Best of 2024 Awards Archives

2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo Edition by Ben Lewis

We recently spent some time in the Mazda CX-50, which would seem to be designed to replace the current CX-5, which is their best-selling model. Mazda replaced the CX-3 with the CX-30, and the CX-9 with the CX-90. So were we wrong. Maybe, as the carmaker continues to offer the CX-5, so we felt it was good time to drive one again and see how it shapes up against the ’50. Zircon Sand Persuasion One thing that gives away that this is a 2024 is the new Carbon Turbo Edition, which wears an exclusive paint color that Mazda calls Zircon …

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Apr 17, 2024 Read more

2024 Honda Civic Type R road test review by Ben Lewis

We recently tested the Acura Integra Type S, and we loved it. We were especially interested, since Acura took great pains to add refinement to the Civic Type R on which it is based. So, we were very excited to test the new Civic – itʻs on every enthusiastʻs radar as a great affordable driving car. But we wondered is it also refined, or a raw-edged, demanding weapon only for the brave of heart? Well, which is it? Letʻs find out! Swole-up Civic We love the look of the Type R. Like the Integra Type S, it looks like the …

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Mar 26, 2024 Read more

2024 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus review by Ben Lewis

Mazda is revamping its lineup. First, the CX-3 was replaced by the handsome CX-30, The CX-9 was put out to pasture for the new CX-90. And they’ve just introduced the CX-70, basically a 2-row version of the CX-90. About a year ago, Mazda also introduced the CX-50, but the CX-5 still remains. At least for 2024. But it’s clear the ’50 is the future of their compact SUV. Worth another look? You bet. Hot New Looks The CX-50 follows the new design language we’re also seeing in the CX-30 and CX-90. They look wider, more muscular and substantial than the …

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Mar 06, 2024 Read more

Road Test Review – 2023 Toyota GR86 Premium – Does It Still Have The Fun Factor?

It’s not often that improvements bring out the best in an automobile, but in the case of the 2023 Toyota GR86, it was exactly what the doctor ordered. The 2022 model gave the model more power and also made some revisions to the exterior and the interior which resulted in a noticeable transformation. But does it have long-term staying power? We wanted to find out. GR86 & BRZ Siblings To The End Both the 2023 GR86 and its Subaru cousin the BRZ were designed to appeal to budget-focused performance buyers and that’s evident in the exterior styling with designers …

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Feb 23, 2024 Read more

2024 Tacoma TRD Sport Double Cab review by Ben Lewis

It’s hard to imagine a more popular mid-size pickup truck than the Toyota Tacoma. If you don’t believe us, check out the prices on used ones. Even old and dodgy (Not Dodge-y) ones with hundreds of thousands of miles on them go for big bucks. It’s simple – these things hold up – even under massive amounts of abuse. So now Toyota has introduced an all-new Tacoma. The 4th generation of a legend. So how does it stack up against the previous model? Let’s take a look! Badass Adventure Machine When Toyota came up with a mission statement for the …

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Feb 16, 2024 Read more

Road Test Review – 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige – An MPV For The Jet Set & Busy Families

The venerable minivan may have been shoved out of the spotlight by SUV and CUV entries (remember when they dominated the 1990’s?) But these versatile Swiss army knives on wheels still play a key role in the family vehicle market. Kia is hoping that some of this magic will help the 2024 Kia Carnival carve out a slice of the sales pie for itself. But does the Carnival have the chops needed to stand out in a world where SUVs and technology have become the new must-have items for growing families? Carnival Styling Attracts The Masses While the Carnival …

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Feb 01, 2024 Read more

Road Test Review – 2023 Toyota Crown Limited – Is It’s Luxury Indeed Fit For A King?

It has been a few decades since Toyota brought the Crown nameplate to our shores. The Crown was originally offered here in the U.S. market from 1958 to 1972 before it was replaced by the Corona. The Crown morphed into a Japanese-exclusive offering at that point which was supposed to offer well-heeled buyers a step up in Toyota luxury with the U.S. getting the Lexus luxury brand as a consolation prize. The Crown returned to the U.S. in 2022 and this time, Toyota is using it as a distinctive sub-brand. But is it enough to lure in buyers and Avalon …

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Jan 31, 2024 Read more

2024 Toyota Tundra 4×4 TRD Pro 5.5 Review by Ben Lewis

Winning hearts and minds can be a challenge in the auto industry. And the most loyal owners you’ll probably find are full-size pickup truck owners. And these buyers buy American with a capital A. Dodge, Ford, GM…they are the dominant powerhouses. That doesn’t stop the import brands from trying to muscle in, though. Toyota started with the T100 years ago – a kind of halfway step between the Tacoma and the full-size domestics. Then Toyota took off the gloves and met the Big 3 head-on with the Tundra. And they’ve made good headway…but all you have to look at is …

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Jan 17, 2024 Read more

Road Test Review – 2024 Volkswagen Taos SEL – Has VW Found Gold In The CUV Segment?

The Volkswagen Taos was a gamble for Volkswagen when it first hit the market a short while ago. The Taos was entering new territory for VW in the CUV wars and expectations were high especially for its long-term success at attracting younger buyers to the brand while also blending many of the things that buyers liked about the Golf and Tiguan into one unified package. The Taos has so far met VW’s expectations in terms of sales and the company is releasing light updates for 2024 that attempt to add zest to the urban-focused model. Is it all enough to …

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Jan 16, 2024 Read more

Road Test Review – 2023 Lexus RX 500h AWD F Sport – Lexus Goes For Performance With This RX

The Lexus RX has been the ultimate jack of all trades for Lexus in the CUV segment. While the doomed RX 350L showed that there were limits to how far the RX could go in meeting certain segment needs, the CUV proved to be more than capable of meeting challenges when it was allowed to operate within its comfort zone. Lexus wanted to build on the core formula when it redesigned the RX for 2023 but it also wanted to inject more spice into the mix with the new 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance model. But does the …

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Jan 15, 2024 Read more