taylor
Jeff Taylor
Jeff has spent more than 25 years maintaining, modifying and writing about automobiles. He became the first automotive writer for Pioneer Press 1992 and he has been reviewing vehicles and reporting on the automotive industry ever since. Jeff has been covering the Chicago Auto Show …Read More
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2013 Ford Fusion gets stylish makeover
Every three decades or so, Ford makes a bold styling leap. In 1955 Ford introduced the Thunderbird, which ushered in the personal luxury segment, and in 1985 Ford gambled on the futuristic Taurus, heralding the dawn of the aerodynamic sedan. Ford’s design goal for the …Read More
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New Pathfinder adds to Nissan’s SUV legacy
The first Nissan Pathfinders rolled onto dealers’ lots more than 25 years ago, ushering in a modern wave of Asian SUVs to the U.S. market. The 2013 Pathfinder, Nissan’s fourth generation, adds and subtracts from previous models. The latest Pathfinder is a midsize seven-passenger SUV …Read More
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Chevy ‘Sparks’ minicar category
Chevrolet has high hopes that the new 2013 Spark minicar will reignite the less-than- $16,000 segment that was so hot 14 months ago. The Korean-built 2013 Spark is Chevrolet’s first minicar for the United States and it is tiny, measuring just 144.7 inches long. It does …Read More
More Columns
2013 Hyundai Sonata holds its own among tough competition
The current Hyundai Sonata is in its sixth generation and with each generation the Sonata has grown larger and more refined. If you use your imagination (and follow Environmental Protection Agency guidelines), the Sonata qualifies as a large car. In previous-generation Sonatas, Hyundai stylists created …
Kia puts spotlight on 2013 Optima
Last year Kia Motors America recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to increases in perceived quality and, according to KIA, the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking. One reason that buyers cite KIA loyalty is value and warranty coverage. I …
New Altima benefits from CVT technoloy
While it’s completely redesigned for 2013, the fifth-generation Altima feels like an old friend. Built in Canton, Miss., it does what’s expected. It has tools to help you, carries a load and assists you with your gas costs on trips. What more can you ask …
Accord gets style, tech and mileage infusions for 2013
Midsize sedans are the battleground segment for 2013. Manufacturers have stepped up their game, providing midsize buyers with attractive exterior designs, increased safety and technology features, and five-passenger seating. Getting hand-me-downs from a manufacturer’s luxury brand is no longer acceptable. Celebrating 30 years of Accord …
Honda tones down sporty Civic Si
Long the poster boy for compact car benchmarking, the Honda Civic is currently available in sedan, coupe and hybrid versions that appear to be vulnerable to the competition. I tested the rakish Si (sport injection) coupe and while I liked the styling and upgraded powertrain, …
Chevrolet beefs up 2013 Camaro lineup
From the Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis to the streets of Chicago to the GingerMan Raceway in Michigan, I put the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 coupe and convertible and road-racing-focused 1LE coupe through their paces. In terms of hierarchy, power and pricing, the 2013 ZL1 …
Cadillac ATS sedan takes on BMW 3 Series
When I was a kid I occasionally had run-ins with the bullies at Prospect Hill grade school in New Berlin, Wis. To deal with the issue, my dad told me to pick out the biggest bully and punch him square in the face. Take down …
Iconic Corvette turns 60 during 2013 model year
Chevrolet’s iconic Corvette celebrates its 60th birthday during the 2013 model year, the final year for its sixth generation. Chevrolet rolls out the Convertible 427 Collector Edition as the final and best C6 (Corvette sixth generation) convertible. Chevrolet started celebrating early as the Corvette 427 …
Ram revises 1500 lineup for 2013
Available in October, the 2013 Ram 1500 represents the first revision to the Ram 1500 truck series since the creation of the division in 2011. The new Ram will be offered in 11 models/packages: ST (fleet only), Tradesman, Express, SLT, Big Horn, Lone Star, Outdoorsman, …
Jaguar gives its cats some new claws for 2013
You don’t know Jaguar, according to David Pryor, vice president of Jaguar Cars USA. Jaguar’s consumer studies indicate that a large percentage of consumers associate the brand with cars Jaguar sold in the 1980s and 1990s or for the dubious all-wheel-drive X-Type sedan (2001-09) based …
2012 Outlander Sport creates its own niche
In the continuing evolution of the CUV segment, the latest “hot” vehicles are the compact-sized “utes.” Not too long ago midsized CUVs were the rage as consumers wanted them for better fuel economy, easier drivability and three-row seating with decent cargo space. The spotlight has …
2013 Cadillac XTS sets new bar for luxury
Cadillac boasts that its all-new 2013 XTS sedan is the most technologically advanced production car in the brand’s history and it is correct. The XTS punches other luxury cars in the mouth with its technology prowess, drivetrain smoothness and spacious, futuristic luxury interior. I spent …
Mercedes CLS successfully combines technology with performance
The latest Mercedes-Benz CLS is a four-door sedan that’s hard to classify. Is it a technology-laden Q-ship or a sporty sedan ready to carve up the Autobahn? Actually, it’s a blend of both. Mercedes-Benz vehicles have taken a few hits — by this writer and …
Ram’s C/V provides utility, room, efficiency
When Chrysler Group LLC announced that it would morph Dodge Ram pickups into the Ram division, it created a few questions: Would the Ram line go the way of GMC and have pickups and SUVs, meaning Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan would become Rams? The …
Buick finds right luxury mix with 2012 Verano
Over the years General Motors has had mixed success with luxury compacts. The granddaddy of disasters was turning a Chevrolet Cavalier sedan into a Cadillac Cimarron. For 2012 GM has tapped Chevrolet once again for a platform but this time it has done much more …
Subaru Outback maintains its versatility
While the American Motors Corp. invented the crossover in the late 1970s with the four-wheel-drive Eagle compact wagon, Subaru established the template for the contemporary crossover in 1995. The current-generation Outback refines the melding of passenger car and SUV attributes that today’s crossover buyers prefer. …
Ford tweaks Flex, Taurus for 2013
The 2013 Ford Taurus is built right here in Chicago, and while the Ford Flex comes together in Canada, both vehicles are perfectly suited for Midwest duty. In the case of the Taurus, the latest version refines the midsize-plus exterior look. The Taurus’ long front …
2013 Mustang shows refinement
As Mustang approaches its 50th anniversary the original pony car looks and performs better than ever — especially in GT guise. I recently tested the 2013 Mustangs and the changes are more refinement than revolutionary.
2013 Ford Escape makes traveling fun
With the passage of Memorial Day, the “official” start of the vacation season has begun. I tested the 2013 Ford Escape crossover that is vying to serve as a modern vacation cruiser. For 2013, Escape machines will come in four flavors: S, SE, SEL and …
Laudable Nissan Leaf has many limitations
You have to give kudos to the folks at Nissan for developing the 2012 Leaf EV. The Leaf uses zero fossil fuels to propel it and produces zero emissions. As the name implies, the Leaf is all about going green. The “going” is accomplished in …
