The History of the Smart Car

If you were asked to name a micro-compact car, what would you name?  Could you come up with one?  There are quite a few compact cars, but a micro-compact car? Well, if you said the Smart Car you would be absolutely correct, and it is a success and here to stay. The Smart Car was…

The History of Acura Motor Company

“Acura.  Precision Crafted Performance.’  The slogan that started it all for Japanese automakers intent on challenging Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the luxury car field. Honda Motor Company unveiled the Acura Legend and Acura Integra in 1986, a full three years before Toyota unveiled the Lexus line, and the results were excellent in the first full…

The History of Lexus Motor Company

“The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection.”  If those words sound familiar, it is because they are the slogan for Lexus, the premium car company that was introduced by Toyota in 1989.  How apt those words are! Lexus was originally designed under the code name F1 Project, a highly secretive adventure for Toyota as they sought to…

ALG Announces Residual Value Awards

ALG just announced the winners for the Residual Value Awards.  In other words, these vehicles retain a greater portion of their MSRP after a three-year period.  You all know that once you drive a new car off of the dealership lot, the value plummets greatly.  That is why this rating system is so handy to…

2012 Toyota Venza

Whatever happened to the station wagon in the car world?  I mean, you have SUV’s and crossovers, and a few other designations nobody understands, but what happened to the venerable station wagon we all grew up with? Well, the Toyota Venza is as close to a station wagon as you could hope for, although it…