Escape XLT sized just right: It's been said that a compromise is a solution to a problem that pleases no one. While that may be so for many things, some compromises do work, such as this one: the 2002 Ford Escape.   The Escape is a compact sport utility vehicle that ... MORE

F-150 cranks up Harley-Davidson spirit: It's a fact. Numerous truck buyers are addicted to macho, and manufacturers focus on feeding this habit.   A full-size pickup with a big V-8 does the trick for those with mild yearnings, but hard cases need a more potent fix. ... MORE

G-Class SUV screams 'Look at me!'?: If Tiffany's were in Borneo, this is how you'd get there.   OK, of all the SUVs in the world, this is the most. Who really needs an SUV with a 5-liter, SOHC V-8 putting out 292 rip-snorting horsepower? Who really wants an SUV that looks like ... MORE

G35 takes on luxury sedan market: The Infiniti G35 is a road-burning sports sedan that looks like 40 thousand bucks but sells closer to $32,000.   And if the price doesn't get it noticed, its body will.   After years of trying to emulate the competition with ... MORE

LeSabre blends modern with tradition: The LeSabre product story is a strong message summed up like this: LeSabre has been the best-selling full-size car in the United States for nine straight years.   Available in Custom and Limited models, the LeSabre is manufactured by General ... MORE

MPV improves power, performance: Zoom-zoom! After the introduction of the current-generation MPV minivan in 2000, Mazda enhanced the power and performance of the minivan for 2002, in line with the marque's "soul of a sports car" heritage.   It was already an impressive ... MORE

Pilot steers into sport utility market: I'm betting the all-new Honda Pilot will become the best-selling sport utility vehicle on the market in record time. The Pilot has everything the typical SUV buyer wants.   Like most of Honda's well-built vehicles, the Pilot should quickly ... MORE

Tuneup will not resolve start problems: A: Get the electrical system checked, including a full battery test. If the engine does not turn over when the ignition key is turned to the start position, a voltage check at both the battery and starter is the first step. A tuneup will not ... MORE

Car computers talk about their problems: A: The light in your car turns on for a reason. This is the only way the engine computer can communicate. It is detecting a failure in the engine management system. The problem could be due to a failing sensor such as the oxygen sensor that ... MORE

Impala a great family vehicle: The name Impala probably calls to mind fast-running African animals.   In fact, between 1958 and 1978, the Impala was an American icon as Chevrolet's top-of-the-line model and often America's best-selling car nameplate.   With more ... MORE

Infiniti SUV offers rugged refinement: Introduced in late 1996 as a 1997 model, the Infiniti QX4 set the standard in the luxury sport utility vehicle segment with opulent appointments, above-average on- and off-road performance and head-turning styling.   Infiniti enhanced the ... MORE

New 350Z brings back the good old days: As I drove the 2003 Nissan 350Z up and down hills and over winding roads, nostalgia set in. I reflected on the glory days of the Datsun 240Z.   In 1970, the 240Z sold for $3,526 and people waited months to get one. Then came the 260Z, the ... MORE

New Hummer based on attitude, not aerodynamics: Don't ask what the new Hummer H2's drag coefficient is.   "We don't know," said Marc Hernandez, H2's brand manager. "But it's bad."   The H2 is what it is — and proud of it.   And General Motors is staking the H2's ... MORE

Rover introduces entry-level Freelander: For anyone who thought owning a Land Rover was only for British blue bloods and others with lots of money, think again. The 2002 Freelander is priced under $25,000.   I recently had the opportunity to take the Freelander off-road. Since Land ... MORE

Tiburon a pocket rocket with style, value: The folks at Hyundai continue their roll in America with the launch of the all-new 2003 Hyundai Tiburon coupe, introduced in the United States this spring.   The automaker sums up the new coupe in three words: "styling," "performance" and ... MORE

Age improves Hyundai Santa Fe SUV: Because of the popularity of the Hyundai Santa Fe, I decided to review it again. There have been some changes that attracted my interest.   When this sport utility vehicle was introduced in December 2000 as a 2001 model, I immediately was ... MORE

Engine performance requires inspection of vehicle's fluids: Your 21st-century car or truck has much in common with its 19th-century forebears. Not the least of its ancestral ties is the fact that its health and longevity are dependent on several important fluids. And it's just as vital that you regularly check ... MORE

Oily problems slippery to solve: A: Excessively worn valve seals could be the cause. Replacement of the seals might be the cure. It is also possible that excessively worn valve guides are the cause of this condition. Tests performed by an experienced technician should verify ... MORE

Added length increases 'Blazer versatility: The Chevy TrailBlazer EXT is a bit longer. The new model now provides seating for seven adults with enough room for every passenger to stretch his or her legs.   This is ideal for a large family for which the transportation demands are as ... MORE

GMC SUV combines horsepower, horse sense: GMC has said for years that it is different from Chevrolet.   "It's more than adding a big red GMC in the grille," they'd say.   But, really, GMC appeared to be a step up with more and varied option groups. Under the skin, however, ... MORE

Le Mans inspiration drives special Audi TT: Motivated by motor-sport racing, Audi has tuned up its TT. The limited edition is called the American Le Mans Series.   The TT coupe and roadster are beautifully styled and attract admiring comments. The coupe, with its stronger lines, is ... MORE

New Turbo S Beetle is a quick, comfy cruiser: There's nothing cuter than a New Beetle, unless it's a faster Beetle. And that's what Volkswagen has done for 2002.   The new Turbo S model comes with a 180-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder, freer-flowing exhaust and a six-speed manual ... MORE

Transmission fix might benefit from a pro's touch: Q: Recently I purchased a 1987 Dodge Dakota pickup truck with 110,000 miles, a 3.9-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission. The previous owner of the truck said the transmission was inspected and the main shaft was replaced. Now, a ... MORE

Chrysler says small changes to engine and vehicle add up to fuel efficiency: Chrysler Group researchers are using a series of small steps in engineering to produce a giant leap in fuel efficiency that could benefit consumers in the not-too-distant future.   With a series of engineering changes to Chrysler's standard ... MORE

Benz builds an instant classic: Rarely do we see a set of wheels as classy and sassy as the SL500 from Mercedes-Benz. Add the upgrades from performance partner AMG and copies become even fewer and farther between.   Like some kind of plaything for a latter-day Gatsby, the ... MORE

Boxster has midengine performance, concept-car styling: Recalling the spirit, emotion and design of classic Porsche race cars such as the 550 Spyder of the 1950s and RSKs of the 1960s, Porsche introduced the Boxster during the 1998 model year to rave reviews.   With over 42,000 sold since its ... MORE

Cadillac marks end of an era: Cadillac says bye-bye, adios, see you later, to the Eldorado with the 2002 model.   Eldorado has given Cadillac many milestones and memorable moments, but alas, it's time for retirement. It all started 49 years ago with the handcrafted 1953 ... MORE

Monte Carlo shows dual personality: Vehicle sophistication and race-inspired handling — two different cars? Nope. One car, one nameplate: Chevrolet Monte Carlo coupe.   As a thriving survivor in a segment once clogged with competitors, the "Monte" as it is affectionately ... MORE

Only classic cars are an investment: Although the car still has 14,000 miles remaining on the factory warranty, are cars such as this one a good investment? What does "program" really mean? J.B., Cary   A: You should be commended for doing your homework. However, no car ... MORE