Charles Renny

After driving a Ram with the Cummins HO diesel and automatic transmission, I have a hard time figuring out why anyone would opt for the gas engine in a 2500 or 3500 series, even if the engine is a Hemi. The truck I drove was a 3500 series long box with all the toys including […] Read more

The first time you see the new Aviator, you can’t help but wonder if something this small can be a Lincoln. Then you realize that it’s only small when measured against the super-sized Navigator. In fact, the Aviator is a regular mid-sized SUV that can seat up to seven. This may be the first time […] Read more

Ford had a problem with the F-150. It had been the most popular truck in America for decades, but it was the oldest design. Market share was starting to erode with the entry of full-sized Japanese pickups. How do you introduce a new truck without damaging brand loyalty? Enter the 2004 F-150, all new with […] Read more

There I was, just the Secret Service and me, driving down the road in my black Cadillac Escalade ESV with the darkly tinted windows, intimidating the bejabbers out of my fellow motorists. I even had one of the city’s finest get out of the way when I pulled in behind him. He did follow me […] Read more

Nissan is on a roll. The Nissan Murano was named truck of the year for 2003 and now the company is going to market a real truck for 2004. Starting in October, you can order the new full-sized Titan pickup. Prices have yet to be set, but Nissan Canada representatives say they will be competitive […] Read more

Remember Aaaayyyeeee? That was Sportage, Kia’s first entry into the sport utility vehicle market. The New Sorento faintly resembles the Sportage, but the commercial would have to be changed to Ahhh, as in relaxation and comfort. My first encounter with the all-wheel drive Sorento was at its Canadian debut. When I saw the two-day schedule, […] Read more

Toyota’s Sienna is a Japanese mini-van in name only. It was designed in Detroit, styled in California and 80 percent of its components come from North America, which is more than some American cars can claim. It will also be built in the United States. Pricing for the new van is similar to and in […] Read more

If you like your trucks big and fast, Chevy has the one for you. The latest Silverado SS has a 300 horsepower, 6.0 litre Vortec V8 and you can have any transmission you want as long as it is the automatic with full-time all wheel drive. Other items include a locking rear differential and four-wheel […] Read more

Automotive manufacturers are taking fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions more seriously these days. The attention is not focused entirely on small cars. Some pickups will soon sport new fuel-saving technology as an option. Hybrid vehicles are the current answer to significant improvements in fuel economy without creating total upheaval in the fuel delivery infrastructure. […] Read more

When you get it right, all you have to do is a bit of fine tuning, which is exactly what Chevrolet did with its Venture van. Two new versions hit the option sheets in 2003. A value version is for those looking for a good deal on equipment on both regular and long wheelbase models. […] Read more