Vehicle Reviews

Review by Dr. David A. Zatz –   Review Notes: Cadillac Escalade EXT Personality Work truck in genteel wrapper Quirks Door handle, brake release placement; heavy truck under Cadillac coating; cruise control Unusual features Stability system, backup warning system, fold-down rear seats with removable window glass, storage compartments in bed-sides Above Average: Handling, braking, capacity Needs Work In: Gas mileage, …

Engineered largely in the United States but drawing heavily on Toyota technologies from Japan, the Tundra was reportedly created without the benefit of incessant cost-cutters demanding lighter-duty components everywhere. The result may well be the toughest, most durable truck in its class, as well as the truck with the best standard engines – engines that make the most of every …

Review Notes: 2009 Suzuki Equator RMZ-4 (4.0L V6 / Automatic) Pros ·Very capable on & off-road ·Rear locker ·Supple suspension ·point-and-shoot off-road capability ·Lined bed with beefy tie-downs ·Full skid plating Cons ·Weak fuel economy ·Soft brake pedal ·Hunting automatic transmission ·No 6-speed manual transmission availability EPA Fuel Mileage 15 city, 20 highway The Final Word Incredibly capable off-road truck …

Photos provided by Nissan The formula for a crossover vehicle is pretty simple.  Start with a sedan platform, add provisions for all-wheel drive, raise the ride height a couple of inches and wrap the whole package up in a functional two-box body and viola – you have a crossover.  The buying public has embraced this recipe and as a result most …

Review by Dr. David A. Zatz Review Notes: Dodge Ram Quad Cab SLT Laramie – Hemi Automatic Personality Big rig looks and luxury car interior bely a strong, serious truck Unusual features Shows computer fault codes without a scanner Above Average: Power, usability, style Needs Work In: Transmission responsiveness EPA gas mileage 13 city, 17 highway Price $29,255 base (Quad …

Aimed at buyers who crave the ultimate in style and comfort in a sport utility, the all new ’99 TrailBlazer is just that. The TrailBlazer is the brother of the LT 4- door Blazer that got the inheritance from daddy. It offers much more in the way of comfort and styling. Such benefits of the additional $1400* or more include …

Since 1918, Chevrolet has been making pickup trucks - that’s 81 years of engineering feats and accomplishments and the 1999 Silverado is one of those feats. The ’99 Silverado marks the first change in the Chevy pick up truck in nearly a decade. Chevy started their “Bigger, Faster, Smarter and Stronger” marketing campaign in hopes to draw attention to the vast …

Review by Dr. David A. Zatz  Review Notes: Dodge Durango 4×4 Limited Hemi Personality Refined SUV with surprisingly good handling and endless torque Unusual features Hemi engine…need we say more? OK, how about being able to show computer fault codes without a scanner? Or airbags for all three rows? Above Average: Handling, value and efficiency compared with other SUVs, brakes, …

Review by Dr. David A. Zatz Review Notes: Chevrolet TrailBlazer Personality Minivan that can tow a serious load. Bests Explorer V-8 in every way we can find. Unusual features 275 horsepower straight six Quirks GM cruise, carlike parking brake and shifter Above Average In: Comfort, power, braking, most controls Needs Work In: Gas mileage [though better than Explorer], minor details …

Review By Dr. David A. Zatz – Review Notes: Dodge Power Wagon 4×4, automatic Personality Heavy-duty pickup with serious off-roading gear — and manners Unusual features Off-roading equipment, 340 horsepower V8 Above Average: Stump-pulling power, cornering, ride Needs Work In: Not surprisingly, gas mileage; tenuous relationship to original Power Wagon EPA gas mileage Too low to be measured by the EPA; …