About: Autolove

Joe Mavilia is a syndicated columnist with more than 35 years in the automotive industry. He is a member of the Motor Press Guild and Automotive Press Association. His reviews have been published in print media including the Los Angeles Times, The Golden Transcript - Colorado, La Feria News - Texas, The Pasadena Weekly - California, and others around the country, including www.theweekenddrive.com where he is the West Coast Editor. Reviews and Opinion Columns may also be seen in Sunnews.org and The Country Journal every week in the Antelope Valley, CA. I hope they are helpful

2018 Toyota 86 2-Door Coupe

30-08-2018Autolove No comments

2018 Toyota 86 2-Door Coupe

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Toyota 86 2-Door Coupe. Yep, there is a small back seat if you’re in a pinch and don’t want to put someone in the trunk. But you may have to remove their legs first. Most cars like this have never had a usable rear seat. Case in point in my mind is the much larger Ford Mustang where the rear seat is nearly as bad as these 2-seat sports cars.

General Information:

Assembly- Ota Guma Japan; Classification is- MiniCompact; Vehicles from Toyota- 4Runner, 86, C-HR, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, Prius C, Prius Prime, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Yaris and Yaris iA.

Handling & Performance:

As you’d expect this class sport car is an outstanding performer beyond even what they look like they could do. I test most all cars over a mountain road course, in Southern California it is usually the Angeles Crest which is Highway 2. Of course, I call it the ‘Crest Test’ for that reason and as a kid the Crest test referred to Crest Toothpaste. Anyone remember that?

“On RAILS” is a term that comes close to describing how well it corners and handles the ‘curves’. It will surely get your heart started. And on top of that, it will pull more G’s as speed increases and grip seems to improve. I never once felt uncomfortable about it holding the road. However, I must say the same about the competition listed here. All three are super on the curves and the rides are equally impressive.

One way I judge the road-ability of a car is how fast you can take a curve over the posted suggested speed. If the yellow sign suggests 30 mph most cars will feel right at the edge of in control at about 50, or 20 mph over. This Toyota 86 is comfortable at 40 miles over.

Dynamic rev Management is an innovative sport car feature that manages RPMs with an automatic transmission so that in a downshift the engine automatically revs the engine to match the engine speed of the next lower gear. This automatic action mimics the shifting characteristics of a manual transmission. What they won’t think of next, eh.

Styling:

Sporty look to go along with the feel you get when you drive it. But most first impressions from others was that it must be very expensive.

Fit and Finish:

Very Good.

Cost:

Excellent option if you’re looking for a sport car.

Conveniences and comfort:

You’ll notice it comes with most of the features so common on cars these days. But when it comes to comfort you will expect entry and exit to be a pain in the neck, back and other parts of your body. You will also expect to have limited space and thus you won’t have convenient storage compartments you get accustomed to in larger cars.

Consumer Recommendations:

It is clear and amazing, to me, that you can have such capable sports car handling performance in this price range. Anything beyond this is, in my opinion, to be left to the professional race car class of drivers anyway. So, don’t waste your money on more if you are not a race car driver.

I say that because a friend of my son, Paul Walker, died for this very reason. The car was far too powerful for Paul’s friend, who was driving, to control and a crash at over 100 mph killed them both. If you know the story you know alcohol or drugs were not involved. Moral of the story: Know your limitations when you get behind the wheel.

Paul Walker and friend (driving) died in fiery crash in 2013 – Car Porsche Carrera GT

Recognized Competition:

Brand	$$$ Cost	MPG Avg	Seating	Doors	Country of Origin	Assembled
Toyota 86	28,000	27	4	2	Japan	Japan
Subaru BRZ	26,000	24	4	2	Japan	Japan
Nissan 370Z	32,000	22	2	2	Japan	Japan

Good News:

Affordable performance sport car, fabulously fun to drive.

Bad News:

Anything built this low to the ground is for the young who are still limber enough to get in and out of. That holds true for a woman in a dress or skirt as it is awkward to negotiate entry and exit moves. Know what I mean!

Standard Equipment:

2.0 LITER 4-cylinder Boxer 200 HP engine, dual variable valve timing, direct and port injection system, dynamic rev management and controllers on a 6-speed sequential auto transmission, 17” alloy wheels, 4-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes with brake assist and electric brake force distribution, MacPherson strut front suspension, Torsen limited slip differential, stability and traction controls, hill start assist control, VSC Track mode, front airbag system with seat mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags front and rear, back up camera, tire pressure monitor, power exterior mirrors, auto projector beam LED headlights and taillights, 7” touch screen display audio AM/FM/HD radio with 8-speakers, aux/USB ports with iPod connectivity, hands free phone capable and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, aha application, remote keyless entry with engine immobilization, power windows and locks, 1-piece folding rear seatback, leather trim, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, air conditioning, rear window defogger, multi-information display.

Gas Stats:

24 City and 32 Highway MPG

$3.45 / Gal avg. August 26, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $26,975.

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue

21-08-2018Autolove No comments

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue. I had tested the Limited Plug-in Ioniq last year, but it is worth another look at Hyundai – this time the Blue, that is NOT a Plug-in. That’s just fine with me since I’m not thrilled with the plug in anything automotive, especially if it is All Electric.

Mark my words, all electric will not impress the world at large and they will not turn out to be the dominant mode of transportation, unless there is some miraculous breakthrough in battery technology. I repeat that Hybrid is, however, a good option. OK, but what about the fuel economy numbers of the Plug-in Hybrid? That is impressive for sure, but you must remember electricity at your house is NOT free. At least it isn’t at my house.

In the meantime, this Hybrid was easy to love. I took a trip up the coast of California from LA to Pismo beach to meet family and friends. At over 51 mpg that 400-mile round trip cost me about $25. Now that’s what I’m talking about. Two people with sleeping bags, tents (just in case), cooler with food and drink, suit cases, pillows, blankets, camp chairs etc. Trust me, we didn’t forget anything but it all fit easily in this hatchback with the rear seats folded flat. You gotta love it, especially when you fly by all those gas stations. It doesn’t get much better.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Ulsan, Korea; Parts- US/Canadian 1%, Korea 91%; Engine and transmission- Korea; Classification is- Midsize Cars; Cars from Hyundai- Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra GT, Ioniq Hybrid, Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, Tucson and Veloster.

Handling & Performance:

Great handling size car and I’m impressed with the acceleration and highway speeds that is a very stable feeling ride. No complaints with this one.

Styling:

Styling is very commonplace in a computer design sort of way. It has simple lines that are easy on the eyes. Older folks will recall how radical designs were in the early years.

Fit and Finish:

Very good attention to detail in assembly.

Cost:

I mean, really, it is amazing that you can have a car like this so affordably. In a word it is an ‘offer you can’t refuse’. That’s how they put it in my family.

Conveniences and comfort:

The ride is comfortable, not lush, but as priced this is an impressive ride.

Consumer Recommendations:

In this very economical class there are very few players. In this case only Toyota and Hyundai. My vote is Hyundai because I never warmed up to the Prius. It was more interested in the technology rather than how it looked. Ever known a nerdy suitor like that?

Recognized Competition:

Brand	$$$ Cost	MPG Avg	Seating	Doors	Country of Origin	Assembled
Hyundai Ioniq Blue	23,000	58	5	4	Korea	Korea
Toyota Prius C	24,000	46	5	4	Japan	Japan
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid	26,000	119	5	4	Korea	Japan
Toyota Prius	24,000	43	5	4	Korea	Japan

Good News:

Economical, well priced, 5 passenger family car, handles well and is fast.

Bad News:

N/A.

Standard Equipment:

1.6 liter gas 4-cylinder engine, synchronous motor (32 KW), combined system power 139 horsepower, 6-speed automatic transmission, 240 volt lithium – ion polymer battery system and hybrid starter generator (lifetime Hybrid Battery warranty, stability management with traction control, 4-wheel disc brake with integrated regenerative braking, ABS electronic brake force distribution with brake assist, front, front side curtain airbags, rearview camera, tire pressure monitor, 16” alloy wheels, automatic headlights, bodycolor side mirrors with blind spot indicators, proximity key entry with push button start, 4.2” color trip computer display, power windows and locks, climate control, tilt and telescopic steering column and steering wheel with cruise, audio and phone controls, cloth seating with 6-way adjustable front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks, 7” color touchscreen audio display, AM/FM/MP3 audio system with USB and Aux input jacks, HD Radio technology, SiriusXM, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth hands free phone, emergency tire puncture repair kit (no spare tire).

Gas Stats:

$3.49-Gal avg. August 18, 2018g

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

57 City and 59 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $23,210.

2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0 i Limited

08-08-2018Autolove No comments

2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0 i Limited

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0 i Limited. In 2016 I reviewed the Impreza Premium and now I’m checking out the Small Wagon.

At the end of the day, I think it is my duty to present the good auto options and ignore others that don’t measure up to what we all demand in something so indispensable in today’s fast-moving population. Subaru is one of those good car manufacturers that seem to spend more on engineering than they do advertising. I don’t think they blow their own horn as much as most, but if you deliver a good product, as they say the world will beat a path to your door.

Advertising is self-serving, of course, so for me I’m more interested in the actual performance ‘at the wheel’ to get the experience, unrehearsed and unchoreographed, which is what advertising does.

For more than a quarter century I have been testing most all cars on and off road because the manufacturers believe in the process of independent reviews to give unbiased and unvarnished opinions of their cars. Never has a car company even hinted at the idea of saying only nice things about their cars. To me that is a testimony they have confidence in their products. Let’s face it, buying a car is a major purchase decision for us all, and one we won’t have to make any time soon.

General Information:

Parts- US/Canadian 40%, Japan 45%; Engine and transmission- Japan; Assembled in- Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Class- Small Wagon; Cars from Subaru- BRZ, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX.

Handling & Performance:

I’m always impressed with the innovation that is taking place in the auto industry as they apply technology that is so subtle you don’t even know it’s working in the background.

Safety Pedal System, or Brake override protects, via computer, against the occurrence of both the accelerator and the brake being pressed at the same time. The system senses that and then applies the brake and closes the throttle. Yes, it may be a rare occurrence, but it can and does happen with bad results.

Another subtle feature is VDC (vehicle dynamic control), to increase stability on slippery surfaces and to improve cornering performance by preventing skids. It does that by reducing engine power and / or apply the brakes to slow down individual wheel spin to keep the intended path rather than allowing you to go off the road. Neat feature.

Styling:

Clean and conservative body design.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent.

Cost:

Subaru, to me, is always a good investment.

Conveniences and comfort:

A good features list for the money, but if you can afford the options noted for about 4-grand I think it is worth the cost.

Consumer Recommendations:

Subaru is ‘first class’ and should be looked at closely as an option for that next economy small wagon / sedan.

Recognized Competition:

Brand	$$$ Cost	MPG Avg	Seating	Doors	Country of Origin	Assembled	Drive Train
Subaru Impreza	20,000	32	5	4	Japan	USA	4WD
Chevrolet Cruze	20,000	33	5	4	USA	USA	FWD
Mazda 3	20,000	32	5	4	Japan	Japan	FWD
Hyundai Elantra	21,000	32	5	4	Korea	Korea	FWD

Good News:

Priced well, good quality, economical, comfortable ride for seating of 5.

Bad News:

N/A.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 4-cylinder Horizontally opposed engine, Symmetrical all-wheel drive, Continuously Variable (CVT) automatic transmission, 17” alloy wheels, Vehicle Dynamic Control, front, side and side curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, safety pedal system, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes, rear vision camera, tire pressure monitor, anti-theft system with engine immobilizer system, power folding exterior mirrors with turn signals, climate control, multimedia audio system, smartphone connectivity, HD radio, Sirius XM, Bluetooth hands free phone, USB port with iPod and iPhone connectivity, cruise control, auto on/off headlights, power windows, Locks and mirrors, keyless access with push-button start, 6-way power driver’s seat, leather, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, 60/40 split fold down rear seatback, all-weather package with heated front seats.

Options: On this vehicle included Eyesight feature including pre-collision braking, lane departure, adaptive cruise (smart cruise) control, power moonroof, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, reverse auto braking, high beam assist, upgraded audio system, Sirius XM traffic. Cost: $3,845.

Gas Stats:

$3.45 / Gal avg. August 5, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

28 City and 37 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $24,595.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4X4

31-07-2018Autolove No comments

2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4X4

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

“Faint hearted men are the product of a luxurious society; the same soil produces neither luxuries nor heroes.”

Early pioneers and those that followed up until 1960 were get ‘er done solid citizens of America. Most of the rest of the world is still in the stone ages while the good old USA prospers with the last vestiges of freedom that exist only in America. Don’t let it slip through your fingers or you will be flipping the finger to those great men and women who made this country great.

Overview:

This is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4X4. For starters there really is no competition in this area of off road vehicles. But we will throw in a few others that are AWD and could go off road but if you’re looking for special, Jeep is unbeatable.

I’m biased because I have a special love affair with Jeep from my Navy days in the South Pacific and elsewhere. The image of Jeep is that of raw and basic transportation. WWII days relied on those no-frills Jeeps that played a major role for the free world to win that war.

I also have tooled around the back country in an original 1942 version with a friend who owns one. Whether forging streams, going fishing or just rock climbing in the High Sierra’s it holds an aura of history and heritage where bonds between man and machine cannot be broken.

And finally, today’s Jeep is my intended next vehicle to tow behind a motorhome. It’s a dream I’ve had for a long time so when I get to my destinations, no matter the terrain I’m good to go.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Toledo, Ohio, USA; Parts- US/Canada 60%, Mexico 22%, Engine – Mexico, Transmission – USA; Classification is- Small SUV; Cars from Jeep- Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler, Wrangler JK, Wrangler JK Unlimited and Wrangler Unlimited.

Handling & Performance:

This short wheel-based Jeep has great turning radius and is a super sure-footed SUV I have tested in tough off-road conditions over many years. This 2018 is state of the art off-road and in today’s world it is my first choice for the adventurous.

In the process of testing all off-road vehicles, my first shot at the Humvee military version to replace the Jeep was not impressive. For personal use, the roads are just not conducive with the Humvee, while the Jeep will go where Humvee’s can’t. Our road systems and trails in the outback have been developed over hundreds of years to accommodate typical vehicles of the day which are far too narrow for the “Desert Storm” type of venue where the Humvee would be used.

Styling:

Traditional Jeep design has been retained from the first ones produced. That design has been mimicked by others but still the look and feel of Jeep is king.

Fit and Finish:

Jeep is as good as it gets for a serious off-road vehicle. It is the fluffy SUV that is a fish out of water off road. Jeep is most comfortable where ever it is asked to go. It is beautiful out there, but the roads are generally far from pretty.

Cost:

Not cheap, but when it’s the only game in town it is worth the price of admission. Plus, you must consider all the skid plates etc. to outfit it for rugged use, is what makes it special and that costs more.

Conveniences and comfort:

Jeep has continued to improve the ride on highway. It is surprisingly smooth and comfortable.

Consumer Recommendations:

Look at the video and although it will seem a bit extreme I have to tell you, I’ve been in extreme off-road conditions I didn’t believe possible for any commercial vehicle. Jeep made me a believer. If you’re looking for Bear Grylls kind of adventures, you’ll want to have the best. That is Jeep in my experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5AWZvB1FuU

Pricing is up to you: Consider how you’ll be using this vehicle. Will you be traversing the hills of Beverly Hills or Rubicon in and around Lake Tahoe, CA? The way this Jeep is equipped I doubt you need all the options which are numerous but available. And if you want all the comforts of home I doubt you will be camping and trail blazing anytime soon. Then you will want the $12,000 of options to cruise Beverly Hills, Malibu or brave the summer heat of California. Let’s face it, you don’t need air conditioning in the Sierra’s at 9,000 feet. You won’t need keyless entry because you will probably be leaving the keys in the ignition. You know, those kinds of things that are unnecessary in the wilderness. Just say’s.

Recognized Competition:

Brand	$$$ Cost	MPG Avg	Seating	Doors	Country of Origin	Assembled	Drive Train
Jeep Wrangler	28,000	18	4	2	USA	USA	4WD
Hyundai Tucson	31,000	25	5	4	Korea	Korea	AWD
Ford Escape	34,000	23	5	4	USA	USA	AWD
Kia Sportage	35,000	21	5	4	Korea	Korea	AWD

Good News:

The best off-road vehicle hands down.

Bad News:

A little pricey and fuel economy continues to be extreme.

Standard Equipment:

3.6 liter VS 24 valve VVT engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, front and side seat airbags, rear back up camera, 4-wheel drive, 3.45 axle gear ratio, front and rear solid axles, fuel tank skid plate, transfer case skid plate and transmission skid plate, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes, stability control, electronic roll mitigation, trailer sway damping, hill start assist, keyless enter and go, sentry key theft deterrent system, tire pressure monitor, Uconnect 3 with 5” display, 8-speakers, media hub for USB and Aux, integrated voice command with Bluetooth, 12-volt aux power outlet, tilt and telescopic steering column, steering wheel mounted audio controls, manual seat adjustment and door locks, rear folding seat. This standard equipment is covered for the below listed MSRP.

Gas Stats:

$3.45 / Gal avg. July 27, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $26,995.

2018 Lexus RX 350 5-door SUV

25-07-2018Autolove No comments

2018 Lexus RX 350 5-door SUV

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Lexus RX 350 5-door SUV. The general thought is that the RX has grown larger, heavier and longer in a negative way. Some miss the smaller cute version. Well, although I also didn’t see its classification as ‘small’ it is rather midsize to me, and I like the new more spacious size.

Surely it is a lovely and classy vehicle that is priced very well and is in a class with a lot of competition. Demand for SUVs has continued since the popularization of the ‘station wagon’ in the late 1950s and 1960s. They were then touted as a utility wagon for moms’needs and they even suggested dads could use it for fishing and camping trips. Jeep, of course, took rough and tumble adventures to a new level. That was shortly after and the adventurous embraced utility vehicles with a kinda pioneer spirt of a few generations before.

I suspect all these luxury models as noted here have more to do with consumer image rather than areal desire for the outdoors.

A U.S. News magazine article some 4 years agoexplained, “The rugged individualist has traded in his boots for a comfortable pair of Rockports.” And they also concluded the baby boomers have stopped pretending to be off-roading daredevils and SUV popularity would end soon.

Well, it looks like they got it wrong and SUVs continue to be highly prized even if it is the image that is the real draw. The SUVs of the past decade have gotten prettier and although the 4X4 versions are capable and sophisticated engineering marvels, they are rarely used off-road. You may remember my mentioning that only about 5% of SUVs will ever get off-road.

General Information:

Assembly- Cambridge Ontario Canada; Classification is- Small-Standard SUV; Vehicles from Lexus- CT, ES, GS, GX, IS, LC, LS, LX, NX, RC, RX.

Handling & Performance:

Super comfortable ride for your Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive shopping trips. Fast and quiet.

Styling:

Elegant classy look.

Fit and Finish:

Outstanding assembly, which is rightfully expected these days. Squeaky components are rare but as luck would have it,my personal truck came with an annoying whistle no one seems to know why it does that. My response: “Well it is a Ford, after all”.

Cost:

You can get into a new Lexus RX at the low $40,000 range but with all the bells and whistles and luxury packages you’ll be right at $50,000. Or you could put a down payment on a house and continue to drive the old reliable clunker a few more years.

Conveniences and comfort:

Very well equipped and with options available for even higher tech features and more luxury features so thatyou’ll want for very little.

Scout® GPS Link is a part of the equipment on this RX which is to connect your car to your smartphone and to the cloud. I like that because it would allow me to eliminate the Nav system built in. Most cell phones have nicely advanced navigation capability.

Consumer Recommendations:

Wow, this is a great field but also a lot to be considered. I have no favorites here. SUVs are here to stay and with nearly half of all vehicles on the road being SUVs and Pickups they will continue to dominate the market for some time to come (in my opinion).

New 2019 models are emerging in August and September, so I suggest if you’re interested in finding a new car, go for the 2018 model year and you can realize great savings.

Recognized Competition:

Brand	$$$ Cost	MPG Avg	Seating	Doors	Country of Origin	Assembled
Lexus RX 350	50,000	23	5	4	Japan	Canada
Lincoln MKT	50,000	17	7	4	USA	Canada
Dodge Durango	50,000	21	7	4	USA	USA
Acura MDX	50,000	22	7	4	Japan	Canada
Cadillac XT5	49,000	21	5	4	USA	USA
VW Atlas	49,000	19	7	4	Germany	USA
Toyota Highlander	50,000	28	7	4	Japan	USA
Jeep Grand Cherokee	49,000	21	5	4	USA	USA
Buick Enclave	49,000	21	7	4	USA	USA

Good News:

Comfortable quiet ride, priced well in class.

Bad News:

N/A

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 285 HP V6 engine, direct injection and VVT (Variable Valve Timing), 8-speed auto trans with Drive mode select, 18” Aluminum alloy wheels, 10-airbags, safety system with pre-collision and pedestrian detection, smart cruise control, auto high beam headlights, lane departure alert with steering assist and lane keep assist, Power ABS disc braking system with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), fog lights, daytime running lights, auto on/off headlights, theft deterrent system with engine immobilizer, electronic parking brake, Lexus Enform safety connect and service connect, back up camera, 9-speaker display audio system, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, dual USB ports, Sirius satellite radio, Scout GPS Link, rain sensing wipers, climate control, 10-way power front seats, power tilt and telescopic steering column, 40/20/40 split folding rear seat, power back door, smart access with push button start/stop, Bluetooth hands free phone and audio streaming.

Gas Stats:

20 City and 27 Highway MPG

$3.49/ Gal avg. July 22, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $43,270 plus.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0 T SE

17-07-2018Autolove No comments

2018 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0 T SE

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0 T SE. Large! What ever happened to cute little VW’s? Well, you can say VW has grown up and it’s gone from cute to mature. You know any company will chase the sales and consumer demand dictates what manufacturer’s will produce. So, you, the consumer, have more power than you may acknowledge or believe is possible. Manufacturer’s do listen and care what you think so make your views known.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Chattanooga, TN, USA; Parts- US/Canadian 48%, Engine – Mexico, Transmission – Japan; Classification is- SUV (small – I don’t think so); Cars from Volkswagen- Atlas, Beetle, CC, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Gti, Golf R, Golf Sportswagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan & Touareg.

Handling & Performance:

Far faster than I expected for a mid-size SUV. I’d feel more comfortable if it were AWD since it is a good utility vehicle. I also found the steering super sensitive and I prefer more feel in my power steering. You may not find it as negative as I did.

Styling:

VW on steroids.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Right on target in class.

Conveniences and comfort:

Most of the tech features I suggest, however voice recognition needs a lot of help. It just isn’t very good, not-withstanding many of these systems require time to adjust to the user’s voice. I couldn’t get it to work properly.

Consumer Recommendations:

Recognized Competition:

Brand	$$$ Cost	MPG Avg	Seating	Country of Origin	Assembled
VW Atlas	31	24	7	Germany	USA
Jeep Grand Cherokee	32	21	5	USA	USA
Dodge Durango	31	21	5	USA	USA
Ford Flex	31	19	7	USA	Canada
Hyundai Santa Fe	32	21	7	Korea	Korea
Chevrolet Traverse	31	21	8	USA	USA
Kia Sorento	31	22	7	Korea	USA
Toyota Highlander	32	22	8	Japan	USA

Good News:

Roomy, comfortable ride with very good technology features and well-priced.

Bad News:

Voice recognition sucks, super sensitive steering.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, FWD – front wheel drive with 4-wheel independent suspension, front, side and side curtain airbags, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, engine brake assist, anti-slip regulation, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, intelligent crash response system, LATCH system, tire pressure monitoring, 18” alloy wheels, auto LED headlights and daytime running lights, halogen front fog lights, heated foldable power mirrors with integrated turn signals, rain sensing variable intermittent wipers with heated washer nozzles, dual zone manual climate control with air vents in all three rows, leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, tilt / telescopic steering column, 10-way power heated driver seat, 4-way manual heated passenger seat, 2nd row 60/40 split folding seats, adjustable with 3rd row easy access, 3rdrow 50/50 split fold flat seats, leatherette seating, reading lights all three rows, rear view camera, blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, keyless access with push button start, composition media 8” touch screen, multi band radio & CD player, dual USB inputs, Aux-in, voice control & 8-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity for compatible devices, Sirius XM Satellite radio, anti-theft alarm system with vehicle immobilizer, cruise control, Electric parking brake.

Gas Stats:

$3.49/ Gal avg. July 16, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

22 City and 26 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $33,590.

2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO 4X4 dbl cab

10-07-2018Autolove No comments

2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO 4X4 dbl cab

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO 4X4 dbl cab. Toyota says you can ‘go way, way, way off-road’ and take off-roading even further. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development. There is a lot of buzz and ‘look-sees’ on line and on the road about this new offering to avid off-roaders. Even if folks didn’t know much about this new ‘tough guy’ they knew it looked serious about going outback.

Me, I took it to the High Sierra’s where most of the geography was solid granite. I can’t help wondering how well it would do on the Jeep Jamboree venue’s. Rubicon Trail, west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is classed a 10 in difficulty and it is much like the Granite formations in the Sierra mountains where I tested this Tacoma.

General Information:

Assembly- San Antonio, TX. USA; Classification is- Small Pickup; Vehicles from Toyota- 4Runner, 86, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, C-HR,Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, Prius C, Prius Prime, Prius V, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma Access Cab, Tacoma Double Cab, Tundra CrewMax, Tundra Double Cab, Tundra Regular Cab, Yaris and Yaris iA.

Handling & Performance:

It is promoted as a serious off-road truck and I don’t doubt Toyota’s assessment. I’ve been on Jeep Jamboree’s in past years and was hugely impressed with the sure-footed prowess of Jeep’s off-road. I didn’t get into as serious outback adventures as those Jamboree’s because I was not supported by 120 other Jeeps traversing the same terrain.

But I did pal around with a 1942 Army version Jeep and of course it is the “Original” granddaddy of tough off road, all terrain vehicles. The Jeep is much smaller so it could go places I could. Talk about basic, the Jeep is basic to the max. The Toyota is a ‘Cadillac’ by comparison.

I was far above the dust of the desert, but the 2019 model of this Tundra has moved the air intake above the windshield. So, if you’re intending to enter the Baja 1000 you may want that new design.

“Crawl Control” – there is a setting designed for driving on difficult terrain at low speeds. It assists the driver by controlling acceleration and braking, allowing the driver to focus on steering. So, if you’re on large and lose rock it crawls slowly. Those who have been over large boulders and challenging terrain know ‘fast’ isn’t a good thing in such situations. This feature will keep you in control. Pretty cool.

Styling:

Style is typically Toyota but this TRD PRO takes the look to another level of Toughness Japanese trucks haven’t been known for in the past. Nice addition to the brand.

Fit and Finish:

Very Toyota – very good.

Cost:

Pricing is just about where I expected it to be. I have a Ford F350 4X4 Long Bed and $70,000 just gets you in the door. So, after taking this Tacoma through its paces in the High Sierra rugged mountains I must admit the price is ok by me.

Conveniences and comfort:

This model includes all the important features I enjoy and demand for the cars / trucks I care to drive and own. The list is generous and all is included with no ups and extras. Nice, I like it.

In addition to the great on-road features, TRD Pro is equipped with a heavy duty 1/4” aluminum skid plate to avoid being ‘inconvenienced’ off-road.

Consumer Recommendations:

Not a large field of serious off-road trucks so the search is a short journey. Look closely and I think you’ll agree this TRD PRO is a very serious contender. It’s at the top of my list for sure.

Recognized Competition:

Brand	$$$ Cost	MPG Avg	Seating	Doors	Country of Origin
Toyota Tacoma	45,000	18-22	5	4	Japan
Nissan Frontier	38,000	15-21	5	4	Japan
Chevrolet Colorado	44,000	19-22	5	4	USA

Good News:

Consistent performer, comfortable ride on-road and great off-road prowess.

Bad News:

N/A

Standard Equipment:

3.5-liter V6 / 278 horsepower engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel on demand, part-time 4×4 system with 2-speed electronically controller transfer case, locking rear differential; multi-terrain select. Crawl control; Hill-start control, towing receiver hitch, engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4/7 pin connector and trailer sway control, Toyota safety sense, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, sway warning system, automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, rear backup camera and rear parking sonar, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert, TRD-tuned FOX 2.5 internal bypass shocks with rear remote reservoirs, LED fog lights, TRD front skid plate and TRD exhaust, 16” TRD Black Alloy wheels, 5 foot composite bed with 120 v power outlet, deck rail system with 4 adjustable tie down cleats, easy lower, lockable and removable tailgate, smart key system with push button start, leather trim seats with heated driver and front passenger seats, leather trim steering wheel with audio controls, power horizontal rear window with privacy glass, front dual zone A/C with individual temperature controls, Entune premium audio with integrated Navigation and app-suite, 7” hi – resolution screen, AM/FM/CD, USB/AUX, Bluetooth, HD radio and SXM, Qi Compatible wireless smartphone charging.

Gas Stats:

18 City and 22 Highway MPG

$3.39 / Gal avg. July 9, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $43,520.

2018 Lexus RC 350 2-door Coupe

07-07-2018Autolove No comments

2018 Lexus RC 350 2-door Coupe

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Lexus RC 350 2-door Coupe. Wow,FLAIR YELLOW will wake up the senses. But they have some other bright colors as well. It reminds me of the Socialist countries where a drab color has been the PC thing and you’re expected to wear dark earthy colors. Those colors are surely practical and Henry Ford’s early car production lines turned out cars of any color you wanted as long as it was Black. In today’s world painting cars has reached its pinnacle as they have perfected the process so well that any color is possible – even Black.

I say Celebrate the joy of life with vibrant (lively, vivacious, exciting) colors on your car. Some are adventuresome but by and large you see mostly white and black or other dark colors on cars. The bright yellow inspired me to think about why it is so uplifting. You need only go to Nature for a rainbow of color on Birds, and frogs and so many beautiful lives in creation. In LA you even see purple and yellow hair. It does look cool but I wouldn’t want to marry it.

Well back to this car. I’ve been through nearly all Lexus product recently and this RC Sport is no exception to the great performance cars these truly are. Yellow only adds to the allure of this fast and fun to drive sport car.

I’m not so enamored with Toyota product as so many are but they truly produce a fine automobile. I’ve owned a lot of cars including a few Toyota’s over the years and driven most all on and off the race track for nearly 50 years in the Automotive industry. I like this Yellow Lexus.

General Information:

Assembly- Japan; Classification is- Midsize; Vehicles from Lexus- CT, ES,GS, GX, IS, LC, LS, LX, NX, RC, RX.

Handling & Performance:

The RC “F”model is V8 powered but the RC 350 had a V6 that I had no problem with since there was no want for more power.

Styling:

Lovely design for style you can’t mistake.

Fit and Finish:

Always outstanding design and assembly at Toyota.

Cost:

More than I care to pay for transportation and not as much as I would pay for a gorgeous car. Since we’re looking at high end cars why not go test drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Refi the house before you go. I’ve owned some of those too over the years. BUT, I’ve learned if it Flies, Floats or goes fast, rent it or have a friend with one.

Conveniences and comfort:

OK, so there is one thing that was noticeably lacking in this car. Getting in and out is a pain. Literally it is the nature of sport cars and it must be taken into consideration. The older you get the more difficult it is to pour yourself into a low to the ground car. Getting out is even more interesting. Girls in dresses? Men in Kilts? Something to think about.

Consumer Recommendations:

If you’re in the market for a sporty car and you’re agile enough to enter and exit the car without hurting yourself this class is exciting to drive. I’ve known women as beautiful and exciting but quite frankly they can be a pain too. Know what I mean. On the other hand, to be fair, I’m sure the gals have known guys with inflated egos as well.

Recognized Competition:

Brand	$$$ Cost	MPG Avg	Seating	Doors	Country of Origin	Assembled
Lexus RC 350	45,000	23	4	2	Japan	Japan
Mercedes Benz C-Class	44,000	25	4	2	Germany	Germany
Audi A5	44,000	27	4	2	Germany	Germany
BMW 4-Series	45,000	27	4	2	Germany	Germany

Good News:

Fast, fun to drive and very pretty.

Bad News:

Mostly for the young at heart.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter V6 dual OH Cam, direct injection and VVT (Variable Valve Timing), 8-speed auto trans with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, Drive mode select: ECO, Normal, Sport and Snow, 18” Aluminum wheels, 8-airbags, Power ABS disc braking system with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution),Smart stop technology, Vehicle dynamic integrated management, Safety system with pre-collision system, pedestrian detection, high speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, intelligent high beam headlights, Back up camera, Lexus Enform connect with Enform remote, tire pressure monitor, 60/40 split folding rear seat, 10-way power driver seat, 8-way power passenger seat, smart access with push button start/stop, genuine wood interior trim, information display including audio, phone and trip info, Bluetooth hands free phone and audio streaming, HD radio, real time traffic and weather, MP3 player, USB integration, CD, Sirius XM satellite radio.

Gas Stats:

20 City and 28 Highway MPG

$3.65/ Gal avg. July 2, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $43,576 plus.

2018 Lexus GS 300 4-door Sedan

27-06-2018Autolove No comments

2018 Lexus GS 300 4-door Sedan

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Lexus GS 300 4-door Sedan(2018-year model name changed from GS 200t).

Few will disagree there is a nostalgia for cars of the early by-gone days but,clearly,all cars are far better today. And although competition is good for we consumers, I’d be ok with fewer brands. It’s likerestaurantswith long all-inclusive menus that give me more choices to choose from than I would like and too many confuses me.

Lexus cars are a delight to drive, and if this oneis within your transportation budget it will be a tough choice considering all the great cars on the menu. Some list the GS 300 in the middle of the ‘pack’, being topped by BMW, Audi and Mercedes Benz. Surely, I agree the Germans put out a quality product, but my experience in owning a German and Italian auto repair business, leads me to take exception with some pundits. My bitch is simple – those same German cars are particularly expensive to maintain, topped by BMW. SO – I wouldn’t rank the Germans above the Japanese car makers because of that.

If you read my column regularly you know I have been test driving a lot of Toyota / Lexus cars over the past months. In my opinion, based on critiquing many, is they are consistently good cars across all models tested.

General Information:

Assembly- Japan; Classification is- Midsize; Vehicles from Lexus- CT, ES,GS, GX, IS, LC, LS, LX, NX, RC, RX.

Handling & Performance:

Twin Turbo acceleration is on the top of my list of performance aids, especially when you have a smaller displacement engine. To me, 4-cylinder engines make more sense in recent years, even though I grew up with muscle cars that Detroit carmakers conditioned us to believe in.That was when gas was $.19 a gallon here in the US, while Europe was hugely more expensive. To keep it in perspective, today US gas prices are around $3.50 / gal. while the same gallon of gas would cost over $13.00. My point is that European car makers were forced to be more interested in fuel efficiency than in the US.

With the benefit of forced induction (turbocharging) manufactures are moving rapidly toward more efficient 4-cylinder engines. Turbo technology coupled with VVT (variable valve timing), and direct injection of the fuel is what makes 4-cylinder engines possible and desirable. The racing world has made all this innovation a reality as they have pushed the envelope over the life of the industry. Some of the fastest cars, btw, are 4-cylinder engines.

Styling:

Lexus is not afraid of bold and innovative styling. Love it.

Fit and Finish:

Always great attention to detail at Lexus.

Cost:

Not cheap to buy, but you get what you pay for, and the cost of repairs is less than the German offerings.

Conveniences and comfort:

Perfect. More and more great features are found on higher end (higher cost) cars and depending on your threshold of financial pain you can pretty much have all the cool stuff available on cars these days.

There are a few downsides to this vehicle and one is its convoluted infotainment controls. The display is not a touch screen, and most settings are accessed using a distracting mouse-like controller.

Consumer Recommendations:

You can either test drive them all or hang this list on the wall and throw darts. You can’t go all that wrong either way. All these ladies are alluring but I’m partial to blonds so that doesn’t narrow the field much. But then come to think of it Kimberly Guilfoyle is hot too. OK, so I don’t have a problem testing them all.

Recognised Competition:

Brand	$$$ Cost	MPG Avg	Seating	Doors	Country of Origin	Assembled
Lexus GS300	48,000	26	5	4	Japan	Japan
Acura TLX	47,000	24	5	4	Japan	USA
Jaguar XF	49,000	28	5	4	United Kingdom	United Kingdom
Volvo S90	49,000	27	5	4	Sweden	Sweden
Audi A6	51,000	28	5	4	Germany	Germany
Infiniti Q50	51,000	22	5	4	Japan	Japan
Lexus ES	43,000	40	5	4	Japan	Japan
BMW 5 Series	53,000	27	5	4	Germany	Germany
MBZ E Class	54,000	25	5	4	Germany	Germany

Good News:

Fast, fun, elegant and beautiful.

Bad News:

N/A

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder 241 horsepower twin turbo engine, 8-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted manual shifters, drive mode select with ECO/Normal/Sport modes, ABS power braking system with electronic brake force distribution, 17” alloy wheels, tire pressure monitor, 10 airbags, stability control, dynamic integrated management, blind spot monitor with cross traffic alert, back up monitor, pre collision system, pedestrian detection, all speed dynamic radar cruise control, high beam automatic system, lane departure alert with steering assist and lane keep assist, perforated leather seating with driver memory system, power tilt and telescopic steering column with auto tilt away, smart access with push button start / stop, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power tilt and slide moonroof, power folding mirrors, climate control, audio system with advanced voice recognition, HD radio, DVD/CD player, Bluetooth, USB audio plug and Sirius XM satellite radio.

Gas Stats:

22 City and 32 Highway MPG

$3.49/ Gal avg. June 24, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $46,310.

2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited

21-06-2018Autolove No comments

2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited. When you head out to the OUTBACK you have options. I like Jeep a lot but if I were buying an off-road vehicle Subaru and Jeep come to mind. Jeep is more rugged in appearance and for me I feel more protective in the Outback that is more of a passenger vehicle more suited to Beverly Hills than off-road hills if you get my meaning.

More importantly and unfortunately only manual transmission vehicles may be towed behind motorhomes, so not possible with AWD Subaru’s. So, for me, that narrows my choices to Jeep. And although it could be trailered it is not an option for me. Obviously, it doesn’t affect all that many people.

General Information:

Class- SUV; Cars from Subaru- Accent, BRZ,Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy,Outback, WRX& WRX STI.

Handling & Performance:

A very nice ride that is comfortable and with adequate power with the advantage of AWD on all Subaru products is a big plus. All good.

Since 2015, select Subaru models feature a new yaw-control system called Active Torque Vectoring (ATV). Not to get too technical this relatively new technology makes handling more precise and enhances the vehicle’s agility while cornering by using the braking system to help turn the vehicle. With ATV, you can push driving to new levels of performance while also feeling a sense of command while driving.

Styling:

Traditional Subaru.

Fit and Finish:

Subaru quality is second to none.

Cost:

Very well priced.

Conveniences and comfort:

As equipped at $32,000 it has all the hot items I like to see. When I’m on the road a lot, especially for those long-distance trek’s I like to add Smart Cruise Control.

Consumer Recommendations:

If you are safety conscious and are an outdoor kind-a family this is a must for comparison with what else is out there. The outback is my choice out of the competition noted except for the VW Atlas that is new and I will be testing it next month.

Recognised Competition:

Brand	$$$ Cost	MPG Avg	Seating	Doors	Country of Origin	Assembled	Drive Train
Subaru Outback	34,000	28	5	4	Japan	USA	AWD
Ford Flex	34,000	19	7	4	USA	Canada	FWD
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport	34,000	22	5	4	Korea	USA	FWD
Kia Sorento	34,000	23	5	4	Korea	USA	FWD
Chevrolet Traverse	33,000	21	8	4	USA	USA	FWD
VW Atlas	33,000	20	7	4	USA	Germany	FWD

Good News:

Smooth, comfortable, AWD safety, good fuel economy SUV.

Bad News:

It only seats 5 if more is important.

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter horizontally opposed (Boxer) 175 horsepower 4 cylinder engine, CVT – continuously variable transmission with 6-speed manual mode, AWD – all wheel drive, Hill descent control, active torque vectoring, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, hill holder, cruise control, electronic parking brake, auto power door lock, power windows and exterior mirrors, remote keyless entry system / ignition key, security system with engine immobilizer, roof rails, tire pressure monitor, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth and cruise control switches. Blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert, keyless access with push button start, power moonroof, fog lights, 18” alloy wheels, foldable side mirrors with turn signals, All weather package with 3-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer, dual mode heated rear seats, 10-way power driver seat and 4-way power passenger seat, perforated leather trimmed seats, woodgrain pattern with matte finish accent trim, power rear gate with memory height, illuminated inner door handles and overhead console, Harman/kardon premium audio system with 576 watt amplifier and speakers, auto up/down driver and front passenger windows with pinch protection, dual zone climate control, rear seat air vent outlets.

Gas Stats:

$3.49/ Gal avg. June 18, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

25 City and 32 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $32,695.

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