Recent content by Redrock

The 500L will not come with AWD, just a crossover-like appearance package. It will very much be a car, with no real rough road ability like the SX4. Basically, Fiat is positioning it as an alternative to the Fit, Matrix, and PT Cruiser. If you want more of a crossover, there will be a small...

No. The bodies are identical; they differ solely in the suspension.

It may be more comfortable than huge-*** boots, until you roll an ankle, step on a sharp rock, skid while scrambling, stub a toe, and so on. And I guarantee they're not as comfortable or as secure as the trail-runner based mid-height boots I hike in, which are the best of both worlds. But...

I own a Jeep and a Subaru, not a 4Runner. Attack Jeep for making the Wrangler less capable when they actually do it. While it's unfortunate that Toyota has chosen to make their trucks less capable, not sure what it has to do with the Jeep Safari concepts.

So as you modify it and don't abuse it, a stock car can take plenty of abuse? :D There's a bit of a contradiction there, but if you mean to say what I think you mean, I still disagree. If you're planning on driving on rough roads and other extreme usage regimes, buy a car that you know can...

What a bizarre rant. The Wrangler has never been more capable than it is right now - it's still got solid front axles and all the hardware. It's the most capable stock Wrangler Jeep has ever produced, and adjusted for inflation and purchasing power, it's the same price as it's always been...

So you're saying that you think portal axles are bling? And what the heck is a tootise toy? A vehicle doesn't need to be a motorized oxcart to be utilitarian. The Rubicon is wonderfully capable right out of the box. And Jeep has always offered luxury options and fully loaded models. The...

They're great for daily use, look excellent with jeans and chinos, and are well-cushioned, but they're not really for active use.

So....the short answer is that the A3 isn't going to really do what you want it to. Hate to say it, but there it is. The long answer is that I, at one time, considered offroad modding a Golf TDI for economical long-distance travel, did a ton of research, and ultimately rejected it as too...

I get why these are popular in Latin America and Europe, but I don't see why this makes the slightest sense here. If you need fuel economy and occasional hauling, just get a little utility trailer and tow it behind a car. If you need a truck...buy a truck.

Anyway, back on topic...I've driven Hiluxes. They're tanks, and insanely capable. But they're not what US truck buyers are really looking for. Personally, I think it'd make the most sense for the Taco and Hilux to share interiors, body panels and structure, seats, and so forth, but have...

I would personally favor the Subaru as well. On rough roads, suspension travel and ground clearance are important. The Audis, Volkswagens, and BMWs you're considering have very little of either attribute, and none of them are reknowned for their durability. I've been cruising along happily on...

As an environmental remediation specialist who deals with automotive-related toxics every day, I can tell you that NiMH batteries are not only completely recyclable, but they're also completely nontoxic. There's no part of a Prius battery that's more environmentally unfriendly than any other...

I've got a pair of Patagonia approach shoes that have done their job very well, but I don't use them hard. Too bad they haven't held up in your experience- usually Patagonia stuff is very well made, but the Merrell connection would explain why.

They aren't at 20% right now, let alone 90.