News & Features
Tire saver: Tips to get more for less on your next set of wheels
If you're cutting corners by canceling cable or clipping coupons, it might seem natural to skip replacing your tires, too. Don't. Worn treads can be dangerous, especially when they lose their grip as you're trying to brake or steer around danger. Here are some tips on how to get the most for your money when shopping for replacements.
Auto Review: 2010 BMW 650i convertible is a grand tourer
The model year on the BMW 650i is 2010, but this lengthy, smooth-riding, luxury coupe and convertible feel a bit like yesteryear.
Seattle's love for 'green' cars pays off as the technology goes mainstream
Rich Costello works in Carkeek Park with one of the city's Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. (Photo by Barry Gibbons) For electric vehicle proponents, Seattle is a great place to be. The...
To bring the love to their cars, auto designers put on a happy face
Even with all the bad news that has pounded the auto industry, carmakers are trying to put on happy faces. Literally: They are incorporating smiles and other cheerful characteristics into their designs, with hope that consumers will warm to vehicles that might reflect their own personalities and feelings.
Auto Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox SUV refined, stylish
Chevrolet's sport utility vehicle named for the first day of spring had a rebirth this year, and the resulting 2010 Equinox is the best ever. A crossover SUV that's based on a car-like chassis, the Equinox has stylish new looks, a refined ride, handsome interior and new, more fuel efficient engines.
Tech boom: The Seattle Auto Show will highlight a surge in eco-friendly technology
This year's Seattle Auto Show, which opens Wednesday at Qwest Field Event Center, will feature a wide variety of "green" innovations appearing for the first time.
Tax rush: There's still time to cash in with three ways to save on autos in 2009
Missed out on the "cash for clunkers" program? Uncle Sam still has a few bones to throw your way if you buy a car before the end of the year. Tax credits and deductions are available on new-car purchases made before Dec. 31.
Auto Review: Audi's performance S4 drops its V-8 for 2010
You don't see this very often: a car company dropping a V-8 engine from a performance car and replacing it with a V-6. But German automaker Audi does it in its 2010 S4 compact sedan. The move creates a more fuel-efficient vehicle during these times of concern for the environment and oil supplies, and it brings the price to an attractive midway point for buyers of compact, luxury sedans who want a sporty edge.
Home improvement: Tackling auto restoration allows you to make a classic your own
For longtime car junkies or collectors with an appreciation for older cars, restoring one yourself can be a rewarding endeavor. Those experienced in the process recommend taking time to research the car you want to purchase, then learning the process and planning your budget. If you decide to go for it, the project and finished car can be cherished for years.
Hydrogen holds on: Some automakers continue to see fuel cells in future green cars
Even as automakers fast-track battery-powered electric and hybrid vehicles, a quiet push for hydrogen power continues. Supporters see the fuel cell becoming a mainstream, eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-powered cars within the next decade.
Auto Review: Iconic VW Golf revised for sixth generation
The sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf, heralded by European automotive media as World Car of the Year, finally comes to U.S. showrooms this fall and instantly is the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid compact car for 2010.
Time to rally: A road race through Mexico provides no shortage of twists and turns
Seattle track-driving instructor Steve Schaeffer finds himself riding shotgun in a whirlwind seven-day rally race covering nearly 1,800 miles from southern Mexico to the U.S. border.
Auto Review: Best-selling Lexus still refined, quiet
The 2010 Lexus RX sport utility vehicle is a bit bigger and heavier than its predecessor, quieter, a tad more fuel efficient and has more features. But the things people see first, such as exterior and interior styling, stay true to the popular, previous-generation model. The refined ride is still there, too.
What to know for snow: Get your auto ready for the worst of winter weather
Many Seattleites were caught off-guard by last December's storms. This year, don't let winter get the best of your vehicle. Here are five areas to focus on when preparing your car for the onset of harsh conditions.
Auto Review: Mazdaspeed3 is a hot, youthful hatchback
With new exterior styling, a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that puts out as much horsepower as some V-6s, a "hot hatch" body shape and sport-tuned suspension, the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is a fun-to-drive, youthful, five-passenger auto.
All-weather riding: Stay safe on your motorcycle or scooter this fall and winter
When it comes to riding a motorcycle in inclement weather, the right equipment is critical, but good judgment and safe riding skills are just as important. Dave Wendell, who has been teaching motorcycle safety classes for 22 years, offers a few tips for fall and winter riding.
What's in store: New models and major changes for 2010
Peruse a roundup of the details of the 2010 model year, carmaker by carmaker.
Auto Review: Lexus raises the roof with IS convertibles for 2010
The new-for-2010 Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C are convertibles and the first open-top models in the IS line. With styling reminiscent of the IS sedans, a power-operated hardtop roof that opens or closes in a scant 20 seconds, seats for four, V-6 engines and lots of features, the new convertibles are easy transporters that provide a bonus -- a suntan.
Go-karts grow up: Kent's new racetrack lets racers satisfy their need for speed
Zach McIntosh, 14, and Krystian Portmann, 13, of Maple Valley, are typical of teenage adrenaline junkies. That's why a recent Saturday afternoon found them suiting up at Pacific Grand Prix (PGP) at Pacific Raceways, anxious to test out Kent's newest outdoor karting track.
Restoring luxury: Cadillac's success is key to GM's revival
When General Motors' top executives were choosing this year which brands to keep and which to ditch, the iconic Cadillac was unquestionably deemed a valuable asset that should be part of the new GM.
Auto Review: Toyota Prius stays on top in mileage
There's a little something extra for car buyers who have their hearts set on top fuel mileage in the Toyota Prius. But they'd better not get tired of the car's wedge shape.
Helping hand: Agents such as the Amazing Autowoman take pressure off car buyers
Heidi Hough is so good at buying cars that she does it for a living. Also known as the Amazing Autowoman, she is a buyer's agent: the person people go to when they would rather have someone else buy their car for them. Buyer's agents are licensed as dealers and can cover almost any aspect of auto buying, including new and used vehicles, leasing and financing options.
Test drive: Take your dream car around the track from the comfort of your couch
Want to see if that 2010 model you have your eye on could race in Le Mans? The next installment of Microsoft's flagship racing franchise could give you a clue.
Auto Review: Subaru's 2010 Legacy low in price, tops in mileage
Subaru's Legacy mid-size sedan grew for 2010, but its price tag didn't. In fact, the newly styled and enlarged five-passenger Legacy ranks as the lowest-priced, mid-size, all-wheel drive sedan on the U.S. market, and is also noteworthy for its fuel mileage rating.
All-star cars: Take your team spirit to the streets with a well-decorated ride
If you're a Seattle sports fan, then there's a good chance that your vehicle is wearing a bumper sticker, decal, flag or antenna ball. To a certain class of local folks, however, that level of devotion is, well, minor league.
Staying fresh: U.S. automakers are trying to turn out new models faster than ever
Trying to stimulate demand and return to profitability, Detroit automakers are rushing to get new models into dealerships. Developing new vehicles can take several years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, a process that adds more costs at a time when all three Detroit carmakers have dwindling cash reserves. Yet with so many brands to choose from, and with technology rapidly changing, analysts say that automakers cannot afford to let vehicles go stale.
Auto Review: Jaguar's fastest XF handsome, seductive, powerful
The 2010 Jaguar XFR is what a Jaguar should be -- sleek, fast and handsome. It's also seductive, with a 510-horsepower, supercharged and intercooled V-8 and constantly adjustable chassis serving up a ride that's both smooth and thrilling.
Matchbox nation: Move over, road hogs -- small cars are more popular than ever
The small car has made a comeback, and there's no sign of consumers or automakers turning from the trend.
Choices, choices: A guide to sorting out the overwhelming variety of 'green' cars
Automakers are working full-throttle to get electric vehicles on the market. But there are differences in the technology that's available. The systems, or powertrains, that drive hybrid and plug-in vehicles use electricity generated by batteries and electric motors to either supplement or largely take the place of internal-combustion engines. Here's a look at how the most common systems compare.
Auto Review: Acura adds V-6 to TSX sedan for first time
What can be wrong with a car that's a Consumer Reports' recommended buy, earns top crash test ratings, delivers commendable fuel economy and is competitively priced? If the car is in the compact luxury sedan class, it better offer a six-cylinder engine in order to be considered a real contender. This is a key reason why Honda's luxury brand, Acura, adds a V-6 to its TSX for the first time in history.
Let's get along: Tips for drivers dealing with Seattle's mass-transit boom
Light rail, the streetcar and good old Joe Metro: Public transportation is hotter than this summer's heat wave, and Seattle is leading the country in ridership growth. This all looks great on paper, but the view from where many of us are sitting -- in our cars, stuck in traffic, yielding to everything not on four wheels -- is increasingly complicated. Here are some tips for sharing the road.
From guzzle to sip: Three tips for saving on fuel costs with your next car
There's one rule that all car owners learn, usually the hard way: Cheap gas doesn't stay cheap. So if you're counting on your next car to save you money on gas, there are some shopping strategies and new technologies that can help you reach that goal. Here are three tips to keep in mind.
Auto Review: Ford Taurus gets styling and technology makeover
Just about everything that a car buyer can see, touch and feel is changed for the 2010 Ford Taurus, and it's a good thing. From the new styling lines outside to the sizable center stack of controls in the middle of the dashboard inside, the new Taurus is tastefully upgraded as a near-premium large sedan. Even better, it offers so many safety features usually reserved for luxury cars, it sets a new safety benchmark for mainstream family size sedans.
Clean machine: VW Jetta leads a new breed of diesel autos onto American shores
Dirty and loud, smelly and unreliable: That's how many Americans remember diesel-powered cars from the 1970s, when oil shortages prompted automakers to produce a bevy of the more fuel-efficient vehicles. The bad rap that diesel engines received caused them to virtually disappear from the U.S. car market by 1980, aside from some trucks and Volkswagen models. That, however, may be about to change.
Clunkers or classics? Museum pieces they aren't, but these models had their moment
Posterity will probably not be so kind to the mass-market vehicles of the 1980s and early '90s. But do any hold the potential to become keepsakes, or is it just as well that pretty soon more than a million will have been crushed and shredded under the "cash for clunkers" program?
Auto Review: Acura adds better-mileage, two-wheel drive SUV
In the search for fuel efficiency, Americans today are scrutinizing even smaller sport utility vehicles that have four-cylinder engines. So it's no wonder that Acura adds a two-wheel drive version of its RDX compact SUV for 2010.
Car stars: 'Pinks All Out' races into town, bringing fame and fortune
Drag racing highs and lows happened en masse Aug. 15 at Pacific Raceways in Kent during the filming of a Pacific Northwest edition of the Speed Channel's hit TV show "Pinks All Out." More than 450 amateur drivers took part in the races, getting a chance to burn rubber in front of a national television audience and win $18,000 in cash and tools.
Youth movement: Ford hypes Fiesta by letting young drivers spread the word online
In an unusual marketing move, Ford has given 100 Fiestas to young drivers nationwide -- including three in Seattle -- for six months, counting on them to blog about the small, distinctively shaped sedans and take them places where they can be seen.
Auto Review: Top-mileage hybrid sedans are Fords
The top gasoline-electric hybrid sedans for fuel mileage aren't Hondas or Toyotas. That honor goes to the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its sibling 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid. The federal government rates the newly revamped, five-passenger Fusion and Milan Hybrids at 41 miles per gallon in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway, leading to an average city/highway mileage of 39 mpg.
My car, myself: Our cars say a lot about us -- even if it's not the obvious message
If you've met someone whose car, at first glance, seems like a mismatch, don't laugh too hard. Once you get to know such a person, you may find more of a connection than you originally thought.
Classic Chevy show at Issaquah drive-in restaurant Aug. 16
Two trademarks of 1950s America, classic cars and the old-fashioned soda joint, will be on display Aug. 16 in Issaquah for the world's largest Tri-5 Chevy Show. at the XXX Root Beer Drive-in.
New frontiers: Indy star Danica Patrick mulls her options -- could NASCAR be next?
With Danica Patrick's Indy Racing League contract with team Andretti Green expiring after this season, the question so often on the lips of motor racing fans is: Where will she be a year from now?
Auto Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro not just a throwback
Hope you're not tired of retro-styled cars just yet because one of the best just arrived in showrooms. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is a visual rendition of the 1969 Camaro but with a sinister flair provided by bulging fenders and large wheels. A windshield and side windows give passengers the feel of being behind gun slits in a military vehicle.
Ten seconds of fame: Hot-rod drivers rev up as 'Pinks All Out' comes to town
Zac Cain, a 25-year-old from Port Angeles, is putting the final touches on his restored 1983 Camaro Z28 in preparation for what will be the climax of his amateur drag racing career: an appearance on the Speed Channel TV show "Pinks All Out." He will join more than 450 area drivers Aug. 14-15 at Pacific Raceways in Kent to compete for $18,000 in prize money and tools.
Green for 'green': A high school team aims for the $10 million Automotive X Prize
A multimillion-dollar contest to create fuel-efficient cars is not just a lark for inventors -- it could reveal the future of an industry moving toward "green" thinking. More than 100 teams are vying to win the $10 million Progressive Automotive X Prize for environmentally friendly, production-ready vehicles that finish a long-distance stage race and get the equivalent of at least 100 mpg. An unlikely top prospect is a team of inner-city students from West Philadelphia.
Auto review: Subaru Forester among few vehicles setting records
The Honda CR-V hasn't done it. The Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson also have been unable to boost sales this year over last year's levels. But the Subaru Forester crossover sport utility vehicle, which debuted months ago as an early 2010 model, is setting sales records. The reason for its appeal? The Forester is a practical, rational purchase in a time of economic uncertainty. Shoppers who want value find the five-door, five-passenger SUV is right-sized -- not too big and not too small.
Old souls: Will the once-popular Fiat find love again upon its return to the U.S.?
Baby boomers may recall seeing Fiats buzzing around local streets back in the '60s and '70s. But in the mid-'80s, Fiat abruptly pulled out of the U.S. market. Now, having acquired a 35 percent stake in Chrysler, Fiat will be returning to the States within a year or two. What was it that compelled Americans to buy Fiats back in the company's heyday? And will those same traits -- if they're still evident -- lure a new cadre of buyers?
Free thinker: Rinspeed's annual over-the-top concept car showcases divine design
When Frank M. Rinderknecht was 18, he wanted nothing more than a car that nobody else had. So he fixed one up himself. Soon he gave up his college studies and made a full-time job out of souping up inexpensive but bland European brands by founding a car-customization company, Rinspeed. More than 30 years later, the firm is turning out outlandish concepts each year.
Auto review: Kia replaces Spectra with more refined Forte
Kia's newest car, the 2010 Forte, is a convincing alternative for small sedan shoppers who feel the Toyota Corolla has gotten too pricey and the Honda Civic is too ordinary.
An impulse buy lets a regular Joe into the secret world of car collectors
The Cream Puff. (Sean O'Connor) The truth is, I was on the rebound when I fell in love with the Cream Puff -- a butter-yellow 1974 Jaguar XJ6L whose chrome...
Auto Review: Stretching the hybrid: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado
This photo provided by General Motors shows the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid pickup truck. (AP Photo/General Motors) Maybe there should be a movie called "Honey, I Grew the Hybrid." While...
Retro on a dime: Three pros pick the top classic cars for under $25,000
Nostalgic car lovers may hanker for a Concours-winning Bugatti or a Gatsby-era Packard, but the pleasures of owning a special car can be attained for a much smaller investment than those precious classics would require. In fact, there are many vehicles in the lower price brackets -- less than the average new family sedan -- worth considering.
Summer Driving Series Part 5: Road trip dream cars
A BMW Z-4 is just one of the high-end cars you can rent from Aero Rent-A-Car in Redmond. (Cody Ellerd) It serves its purpose of getting you from point A...
Controlled chaos: Let your inner stuntman skid at a weekend driving course
You know you've always wanted to do this. Instead of struggling with the back and forth of parallel parking, you just skid into the space nose first, sliding perfectly between the cars on either side. Then you, Mr. Bond, brush off your tux and coolly walk away. It's possible. At least it is on a closed course in a specially outfitted car with a stunt-driving instructor riding shotgun.
Auto Review: A car for the economy: 2009 Nissan Versa 1.6
This undated photo provided by Nissan shows the 2009 Nissan Versa 1.6. (AP Photo/Nissan) Give carmaker Nissan credit for offering shoppers a deal. Just as the U.S. economy was taking...
Summer Driving Series Part 3: Road trip toys
Katie Miller Whether you're into iPods and GPS devices or atlases and radio surfing, we have the gear you need to outfit your rig for your next road trip If...
Summer Driving Series Part 2: New convertibles let the sunshine in
The good news is that there are plenty of great convertibles on the market now, some of them quite affordable. The even better news is that, even though convertible weather is upon us, several new models feature a fold-down hard top. When it's in the raised position, it creates a car that is just like a regular coupe -- sealed off from the elements so it's a practical vehicle for year-round use in any kind of weather.
Auto Review: Infiniti's 2009 G37 Coupe adds all-wheel drive
This Oct. 1, 2008 photo, provided by Nissan Infinity, shows the 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe on the road Napa, Calif. (AP Photo/Nissan Infinity) What's an auto company to do with...
Summer Driving Series Part 1: For the love of cars
The Valley in Auburn is one of only two drive-in theaters left in the area. (Photo by Cody Ellerd) Summer means road trips. And while our cars are, by definition,...
Truck nouveau: Fuel-efficient, storage-laden, gadget-happy pickups work hard
Even as gas prices and the economy fluctuate, automakers are not giving up just yet on what have been among their best-selling and most-profitable models -- full-size pickup trucks.
Auto Review: Audi's smaller SUV makes downsizing appealing
This 2007 photo, provided by Audi, shows the 2009 Audi Q5. (AP Photo/Audi) Luxury sport utility owners looking to downsize and reduce their gasoline bills will find the move appealing...
Garage guy: For car collector Ed Johnson, a regular garage wasn't quite enough
Ed and Tanya Johnson in their 4,000-square-foot garage near Poulsbo that's part showroom, part work shop. (Photo by Jeff Layton) Walking into Ed Johnson's 1950s-themed garage is like suddenly stepping...
Coming through America: A group of Model T Fords rolls into Seattle in July
Last week, Virginia resident Dennis Fleming embarked -- with his black 1913 Model T Ford, wife Martha, 46, and daughter Katie, 21 -- on a 30-day trek from New York City to Seattle. Fleming's vehicle will be one of 55 Model T's on the drive, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the New York-to-Seattle Endurance Run, a Model T race in 1909 that lasted 22 days and covered 4,106 miles. This year's trek will take the procession through 12 states, ending July 12 on the University of Washington campus in Seattle.
Auto Review: Finally, VW adds V-6 TDI to the Touareg
This undated photo, provided by Volkswagen, shows the 2009 VW Touareg TDI. (AP Photo/VW) Volkswagen's 2009 Touareg V-6 TDI is a perfect example of why it can pay to wait...
Women's work: The Piston Packin' Mamas love their hot rods through thick and thin
The Piston Packin' Mamas (left to right): Fritz, Beverly Nelson, Monique Aranjo, Kim Kalliber, Melissa Reese, Majenta, prospective member Alicia Sigala and Ginger Rivera. (Photo by Cody Ellerd) Hot rods...
Automakers are busy designing electric cars, but who's making the batteries?
At January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, nearly every major automaker, including General Motors, Ford and Toyota, announced plans to develop more electric vehicles. But amid all the chatter about charging times, range and 0-to-60 speeds, an essential business question is emerging. Many industry experts say it could utterly change the complexion of the auto business: Who makes the battery?
Auto Review: Mini Cooper: Small convertible with small price
This photo, provided by BMW Group, shows the 2009 Mini Cooper convertible. (AP Photo/BMW Group) The 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible is fun to drive, efficiently packaged and cute. But more...
'Natural' gas: WWU students hope their cow manure fuel technology will go far
The Viking 32, built by students and faculty at Western Washington University, runs on biofuel. (Photo by Cody Ellerd) Dung, manure, cow pies, cow power, biogas, biomethane, "natural" gas --...
Cost-conscious: Ultraluxury auto brands are rolling out 'more affordable' models
Exotic brands are trying to sell in higher volumes in order to meet the costly demands of developing new technology. To entice buyers away from more mainstream makes, the top-end automakers increasingly are providing more affordable and practical offerings.
Auto Review: 2009 Ford Flex is no look-alike crossover SUV
This June 9, 2008 photo provided by Ford Motor Co. shows the 2009 Ford Flex vehicle overlooking the Pacific in southern California. (AP Photo/Ford Motor Co., Sam VarnHagen) People love...
Team Seattle enters next weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans race with a familiar face
Team Seattle's Ferrari 430 GT gets assembled in Milan, Italy, by Advanced Engineering. The team also has an identical practice version of the car. (Photo by Cold Track Days) Wearing...
Your best test: Make the most of your test-drive by taking it for a full spin
While you probably don't spend much time under the hood (or under the car), one thing you likely do a lot is drive. So when shopping for a new car, give it a good test drive. But don't just drive around the block -- put it through all the paces you'd put your own car through. Here are several things to look for when you take that prospective new car out for a spin.
Auto Review: Ugly is cool and practical in newest Kia
This undated photo, provided by Kia Motors, shows the 2010 Kia Soul. (AP Photo/Kia Motors If the name of Kia's new car -- the Soul -- isn't memorable enough, the...
A stand out: The versatile Sprinter van fills a niche for small-business owners
Dale Clark, owner of Angle Lake Cyclery, says he can load 24 bikes into his Sprinter van. (Photo by Scott McCredie) The name Mercedes-Benz oozes refinement and exclusivity -- sumptuous...
Oil barren: 'Hypermilers' pull out all the stops to achieve ultimate fuel economy
Right after Sept. 11, 2001, Wayne Gerdes of Chicago went on a mission, deciding to do his part to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil by saving fuel. He coined the term "hypermiling" to describe the quest to exceed (in many cases by a wide margin) a vehicle's fuel-economy rating. Now, Gerdes routinely gets about double the Environmental Protection Agency's estimated rating in his Honda Accord and shares his techniques on his Web site, CleanMPG.com. "It's my passion," says Gerdes. "If it wasn't my passion, it wouldn't be worth it."
Auto Review: Biggest Mercedes SUV is a fuel sipper
This undated photo, provided by Mercedes-Benz, shows the German automaker's 2009 GL320 SUV. (AP Photo/Mercedes-Benz) Finally, there's a large, seven-passenger sport utility vehicle that has a higher fuel mileage rating...
Auto Review: Chevrolet's mid-size hybrid car helps many causes
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (right) and Robert Bothfeld of General Motors stand with a Chevy Malibu Hybrid, as the Mayor's office announces the deployment of cleaner, greener vehicles...
A local family's summer project will soon be rolling into dealerships
EMC3 is a family affair for David Joner, daughter Marissa Joner, Linda Joner, son Cody Joner, and daughter Becky Marker. (Photo by Scott McCredie) Four years ago, Bellevue resident David...
Tesla announces showroom in Seattle
The Tesla Roadster, in its first appearance in the area, zooms by a crowd in Bellevue last year. (Steve Ringman/The Seattle Times) After hitting a slick patch and nearly sliding...
Sky-high: With the testing of a flying car, are we closer to the ultimate hybrid?
In the 1974 James Bond film "The Man With the Golden Gun," the evil title character, Francisco Scaramanga, eludes Agent 007 by attaching a jet engine, wings and tail assembly to his AMC Matador Coupe and flying away. It's Hollywood, of course. But the idea of a flying car has long gripped the imagination of a gridlocked public. With the Terrafugia Transition's successful -- if brief -- test flight this spring, the dream may be getting closer to reality.
Out of the box: Nissan's Cube plays up looks and gadgets to entice young drivers
It's the newest gotta-have-it gadget. At least, that's the message Nissan hopes to send young buyers as it launches the Cube this month. The car is the latest example of a vehicle -- like the Mini Cooper and Kia Soul -- that aims to attract drivers with its design rather than traditional attributes such as mileage or safety ratings. And the main people Nissan is targeting with the Cube are "Millennials" -- people ages 18-24.
Coming to life: How one concept car was born and what it may be when it grows up
The Lincoln C concept is introduced at the Detroit auto show in January. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press) LOS ANGELES -- The paint on the wheels wasn't dark enough. The...
Auto Review: Just off the streets of Tokyo: Nissan Cube
This undated photo, provided by Nissan, shows the 2009 Nissan Cube. (AP Photo/Nissan) Finally, Americans can buy a car that looks like it was imported directly from the streets of...
Auto Review: Audi's entry car good, except for price
This undated photo, provided by Audi, shows the 2009 Audi A3. (AP Photo/Audi) Audi's A3 entry-level car is small, but not too small. It's a premium European model but not...
Meet the NEVs: Compact, quiet Neighborhood Electric Vehicles are moving in
You may have spotted one on the road: a micro-sized, slow-moving, nearly silent car, about as tall as a Mini Cooper, but shorter. It's an NEV -- a relatively...
Motorcycle lite: Looking for a two-wheeled ride? Think outside the big-engine box
The big trend in motorcycles this year is to go small, allowing more people to buy in a poor economy and saving riders plenty at the pump. Motorcycle makers showcased cheaper and more fuel-efficient models at the nation's premier motorcycle show -- the International Motorcycle Show, held in Manhattan in January -- and scooters stole the show.
Career shift: Local auto technician programs are growing and overflowing
The students now enrolling in automotive training programs are filling the Seattle area's community colleges and vocational schools beyond capacity, and the timing suggests that, yes, it's the economy. The median hourly wage of auto technicians and mechanics in Washington is $19.31, or around $37,000 annually, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department. And with consumers now keeping their old cars longer before buying new ones, these workers' services are in demand.
Bumper stickers are funny, political and weird -- and growing more rare
Illustration by Amber Tafoya For decades, drivers have used their bumpers as moving billboards. Bumper stickers show our political leanings, our religious affiliations, where we've vacationed and what type of...
Auto Review: Mazda MX-5 Miata still fun after all these years
This undated photo, provided by Mazda, shows the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster. (AP Photo/Mazda, Guy Spangenberg) The cute little Mazda MX-5 Miata isn't the lowest-priced roadster in America anymore....
Mr. Thunderbird: A local restorer is the go-to guy for fixing up classic T-birds
Frank Stubbs looks over a Thunderbird in his shop in Newcastle. (Photo by Jeff Layton) The dull, gray hunk of steel mounted on the lift at an awkward angle could...
Older, wiser: Nissan tries to lure older drivers by rethinking design givens
Nissan's "aging suit" allows designers to better understand the needs of older drivers. (Photo by Junji Kurokawa / Associated Press) ATSUGI, Japan -- To understand what it's like for a...
Auto Review: Hyundai moves from one Genesis to the next
This undated photo, provided by Hyundai, shows the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. (AP Photo/Hyundai) Forget for a moment that the Hyundai Genesis is an affordable luxury sedan that won the...
First in line: For the man with the first Tesla in the state, driving is electric
Issaquah resident Mark Mullet was the first Washington state resident to get a Tesla Roadster. (Photo by Scott McCredie ) Mark Mullet says he was 12 years old when electric...
After more than two decades, Mustang, Camaro and Challenger face off again
Photos: Dodge, Chevrolet, Ford Stoplights will get a lot more interesting this spring. For the first time in 26 years, the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger will face...
X Games, rally car stars Pastrana and Mirra to hold autograph session in Seattle
Travis Pastrana autographs a fan's Subaru at the 100 Acre Wood Rally last month. (Subaru) Subaru Rally Team USA drivers Travis Pastrana, Ken Block and Dave Mirra will hold an...
Auto Review: Volkswagen adds minivan, shared with Chrysler
This undated photo provided by Volkswagen shows the 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivan. (AP Photo/VW) You can't blame Volkswagen officials and dealers for wanting to retain every buyer they can, including...
Classic collection: The autos at the LeMay museum celebrate more than perfection
Vistors tour the LeMay in Tacoma. The extensive car museum is expanding this year. (Photo by Jeff Layton) Tucked away on the grounds of a former military academy in Tacoma...
Rally big show: The popular European racing sport makes a run at America
Tanner Faust and his navigator Christine Beavis prior to the start of a rally race in February. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat / New York Times News Service) SALEM, Mo. --...
Auto Review: Honda undercuts popular Prius with new hybrid
This undated photo provided by Honda shows the 2010 Honda Insight EX. (AP Photo/Honda) Watch out, Toyota Prius. Honda's new gasoline-electric hybrid car has aerodynamic styling like yours but carries...
Electric converts: Area mechanics convert gas-engine cars into all-electric vehicles
Dave Cloud added 21 batteries to Jeff Finn's car to make it all electric. (Photo by Scott McCredie) Let's say you decide to buy the greenest car you can find....
Start me up: New automakers use the green car movement to get in the game
Startup automakers such as California-based Tesla Motors and Fisker Automotive displayed cars at the North American International Auto Show in January, grabbing attention with sleek electric-drive vehicles that combine environmentally friendly chic with sports-car sex appeal. But these upstarts face an uphill road, with more and more challengers entering the green car race.
Auto Review: India's lean Tata Nano delivers the basics for an impressive price
To drive Tata Motors Ltd.'s tiny new Nano is to consider all the things you thought you needed in life but really don't. The $2,200 car was built for frugality but it's no cheap drive.
Lighten up: Whether for calm or customization, interior lighting is a bright idea
The instrument panel on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse features ambient lighting on the gauges, radio and armrest in "Buick blue." (Photo by General Motors) DETROIT -- They're a main style...
Water works: Even in Seattle, rainfall alone won't keep your car totally clean
Brown Bear Car Wash attendant Gerry Saulsman, 78, washes his wife's car for her at the self-service station where he works. (Photo by Cody Ellerd) Summer may be right around...
Auto Review: The Roadster points the way for Tesla Motors
The Tesla Roadster electric car sits parked on a street in New York Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009. Whatever the future holds for Tesla, the Roadster offers a glimpse of what's...
Have a seat: Simple tips for buying the car seat best for you and baby
Deciding on the perfect safety seat for your child can seem like a monumental task. The good news, experts say, is the perfect seat is probably the one you...
Off the grid: Local clubs let you leave the highway and test your off-road skills
PNWX member Charlie Sulcer climbs a rockface near Cliffdell, Wash. (Photo by Mike Vandewall) We who live in the Northwest are not the kind of folks who form friendships at...
Color wheel: When Seattleites pick car colors, we tend to stay neutral
The Toyota Yaris' Absolutely Red, center, is one of the few bright-color favorites in a town more likely to gravitate toward the Subaru Impreza's Sunlight Gold Opal, left, or the...
The savvy consumers of Gen Y hit the showroom with their own set of specifications
Illustration by Katie Miller DETROIT -- You could call them spoiled. Indulged. Pampered. Cosseted. Generation Y, that group of young people who are just starting to earn enough money to...
Big Mini love: Some cars are transportation and some are legend
My first ride in an Austin Mini Cooper, in the summer of 1971, was as memorable as a child's first trip to Disneyland. In fact, there was something Disneyesque...
Sunshine day: Solar panels are the latest trend as cars go for the green
The Fisker Karma's solar panel covers the roof of the luxury plug-in car. (Kiichiro Sato / Associated Press) Even as skies are gray this winter, automakers are looking to sunnier...
Rust in peace: It's hard to let go of a car that's become a part of you
To this day, whenever I come upon an older model red Civic hatchback, I smile and wonder if it's Wanda. I also recall that sad, rainy day we parted ways -- and how I made those who witnessed my tears promise never to tell anyone that I cried over a car.
With your car as a canvas, you can shift your creativity into overdrive
In 1999, Leith Zeutenhorst left her doctor's office reeling from a diagnosis of cancer. She drove her 1983 Ford Fairmont Futura to the car wash, where the paint peeled off in flakes and strips. Returning home, the Camas, Wash., resident found a way to repair the damage with spray paint -- and to express her will to live.
Sit, stay, ride: When you take your dog on the road, be sure to gear up right
In a city where there are 45 percent more dogs than kids, the phrase "Dog is my co-pilot" is more than just a bumper-sticker slogan -- it's a way of life. Seattleites don't just transport their pets to the dog park or the vet; they load them into their cars for shopping trips and road trips, too.
Wheel cover painting contest makes art class a hub of creativity for teens
It's not unusual to see paper, wood or glass used for painting. But wheel covers? Employees at Gentile Automotive Group dropped off 30 Scion hubcaps in early November to the art departments at six high schools in Racine, Wis. Students were asked to decorate the covers for a contest sponsored by Gentile and Scion.
Do-it-yourself father-son team bond while repairing a '91 Camaro
Teen Jamie Walters had a dream car: a Mustang fastback, circa the 1970s. When he was still a year away from getting his driver's license, his mom tossed out an idea: "Find an old junky one and you can fix it up." Jamie and his dad, Jim, had taken on joint projects before, but there had been nothing like this, a father-son adventure that would test their patience - and cement their already strong bond.
Save money and feel empowered with do-it-yourself maintenance
(Illustration by Katie Miller) A funny thing happened on the way to our sputtering economy: Frugal became fabulous. For vehicle owners, that means it's suddenly savvy to pop your...
Seattle gas price trends
Here are the latest gas price trends and historical price charts for Seattle, Washington State and the USA. Latest Seattle gas price trends Seattle Gas Prices Provided by GasBuddy.com Historical gas price...
Cheapest gas prices in Tacoma
Looking to find cheap gas in Tacoma? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you know...
Cheapest gas prices in Redmond
Looking to find cheap gas in Redmond? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you know...
Cheapest gas prices in Northwest Seattle
Looking to find cheap gas in Northwest Seattle? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you...
Cheapest gas prices in Southwest Seattle
Looking to find cheap gas in Southwest Seattle? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you...
Cheapest gas prices in Lynnwood
Looking to find cheap gas in Lynnwood? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you know...
Cheapest gas prices in Southeast Seattle
Looking to find cheap gas in Southeast Seattle? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you...
Cheapest gas prices in Federal Way
Looking to find cheap gas in Federal Way? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you...
Cheapest gas prices in Everett
Looking to find cheap gas in Everett? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you know...
Cheapest gas prices in Renton
Looking to find cheap gas in Renton? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you know...
Cheapest gas prices in Bellevue
Looking to find cheap gas in Bellevue? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you know...
Cheapest gas prices in South Seattle
Looking to find cheap gas in South Seattle? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you...
Cheapest gas prices in Northeast Seattle
Looking to find cheap gas in Northeast Seattle? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you...
Cheapest gas prices in North Seattle
Looking to find cheap gas in North Seattle? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you...
Cheapest gas prices in Central Seattle
Looking to find cheap gas in Central Seattle? Here are the lowest gas prices reported. Use the map to find the cheapest gas stations closest to you. If you...
Want to blog for NWautos?
Are you passionate about cars, saving fuel, going green or another topic related to the vehicles we drive? If you live in the Seattle or greater Puget Sound area...
2008 new and redesigned wagons and vans
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new van...
2008 new and redesigned trucks
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new truck...
2008 new and redesigned sports cars
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Mid-size sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new sports...
2008 new and redesigned coupes
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new coupe...
2008 new and redesigned hybrids
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new hybrid...
2008 new and redesigned fullsize SUVs
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new full-size...
2008 new and redesigned midsize SUVs
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new mid-size...
2008 new and redesigned compact SUVs
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new compact...
2008 new and redesigned fullsize sedans
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new full-size...
2008 new and redesigned midsize sedans
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new midsize...
2008 new and redesigned compact cars
2008 new models by body style Compact cars Midsize sedans Fullsize sedans Compact SUVs Midsize SUVs Fullsize SUVs Hybrids Coupes Sports cars Trucks Wagons/vans Looking for an all-new compact...
Top safety picks of 2008
The Honda Accord was one of 34 cars awarded the Top Safety Pick for 2008. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named 34 vehicles winners of their Top...
