Uber’s no-good, very-bad week in Arizona
Uber’s long, long list of problems got a little longer this week. First, the National Transportation Safety Board investigation of the fatal crash involving a self-driving Uber and a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona confirmed what we already knew: the software…
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander: The best Mitsubishi on the lot, and yet….
I can tell you unequivocally that the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is the best Mitsubishi you can buy this year. Starting at $24,000, it’s one of the least expensive (I did not say “cheap”) compact SUVs to offer three rows of…
Elon Musk freaks out following unflattering Tesla headlines
I get it, I get it: creating things is hard work. And after you’ve spent hours or weeks or years building something from nothing–whether that something is an electric car or an oversized ego–it’s frustrating to watch other people criticize…
Automakers tell Trump “climate change is real” (but do they believe it?)
A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about the auto industry’s uncanny ability to speak from both sides of its mouth when talking about emissions regulations. To the public, automakers proudly state that they’re doing everything they can to develop…
2018 BMW 340i is like driving your buddy
When BMW first started talking about building “Ultimate Driving Machines”, they weren’t talking about three-row crossovers or exuberantly large luxury sedans. No, they were talking about cars like the 3-Series sedans–cars that could collect three friends, but remain loyal buddies…
Consumer Reports snubs “difficult-to-use” Tesla Model 3
…but surprisingly, Elon Musk didn’t throw a fit about it. Hmmm, I never thought Grimes would be a calming influence. Strange braking patterns were a major problem during tests, but the Model 3’s in-car controls were nothing to write home…
First drive: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has a new appeal which is just as charming as its old appeal
The Volkswagen Jetta has never been one of those ‘wow’ cars, and that’s been by design. It was always meant to be an average car for the average family who needed something average but with a kick to it–sorta like…
On the eve of new driving law, Saudi officials label women “traitors” for promoting gender equality
After years of being denied driver’s licenses for all kinds of crazy reasons, Saudi Arabian women will finally be allowed to get behind the wheels of their cars next month. Many women in the country are ecstatic, but the government…
2018 Ford Edge: On the edge of glory
It’s not that cool to admit in motoring circles, but I do love a big SUV. I’m a big guy, and I need space! So, I was understandably thrilled to test out the new Ford Edge, Ford’s answer to the…
How many self-driving car crashes is too many?
So, we have bad news, good news, bad news, and worse news. Bad news: late last week, another Tesla Model S crashed while Autopilot was (allegedly) engaged. Good news: the driver wasn’t seriously hurt, even though the car was traveling 60…