Top 10: Worst SUV Wannabes

[svgallery name=”Top_10_SUV_Wannabes”] By John LeBlanc What with today’s small car craze, it’s hard to believe that at one point in the late 1990s, sports-utility-vehicles roamed the North America byways like herds of 18th century bison. Large, ill-handling and gas-guzzling contraptions like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Tahoe and Jeep Grand Cherokee were some of the top-selling […]

Top 10s: Of all the (used) cars I’ve loved, before…

[svgallery name=”LeBlanc_used”] By John LeBlanc Back in the days when I was slogging it out in the design and advertising business, a new set of wheels wasn’t just in the cards. Looking back at some of those pre-loved rides, let’s just say I had some eclectic choices. Some good. Some bad. When it comes to […]

Top 6 Used wagons

[svgallery name=”Used_Wagons”] By John LeBlanc Maybe you didn’t get the memo – the one announcing that the station wagon is dead. Well, in name only, at least. Wagons still exist. They’re now called crossovers, tall station wagons without the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies’ less-than-fashionable image. Or, if they do exist, wagons are given fancy names […]

Top 10: Dumbest Halo Cars

[svgallery name=”Top_10_Dumbest_Halo_Cars”] Story by John LeBlanc By definition, a “halo” car in the auto industry is supposed to beam a positive light, or image, about its maker. Or, for more pragmatic reasons, simply get people into empty showrooms filled with less exciting vehicles. Historically, the Dodge Viper is considered the most successful halo car of […]

First Drive: 2010 Volvo XC60

Story and photos by John LeBlanc SAUSALITO, Calif.–There’s no guarantee that eating high-fibre foods or taking the stairs instead of the elevator will lead to a long, healthy life. Similarly, buying a new vehicle based on its outstanding safety credentials in no way guarantees accident-free driving. But try explaining that logic to the well-intentioned folks […]

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