It lacks the name recognition of its more established competitors, but the Genesis luxury brand unleashed by Hyundai in 2017 should not be overlooked. Our latest test drive with the 2022 Genesis G80 confirmed what we already knew: this is a well-crafted midsize luxury sedan. Yet what the G80 and the other four Genesis vehicles […]
Weidel on Wheels
Toyota Highlander hybrid smooth SUV
For some unknown reason, the other day I had an aging song continuously playing in my head – “Smooth Operator.” As is often the case, I have no idea how that mid-1980s song by Sade became my latest “earworm.” Yet it did for days. As I was mulling over the tune, the thought occurred to […]
Replay – Did Genesis SUV save Tiger Woods?
One year ago, golfer Tiger’s Woods had a near-fatal crash in the Genesis GV80, a courtesy SUV he was driving. Auto Writer Jeffrey Weidel was test driving the Genesis GV80 that day when he learned of the crash that nearly claimed the life of the famed golfer. Did the safety features of the 2021 Genesis […]
Hyundai Santa Fe continues offering value
Hyundai certainly can offer lots of variety if one zeroes in their sport utility vehicle search to the popular Santa Fe. Some shoppers might opt for the traditional gas-powered Santa Fe, a smart choice among midsize SUVs. Yet so are two other versions of the Santa Fe – the hybrid and the new plug-in hybrid […]
Ford Edge nearing its end
If purchasing a Ford Edge is being considered, don’t wait too long. According to Automotive News, Ford will reportedly discontinue the Edge and its more luxurious twin – Lincoln Nautilus – after producing one final version in 2023. That may be why neither midsize crossover has had a major redesign since the 2015 model year. […]
Dodge Durango remains traditional SUV
There’s nothing flashy regarding the 2002 Dodge Durango. It remains an SUV with a nod to the past. The latest version of the three-row Durango remains a workhorse that looks burly and sounds the part as well. It’s practically unrivaled in the midsize SUV class, thanks to its towing and hauling ability. The Durango is […]
Ford Bronco experiencing strong rebirth
There’s little doubt that Ford is rather pleased with this “problem.” Due to its popularity, purchasing a 2022 Ford Bronco requires great patience. Don’t bother going to a dealership to purchase a Bronco because Ford can’t keep up with the demand. There’s a good chance you may not even see one, much less get a […]
Has Mini Cooper outgrown cute appeal?
Two decades ago, the Mini Cooper was undraped and car buyers were enthralled by its funky, fashionable look. It was the rare front-wheel drive subcompact that was more focused on being sporty and cute than making fuel efficiency its calling card. The British-based car, made by the BMW Group, was trendy and innovative, right down […]
Is Grand Wagoneer really a Jeep?
These two behemoth, full-size sport utility vehicles are a product of Jeep. So, why is there not a single Jeep badge to be found on either one? There’s nothing on the hood, tailgate, dash or steering wheel. Even the owner’s manual and window sticker are devoid of the name Jeep. While Jeep has clearly created […]
Historic SUV king – Ford Explorer
In the 1990s, Americans became enamored with the new rough and tumble sport utility vehicle. And none was more popular than the Ford Explorer. Introduced in 1990, Ford sold 159,626 that first year and by 1994 it was the ninth best-selling vehicle in the U.S. In a five-year period from 1998 to 2002, the Explorer […]