Project "Teal-Tastic": 1995 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4

I picked up a project vehicle: A 1995 Suzuki Sidekick JX 4x4. I've wanted a small off-road vehicle for a long time, and the time—and vehicle—was right. The color, however, well, that can always be changed.

It's a '95, so it has the 16-valve 1.6-liter engine (pre-'95 models had an 8 valve engine). It's, of course, a five-speed manual, and has a true 4WD system with a low and high range. This one has about 139,000 miles, and the "bones" (e.g. the engine/trans) are in good working order. For $1,800 I didn't expect perfection, and the vehicle does need some work. Although my dad and I greatly cleaned the interior up, it needs new window crank mechanisms, a new center dash surround, a radio, and a top. on the inside.

The "teal-tastic" exterior is OK, although there are a few things that need some work. Nothing really major, but some paint here, some trim pieces there, etc.

I already added a new battery and some new windshield washer line.

So what would I like to do with this vehicle? My day job is in the off-road industry (I work for Warn Industries), so this will make a great little trail vehicle—yes, it will go off road. A mild lift, some bigger/more aggressive tires, a winch/winch bumper, lights, are in queue (eventually). Of course, for off will be things like fluid changes, timing belt, cap/rotor, etc.

Hopefully it'll be on the trails soon. Looking forward to some "wheeling" in the near future.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a quick note to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! There's a lot to be thankful for this year, and I hope you all have a safe holiday.

- Andy

Review: Hankook Winter iPike w409 Tires (with studs)

Several years ago, I discovered the difference between an all-season tire and a dedicated winter tire. I was a believer; a changed driving man. I highly recommended a tread upgrade for anyone living where the snow files or where it gets cold.

My latest winter tire purchase was a set of (barely) used Hankook iPike W409 studded tires. I picked them up for $150 used, then had America's Tire install them. I've had them on for about a week and a half, and was impressed by the ride comfort and traction in the wet thus far. Like most studded winter tires, they do hum down the road much more than an all-season tire, but it's a small trade off for foul-weather traction. T0day, however, I really got to put them to good use, as my wife and I had a trip planned to the Oregon Coast, and sure enough, we got snow and ice.

Conditions along the coastal and Coast Range roads ranged from wet pavement to ice-and-snow-covered roads. Temperatures varied from about 40°F last night to 25°F this morning.

I am happy to report these tires did an outstanding job. There were only minor slight yaw changes on the ice-encrusted Oregon Highway 18, but we could tell we were doing much better than other vehicles without snow tires. Braking was equally impressive, and the car's ABS never went off. Luckily, there wasn't any hard braking required, but a couple of checks to see if the road was slippery yielded a noticeable grab by the tire's studs.

I know: $150 for four barely used tires is a hell of a deal, and so for the money, these were a steal and well worth it. And thus far, I'm very impressed by these tires. After today's experience, I'd consider buying these tires new for our other vehicles, too (or used if I could find a set!).

Fiat's first 500 commercial for the U.S.

So here we go: The first Fiat 500 ad spot. I wonder how much airtime this will get on TV, assuming it goes there.

Is 40 (MPG) the new 30 (MPG)?

Only a few years ago, a car that got 30 MPG was heralded as an outstanding achievement in miles per gallon, even on smaller cars. However, now it looks like the bar is beginning to be raised. Finally.

For instance, the Ford Fiesta has been EPA rated at 40 MPG (highway) with it's twin-clutch automatic (granted, it's rated 29 MPG in the city) and 33 MPG combined. The upcoming 2012 Ford Focus was also announced with a 40 MPG highway rating. The Chevrolet Cruze ECO will be rated at 42. Keep in mind folks, these are not hybrids.

The '11 Mazda 2 is rated at 29 city and 35 highway—I'd say that's very respectable. However, some are already saying that's not good enough, and it should get 40 MPG. Ditto this with the '11 Yaris, which is rated at 29/36 (manual). However, one can only assume the next generation of subcompacts—Accent, Rio, Yaris, Swift (?), 500—will all get outstanding mileage.

So is 40 MPG the new fuel standard at which small cars will be judged? Will certain subcompacts and even compacts be shunned if they're getting 35 on the highway?

It appears the bar is indeed being raised. The next few years should prove to be interesting.

Fiat 500 to start at $15,500

That's right boys, girls, and other bipeds: The USDM Fiat 500 will start at $15,500. Apparently this model will be called the "Pop." The Sport will cost $2,000 more, and the "Lounge" (their words, not mine) will receive a top-billing price of $19,500. Of course this is all for standard equipment; the extras cost ... extra. Also, these are not for the turbo models. These 500s will come with the 1.4 MultiAir 16V engine.

Heck, go configure your own if you'd like.

October 2010 subcompact sales

Here's the "better-late-than-never edition" of the monthly subcompact sales. Sorry it wasn't out immediately, but I've been traveling a lot and haven't had a minute to sit down and do this. But enough about me ...

What the heck is up with the Chevy Aveo sales? This marks two months in a row of enormous gains compared to this time last year. Overall sales are up more than a quarter, too. Of course the Kia Soul is also rockin' it with sales up more than 100% year to date. Of course, the YTD champ is still the Versa which is more than 80,000 units this year.

The biggest loser this month happened to be Kia's aging Rio line. Year to date loser is unsurprisingly the Smart ForTwo.

Also of note is Suzuki, which despite its SX4 sales being down 19% managed to post its first positive overall sales gain (17%) in 27 months. Also, the Fiesta is selling well with more than 14,000 units sold. The Mazda 2—a personal favorite—has been selling rather slowly, having sold just over 1,700 units.

Make/Model	Sept. '10 vs. Sept. '09	Units Sept. '10	YTD '10 vs. '09	YTD sold '10
Chevrolet Aveo	+329.2%	6,038	+25.2%	41,324
Kia Soul	+197.5%	6,137	+109.7%	55,116
Honda Fit	+22.7%	4,378	-22.8%	45,314
MINI Cooper/S Hardtop	+20.4%	2,779	+3.3%	25,060
Hyundai Accent	+17.3%	5,372	-24.9%	45,139
MINI Cooper S/Convertible	+6.7%	496	+16.7%	6,297
Nissan Versa	-10.9%	6,044	+17.3%	82,780
Scion xD	-11.4%	874	-32.8%	8,476
Suzuki SX4	-19.0%	994	-50.0%	9,240
Nissan Cube	-35.2%	1,359	+23.9%	20,880
Toyota Yaris	-36.0%	2,707	-37.0%	34,500
Smart ForTwo	-44.5%	367	-60.7%	5,146
MINI Cooper S/Clubman	-51.7%	675	-24.6%	7,181
Kia Rio	-54.6%	1,818	-16.6%	22,709
Ford Fiesta	--	3,846	--	14,588
Mazda2	--	629	--	1,725

Review: 2011 Mazda 2 Touring—The Miata of subcompacts

THE SHORT STORY

Pros: Solid build quality, frugal fuel economy, comfortable, great driving dynamics, good price.

Cons: Not a ton of tech features, engine is a bit loud.

Overall: One of the most solid subcompacts on the road that happens to be a lot of fun to drive, and not much cash to buy or run.

The Mazda 2 is the Japanese automaker’s foray into the growing and competitive subcompact market—a market they haven’t been in for quite some time. With only 100 hp, it has among the lowest outputs on the U.S. market. However, it’s also one of the lightest cars sold here. And although the vehicle rides on the same chassis as the Ford Fiesta, the similarities end there. The 2 is surprisingly fun, solid, economical, and practical. At some points, you can definitely tell this car has some sports car genes (ala the MX-5 Miata) in its automotive DNA.

EXTERIOR: Attractive, modern, small

I really like the 2’s looks. It’s basic, but still modern. This 2 is actually a refresh from a model sold elsewhere for the last couple of years. But the refresh looks good: modern, sporty, and decidedly un-econobox like. It does wear the corporate Mazda “smiley face” front end, but it’s much less pronounced than on the larger Mazda 3.

And make no mistake about it: The 2 is small, which in my opinion, is a good thing (in fact, it was smaller than I thought it would be). The 2 Touring also includes an attractive set of alloy wheels. The test model was finished in bright Spirited Green Metallic, earning the car the nickname “Kermit” for the seven days I drove it. I’ll spare you the “It ain’t easy being green” puns.

INTERIOR: Well-built, sporting, comfortable

Subcompact car interiors can be pretty cheap. My own Toyota Yaris, for instance is plasticy, rattle prone, and not terribly refined. The 2 features none of this; it feels more upscale, well built, and refined. The compact gauge cluster is easy to read, and the dash-mounted manual shifter falls into the hand easily.

There is plenty of room up front for two people, and it’s quite comfortable. The attractive seats, featuring red piping on the black upholstery, are well bolstered and fit me very well. Even on longer drives there were no economy car complaints.

The chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel is great, and hints that this might even be a driver’s car. It also features the cruse and stereo controls. The six-speaker stereo features CD and auxiliary inputs, but no satellite radio and no navigation (fine by me). The back seat is also roomy and comfortably for two people; three is a squeeze. The rear cargo area isn’t huge, but provides sufficient room for a small five-door hatchback. The 2 easily features one of the nicest subcompact car interiors. In fact, at points, it almost feels Miata like in its demeanor.

TECHNOLOGY: Not a ton of tech

If there is one low point for the 2, it’d be the lack of some of the more modern tech bits. For instance, there is no Bluetooth, no satellite radio, and no USB port for the stereo. If you’re looking for a tech-laden vehicle, you might want to look at other cars. It does, however, have all the desired safety tech, cruise control, trip computer, and power everything. Conversely, if you don’t want or need these features, then perhaps the 2 is actually more appealing than others that come with this stuff.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN: Frugal but still fun

As mentioned, the 2 only has 100 hp and 98 ft./lbs. of torque. However, the car only weighs about 2,300 lbs. Plus, with a well-geared five-speed manual transmission, the car’s drivetrain actually works surprisingly well. The 1.5-liter four cylinder is slightly noisier than larger engines, but it isn’t terrible. The transmission, however, is a joy to shift. Action is very good, and clutch uptake is very light, but precise. Sounds very Miata-like, doesn’t it?

DRIVING: A diminutive driver's car

As with many subcompact cars, “performance” isn’t usually synonymous with straight-line power, and the 2 isn’t any different. It is not a drag racer or a powerhouse. However, its use of well-planned gearing and a well-tuned suspension make this this car a lot of fun to drive. On top of that, the great driving dynamics—steering, braking, handling, shifting— make this car entertaining. It’s very tossable in the corners, and feels lightweight, because, well, it is. But the 2 feels very connected to the road and is one of the more fun subcompacts out there. Zoom zoom, indeed.

The 2 is still frugal, though. It is EPA rated at 29 city and 35 highway. Although the city MPG seems a bit low, during my seven days with the 2, I managed 37 MPG a mix of city and highway driving. Both surprising and pleasing!

For being such a small car, the 2 rides quite well. Although it isn’t exactly a luxury car ride, it certainly isn’t bad. Not much to say here.


OVERALL: A subcompact at the top of its game, and the head of the pack

The 2 Touring $16,185 including the $750—a good deal for a car with such great driving dynamics. Add to this the miserly fuel economy, and I’d say this is a very good deal, especially considering you get cruise control, trip computer, power everything, and a very nice interior. You can even get the 2 Sport instead and save even more dough.

I’ll make this easy: The 2 is a great small car. It’s got enough get-up-and-go to be entertaining, an outstanding interior, plenty of practicality, good fuel economy, and on top it if, it’s fun to drive. The 2 is one of my favorite new vehicles, actually. It’s a good example of what a small car can—and should—be. With 20 more horsepower, this car could be a bona-fide pocket rocket.

SEMA: Sweet vintage Toyota lowrider

This is so full of badassness I can't stand it. This is a vintage Toyota pickup (not sure what year, but I'm assuming sometime in the mid-to-late 1970s). This is the kind of stuff that makes me want a lowered 2WD Toyota. (However, I'm more likely to end up with a lifted 4WD Suzuki). Anyway, this little guy was cruising around after the show, too. This is just perfect.

SEMA: The Fiat 500s

So here you have it: The Fiat 500! Located outside of the Mopar Alley area, the 500s are pretty darn sweet. They're definitely small, and certainly stylish. I really dig these! I can't wait to hear the full details on the U.S. spec versions. I just know that these should definitely put up a fight for the premium subcompact market against the MINI. Check it out, too: Mopar parts!

SEMA: More Mazda 2 (and a Miata)

Here are a few of the Mazda 2s from the SEMA Show. I really dig these vehicles. I'd actually consider buying one some day. (Speaking of which, stay tuned for a review on the 2011 2 shortly). And I couldn't ignore this Miata in the Mazda booth. Sick.

SEMA: Yaris T-shirt

Here was my show swag from yesterday. The #99 Yaris race car!

SEMA: Two Custom Cubes

Two custom Cubes from the show. Of course, the black one is the the Logan built cube. The blue one, however, is also hotness.

SEMA: A few more subcompacts from day 1

Here are a couple other miscellaneous photos from the 2010 SEMA Show. Above: Fiat 500.

Here's Scion's xD racecar. Love the "vintage" Castrol livery.

Here's the H&R Springs Mazda2. Man, I just love this car. It just works for me.

SEMA: Three Fiestas from the Ford booth

There are more than three Fiestas in the Ford booth, however, there were three of my favs. My top pic: This sexy silver five door. Me likey.

SEMA: Toyota Yaris GT-S Club Racer

This has to bee one of my favorite subcompacts at the show thus far (I even got a shirt with the car on it). It's a bona-fide Yaris race car.

So what are the specs? 149 hp, balanced and blueprinted 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE. AEM/EMS electronics, wideband oxygen sensor, K&N air intake, DC Sports header, 13" wheels with race tires, roll cage, stripped interior, ABT shocks, Eibach springs, Whiteline rear swaybar, SPEC aluminum flywheel, and more. Love it.

SEMA: Chevrolet Spark Z-Spec Concept

Here's the Chevy Spark Z-Spec Concept from the Chevrolet booth. It is definitely small. Bigger than a Smart car, but certainly smaller than the Aveo. This custom version wears orange paint, white 17" BBS wheels, a custom grille surround, and custom interior bits. I love the look. Chevy is saying the Spark will be in the U.S. in 2012. I like.

SEMA 2010: Honda CR-Zs

One of the more popular cars this year is the Honda CR-Z. The "sports hybrid" is getting the tuner treatment: Turbos, engine work, suspension, etc. It'll be interesting to hear how some of these vehicles perform. Until then, here are some pics of the custom CR-Zs from the show (mostly the Honda booth).

In Las Vegas at the SEMA Show

I'm in Vegas! It's super nice here (as usual), and it's my 5th year at the event. I'll be sure to get some photos of the small cars while at the show, so stay tuned!)