Drive

Saab dealers in Hampton Roads may be facing ax

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:02:29 -0500

Don't call it a Saab story yet, but both Saab dealers in Hampton Roads may be facing the ax. Koenigsegg Group, the Swedish supercar builder that is buying Saab Automobile from General Motors, looked over Saab's 218 U.S. dealers and wants only 137 of them. The other 81 Saab dealers received something in the mail Thursday: termination notices.

Buying a new set of wheels? Some answers.

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Is now a good time to buy a new vehicle?

Video: After half-century, Honda has blended into U.S. culture

Mark.Edelen — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:51:59 -0400

By John Pearley Huffman For a broad swath of American consumers, Honda is the maker of unpretentious good stuff at accessible prices. Usually without flashy or distinctive styling, Honda’s products can be said to define the leading edge of ordinary. The company was the brainchild of Soichiro Honda, the eldest son of a Japanese blacksmith.

The revamped Toyota RAV4 will have you raving

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

You're looking at one of the hottest small SUVs on the market, the 2009 Toyota RAV4. Nationally, Toyota dealers have a 20-day supply; 60 days is considered normal. You may wonder why. The RAV4 certainly doesn't win on its looks. But beauty is more than skin deep, and that's why the RAV4 shines. But before we get to that, a bit of housekeeping.

Indian truck line is the new kid in town

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:01:31 -0400

Unless you drive one of its tractors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. is an unfamiliar name. That should change as the company enters the U.S. truck market by year’s end. Two Hampton Roads automobile dealers have bought territories: Beach Ford Lincoln Mercury for Suffolk and Cavalier Auto Group for Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

Ford Escape Hybrid is green, still packs heat

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Traffic is stopped on the interstate. Ahead lays a construction zone with a posted speed limit of 55 mph. Nearby, a meter that reads the speed of passing motorists reads, "Your speed" followed by... nothing. It's shut off. We aren't moving anywhere. What a tease.

Ford, Honda or Toyota: who builds the best hybrid?

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

I've been driving a lot of new gas-electric hybrid cars lately. Inside today's Drive, you'll find my take on the 2010 Toyota Prius. It came after a week piloting a new Honda Insight hybrid. Then, along came the chance to sample the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, although it was only a brief drive. Still, I think I have enough perspective to give those considering hybrids some food for thought.

Father's day gifts for an automotive-loving dad

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Father's Day is Sunday. Don't have a gift yet? Well, does dad golf? Is he a Dale Jr. fan? Maybe, he's more of a beach bum - or an executive with a sense of humor. Regardless, your neighborhood auto dealer can set him up with something affordable, useful and unique. There's plenty to choose from. Here's some of what we found: For the executive

2010 Kia Soul steps up the brand's style and function

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The first Kia I drove, about 11 years ago, was so miserable that I advised buyers to consider a used car instead. Owning a Kia then would have been like trading in an Armani suit for a flour sack. Back then, Kia was an inexpensive car that never let you forget how little you paid for it. Sure, you might flip burgers for a living, but you don't want to be constantly reminded of the fact.

Take the 2010 Lexus RX 350 for a spin

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The redesigned RX 350 is not dramatically different in looks from the previous year's model but wears crisp lines that add tension and strength to its demeanor. With a larger chrome grille, the RX has more presence and blends in nicely with its sportier siblings.