Category: fuel economy

  • Driving the Ford Police Interceptor

    Ford invited a number of local auto writers to join in with a contingent of police officers from various Illinois communities to drive the new 2020 Ford Police Interceptor at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL. A derivative model of the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer, the Ford Police Interceptor (PI) comes standard with a hybrid…

  • 2019 Honda Passport – Road Review

    With its 280-horsepower V6 backed up by a 9-speed automatic, the midsize SUV Honda Passport is quite a joy to drive.  There’s room for five, plenty of cargo space and it can tow up to 5,000 lbs. I did a bunch of road tripping in this Lunar Silver rig and easily exceeded the EPA highway…

  • 2019 Chrysler Pacific Hybrid – Drive Review

    In celebration of 35 years of minivan leadership, the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is offered in a 35th Anniversary edition that’s available on Pacifica Touring L Hybrid and Limited Hybrid models. This special edition features new badging, an all-black interior with Cranberry Wine accent stitching and upgraded content. With an all-electric range of 32 miles and…

  • 2019 BMW X4 xDrive 30i – Road Test

    BMW’s X4 sport activity coupe has been revamped for 2019. I first drove it last summer at the media preview program at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina assembly plant.  And I also drove it last October at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Fall Rally at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL. This time around two road trips within…

  • 2019 Mazda CX-5 – Drive Report

    In its 2012 debut, CX-5 helped introduce the world to Mazda’s KODO-Soul of Motion design ethos and SKYACTIV Technology. Since then, CX-5 has seen continuous improvements, including an all-new redesign in 2017. Now for 2019, it takes its next key step with a high-quality interior befitting a new top-tier Signature trim level, the refinement of…

  • 2019 Kia Forte – First Drive

    Kia’s entry in the compact car market is the Forte which has been updated for 2019. It’s entirely new. Kia made it longer, wider and a bit taller. It’s got some design cues from the Stinger and has a 5-passenger interior layout that’s clean and very user friendly. Read a bit more on this new Forte which…

  • 2019 Subaru Forester – Drive Report

    Subaru’s  Forester is entirely new for 2019, built now on an all-new platform. The 2.5-L boxer engine as been updated. The wheelbase is longer providing more rear seat legroom and more cargo capacity. Headroom, hip and shoulder room are also increased for greater passenger comfort. Standard, Premium, Limited, Touring and new Sport trim levels are…

  • 2019 Lexus ES – Drive Review

    The seventh-generation 2019 Lexus ES is longer, lower and wider. Built on a new platform, the ES has more aggressive and sporty styling with a modern and comfortable interior. The front-wheel drive ES is available in the 302-horspower ES 350 model or the 215-horsepower low fuel consumption ES 300h model.  The 2019 ES 350 is…

  • 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – Drive Report

     Mitsubishi introduced the all-new Eclipse Cross compact SUV in 2018. Now for 2019 it continues with a couple tweaks to enhance the Mitsubishi line-up. Price is all-important and the Eclipse Cross is well positioned with a starting price of $23,595. Offering good value and a long warranty, the Eclipse Cross deserves a look by those…

  • 2019 Toyota Avalon – Drive Review

    The Toyota Avalon has been extensively revamped for 2019. This in spite of ever-diminishing new vehicle buyer’s interests in sedans. And to stimulate more interest, Toyota has ramped up the Avalon’s looks and style giving it a more head-turning presence. A Hybrid with a net 215-horsepower from its 2.5-four-cylinder mated with a 650-volt electric motor…