Top 10s: The most fuel-efficient hybrids for 2013

Story by John LeBlanc When Natural Resources Canada announced its top fuel-efficient new 2013 models, there were a host of pure-electric vehicles that sip no fuel at all. But not all new car buyers can afford the limited driving range and inconvenience of plugging in these EVs. For the rest of us, here are the […]

The Crank: How Ford can save Lincoln. No, really…

By John LeBlanc Ever since the 1990s Ford Explorer/Firestone tire fiasco, the Ford Motor Co. has made much ado about nothing with its Lincoln luxury brand. Ford was ready with a bunch of rear-wheel-drive products that would separate Lincolns from the more plebeian front-drive Fords. But then the tire crisis nearly did Ford in financially, […]

The Crank: Lincoln’s naming strategy missing its Mark

By John LeBlanc I recently got a chance to drive the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sedan and updated 2011 MKX midsize crossover (preview article coming forthwith). All in all, both are pretty solid pieces of kit. Not only is the MKZ Lincoln’s first hybrid, because its based on the excellent bones of the Ford […]

Brand-Aid: Does Ford really need Lincoln?

By John LeBlanc Despite being the darling of the auto-world media right now (NO BANKRUPTCIES!! NO BAILOUT MONEY!! NO STICKY GAS PEDALS!!), Ford has a problem child: its name is Lincoln. Ah, yes, Lincoln. Remember? Ford’s luxury brand? Don’t feel ashamed if you’ve forgotten.