Changing of the Guide Some time this week, the distinguished face of Philip Powell you see atop this page will be replaced by a more homely visage: Mine. Phil is rekindling an old flame, returning to his post as Vintage Cars guide (vintagecars.about.com). He will continue on as part of the About Cars test team (we like to refer to him as the senior member), along with Colin Hefferon, "Tropical Bob" Bowden, "Brooklyn Bob" Schulties, and myself. Please, spare Phil the old-age jokes... I already plan to stick him with all of the Buick reviews. Phil, thank you for all you've done for About Cars and for trusting me to take over the helm. I'll try not to screw it up too badly. -- Aaron Gold Sunday November 14, 2004#
2005 Ford Focus ZX4 ST The new version of the Focus is already on sale in Europe; we won't see it here until 2006. Meanwhile, the original Focus soldiers on...but is that such a bad thing? About Cars road tester Robert Bowden doesn't think so. He rather enjoyed the Focus, and we understand the bruises on his elbow are healing nicely. Check out his full review for the low-down. -- Aaron Gold Saturday November 13, 2004#
Mustang Stampede Is that rumble you hear the sound of the V-8 in the new 2005 Ford Mustang or the sound of people's feet as they rush in to get a first-person glimpse of it? The New York Times covers folks trying to buy a new Mustang while our friends at The Car Connection actually got their hot little hands on one and reviewed the new 2005 Ford Mustang. Now some of us at About Cars are absolutely, positively, without-a-doubtly in love with the new/retro design. And while we may not all agree on the shape, we're all in agreement about how nice price is: 25 (large) bills for the model with the big V-8 (which, despite your green leaning, is the model you really want). We're hoping Ford's combo of familiar styling and affordable price restore the Mustang to its rightful spot: The sports car for the rest us. —Bob Schulties Thursday November 11, 2004#
Ten Cars for your Teen The thought of putting your teen on wheels might strike terror into your heart, but a car can be a good way to help your kid find new opportunities and learn responsibility. That's how it worked for me... though I'm sure my folks purposely chose the slowest car they could find. Check out this list of ten cars that are fun, functional, and frugal, perfect for a first-time car owner. -- Aaron Gold Wednesday November 10, 2004#
10 Best Fuel Savers I gassed up my Accord today. $10 worth of unleaded yielded a little more than a quarter tank. $2.33 per gallon? Yowch! It wasn't that long ago that $10 put the Accord over the halfway mark. I feel really sorry for the people driving around in Suburbans and other jumbo-size SUVs! A bump in gas prices usually doesn't make a huge difference in the monthly budget, but prices today are insane and I don't think they're coming down any time soon... if ever. Phil put together a list of ten fuel-saving cars. Not just tiny gas misers, but cars of all shapes and sizes that will go easy on your wallet. Check out this article, because it could save you some serious money! --Aaron Gold Tuesday November 09, 2004#
2005 New Car Profiles Our About Cars team member Bob Schulties has been working hard to bring the 2005 Profiles up to date. As of this writing Bob has almost 200 models listed. Follow the bouncing ball (just kidding, folks... at least those of you old enough to remember) and you'll quickly get specs, prices, indeed everything you need to make a purchase decision. Getting cosy with the bank or lease manager is, however, your problem.
Saturday November 06, 2004#
Test Drive: 2005 Volvo S40 Winter's coming. Ice, freezing rain... the whole bit. And while that can say to some, "Gimme heated seats!" it says to me, "If I have to drive around in this muck, gimme somethin' unquestionably safe." In the car world, safety is spelled Volvo. Test driver Bob Bowden zipped around in a 2005 Volvo S40... wait, zipped? Oh, yes! This totally updated Volvo model is stylish, quick and safe. Add in all-wheel drive and you'll need those heated seats when you go out to rescue your stranded friends.—Bob Schulties Saturday November 06, 2004#
Test Drive: 2004 Toyota Sienna XLE They may not be hip, they may scream "Mommymobile!", but there's no more practical way to transport seven people and their stuff than a minivan. Up until now, Toyota hasn't had much luck in the minivan sector, so they've decided to take a more conventional approach with the new-for-2004 Sienna. So is this another washout, or did Toyota get it right this time? Ride along with reviewer Aaron Gold to find out. Tuesday November 02, 2004#
Test Drive: 2005 Buick LaCrosse I'm the buyer Buick loves to hate, because I fall into its owner's average age group. The GM division is hoping to move the yardstick back to the 40-50 year-old line, attracting Acura and Infiniti buyers with a sporty sedan that sells for ten grand less. And indeed, the LaCrosse CXS can match the imports in performance. But if Buick hated me before, it will have me on its 10-Most-Wanted list after reading this review. Sunday October 31, 2004#