First Drive Photos Archives

Road Test Review – 2018 Lexus RX350L – By Carl Malek

April 7, 2019, 11 pmApril 7, 2019, 11 pm by Carl Malek

A key adage that applies in the automotive industry is the classic saying “Build it and they will come.” Indeed, this logic has resulted in some truly impressive models such as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, as well as tamer fare like the Toyota RAV4. However, it has also resulted in the appearance of a fair share of odds ball offerings in the past including the Nissan Murano convertible. But with crossover mania in full swing, this timeless saying has new meaning, especially with how white hot the sales race is in the all important luxury crossover segment. Lexus is …

Road Test Review – 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro – By Carl Malek

April 3, 2019, 12 pmMarch 31, 2019, 11 am by Carl Malek

When it comes to off-road vehicles, few automakers have nearly the same level of clout that Toyota has. While Jeep has Rubicon, Ford Raptor, and Chevrolet ZR2, Toyota is the only automaker to offer a full lineup of off-road vehicles under the TRD Pro moniker. While the Tacoma and 4-Runner TRD Pro variants are often seen as the de-facto ambassadors of the brand, there are other TRD Pro models behind the scenes that do their best to bring a distinctive driving experience to buyers. One of these is the vehicle featured here, the 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. With its …

Road Test Review – 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD – By Carl Malek

March 22, 2019, 11 amMarch 22, 2019, 11 am by Carl Malek

It’s no secret that Mazda’s CX-5 has emerged as a very key player for the Japanese car maker for the past several years. Once known for having a very car focused lineup over 10 years ago, Mazda has been very quick to embrace the recent shift towards CUV and SUV entries, with the CX-3 and the CX-9 being just two examples of how the Hiroshima based company has responded to this abrupt shift in buyer demand. However, it is ultimately the CX-5 that has emerged as the key cog in Mazda’s plans to sharpen up its position in the utility …

First Drive – 2019 Polaris Slingshot SLR – By Carl Malek

February 25, 2019, 5 pmFebruary 20, 2019, 1 pm by Carl Malek

When it comes to 3-wheel cycle cars (aka “autocycles,”) these special vehicles strike a welcome and particular chord in the heart of this author. For those that aren’t familiar with this type of vehicle, it is essentially the best of both worlds between a motorcycle and a car, with each one trying to do something different depending on how much car or motorcycle DNA is in it. Autocycles were invented before traditional four wheeled cars, and for a time were a sales phenomenon, especially in Europe. The Morgan 3-Wheeler is arguably the most iconic and historic of these particular vehicles, …

2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS – First Drive Gallery

February 19, 2019, 3 pmFebruary 5, 2019, 11 am by Tom Burkart

The new Blazer is easily the best-looking SUV to be launched in recent years. Just because we are not on the charmed list for the US media launch does not mean we can’t celebrate a sexy design with a full photo gallery! And like most GM cars and crossovers in the last year — that all drive with exactly the same level of non-feel and non-fun — the Blazer is likely to be a deep snooze behind the wheel. Until you get to the top motor, which also skyrockets the price into the $40s. Tough call. The LT and Premier trims …

Road Test Review – 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – By Carl Malek

February 19, 2019, 3 pmDecember 24, 2018, 5 pm by Carl Malek

When we last met the Mitsubishi Outlander, it was in its base 2.4 liter form and it proved to be a very reliable steed, with the one we had impressing us with its Prius like fuel economy on a summer road trip from our Metro Detroit office to Wisconsin for a press association event. But what if your an SUV buyer who thinks even this insane display of fuel economy isn’t enough for your needs? Mitsubishi has you covered with the all new Outlander PHEV. But does it retain some of the subtle charms that allowed its four cylinder counterpart …