The latest findings from the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study have shed light on a notable downturn in the reliability of vehicles over a three-year ownership period. This year's report sees an uptick in reported problems, with the bottom ten brands showing particular susceptibility to issues that affect their dependability ratings. The average problem incidence has risen to 190 issues per 100 vehicles, indicating an industry-wide trend toward decreased reliability.

We had our suspicions, but now we know for sure.

Pricing for the Rivian R1T and R1S has fallen by $3,100, per Automotive News. The R1T now starts at $71,700 including destination, and the R1S now begins at $76,700. The two qualify for the government’s $3,750 tax incentive, but lessees will benefit from the full $7,500 amount. However, Rivian’s lease program is only available in certain states at the moment.

In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant attention, as evidenced by the substantial increase in EV advertisements in the United States. Data from 2023 indicates that EV ads now constitute 7% of all automotive advertisements, a notable increase from just 1% in 2020. This trend underscores the growing emphasis automakers are placing on electric vehicles.

The dark of winter brings with it inevitable boredom for spring-through-fall outdoors enthusiasts, and that includes anyone from off-roaders to radio-controlled hobbyists. And so, those of us who loathe the bitter cold find ourselves turning to indoor activities to stay entertained, in particular seeking out new ways to enjoy the automotive and radio-controlled (RC) hobbies from the comfort of a couch. Team Associated’s 1/28 scale SC28 and MT28 RC vehicles are our latest foray into finding the perfect indoor toy, but we’ve come away thoroughly unsatisfied.

The 2025 Ford Explorer made its first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show with a refreshed design, updated interior, and a new digital user experience.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has introduced new standards for child car seats, marking a significant advancement in child passenger safety. These updated regulations aim to make car seats more user-friendly for caregivers and enhance the protection provided to children in vehicles.

With the death of the Chrysler 300 fresh in our minds, it’s not unreasonable to ponder about the brand’s future. Currently, Chrysler only has one model on sale, the Pacifica. Luckily for the manufacturer, it’s a profitable vehicle that’s keeping the brand afloat.

For 2024, the new Chevrolet Equinox EV starts at $34,995 MSRP including $1,395 of destination charges. Kinda-sorta. See, Chevy says that the base front-wheel drive 1LT trim will cost that much, but “later in 2024.” It has also previously said there will be all-wheel drive versions of the Equinox, though pricing for those isn’t out yet either. Thankfully, the range figures are. According to EPA figures, front-drive Equinox models will do a solid 319 miles per charge. All-wheel drive models will manage a slightly lesser 285 miles per charge.

Welcome to episode 5 of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. We recap reviews of the Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, BMW i4, Genesis G70, and Mercedes GLS. In the news, one EV receives pricing, another is teased, and a third one gets 938 horsepower.

Vincentric, a notable name in automotive data research, recently announced the winners of its 20th annual Best Value in America Awards. This year, Toyota and Ford emerged as the most celebrated brands, marking a milestone in the awards' history of guiding American car buyers.

Kia took the wraps off the refreshed 2025 Carnival MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) at the Chicago Auto Show, with a lineup that includes gas and, in a first for the Carnival, gas hybrid models.

American Honda Motor Co. has initiated a recall for a wide range of vehicles spanning several models and years. The recall specifically addresses an issue with the air bag system in these vehicles. A defect has been identified in the front passenger seat weight sensor, which may crack and short circuit. This malfunction could result in the air bag not being suppressed as intended during a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury due to unintentional deployment.

I didn’t plan it this way. It all just sort of lined up on its own.

Kia showed off its updated K5 in October but said its full list of changes would have to wait. At the Chicago Auto Show this month, the wait ended, and the brand pulled back the curtain on the updated sedan. Changes are sweeping, including a new engine option, more standard features, and better, newer tech.

The automotive industry recognizes that the comfort of a vehicle encompasses a range of features including seat comfort, cabin noise, and overall ride quality. These elements collectively contribute to the driver and passenger experience.

WLtoys has seemingly come out of nowhere in the space of radio-controlled (RC) vehicles that the hobbyist community is excited about, and the company’s 1/28 scale 284131 Drift Truck is another example of one such genuinely interesting machine. This $69.99 proposition comes with four-wheel-drive (4WD), a claimed top speed of 30 KM/H (~19 MPH), and full LED lighting. Surely it has to be somewhat good for the money, right?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining attention for their role in reducing emissions, particularly in the context of combating climate change. Unlike gasoline cars, EVs do not emit pollutants from their tailpipes. However, they do require electricity to charge their batteries, and the generation of this electricity can involve the release of carbon dioxide (CO2). The extent of CO2 emissions depends largely on the methods used for electricity generation in a specific area. For instance, electricity produced from coal or natural gas results in higher carbon emissions compared to renewable sources like wind or solar power.

With the new 2024 Subaru Impreza, a choice of engines has returned to the lineup, including a more potent 2.5-liter unit in the RS trim. To emphasize why this is important, here’s a quick history lesson on the compact car.

For 2025, the Kia Carnival will get more efficient and comes with a fresh face. A new hybrid variant arrives for four of the Carnival’s five available trim levels: the LXS, ES, SX, and SX-Prestige will all see the optional powertrain. The new hybrid powertrain pairs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a 72-horsepower electric motor for a combined 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Unfortunately, EPA fuel economy estimates aren’t in yet. The Carnival’s standard 3.5-liter V6 is still part of the equation and will be the only powertrain option on the entry-level LX trim. Speaking of the V6, it produces 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, down 3 hp and 2 lb-ft from last year.

Recent findings indicate a notable decrease in vehicle dependability after three years of ownership. This decline, outlined by the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, reveals a significant rise in the number of problems faced by vehicle owners. The industry average has escalated by 4 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), marking a change to 190 PP100 from the previous year. This shift demonstrates a 17% increase in problems from the initial 90 days to three years of vehicle ownership, a 5% rise from last year.

Locking differentials are a type of differential used in vehicles to improve traction and handling, especially in off-road or challenging terrain conditions. The purpose of a locking differential is to ensure that both drive wheels opposite one another across an axle receive equal power, even if one of them is slipping. This is extremely beneficial when a suspension system is articulated and when one tire begins to lose traction, as is common in mud, steep rocky climbs, snow, and many trail wheeling circumstances. Luckily, many vehicles have these straight from the factory, though they can be added in the aftermarket as well.

Further expanding on yesterday's story, understanding customer satisfaction is crucial in the automotive industry. It's not just about the quality of the car, but how well it meets the expectations of its owners. The latest insights from Consumer Reports highlight the top automotive brands that have excelled in meeting these expectations. These brands are not only preferred by their current owners but also have a high likelihood of repeat purchase. Let’s explore the brands that are leading the way.

It wasn’t that long ago that hatchback cars ruled the weekly commute. Small, efficient, and relatively inexpensive, these were the top choice for those enduring mundane drives to work.

“Fast, cheap, good: Pick two.” That’s the saying in the world of full-size performance cars. Repurposed for the radio-controlled (RC) rock crawler space, it could be changed to picking two of the “Price, quality, and performance” options. Axial’s AX24 has a lot going for it on the performance side, what with its long-travel suspension, four-wheel-steer (4WS), and reasonably priced on Amazon, but the quality leaves something to be desired.

The 2023 Consumer Reports Annual Auto Surveys, encompassing over 330,000 vehicles, provide an insightful look into owner satisfaction across various brands. This survey considered vehicles from the model years 2021 to 2023, and in some instances, models from 2024. Averaging was applied to data from models that did not undergo significant changes during these years. Owner satisfaction scores were derived from the percentage of owners who would repurchase their vehicle, considering factors like price, performance, reliability, comfort, and enjoyment.

According to announcements on the brand's social media channels, Rivian will debut its smaller, more affordable second model lineup on March 7th. Rivian will likely target a price point of around $40,000, though no concrete details on pricing have been announced. Moreover, it appears Rivian will not be using the R2 moniker for a single model. Rather, the R2 name will be for a range of vehicles, just as the brand’s R1 nameplate is. In this sense, there will be two models from Rivian at a lower price point than the R1 lineup, both a pickup and an SUV.

In 2023, Volvo Cars marked an increase in annual revenue and variations in operating income and EBIT margins. The year also witnessed a significant growth in the sales of fully electric cars.

A winch is a fantastic tool for off-roaders to get themselves unstuck, and it can also be used as a tool by those who need a device for pulling on something with force. However, winches are inherently dangerous due to the pressure created by the line when under tension, so avoiding this danger is best done by use of a winch blanket damper, also known as a winch dampener or simply a winch damper, which is a safety device used in conjunction with a winch during vehicle recovery operations. It is designed to enhance safety by minimizing the risk of injury or damage in case of a cable or rope failure during winching.

A study from USC's Keck School of Medicine has investigated the advantages of electric vehicle (EV) utilization. Published in the Science of the Total Environment journal, this research provides evidence of how electric cars contribute to diminishing air pollution and reducing health problems. The study states there is a significant role for electric cars in enhancing public health and protecting the environment.

Welcome to the fourth episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. This week we discuss the all-new Mazda CX-70, as well as take a drive in the Lexus GX and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss.

Polestar’s first SUV, the all-electric Polestar 3 will be hitting the US with a $7,500 purchase incentive in the US for lessees. In addition to the incentive announcement, Polestar has also released pricing for the lineup. The Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor trim starts at $85,900 MSRP including $1,400 in destination charges. The only other available trim is the Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack, which starts at $91,300 MSRP. Notably, the Polestar’s $85K starting price point disqualifies it from the $7,500 federal tax credit, which requires a car to be priced under $80K to qualify.

Just announced, Ford is offering a new charging solution for its customers. This initiative involves providing free adapters, enabling Ford EVs to access Tesla's Supercharger network. This strategy is part of Ford's broader effort to enhance the convenience and appeal of its electric vehicles, particularly for Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E owners.

Radio-controlled vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, and the mini and micro class of rock crawler is one of the fastest-growing segments inside the hobby. Everything from 1/18 to 1/32 machines fit this class, with varying degrees of realism and performance. The FMS FCX24 Power Wagon might not be the most realistic machine, but some special goodies like a 2-speed gearbox and portal axles help it stand out. How does it fare in the real (scale) world?

In the landscape of automobile reliability, certain brands have distinguished themselves through consistent performance. Consumer Reports has published a comprehensive analysis of the latest brand rankings, offering insights into which car manufacturers are leading the pack in terms of reliability.

The Grand Wagoneer burst onto the scene last year, ready to stake a claim in the jumbo luxury SUV marketplace. This is the segment of traditional, body-on-frame behemoths meant to transport large quantities of people, cargo, and trailers, in complete lavishness. It’s the domain of the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator – two well established players.

The North American Charging Standard (NACS), formerly exclusive to Tesla, has been integral to electric vehicle (EV) charging since 2012. Known for its versatility, NACS supports both Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) charging through a compact plug design. This system allows up to 1MW of power for DC charging, making it a robust solution for EVs.

Off-roading enthusiasts often find themselves facing situations that require specialized equipment to traverse challenging terrain and get themselves unstuck from circumstances which immobilize their vehicle. Traction boards, such as the eponymous Maxtrax, have become increasingly popular among off-roaders as essential tools for overcoming obstacles in mud, sand, snow, and other challenging conditions. In this article, we will explore the reasons why traction boards are considered helpful for off-roading and whether they are a necessity for enthusiasts.

Patent filings from Ferrari reveal the brand is working on an interesting method of shifting the driver over in its cars. Under the filings, Ferrari is working on a movable driver’s seat, wheel, and up to three pedals that will shift on a track towards the middle of the car, resulting in a McLaren F1-style center-seat driving experience. Alternatively, the vehicle could be piloted from off-center, as in existing Ferrari road cars. Information found by AutoGuide in the patent seems to indicate that this will, unlike some center-seat vehicles, not fit three passengers. Ferrari’s patent filing states that “a side door can be… opened and closed to allow a driver to enter the passenger compartment.” If anything, this suggests there may be room for a single one, likely to the driver’s right as in conventional cars. Still, it isn’t entirely clear, as other diagrams leave no room for a passenger.

The AcuraLink app assists Acura owners interacting with their vehicles. This advanced technology enables you to connect with your Acura model using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, providing a range of cloud-based services.

The morning of February 1st, rumors surrounding 7-time F1 world champ Lewis Hamilton began to swirl. A few hours later, and both Mercedes-AMG Petronas and Scuderia Ferrari confirmed the same thing: Lewis Hamilton would be driving for the Scuderia in 2025, replacing Carlos Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc.

Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that enhance safety and convenience on the road. These systems, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning, have become increasingly common in today's automobiles. However, a recent study conducted by AAA sheds light on an important aspect often overlooked by consumers – the repair costs associated with these sophisticated technologies.

As fun and exciting as it is, off-roading does pose inherent risks to a vehicle’s body panels and mechanical wellbeing alike. The method to help prevent this from happening is to add protective armor to the 4x4. This commonly comes in the form of skid plates and steel bumpers, but rock sliders (also known as rock rails) are the best way to help rocker panels and doors from sustaining damage, while helping improve off-road performance in the process.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has a boxier shape overall. The front, sides, and rear all appear to have relatively flat surfaces. But the looks are deceiving. The new Santa Fe is quite slippery in the wind.

Volkswagen has recently announced that its MY23 ID.4 models with SK On battery components and the upcoming MY24 ID.4 models will be eligible for the full $7,500 Federal Tax Credit when placed in service in 2024. This move significantly enhances the affordability of these electric SUVs. While the MY24 ID.4’s eligibility is based on current battery supply and may change, Volkswagen remains optimistic about its qualification throughout 2024.

When I first laid eyes on my Chevrolet Colorado tester, I thought this is not a vehicle for blending in.

For 2025, BMW will offer the Z4 M40i with a manual transmission. To row your own, BMW will charge a $3,500 premium over the automatic model, bringing the MSRP to $69,950. However, the stick Z4 doesn’t come without its own set of improvements to help justify the cost.

Straddling the line between mainstream and premium puts the mid-sized Mazda in a unique spot.

Indoor and small-scale rock crawling have taken the radio-controlled (RC) world by storm, and after a long bout of few models in the space, Traxxas finally stepped up and launched the TRX-4M. Arriving in 2022 in both Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender form, the 1/18 scale truck quickly gained extreme popularity. The scale machine not only looks great, but performs well out of the box, too. And yet, it’s not perfect; then again, no machine truly is. But is it fun?

Honda will roll out a new dealer-installed software update that allows 2018-2022 model year Accords to run Android Auto and Apple Carplay wirelessly. It’s worth noting the sedan already features both projection software, albeit with a required wired connection. Honda, strangely enough, bills this as a “sustainability effort,” saying that the brand is doing this to “maximize the lifetime value of in-market Honda vehicles by offering upgrades and new digital services.”

During an episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors, we got to sit down and talk to Mike Evanoff, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor North America. The center of our discussion is the new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Mazda has just revealed the brand’s newest SUV model, the CX-70. As the name suggests, this is a mid-size SUV that slots between the CX-50 compact and the three-row CX-90.

Honda has introduced pricing for the brand's new all-electric SUV, the 2024 Prologue.

The Mazda CX-50 continued what the CX-30 started, ushering in a new generation of sleeker, more upscale SUVs for the brand. Designated by adding a zero at the end of the name, the new models are tasked with transforming Mazda into more of a premium auto manufacturer. After the CX-50, the CX-90 arrived, and then the CX-60, released in other markets. By the time you read this, the CX-70 will also have debuted.

“If we’re the only one on the planet making a V8 affordable sports car for everyone in the world, so be it." Per Motor1, Ford CEO Jim Farley said these words to journalists at a media event last week. Farley said that thanks to EVs like the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lighting, Ford is able to offset the emissions of its V8-powered vehicles so that it can keep making them in perpetuity. Or at least, so long as Ford’s EVs continue to offset the V8’s emissions and satisfy legislative requirements.

Welcome to the third episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. This week we discuss a comparison of two very different small hatchbacks, preview the new Chevrolet Equinox and Cadillac CT5-V, and speculate on a new baby Acura SUV.

In the realm of automotive advancements, electric and autonomous vehicles often dominate the conversation. However, the development of safety systems for gasoline vehicles is equally vital. Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system is a prime example of such technology, which plays a crucial role in driving safety and the overall driving experience.

Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has recently introduced an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technique aimed at augmenting the capabilities of vehicle designers. This approach allows designers to incorporate initial sketches and engineering constraints into their creative process. The technique effectively reduces the number of iterations required to balance both design aesthetics and engineering necessities.

All Mazda has really done since the ND-generation MX-5’s debut is hone the tiny sports car’s edge. It’s all it's ever needed, and for 2024, the edge gets even finer with an updated infotainment system, a new limited-slip diff, and more. However, at least one thing isn’t changing about the Miata, which starts at $29,460 including destination for 2024. The entire lineup is still powered by the brand’s Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque routed through a six-speed transmission (manual or automatic).

A few months back, we put out a request to YOU the viewers to submit questions about the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. We took the best questions and traveled to beautiful Utah to put some miles into the new LC and answer them as best as we can!