Remember When Cars Had Vents?

Back in the ’70s and ’80s, scores of models sported big, black air vents carved into their C-pillars, rear quarter panels and occasionally their tail lights, blowing cabin air into the atmosphere.

“Flow-through ventilation” was something to brag about in owner’s manuals and dealer brochures.

But look around now: The visible cabin vent has nearly vanished from the automotive landscape. Like key slots on passenger doors, they disappeared slowly, almost imperceptibly. … Continue Reading

Jeep Wrangler Unlimted Rubicon

My first independently purchased vehicle was an ’84 Jeep CJ-7. I loved it. One day I met a pretty girl who was driving a Jeep Wrangler. I loved her. Fast forward few years, several cars, and one baby later; no more Jeeps, just a slightly-boring but superbly good MDX performing its daily grind as a comfortable family transporter. On-and-off we’ve been talking about the new 4-door Wrangler Unlimited and how cool it would be to have one, but would it be as comfortable? What about gas mileage? How is the highway ride? And safety? The basic question is: Could a Jeep Wrangler make a good family vehicle? … Continue Reading

Snow Run! Off-Roading in Snowy California

My buddy Andy, with whom I went off-roading last year, has moved to California for school. His trip west in the Jeep CJ-8 was quite adventurous, but unfortunately all the pictures from it went missing.

Now that Andy has settled in and got the Scrambler back in the proper working order, he went on an off-road snow run. To us normal people that means driving 4WD vehicles with big tires on what essentially are hiking trails. Below pictures are telling a story; from the meeting point, up through the mountains, until they get caught in a storm. At that point  they concluded that beer and burgers are more fun. Enjoy.

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Jeeping 101 (MEGA GALLERY)

At some point everyone wanted one. If you happened to own one, chances are good that you really did not use it to its full potential. That whole Jeep thing; some say you won’t understand, I say you just may. … Continue Reading

My Favorite Cars (updated)

Let me start by saying that I really appreciate most cars. With each car I drive, I try to put all prejudices aside and enjoy it for what it is. I am not the Dalai Lama of cars, but you get the idea.

And now, like a complete hypocrite to the above, I say this: … Continue Reading