The Top 9 Halo Cars in Showrooms Today

Whether with jaw-dropping style or an advanced powertrain, there’s no one way for a vehicle to become a brand’s halo car.

The Top Eight Vehicles That Could Use A V-8

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS photo courtesy Stradablog

Imagine, for a moment, that CAFE doesn’t exist and automakers are free to engineer whatever powerplants they desire. Emissions, fuel economy and R&D costs aren’t an issue.

The Changing Face of Online Automotive Journalism

Motor Trend's homepage in 2000 (left) and May 2010 (right)

Automotive journalism has been transformed over the last decade thanks in part to Web-only publications pushing mainstream magazines to redefine their print issues and Web sites.

We’re not just talking about how the magazine Web sites look, though the Internet Archive Wayback Machine is always fun.

Loaded Compact Sedans: Alternatives to Moderately Equipped Midsizers

Collage by Zach Gale

Last time we checked, there’s no rule stipulating that prospective sedan buyers with $25,000 burning a hole in their pocket must look exclusively at the midsize sedan segment. If you’ve seen Motor Trend’s giant comparison test of the top seven best-selling midsize cars in the U.S., then you know there are plenty of great offerings in the segment.

But to go big for that price, you’ll probably have to leave some of the best features off the option checklist.

First Look: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

With the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport making its U.S. debut at New York, Mitsubishi has a crossover it can offer starting at less than $20,000. At a length of 169.1 inches, the Outlander Sport is more of a Lancer-alternative than a true compact crossover along the lines of class leaders like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

First Look: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T is something of a pioneer in the midsize sedan segment, and you can bet other automakers will be closely watching its market performance. On paper…

First Look: Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept

Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept

Despite its name, the most intriguing part of the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style concept isn’t its style at all: the Geneva motor show concept is also an amazing rolling showcase of the German automaker’s future alternative powertrain and convenience technologies.

Refreshing or Revolting: 2011 Lincoln MKX

2011 Lincoln MKX

“Refreshing or Revolting” is a popular regular blog on Motor Trend that asks readers what they think of a newly redesigned car, truck, or SUV.  The latest vehicle to be critiqued is the 2011 Lincoln MKX luxury crossover.

First Look: 2010 Hyundai Tucson

2010 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai couldn’t help but improve upon the outgoing version of its Tucson CUV. Even if you ignore the bold and distinctive styling of the all-new 2010 Hyundai Tucson — which is making its debut in U.S.-spec trim at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show — this is a vehicle that finally looks to be ready to make some serious inroads in the ever-growing compact crossover segment.

Let ‘Em Have It: Future Fuel Efficiency Standards Discussion Comes to Los Angeles

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - Photo Courtesy GM

If you’ve ever thought you could do a better job of regulating U.S. fuel economy standards, Tuesday night you’ll have your chance to shine.