If you want to check on the health of a particular car model, quickly scan the sales numbers. It’s not unusual for a model to fluctuate based on several factors, including how recently it’s been updated. But when you check the numbers on the Mazda CX-5 you see something very telling. Those sales figures have…… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Dom Testa
Review: 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
When it was first introduced in 2001, this crossover SUV was known as the Airtrek. The name was intended to produce a feeling of “footloose, adventure-filled motoring pleasure.” By 2006 a new name was introduced, the Outlander. This time we were told to expect a “feeling of journeying to distant, unexplored lands in search of…… Continue Reading
Review: 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec
Before I forget, let me offer one suggestion should you purchase the Acura RDX. Do a quick online search for how to disable a feature called Walk Away Auto Lock. You’ll thank me. Yes, in my 20 years of writing car reviews that was easily the oddest way I’ve ever started one. Auto Lock means…… Continue Reading
Review: 2019 Infiniti QX50
Once upon a time Infiniti produced a smaller luxury crossover/SUV called the EX. Then someone upstairs sent down a memo telling everyone to not only substitute new letters, but to just go ahead and change everything. And, voila, you have a fully redesigned QX50. It’s not like this SUV wasn’t getting solid reviews. In fact,…… Continue Reading
Review: 2019 Toyota 86 TRD
This car has an interesting history, from its conception and production as a joint effort with Subaru, to the transformation it has experienced through the years, and even to the pronunciation of the name. (That’s right, don’t call it the “eighty-six.” It’s the “eight six.”) When Toyota first approached some of the engineers at Subaru…… Continue Reading
Review: 2019 Honda Insight Touring
The Honda Insight has had an interesting history. Originally launched in the late 1990s, it hit the market about the same time as the more-recognizable Toyota Prius. But while the Prius became the poster child of the hybrid vehicle, the Insight fought for respect. It’s seen its share of ups and downs, winning major awards…… Continue Reading
Review: 2019 Mercedes C300 4Matic Coupe
A man walking past waved me to a stop as I backed out of my parking space at the radio station. Rolling the window down, I wondered if he needed directions, or had a question about the building. No. He wanted to tell me: “Hey, I love your car. That’s my dream car.” He seemed…… Continue Reading
Review: 2019 Lexus UX 250h AWD
The crossover/SUV market is getting more crowded with choices every month, it seems. You have access to plenty that will dominate the space in your garage and maybe even necessitate parking farther out in the grocery store lot in order to not be squeezed into a tiny space. Slowly but surely, car makers are realizing…… Continue Reading
Review: 2019 Honda Pilot Elite AWD
There are several choices for families who lust for a third-row SUV, a vehicle capable of carting around 7 or 8 people and their stuff. The Honda Pilot has battled in this segment for many years, and battled well. But there have been small, niggling issues that have kept it from rock star status in…… Continue Reading
Review: 2019 Mazda CX-9
Sometimes it comes down to this: Do you simply want to impress people with the name badge on the back of your vehicle, or do you treat it as mere transportation and the ride is most important? If you’re in Group A — and there’s nothing wrong with that — you’ll likely confine your crossover/SUV…… Continue Reading