You know what a car is, what a truck is and what an SUV is, right? Well, lately we’ve been hearing about crossover vehicles. The Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Flex, Toyota Venza and Infiniti FX50 are examples of crossovers. What the heck does that mean? Continue reading »

People have always tried to guess how things would be different in the future. The future of the automobile has been a much loved topic of TV shows and cartoons for years. How did you imagine we would travel in the year 2010? The self-driven taxi from Total Recall? Hovering craft like in Star Wars? The sky was the limit, literally, for what cars would look like. Continue reading »

When thinking about the word “diesel” and “diesel car”, we usually get the idea of an outsized truck with black exhaust coming out of the tail pipe and a constant loud humming from the engine. But the new 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI gives us a whole new idea of what diesel really means. Continue reading »

Scion has sent adolescents into a frenzy recently with the announcement of the xB Release Series 6.0! Dubbed Absolutely Red due to the body color, this Scion features a couple of tasteful modifications that young people will identify with. But with only 2500 being made the xB RS 6.0 will most definitely fly off the dealer lots. Continue reading »

There has been a gaping hole in the mid-sized car segment from Ford with the loss of the Taurus a few years back.  Originally introduced in Ford’s 2006 line-up, the Fusion has new modications including the new Hybrid power plant.  What makes this Ford so special is the excellent in-town gas mileage that the hybrid can get.  The Environemetal Protection Agency gives the Fusion a rating of 41 Miles Per Gallon which is much better than the Toyota Camry, and even better than the fuel efficient Civic Hybrid; all this from a medium sized hybrid car.  The electric engine can get the Ford moving and can continue to power the car up to a limit of 47 mile per hour before the gas engine kicks in.  This system has been used by many to get better MPG than the EPA says is possible. Continue reading »

Each year Car and Driver does a 10 of the Best Cars list.  Cars are judged on three points, the first being performance and functionality, second emotional engagement, and finally pricing and versatility. All cars that are new or significantly redesigned are eligible for the 10Best.  If a car consistently impresses year after year it is possible to remain on the list indefinitely, even without updates.  As a second runner up to BMW, Infiniti has always been a great competitor for the top spot in entry-level luxury sports sedans and coupes, but has never ruled this class. Continue reading »

If you are looking for an affordable vehicle with a lot of versatility, then the 2010 Toyota Matrix is the car for you. The Matrix was designed for people who want a vehicle with a sporty image and high functionality. It’s practical, stylish and affordable. Continue reading »

If you thought Cadillac cars were from a dinosaur age specialized for old people, prepare to be enlightened with the new Cadillac CTS. With this new extravagant showpiece Sedan, a positive word can be said about GM’s Cadillac. The Cadillac CTS has a jaw dropping European inspired interior design and a chiseled wide exterior design that will make heads turn. Every Cadillac CTS comes equipped standard with an eight speaker Bose audio system, dual zone climate control, and 17-inch wheels. It also has all-wheel drive and profuse backseat space. This one of a kind Sedan is fast too. The CTS has quick underfoot, and is taut and responsive. It has a 263horse VVT V6 Engine or an optional 304horse direction-injection version. Automatic transmission is sleek and offers manual override. This Cadillac is outfitted with many options and optional features to choose from, including: iPod integration, a 40GB hard drive for the entertainment system, swiveling headlights, a sunroof and a remote start system. The Sport package also includes steering- wheel mounted shifters. Overall, GM’s new Cadillac CTS continues to amaze with its first-rate refinement, powerful engines, striking interior and exterior, and sharp handling.

Visit Cadillac of Orange County for the best deals on a new or certified Cadillac CTS.

Ok so the whole fuel economy thing has finally made its way into the last possible auto segment; the man’s vehicle group. Yes now even manly men are aware of their fuel economy and its impact on the environment. Well GMC is the first company to address this portion of our population. New for 2009 is the Yukon which weights almost a ton and yet can achieve that magical 20 MPG mark that SUV’s were never meant to obtain.

This remarkable feat was achieved by designing a 2-mode hybrid system. The Yukon has the ability to run on electric power alone up to 25 MPH which does wonders for the in town fuel economy. When more power is need the gas engine simply kicks in. And the Yukon also benefits from cylinder deactivation technology which essentially turns the V-8 power plant in to a more economical 4 cylinder when less power is needed. This hybrid can still tow 6,000 lbs. plus seat 8 in the process. The future of manly cars is looking good for the environment and wallet!

Visit theI-10 Auto Mall to see a nice selection of hybrids for sale in Southern California.  Also Iowa BPG has new 2009 Yukon Hybrids on sale now!

I’m a MOPAR guy, have been ever since my dad pulled up in HEMI Orange Dodge Challenger back when I was all of 9.  The sound of that 426 still haunts me…

Fast Forward to 2008 and the SRT guy’s are at it again.  This time they unleash their Street and Racing Technology mantra to the Jeep Grand Cherokee?  Yes, they did.  Just that.  This is my second SRT8 vehicle.  I had an 07 Charger SRT8 and I’ve also had the pleasure of driving a Maggie and a 300 SRT and I must say the Jeep trumps them all.

Not the fastest of the SRT Line up, but definitely the quickest.  We’re talking a blazing 0-60 in a mind boggling 4.8 seconds stock.  That AWD drive and different gearing ratios compared to the other SRT’s make this 4,819 lbs truck do more than just turn eyes.  Yeah, she burns through gas at a horrendous 10 MPG but she also gets me there in style.  Blistering loud style.

I could rave about the racing seats, fiber carbon accents, the MyGig Hard Disc, DVD player, BOSE system, back up camera yadda yadda yadda, but these things are not what makes this truck special.  It’s the fact that it’s the most fun you will ever have driving anything that can be considered an SUV loaded with a stroller, car seats or a beach cruiser.

Who cares that I have two speeding tickets.  Something to be said when your foot commands 420 horses and 425 lbs. of torque.  That M3 won’t know what hit him.  Guy in the Southern California Corvette? Yeah, he won’t know that what just launched past him was in fact, just a Jeep.  Orange County Saleen Mustang?  I won’t even waste my gas…

At the end of the day I thank God for all you Coachella Valley Toyota Prius owners out there.  It’s because of you that I can drive this demon child from hell at downright illicit, immoral speeds.  Yeah, she’s that bad.

Jeep, no longer just Drag Rated, we’re now officially Track Rated as well.

By Dave Herrera