For a while, BMW had lost the plot. The Bavarian automaker's malaise started in 2012 with the introduction of the (F30) 3-series, the first 3-series that tipped the scale harder for luxury than sport. Non-enthusiasts were pleased: To them, the blue and white Roundel is a symbol of luxury, not sport, and the coveted badge… Continue reading Review: 2018 BMW 530i
The GTI is the rare sub $30k car that is multi-faceted enough to appeal to a broad demographic of buyers. Commuters appreciate its excellent fuel economy and comfort, as well as responsive infotainment system and support of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Younger buyers appreciate its approachable price and sporty design cues. Mature buyers like… Continue reading Review: 2018 VW Golf GTI SE
Jab your finger hard into the button emblazoned Start on the 2018 Jaguar F-Type R’s dash, and the car takes a figurative swill of the firewater, kicks down the door, and belches, “let’s get this party started!” What kind of a party does the wild cat throw when it’s guzzling premium? I’d love to find… Continue reading Test Drive: 2018 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe
Nearly two decades ago, Cadillac reinvented its image and purpose when it introduced the CTS and proved it could build a sports sedan to rival BMW’s 3-series. Today, Cadillac is re-reinventing itself with the CT6. Cadillac is showing that it can play at the cutting edge of luxury technologies with Tesla and Mercedes. As Cadillac’s… Continue reading Review: 2018 Cadillac CT6 with Super Cruise
We have the BMW X1 xDrive28i again for a goodly duration, and I’ve reacquainted myself with the small SUV. (Read my first review here.) The X1 and I have taken on a long highway trip to wine country, flogged canyon roads, and done more than a week’s worth of grocery-getting. I’ve come away charmed with… Continue reading Review: 2018 BMW X1 xDrive28i
As I pace around the sparkling gray 2018 Ford Taurus SHO, I ask myself what is this car and who is it for? SHOs of the past were the “Super High Output” vehicles in the Taurus range, packing extra punch and having an aura of sportiness to them. The current Taurus has grown so large… Continue reading Review: 2018 Ford Taurus SHO
Chevrolet has a knack for naming completely quotidien vehicles after improbably glamorous destinations, and the Malibu is one of its most offending nameplates. The Hollywood-rich living in this coastal enclave undoubtedly have more Mercedes S-classes registered to them than they have Chevrolet Malibus. So the car would be more honestly named the Chevrolet Oshkosh. I… Continue reading Test Drive: 2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT
2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S, 2014 Cadillac CTS-V wagon and 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 wagon. These four cars were my top contenders in my search for a Ford Focus RS replacement. Each car held the promise of being sonorous, tactile, and smooth: rewarding in ways the RS never was in the… Continue reading Review: 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
I've done my 1,000-mile break-in with the CTS-V wagon, though in this case, the break-in was of the owner rather than the car. I now feel like I have a rounded view of the super wagon. The majority of my break-in miles were urban, back and forth to school and the supermarket as I play… Continue reading Long Term: 2014 Cadillac CTS-V
My personal expectations for new BMW sedans are not very high. BMW’s chase of luxury comes with fresh designs and the latest technology, but also with increasing isolation from the driving experience. Each updated Bimmer seems to take a step away from the driving involvement I love. My ideal rides are full of feel, spunky,… Continue reading Test Drive: 2018 BMW X3 M40i
Mike's Steering Column 