J
    James Riswick

    James Riswick

  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review and Buying Guide | Sexy as ever

    The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class pioneered the concept of the "four-door coupe," which is basically a sedan with a rakish profile and consequent reduced practicality. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 and AMG 53 you see here are of the all-new, third-generation model. Although it's less special now given similar styles spread throughout the Mercedes lineup, the new CLS is still an exquisite car to behold inside and out.

  • 2020 Hyundai Palisade Second Drive Review | We finally try it on U.S. soil

    COUER d'ALENE, Idaho — You're going to hear the name 2020 Hyundai Palisade a lot in future three-row family crossover reviews. As in, "This interior just doesn't have the premium feel of the Hyundai Palisade" or, "This is more expensive than the Palisade, but you get less equipment." That's what comes from creating such a well-rounded entry that checks just about every box for would-be buyers of three-row crossovers. Now, the Palisade may be new, but it's not like Hyundai has hit a home run in its first at-bat.

  • 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD First Drive | Better when bigger

    Reaction to Chevy's redesigned half-ton Silverado has been muted at best. The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD models are an inherently different story, however, as they are intended for inherently different purposes. In fact, 2018 was the third-largest sales year for RVs in general, pointing to their increased popularity and therefore the increased importance of heavy-duty trucks like the Silverado 2500 and 3500.

  • 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax First Drive | All-American oil burner

    It was only recently that Ram's EcoDiesel engine ignited substantial, prolonged interest among consumers who see value in their V8-matching capability and V6-beating fuel economy. Ford was the next to step up with its 3.0-liter PowerStroke V6, and now after its complete redesign last year, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 counts GM's new Duramax diesel mill among a number of other updates. Available as a $3,890 option on the Silverado 1500 LT, RST, LTZ and High Country models, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six produces 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, of which 95% is achieved at just 1,250 rpm.

  • 2020 Ford Explorer ST First Drive Review | A too-serious sporty crossover

    Is there really a market for a vehicle like the 2020 Ford Explorer ST? Well, Ford is certainly about to find out, because there's really nothing like it out there. Oh sure, the Dodge Durango SRT exists, but there's always been something tongue-in-cheek about that.

  • 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid First Drive Review | To be continued ...

    As we discovered during our first drive of the 2020 Ford Explorer, its class-besting performance is its prime appeal. Both its four- and six-cylinder turbocharged engines, paired with a new rear-wheel-drive-based platform, result in strong acceleration, class-leading towing and surprisingly good fuel economy. It pairs a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 with an electric motor, which is integrated with its 10-speed automatic.

  • 2020 Ford Explorer First Drive Review | More than just another crossover

    The new 2020 Ford Explorer is something different. While its styling is an evolution of the vehicle it replaces, this all-new, fifth-generation Explorer represents a radical transformation, offering a fundamentally different driving experience and capability set than both its predecessor and nearly every other family crossover.

  • 2019 Honda Accord Review and Buying Guide | Making a case for the sedan

    Midsize sedans may no longer be the vehicle of choice for most families who increasingly prefer SUVs, but for those happy to keep kicking it old school, the 2019 Honda Accord is a top choice. Meanwhile, the Accord Hybrid might actually be the pick of the litter for its superior fuel economy and lack of major drawbacks. The back seat is more comfortable and spacious, the fuel economy is better, and you're not sacrificing that much utility thanks to its enormous trunk.

  • 2019 Honda Pilot Review and Buying Guide | A very sensible choice

    Every three-row crossover is geared toward family use, but the 2019 Honda Pilot generally goes a few steps further than most. For starters, it manages to squeeze more interior space out of a smaller, more manageable exterior size. The new Kia Telluride has garnered plenty of attention for its style and luxurious interior while being even more spacious than the Pilot.

  • 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Review and Buying Guide | Fresh off the grille

    The Camaro has had its ups and its downs. The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS is a bit of a down moment, with a front end design so widely disliked that Chevy has already announced that it would redesign the front end for 2020 along with adding a few other enticements. If the front end of the V8-powered SS bugs you, you may want to wait for the 2020 model year, which shows up in the fall of 2019.

  • 2019 Ram 3500 Regular Cab Big Horn Review | No B.S., just lots of truck

    The volume-selling GMC Sierra HD is actually its most expensive version: the Denali, slathered with leather and chock full of convenience features. This is a dedicated tool for towing and especially hauling — even more dedicated than the Ram 2500 HD that was also overhauled for 2019. It has a regular cab with a three-person bench and no back seat.

  • Truck driver goes 2,800 miles to rescue a pit bull

    "Listen, do not put him down. I'm on my way over there."To the person on the other end of the line at Animal Care Centers of NYC, it must have sounded like Mario Rodriguez was just around the corner.

  • 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Review and Buying Guide | More power in more trims

    Chiefly, the 6.2-liter V8 trickles down the lineup and is now offered on the Custom Trail Boss, LT Trail Boss and RST trim levels. On the other end of the cylinder count, the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder can now be had on the Custom trim level as an option (it's standard on the LT and RST).The 5.3-liter V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management can now be paired with the 10-speed automatic previously reserved for the 6.2. It's standard on the LT Trail Boss and optional on the High Country.

  • 2019 Honda Passport Elite Review | Value-packed road trip champ

    Take all that away, and the Passport really is just a shorter Pilot, albeit with better proportions. Thankfully, even the most basic Sport trim level ($33,035) gets the handbag and earrings treatment. The EX-L and Touring have silver wheels that dull some of the visual impact, but the black wheels return for the Passport Elite AWD that I recently tested during a Memorial Day weekend road trip along the Oregon coast.

  • 2020 Toyota Sienna Review and Buying Guide | The wait continues ...

    While most cars and minivans go six years between generation, the 2020 Toyota Sienna represents year nine since it was completely redesigned. The Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica are more refined, more advanced technologically and have better safety ratings. Its SE trim level that is arguably the most engaging minivan to drive.

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class spied looking exactly as expected

    When we first drove the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, one thing was clear: it was a substantially better vehicle than the CLA and GLA that would be sold alongside it for the near future. Well, we've now driven the new CLA class, and the logical conclusion seems to be the right one.

  • 2019 Dodge Challenger Review and Buying Guide | Cause we still review awesome cars, too

    The Dodge Challenger has now been kicking around without a complete redesign for a decade, yet it actually seems to be getting more popular in its old age. For the 2019 Dodge Challenger, we welcome the 797-horsepower Hellcat Redeye and R/T Scat Pack Widebody. The Challenger, by contrast, is 100% muscle car more concerned with straight-line performance than handling precision.

  • 2019 Toyota 4Runner Review and Buying Guide | More lovable than ever

    The increasingly iconic Toyota 4Runner soldiers into its ninth year without a full redesign. Frankly, the 4Runner was never a bastion of modernity, as its truck-based structure and interior design result in comfort, refinement and efficiency compromises that always stood in contrast to similarly priced and sized crossovers. Its fuel economy is comparatively abysmal.

  • 2019 Volkswagen Atlas Review and Buying Guide | It's a big deal. Literally, it's huge

    If you're looking for a three-row family crossover that boasts a ton space at a reasonable price, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas needs to be on your list. The interior is enormous, boasting enough passenger space to comfortably fit even 6-footers in all three rows. In other words, the Atlas does a great job of providing the basics for a growing family.

  • 2019 Volkswagen Atlas S 2.0T Review | Back to the basics

    The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas S 2.0T is the bottom rung on the Atlas ladder. The cloth seats are manually operated, the steering wheel is urethane and there's only one USB port. Every other Atlas has the 3.6-liter V6 good for 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, which is on the low end for the segment.