What were you doing in 1991? Arnold Schwarzenegger coined “Hasta la vista, baby,” and a young Macaulay Culkin taught six-year-olds like me what to do when left home alone during Christmas. Friday nights were planned around television lineups featuring a young, suspenders-wearing Urkel, a home improvement show with grunts demanding “more power,” and a fresh […]
Category: History
Yamaha’s Fascinating, Little-Known History of Making Car Engines
When I say “Yamaha,” there are a few things you might think of. One may be the world’s largest musical instrument manufacturer, churning out everything from pianos and guitars to drumsticks. Another is the audio company that, among other things, developed the first successful digital synthesizer and the first CD recorder. If you’re reading CarLifeNation, […]
The Ram 1500 HEMI: The History of a Historic Truck
If you’re a fan of trucks, you’ve likely heard of the Ram 1500. Seeing one drive down the road is an everyday occurrence for most of us. There are a lot of trucks on the market, but Ram always tends to stick out for good reasons. Its affordability, durability, and towing capacity make it hard […]
Freakishly Fun: The Oddest Motorcycle Engines Ever Made
In many respects, the evolution of motorcycle engines has been straightforward. Internal combustion piston engines established themselves as the predominant engine type by the early 1900s, and most designs—two-stroke, four-stroke, parallel-twin, V-twin, etc—have built on this. Along the way, horsepower and torque kept going up, just like with cars. But in the book of motorcycle […]
Mazda Spirit Racing: Renewing a Tradition of Going Fast
For decades, Mazda has been known for quick cars that inspire exhilaration for their drivers. Their motto is literally “Zoom-Zoom.” Mazda debuted two concept cars at the annual Tokyo Auto Salon show in January 2024 as part of a new sub-brand: Mazda Spirit Racing. Dubbed the Spirit Racing RS and the Spirit Racing 3, these […]
The Corolla FX16 Is Forgotten Legend
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the Toyota Corolla and its new GR (Gazoo Racing) variant, which turns the classic commuter car into a wild all-wheel drive rally car. However, veteran car enthusiasts know it’s not the first time Toyota has decided to throw caution to the wind with its venerable nameplate. Several special-edition […]
The Bronco in Motorsports: A Victorious History
When the Ford Bronco reappeared on showroom floors in 2021, it was more than the return of a famous off-road vehicle after a quarter-century hiatus. It also marked a new era for one of the most famous racing automobiles. The Bronco has long been a trusted steed in off-road racing circles, and with new Broncos […]
Four Models, 50 Years of Honda Performance
Honda might be known as one of the more reliable, affordable brands on the market, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know a few things about speed. Most drivers browsing their local Honda dealer are probably familiar with the automaker’s current performance-focused offerings in the Civic Si and Civic Type R, but those only represent […]
Car Culture Around the World: Sweden’s Raggare
For a country of just 10.5 million, Sweden has an outsized presence in the international auto market. This country’s vehicular offerings tend to concentrate on either performance or practicality, ranging from the safety-minded Volvo and its Polestar EV offshoot to the supercar specialists at Koenigsegg and defunct brands like the turbocharger-obsessed Saab. These brands have […]
From Military Commission to Luxury Icon: The Surprising History of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
When most people think of Mercedes-Benz, they picture the brand’s sleek sedans and low-slung performance models. While luxury SUVs have made their way into the automaker’s lineup in recent years, one Mercedes-Benz model stands out from the crowd with its boxy design, off-road chops, and luxuriously appointed interior. Introduced in 1979, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, commonly […]
The (Not-So-Harvester) Scout Returns to the Trail
When it comes to off-road vehicles, certain names have become legends: Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover, Ford Bronco, and Toyota’s TRD models. Up until about 45 years ago, there was another name often spoken alongside Jeep, which was the Harvester Scout. The Scout was first introduced in 1960, and for two decades, it offered impressive performance […]
Remembering AMC: The Story of America’s Last Independent Automaker
While it might have since faded into the rearview mirror, American Motors Corporation was a formative brand that helped shape the auto industry. The defunct automaker might not be familiar to younger drivers, but for those who remember the days of tail fins, chromed-out bumpers, and gaudy hood ornaments, AMC likely played a part in […]
Car Culture Around the World: The Jeepney
Public transportation serves an important role in society, allowing people to commute to work, visit family, and get where they need to go without investing in their own vehicles. While your local city bus might be clean, reliable, and an efficient form of transportation, there’s one thing it’s not: a psychedelic sensory overload. The same […]
A Classic Harley-Davidson Returns With the 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival
The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the original Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide, one of the most revered bikes from one of the most revered American motorcycle manufacturers. To celebrate the occasion, your local Harley-Davidson dealer may have something special in store. With the limited-edition 2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide Revival, riders have a chance to experience the […]
The Dodge Charger: Looking Back on a Legacy of Muscle Car Performance
Reports of the Dodge Charger’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. In late 2022, Stellanis announced that the iconic muscle car would be consigned to used Dodge dealerships to make way for a new generation of all-electric models, but just two years later, Dodge is already ready to welcome the gas-powered Charger back to the lineup. […]
The High-Performance History of the Ford ST Badge
If you’ve ever gone to your local Ford dealer and asked about getting something sporty, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about or seen the letters “ST.” Attached to a variety of Fords over the past three decades, the ST has become synonymous with added performance and style in the automotive community; we’re personally fond […]
The 2024 Chevy Colorado: An Award-Winning Way to Go Off-Road
Pilots don’t make their first flight in a Boeing 737, and even the world’s greatest off-roaders didn’t start out in the most advanced truck that money can buy. The Chevrolet Colorado recently celebrated its 20th anniversary as the midsize truck people turn to when they want to get their feet wet in the off-roading world—but […]
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 […]
Trail Rated Favorites Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator Face Off
Jeeps are made to take on anything, especially the Wrangler and Gladiator. Since the Jeep brand became popular among civilians in the 1940s, it’s largely been associated with literally driving over the river and through the woods. Back in the 1980s, the Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 was an elongated version of the popular Jeep CJ-7, with […]