mazda6

Mazda: The Car to Drive or the Car to Own?

Dec 15, 2016 by tgriffith

2017_mazda_3 Think back to 2002, when the all-new 2003 Mazda6 came onto the market and redefined what a sport sedan could be for families. I still remember the first one in my neighborhood. It was bright red, sleek, and looked nothing like the Accord sedans and Dodge minivans that littered the suburban area. The driver would come in to the neighborhood way too fast while us young parents vocally chastised his reckless driving but secretly wanted to be just like him.

The Mazda6 brought some zoom-zoom to the previously bland sedan segment and changed things forever. Now we’re coming up fast on 2017 and the Mazda6 still has that sporty spirit and has spawned a smaller, equally-as-fun Mazda3.

But there’s a problem in zoom-zoom land.

Have CUVs Replaced the Family Sedan?

Mar 24, 2016 by tgriffith

2016_jeep_cherokee

For every Mazda6, Volkswagen Passat, Subaru Legacy, and Chrysler 200 sold so far this year, more than two CX-5s, Tiguans, Foresters, and Cherokees have left dealer lots.

The midsize family sedan, once a ubiquitous sight on American highways and in suburban garages, is being replaced by the car-based crossover.

Today’s CUVs offer the same interior seating capacity as sedans, but offer additional cargo space that’s also more accessible. Plus, CUV drivers sit higher and have a better view of surrounding traffic, while available all-wheel drive can handle almost all road conditions.

Have we reached the point where CUVs have replaced sedans?

What’s Your Stance on a Car’s Best Stance?

Last updated: Sep 27, 2019 at 4:00PM
Published on: Feb 26, 2016 by tgriffith

Forgive me if I’m late to the game on this one, but I’ve recently learned a new term that’s popular among certain tuners and modifiers.

The always-reliable and entertaining Urban Dictionary perhaps best defines “Stancing” as:

To destroy a car’s handling abilities by having it lowered an excessive amount. Typically, the tires are tucked way inside the vehicles fenders. But in order to have a hellaflush stance and run the required excessively wide wheels with tires that are stretched just to fit onto the wheels, the car has to have an excessive amount of negative camber.

I’ve seen cars that have been lowered like this. Their tires look like the result of an unfortunate axle-breaking accident involving the car, a curb, and an icy day. I didn’t realize that this trend had a name and that entire groups of people do this to their cars on purpose.

I don’t like it. Why destroy a car’s handling (and looks) like this? I much prefer cars that come from the factory with a killer stance. That is, a car that looks strong, intimidating, and ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.

Here are some of the cars that come stock with a great stance, no lowering (or axle-breaking) required.

The Six Most Attractive, and Affordable, Cars on the Market

Last updated: Dec 12, 2019 at 3:05PM
Published on: Mar 27, 2015 by tgriffith

Let’s take a few minutes to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us all.

I’m not talking about dumb stuff like mountains and rivers; I’m talking about real beauty, like every time we see a new Kia on the road.

We may not naturally associate things like Kias with beauty, but the once-mocked Korean brand has officially become one of the most attractive cars on the road. Well, one of the most attractive affordable cars anyway.

Keep reading for rest of the most attractive, and attainable, cars available today.

The Best Cars You Haven’t Driven

Last updated: Nov 25, 2019 at 4:49PM
Published on: Mar 21, 2014 by tgriffith

We, as humans, tend to fall into ruts. We find something we like, and then we either forget to try anything else or get so wrapped up that we just assume our choice represents the best choice possible. This is true in everything from ice cream to cars.

Personally, I’m a vanilla guy. I go out for ice cream or frozen yogurt, or “fro-yo,” as the kids say these days, and I always get vanilla, because I like it, and I know what to expect. Oddly enough, I’m not like that with cars. I like variety and have driven nearly every make and model out there. I’ve owned models from Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki, Subaru, Jaguar and Audi.

Because of my vast experience behind the wheel, I can help you find the diamond you might never have considered. In return I’ll just ask for your advice on branching out from vanilla.

Here are the best cars you haven’t driven, but probably should:

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