Discussions of exciting rides in the sedan segment generally don’t involve vehicles like the Volkswagen Passat, which tend to be more safe and family-friendly choices.

But hold on a second, because a new version of the Passat (the 2018 Passat GT) is looking to change that perception.

I recently tested a 2018 Passat GT, and I’m back with a full report on how it spices up a normally tame segment.

Compact cars do not dominate auto sales, but there is still a market for them. And for many of the folks who do crave a smaller ride, one key element they are focused on is strong fuel mileage/eco-friendly features.

Beyond hybrids and electric vehicles, most automakers offer some sort of standard gas-powered vehicle that would appeal to this crowd.

One vehicle that qualifies in this segment is Hyundai’s 2018 Elantra sedan, specifically the Eco trim level with highway fuel mileage of 40 mpg.

I recently tested the 2018 Elantra Eco, and I’m back with a full report on what it has to offer.

LOOKS

In the grand scheme of the small car segment, the Elantra’s outside looks are among the best in the segment. You get an eye-catching design, with unique headlamps and grille.

The Elantra Eco comes with 15 inch tires, plus LED daytime running lights.

Some cars just scream out their identity. You look at it, and you know what you’re going to get when you sit behind the wheel.

That’s very much the case with the Lexus GS F, a performance sedan with massive power numbers and a fully engaging ride that aims to tackle the biggest names in the exclusive luxury performance sedan segment.

I recently spent some time driving a 2018 Lexus GS F, and I’m back with a full report.

LOOKS

Looking like it would be very much at home racing around a track competitively, the 2018 GS F features a very large, intense spider-web design up front on the grille, which works well on the F sport

a considering its character. It’s also low to the ground and features some great curves in its exterior design.

The minivan, once a shining beacon of the automotive future when they first gained prominence in the 80s, has seen better days. The SUV craze has taken over the auto world, and poor old minivan has generally gotten the cold shoulder.

But wait, that’s not quite true. Some manufacturers remain committed to the segment, and one company that never really left the segment and still represents it strongly is FCA. To follow up on their longtime minivan successes the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, the company a couple years back introduced the Chrysler Pacifica, and have seen strong success in the category since then.
I recently spent time in a 2018 Pacifica, and I’m back with a full report on how it compares in the segment, for those who still love the sliding doors and a perfect setup for half the baseball team.

Driving is a passion lost on many of today’s younger generation, who have grown up in the era of Uber and the impending arrival of self-driving vehicles, and have little desire to get behind the wheel at all.

But for those who remember the joy of getting behind the wheel for the first time and the freedom it offers, who know the thrill that a fast, sporty vehicle can provide, there are still many vehicles available to help us enjoy those experiences well into adulthood.

Enter the Audi S4, a top-notch sports sedan that provides about as exhilarating a ride as you’ll get in cars targeted at mere mortals who don’t own any yachts or private islands.
I recently spent some time driving the 2018 S4, and I’m back with a full report on what it has to offer.

Full-size pickup trucks are not a one-size-fits-all prospect.

Some buyers seek out a vehicle that is high-end and full of all the latest gadgets and luxury trim.
Then on the other side of the coin, you have the basic work truck -- a tool meant for carrying payloads and towing whatever needs towed.

The second option is what I found myself driving recently when I spent some time in a 2018 Nissan Titan, which battles the larger domestic names in the truck segment. I’m back with a full report on what it offers compared to the rest of the pack.

The auto world has been buzzing with electricity in recent years … literally.

With nearly all major automakers heavily committing to moving away from internal-combustion engines, some entirely and some in phases, over the next several years, the battle for best electric vehicle is already heating up

I recently spent a little time with one of Volkswagen’s entries into the fray, the Volkswagen e-Golf -- an electric version of it’s perennial top-ranked vehicle -- and I’m back with a full report on what the buzz is all about on this particular plug-in ride.

In case you haven’t noticed by their constant presence on the roadways, smaller SUVs continue to be a strong trend in auto sales. Higher end brands are among those cashing in on this, and Buick is no exception -- with their compact Encore being their best-seller in terms of overall numbers in the U.S.

I recently spent some time in a Buick Encore, and I’m back with a full report on what it offers in this busy segment.

Not all vehicles named Santa Fe are the same. Knowing that one size won’t fit all SUV shoppers, Hyundai aims to please all potential buyers with both a three-row Santa Fe model, plus a two-row Santa Fe Sport model -- because for many people that third row would never be used.

I recently spent some time in a 2018 Santa Fe Sport, and I’m back with a full report on how it stacks up in the SUV landscape (hint: pretty well).

LOOKS

If you’re looking to make an impression, the exterior profile of the 2018 Santa Fe Sport really does stand out in the class. While not overly fancy, it’s got an attractive grille and headlight design, and a somewhat sleek package for an SUV.

The vehicle I tested, a 2018 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate AWD, featured 19-inch alloy wheels, roof side rails, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, auto HID headlights, LED taillights, and power side mirrors with turn signal indicators.

Inside, there were sharp wood highlights spread throughout the interior, plus truly comfortable leather seating, not to mention an attractive panoramic sunroof that lets you appreciate the outside world more while driving. Leather was also featured on the steering wheel and shift knob.

Toyota is an interesting company to me right now, when it comes to auto design.

From their most elaborate Lexus luxury models right down to basic Toyota vehicles, a thorough redesign is happening that can only be described as aggressive.

Perhaps the look doesn’t go over well with everyone, but the big and bold grilles they are unveiling across the board gives a hint of power and in-your-face attitude.

That doesn’t always translate to the actual performance though, so you need to keep things in perspective.

I recently spent time in a 2018 Toyota Corolla, and I’m back with a full report on where it shines and where it lacks.