The Crank: Is Scion becoming Toyota’s Saturn?

By John LeBlanc Pop quiz time: Did you know that it’s been one year since Toyota Canada introduced its so-called “youth” Scion brand to this country? No? Well, you’re forgiven if you forgot to get an anniversary gift or send a card. With sales a mere fraction of the automaker’s original estimates, it’s not like […]

Comparo: 2011 Nissan Cube versus 2011 Scion xB

Compacts Squared Which of these hip-to-be-square compact boxes-on-wheels nails the “cool” factor? By John LeBlanc There are all kinds of ways kids can revolt against their parents. Some even legal. Like buying a Nissan Cube or Scion xB, two new cars that embody few of the qualities their respectively-targeted buyers’ parents would dig.

Top 10s: Future New Fuel Sippers

[svgallery name=”2012 Fuel Sippers”] By John LeBlanc It’s déjà vu all over again for new car buyers. Just like in 2008, when gasoline peaked at nearly $1.50 per litre, buying an inexpensive and fuel-efficient small car is starting to look like a smart idea. So while we’re witnessing a bunch of new, small cars being […]

2011 Montréal: Top 10 Must Sees

[svgallery name=”2011_BMW_X1_2″] By John LeBlanc While the North American International Auto Show received all the attention last week in Detroit, more relevant to Canadian new car buyers is the 43rd Montréal International Auto Show. First on the Canadian auto show calendar, automakers use the Québec show to prep for the spring selling season. Amidst the […]

The Crank: More than recalls cause of Toyota’s sales woes

By John LeBlanc Newsflash: Toyota Canada isn’t going to sell as many cars this year as they did last. To be specific, sales last month for the combined Toyota/Lexus brands were down 17.1 per cent from September 2009, in a Canadian new car market that’s up 7 per cent. At this rate—and there’s no reason […]

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