Toyota recently announced it will discontinue its youth-aimed Scion brand, a not so surprising move for one of the world’s top automakers. One of the brand’s newest models, the 2016 Scion iA sedan, will continue as a Toyota model. But it’s not really a Toyota, either. The iA is actually built by Mazda and sold elsewhere as the Mazda2, a […]

When I heard about Ford’s new-to-the-U.S. three-cylinder EcoBoost engine available on the subcompact Fiesta, I was intrigued. The tiny, 1.0-liter turbocharged motor is lightweight yet relatively powerful, and Europeans – both auto experts and everyday drivers – have raved about it for years. But beyond this interesting engine, my expectations for the 2014 Ford Fiesta SFE were modest. This is […]

Here’s a first look at the latest Ride of the Week, the 2012 Toyota Prius c. Fourteen years ago, Toyota introduced the Prius, a fuel-efficient small gasoline-electric hybrid that has become the best selling vehicle in its category. Now, Toyota is expanding the Prius lineup with the introduction of a plug-in Prius, the utility-focused Prius v and this urban runabout, […]

Here’s a first look at the latest Ride of the Week, the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. An earlier post on LivingVroom explains my excitement about the Abarth name and this little pocket rocket in particular. I also covered the 500 Abarth for AutoTrader.com at the LA Auto Show, and I’ve been itching to drive it ever since I first heard […]

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Mini in the United States. The lineup has grown from a single model – the 2+2 hardtop – to six variants including the extended Clubman, 4-door Countryman, 2-seat Coupe and Roadster, and commercially-focused Clubvan. The recently announced Paceman will join the lineup in 2013.

Toyota’s least expensive car is by no means luxurious. But it is safe, comfortable and economical. And even a little fun to drive. Young, first-time car owners are among the most likely to buy a subcompact car like the Toyota Yaris, but they certainly aren’t the only drivers making such economical choices today. Those with long, expensive commutes are selecting […]

A friend posted this photo on Facebook yesterday. He lives in California where, lately, a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline sells for well over $4. Just 12 gallons cost him over fifty bucks. Last year when gas prices were low, we reported on a jump in searches for trucks and SUVs. Now that prices are climbing again, we’re seeing a […]

J.D. Power’s annual Dependability Survey results show Toyota brands on top in eight of the fourteen categories. The Blue Oval is a big winner too, with vehicles from Ford brands taking three slots. The survey looks at 3-year-old vehicles, so these 2012 rankings reflect 2009 models. Here are the winners by category: Sub-compact Car: Toyota Yaris Compact Car: Toyota Prius […]

My coverage of this year’s Tokyo Motor Show is live on Autotrader.com. I write about vehicles like the Audi A1 Sportback and Honda N Box, both of which will be available soon in foreign markets, and concepts like the near-production-ready Mazda Takeri and the VW’s plug-in hybrid Cross Coupe. Volkswagen Passat Alltrack BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Honda EV-STER Concept Honda N […]

More of my LA Auto Show coverage now posted on Autotrader.com, including an article on the debut of the Fiat 500 Abarth! 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth 2013 Chevrolet Spark 2012 Volvo C70 Inscription