Moving one baby step closer to full disclosure on what promises to be a most exciting new addition to its lineup, BMW used the recent Oktoberfest gathering at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, to show at least a bit more of a car we’re led to believe will likely make its formal debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
(more…)

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan will get an EPA-estimated 26/36 mpg city/highway when fitted with the base 1.8-liter four-cylinder and a six-speed manual transmission. With a six-speed automatic, the rating drops to 22/35 mpg. The Cruze takes regular gas….
(more…)

I spent several days last week in La Jolla, Calif., test-driving the new 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan.  While I’ve been sworn to secrecy about it (at least until next Thursday), I think it’s safe to tell you that it has sliding doors. Shocker!
I’m one of those moms called “hesitators,” who doesn’t love the idea of being labeled a minivan mom; however, I’m also one step closer to becoming a convert every time I drive one, mainly because of the functionality of the sliding side doors.  I love being able to open the doors from afar with the push of a button and not having to worry about my kids (or myself) dinging the pricey Mercedes-Benz SUV we parked next to at the grocery store.

My only request would be for car manufacturers to become more innovative with the design of sliding side doors, so we maintain all of the functionality but spice it up with a more modern look.  How about side doors that slide up (like a garage door) rather than back?  It’d be a genius genetic mutation resulting from a minivan that had a one-night stand with a sexy gull-winged-door sports car.

What feature in your car is an absolute must-have for your family (regardless of how ugly it may make your car)?  Tell us in the comment section below.
(more…)

After nearly four years of being a single mama, my life is about to change in the most amazing way possible. I’m getting married! The fabulous man in my life proposed recently, and we’re starting the process of consolidating our stuff and moving him into my home this week. Thank goodness for the functional cargo space in the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart to get us through the move (we’d be out of luck without it since we both own small cars with small trunks).
The Sportback has demonstrated complete versatility. It’s handled quick school drop-offs, huge trash hauls and monstrous Goodwill runs, all within hours of one another. After removing my girls’ booster seats from the backseat, I’m easily able to fold the 60/40-split rear seat by either pressing the button on the top of the seat or pulling one of the two levers in the cargo area. This expands the cargo capacity from a usable 13.8 cubic feet to a whopping 46.6 cubic feet.

Who would ever think to use a Lancer as a moving van? Sometimes the most useful solutions are derived out of necessity. I’m starting to dread the thought of returning the Lancer Sportback Ralliart. How will I ever survive? It has seen me through such a variety of situations, and it’s handled all of them with grace.
(more…)

The Ram Truck 1500/2500/3500 iPhone app provides owner-manual information for late-model Ram pickups in the palm of your hand.
(more…)

We’re having ute envy again. Ford has introduced a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 Falcon Ute. It’s like a Mustang GT with a Boss 302 and a cargo box.
(more…)

This week, Ford is expected to release a free power upgrade for the all-new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 diesel. We’re testing it before and after the update in a 2011 F-350 Super Duty.
(more…)

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported August sales of 148,388 units. In comparison to last August when Toyota sales were at their peak under Cash for Clunkers, sales were down 31.4 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 25 selling days in August 2010, compared to 26 selling days in August 2009, TMS sales were down 34 percent compared to the same period last year.

(more…)

Professor Harold Mooney of Stanford University in California has been named the recipient of the 2010 Volvo Environment Prize. This year’s prizewinner has for many years been a leading light within research into biological diversity and especially how important it is for the functioning of ecosystem services. This concept has been widely acknowledged in recent [...]
(more…)

The Lexus Eco Challenge has inspired and empowered more than 15,000 middle and high school American students to learn about the environment and take action to improve it. This fall, students are invited to participate in the fourth annual Lexus Eco Challenge for a chance to win part of $500,000 in grants and scholarships. The Challenge [...]
(more…)