To say that Suzuki has been a bit player in the North American auto industry is almost too kind. With the exception of the spunky SX4, Suzuki has been handed forgettable, rebadged Daewoo and GM cars for well over a decade-cars that gave nothing in terms of [...]
Welcome back to Forgotten Sporty Cars at The Garage! In this space we recall an era where small, economy car-based based vehicles were sold with zippy styling. Whether there was any substance to the sizzle we’ll leave for you to judge.
1984-1986 Chrysler Laser
Imagine for a moment you [...]
If you asked us if we were a Honda family, we’d probably just shrug our shoulders in response. But the reality is, my parent’s first new car was a first generation Accord, I learned how to drive on a third generation Accord, and my father loaned me [...]
For those of you who feel the beloved Impreza WRX STI has gone a little soft, Subaru has responded with the Special Edition; a sportier, decontented STI. The Special Edition borrows suspension from the Japanese STI spec C, including a thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer [...]
The Garage was recently invited to a small, private gathering at the Chelsea Art Museum in New York City to preview Aston Martin’s new four door sports car, the Rapide. This would be a rare, not to be missed opportunity to spend time around the Rapide, to [...]
When your nemesis is a Camaro V-6 that puts out 304hp versus your 210hp, you need to act on that. Although the Mustang was just freshened up for 2010, Ford is addressing the greatest weakness of its base V-6 model with an all [...]
When I had mentioned to a friend I had the new Chevy Camaro RS to review for The Garage, he immediately pointed me to a site dedicated to the Camaro that appeared in the movie “Better Off Dead.” Released in 1985, “Better Off Dead” is a [...]
In what could potentially be a fatal blow to Saab, Koenigsegg Group AB notified General Motors that they have backed out of their plan to purchase the Swedish automaker. GM released a brief statement today that they were saddened by the news, and would be meeting to [...]
Cadillac has released photos of what the production CTS Coupe will look like, and we are pleased to see it was faithful to the concept car. Sales are expected to start in Spring of 2010. Cadillac considers [...]
Buick isn’t talked about a lot here in The Garage, but as they are one of GM’s remaining four core brands, the all-new LaCrosse points to where Buick is headed. With Cadillac firmly entrenched against BMW and Mercedes-Benz sport sedans, Buick is aiming for the luxury market, [...]
In 2008, VW established the TDI Cup. Sanctioned by the SCCA, the TDI Cup is a single make race series run in North America, running VW Jetta TDIs that are mostly stock, and are prepared by the factory. Coming in January 2010, VW will [...]
The wait for the new Camaro was long-painfully long. Chevy first showed the concept in 2006, and until recently the reenergized Ford Mustang was the only game in town-until now. The Camaro is here, and damn, it looks great. And wherever I went in this new Camaro, [...]
The Acura TS-X, which to date has only been available as a four-door sedan, will add a Sport Wagon in the Fall of 2010, to be sold as a 2011 model. When the Sport Wagon goes on sale in 2010, it will be the first wagon Acura [...]
Yes, you have heard this one before-back in February The Garage announced that Toyota would be bring the Scion to Canada, and that is the last we’ve heard until a recent post from Auto123.com. Toyota has announced that 45 select dealers will begin selling Scions [...]
General Motors presented The Garage with a unique opportunity-to review their newest crossovers, the Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain back to back. I jumped at the chance, but I was skeptical of the Terrain. After a week with the Equinox, I couldn’t understand why there [...]
Us North Americans tend to suffer rather short memories when it comes to cars, and I was reminded of this during my time with the Nissan cube. The cube is, well, different. I remember growing up in the 1970’s, spotting tiny Datsuns, Hondas and Subarus, and these [...]
Fisker announced today the purchase of a former GM plant in Wilmington, Delaware, where it plans to build a smaller, more affordable plug-in hybrid than the Karma (pictured above). The car, simply known as “Project Nina” will be a family oriented plug-in hybrid priced under $40,000 after [...]
I may as well cut to the chase here, and say, proudly, that what we have here is a no excuses Chevy. That’s right-put the Equinox against the best in its class, and the Chevy has no excuses, no stories-it simply does its job, and does it [...]
Welcome back to Forgotten Sporty Cars at The Garage! In this space we recall an era where small, economy car-based vehicles were sold with zippy styling. Whether there was any substance to the sizzle we’ll leave for you to judge.
1987-1988 Chevy Sprint Turbo
By the mid-1980’s, the aging [...]
The Lexus HS250h is an all-new model for Toyota’s luxury brand. Although Lexus is no stranger to hybrid technology, the HS (for Harmonious Sedan) is their first dedicated hybrid. According to Lexus, 60% of entry-level luxury car buyers said they would consider a hybrid in that class [...]
It was early June this year when news broke that GM had accepted an offer from Chinese manufacturer Tengzhong. Since then, no news has been forthcoming, but there were rumors swirling that the Chinese government could block the sale. [...]
With the MkV GTI, VW recaptured the mojo of the MkI and MkII GTIs to the delight of VW purists, plus any enthusiast who appreciates a car that is a kick in the pants to drive. But when it’s time for a new Golf, we also get [...]
The sixth generation Golf is here, and before we even begin, I want to thank VW for having the common sense to call it a Golf for us North Americans again. If I’m confusing you, the last generation Golf was sold here as the Rabbit, which is [...]
It’s been well-documented here at The Garage that we drool over the 370Z, marvel at the GT-R, and chuckle at the Cube, but when it comes to moving metal out of the showroom, the Altima is The Most Important Car Nissan builds. Want proof? Nissan just released [...]
Since its introduction as a 2006 model, the US-built Subaru Tribeca has already undergone two facelifts, and thankfully dropped the awkward B9 designation. Previously, buyers had the option of a five or seven passenger Tribeca, but for 2010, the three-row, seven seat configuration will be the only [...]
Entering its fourth year in production, the Versa is Nissan’s entry-level car. All Versa’s get a new grill treatment and wheels for 2010. Most of the news involves the top-line 1.8SL model, starting with a low-cost available Navigation and XM Satellite radio package. New standard features on [...]
In the world of cars, it is out of the ordinary to have only one true, direct competitor, but in the case of the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Subaru Impreza WRX, that is reality. The current generation Subaru Impreza is available as a four-door sedan or five [...]
For many buyers, the idea of a body on frame SUV may seem like an automotive anachronism, but nonetheless Toyota is offering an all-new, fifth generation 4Runner. Before passing judgement, consider Toyota’s rationale for the 4Runner. While Toyota calls the 4Runner “more rugged than the Highlander” crossover, [...]
It just wouldn’t be Formula 1 racing if not for the drama, right? Crashgate refers to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix-the first F1 race held at night. Ferrari driver Felipe Massa started the race from pole. Former F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso, driving for Renault started from [...]
Ever since the C30 went on sale in America in 2008 (2007 in Canada), I’ve admired the small, premium hatchback from Volvo. The ‘premium small car’ is a sparsely populated corner of the North American auto landscape, and the Volvo tends to get overlooked by the Mini [...]
Here at The Garage we’ve been tracking the second convertible in the history of Lexus, the IS250C and IS350C. At the IMPA Test Days press event held in the Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania, I was able to sample the IS250C. The IS convertible is based [...]
Think it’s easy being Lamborghini? When the Gallardo and Murcielago are your “regular” production cars, imagine the challenge of having to design a hyper-exotic. When the Reventon coupe debuted in Frankfurst in 2007, Lamborghini nailed it. Over the top? You bet, but it had to be. Two [...]
As if the Audi R8 hardtop didn’t already have tongues wagging, Audi took the wraps off the Spyder at the Frankfurt auto show. The unique carbon fiber sideblades of the hardtop are gone. As the new flagship of the Audi line, the Spyder definitely boasts a clean, [...]
The Honda CR-V is the best-selling SUV in the US. Now in its third generation since 2007, Honda has given the CR-V a facelift and other improvements. It’s typical Honda practice to give a car a freshening up when it has reached [...]
If things have been a little quiet here at The Garage the past few days, there’s a good reason-we’ve been at the International Motor Press Association’s Test Days event, held in the Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania. This year, we had our fearless leader, Gary Grant, videographer [...]
The Jeep Compass, introduced in 2007, marked a new direction for the Jeep brand. The Compass is the first Jeep based on a car chassis (in this case, the Dodge Caliber). In other words, you are not going to find a “Trail Rated” badge. Jeep purists may [...]
Welcome back to Forgotten Sporty Cars at The Garage! In this space we recall an era where small, economy car-based vehicles were sold with zippy styling. Whether there was any substance to the sizzle we’ll leave for you to judge.
1975-1976 Chevy Vega Cosworth Twin Cam
The rust-prone, engine [...]
There are times when the hype surrounding a story overtakes the story itself. In regards to the Honda Accord Crosstour, this is one of those times. First, here is the actual story: Later this year, Honda is going to start selling the Accord Crosstour. [...]
The 911 ranks as one of the greatest, iconic, and enduring sports cars in the history of the automobile. The silhouette is unforgettable. As an owner and lover of the 911, I admire the greatness of past 911s, and marvel at Porsche’s relentless pursuit of improving every [...]
Although the Frankfurt auto show is still a couple weeks away, Volvo has released photos of its revised C70 retractable hardtop. Volvo has redesigned the front and rear of the car, basically to keep the C70’s design language current with present and upcoming Volvo models. Although the [...]
The Rogue is Nissan’s smallest crossover, and is considered by many a “mini Murano”. All Rogues share the same drivetrain: a 170hp, 2.5L four mated to a CVT automatic transmission. As before, two models are offered: the base S and top-line SL, both with a choice [...]
For 2010, the SX4 family-already consisting of the all-wheel drive Crossover 5-door and front-wheel drive 4-door Sport gains a third member, the SportBack. At first glance the SportBack is a dead-ringer for the Crossover, but parked side by side, the lower ride height, 17″ alloys, subtle aero [...]
Although the Frankfurt auto show is over a month away, Porsche has given us a preview of the monster 911 GT3 RS, a car Porsche claims is ready for the track, but is street legal. The centerpiece of the RS, of course, is the 3.8L, naturally aspirated [...]
Welcome back to Forgotten Sporty Cars at The Garage! In this space we recall an era where small, economy car-based vehicles were sold with zippy styling. Whether there was any substance to the sizzle we’ll leave for you to judge.
1985-1991 Subaru XT
Through the 1970’s and 80’s, Subaru [...]
Not wanting to miss out on the bizarre trend of luxury manufacturers trotting out “four door sports coupes” Acura will offer the new ZDX this winter. Designed and built in North America, the ZDX’s sole drivetrain will be a 3.7L 300hp V-6 mated to a [...]
Before we even begin talking about the new Prius, I need to make one point clear-the comparisons to the Honda Insight end here. Yes, I know they are both hybrids, cut a similar profile-but having driven both, these are two very different cars. If Honda calls the [...]
Mitsubishi formally announced the Lancer Sportback would be coming to North America in January, 2009. On August 17th, the car officially goes on sale. Pricing for the five-door Lancer was just announced. Two trim levels will be available:
The Lancer Sportback GTS will be [...]
In January of this year we reported Chrysler planned on killing off the funky, but now familiar PT Cruiser this summer. Our position at The Garage was this was not a good idea-sure, sales were off from the highs when the PT first debuted, [...]
If there have been any complaints about Suzuki, one of the most glaring has been a less than complete line of cars for the public to choose from. Buyers who liked the spunky, affordable SX4 had no car to graduate to. All that changes with the new [...]
Our “Driven” series highlights the several cars I was able to sample at IMPA’s Spring Brake 2009 event. These short takes are summaries of my driving impressions of the cars on the roads surrounding Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County, New York.
Given the automotive preferences of [...]
Our “Driven” series highlights the several cars I was able to sample at IMPA’s Spring Brake 2009 event. These short takes are summaries of my driving impressions of the cars on the roads surrounding Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County, New York.
“Just wanted to say I’m [...]
Our “Driven” series highlights the several cars I was able to sample at IMPA’s Spring Brake 2009 event. These short takes are summaries of my driving impressions of the cars on the roads surrounding Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County, New York.
Any auto enthusiast has to [...]
That’s right friends! Fans of the hairy V-10 American sports car can all breathe a collective sigh of relief, the Dodge Viper’s life has been spared. Originally scheduled to cease production in December 2009, Chrysler announced that production of the Viper will continue. [...]
Our “Driven” series highlights the several cars I was able to sample at IMPA’s Spring Brake 2009 event. These short takes are summaries of my driving impressions of the cars on the roads surrounding Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County, New York.
The first thing I want [...]
Our “Driven” series highlights the several cars I was able to sample at IMPA’s Spring Brake 2009 event. These short takes are summaries of my driving impressions of the cars on the roads surrounding Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County, New York.
I was pleased to have [...]
Here at The Garage, we’re always pleased to hear about more power, and the latest Jaguar XF Supercharged is no exception. Slotted below the top of the line XFR, the XF Supercharged is motivated by the new 5.0L Supercharged AJ-V8, delivering 470 hp and 424 lb ft [...]
Here at The Garage we typically don’t get into much detail about the monthly sales reports we receive from various manufacturers, but when I received an e-mail from Volkswagen of America about their June 2009 sales, I took notice.
Taken in whole, VW sales last month compared to [...]
Our “Driven” series highlights the several cars I was able to sample at IMPA’s Spring Brake 2009 event. These short takes are summaries of my driving impressions of the cars on the roads surrounding Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County, New York.
The calling card for Honda’s [...]
Our “Driven” series highlights the several cars I was able to sample at IMPA’s Spring Brake 2009 event. These short takes are summaries of my driving impressions of the cars on the roads surrounding Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County, New York.
It is hard to believe [...]
Regular readers of The Garage will know from our review of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT, but Ford announced this week that the Glass Roof option will again be available on both Base and GT Mustangs as a $1,995USD option. The glass [...]
Ok, for the regular readers of The Garage, I know you are thinking “What is Tom doing? Gary Grant already gave a Mini Cooper S convertible a whole review last month!” I know he did, and Gary loved it, as he loves all Minis. But today, [...]
The sad tale of Pontiac winding down its existence as a brand continued today with the announcement from GM that the Vibe would cease production by the end of August. The Vibe is produced at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, California, where its sister [...]
The Fourteenth Annual Greenwich Concours d’Elegance was held on June 6-7 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, CT. Founders and co-chairs Bruce and Genia Wennerstrom hosted an impressive variety of marques, featuring rare, classic, unusual, exotic, and one-off production and race cars.
It is a pleasure to [...]
The Fourteenth Annual Greenwich Concours d’Elegance was held on June 6-7 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, CT. Founders and co-chairs Bruce and Genia Wennerstrom hosted an impressive variety of marques, featuring rare, classic, unusual, exotic, and one-off production and race cars.
It is a pleasure to [...]
The mark of a true automotive enthusiast is to find interest in all things car-related. Sure, last weekend I was enjoying Bugattis, Ferraris and other exotic cars at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, but today I thrilled to the sight of this battered Oldsmobile. I had to share [...]
The Fourteenth Annual Greenwich Concours d’Elegance was held on June 6-7 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, CT. Founders and co-chairs Bruce and Genia Wennerstrom hosted an impressive variety of marques, featuring rare, classic, unusual, exotic, and one-off production and race cars.
It is a pleasure to [...]
Our “Driven” series highlights the several cars I was able to sample at IMPA’s Spring Brake 2009 event. These short takes are summaries of my driving impressions of the cars on the roads surrounding Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County, New York.
Of the two Hyundai’s available [...]
GM has been busy ridding itself of what many call the “Bad GM”-namely, Pontiac, Hummer, Saturn, and Saab, brands that won’t be a part of the “new” GM. Pontiac is being phased out, earlier this week Tengzhong announced plans to purchase Hummer, and today, [...]
It was a whirlwind of a news day surrounding Hummer today, starting with word the brand was sold, that it would be to an unnamed Chinese company, then the name of the company (Tengzhong), and finally a joint statement from GM and Tengzhong themselves.
Here [...]
Our “Driven” series highlights the several cars I was able to sample at IMPA’s Spring Brake 2009 event. These short takes are summaries of my driving impressions of the cars on the roads surrounding Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County, New York.
The Lincoln MKS debuted last [...]
Introducing, the Devon GTX! But more on that in a moment.
Last August, we reported that Chrysler was putting up the Dodge Viper-design and manufacturing facility up for sale. Since then, we’ve been told that “several interested parties” were in talks with Chrysler about the Viper, but nothing [...]
Our “Driven” series highlights the several cars I was able to sample at IMPA’s Spring Brake 2009 event. These short takes are summaries of my driving impressions of the cars on the roads surrounding Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County, New York.
Prior to Spring Brake, I [...]
On a gorgeous, sunny (but hot) Thursday, IMPA hosted the 2nd Annual Spring Brake event. Held at the beautiful Bear Mountain State Park on the Hudson River in Rockland County, NY, we could not have asked for a nicer day or better location.
What is Spring Brake? It [...]
Welcome back to Forgotten Sporty Cars at The Garage! In this space we recall an era where small, economy car-based vehicles were sold with zippy styling. Whether there was any substance to the sizzle we’ll leave for you to judge.
1975-1978 AMC Pacer X
Whoa, what’s that you say? [...]
Saturn will be either sold, or shut down. Pontiac has one more production year left, and the story ends there. It’s a pity when perfectly good cars like the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky are destined to vanish from the automotive landscape. For [...]
Welcome back to Forgotten Sporty Cars at The Garage! In this space we recall an era where small, economy car-based based vehicles were sold with zippy styling. Whether there was any substance to the sizzle we’ll leave for you to judge.
1991-1993 Nissan NX
This week we recall the [...]
Welcome back to Forgotten Sporty Cars at The Garage! In this space we recall an era where small, economy car-based based vehicles were sold with zippy styling. Whether there was any substance to the sizzle we’ll leave for you to judge.
(Ford) Capri 1970-1977
Imagine you are [...]
The news today did not come as a total surprise-Chrysler filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy today. While listening to local news reports from various Chrysler dealerships today, the general feeling was relief-not panic, the emotion normally associated with this sort of news. The key [...]
Although we had quoted Autoblog last December that the Armada, Nissan’s full-size SUV’s days were numbered, Nissan is introducing the 2010 Armada. The most significant changes are new content and simplified packaging, offering buyers a better value than the outgoing 2009 Armada. Other changes include minor exterior/interior [...]
It was a poorly kept secret in the days leading up to GM’s press release Monday morning at 9:00AM. Pontiac is officially on its way out, the General planning a phase out to be completed by the end of 2010. Ever since GM submitted [...]
Without a doubt the biggest news from GM today was that Pontiac would be phased out, but there are other points worth mentioning here. GM confirmed that the “resolution” of Saab, Saturn and Hummer will be decided by the end of 2009 at the [...]
Welcome back to Forgotten Sporty Cars at The Garage! In this space we recall an era where small, economy car-based based vehicles were sold with zippy styling. Whether there was any substance to the sizzle we’ll leave for you to judge.
1991-1994 Mercury Capri
Mercury has the dubious honor [...]
Chevy is bringing back the Grand Sport, this time in a much more meaningful way. In 1996 Chevy recalled the once mighty 1960’s Grand Sport race cars with a limited run of Corvettes featuring nothing more than special paint and trim. This time around, [...]
With the Honda Insight now on sale, Toyota has announced pricing for the new Prius, due in dealers at the end of May. Two surprises in today’s news-first, the Prius is priced less than what was originally guessed (Edmunds.com predicted a $23,500 base price), and second, a [...]
Weather called for rain today-thankfully we were spared. In my last post, I reported that spring had sprung, but sadly my 911’s battery was dead. If my garage had electricity, I’d have a battery tender, but that’s not the case. A call to AAA was made and [...]
Welcome back to Forgotten Sporty Cars at The Garage! In this space we recall an era where small, economy car-based based vehicles were sold with zippy styling. Whether there was any substance to the sizzle we’ll leave for you to judge.
1982-1990 Mitsubishi Cordia
In the US, Chrysler had [...]
As a blogger, I make an effort to check around to see what the other auto blogs are talking about. Scrolling though the stories at Autoblog today, a report on the possible demise of Pontiac and GMC caught my eye. Here at [...]
It’s a given that crossovers are replacing SUV’s as the preferred mode of family transportation. In this hotly contested market, Mazda stands out with their popular CX crossovers, blending swoopy styling with an unexpected measure of driving pleasure. The CX-9, which came out in 2007 has received [...]
Spring is upon us here in Connecticut. It’s been a long winter, and after a few good rainstorms, the salt is finally off the roads. Which means, it is time to think about getting my 1976 Porsche 911S Targa back on the road.
The sight of my Porsche [...]
It’s hard to imagine that it was fifteen years ago when a struggling Subaru introduced the Legacy Outback, which was nothing more than a regular Legacy wagon on stilts and some body cladding. The outgoing Outback, while getting on in years, was a handsome car, but Subaru [...]
There is no denying the importance of Jeep to Chrysler. And while the Wrangler will always be seen as the most iconic Jeep, the Grand Cherokee is arguably the most important model built by the brand. New York was the stage for the unveiling [...]
Just ahead of the 2009 New York Auto Show, Nissan is introducing two ready for production 370Z models, the Roadster and the NISMO 370Z.
2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
Mechanically the same as the 370Z hardtop, the Roadster has been stiffened up for improved rigidity and stability. Features new to [...]
Welcome back to Forgotten Sporty Cars at The Garage! In this space we recall an era where small, economy car-based based vehicles were sold with zippy styling. Whether there was any substance to the sizzle we’ll leave for you to judge.
1993-1997 Honda del Sol
[...]
I live in a small city on the shore in Connecticut-I consider it a middle-class city with a diverse taste in cars. Come summer, when Cruise Night at the beach is in full swing with classic and muscle cars, I know of garages within walking distance holding [...]
