January 2020

2020 Jaguar I-Pace — Better than a Tesla, but lacking cult-like status

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 1, 2020) Until recently, if you wanted a luxury electric crossover utility vehicle, your choice was limited to one: Tesla Model X. However, now both Porsche and Audi have introduced luxury EVs, and Jaguar has been selling its I-Pace, tested here, since the 2019 model year.

The 2020 I-Pace is a sleek, sharp-looking, five-passenger crossover that runs on a pair of electric motors, powered by a 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody a beast among muscle cars

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 31, 2020) At a time when some automakers are giving up on sedans or least pushing their SUVs/crossovers to buyers seeking family transportation, Dodge seems to be taking a different approach.

Since bringing back its famed Charger as a 2006 five-passenger large sedan after killing off the coupe version in 1987, the automaker has expanded the Charger portfolio from two versions (SE and R/T) to five trim levels for 2020 with the outrageous 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat sitting at the top of the class.

Research shows that owners of high-status cars on collision course with traffic

(January 31, 2020) HELSINKI, Finland — Research shows that owners of high-status cars are on a collision course with traffic. Why do BMW and Audi owners often seem to drive like idiots? Is it the car that makes them behave aggressively behind the wheel, or are specific types of people drawn to such cars as well being more likely to break traffic regulations? New research at the University of Helsinki in Finland provides some answers.

GasBuddy finds in new study nearly 40% of Americans overpay for gas

(January 31, 2020) BOSTON — While American households are expected to spend nearly $2,000 on fuel in 2020, families can fork out an additional $200 more on gas per year if they aren’t careful, according to a new study released by GasBuddy, the smartphone app helping consumers avoid paying full price for fuel.

The study finds that 37% of Americans are already overpaying for gasoline, with more than 50% of drivers in Phoenix; Columbus, Ohio; and Los Angeles most frequently wasting money at the gas pumps.

2020 Jeep Compass — Jeep heritage in a compact crossover

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 30, 2020) All new for the 2017 model year, the second-generation Jeep Compass is decidedly more upmarket than the vehicle it replaces. Slotted between the subcompact Jeep Renegade and compact Jeep Cherokee, the Compass – with looks that mimic the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee – is, in our opinion, the better looker.

Rising gas stocks put downward pressure on January pump prices

(January 28, 2020) The national gas price average is $2.51, which is three cents cheaper than last week, four cents less than last month, and 25 cents more than a year ago. Gas prices have continued to drop over the last week as gasoline stocks grew again, measuring at 260 million bbl – the highest stock level ever recorded by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) since it began recording the data in 1990, according to weekly statistics compiled by AAA.

2020 Hyundai Venue — Skip the used car and buy this

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 24, 2020) The auto industry is always riding the wave of change especially when it comes to the car buying public and their insatiable appetite for crossover utility vehicles. And, here’s a brand new one, the entry-level Hyundai Venue. With it, the South Korean brand is chasing after younger buyers, enticing them to buy a new car with a roomy interior, advanced safety features and a great warranty all for about what you’d spend for a three- or four-year-old Toyota or Honda.

Gas prices dropping with temperatures across country

(January 22, 2020) The national gas price average is $2.54, which is three cents cheaper than last week, a penny less than last month, yet 30-cents more than a year ago. Gas prices edged cheaper in the last week as gasoline stocks grew, measuring at 258 million a barrel, a stock level not recorded by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) in nearly a year.

2020 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 delivers fun drive in eye-catching package

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 22, 2020) Despite an impressive appearance and refreshing for the 2017 model year, Infiniti’s Q60 small luxury sports coupe doesn’t get the respect it deserves from critics who generally give higher marks in their reviews to its mostly Teutonic competitors.

Toyota top automobile company on Fortune Magazine's 'Most Admired' list

(January 22, 2020) PLANO, Texas — Toyota was ranked the No. 1 motor vehicle company for the sixth consecutive year on Fortune Magazine’s 2020 “World’s Most Admired Companies” annual ranking. Fortune also recognized Toyota as No. 30 among the Top 50 “All-Star” companies surveyed, which included companies from various industries. The only other automobile company among the Top 50 is BMW, which ranked No. 32.