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 […]
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.
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. […]
Burnt Rubber on a Budget: The History of Affordable Sports Cars
With their bold styling, unbeatable power-to-weight ratio, and performance-minded design, sports cars are unlike any other segment on the market. Most vehicles on the road are built to be well-rounded, offering a mix of performance, comfort, convenience, and efficiency. Still, that formula goes right out of the window when you start pumping the 91 octane. […]
Chevy Walks the Beat With the Tahoe PPV
When lives hang in the balance, only the best will do. From local and state police to sheriff’s departments and more, law enforcement agencies have long turned to Chevy for many of their automotive needs. Chevy isn’t the only automaker to develop such a close relationship with these groups, but its collaboration has produced some […]
Toyota Reimagines the Tacoma With an All-New Platform, Off-Road Trims, and Premium Features
Once upon a time, a pickup could coast through the market with four-wheel drive, half-decent towing capacity, and little else, but those days have long since passed. The segment has evolved dramatically over the last few decades, driven largely by a changing customer base who are demanding not only bigger and better but smarter, safer, […]
GMC and AEV—a Match Made in Off-Road Heaven
For those who know their way around a winch, the name “American Expedition Vehicles” (AEV) should ring a bell. The Montana-based company is known for creating some of the most rugged, capable, and stylish off-roads on the market, collaborating with some of the industry’s leading brands to give their four-wheel drive vehicles the full AEV […]
From Turbo Fires and 409s to the 350 and LS Generation: Reviewing the Best Chevy Engines of All Time
Between heads-up displays and paddle shifters, heated seats, and power running boards, today’s vehicles are packed with more novel gadgetry than ever before. While some of these features are inherently useful, features like gesture-based controls can come off as a bit of a gimmick that’ll have you looking like you’re conducting an orchestra as you […]
The Nissan GT-R Skyline: An Icon on the Screen and on the Track
With so many thrilling models in the lineup, a quick look around your local Nissan dealer is sure to turn up all sorts of enticing prospects. Nissan is a bit of an anomaly in the auto world, crafting not only some of the industry’s most affordable models but also making its presence known in the […]
Diving “N” to Hyundai’s Performance Brand With the IONIQ 5 N
Tuning a car is a great way to turn a reliable, everyday driver into a thrill-seeking, track-gobbling performance vehicle, but it can be an intimidating process for the average driver. Between overhauling the exhaust, tweaking the vehicle’s fuel management, upping the air intake, and diving into the money pit that is forced induction, unlocking a […]
Leaning in to World Superbike
Since its debut in 2019, Netflix’s “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” documentary series has been one of the streaming giant’s breakout hits. The show has not only been a ratings bonanza for Netflix, it has also helped to achieve what many thought was once impossible: turn historically disinterested Americans into F1 fans. Formula One has […]
Badge of Honor Puts a Jeep Twist on Social Media
Introduced in 2013, Jeep’s Badge of Honor app is designed to foster engagement, connection, and competition amongst the off-road set. Users can browse off-road trails, check in, and earn rewards by completing various routes and even earn physical medallions that can be applied to a Jeep vehicle as real-life badges of honor. The app covers […]
Toyota Introduces Two Limited Edition GR Models for 2024
From the ultra-efficient Prius to the go-anywhere 4Runner and best-selling RAV4, a quick visit to your local Toyota dealer is bound to turn up any number of alluring options. That said, the 2024 GR Corolla Circuit Edition or 2024 GR86 Trueno Edition are easily two of their most tempting models for the coming model year, […]