FREEWHEELING

Jet-setting inspiration for Flex

The other night Ford took a group of "influencers" and auto journalists on an urban adventure in New York City with the 2009 Ford Flex. We started at the CUE Gallery in Chelsea where a commissioned artist was... 10/05/08

The smart fortwo helps pinch your pennies and have fun too

My tester this week was the smart fortwo. The make and model are not spelled with a capital S and F. The automaker deliberately wants the buyer to think small. The smart is new to the U.S. marketplace, having just gone... 10/05/08

A Fitting Reward

Hard work pays off with a 2005 Porsche

Susan Gartner, a high-tech software sales professional for 24 years and grandmother of two, lives in San Rafael. My first car was a '73 Plymouth Duster. I was newly married with a young daughter and another on the way,... 10/05/08

Safety - More Than Just Seat Belts

Today's auto technology is keeping drivers better protected than ever

During the gas crisis of the 1970s, many American drivers turned away from gas-guzzling tanks that could only dream about getting 10 miles per gallon and started buying cars that used less fuel. Other drivers, however,... 10/04/08

2008 Flyscooter La Vie

Local entrepreneurs offer scooters with ingenuity and reliability

Without question, both the motorcycle and scooter markets represent a rapidly growing hotbed of activity, and given today's high fuel prices, sales of the two-wheelers are soaring. Scooters are generally less expensive... 10/04/08

A convertible for many driving seasons: the 2009 Saab 9-3

As summer winds down this week's convertible caught the attention of on-lookers for its four seasons good looks. I'd like the Saab 9-3 to drive me through the fall and into spring. The 9-3 convertible's eye-catching... 10/03/08

2009 Infiniti FX 50 S

Retooled crossover still stands out

The first generation Infiniti FX was introduced in 2003 with a unique approach to design and engineering that emphasized the sport factor over the traditional concentration on simply utility. Infiniti's second... 10/03/08

DOWN THE ROAD

The evolution of Zoom Zoom

When the Mazda6 was introduced in 2003, it was instantly popular because of its nimble handling and precise steering. It never, however, achieved its full potential because it was a bit smaller and offered less power... 09/28/08

ROLLING HOMES

2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid good fit for retro-style Shasta trailer

Chrysler has broken new ground with its hybrid Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen. Both rigs share virtually identical underpinnings, which include dual-mode hybrid systems that operate on electric motor and gasoline... 09/28/08

Driving with my Dad

A 1967 Mercedes coupe connects a man with his ailing father

John Nalty, business manager for Excel Distributing and a photographer for Donna Brammer Photography, lives in San Jose. I was sitting in my car on southbound Highway 101 near the San Jose airport when I just got tired... 09/28/08

2008 BMW 650i Convertible

The ante just went up for alfresco aficionados

In 2004, the 6 Series BMW designation returned after a hiatus of 15 years. The 645Ci, in either coupe or convertible body style, exhibited stunning and innovative styling. Power came from a 4.4-liter, 32-valve V8 that... 09/27/08

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram ready to charge truck market

Dodge has a new crew-cab truck that will challenge the leaders of the pickup truck market segment market. It's the all-new 2009 Ram. Trucks only compose about 11 percent of the market, but they bring in big revenue to... 09/26/08

2009 Honda Pilot EX-L 2WD

Mid-size SUV gets more power and a bigger body

The latest Pilot SUV from Honda delivers more horsepower and torque than before and comes in a bigger package. The wheelbase and length overall have been extended, it is wider and more fuel is carried onboard. This... 09/26/08

WYOMING

Yellowstone has a plan to balance cell phones and nature

Yellowstone National Park officials, attempting to balance competing demands for cell phone service and preserving the park's tranquility, have released a draft plan to guide the development of wireless services within... 09/21/08

DOWN THE ROAD

Indian clean diesel pickup truck to be sold in U.S. late 2009

Some time in the latter half of 2009, a new line of compact pickup trucks from Indian manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra, Ltd. will go on sale in the United States. The new truck, which will be available in two- and... 09/21/08