Test Drives, Trends & Events

We recently brought you information on the redesigned 2009 911 Carrera 4 and 4S. Now Porsche has released information on the upcoming Targa model.

So what jumps out at you with regard to this car? Is it the new LEDs in the head and taillights?  Perhaps you are excited by the jump in horsepower for the two engine options (20 horsepower for the Targa 4 and 30 horsepower for the 4S)? Maybe you are a transmission aficionado, and you can't wait to try out the new PDK 7-speed double-clutch gearbox? I know what it is … you are excited by all of that plus the 16.58 square feet of glass that make up the gorgeous Targa roof. More...

Godzilla has arrived on US shores and he was up early.

Daryl Alison’s 2009 Nissan GT-R is seen here bored because it is not being driven … fast.
See Video of First 2009 Nissan GT-R Sold in the US

The first US-Spec 2009 Nissan GT-R has been delivered to a Southern California customer. Daryl Alison of Costa Mesa, CA, could not wait any longer and arranged delivery at 12:01 AM. "I’ve followed the history of the GT-R since inception and, after years of anticipation, it's great to see the 'Godzilla of supercars' finally coming to the US," said Alison. More...

This year I purchased my dream car, a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. Since opposites usually attract, my wife looks at cars as transportation appliances, while I view them as children who I don't mind bathing. Looking back on the buying process, I would like to offer the following advice to married readers who want to buy their dream car.

My dream car, a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, right after a bath.

Shut Up and Start Saving

Unless you are married to an accountant, you should be able to place some excess monthly money into a "special" account. If you are caught, don't panic. Stay calm and dejectedly tell your spouse something about "not spoiling the surprise" and let them imagine a romantic vacation or home improvements. Practicing in front of a mirror for this potential setback can help keep your dream alive. More...

Gas prices are higher than ever, but buying a hybrid car to save on gas doesn't always make good financial sense. In a recent study on hybrid cars, we calculated the number of miles required to break even in a hybrid car over its gasoline-only counterpart, based on gas prices in ten major metropolitan areas, and learned that only five hybrid cars will offer any return on investment for the average car owner who drives 15,000 miles annually and buys a new car every five years. 

The five hybrid cars that made the cut, in order of the shortest time to break even, were ... More...