Ram’s new 1500 packed full of upgrades Review and photos by Budd Stanley   The rate of advancement within the automotive industry is likely no more fierce than it is in the full-size truck segment. In an era where the cost of operating a truck is skyrocketing, manufacturers are rapidly improving their products at a phenomenal rate, not only improving performance and efficiency, but also offering levels of comfort and luxury never before seen. With Ford recently unleashing

Story and photos by Gerry Frechette   Replacing what has been the Number One-selling compact crossover for eight years running with an entirely new vehicle is no small event in the Canadian auto marketplace, but that is what Ford is doing this year with the all-new Escape.   Gone is the traditional, boxy shape, V6 engine and dull handling, and in is a rakish new body style (sold around the world, by the way, as the Kuga) that looks

The Honda CR-V quietly does its job, well Story by Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Honda Canada   If I had five cents for every person that comes up to me and asks, “Budd, I want a Crossover that can hold five people comfortably, has AWD for winter conditions and gets awesome fuel efficiency,” I'd be able to buy one. My usual response is, “You can’t have everything. You can have a comfortable spacious Crossover with AWD, or

Story by Howard J Elmer   In the auto world, some years are bigger than others. In the truck world, for 2013, it’s a small year with the only real story being the mid-cycle refresh of the Ram 1500. However, for crossovers, there is a bumper crop of 2013 models, mainly because some traditional SUVs seem to be morphing into softer more crossover-style vehicles, pushing into that segment. This shift is led by a move away from

Story by Howard J Elmer   North America is the undisputed land of the pickup truck. It was born here, matured here, and its history mimics our code of self reliance. It’s part of our culture. In fact, if you head down to the Detroit area (among the various manufacturers’ automobile collections) you’ll find a number of pickup trucks that are considered icons. Models like the Ford F100, the Dodge Power Wagon and the Chevy Cheyenne to

Driving a Vintage Truck Across America Story by Howard J Elmer   The emotions that evoke love are born in the chemicals of the brain, yet paradoxically, love has no brains. Instead we feel the effects in our hearts. The ache invades our chests and tears soon follow, happy or sad. The cause? Take your pick – sappy songs, happy memories, sad lost opportunities, beautiful sights, or evocative smells.   It’s this last one that caused a lump to leap into my

The Invis-A-Rack by Dee Zee cargo management system is unlike any traditional “ladder rack” on the market. Invis-A-Rack’s collapsible design makes it virtually disappear when folded down when not in use. But don’t be fooled by its sleek design. Invis-A-Rack is a full featured system that holds up to 500 lbs for either work or play. Invis-A-Rack will be formally introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Creator Donny McCall will be giving

Westin Automotive is proud to introduce the GenX Oval Tube Nerf Step. The Step combines a street-style accent bar with an off-road style drop step which can decrease step-up distance by six inches. The upper bar serves as an accent bar that adds styling to the vehicle, and the step area features a unique pattern and logo. The bars, which are made using mild steel, are available in a black powder coat finish and include

The new OR-Fab rock doors for the 2007-2012 Jeep JK Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited will provide a safe, reliable way to enjoy your trail ride. The doors are made from 1-1/4 inch, .095-thick steel tubing with full loop construction to ensure superior strength and durability. The doors feature an OR Fab Geko nylon safety pad that includes a zippered carrying pouch, and adjustable hinges and latches to ensure a perfect fit. The rock doors are

Zone Offroad is now offering brand new four- and six-inch suspension lift kits for the 2005-2012 Toyota Tacoma 4x4. This new lift will give Tacoma owners the option of fitting up to 35-inch tires. The systems are built from ¼-inch-thick front and rear crossmembers and incorporate all of the front differential mounting points in order to utilize the OE mounting brackets. The kits include all of the necessary parts like bump stop extensions, sway bar