By Don Hammonds

Could it be four or five years since we’ve driven a Mustang?

Sad to say, it has been.  But all of our lovely, glowing memories that we’ve ever had of our time with Mustangs were apparent in the 2014 Mustang V6 Premium that we drove for a week recently.

They were all there: the low position in the seat with that huge hood looming ahead, the low growl of the powerful V-6 engine, that familiar Mustang dashboard that’s been around …

By Don Hammonds

We’ve driven quite a number of hybrid cars here at Automobile Journal, but we can’t remember a single one that was as much fun as the Volkwagen Jetta Hybrid.

l In fact, why not just nickname it the “Non-hybrid acting Hybrid”

With this car, Volkswagen has burnished its reputaton for making well-done, desirable, fun to drive alternatives to conventional  gasoline only cars.  Whether it’s a diesel, a hybrid, or whatever, VW clearly is still the “go-to” company for anyone who …

We wouldn’t be surprised if Lexus’ top officials are walking around with a confident smile these days.
And why shouldn’t they?  They’ve done a total revamp of just about everything in the lineup, and gotten kudos everywhere for their newer products. And that sound you hear crashing to the floor is the old, outdated reputation for building comfortable cars for those who want peace, quiet and little else in their rides.

But the real story may just be that even its oldest …

By Donald Hammonds

Small cars are chic these days, not cheap.

You can buy a pretty small car that is a real head turner, as well as thrifty and full of cool features–and they may cost you in the mid twenties or so to put it in  your driveway.  While $25,000 is not what I would call a tremendously expensive car, it isn’t a cheap car either.  Nor are small cars cheap in one other way of using the term “cheap”–ugly, tinny, …

By Don Hammonds

Think of all the things you want in a sports car.

Let’s see. a 200 horspower four cylinder “Boxer”  horizontally opposed engine for a low center of gravity. Rear wheel drive, of course. Low weight–let’s say only around 2750 pounds.  A well-balanced chassis with almost perfect weight distribution front and rear.  Direct and port fuel injection. Dual variable valve timing.  A six speed sequential automatic transmission with paddle shifters. 17 inch wheels.

Add to that lovely mix: Electronic brake distribution, auti lock brakes, both …