The Truth About Cars » Ask the Best and Brightest

Ask The Best And Brightest: Do Ford’s Production Plans Make Sense?

Edward Niedermeyer — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:55:07 +0000

Between the release of its congressional bailout term paper and November sales results, it’s been a big news day for Ford. And the hits keep happening. Automotive News [sub] reports that Ford will cut its 2009 Q1 production by 37.9 percent to 430k units, No surprise there; FoMoCo’s monthly sales are sitting at under 125k– [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Who Will Walk Away With Saturn, Saab, Pontiac, Hummer?

Bertel Schmitt — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:15:45 +0000

According to Bloomberg, who has it from people supposedly familiar with the matter, GM “is studying whether to shed its Saturn, Saab and Pontiac brands in addition to Hummer.” So assuming that they do: Will they just dump the brands? As in throw them away? Or will they sell them? If the latter, who do you [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Is That a Lexus in the Jet-Gate Video?

Robert Farago — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:25:01 +0000

If FoMoCo CEO Alan Mulally is disembarking The Blue Oval corporate jet and entering a Lexus, that’s one Big Ass story. It’s summer in the video (and our hearts), and the graphic says 2008. That’s long enough for Big Al to have ditched his Lexus and hooked-up with something domestic. Lincoln MKZHRG? Volvo S80? [While [...]

Ask the Best And Brightest: Is Automotive Nostalgia What It Used to Be?

Robert Farago — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:35:01 +0000

Ask the Best and Brightest: What Strings Should We Attach to the Great Detroit Bailout?

Robert Farago — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:54:10 +0000

Assuming Detroit is about scarf several billions of your children’s children’s children’s tax dollars, I think you have a right to decide what strings should be attached to the bailout bucks. So, what strings do you think should be attached to the bailout bucks? Although Washington and Detroit see all three ailing American automakers as [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Where Would GM be Today if the Feds Had Broken-Up The Company?

Robert Farago — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:37:12 +0000

In 1955, GM company reps testified at the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. The Subcommittee on Antitrust and Monopoly was unhappy that The General’s five auto divisions accounted for 50.76 percent of all cars sold in the U.S. (peaking at 55 percent in 1956). The same year, GM CEO Harlow Curtice was named Time magazine’s [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Robert Farago — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:46:17 +0000

I know: we’ve been down this road before. But hey, GM provides us with these neat-o-keen videos for bupkis, and TTAC’s added thousands of new readers since the Best and Brightest last weighed-in on the topic. [NB: That's one Hell of a condescending, snarky intro there GM.] There’s still a lot debate on the ideal [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: What’s Gonna Happen to NASCAR?

Robert Farago — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:40:48 +0000

TTAC commentator Redbarchetta writes… “I was wondering after seeing that NASCAR picture in the latest post. Has there been any word on what happens to NASCAR funding? I’m mainly talking about GM and Chrysler since they are closest to death and cutting EVERYTHING. It would make sense that they would stop supporting that also. I’m [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest II: What’s the Best Cupholder?

Robert Farago — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:50:47 +0000

I am SO fed up with all these automotive top ten lists. Yes, yes, I know: TTAC’s Ten Worst Autos list receives more “outside” attention than anything else we do. And for good reason: it’s got balls. And yes, we’re gearing-up for our annual mostly readers’ choice poll. But Jesus, can Forbes and Jalopnik and [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: American Leyland or Government Motors?

Robert Farago — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:17:29 +0000

It was I who invented the name “Maximum Bob” for GM Car Czar Bob Lutz. That said, I also coined “Rabid Rick” for GM CEO Rick Wagoner; clearly, I should have stuck with the Buickman-perpetuated “Red Ink Rick.” John Horner, a charter member of out Best and Brightest and yeoman TTAC blogger, first mooted the [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Why is GM Boosting Yukatahoeburbelade Production?

Richard Chen — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:09:45 +0000

While Toyota has frozen its full-size pickup truck and SUV production lines, GM is, surprisingly enough, about to do the opposite. A few months ago, GM announced production cutbacks at the Arlington, Texas plant that produces the Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban, Escalade and Dual-Mode Hybrid SUV’s. In addition to the usual two-week summer [...]

Is Toyota’s “Saved by Zero” More Annoying than Chrysler’s “Let’s Refuel America”?

Justin Berkowitz — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:49:42 +0000

Yes, I know “Saved by Zero” is a song by The Fixx. I respect New Wave. But I don’t like how it tastes when Toyota crams it down my throat for my own good.

Ask The Best and Brightest: Does Chevy have more 30mpg models than Honda or Toyota?

Robert Farago — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:47:04 +0000

TTAC reader steronz writes: “I’m sure you’re familiar with the advertising claim in the subject. I just noticed it on a billboard during my morning commute, sans question mark. I did a brief search to see if I could figure out what marketing math GM is using to back up this claim, but I’m [...]

Ask The Best and Brightest: Which Stocks Should Go On Our Ticker?

Robert Farago — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:13:28 +0000

The techies who bring you TTAC have informed me that they’re working on a back end solution (heyyyy) that will allow us to choose which stock to feature in our Yahoo! stock ticker. As there’s a plethora of patches in the hopper, it may not make it here by– well, it might take a while. [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Road Load Power = av + bv2 + cv3?

Robert Farago — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:07:31 +0000

I am not the world’s most mechanically-minded person. Nor am I the world’s worst. But I’m definitely closer to the latter than the former. For example, I can’t make head nor tails of the above formula, even with the following guide [via howstuffworks.com]: The letter v represents the velocity of the car, and the letters a, [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Are Performance-Related Red Light Camera Contracts Bogus?

Robert Farago — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:56:21 +0000

“Are contracts between local governments and a private, for-profit entity inherently void as against public policy, where the contracts require the private entity to be principally responsible for vital law enforcement-related tasks, including generating, processing and defending in court the sole evidence of an alleged violator’s guilt, and the entity’s compensation is based on the [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Pick a Car for My Mom

Robert Farago — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:49:56 +0000

From TTAC reader Dan: “My mom has owned two cars over the past twenty years: a 1988 Volvo 760 Turbo and a more recent late ’90’s Volvo 960 (I don’t know the exact year). Now she’s looking for a replacement. Apparently her top choice is a Lexus ES350, and she’s also considering getting yet another [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Is There Car Review Star Inflation At TTAC?

Justin Berkowitz — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:42:52 +0000

A member of the TTAC B&B wrote in to Robert this morning with some unhappy feelings. He feels that stars for cars are going out like free money in the recent months at The Truth About Cars. In this reader’s words: I had no idea that writers’ [...]

TTAC Writing Contest: Does the American Muscle Car Have a Future?

Robert Farago — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:14:23 +0000

Perusing Motor Trend on the throne, I contemplated angus mackenzie’s rant “the future of the american muscle car.” My first thought: when did capital letters go out of style? My second thought: spending nine paragraphs forwarding the not-so-radical idea that american muscle cars will become lighter, rear wheel-drive, turbo-V6 or diesel-powered somethingorothers is an awful [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Do Hydrogen Injection Systems Work?

Frank Williams — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:08:00 +0000

Shaker asks: I've been hearing about these systems that use hydrogen added to the intake systems of cars resulting in mileage gains of 20-30 percent. My engineering background tells me that this can't be the case (as you can't get "something for nothing"), but the latest spin that I've seen on the Web is that small [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest, Round 2: Stop Us Before We Buy!

Frank Williams — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:21:38 +0000

My wife and I have been studiously and dutifully test driving cars because we are about to buy two. So far she is insisting upon the better look, roominess and fun to drive 2009 Mazda6. I can't blame her as it is fun and I love our 05 3 hatch. And as of now, after [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: “Is the efficiency of slow acceleration just a myth?”

Frank Williams — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:56:08 +0000

"What is more fuel efficient for automatic cars, accelerating quickly or slowly? And what is generally peak torque for typical passanger cars and trucks? For manuals, quick and smooth acceleration is most efficient. I would expect that the same is true for modern automatics, but don’t know for sure. With my own automatic trans car, [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: “Help me find a decent sized coupe, roadster or convertible that’s fun to drive, OK on gas”

Robert Farago — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:55:19 +0000

I’m thinking about getting a new car and I’m leaning towards it being a completely non-practical toy. Here’s my situation… A couple years ago I bought a brand new G35S Sedan right when it was redesigned. I liked the car a lot because it blended the fun of a sporty car, with the practicality of [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Should States Assess Environmental Scores?

Frank Williams — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:36:22 +0000

Starting with 2009 models, the California Air Resources Board will require all new vehicles sold in the Golden State to carry a sticker which shows a CARB-determined "Smog Score" and "Global Warming Score." The Toyota Open Road Blog's editor Jon Thompson is all excited over this "because our Prius Hybrid is listed by [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Should I Drive My Mustang in the Snow?

Samir Syed — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:15:56 +0000

How does a Mustang fare in a harsh, North-eastern winter? More specifically, Canada. I only ask because last year, Montreal, where I live, was covered with over 200 inches of snow. I've already done the rear wheel-drive-in-winter thing in my first car. I was behind the wheel of a Chevette with about four hp and [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: What’s the Best ‘03 - ‘08 3-Series?

Robert Farago — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:29:55 +0000

A TTAC reader named Don has requested a semi-private audience with our Best and Brightest. Don wants to purchase a used BMW 3-Series. Here's Don's dilemma: "I'm looking for a 2003 to 2008 model four door. I am replacing a 1994 Lexus SC400 and I want to experience BMW's great handling and road feel. 80% [...]

Ask the Best and Brightest: Got Puns?

Frank Williams — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:13:41 +0000

I love bad puns. This morning, during a lull in the action while we waited for the footware to fall on Slick Rick's press conference, I asked our esteemed publisher "if GM started designing the second generation of their electric vapormobile, would it be considered re-Volt-ing?" Lacking my finely honed sense of humor, [...]

Ask The Best and Brightest: Is This the World’s Ugliest Car?

Robert Farago — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:41:13 +0000

Yes, I know this, uh, feature was originally posted last month. And I realize I've been dumping on The Detroit News for a couple of days now. But they deserve it and honestly, even if this isn't the world's ugliest car (remember: the Aztec and Tribeca B9 are SUVs), the 789 sure doesn't qualify as "best of past, present." Seriously, am I supposed to take this car seriously? "Take the most distinctive elements of the 1957, 1958 and 1959 Chevrolets," Larry Edsall (no really) writes. "Put them together around a new Corvette chassis and what do you have? You have the spectacular 789 from Kanter Concepts and n2a Motors." Apparently, I'm in the minority in thinking that the only reason there isn't a single ten-foot pole mark on this thing is because people wouldn't touch it with one. "The goal is to sell as many as 100 copies. Nos. 15, 16 and 17 are under construction with sales contracts just in for Nos. 18 and 19, [CEO Greg] Langmesser said." No way! I mean, n2a stands for "no two alike"-- which doesn't fill me with confidence to their build quality, even at $75k ABOVE the cost of a donor Corvette. And for those who [happen to] agree with me that this is a hideous piece, check out that site for the Anteros. Or, if you're of a delicate disposition, not.

Ask the Best and Brightest: Which cars will make it?

Justin Berkowitz — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:11:26 +0000

Edmunds Auto Observer is often the first website to review a new car-- in the sense of showering it with love and happiness or, at worst, gumming it to death. Suddenly, uncharacteristically, under the guise of humor, the bloggers who still won't fully disclose car manufacturers' contributions to their editorial (a.k.a. junketeering) grew a pair. Ish. Writer Bill Visnic offers a list of cars that "don't have a chance." Of course, it's not the carmakers' fault. Oh, no these whips are doomed "mostly [due] to the new rules governing the auto industry" Some of the cars-- which now "suddenly look titanically dumb"-- are easy targets (VW Rotten). Others are guaranteed sales successes (Honda Accord). So we put it to you, our Best and Brightest: which of these things is not like the other? Which of these things will not belong? And what other vehicles should be on this list of future flops, and why?

BMW X6
Cadillac CTS-V
Dodge Challenger
Dodge Ram
Ford F150
Ford Flex
Honda Pilot
Honda Accord
Infiniti FX50
Lincoln MKS
Hummer H3T
Toyota Venza
VW Routan
VW Tiguan

Ask The Best and Brightest: If you could ask Bob Lutz anything…

Frank Williams — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:06:51 +0000

Yesterday, Cardomain ~~bragged~~ told their tribes that they were having dinner with GM Car Czar Maximum Bob Lutz. They asked readers what questions they should demand (in a sycophantic sort of way) of the winner of TTAC's first annual Bob Lutz Award. Cardomain received all of 15 responses, most of which were pretty lame. However, there were a few good ones. "Why is it so easy for foreign GM divisions in Australia and Europe to make great cars, and so hard for GM in America to make them?" We haven't been invited to dinner with anyone (and aren't holding our breath until an invitation shows up in our mailbox). But still, it's an interesting question-- one that our own RF answered with "Is your pension bankruptcy proof?" So now, we're giving you, TTAC's Best and Brightest, the chance to play fantasy asshole. If Bob Lutz' handlers suddenly suffered a total breakdown in judgment and invited us-- OK, you-- to a one-on-one dinner with their head of Global Product Development, what would you ask GM's car guru?

Ask The Best And Brightest: Tribeca, Compass, Santa Fe, Highlander, CR-V or…?

Robert Farago — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:32:55 +0000

Sharon found TTAC via a Google search, read our Tribeca and Compass reviews and freaked. "We are pretty clueless on car shopping and have spent way too many hours already. I would like someone's opinion that gives it to me straight." Here's the deal... She's buying the vehicle for two college-bound children. They'll be driving it in Fort Collins, CO, commuting back to Mom and Dad some six hours away in Santa Fe, NM. "One of them will keep the car as long as they can hold onto it and ensure proper maintenance." She's leaning towards the Tribeca, from a safety POV: "good test ratings, side bags, overhead curtain." Current vehicles: 2003 Tahoe (love it); 1996 Pathfinder (good condition); 1999 Honda Accord ("the transmission blew out and that's why were are in the market") and 2002 Nissan Frontier. Sharon's looking to spend $18k - $22k for this, their first used purchase. "We got a good offer (or we think it is good) on the Tribeca that happens to be fully loaded. The gas cap says 'premium preferred', but they tell us that it is not required. A Jeep salesperson just told me that Jeep is not going to make Compass in 2009 and just stick to the Patriots. His dealership in Santa Fe does not have a Compass to test drive new or used." OK guys, she asked for it: give her the inside dope. (Lateral thinking allowed.)

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Ask The Best And Brightest: Yaris or Prius?

Robert Farago — Sun, 18 May 2008 16:17:43 +0000

From TTAC commentator kawaii: New to this forum and found it interesting, however, confusing since I am a “mature” female on the waiting list for an ‘08 Prius. Husband just got a huge Tundra last December. I drive an ‘05 Subaru Outback getting 22 mpg. Now that I’m waiting for the Prius (which I wanted simply because of mpg and because I like to consider myself as “one who considers making small changes to help the environment”), but now I’m really wondering if this is a wise decision. Do I really NEED this vehicle? Will the Yaris ($10,000 less equipped the way I want it) or Corolla be a better choice? Drove the Yaris and liked it; have not driven Corolla. I live on a mountain in northern GA, drive 10 miles to work each day, rarely drive road-trips and go into the city 65 miles occasionaly. This next car will be one that I’ll drive until the wheels fall off. I can afford either car, but which makes better sense? Husband works from home (good thing with the Tundra mpg) and will retire in 5 years. Any advice?

Ask the Best and Brightest: Hot Car for $24 - $28K?

Robert Farago — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:20:15 +0000

From TTAC reader Thomas: I'm looking to buy a new car this summer but I'm stumped on which car I want. I need a car that not only has good gas mileage but has a great looks. I'm looking to spend $24k to $28k. Possibly splurge to $32k. Hopefully not. I'm 21 and this will be my first new vehicle so I need it to be hot. Ha. I love the new Malibu. First off, it's a Chevy which I love and the aggressive new look is amazing. But there's no manual and how does the four-cylinder automatic accelerate? The second car under consideration is the Audi A4. I love the car, the class, but the price is killing. I do prefer the look of the Malibu over the A4. Well, give me some ideas please. Thank you very much.

Ask the Best and Brightest: How Many Engines Does GM Need?

Justin Berkowitz — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:52:15 +0000

In chatting with Lieberman today, it became clear that GM has more engines than it really needs in its U.S. lineup. They also have too many brands, too many models, too many employees, too many factories, too many dealerships and too much debt. Those issues notwithstanding, engines are the order of the day. And I think GM could get by with only four engines. I just recently experienced the explosive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline, and Chevy Cobalt/HHR SS. The transversely or longitudinally-mounted mill makes 260 horsepower. It should be GM's base engine. Next up: GM's 3.6-liter direct injection V6, currently residing in the Cadillac CTS. It's smooth and has plenty of torque, but it could use more power-- especially next to the 260hp turbo four. If they could push the V6 to 340 horses, they'd be all set (ahem, turbo). At the top of GM's automotive range: the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 that's presently in the Corvette. There's nothing to say about this engine except that it's perfect. Finally, GM probably needs a separate V8 for the trucks, even if the LS3 is a fairly close relative of current V8s in GM's truck stable. And that's it. Two-liter turbo four, 3.6-liter V6, 6.2-liter V8, and a truck V8. So I put it to you, TTAC's best and brightest: what does GM need to do on the engine front?

Ask the Best and Brightest: Kill Mid-Grade Gas? E85?

Robert Farago — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:40:31 +0000

From TTAC reader Ian Opp: "With all the talk about gas prices, etc. why is mid grade still being manufactured? I understand that most cars are either biased towards reg or premium, so wouldn't it behoove us to scrap the whole idea of an 89 octane?" To which I'll add a sub-question: what about substituting an E85 pump? According to the the ethanol industry, you can get better fuel economy with ethanol than regular gas. No, really; they actually want you to believe that. Check out this study from The American Coalition for Ethanol (link to the full report at the bottom of the press release). Are you craving corn juice?

Hyundai To Launch Luxury Brand; Ridiculous Name to Follow

Edward Niedermeyer — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:23:05 +0000

Hyundai sales executive Young-Key Koo revealed to China Daily (via MotorAuthority) that the Korean carmaker will be spinning off a new luxury brand. The new nameplate caps Hyundai's steady upmarket climb, and could well compete with Acura, Infiniti and Lexus in the not-too-distant but not-anytime-soon future. The brand will be officially launched in 2010. New luxury models will hit China first. A sportscar and V8-powered "flagship sedan" are set to arrive in the Middle Kingdom next year, with a CUV to follow. News of a new name and logo has our hopes high for something hilariously generic, yet totally inappropriate. "The all new Smegma V8" sounds good to me, as does "The European-Inspired Ennui Roadster." So we put it to you, TTAC's Best and Brightest. What should Hyundai call its new luxury brand?

ATBB: A4 or G35 or CTS for Commuting?

Robert Farago — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:48:58 +0000

Welcome to a new TTAC feature: Ask the Best and Brightest (ATBB). On an irregular, yet-to-be-determined basis, we'll post an auto-related question from a reader. You answer it. Yes (Jonny), it's a bit like Question of the Day-- only a lot less philosophical. Yes (Frank), it starts with an email to frank.williams@thetruthaboutcars.com with the letters ATBB in the subject bar. Yes (y'all), we're asking you to share your hard-won automotive expertise for our financial gain. (As I told our writers back when I paid them $10 a pop, the pay sucks but the glory is infinite.) And yes, this is a stopgap measure while we wait-- Camaro buyer-like-- for the TTAC forums to magically appear. So... this whole deal with slowrideR's idea. And he wants your opinion. What's the best car for commuting: a 2004 Audi A4, a 2004 Infiniti G35 or a 2005 Cadillac CTS?