Convertibles might seem like a luxury in today’s market, but these open-air rides were actually some of the world’s first cars. That said, these early horseless carriages don’t have a lot in common with today’s convertibles, and the original 1897 Daimler Grafton Phaeton might not draw the right kind of attention when you’re cruising by […]
Author: Matt Dodge
Between spending Father's Day at the local race track and watching NASCAR in his grandparent's living room, Matt Dodge has long been fascinated with all things automotive. Matt has worked at a variety of business magazines, daily newspapers, and trade publications while making time for some unique side hustles, including stints as a tour guide and pedicab operator. Quirky tales from automotive history and helpful how-to guides are some of Matt's favorite topics, though his own D.I.Y. efforts have largely been limited to keeping his 1999 GMC Savana from imploding and removing the backseat of his Honda Accord to make more room for surfboards.
How Hybrids Came to Dominate Motorsport
When the first hybrid hit the US market in the early 2000s, it was difficult to envision a day when these automotive chimeras would come to infiltrate the highest levels of motorsport. That original hybrid, the 2001 Toyota Prius, wasn’t exactly race-ready with its 1.5L I-4 engine, 114 horsepower, and a zero-to-60-mph time of 13 […]
Pickup Power: History’s Fastest Trucks
Today’s pickups come in all shapes and sizes. While most truck owners prioritize ride height, towing power, and off-road prowess above pure speed, acceleration, and handling, there’s always been a certain set who wants the best of both worlds. Enter the street truck. Also referred to as a muscle truck, these high-performance models are the […]
Hybrid Technology in the Two-Wheeled World
Electric motorcycles are nothing new, with the first prototype models hitting the streets as far back as 1919. While they’ve never overtaken traditional gas-powered models, they have become their own in recent years. Major brands like Kawasaki, Ducati, BMW, Triumph, and Harley-Davidson’s new Livewire offshoot are making steady inroads alongside ambitious startups like Zero, Energica, […]
Looking Back at Some of the Dodge Charger and Challenger’s Most Iconic Editions
After an iconic 57-year run, the Dodge Charger took its final lap at the end of 2023. The Charger carved out quite a following during its time on the market, boldly tweaking an established formula to become one of America’s favorite muscle cars. After a brief hiatus between 1987 and 2006, the Charger was reintroduced […]
Track Record: Chevy’s IndyCar Dominance
Motorsport success has been part of the Chevy story since the automaker’s earliest days; in fact, it’s literally in Chevy’s DNA. While other major American automakers have long had a presence in the racing world, Chevy takes the pursuit personally. Browse the list of past Indianapolis 500 winners, and one name will stick out when […]
Off-Road Face-Off: 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison vs 2022 Colorado ZR2 Bison
Today’s trucks are bigger and more imposing than ever, but few have the credentials to back up their aggressive appearance. That’s certainly not the case with Chevy’s midsize off-road monster in the Colorado ZR2 Bison. Born out of a collaboration between Chevy and the off-road and overland vehicle parts and accessories wizards at American Expedition […]
Looking for Fun Behind the Wheel of a Used Car? Check Out These Ford Models
Most drivers have probably noticed that Ford has shifted its focus away from hatchbacks and sedans over the last few years. In fact, as of this writing, the Mustang stands alone as the only true “car” in a Ford lineup now dominated by crossovers, SUVs, and pickups. That’s not to say that those in the […]
The Accord Sport 2.0T Injected a Little Fun Into the Best-Selling Sedan
In some ways, the Honda Accord is a victim of its own success. There’s no denying the Accord’s impressive track record in the modern auto market––Honda’s midsize model moves around 200,000 units a year and easily finds a place on the list of the best-selling cars––but that sort of success can be a bit of […]
The Mustang Family Welcomes Powerful Additions for Its Newest Generation
From its reputation and trailblazing status to its sporty looks and guttural exhaust note, the Mustang looks every bit the sports car, but Ford hasn’t always put performance at the forefront when it comes to the original pony car. In part, this can be attributed to the Mustang’s iconic status. With so much hype and […]
Corvette Racing Is Dead, Long Live Corvette Racing
Step into your local Chevy dealer, take a quick look at the Chevy Corvette, and one thing immediately becomes clear. This is a car that wants to go fast. Introduced in 1953, the Corvette has been lauded as one of the country’s most original sports car creations. From its recognizable fiberglass bodywork to the famous […]
Exploring Jeep’s Arsenal of 4×4 Options
Xerox, jacuzzi, lava lamp, popsicle, and Jeep. What do these words have in common? While each is technically a protected trademark owned by a specific brand, these words have become generic terms used to describe entire categories of products. In many parts of the world, the Jeep name has become so synonymous with off-road excellence […]
Popping The Hood On Mercedes-Benz’s Sports Car Stable
Mercedes-Benz has long been one of the undisputed leaders in the luxury market, but few realize that the German automaker is also a force to be reckoned with in the sports car segment. While Mercedes-Benz’s stable of sporty models might not be the largest in the industry, they’re certainly some of the most exciting, offering […]
AEV Takes the Wrangler’s Off-Road Chops to the Next Level
If you’re looking to turn your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Willys into a one-of-a-kind overlanding rig, American Expedition Vehicles is here to help. The Montana-based company has earned a reputation as one of the industry’s leading upfitters, partnering with some of the biggest names in today’s truck and SUV market to produce rugged, off-road-conquering versions […]
Discussing The Dangers of Over-Modification
Pull up to any shop specializing in auto repair, and you’re bound to be met with cars, trucks, and SUVs in various states of disrepair. From dented bumpers and scratched body panels to crumpled hoods and totaled chassis, these vehicles have seen better days. Then there are the relatively pristine models that look no worse […]
Stepping Into the Ring With the Porsche Boxster and Cayman
Long overshadowed by the 911, the Porsche Boxster would be the standout model in almost any other automaker’s lineup. While the Boxster might not be the odds-on favorite for the title of “best sports car ever produced” like its three-digit brother, the roadster has still managed to turn quite a few heads since bursting onto […]
From Karts to the Qatar Grand Prix: Climbing The Formula Racing Pyramid
With all the glitz, glamor, and high-speed thrills, not to mention its own Netflix series, Formula One tends to grab all the headlines. The open-wheeled, single-seater racing series might have made household names out of Hamilton, Verstappen, Leclerc, and the like, but it’s far from the only Formula racing series in town. While casual fans […]
What’s In A Name? Decoding The Toyota GR86
Walk into your local Oswego Toyota dealer, and you’re sure to find a car, truck, or SUV to suit any driver or driving style. From family-friendly SUVs to dynamic sedans and hard-working pickups like the Tundra and Tacoma, the Toyota lineup has something for everyone, including those who aren’t afraid to flirt with a little […]
What’s Behind The F-150’s Success? It All Comes Down To Innovation
No matter how you look at it, the F-150 is undoubtedly one of the auto industry’s biggest success stories. Ford has sold more than 40 million F-150s since the nameplate was first introduced, which makes the popular pickup not only the best-selling truck in America but the best-selling vehicle of any kind. The Big Blue […]
Can Jeep Wrangle the Bronco? An Off-Road Showdown
If you’re in the market for a new SUV, a quick visit to your local Ford dealership should turn up a full slate of intriguing options. From the compact Ford Escape and Bronco Sport to the midsize Edge, Ford’s crossover SUVs have proved to be some of the brand’s most popular models in recent years. […]