By Barbara & Bill Schaffer We were disappointed to see so many automakers dropping diesel engine cars and light trucks over the last few years. We’ve advocated diesel engines because of their better fuel economy numbers and good performance. Plus, scientific studies have shown that properly configured diesel engines are cleaner than gasoline engines….
By Barbara & Bill Schaffer From hamburgers to clothing to SUVs — size matters. Clothing is obvious, and McDonald’s now sells Big Macs in three sizes (Baby Mac, Big Mac and Grand Mac) so why not a major purchase like an SUV. Sure, most of the SUV makers have two or three sizes, but the…
By Barbara & Bill Schaffer As long-time automotive journalists, we’ve developed a fondness for diesel-powered vehicles. It’s the abundant torque and better fuel economy that gives them an advantage over gasoline engines in our minds. In addition, modern diesel engines are usually very quiet, smokeless and there is no odor. However, it was unfortunate that…
“2017 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury” Iconic Discovery models all-new for 2017 The latest iteration of the Land Rover Discovery (2017) represents the launch of the model’s fifth generation and displays a smoother, more futuristic design form. It moves away from the earlier boxy design forms of the old LR3 and LR4 images to a…
“Range Rover Evoque Convertible” First ever Drop Top SUV for the Brand The Range Rover Evoque, which was based on the futuristic and stylish LRX concept vehicle, was launched by Land Rover in 2012. The production version remained remarkably true to the original styling of the concept show vehicle. That first Range Rover Evoque came…
By Barbara & Bill Schaffer When an auto manufacturer goes out on a limb and creates something different, the critics often have a field day taking pot shots at it. We checked out the early reviews on the Range Rovers Evoque Convertible, and they were much more positive than we expected. After spending a week…
By Barbara and Bill Schaffer When you’ve been around the automotive business as long as we have (25+ years) you develop some distinct likes and dislikes. For example, one of our favorite luxury SUVs has been the Range Rover. What’s not to like — it’s plush, comfortable, fast and it goes over rugged off road…
By Bill & Barbara Schaffer Shelton, Wash. – In NWAPA Mudfest 2016 — Part 1 we reviewed the Outdoor Activity Vehicles from the Compact Utility, Premium Compact Utility and Family categories. In Part 2 we feature the Premium, Extreme Capability and Pickup categories. This year’s program was held at the Ridge Motorsports Park in…
By Bill Schaffer Sedona, Ariz. – I have long been an advocate of diesel power, and still am, even with the recent Volkswagen diesel-gate situation. That’s the second time in recent history diesel power has ended up with a black eye – first time was when General Motors tried diesel in the 1970s and 1980s….
By Barbara & Bill Schaffer Crossovers are the result of mixing the characteristics of an SUV with those of a car. In most cases the outcome is a compromise that looks SUVish but has diluted off-road capabilities. We think the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport may be the one of the best crossovers built,…
