Consumer Reports issues safety warning about Lexus SUV

Consumer Reports has issued a "Do Not Buy" warning for the newly redesigned Lexus GX460 SUV for potential rollover dangers.



Click here to read Consumer Reports Q&A on the GX460.

Chevrolet to offer limited number of 2010 Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car replicas to public

DETROIT (GM) -- For the first time since 1993, Chevrolet will build and sell a replica of a Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car.

“We set out to build a collectible vehicle that will appeal to the die-hard Camaro and Indianapolis 500 fan,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing. “We believe we’ve done just that with the 2010 Chevy Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Limited Edition.”

This limited edition replica includes all the features found on a top-of-the-line regular production Camaro SS, but adds some additional features unique to the actual pace car to be driven by Robin Roberts, anchor of “Good Morning America,” during the this year’s Indianapolis 500.

Test Drive: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum

I was excited to learn that I would get a chance to review the 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum. I love the current generation Escalade and have often fantasized about owning one.

GM sent me the vehicle while I was in Greensboro, North Carolina teaching at the National Association of Black Journalists Multimedia Short Course held each year at NC A&T State University.

This is a very large truck with lots of luxury and nice little features that add creature comforts. For example, this Escalade ESV Platinum has front cup holders that will keep your warm drinks warm and your cool drinks cool. You will also find a long list of expected features like a navigation system, premium sound system and Bluetooth connectivity for your cell phone.

Test Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI

This week's Test Drive takes place in the 2010 Volkswagen GTI.  Small. Sporty. Stimulating.

My first impressions are very good. I'm finding this car to be quite comfortable. The leather bucket seats are great, though I don't understand why driver's seat has a power recline feature, but adjusts forward and backward manually.

I really dig the race car inspired steering wheel.

This GTI test model is fairly well equipped.  Features include DVD navigation, Sirius satellite radio and a premium sound system which includes an iPod connection.  Bluetooth connectivity is also included for both cell phones and audio devices.  There is no automatic lights feature.

First Impressions: 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

I'm reviewing the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan this week.  It is not very grand. This would not be my choice for a personal vehicle. It has no style and no pizazz. Mini-vans aren't even cool soccer mom vehicles anymore with competition from much more expressive crossovers. Hmmm...

The Grand Caravan has a standard V-6 engine that produces anaemic acceleration.  When I say there is nothing remotely fun about driving this vehicle, please believe me.

It's signature feature is the famous "Stow 'n Go" rear seats which you can make quickly disappear into the floor to create substantial cargo space. Click here to see video demonstration.

I will say this-- the Grand Caravan is good basic transportation if you need room for family and cargo without spending a lot of money. The test model they sent me has no options and comes in under $24,000 including the destination charge.

Chrysler/Dodge pioneered the modern minivan in the early 1980's under the leadership of Lee Iacocca.  It now appears the company is trying to stay in a market that GM and Ford have left. And, I'm fairly confident that this bare bones test model would not stack up well against the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.  But, even with more creature comfort features, I still would not pick a minivan. Chalk it up to personal taste.