National Motorists Association Blog

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist The new Mercedes CLA is one thing no previous Mercedes-Benz has ever been — front-wheel-drive (with AWD optional) and also another thing very few Mercedes Benzes have ever been — fairly inexpensive. If you can afford a loaded Camry you can probably afford this car. But the CLA is not […]

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist In ’07 Nissan introduced the Versa hatchback, which stood out among economy cars — literally — because it was taller-roofed and had a much roomier (almost mid-sized car’s) back seat and an open, airy feel because of its low-cut beltline and expansive glass area. Initially, it was also sportier than […]

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist Lexus was originally — and for the most part has remained — a brand devoted primarily to luxury. To poshness, softness, quietude and comfort. ES, RX, LS. These have been the big-sellers, the money-makers. Over the years, there have been a few stabs taken at purveying a passionate car. Examples […]

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist Remember when Cadillac’s thing was big — and big-engined — land yachts? Here’s a measure of how much has changed since then:

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist One area where the Japanese have not been able to eat the proverbial lunch of Detroit’s Big Three has been full-size pick-ups. To date, none of the Japanese 1500s have been more than peripheral players. Why?