Car news briefs — Apr 26, 2026 · 8:41 AM EDT
Latest automotive insights for the car enthusiast, from vehicle maintenance tips to performance tuning.
ENTHUSIAST
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Tops Consumer Reports Subcompact SUV Rankings
Consumer Reports named the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek its top subcompact SUV pick, though questions remain about proper categorization.
ENTHUSIAST
Being Last on Safety Lists Doesn't Equal Unsafe Cars
Consumer Reports' safety rankings don't necessarily mean bottom-ranked vehicles won't protect occupants in crashes.
TUNER
Stage 1, 2, 3 Tuning Terms Lack Universal Standards
Popular tuning stage terminology has no standardized definitions, making it crucial to track your build specifications carefully.
ENTHUSIAST
When Car Ads Favored 0-50 Over 0-60 Times
Automakers briefly marketed 0-50 mph acceleration times instead of the now-standard 0-60 benchmark.
ENTHUSIAST
Chrysler's Bugatti Concept Used Two Dodge Neon Engines
The 1990s Chrysler Atlantic concept honored Bugatti styling but paired two Neon four-cylinders for its straight-eight engine.
PORSCHE
Porsche GTS Models Differ From True GT Cars
Porsche's naming hierarchy distinguishes GTS trim levels from the brand's authentic GT performance models.
ENTHUSIAST
The 3% Tire Rule Protects Against Costly Repairs
Following the 3% rule prevents expensive damage and warranty voids when changing tire sizes for vehicle maintenance.
INDUSTRY
Experts Weigh Cash Versus Financing for 2026 Car Purchases
Financial experts share guidance on whether cash or credit makes more sense for new car buyers.
INDUSTRY
Bernie Madoff's Ponzi Scheme Contributed to Automaker's Demise
The infamous Ponzi scheme included a famous American car brand owner among its victims.
PORSCHE
Air-Cooled Porsche Oil Leak Reputation Examined
Classic air-cooled Porsches' notorious oil leak reputation gets scrutinized as myth versus reality.
Sources
- 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Is Consumer Reports' Top Subcompact SUV
- Why Being Last On Consumer Reports' List Of Safest Cars Doesn't Mean A Car's Unsafe
- Is There Any Standardization For Stage 1, 2, Or 3 Engine Tuning?
- The Brief And Annoying Period Where Car Ads Bragged About 0-50 Times
- Chrysler's Bugatti Tribute Featured A Straight-Eight Made From Two Dodge Neon Fours
- What Separates Porsche's GTS Models From The 'Real' GT Cars?
- What The 3% Rule Means For Your Tires
- Cash Vs Credit: Here's How Experts Think It's Best To Pay For A Car In 2026
- How Bernie Madoff's Ponzi Scheme Helped End This Storied American Automaker
- Why Are Oil Leaks Common In Air-Cooled Porsches?