the Skyliner. Beginning in 1957, Skyliners became the first retractable hardtops ever mass-produced. Hall draws his clientele by specializing in a single feature: He has a reputation for being the guy in the Northwest -- perhaps the West Coast -- who fixes rare retractable roofs.
The Transit Connect's success may signal a new age for the commercial van
The Ford Transit Connect has been a big seller as an urban business vehicle. (Ford) The Transit Connect, Ford's award-winning delivery van, is typically used to haul goods such as...
Auto Review: The Chevrolet Traverse crossover SUV rides like a car, not a minivan
The Chevrolet Traverse is helping people forget about minivans. The seven- to eight-passenger Traverse crossover sport utility vehicle with a car-like ride, SUV styling and high ride height offers the seating capacity and cargo-hauling capability of a minivan. But it looks more attractive than a boxy van and can tow up to 5,200 pounds -- way more than a typical minivan can.
As car-show season heats up, owners and spectators get a chance to look back
Spring marks the return of car-show season, and for many who show and attend, the shows offer a chance to remember a different time, when the world was a simpler place, says Brian Canfield. He's the director of the Greenwood Car Show, held each June in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood.
To hit fuel economy standards, U.S. car designers are getting foreign inspiration
It wasn't a particular look or style that dominated the conversations of designers at the 2010 Detroit auto show this January, and it wasn't a buzzword like retro or kinetic or flame-surfaced. It was the shadow of a number: 35.5. In miles per gallon, that's the required fleet average fuel economy that automakers must achieve in 2016 under the Obama administration's rules. It's a mandate that not just engineers, but designers as well, must deal with.
Auto Review: 2010 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab is a gem
2010 Nissan Frontier (AP Photo/Nissan, Mike Ditz) The Nissan Frontier Crew Cab can make even car lovers appreciate a pickup truck. Not too big and not too small, the mid-size...
Cheap thrills: local families can find thrifty fun at the racetrack
Fans hang out in the grandstands or along the course during drag races at Pacific Raceways. (Jeff Layton) Entertaining the family can get expensive. Consider this: a family of four...
Intricate photos of a model-car collection connect with people around the globe
The images on the Flickr slide show serve up a comforting slice of mid-20th-century Americana: the local banker's slinky '56 Lincoln Premiere reflects the summer sun outside the hardware store on Main Street. A spit-shined Divco truck delivers fresh milk from the Borden dairy. The memories, and the images on the Flickr photo-sharing site, belong to Michael Paul Smith. They've made his fictional town of Elgin Park a virtual tourist destination, attracting about 20 million views since January.
Auto Review: Suzuki's SUV takes a different path
AP Photos / Suzuki The 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara looks like a mainstream, compact sport utility vehicle designed for paved roads. But it's a capable off-roader, too. Adding to the...
A Ballard garage hopes to take classic Volvos into the 21st century
Vintage Volvos -- those sturdy Swedish cars that residents of Seattle's Ballard neighborhood still drive in droves -- are getting a 21st-century makeover.
Plastic has taken over modern cars, and one pioneer hopes the engine is next
When the Boeing 787 Dreamliner goes into commercial service this year, travelers will be transported on wings and fuselages made of advanced composite plastics This raises a logical question: If modern plastics are sturdy enough for 600-mph airplanes, why are car engines still made by pouring molten metal into molds, a 6,000-year-old process?
Auto Review: Honda's first truck is tops in reliability
Guess which pickup truck has the top reliability rating of any consumer truck sold in the United States. The answer: The Honda Ridgeline. Introduced in spring 2005 as Honda's first pickup, the Ridgeline isn't a brawny brute capable of towing 8,500 pounds and climbing over sizable rocks off road. Rather, the Ridgeline is a four-door, five-passenger, four-wheel drive, mid-size truck that's agile for everyday driving and comfortable for outdoor getaways on less-aggressive off-road terrain.
Car campers: Travel trailers are getting smaller, cooler and more multifunctional
If you think of travel trailers as mobile motels for the retired set, think again. Their popularity is surging among families and adventurers wanting to make the most of the road-trip destinations available in our vast and beautiful backyard. This new generation of trailers is hipper, lighter and more agile than ever before. Here are four models to check out.
Tap into the secret language of car designers for instant auto credibility
Back in the 1950s, automotive stylists referred to the projectile shapes bulging from car bumpers as "dagmars" after a busty actress of the time. These days, the names car designers give to parts of the cars aren't always as imaginative and, in many cases, are rather obscure. Here are the terms used by car designers in styling studios around the world. Use a couple at auto shows this spring and you'll sound like a car maven.
Auto Review: Smallest Mercedes SUV is sales star
The compact GLK appeals with a starting retail price that's $11,800 lower than the previous lowest-priced and smallest Mercedes SUV, the M-Class. The five-seat GLK also is a recommended buy of Consumer Reports magazine and offers the status of a Mercedes, plentiful standard safety equipment and a comfortable ride without all the heft of the bigger Mercedes SUVs.
Taking it slow: Today's teens are in less of a rush to get their driver's licenses
Statistics and anecdotal evidence show that for today's teenagers, a driver's license may not be the coveted milestone of independence it was for their parents. Statewide, 39 percent of 16-year-olds received their driver's license last year compared with 48 percent in 2003, which is as far back as state Department of Licensing statistics go.
To debut an all-new car in less than a year, a group of engineers goes all out
From charging the Chevrolet Volt's revolutionary power system to washing the car, everything about the extended-range electric vehicle is new. But Volt owners also must find it familiar and easy to use. Racing to meet those twin goals on an unprecedentedly tight schedule, the engineering team working on the Volt has 25 to 30 of the cars on the road at all times. The deadline is the Volt's on-sale date in less than a year.
Auto Review: Grand Sport returns to Corvette line
Already bargain priced for the handling, power and iconic status it delivers, the Chevrolet Corvette ratchets up its value-for-the-dollar appeal this year with a new Grand Sport model.
Regular drivers can train to corner like pros at performance-racing schools
Roman Brent is one of a growing number of drivers pushing their cars and skills to the limit, learning racing techniques without having to invest the time and money to become actual racecar drivers.
Think 1 year is the age to switch to forward-facing car seats? Think again
Anne Epperson thought little of it when she flipped her daughter's convertible car seat around so she could face forward after her first birthday. But if car seat advocates get their way, parents like Epperson will be delaying the switch, possibly for years.
Auto Review: First Cadillac wagon in North America
Station wagons have been passe in the United States for years, but this didn't stop Cadillac from launching its first U.S.-built wagon. The 2010 CTS Wagon is a nicely sized, comfortable, five-passenger car with cargo space that's easier to reach than that of a sport utility vehicle.
As more red-light cameras go up, one Seattleite makes a case for giving in
An unwelcome envelope recently landed on my desk. Inside were incriminating, time-lapse photos of what appeared to be me committing a crime. There I was -- my car, anyway -- running a red light, caught red-handed. I felt dirty. I felt spied upon. I felt like a teenager caught in a lie by my parents.
Driving a jet: The first sports car powered by a microturbine has people talking
It could be a Ferrari, but it's nearly silent. It could be a Tesla, but it's juiced by a jet engine. It could even be a GM Volt, but it has double the range and speed. The CMT-380 is the world's first hybrid-electric sports car powered by a microturbine. Co-created by a video game designer, the wicked matte-black machine debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December.
Auto Review: Audi puts fuel-sipping diesel in A3
Fuel-thrifty, smaller cars aren't always plain, utilitarian and boring. Audi's entry-level car, the A3, proves it. For the first time since its U.S. introduction in 2005, the five-door A3 adds a diesel-powered engine and now boasts a federal government fuel mileage rating of 30 miles per gallon in city driving and 42 mpg on the highway.
When picking your first collectible car, do your research and follow your heart
Ever since high school, you've driven a practical, utilitarian car that gets you from A to B without too much fuss. But now you'd like to own a car that gets your blood running a little faster, maybe one of those defining vehicles of its era -- a so-called classic or collectible.
Beefing up: Aging bikers are turning to trikes to stay on the road
Arthur McCoy didn't let the amputation of a leg because of cancer stop him from riding motorcycles. The solution to his disability came in the form of a third wheel. McCoy is among a growing group of aging motorcyclists taking up trikes: three-wheeled motorcycles that provide the stability and nearly all the comforts of a car while still allowing riders to feel the wind in their face.
Auto Review: Quietly, Mercury moves up in fuel economy
A roomy, attractive sedan with a four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor, the 2010 Milan Hybrid is rated by the federal government at an impressive 41 miles per gallon in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway.
Racing's big shift: Drag racers discover the power and speed of electric vehicles
The drag-racing world is getting a serious wake-up call from what, on the surface, seems like an unlikely source: gas-free vehicles powered by batteries and electric motors. A new crop of grassroots racers are stretching traditional notions of the best automotive technology for racing by building electric cars and motorcycles at home on shoestring budgets.
Online on the road: HD video and Web access may soon be standard car equipment
Automakers and high-tech companies have found a new place to put sophisticated Internet-connected computers: the front seat. Last month at the Consumer Electronics Show, technology giants like Intel and Google demonstrated innovations such as 10-inch screens above the gearshift displaying high-definition videos, 3-D maps and Web pages.
Auto Review: Suzuki positions SX4 as 'hot hatch'
Suzuki's SX4, known as the all-wheel drive car with the lowest starting retail price in America, adds a new, flashier model for 2010, and it doesn't come with all-wheel drive.
Warm-car wars: Preheating your engine in cold weather is still a subject of debate
(Associated Press) There are three things you don't discuss over the dinner table: Religion, politics, and how long a car should warm up before driving in the cold. In December,...
Auto Review: Land Rover holds on to iconic look
There's a new name on the mid-size Land Rover sport utility vehicle that looks like it just drove out of the Serengeti. The new-for-2010 LR4 also comes with improved ride and handling, prettier front styling and more power and luxury appointments than its predecessor.
Thwarting thieves: New technologies, increased vigilance help owners cut car theft
Since 2005, the number of cars stolen in Seattle has plummeted by nearly 60 percent, due primarily to the creation of the Car Theft Initiative (CTI) Unit, a partnership between the King County Prosecutor's Office and area police departments that targets the most prolific car thieves.
Help when you can't help yourself: New technologies may curb distracted driving
A group of companies -- including ZoomSafer, Aegis Mobility and obdEdge -- assumes that some people know they can't help themselves and therefore want a service to automatically disable their cellphone when it is in a moving car.
Auto Review: Cadillac's small SUV is downsized
Cadillac's smaller sport utility vehicle, the SRX, is finally downsized enough to warrant the "smaller" label, and for 2010 seats just five people. The SRX's V-8 and rear-wheel drive platform are also gone.
Bold moves: A Pacific Northwest company sees an opening for its EV startup
It might not seem like a good time to start a car company. But the people at Arcimoto disagree. The Eugene, Ore.-based startup is one of several boutique automakers defying conventional wisdom and attempting to design revolutionary electric cars quickly and profitably.
A hybrid that has 10 wheels and flies: New York introduces green garbage trucks
It sounded like a garbage truck and smelled like one, too. Aside from the giant pastoral scene on its side, it even looked like a standard-issue New York City garbage truck. But the 36-ton refuse collector that rumbled out of the Department of Sanitation's Central Repair Shop in Queens in November was equipped with a diesel-electric powertrain, one of just a handful of hybrid garbage trucks being tested around the country.
Auto Review: Honda Fit is small, smart package
Go figure. Even in a bad economic year like 2009, Honda surpassed its original sales projections for its compact Fit hatchback.
Buckle up, kids! Hollywood's depiction of car safety for children is evolving
Characters in children's movies are wising up about personal safety -- increasingly using seat belts, bike helmets and crosswalks -- but many still aren't ideal role models, a government study says.
Auto stop: Volvo goes futuristic with a system that can detect pedestrians
Volvo is testing a feature called the Pedestrian Safety system, which identifies pedestrians (and bike riders) in front of a vehicle using a video camera similar to those of lane-departure-warning systems. Volvo says the system can prevent a pedestrian collision at speeds of up to 15.5 mph.
Auto Review: Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe name returns
It's a Mercedes-Benz tradition to use letter and number combinations for car names. But somewhere along the line there came to be too many models starting with the letter "C." So, the Mercedes CLK coupe disappears for 2010 and is now the refined and comfortable E-Class Coupe, with new styling and features that tie it to the long-popular Mercedes E-Class sedans.
2010 trends: high-tech toys, safety features, enhanced eco-consciousness
This year promises to be a fun one to watch the evolution of the automobile, with manufacturers making big strides in technology, design and "green" innovation. Here are five trends to watch for as the 2010 models start rolling into town.
Hold the salt: How to fight winter car corrosion no matter your budget
Got a scratch? You wouldn't put salt in that wound. And if your car gets a ding, you'd be wise to follow the same advice. Here are some simple, cost-effective ways to prevent corrosion during the season of road salt.
Auto Review: Honda Pilot is a top SUV seller
Honda is well known for its fuel-efficient cars. But the Japan-based automaker also sells America's second most popular sport utility vehicle that can accommodate at least seven people.
Need a manual for a '75 Corvette? A small group of collectors just might have it
Most people probably will never want to know which upholstery colors were available for the 1964 Studebaker Avanti, or what types of lubricants the factory recommended for a 1960 Dodge Dart. But for those who do care about such matters, a lively cottage industry of auto-literature dealers has them covered.
Old is new again: Automakers boost their use of recycled materials
Detroit's automakers are finding new uses for worn-out jeans, discarded plastic bottles and manufacturing rubbish -- they're recycling them for use in new vehicle parts.
Auto Review: Suzuki offers alternative to Camry, Accord
With exterior styling that is similar to a Volkswagen sedan, an unexpectedly upscale interior for a Suzuki, five-passenger seating and thrifty, four-cylinder fuel mileage, the mid-size 2010 Kizashi is Suzuki's competitor to America's long favorite Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Driving resolve: One Seattleite's New Year's resolutions for the road
I'll admit I'm critical behind the wheel. I'm sure you're doing the best you can, and I'm going to do better in 2010, too. My first resolution is to be less critical of your "not like me" driving. And because we all know that most resolutions are doomed to fail, I'm going to ask you for a little help, a little reciprocity, a little quid pro quo.
Rust in peace: A look back at some great cars fading away in the 2009 model year
These eight cars will disappear with the new model year, but they merit more than a footnote for what they say about the auto industry and its buyers.
Auto Review: Ford Transit Connect finally comes to America
The new Ford Transit Connect has a strange name, a compact European delivery van appearance and a ceiling that's so tall, someone sitting in the driver's seat might only reach it with fingertips. But these oddities are nearly endearing in one of the smartest and most practical vehicles for anyone -- including a small business owner, camping enthusiast or trend-eschewing individualist -- looking for something different to drive.
Sound silence: Test-drivers of the electric Nissan Leaf find it quietly powerful
Other than bumper cars at the state fair, getting behind the wheel of the new Nissan Leaf was my first experience driving an electric vehicle. I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't silence.
Reva has been making electric cars for years -- but its time may have come
Chetan Kumar Maini, the vice chairman and chief technology officer of Reva Electric Car Company, looks over his company's cars in Bangalore, India. (Photo by Kuni Takahashi / Associated Press)...
Auto Review: Lincoln MKT: "Love or hate" appearance
Buyers looking for a luxurious new crossover sport utility vehicle that can seat up to seven people won't have to look beyond the 2010 Lincoln MKT. Bottom line: They love the look or hate it, but either way, the MKT makes a memorable impression.
Giving big: Hoping for a new car this Christmas? It'll probably be a nice one
We've all seen those car commercials where some unsuspecting person opens the front door on Christmas morning to find a shiny new car sitting in the driveway with a monstrous red bow on top. It's an image burned into our fantasies by powerfully suggestive ad campaigns. But to whom does this actually happen?
What's your color? Silver is still hot, but favorite car shades vary nationwide
Sometimes, color preferences are logical. Seattleites like the colors of the Northwest -- green and blue.
Auto Review: Ford Mustang is still cool after all these years
If only we all could age as well as the Ford Mustang has. Now 45 years old and revamped for 2010 with new styling and more powerful V-8, the "pony car" that debuted in 1964 is strikingly muscular, more energetic than before and thoroughly cool for a modern buyer.
Detail-oriented: Deep-cleaning the car is a ritual to be practiced and refined
A clean car runs smoother, goes faster, handles better and gets better mileage. And there's just something cathartic about washing away the road grime to reveal your car's shiny metallic finish.
Bigger, faster, greener: Bentley designs a supercar that's not a super guzzler
The 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports coupe is a car that embraces extremes -- maximum power and speed with a minimized contribution to global warming. Bentley's parent company, Volkswagen, wants to reduce the environmental burden of Bentley cars without harming the line's reputation for speed and handling.
Auto Review: 2010 Acura ZDX is more than distinctive
What's more important -- looks or practicality? It's a natural question for shoppers considering Acura's newest sport utility vehicle, the ZDX, whose sleek styling generates a few functional tradeoffs.
Passion play: Locals drive their sports cars for the thrill, not for the attention
It's not a stretch to say the course of Robert Durff's life has largely been directed by his love of Porsches. This type of passion is common among high-end car owners. Their cars are more than mere showpieces; they become extensions of themselves.
Crush on crossovers: The new family car is roomy, fuel-efficient and cool
The crossover -- a type of vehicle that's built like a car but looks like a downsized SUV -- is a good fit for families who need both space and fuel efficiency. it is also now among the fastest-growing segments in the auto industry, with U.S. market share nearly tripling since 2002.
Auto Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse looks like a Lexus
An attractive, premium-looking sedan pulled up, and for a moment I thought I had been given the wrong car -- a Lexus. But no, it was the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, with Lexus-like styling, that caused the confusion. Buick's newly revamped, mid-size sedan is surprisingly different from stereotypical Buicks. Styling is modern, and the interior in the top-of-the-line CXS has upscale appeal.
Car shop: Holiday gifts for your favorite auto fan
Looking for the perfect gift for the car lover in your family? Here are a few ideas for various ages and interests.
Trickle-down safety: High-end protective features are becoming available to all
The high-tech safety features long available on luxury vehicles are becoming more affordable, and automakers see a wide use for them across their lineups.
Auto Review: 2010 Nissan Armada is one big SUV
Large sport utility vehicles aren't as fashionable as they once were. So today's buyers of big SUVs are apt to be the people who really need them -- for towing horse trailers, boats and motorhomes and for carrying large groups of people. The 2010 Nissan Armada handles all these tasks capably yet drives like a smaller vehicle than it is.
Less is more: Group rides, good gas mileage have led to a scooter swarm in Seattle
Local riders say they've seen a surge in scooter interest in recent years, mostly from people wanting another commuting option. Seattle now ranks as one of the top U.S. cities for scooter sales, and when compared with other metro areas, it offers riders a safe, enjoyable experience.
Tire saver: Tips to get more for less on your next set of wheels
If you're cutting corners by canceling cable or clipping coupons, it might seem natural to skip replacing your tires, too. Don't. Worn treads can be dangerous, especially when they lose their grip as you're trying to brake or steer around danger. Here are some tips on how to get the most for your money when shopping for replacements.
Auto Review: 2010 BMW 650i convertible is a grand tourer
The model year on the BMW 650i is 2010, but this lengthy, smooth-riding, luxury coupe and convertible feel a bit like yesteryear.
Seattle's love for 'green' cars pays off as the technology goes mainstream
Rich Costello works in Carkeek Park with one of the city's Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. (Photo by Barry Gibbons) For electric vehicle proponents, Seattle is a great place to be. The...
To bring the love to their cars, auto designers put on a happy face
Even with all the bad news that has pounded the auto industry, carmakers are trying to put on happy faces. Literally: They are incorporating smiles and other cheerful characteristics into their designs, with hope that consumers will warm to vehicles that might reflect their own personalities and feelings.
Auto Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox SUV refined, stylish
Chevrolet's sport utility vehicle named for the first day of spring had a rebirth this year, and the resulting 2010 Equinox is the best ever. A crossover SUV that's based on a car-like chassis, the Equinox has stylish new looks, a refined ride, handsome interior and new, more fuel efficient engines.
Tech boom: The Seattle Auto Show will highlight a surge in eco-friendly technology
This year's Seattle Auto Show, which opens Wednesday at Qwest Field Event Center, will feature a wide variety of "green" innovations appearing for the first time.
Tax rush: There's still time to cash in with three ways to save on autos in 2009
Missed out on the "cash for clunkers" program? Uncle Sam still has a few bones to throw your way if you buy a car before the end of the year. Tax credits and deductions are available on new-car purchases made before Dec. 31.
Auto Review: Audi's performance S4 drops its V-8 for 2010
You don't see this very often: a car company dropping a V-8 engine from a performance car and replacing it with a V-6. But German automaker Audi does it in its 2010 S4 compact sedan. The move creates a more fuel-efficient vehicle during these times of concern for the environment and oil supplies, and it brings the price to an attractive midway point for buyers of compact, luxury sedans who want a sporty edge.
Home improvement: Tackling auto restoration allows you to make a classic your own
For longtime car junkies or collectors with an appreciation for older cars, restoring one yourself can be a rewarding endeavor. Those experienced in the process recommend taking time to research the car you want to purchase, then learning the process and planning your budget. If you decide to go for it, the project and finished car can be cherished for years.
Hydrogen holds on: Some automakers continue to see fuel cells in future green cars
Even as automakers fast-track battery-powered electric and hybrid vehicles, a quiet push for hydrogen power continues. Supporters see the fuel cell becoming a mainstream, eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-powered cars within the next decade.
Auto Review: Iconic VW Golf revised for sixth generation
The sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf, heralded by European automotive media as World Car of the Year, finally comes to U.S. showrooms this fall and instantly is the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid compact car for 2010.
Time to rally: A road race through Mexico provides no shortage of twists and turns
Seattle track-driving instructor Steve Schaeffer finds himself riding shotgun in a whirlwind seven-day rally race covering nearly 1,800 miles from southern Mexico to the U.S. border.
Auto Review: Best-selling Lexus still refined, quiet
The 2010 Lexus RX sport utility vehicle is a bit bigger and heavier than its predecessor, quieter, a tad more fuel efficient and has more features. But the things people see first, such as exterior and interior styling, stay true to the popular, previous-generation model. The refined ride is still there, too.
What to know for snow: Get your auto ready for the worst of winter weather
Many Seattleites were caught off-guard by last December's storms. This year, don't let winter get the best of your vehicle. Here are five areas to focus on when preparing your car for the onset of harsh conditions.
Auto Review: Mazdaspeed3 is a hot, youthful hatchback
With new exterior styling, a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that puts out as much horsepower as some V-6s, a "hot hatch" body shape and sport-tuned suspension, the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is a fun-to-drive, youthful, five-passenger auto.
All-weather riding: Stay safe on your motorcycle or scooter this fall and winter
When it comes to riding a motorcycle in inclement weather, the right equipment is critical, but good judgment and safe riding skills are just as important. Dave Wendell, who has been teaching motorcycle safety classes for 22 years, offers a few tips for fall and winter riding.
What's in store: New models and major changes for 2010
Peruse a roundup of the details of the 2010 model year, carmaker by carmaker.
Auto Review: Lexus raises the roof with IS convertibles for 2010
The new-for-2010 Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C are convertibles and the first open-top models in the IS line. With styling reminiscent of the IS sedans, a power-operated hardtop roof that opens or closes in a scant 20 seconds, seats for four, V-6 engines and lots of features, the new convertibles are easy transporters that provide a bonus -- a suntan.
Go-karts grow up: Kent's new racetrack lets racers satisfy their need for speed
Zach McIntosh, 14, and Krystian Portmann, 13, of Maple Valley, are typical of teenage adrenaline junkies. That's why a recent Saturday afternoon found them suiting up at Pacific Grand Prix (PGP) at Pacific Raceways, anxious to test out Kent's newest outdoor karting track.
Restoring luxury: Cadillac's success is key to GM's revival
When General Motors' top executives were choosing this year which brands to keep and which to ditch, the iconic Cadillac was unquestionably deemed a valuable asset that should be part of the new GM.
Auto Review: Toyota Prius stays on top in mileage
There's a little something extra for car buyers who have their hearts set on top fuel mileage in the Toyota Prius. But they'd better not get tired of the car's wedge shape.
Helping hand: Agents such as the Amazing Autowoman take pressure off car buyers
Heidi Hough is so good at buying cars that she does it for a living. Also known as the Amazing Autowoman, she is a buyer's agent: the person people go to when they would rather have someone else buy their car for them. Buyer's agents are licensed as dealers and can cover almost any aspect of auto buying, including new and used vehicles, leasing and financing options.
Test drive: Take your dream car around the track from the comfort of your couch
Want to see if that 2010 model you have your eye on could race in Le Mans? The next installment of Microsoft's flagship racing franchise could give you a clue.
Auto Review: Subaru's 2010 Legacy low in price, tops in mileage
Subaru's Legacy mid-size sedan grew for 2010, but its price tag didn't. In fact, the newly styled and enlarged five-passenger Legacy ranks as the lowest-priced, mid-size, all-wheel drive sedan on the U.S. market, and is also noteworthy for its fuel mileage rating.
All-star cars: Take your team spirit to the streets with a well-decorated ride
If you're a Seattle sports fan, then there's a good chance that your vehicle is wearing a bumper sticker, decal, flag or antenna ball. To a certain class of local folks, however, that level of devotion is, well, minor league.
Staying fresh: U.S. automakers are trying to turn out new models faster than ever
Trying to stimulate demand and return to profitability, Detroit automakers are rushing to get new models into dealerships. Developing new vehicles can take several years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, a process that adds more costs at a time when all three Detroit carmakers have dwindling cash reserves. Yet with so many brands to choose from, and with technology rapidly changing, analysts say that automakers cannot afford to let vehicles go stale.
Auto Review: Jaguar's fastest XF handsome, seductive, powerful
The 2010 Jaguar XFR is what a Jaguar should be -- sleek, fast and handsome. It's also seductive, with a 510-horsepower, supercharged and intercooled V-8 and constantly adjustable chassis serving up a ride that's both smooth and thrilling.
Matchbox nation: Move over, road hogs -- small cars are more popular than ever
The small car has made a comeback, and there's no sign of consumers or automakers turning from the trend.
Choices, choices: A guide to sorting out the overwhelming variety of 'green' cars
Automakers are working full-throttle to get electric vehicles on the market. But there are differences in the technology that's available. The systems, or powertrains, that drive hybrid and plug-in vehicles use electricity generated by batteries and electric motors to either supplement or largely take the place of internal-combustion engines. Here's a look at how the most common systems compare.
Auto Review: Acura adds V-6 to TSX sedan for first time
What can be wrong with a car that's a Consumer Reports' recommended buy, earns top crash test ratings, delivers commendable fuel economy and is competitively priced? If the car is in the compact luxury sedan class, it better offer a six-cylinder engine in order to be considered a real contender. This is a key reason why Honda's luxury brand, Acura, adds a V-6 to its TSX for the first time in history.
Let's get along: Tips for drivers dealing with Seattle's mass-transit boom
Light rail, the streetcar and good old Joe Metro: Public transportation is hotter than this summer's heat wave, and Seattle is leading the country in ridership growth. This all looks great on paper, but the view from where many of us are sitting -- in our cars, stuck in traffic, yielding to everything not on four wheels -- is increasingly complicated. Here are some tips for sharing the road.
From guzzle to sip: Three tips for saving on fuel costs with your next car
There's one rule that all car owners learn, usually the hard way: Cheap gas doesn't stay cheap. So if you're counting on your next car to save you money on gas, there are some shopping strategies and new technologies that can help you reach that goal. Here are three tips to keep in mind.
Auto Review: Ford Taurus gets styling and technology makeover
Just about everything that a car buyer can see, touch and feel is changed for the 2010 Ford Taurus, and it's a good thing. From the new styling lines outside to the sizable center stack of controls in the middle of the dashboard inside, the new Taurus is tastefully upgraded as a near-premium large sedan. Even better, it offers so many safety features usually reserved for luxury cars, it sets a new safety benchmark for mainstream family size sedans.
Clean machine: VW Jetta leads a new breed of diesel autos onto American shores
Dirty and loud, smelly and unreliable: That's how many Americans remember diesel-powered cars from the 1970s, when oil shortages prompted automakers to produce a bevy of the more fuel-efficient vehicles. The bad rap that diesel engines received caused them to virtually disappear from the U.S. car market by 1980, aside from some trucks and Volkswagen models. That, however, may be about to change.
Clunkers or classics? Museum pieces they aren't, but these models had their moment
Posterity will probably not be so kind to the mass-market vehicles of the 1980s and early '90s. But do any hold the potential to become keepsakes, or is it just as well that pretty soon more than a million will have been crushed and shredded under the "cash for clunkers" program?
Auto Review: Acura adds better-mileage, two-wheel drive SUV
In the search for fuel efficiency, Americans today are scrutinizing even smaller sport utility vehicles that have four-cylinder engines. So it's no wonder that Acura adds a two-wheel drive version of its RDX compact SUV for 2010.
Car stars: 'Pinks All Out' races into town, bringing fame and fortune
Drag racing highs and lows happened en masse Aug. 15 at Pacific Raceways in Kent during the filming of a Pacific Northwest edition of the Speed Channel's hit TV show "Pinks All Out." More than 450 amateur drivers took part in the races, getting a chance to burn rubber in front of a national television audience and win $18,000 in cash and tools.
Youth movement: Ford hypes Fiesta by letting young drivers spread the word online
In an unusual marketing move, Ford has given 100 Fiestas to young drivers nationwide -- including three in Seattle -- for six months, counting on them to blog about the small, distinctively shaped sedans and take them places where they can be seen.
Auto Review: Top-mileage hybrid sedans are Fords
The top gasoline-electric hybrid sedans for fuel mileage aren't Hondas or Toyotas. That honor goes to the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its sibling 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid. The federal government rates the newly revamped, five-passenger Fusion and Milan Hybrids at 41 miles per gallon in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway, leading to an average city/highway mileage of 39 mpg.
My car, myself: Our cars say a lot about us -- even if it's not the obvious message
If you've met someone whose car, at first glance, seems like a mismatch, don't laugh too hard. Once you get to know such a person, you may find more of a connection than you originally thought.
Classic Chevy show at Issaquah drive-in restaurant Aug. 16
Two trademarks of 1950s America, classic cars and the old-fashioned soda joint, will be on display Aug. 16 in Issaquah for the world's largest Tri-5 Chevy Show. at the XXX Root Beer Drive-in.
New frontiers: Indy star Danica Patrick mulls her options -- could NASCAR be next?
With Danica Patrick's Indy Racing League contract with team Andretti Green expiring after this season, the question so often on the lips of motor racing fans is: Where will she be a year from now?
Auto Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro not just a throwback
Hope you're not tired of retro-styled cars just yet because one of the best just arrived in showrooms. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is a visual rendition of the 1969 Camaro but with a sinister flair provided by bulging fenders and large wheels. A windshield and side windows give passengers the feel of being behind gun slits in a military vehicle.
Ten seconds of fame: Hot-rod drivers rev up as 'Pinks All Out' comes to town
Zac Cain, a 25-year-old from Port Angeles, is putting the final touches on his restored 1983 Camaro Z28 in preparation for what will be the climax of his amateur drag racing career: an appearance on the Speed Channel TV show "Pinks All Out." He will join more than 450 area drivers Aug. 14-15 at Pacific Raceways in Kent to compete for $18,000 in prize money and tools.
Green for 'green': A high school team aims for the $10 million Automotive X Prize
A multimillion-dollar contest to create fuel-efficient cars is not just a lark for inventors -- it could reveal the future of an industry moving toward "green" thinking. More than 100 teams are vying to win the $10 million Progressive Automotive X Prize for environmentally friendly, production-ready vehicles that finish a long-distance stage race and get the equivalent of at least 100 mpg. An unlikely top prospect is a team of inner-city students from West Philadelphia.
Auto review: Subaru Forester among few vehicles setting records
The Honda CR-V hasn't done it. The Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson also have been unable to boost sales this year over last year's levels. But the Subaru Forester crossover sport utility vehicle, which debuted months ago as an early 2010 model, is setting sales records. The reason for its appeal? The Forester is a practical, rational purchase in a time of economic uncertainty. Shoppers who want value find the five-door, five-passenger SUV is right-sized -- not too big and not too small.
Old souls: Will the once-popular Fiat find love again upon its return to the U.S.?
Baby boomers may recall seeing Fiats buzzing around local streets back in the '60s and '70s. But in the mid-'80s, Fiat abruptly pulled out of the U.S. market. Now, having acquired a 35 percent stake in Chrysler, Fiat will be returning to the States within a year or two. What was it that compelled Americans to buy Fiats back in the company's heyday? And will those same traits -- if they're still evident -- lure a new cadre of buyers?
Free thinker: Rinspeed's annual over-the-top concept car showcases divine design
When Frank M. Rinderknecht was 18, he wanted nothing more than a car that nobody else had. So he fixed one up himself. Soon he gave up his college studies and made a full-time job out of souping up inexpensive but bland European brands by founding a car-customization company, Rinspeed. More than 30 years later, the firm is turning out outlandish concepts each year.
Auto review: Kia replaces Spectra with more refined Forte
Kia's newest car, the 2010 Forte, is a convincing alternative for small sedan shoppers who feel the Toyota Corolla has gotten too pricey and the Honda Civic is too ordinary.
An impulse buy lets a regular Joe into the secret world of car collectors
The Cream Puff. (Sean O'Connor) The truth is, I was on the rebound when I fell in love with the Cream Puff -- a butter-yellow 1974 Jaguar XJ6L whose chrome...
Auto Review: Stretching the hybrid: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado
This photo provided by General Motors shows the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid pickup truck. (AP Photo/General Motors) Maybe there should be a movie called "Honey, I Grew the Hybrid." While...
Retro on a dime: Three pros pick the top classic cars for under $25,000
Nostalgic car lovers may hanker for a Concours-winning Bugatti or a Gatsby-era Packard, but the pleasures of owning a special car can be attained for a much smaller investment than those precious classics would require. In fact, there are many vehicles in the lower price brackets -- less than the average new family sedan -- worth considering.
Summer Driving Series Part 5: Road trip dream cars
A BMW Z-4 is just one of the high-end cars you can rent from Aero Rent-A-Car in Redmond. (Cody Ellerd) It serves its purpose of getting you from point A...
Controlled chaos: Let your inner stuntman skid at a weekend driving course
You know you've always wanted to do this. Instead of struggling with the back and forth of parallel parking, you just skid into the space nose first, sliding perfectly between the cars on either side. Then you, Mr. Bond, brush off your tux and coolly walk away. It's possible. At least it is on a closed course in a specially outfitted car with a stunt-driving instructor riding shotgun.
Auto Review: A car for the economy: 2009 Nissan Versa 1.6
This undated photo provided by Nissan shows the 2009 Nissan Versa 1.6. (AP Photo/Nissan) Give carmaker Nissan credit for offering shoppers a deal. Just as the U.S. economy was taking...
Summer Driving Series Part 3: Road trip toys
Katie Miller Whether you're into iPods and GPS devices or atlases and radio surfing, we have the gear you need to outfit your rig for your next road trip If...
Summer Driving Series Part 2: New convertibles let the sunshine in
The good news is that there are plenty of great convertibles on the market now, some of them quite affordable. The even better news is that, even though convertible weather is upon us, several new models feature a fold-down hard top. When it's in the raised position, it creates a car that is just like a regular coupe -- sealed off from the elements so it's a practical vehicle for year-round use in any kind of weather.
Auto Review: Infiniti's 2009 G37 Coupe adds all-wheel drive
This Oct. 1, 2008 photo, provided by Nissan Infinity, shows the 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe on the road Napa, Calif. (AP Photo/Nissan Infinity) What's an auto company to do with...
Summer Driving Series Part 1: For the love of cars
The Valley in Auburn is one of only two drive-in theaters left in the area. (Photo by Cody Ellerd) Summer means road trips. And while our cars are, by definition,...
Truck nouveau: Fuel-efficient, storage-laden, gadget-happy pickups work hard
Even as gas prices and the economy fluctuate, automakers are not giving up just yet on what have been among their best-selling and most-profitable models -- full-size pickup trucks.
Auto Review: Audi's smaller SUV makes downsizing appealing
This 2007 photo, provided by Audi, shows the 2009 Audi Q5. (AP Photo/Audi) Luxury sport utility owners looking to downsize and reduce their gasoline bills will find the move appealing...
Garage guy: For car collector Ed Johnson, a regular garage wasn't quite enough
Ed and Tanya Johnson in their 4,000-square-foot garage near Poulsbo that's part showroom, part work shop. (Photo by Jeff Layton) Walking into Ed Johnson's 1950s-themed garage is like suddenly stepping...
Coming through America: A group of Model T Fords rolls into Seattle in July
Last week, Virginia resident Dennis Fleming embarked -- with his black 1913 Model T Ford, wife Martha, 46, and daughter Katie, 21 -- on a 30-day trek from New York City to Seattle. Fleming's vehicle will be one of 55 Model T's on the drive, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the New York-to-Seattle Endurance Run, a Model T race in 1909 that lasted 22 days and covered 4,106 miles. This year's trek will take the procession through 12 states, ending July 12 on the University of Washington campus in Seattle.
Auto Review: Finally, VW adds V-6 TDI to the Touareg
This undated photo, provided by Volkswagen, shows the 2009 VW Touareg TDI. (AP Photo/VW) Volkswagen's 2009 Touareg V-6 TDI is a perfect example of why it can pay to wait...
Women's work: The Piston Packin' Mamas love their hot rods through thick and thin
The Piston Packin' Mamas (left to right): Fritz, Beverly Nelson, Monique Aranjo, Kim Kalliber, Melissa Reese, Majenta, prospective member Alicia Sigala and Ginger Rivera. (Photo by Cody Ellerd) Hot rods...
Automakers are busy designing electric cars, but who's making the batteries?
At January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, nearly every major automaker, including General Motors, Ford and Toyota, announced plans to develop more electric vehicles. But amid all the chatter about charging times, range and 0-to-60 speeds, an essential business question is emerging. Many industry experts say it could utterly change the complexion of the auto business: Who makes the battery?
Auto Review: Mini Cooper: Small convertible with small price
This photo, provided by BMW Group, shows the 2009 Mini Cooper convertible. (AP Photo/BMW Group) The 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible is fun to drive, efficiently packaged and cute. But more...
'Natural' gas: WWU students hope their cow manure fuel technology will go far
The Viking 32, built by students and faculty at Western Washington University, runs on biofuel. (Photo by Cody Ellerd) Dung, manure, cow pies, cow power, biogas, biomethane, "natural" gas --...
Cost-conscious: Ultraluxury auto brands are rolling out 'more affordable' models
Exotic brands are trying to sell in higher volumes in order to meet the costly demands of developing new technology. To entice buyers away from more mainstream makes, the top-end automakers increasingly are providing more affordable and practical offerings.
Auto Review: 2009 Ford Flex is no look-alike crossover SUV
This June 9, 2008 photo provided by Ford Motor Co. shows the 2009 Ford Flex vehicle overlooking the Pacific in southern California. (AP Photo/Ford Motor Co., Sam VarnHagen) People love...
Team Seattle enters next weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans race with a familiar face
Team Seattle's Ferrari 430 GT gets assembled in Milan, Italy, by Advanced Engineering. The team also has an identical practice version of the car. (Photo by Cold Track Days) Wearing...
Your best test: Make the most of your test-drive by taking it for a full spin
While you probably don't spend much time under the hood (or under the car), one thing you likely do a lot is drive. So when shopping for a new car, give it a good test drive. But don't just drive around the block -- put it through all the paces you'd put your own car through. Here are several things to look for when you take that prospective new car out for a spin.
Auto Review: Ugly is cool and practical in newest Kia
This undated photo, provided by Kia Motors, shows the 2010 Kia Soul. (AP Photo/Kia Motors If the name of Kia's new car -- the Soul -- isn't memorable enough, the...
A stand out: The versatile Sprinter van fills a niche for small-business owners
Dale Clark, owner of Angle Lake Cyclery, says he can load 24 bikes into his Sprinter van. (Photo by Scott McCredie) The name Mercedes-Benz oozes refinement and exclusivity -- sumptuous...
Oil barren: 'Hypermilers' pull out all the stops to achieve ultimate fuel economy
Right after Sept. 11, 2001, Wayne Gerdes of Chicago went on a mission, deciding to do his part to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil by saving fuel. He coined the term "hypermiling" to describe the quest to exceed (in many cases by a wide margin) a vehicle's fuel-economy rating. Now, Gerdes routinely gets about double the Environmental Protection Agency's estimated rating in his Honda Accord and shares his techniques on his Web site, CleanMPG.com. "It's my passion," says Gerdes. "If it wasn't my passion, it wouldn't be worth it."
Auto Review: Biggest Mercedes SUV is a fuel sipper
This undated photo, provided by Mercedes-Benz, shows the German automaker's 2009 GL320 SUV. (AP Photo/Mercedes-Benz) Finally, there's a large, seven-passenger sport utility vehicle that has a higher fuel mileage rating...
Auto Review: Chevrolet's mid-size hybrid car helps many causes
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (right) and Robert Bothfeld of General Motors stand with a Chevy Malibu Hybrid, as the Mayor's office announces the deployment of cleaner, greener vehicles...
A local family's summer project will soon be rolling into dealerships
EMC3 is a family affair for David Joner, daughter Marissa Joner, Linda Joner, son Cody Joner, and daughter Becky Marker. (Photo by Scott McCredie) Four years ago, Bellevue resident David...
Tesla announces showroom in Seattle
The Tesla Roadster, in its first appearance in the area, zooms by a crowd in Bellevue last year. (Steve Ringman/The Seattle Times) After hitting a slick patch and nearly sliding...
Sky-high: With the testing of a flying car, are we closer to the ultimate hybrid?
In the 1974 James Bond film "The Man With the Golden Gun," the evil title character, Francisco Scaramanga, eludes Agent 007 by attaching a jet engine, wings and tail assembly to his AMC Matador Coupe and flying away. It's Hollywood, of course. But the idea of a flying car has long gripped the imagination of a gridlocked public. With the Terrafugia Transition's successful -- if brief -- test flight this spring, the dream may be getting closer to reality.
Out of the box: Nissan's Cube plays up looks and gadgets to entice young drivers
It's the newest gotta-have-it gadget. At least, that's the message Nissan hopes to send young buyers as it launches the Cube this month. The car is the latest example of a vehicle -- like the Mini Cooper and Kia Soul -- that aims to attract drivers with its design rather than traditional attributes such as mileage or safety ratings. And the main people Nissan is targeting with the Cube are "Millennials" -- people ages 18-24.
Coming to life: How one concept car was born and what it may be when it grows up
The Lincoln C concept is introduced at the Detroit auto show in January. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press) LOS ANGELES -- The paint on the wheels wasn't dark enough. The...
Auto Review: Just off the streets of Tokyo: Nissan Cube
This undated photo, provided by Nissan, shows the 2009 Nissan Cube. (AP Photo/Nissan) Finally, Americans can buy a car that looks like it was imported directly from the streets of...
Auto Review: Audi's entry car good, except for price
This undated photo, provided by Audi, shows the 2009 Audi A3. (AP Photo/Audi) Audi's A3 entry-level car is small, but not too small. It's a premium European model but not...
Meet the NEVs: Compact, quiet Neighborhood Electric Vehicles are moving in
You may have spotted one on the road: a micro-sized, slow-moving, nearly silent car, about as tall as a Mini Cooper, but shorter. It's an NEV -- a relatively...
Motorcycle lite: Looking for a two-wheeled ride? Think outside the big-engine box
The big trend in motorcycles this year is to go small, allowing more people to buy in a poor economy and saving riders plenty at the pump. Motorcycle makers showcased cheaper and more fuel-efficient models at the nation's premier motorcycle show -- the International Motorcycle Show, held in Manhattan in January -- and scooters stole the show.
Career shift: Local auto technician programs are growing and overflowing
The students now enrolling in automotive training programs are filling the Seattle area's community colleges and vocational schools beyond capacity, and the timing suggests that, yes, it's the economy. The median hourly wage of auto technicians and mechanics in Washington is $19.31, or around $37,000 annually, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department. And with consumers now keeping their old cars longer before buying new ones, these workers' services are in demand.
Bumper stickers are funny, political and weird -- and growing more rare
Illustration by Amber Tafoya For decades, drivers have used their bumpers as moving billboards. Bumper stickers show our political leanings, our religious affiliations, where we've vacationed and what type of...
Auto Review: Mazda MX-5 Miata still fun after all these years
This undated photo, provided by Mazda, shows the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster. (AP Photo/Mazda, Guy Spangenberg) The cute little Mazda MX-5 Miata isn't the lowest-priced roadster in America anymore....
Mr. Thunderbird: A local restorer is the go-to guy for fixing up classic T-birds
Frank Stubbs looks over a Thunderbird in his shop in Newcastle. (Photo by Jeff Layton) The dull, gray hunk of steel mounted on the lift at an awkward angle could...
Older, wiser: Nissan tries to lure older drivers by rethinking design givens
Nissan's "aging suit" allows designers to better understand the needs of older drivers. (Photo by Junji Kurokawa / Associated Press) ATSUGI, Japan -- To understand what it's like for a...
Auto Review: Hyundai moves from one Genesis to the next
This undated photo, provided by Hyundai, shows the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. (AP Photo/Hyundai) Forget for a moment that the Hyundai Genesis is an affordable luxury sedan that won the...
First in line: For the man with the first Tesla in the state, driving is electric
Issaquah resident Mark Mullet was the first Washington state resident to get a Tesla Roadster. (Photo by Scott McCredie ) Mark Mullet says he was 12 years old when electric...
After more than two decades, Mustang, Camaro and Challenger face off again
Photos: Dodge, Chevrolet, Ford Stoplights will get a lot more interesting this spring. For the first time in 26 years, the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger will face...
X Games, rally car stars Pastrana and Mirra to hold autograph session in Seattle
Travis Pastrana autographs a fan's Subaru at the 100 Acre Wood Rally last month. (Subaru) Subaru Rally Team USA drivers Travis Pastrana, Ken Block and Dave Mirra will hold an...
Auto Review: Volkswagen adds minivan, shared with Chrysler
This undated photo provided by Volkswagen shows the 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivan. (AP Photo/VW) You can't blame Volkswagen officials and dealers for wanting to retain every buyer they can, including...
Classic collection: The autos at the LeMay museum celebrate more than perfection
Vistors tour the LeMay in Tacoma. The extensive car museum is expanding this year. (Photo by Jeff Layton) Tucked away on the grounds of a former military academy in Tacoma...
Rally big show: The popular European racing sport makes a run at America
Tanner Faust and his navigator Christine Beavis prior to the start of a rally race in February. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat / New York Times News Service) SALEM, Mo. --...
Auto Review: Honda undercuts popular Prius with new hybrid
This undated photo provided by Honda shows the 2010 Honda Insight EX. (AP Photo/Honda) Watch out, Toyota Prius. Honda's new gasoline-electric hybrid car has aerodynamic styling like yours but carries...
Electric converts: Area mechanics convert gas-engine cars into all-electric vehicles
Dave Cloud added 21 batteries to Jeff Finn's car to make it all electric. (Photo by Scott McCredie) Let's say you decide to buy the greenest car you can find....
Start me up: New automakers use the green car movement to get in the game
Startup automakers such as California-based Tesla Motors and Fisker Automotive displayed cars at the North American International Auto Show in January, grabbing attention with sleek electric-drive vehicles that combine environmentally friendly chic with sports-car sex appeal. But these upstarts face an uphill road, with more and more challengers entering the green car race.
Auto Review: India's lean Tata Nano delivers the basics for an impressive price
To drive Tata Motors Ltd.'s tiny new Nano is to consider all the things you thought you needed in life but really don't. The $2,200 car was built for frugality but it's no cheap drive.
Lighten up: Whether for calm or customization, interior lighting is a bright idea
The instrument panel on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse features ambient lighting on the gauges, radio and armrest in "Buick blue." (Photo by General Motors) DETROIT -- They're a main style...
Water works: Even in Seattle, rainfall alone won't keep your car totally clean
Brown Bear Car Wash attendant Gerry Saulsman, 78, washes his wife's car for her at the self-service station where he works. (Photo by Cody Ellerd) Summer may be right around...
Auto Review: The Roadster points the way for Tesla Motors
The Tesla Roadster electric car sits parked on a street in New York Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009. Whatever the future holds for Tesla, the Roadster offers a glimpse of what's...
Off the grid: Local clubs let you leave the highway and test your off-road skills
PNWX member Charlie Sulcer climbs a rockface near Cliffdell, Wash. (Photo by Mike Vandewall) We who live in the Northwest are not the kind of folks who form friendships at...
Have a seat: Simple tips for buying the car seat best for you and baby
Deciding on the perfect safety seat for your child can seem like a monumental task. The good news, experts say, is the perfect seat is probably the one you...
The savvy consumers of Gen Y hit the showroom with their own set of specifications
Illustration by Katie Miller DETROIT -- You could call them spoiled. Indulged. Pampered. Cosseted. Generation Y, that group of young people who are just starting to earn enough money to...
Color wheel: When Seattleites pick car colors, we tend to stay neutral
The Toyota Yaris' Absolutely Red, center, is one of the few bright-color favorites in a town more likely to gravitate toward the Subaru Impreza's Sunlight Gold Opal, left, or the...
Big Mini love: Some cars are transportation and some are legend
My first ride in an Austin Mini Cooper, in the summer of 1971, was as memorable as a child's first trip to Disneyland. In fact, there was something Disneyesque...
Sunshine day: Solar panels are the latest trend as cars go for the green
The Fisker Karma's solar panel covers the roof of the luxury plug-in car. (Kiichiro Sato / Associated Press) Even as skies are gray this winter, automakers are looking to sunnier...
Rust in peace: It's hard to let go of a car that's become a part of you
To this day, whenever I come upon an older model red Civic hatchback, I smile and wonder if it's Wanda. I also recall that sad, rainy day we parted ways -- and how I made those who witnessed my tears promise never to tell anyone that I cried over a car.
With your car as a canvas, you can shift your creativity into overdrive
In 1999, Leith Zeutenhorst left her doctor's office reeling from a diagnosis of cancer. She drove her 1983 Ford Fairmont Futura to the car wash, where the paint peeled off in flakes and strips. Returning home, the Camas, Wash., resident found a way to repair the damage with spray paint -- and to express her will to live.
Sit, stay, ride: When you take your dog on the road, be sure to gear up right
In a city where there are 45 percent more dogs than kids, the phrase "Dog is my co-pilot" is more than just a bumper-sticker slogan -- it's a way of life. Seattleites don't just transport their pets to the dog park or the vet; they load them into their cars for shopping trips and road trips, too.
Wheel cover painting contest makes art class a hub of creativity for teens
It's not unusual to see paper, wood or glass used for painting. But wheel covers? Employees at Gentile Automotive Group dropped off 30 Scion hubcaps in early November to the art departments at six high schools in Racine, Wis. Students were asked to decorate the covers for a contest sponsored by Gentile and Scion.
Do-it-yourself father-son team bond while repairing a '91 Camaro
Teen Jamie Walters had a dream car: a Mustang fastback, circa the 1970s. When he was still a year away from getting his driver's license, his mom tossed out an idea: "Find an old junky one and you can fix it up." Jamie and his dad, Jim, had taken on joint projects before, but there had been nothing like this, a father-son adventure that would test their patience - and cement their already strong bond.
Save money and feel empowered with do-it-yourself maintenance
(Illustration by Katie Miller) A funny thing happened on the way to our sputtering economy: Frugal became fabulous. For vehicle owners, that means it's suddenly savvy to pop your...
Seattle gas price trends
Here are the latest gas price trends and historical price charts for Seattle, Washington State and the USA. Latest Seattle gas price trends Seattle Gas Prices Provided by GasBuddy.com Historical gas price...
Cheapest gas prices in Tacoma
Looking to find cheap gas in Tacoma? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you know...
Cheapest gas prices in Redmond
Looking to find cheap gas in Redmond? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you know...
Cheapest gas prices in Northwest Seattle
Looking to find cheap gas in Northwest Seattle? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you...
Cheapest gas prices in Southwest Seattle
Looking to find cheap gas in Southwest Seattle? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you...
Cheapest gas prices in Lynnwood
Looking to find cheap gas in Lynnwood? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you know...
Cheapest gas prices in Southeast Seattle
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Cheapest gas prices in Federal Way
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Cheapest gas prices in Everett
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Cheapest gas prices in Renton
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Cheapest gas prices in Bellevue
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Cheapest gas prices in South Seattle
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Cheapest gas prices in Northeast Seattle
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Cheapest gas prices in North Seattle
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Cheapest gas prices in Central Seattle
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Are you passionate about cars, saving fuel, going green or another topic related to the vehicles we drive? If you live in the Seattle or greater Puget Sound area...
2008 new and redesigned wagons and vans
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new van...
2008 new and redesigned trucks
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new truck...
2008 new and redesigned sports cars
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Mid-size sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new sports...
2008 new and redesigned coupes
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new coupe...
2008 new and redesigned hybrids
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new hybrid...
2008 new and redesigned fullsize SUVs
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new full-size...
2008 new and redesigned midsize SUVs
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new mid-size...
2008 new and redesigned compact SUVs
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new compact...
2008 new and redesigned fullsize sedans
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new full-size...
2008 new and redesigned midsize sedans
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new midsize...
2008 new and redesigned compact cars
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new compact...
Top safety picks of 2008
The Honda Accord was one of 34 cars awarded the Top Safety Pick for 2008. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named 34 vehicles winners of their Top...
