Author: Lawrence K. Jacobs

L

Lawrence Jacobs, Buying Guide Specialist at automotive.fyi, holds a degree in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin. With extensive knowledge of the automotive market, Lawrence creates comprehensive buying guides to help readers make well-informed purchasing decisions. His expertise covers everything from budget-friendly options to luxury vehicles. Follow Lawrence for trusted advice and detailed guides on finding your perfect car.

Consumer Insights: Ranking the Best and Worst Automaker Websites in 2024 Automotive journalists often navigate automaker websites daily, granting them a unique lens through which they assess their functionality. However, the average car shopper may see things quite differently. To understand the broader consumer perspective, J.D. Power conducted the 2024 U.S. Manufacturer Ratings Study, focusing on various facets including information/content, visual appeal, navigation, and speed. Premium Brands: Leaderboard and Laggers Mercedes-Benz secured the top spot among premium brands with an impressive score of 757 out of 1,000. Close on its heels was Lexus, scoring a commendable 756. BMW and Infiniti…

Read More

2025 Mazda CX-5: The Return of the Base Model and Enhanced Value Across Trims The automotive world has seen a resurgence of base models, with the 2025 Mazda CX-5 at the forefront. Mazda’s decision to reintroduce the S trim in the 2024 model aims to keep prices below the critical $30,000 mark, making the CX-5 an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. Affordable Baseline Features With a starting price set at $29,990, the S trim reintroduces itself after a brief hiatus, packed with an extensive list of standard features. These include: LED Headlights Rain-Sensing Wipers Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel Reclining Rear Seats…

Read More

Lucid Motors Updates 2025 Air Lineup with Impressive Range Enhancements Lucid Motors has announced a series of modifications to its 2025 Air electric vehicle (EV) lineup, influenced by updates from both the company and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These changes have notably impacted the estimated ranges of the various models, promising enhanced performance and efficiency for the Californian EV manufacturer’s fleet. Significant Changes in Range and Performance Lucid Motors recently introduced the 1,234-horsepower Sapphire variant, equipped with a heat pump. The same feature was added to the Air Grand Touring in 2024. For the 2025 model year, the company…

Read More

FYI: The 2025 Kia Sportage has received updates in pricing and features, reflecting similar changes made to the 2025 Kia Soul. Pricing adjustments have been implemented across all Sportage powertrains, with notable upgrades in the options menu. The 2025 Kia Sportage Rolls Out with Updated Pricing and New Features The 2025 Kia Sportage is here, following the trend set by the 2025 Kia Soul with a slight hike in MSRP and a refined options menu. This year, Kia has streamlined the price announcement across all powertrains, revealing that price adjustments range from $150 to $450, including a $1,375 destination charge.…

Read More

The Impact of the Chicken Tax on Small Pickup Trucks in the U.S. If you’re an American fan of small pickups and utility vehicles, you might have noticed their scarcity on U.S. roads compared to other markets around the globe. Despite America’s love affair with trucks, including successful models like the Ford Maverick, imported small trucks remain a rarity. The culprit? A trade policy relic known as the chicken tax. Unpacking the Chicken Tax Contrary to what its name suggests, the chicken tax isn’t directly related to chickens. It stems from a political move rather than agricultural concerns. Importantly, the…

Read More

Chevrolet Equinox EV 2025 Model Year: Enhanced Performance and Refreshed Lineup The Chevrolet Equinox EV enters its 2025 model year with a slew of updates, ensuring it remains a competitive choice in the electric vehicle market. Notably, power improvements for both the single-motor and dual-motor configurations have been introduced. The dual-motor model now delivers a robust 300 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque, up from 288 hp and 333 lb-ft previously. Similarly, the single-motor variant now produces 220 hp and 243 lb-ft, a slight increase from the earlier 213 hp and 236 lb-ft. Despite these enhancements, the starting price for…

Read More

The Decline and Adaptation of Two-Door Cars in the U.S. The once-popular two-door cars have seen a notable decline in popularity over the past few decades. Although no longer the dominant force they once were, these models still hold a significant share in the U.S. market. CarMax has recently released comprehensive sales data, revealing that coupes now represent 8% of total sales, a marked decrease from their heyday. The sales trend for two-door models has notably shifted since 2007 when these cars made up an impressive 25% of CarMax’s sales. The data provided also includes specific models such as the…

Read More

Persistent Airbag Safety Concerns: What Drivers Need to Know It’s been nearly ten years since the colossal Takata airbag recall shook the automotive industry, resulting in the loss of 30 lives and countless injuries globally. Despite numerous corrective efforts, airbag safety remains a pressing concern. Recent warnings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlight the dangers of substandard replacement airbags, with three fatalities and several severe injuries attributed to these defective components. Risks Posed by Faulty Replacement Airbags The issue isn’t just the original faulty airbags but also the quality of their replacements. NHTSA reports indicate that some…

Read More

Demystifying Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS): Function, History, and Significance Cars are replete with confusing acronyms that can be perplexing when encountered on spec sheets or badges. One such acronym is ABS, which stands for Anti-Lock Braking System. Contrary to gym-goers’ abs, ABS plays a crucial role in vehicle safety, preventing wheel lock-up during braking. This automatic system senses when a wheel is about to lock and reduces brake pressure briefly to avoid skidding. If you notice the ABS light flashing or illuminated on your dashboard, it may indicate a problem. Here’s a comprehensive look at this essential safety feature. How…

Read More

Hyundai Dealers File Lawsuit Alleging Inflated Electric Vehicle Sales and Retaliation By [Your Name] In a striking legal development, a group of Hyundai dealers has filed a lawsuit in the Chicago federal court, accusing Hyundai Motor America Inc. (HMA), the U.S. subsidiary of the South Korean auto giant, of inflating its electric vehicle sales figures. The plaintiffs contend that the company punished franchisees who refused to participate in the scheme. The Allegations The lawsuit, initiated by Napleton Aurora Imports Inc. of Illinois along with its affiliated franchisees, was filed last Friday. According to the legal documents, HMA coerced dealers into…

Read More