By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(September 19, 2019) Back in 1993, taking notice of the growing interest of sport utility vehicles in the U.S., Honda introduced their first SUV, called the Passport. That first Passport was absent any Honda DNA and was actually a badge engineered version of the now defunct Isuzu Rodeo, a mid-sized SUV.

The Passport was built in Lafayette, Ind., by Subaru Isuzu Automotive between 1994 and 2002 and was subsequently discontinued, giving way to the Honda-engineered Pilot.

(September 19, 2019) ATLANTA — Whether a new-car shopper's motivation for buying an electric vehicle (EV) is environmental, political or financial, choices abound now more than ever before in the marketplace. With more than 50 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric vehicle (BEV) models available today, many new-car shoppers need help navigating the terms to master and information to digest among the choices in this continuously growing vehicle category.

(September 18, 2019) NORTH TUSTIN, Calif. –– Automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific has announced the 2019 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA), recognizing vehicles that best meet owners expectations for the product. The 2019 awards are based on responses from more than 50,000 owners of new vehicles across all major manufacturers.

Based solely on owner input, AutoPacific IVAs measure the fusion between owner expectations and reality.

(September 17, 2019) On the week, the national gas price average held steady at $2.56, but motorists can expect some volatility at the pump in the coming days and weeks. Over the weekend, Saudi Arabia experienced drone attacks on two major oil facilities — including the world’s largest, Abqaiq. The attacks have taken 5.7 million (crude) barrels per day off the market, accounting for about 6% of the global supply, according to AAA.

(September 16, 2019) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — A new survey from Volvo Car USA and The Harris Poll revealed that American parents believe the roads today have never been more dangerous for families. More than six in ten parents believe it is harder to keep children safe while driving than it was two years ago, while more than nine in ten believe too many people drive recklessly and endanger families on the road.

(September 13, 2019) ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s going to cost more for those looking to buy a new car this year. Finance costs on new car purchases have jumped 24% in 2019, according to new AAA research, pushing the average annual cost of vehicle ownership to $9,282, or $773.50 a month. That’s the highest cost associated with new vehicle ownership since AAA began tracking expenses in 1950 and a reminder that the true costs of owning a vehicle extend far beyond maintenance and fuel.

(September 11, 2019) IRVINE, Calif. — Whether you're on the hunt for a bargain on an outgoing model or eagerly anticipating the hottest new car to come, now is an exciting time to be car shopping. Kelley Blue Book recently examined the marketplace and uncovered which 2019 models are heading into retirement, and which all-new and redesigned vehicles are worth the wait and set to make a splash for 2020.

"Now is a great time to score a deal on one of the models calling it quits for 2019," said Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book.

(September 11, 2019) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Shoppers feeling the pinch from rising new car prices could find more ways to stretch their dollars by turning to the used car market, according to the latest Used Vehicle Report released by the car shopping experts at Edmunds.

In the second quarter of this year, car shoppers could have saved $14,443 on average if they purchased a 3-year-old used vehicle instead of its new equivalent.