“It doesn’t have the badge.” My car recommendation to a friend flunked his test drive, even though he reported no specific dislikes about his experience behind the wheel. He wanted something swankier, and the budget allowed it. Chalk one up for the Germans. They do make a damn fine automobile. I understand the sentiment. But I also know this: for […]

Here’s a first look at the latest Ride of the Week, a 2013 Toyota 4Runner Trail. The 4Runner is one of the few remaining true SUVs. It’s a body-on-frame vehicle with available part-time or full-time four-wheel drive, a powerful standard V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Optional third-row seating allows space for seven passengers, but most 4Runner drivers will […]

The latest Ride of the Week is another flagship sedan, this time from the most celebrated American luxury automaker. The 2013 Cadillac XTS Platinum is all new, making its debut last year as a 2013 model. The big, 4-door, 5-passenger sedan is powered exclusively by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, and the test car, equipped with the top Platinum trim, also […]

The Ride of the Week is a 2013 Audi A8 L 3.0T Quattro Tiptronic, winner of the Luxury Choice award at the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association’s (GAAMA’s) recent Family Choice Challenge event. Media members of our organization drove and rated 21 family-oriented vehicles at our first signature event, including four contenders in the Luxury Choice category. The Audi A8 […]

Here’s a first look at the latest Ride of the Week, a 2013 Lexus IS 350. This year marks the final one for the current-generation IS. The completely redesigned 2014 model debuted at the Detroit Auto Show and is due to hit Lexus showrooms in June. So now is the last chance to buy a new, second-generation IS 350 like […]

Here’s a first look at the latest Ride of the Week, the 2013 Nissan Quest LE. Minivans get a bad rap. Critics say these vehicles are uninspired and boring, that they’re transportation appliances designed with the sole purpose of moving people. The naysayers recommend car shoppers that want engaging styling and driving dynamics look elsewhere. I disagree. After owning a […]

Here’s a first look at the latest Ride of the Week, the 2013 Acura RDX AWD. This second generation of Acura’s popular 5-passenger crossover SUV not only looks different from its predecessor, it’s significantly updated underneath its bodywork, too. Its predecessor used a four-cylinder turbocharged engine; the latest RDX packs a new, 273-horsepower V6 and a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. […]

Members got a look at the completely redesigned 2013 Nissan Pathfinder at the October luncheon of the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association (GAAMA). With unibody construction replacing a truck-like body-on-frame architecture, the 7-passenger crossover is a departure from its predecessor yet maintains much of the outgoing model’s capabilities. The luncheon at Ray’s on the River in Atlanta included a presentation […]

Here’s a first look at the latest ride of the week, a 2013 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT. Redesigned for the 2013 model year, the latest GS is the first model representing what Lexus calls a new design philosophy. In terms of engineering, the GS 350 also represents a departure as the luxury automaker aims to build more passion and […]

Cadillac brought the 2013 XTS, its all new flagship luxury sedan, to the Georgia Automotive Media Association‘s August Luncheon at Do Restaurant at King Plow Arts Center. Along with a presentation by Jim Vurpillat, Cadillac’s Global Marketing Director, GAAMA members drove the vehicle and experienced the high-tech CUE information and media control system. CUE, which stands for Cadillac User Experience, […]