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B9 Tribeca: Largest Subaru Ever
By Lary Coppola |
| It’s about time Subaru finally offered a fairly large cro ssover sport utility vehicle (SUV) — despite pioneering the crossover market with its Legacy Outback wagon in 1995... (Full Article) |
Honda’s “Bad Boy” Civic Si…
More than basic transportation
By Lary Coppola |
| The first Honda Civic arrived in America just in time for the Japanese automaker to cash in on the first big gasoline crunch back in the early 1970s. The small, fuel-efficient Civic was a contrast to what America was used to back then — big roomy, 10-mpg highway cruisers and factory-built, 350-horsepower muscle cars... (Full Article) |
Honda hybrids buyers eligible
for federal tax credit |
| American Honda Motor Co., Inc. recently announced that customers who purchase a 2006 Honda hybrid vehicle on or after Jan. 1, may be eligible for federal tax credits ranging from $1,300 to $2,100 when they file their 2006 tax returns... (Full Article) |
ROAD TRIP
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Lary Coppola |
| Toyota has designed the seemingly ideal vehicle for the Pacific Northwest’s politically correct, yet active lifestyle — a hybrid version of its popular mid-sized Highlander Sport Utility. While it appears to be a rough and tumble SUV, in reality, it’s a smooth, roomy, all-purpose crossover vehicle suitable for a myriad of uses — including a road trip... (Full Article) |
Nissan Titan continues earning market share —
one truck at a time
By Lary Coppola |
| The one market segment American auto manufacturers have continued to dominate in spite of the Japanese quality invasion that began with their small cars in the 1970s, is the full-size pickup market — that is, until recently. The Ford F-150 remains the all time vehicle sales leader, and brand loyalty for Chevy, GMC, and Dodge Ram trucks continues to flourish. But the Japanese eat into that loyalty every time they sell a full-size pickup because they’ve proven they can build a tough, solid, V8-powered, dependable, full-size American-style, pickup... (Full Article) |
Second generation Volvo C70 is really
two cars in one
By Lary Coppola |
| One perk of this job is being invited on what is known as the “Manufacturer’s Press Preview.” Usually held in resort locales, these events are primarily to debut new vehicles. I recently had the opportunity to preview the all-new 2006 Volvo C70 — In Maui. Yeah, I know, tough duty. But hey, someone has to do this stuff... (Full Article) |
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8:
Big, bold, fast and HOT!
By Lary Coppola |
| The Chrysler 300C-SRT8 is a case of “Back to the Future” for DaimlerChrysler. This is how cars used to be built — big, bold-looking, a 4-door sedan with a monster engine — in this case a 6.1-Liter, 425-horse, Hemi — and rear-wheel-drive... (Full Article) |
Mercedes GL-Class a serious new player
in full-size luxury SUV segment
By Lary Coppola |
| One of the greatest parts of doing this is getting to drive great new vehicles before most people are even aware of them. Such was the case recently when Mercedes invited me to the press rollout of its new GL-Class SUV — a seven-seat luxury sport-utility positioned to compete with the likes of Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and the upper-end BMW X5, Lexus LX 470, and Volvo XC90... (Full Article) |
There’s a new sheriff in SUV City —
Nissan Armada
By Lary Coppola |
| The Nissan Armada came to the full-size sport-utility vehicle market late, but is designed so well it makes market veterans General Motors, Ford and Toyota very nervous... (Full Article) |
Local businesspeople travel to Daytona 500
NASCAR supporters get firsthand look
at the economic possibilities for Kitsap
By Lary Coppola |
| The local media has been rife for a year now with Letters to the Editor filled with misinformation about all the reasons a NASCAR track shouldn’t be built in Kitsap County. The main objections center on the funding package proposed by International Speedway Corp. (ISC). Local critics complain that the speedway, if built, won’t generate the kind of money both independent and ISC studies — and experience — have shown it will... (Full Article) |
Toyota Tundra Double Cab
a bona fide Big 3 challenger
By Lary Coppola |
| The introduction of Toyota’s Tundra Double Cab in 2004, a crew cab version of its successful full-size pickup, officially positioned the Japanese automaker to challenge the domestic Big 3 in all segments of the full size, half-ton truck market. It joined Toyota’s regular and access cab to become the first import offering buyers all three standard domestic configuration choices across its complete model line. It has since been matched by Nissan... (Full Article) |
2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
defines automotive technology
By Lary Coppola |
I had the opportunity recently to drive the new 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, during its debut to U.S. journalists in Paradise Valley, Arizona. It should begin arriving in showrooms later this month.
The “S” designation has adorned top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz sedans and coupes for more than 50 years. The ninth-generation S-Class defines the thoughtful and intelligent use of automotive technology... (Full Article) |
Infiniti FX45 is one hot looking,
hotter driving, SUV
By Lary Coppola |
| The avant-garde styling of Infiniti’s FX models — the FX35 and FX45 — isn’t the curiosity it was when they debuted in 2003. But they’re still contemporary, and an intriguing counterpoint to your everyday, run-of-the-mill, SUV box... (Full Article) |
New Zephyr a welcome entry to Lincoln lineup
By Lary Coppola |
Lincoln is a company that's outlived the majority of its customers, and done little to attract new ones. When was the last time you a Lincoln TV commercial? Think about it.
General Motors (GM) realized it was in the same boat about five years ago with Cadillac, Buick, and Oldsmobile. It retooled its product line and advertising to attract boomers and Gen-Xer's, signing Tiger Woods to represent Buick, making Led Zeppelin's “Rock and Roll” Cadillac's new theme song, and axing Olds altogether... (Full Article) |
2007 Chevy Tahoe undeniably
the best Tahoe yet
By Lary Coppola |
| It may seem odd reading about the 2007 Chevy Tahoe, just as we open 2006. But ever since Ford debuted the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer in November of 2000, model years have seemingly meant little to anyone except status seekers and bankers who finance vehicles... (Full Article) |
2006 Mitsubishi Raider:
Smooth, stylish, mid-size, Detroit “import”
By Lary Coppola |
| The 2006 Mitsubishi Raider is an anomaly — an “all new, imported” pickup —built in Detroit. The Raider is proof that in spite of heavy doses of Mercedes' influence since Daimler-Benz acquired Chrysler several years ago, the alliance between Chrysler and Mitsubishi didn't die... (Full Article) |
New Dodge Charger a worthy successor
By Lary Coppola |
| The retro trend — updating automotive icons from the past — has been successful for some manufacturers. The VW Beetle and Ford Mustang immediately come to mind. But so does the Thunderbird, a spectacular disappointment after literally years of anticipation... (Full Article) |
Lary's personal choices for the
best on the road
By Lary Coppola |
| Although I've been writing the car reviews that appear here as well as a number of city and lifestyle-type magazines around the country for going on 15 years, I am continually asked three questions — the first two being: How did I get started doing this, and what do I think is the best car... (Full Article) |
H3... The “sensible” Hummer
By Lary Coppola |
| It's not nearly as big as the $100,000+ Hummer H1 - a military vehicle way too raw for civilian use, or the far more civilized, but swaggering, gas guzzling, $52,000+ H2. So, if any Hummer makes sense in this era of $3-a-gallon gas, it would have to be the new Hummer H3. Built by General Motors (GM) on the same platform as the reasonably small Chevy Colorado pickup, the H3 is smaller, more fuel-efficient, and at $28,935, considerably less expensive than its larger siblings... (Full Article) |
Nissan Maxima:
Stylish performance in a sports sedan
By Lary Coppola |
| Nissan is on a major product roll after some nearly fatal financial times in the late 1980s and early 90s. In the past few years, the company has successfully updated its entire Nissan car, truck and SUV lines as well as ratcheting its luxury Infiniti brand up a couple of notches, including the addition of two stylish SUVs... (Full Article) |
Land Rover LR 3 —
purely civilized ruggedness
By Lary Coppola |
| I was never a huge Land Rover fan until I attended the Land Rover Driving School at the famous Greenbriar Resort in West Virginia last year. It was there I gained a true appreciation for what makes Land Rover perhaps the most capable off road vehicle on the planet... (Full Article) |
NISMO version of the Nissan Frontier:
One tough mid-sized off-roader
By Lary Coppola |
| Nissan is a company on a major product roll after some very lean financial times in the late 1980s and early 90s. In my view, it’s building some of the best product in the marketplace right now... (Full Article) |
New generation Kia Sportage
drives like a winner
By Lary Coppola |
| After a three-year hiatus, there’s a new-generation Kia Sportage. And take it from me; this one is a tremendous improvement over the original model. Although the previous Sportage had a successful run following its 1995 debut, it fell far short of its competitors in both performance and refinement... (Full Article) |
New Honda Ridgeline offers
comfort, style and utility
By Lary Coppola |
| Since pickups have been America’s top-selling vehicles for decades, the only question is why it took Honda, well known for every other type of popular vehicle, so long to finally step up to the plate with one. Toyota and Nissan have owned the import pickup market for years, and have successfully challenged Detroit’s Big Three in the full-size segment with the Tundra and Titan... (Full Article) |
2005 Subaru Outback delivers room,
refinement and performance
By Lary Coppola |
| The totally redesigned, third generation, 2005 Subaru Outback offers a larger, more stylish, and less boxy exterior, plus more room, comfort, and luxury inside than ever before. It’s a winning combination... (Full Article) |
CTS-V : This is NOT your old man’s Caddy
By Lary Coppola |
| We’ve all seen them, those big old Cadillac boats, piloted by little old people looking through the steering wheel. The 2005 Cadillac CTS-V isn’t for them. This is serious Detroit iron aimed right at drivers of European and Japanese high-performance sport sedans. It’s a little rough around the edges by comparison, but the quick and nimble hot rod CTS-V serves notice that Cadillac is ready to take on all comers... (Full Article) |
Jaguar XJ one hot, luxurious,
totally awesome machine
By Lary Coppola |
| Jaguar’s seventh generation flagship XJ series remains the classic definition of an elegant and stylish luxury sedan. The Ford-owned British automaker’s best selling model since its debut in the late 1960s, the current XJ8, Vanden Plas, and the very hot XJR, are bigger, roomier, and more comfortable, yet faster, safer, and more fuel-efficient than any previous Jag ever built... (Full Article) |
Cadillac Escalade ESV:
Big, lavish, comfortable and capable
By Lary Coppola |
It’s big. It’s plush. It’s politically incorrect. It’s a major in your face to all those tofu munching, green drink swilling, tree-hugging, politically correct, 58 in the left lane and won’t move over, Toyota Prius driving, pinko, weenies.
The Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition not just a big SUV, it’s the granddaddy of all the huge sport utes... (Full Article) |
Honda Accord hybrid a powerful surprise
By Lary Coppola |
| Until the recent gas price crisis, consumers have tended to view gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles — like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight in particular — as geekmobiles. These were cars for tree huggers and slide-rule types mostly... (Full Article) |
Aston Martin debuts stunning
new 186 mph DB9
By Lary Coppola |
| Most people can’t justify the hefty sum it takes to own an Aston Martin — or as you may know it — James Bond’s car. Entry into this rather exclusive club begins at $155,000, and by the time you add some of the precious few, but almost necessary options, the all-new DB9 can quickly top $175.000... (Full Article) |
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Will Jag concept replace XK? |
| Like the current Jaguar XJ luxury sports sedan, the Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe concept car shown at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit is composed primarily of aluminum... (Full Article) |
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Alexander joins Modern Collision Rebuild |
Modern Collision Rebuild recently announced the addition of Morgan Alexander as an administrative assistant. She graduated from Central Kitsap High School in 2003 and has attended Olympic College taking courses in accounting and math.
Alexander can be reached at (206) 842-8053. |
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AAA announces Top Shop Awards |
The AAA Top Shop Award is presented to dealerships and independent automotive repair shops that have earned top scores on AAA’s Customer Service Index. Shops are graded on customer satisfaction, professionalism, business practices and shop cleanliness. The AAA Top Shop Award Winners are:
- Dealerships:
- Bay Ford - Port Orchard
- Peninsula Subaru - Bremerton
- Independent Shops:
- L & R Automotive – Bremerton
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Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT-10
one hot rod truck
By Lary Coppola |
| Is this the golden age of the pickup or what? The Nissan Titan and Ford F-150, along with strong entries from Chevy and GMC, as well as the double-cab Toyota Tundra have made it all but impossible to buy a bad full-size pickup anymore. But if you want a true hot rod truck, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is your only choice... (Full Article) |
Hybrid Lexus SUV boasts luxury and power
By Lary Coppola |
| Gas-electric hybrids were originally strange looking geekmobiles aimed at weirdo slide rule types and tree huggers hoping to save the planet by getting a gazillion miles per gallon. I’ve maintained all along if they just put that technology in your basic, everyday car, they’d sell a whole lot more of them — making it easier to save the planet because not everyone wants or needs to advertise their environmental sentiments. Well, the manufacturers have finally caught on... (Full Article) |
New MINI ragtop is lots of fun!
By Lary Coppola |
| People who have been fans of the original MINI Cooper, as well as the revived version built by BMW, will just love the new MINI convertible. I did. But then hey, I’m a ragtop guy anyway, having owned at least a half dozen in my lifetime and wishing I lived in a climate more suited to having one as a daily driver... (Full Article) |
Dave and Lary’s XCellent adventure
Driving Volvo XC70s in Baja
By Lary Coppola |
| Being part of a group of seven waves of auto writers driving Volvo XC70s across the Baja California peninsula over an abbreviated version of the same route used by Baja 1000 competitors, had just never crossed my mind. That was until Soren Johansson, one of the cheeses at Volvo’s west coast headquarters — and one of my favorite factory guys — asked me if I’d be interested in doing that as we leaned on the bar of some trendy Portland restaurant quaffing drinks while celebrating the end of Mudfest 2004... (Full Article) |
SUV or wagon? Forester is both, fun
By Lary Coppola |
| I confess. I’ve been a fan of the compact Subaru Forester ever since it came on the scene as a very car-like sport-utility vehicle (SUV) back in 1997. That was long before “crossover” became the definition of car-based SUVs... (Full Article) |
2006 Infiniti M raises the bar for style,
technology and performance
By Lary Coppola |
| The all-new 2006 Infiniti M, which will hit showrooms later this month, is a bold statement capturing the essence of what performance and luxury are all about in a sport sedan. I recently put it through its paces at a pre-launch press event in Arizona, and came away very impressed... (Full Article) |
2005 Nissan Frontier:
One of the year’s best small trucks
By Lary Coppola |
| Trivia question: Who was first to market a compact pickup in the U. S.? Hint — think early 1970s. Answer: Nissan. However, the Datsun pickup was almost unnoticed because of the phenomenal success of Nissan’s 240Z... (Full Article) |
New Ford 500 scores a direct hit
on Camry and Accord
By Lary Coppola |
| Ford knew it was time to make a move in the somber, conservative, family sedan market dominated by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Its venerable Taurus, which pioneered the “jellybean” look that’s dominated sedan design for almost two decades, and the Chevrolet Impala, were the strongest Detroit iron in that segment... (Full Article) |
There’s a new Sheriff in Truck City —
Nissan Titan
By Lary Coppola |
| In the early 1970s the Japanese taught domestic automakers an important lesson — that quality, dependability, fit, finish and price all matter. Back then, domestic manufacturers cared so little about these details that the Japanese captured huge numbers of American car buyers fed up with Detroit’s lack of respect... (Full Article) |
XC90 takes Mudfest top honors
for third straight year |
| In keeping with tradition, the Winners of the Mudfest XI, the 2004 version of the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year competition, were announced at a special awards luncheon held on the opening day of the Seattle Auto Show... (Full Article) |
Infiniti G35 — sedan or coupe —
one smokin’ hot ride
By Lary Coppola |
| I have to confess, I was totally smitten with the rakish Infiniti G35 the minute I drove it. Built by Nissan’s upscale Infiniti division, the G35 sports sedan and sport coupe are both based on the outstanding and very hot rear-wheel-drive Nissan 350Z... (Full Article) |
Dodge Magnum: Making the wagon cool again
By Lary Coppola |
| Not since the early 50’s, Ford “Woody,” or the ’55 Chevy Nomad, has an American station wagon been considered cool. However, the new Dodge Magnum wagon will make you forget your Dad’s Ford Country Squire, Olds Vista Cruiser, Chrysler Town and Country and Rambler Cross Country. This is one very cool — and dare I say, practical — machine... (Full Article) |
Chrysler 300C —
Return of the great American highway cruiser
By Lary Coppola |
| Chrysler’s threats to re-invent the great American highway cruiser went on hold while its marriage of financial convenience to Mercedes took root. But they’ve finally followed through with the all-new 2005 Chrysler 300C. This is the first big rear-wheel-drive sedan to come out of Detroit in about as long as anyone can remember... (Full Article) |
Redesigned 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
offers comfort, major off-road prowess
By Lary Coppola |
| Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have certainly come a long way since Nissan was on the cutting edge of this new vehicle phenomenon back in 1986 with its first Pathfinder. Like most of the original SUVs, the Pathfinder evolved from Nissan’s compact pickup, and for the next decade was the sole SUV in Nissan’s model line... (Full Article) |
Next generation Toyota Tacoma
is bigger in every way
X-Runner a serious hot rod version of this all-new pickup
By Lary Coppola |
| Toyota originally debuted its all-new 2005 Tacoma X-Runner pickup at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show. This high-performance sport truck is just one of several models of the all-new next-generation Tacoma that will begin arriving in dealer showrooms any day now. This is the first total redesign of the venerable Tacoma since its original debut in 1995... (Full Article) |
Lexus LX 470 not only posh,
but a true off-roader
By Lary Coppola |
| Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, enjoyed almost immediate success when it debuted in 1990. That’s because it built large, luxurious cars that raised the bar for most other luxury automakers. When it built a sport utility vehicle (SUV), it did the same thing, keeping all the other automakers competing in the SUV market, honest... (Full Article) |
Scion tC
New coupe from Toyota’s Gen-Y
division one very hot, cooly priced ride
By Lary Coppola |
| With its new Scion tC, Toyota has launched an all-out offensive to capture America’s Gen Y buyers. The assault on the minds and wallets of young, small, performance-minded car buyers wanting a 3-Series BMW — but maybe able to afford a used Mustang — began last year with the simultaneous debut of the Scion xA 5-door hatchback and the xB microvan... (Full Article) |
Land Rover driving school a unique experience
By Lary Coppola |
| Nestled in the scenic Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, in a place called White Sulphur Springs, is a national historic landmark known as The Greenbrier. The breathtaking classic southern architecture reminiscent of the Civil War era almost transports you back in time as soon as you turn off the highway into this fabulous 6,500-acre resort... (Full Article) |
Audi TT quicker, sportier thanks to hot new V6
By Lary Coppola |
Having owned two, one of which (a 4000 Quattro Coupe) is my all-time favorite, I admit a bias towards Audi.
That doesn’t change the fact that after coming back from the brink of extinction in America in the mid-1980s after a disastrous 60 Minutes report, Audi has continually delivered new and improved products with dramatic improvements in quality and performance. A couple of wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans didn’t hurt any either... (Full Article) |
New Rainier is Buick’s version
of what an SUV should be
By Lary Coppola |
| Yes, even a venerable 100-year-old nameplate thought of as the car your dad drives, now offers a truck-based SUV. Well, you knew it was just a matter of time. Buick officials defend the move saying they’re simply meeting the demand of buyers who prefer SUVs to cars... (Full Article) |
Kia Amanti: European elegance
at a Korean price
By Lary Coppola |
| At under $10,000, the Kia Rio is the cheapest car on the market. For that reason, I’ve always though of Kia as the “vehicle of last resort.” Since our readership demographics don’t lend themselves to that, I’ve not bothered too much with either driving or reviewing them... (Full Article) |
Honda Civic Hybrid more
than just politically correct
By Lary Coppola |
| I have long maintained that if the gas/electric hybrid technology was going to be successful, automakers were going to have to package it under the hood of cars with proven mass-market appeal. It seems that Honda came to the same conclusion, adding it to its venerable Civic line in early 2002 and introducing it as an ’03 model... (Full Article) |
Yeah, it’s got a Hemi. And yeah, it is sweet...
By Lary Coppola |
| When I first saw the restyled Dodge Durango at the Chrysler Proving Grounds outside of Detroit last year, my first reaction was, “Whoa! We’re talkin’ BIG here.” Even though it doesn’t look like it, the 2004 Durango sport utility vehicle (SUV) is actually smaller than the full-size Ford Expedition and Chevy Tahoe — but can haul almost as much stuff as a Tahoe and tow as much as an Expedition... (Full Article) |
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The Top 10 “Star Cars” |
| What “stars” steal the best scenes, take the best lines and never get any recognition at Emmy or Oscar time? They’re cars — with names like Eleanor, Herbie, and General Lee. and are some of Hollywood's fastest movers and shakers.The top ten TV and movie cars, according to a recent survey, are... (Full Article) |
Range Rover perhaps most capable
and luxurious SUV on the planet
By Lary Coppola |
| At a Jaguar press event in Washington D.C. I attended a couple of years back, Simon Sproule, Jaguar brand manager before joining Nissan last year, quipped in his British accent, “We keep getting asked when Jaguar is going to build an SUV. We already do. It’s called the Range Rover... (Full Article) |
Improved Toyota Prius goes mainstream
By Lary Coppola |
| The Toyota Prius, the first mass-produced, gas-electric, hybrid-fuel vehicle available worldwide, went on sale in Japan in 1997. Three years later, Toyota’s second-generation Prius was introduced in the U.S... (Full Article) |
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