Top Story

AAA says Memorial Day travel to rebound to more than 37 million

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(May 14, 2021) ORLANDO, Fla.  — AAA Travel expects a significant rebound in the number of Americans planning to travel this Memorial Day holiday weekend. From May 27 through May 31, more than 37 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home, an increase of 60% from last year when only 23 million traveled, the lowest on record since AAA began recording in 2000.

First Drive

2021 Toyota Sienna

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PHOENIX — With its completely redesigned Sienna minivan for 2021, Toyota takes a bold new step by making it exclusively a four-cylinder hybrid through all five trim levels — LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum and our tested mid-level XSE. As a hybrid, the Sienna is the most fuel-efficient minivan in America with a combined EPA fuel rating of 36 mpg. By comparison, the 2021 Honda Odyssey minivan gets 22 mpg in city-highway combined.

2022 Hyundai Tucson

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TUCSON, Ariz. — Hyundai made a big deal out the introduction of its all-new, fourth-generation Tucson SUV introduced to the automotive media last week in where else but Tucson, Ariz. The outgoing Tucson while in itself a decent and credible compact crossover utility vehicle never gained the traction and sales against newer and more popular crossover competitors like the Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V.

2022 Acura MDX

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PHOENIX — The Acura MDX is one of the first 2022 models to arrive in showrooms. And just about everything in this fourth-generation three-row crossover is brand new. Acura is Honda’s premium brand, and has been around since 1986. The popular MDX was first introduced for 2001, and Acura says the new model is in an entirely new class. Changes start with the exterior styling, and continue to the all-new ultra-rigid platform with an MDX-first double-wishbone front suspension, new technology, and more space for people and gear.

Vehicle of the Week

2021 Kia K5 GT — Satisfying performance

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By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

(May 9, 2021) Auto buyers who still think a mid-sized sedan is an excellent purchase and who are also fans of performance and who usually opt for a brand's higher horsepower version, might look to Kia for their next car. We think the new 2021 Kia K5 should be on everyone's sedan shopping list — especially those who value 0-to-60 time in the 5-second range. The Kia has an outstanding 290-horsepower variant labeled the GT that we found much to our liking.

Here's the Thing

Gas prices hit $3 per gallon average for first time since 2014

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(May 13, 2021) BOSTON —The national average price of gasoline has passed the $3 per gallon mark, according to GasBuddy, the travel and navigation app. This is a milestone not seen since David Letterman still hosted Late Night, Pharrell’s hat was introduced to the world, and Kim and Kanye got hitched.

Gas prices up six cents; likely to climb higher with pipeline shutdown

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(May 11, 2012) WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the week, the national gas price average jumped six cents to $2.96. If the trend continues, an increase of three more cents would make the national average the most expensive since November 2014  —  the last time we saw average prices at $2.99 and higher. AAA forecasts gas prices to climb this week in reaction to the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, which delivers approximately 45% of all fuel to the East Coast.

Kelley Blue Book — Now is perfect time to sell or trade your car

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(May 10, 2021) IRVINE, Calif. — If you have been considering selling or trading in your car anytime soon, now is the time to get serious. With low vehicle inventory on dealership lots, increased car-shopper demand and resulting high prices, the market conditions are prime for peak consumer profit for people selling their vehicle, according to Kelley Blue Book.

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Inside the Industry

2021 Acura TLX Type S makes public debut at IMSA race at Mid-Ohio

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(May 14, 2021) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura’s all-new and highly anticipated 2021 TLX Type S will make its public debut as the official pace car for the Acura Sports Car Challenge Presented by the TLX Type S today through Sunday, at the legendary Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Sporting a Type S-exclusive color of Tiger Eye Pearl, the turbocharged TLX Type S will lead the field to the green flag for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race.

Ford Power-Up updates to deliver a more seamless experience

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(May 14, 2021) DEARBORN, Mich. — Settling in for a drive in an enhanced, upgraded vehicle will now become a regular experience for Ford owners as the company routinely delivers new features and improvements through its wireless software update technology called Ford Power-Up.  The first Ford Power-Up software updates for F-150 and Mustang Mach-E customers in North America began in March, accelerating a transformation well underway with more than 6 million vehicles on the road today featuring advanced, embedded modem connectivity.

New 2022 Nissan Pathfinder rolls off assembly line

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(May 14, 2021) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The first all-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder rolled off the assembly line Thursday (May 13) at the Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant in Tennessee. "Start of production of the new Pathfinder marks another major milestone in our Nissan NEXT momentum story," says Jeff Younginer, vice president, Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant.

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Abandoned Car of the Week

Chrysler's first Hemi

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The 1951 Chrysler was the first to be powered by the Hemi V-8, although it was known as the Fire Power V-8. The 331-cubic-inch engine made 181 horsepower. This abandoned Chrysler, still looking in good form, was found in eastern North Carolina. (Photo by Jim Meachen)