Photos by Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 29, 2024) The 2024 Infiniti QX55 is only in its third year since its introduction as a 2022 model, but already it seems due for a mid-cycle refreshing that might reverse the luxury midsize SUV’s lagging sales. An updated infotainment system and a junking of the continuously variable automatic transmission for a 10-speed or even an 8-speed automatic might draw buyers back to the sales levels it enjoyed its first couple of years.

(July 26, 2024) WASHINGTON, D.C.  — Barely budging since June, the national average for a gallon of gas squeaked out a two-penny increase to $3.52 since last week. The national average has hovered around $3.50 per gallon since June 26.

Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

Porsche, Mini rank highest;
EV satisfaction at all-time high

(July 26, 2024) TROY, Mich. — Owner satisfaction with new-vehicle design and performance has rebounded after two years of unprecedented decline, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released July 25. Overall satisfaction is 847 (on a 1,000-point scale), an increase of 2 points from a year ago. Satisfaction with non-Tesla battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is at an all-time high (877), surpassing stalwart Tesla (870).

(July 19, 2024) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of gas fell four cents to $3.50 since last week. The likely cause is the terrible demand number for gasoline, as folks may be curtailing driving amid sizzling summer temperatures.

IIHS tests rear crash
protection in eight vehicles

(July 18. 2024) Seven out of eight small SUVs tested performed well in the IIHS rear crash prevention evaluation, which addresses low-speed backing crashes that account for a large portion of insurance claims. The Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Forester earn the highest rating of superior, while the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Taos are rated advanced. The Hyundai Tucson earns a basic rating.

(July 15, 2024) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A growing share of car owners are finding themselves upside down on their car loans as used car values continue to normalize. Edmunds' data from the second quarter of 2024 has some disturbing consumer news.

Refreshed Sonata may lure
you back to a midsized sedan

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 12, 2024) The hybrid version of Hyundai’s popular Sonata has come a long way since the 2011 model kicked off the seventh-generation of the South Korean company’s midsize sedan. A mid-cycle refreshing gives the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a more striking exterior and an interior that flirts with luxury status. The cabin is packed with lots of tech features that operate off a new 12.3-inch center touchscreen and include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

(July 12, 2024) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of gas rose three cents to $3.54 from last week. The slight nudge higher came despite Hurricane Beryl smacking into the coast of Texas, a record number of July 4th car travelers, and oil costs hovering above $80 per barrel.

IIHS-HLDI — Partial automation
is just a convenience feature  

(July 12, 2024) Crash records and insurance data offer little evidence that partial automation systems are preventing collisions, research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute shows. “Everything we’re seeing tells us that partial automation is a convenience feature like power windows or heated seats rather than a safety technology,” IIHS President David Harkey said.