By Barbara & Bill Schaffer Not long ago the most compact cars looked like ?cheap little cars.? That?s changed dramatically the last few years and in the process, many of the compacts have received sophisticated design treatments, refined comfort and an extensive outfitting of latest technologies. A good example of this upscale compact revolution…
By Barbara & Bill Schaffer Aptly named, the 2016 Ford Escape offers a stimulating ?escape? from the sometime hum-drum manners of many compact SUV/crossovers. Rather than the typical nondescript ride, marginal handling and lackadaisical performance of a many of the pseudo off-roaders, the Escape has traits more closely fitting those of a sport sedan. The…
By Barbara & Bill Schaffer Honda has a reputation for doing things differently and in the process often moves into a leadership position. Their track record lists hundreds of innovations from being the first Japanese car maker to open a manufacturing plant in the United States (in 1982 in Marysville, Ohio) to developing the first…
?2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk? All-new, Trail Rated and highly capable For those enthusiasts who relish the off-road capability of Jeep?s iconic Wrangler model offerings, but would prefer more sophistication in a style that?s less utilitarian, there?s a new kid in town (or more likely in the wilderness) ? it?s the all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade that…
2015 Porsche Macan Turbo Porsche strong player in the compact SUV arena The 2015 Porsche Macan Turbo is a crossover vehicle that represents the German manufacturer?s fifth model line and the first entry into the compact sports utility vehicle marketplace. The Macan actually bowed in 2013 as a 2014 model. The first Porsche SUV model…
By Barbara & Bill Schaffer Compact SUVs and crossovers are nearly as hot as Apple?s iPhone 6. Nearly every manufacturer has one, and there?s one for every budget from the low $20,000s to nearly $100,000. After 19 years in that market category, the Toyota RAV4 continually ranks as one of the top selling models. Entering…
The Honda Grom for 2014 A little bike with a big attitude The 2014 Honda Grom is a hoot, delivering an enjoyable riding experience to novice and expert alike. It makes an ideal pit bike due to its compact size, lightweight and exceptional agility. It comes across looking like a mini-sport bike, but is much…
2015 Lincoln MKC ?A small luxury, spirited SUV? The Lincoln Motor Company has changed direction and scope. It?s seemingly no longer focused on classic, elegant luxury land yacht status, but is now concentrating on attracting a younger, more active consumer, with different goals in mind. Displaying a show of wealth no longer seems to be…
?Nissan?s 2013 NV200 Compact Cargo Van: Ideal for work or play? The 2013 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van rounds out Nissan?s commercial vehicle offerings, and even though it was originally conceived and intended for commercial use, it?s equally well suited to do duty in serving the needs for personal use and activities….
By Barbara Schaffer San Diego ? While in San Diego covering the introduction of the new Versa Note, I also had a chance to spend a little?time in the all-new 2013 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van. I don?t want to brag, but I actually have quite a bit of experience with small delivery vans. Many…
