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2022 Genesis G70 : Simple Excellence
SAN DIEGO — Every once in a while, I’ll drive a car and wonder why it isn’t more popular. Many decently average cars are nonetheless extremely popular, but the other way around is a rarity. […]
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2021 Lexus IS350 : Improved, but not quite enough
SAN DIEGO — I love simple things executed well. Whether we’re talking the perfect medium-rare steak or a beach sunset, there’s a tremendous amount of joy to be found in the little things. I’ve driven […]
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NSJ Second Annual Auto Awards
It’s hard to believe that 2021 is almost over, but here we are. As such, it’s time to pick our winners for the second North State Journal Auto Awards. These picks, across several different categories, come entirely […]
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2021 Hyundai Elantra: Basic motoring isn’t so basic anymore
SAN DIEGO — I didn’t get my first new car until well into my late 20s. Everything before that was used in some form, and I was very excited to pick up that new car. […]
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2021 Volkswagen Arteon: A delightful European sedan
SAN DIEGO — I’m a big “buy-it-for-life” proponent, also known as “buy once, cry once.” For example, the other day, I dropped off a years-old and somewhat beat up Briggs & Riley suitcase at a […]
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2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5: Speedy charge time makes this the EV to beat
2021 is the year that electric cars went mainstream. The Ford Mustang Mach-E (Mach-E review; Mach-E GT review) and Volkswagen ID.4 (review) are solid, attainable electric cars. They have personality and are exciting and, most importantly, […]
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A hot crossover is the car I never knew I needed
SONOMA, Calif. — I love a good hot hatch. I drove a Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch a couple of weeks ago and liked it. However, Americans aren’t particularly interested in hatchbacks anymore. Sure, there […]
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2022 Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost: Dark. Sinister. Unmatched.
San Diego — Rolls-Royce is one of the most exciting car companies in the world, and its cars are, perhaps, the least exciting part. It’s the Rolls-Royce client that fascinates me. What type of person […]
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2021 Jeep Wrangler 392: The most unnecessary Jeep ever made
WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST, Colo. — No one asked Jeep to put a 6.4L V8 HEMI making 470 horsepower in a Wrangler. The mere thought of it is preposterous. You want to put an engine […]
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2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan: The best SUV in the world
SAN DIEGO — As someone who reviews cars for a living, I’m frequently asked, “what’s the best car you’ve ever driven?” The answer is easy: any Rolls-Royce. No other automaker even comes close. Maybach and […]