The Weekly Driver Podcast

Divya Sangam, an industry expert at ValuePenquin.com, the LendingTree.com insurance division, is immersed in EVs, the Electric Vehicle segment of the automotive world. In a recently released survey, Sangam detailed the still-niche electric vehicle market.

Specifically, Sangam, citing numerous statistics, reports exactly what is stressed in the survey's direct headline: "High Costs & Safety Concerns: Why Millions of Americans Aren't Buying Electric Vehicles in 2023."

Sangam is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast.

The public hasn't embraced the expanding marketplace of EVs according to ValuePenquin.com.

Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with our expert the various reasons the market share for EVs hasn't substantially improved. And we discuss the unlikely success that awaits the federal initiative's mandate to have EVs account for at least 50 per of new car sales by 2030.

In 2022, sales of EVs improved by 65 percent from 2021. According to LendingTree.com, however, the increase didn't make a change in consumers' buying preferences.

According to the survey, 79 perfect of Americans are still driving gas cars in 2023 and they aren't ready to make a switch to EVs.

The sale of EVs isn't on par with pending federal electric vehicle mandates. Image © James Raia

Sangam details the overall average new EV cost is $58,725. Americans making less than $35,000 are 43 percent more likely to cite price as a deterrent for than those in households making at least $100,000.

Forty percent of American drivers report a driverless automobile would make them feel much less safe on the road. Forty-five percent of drivers believe autonomous vehicles pose a tremendous risk to pedestrians. Fifty-three percent believe the driver should be at fault if they get into an accident

Please join Bruce and me as we analyze the EV market with industry expert Divya Sangam.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform.

EagleRider is a California-based motorcycle rental, touring and subscription company addressing the increasing two or three-wheel needs of experienced and novice motorcycle riders.

Shawn Fechter, Senior Vice President of Brand Experience for EagleRider, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

EagleRider is a leading motorcycle rental company with locations available on six continents.

In late January, EagleRider announced 18 of its 52 international locations are now accepting credits to be redeemed by Club EagleRider members in the company's monthly subscription service.

The company's services, available on six continents, include rentals from Harley-Davidson, BMW, Yamaha, among others,  as well as adventure and electric bikes.

Podcast co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talk with Fechter about the growing industry.

"As the world reopens, international travel is soaring in popularity, and the best way to experience it is on the seat of a motorcycle," said Fechter. "Our club members can now tap into that sense of wonder and realize their dreams by redeeming credits for a global experience that is perfectly suited for them."

In addition to renting motorcycles, customized tours led by experienced guides are exclusively offered to club members at most international destinations.

Club EagleRider membership plans range from one to 10 credits per month. Riders can use credit(s) each month, save them for up to 18 months, or share credits with family and friends at no extra cost.

EagleRider, which started 31 years ago, pioneered the motorcycle rental and tour business.

Please join Bruce and me as we discuss the industry and the variety of individuals renting motorcycles.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform.

A REMEMBRANCE

Stephen Casagrande was my dentist for about 35 years. His office was in midtown Sacramento, a few blocks from my office and a restaurant we both often visited called Cornerstone. Like he was with many patients, Dr. Casagrande became a friend. He called me Jimmy.

Several years ago, I noticed Steve and his son Michael, who is now my dentist, preparing to leave on a father-son trip. They were packing up a family car, a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Beauville, at Mike's house. He lives with his wife and children across the street from a close friend in East Sacramento.

We talked about the car some, and I remembered to ask Steve about it more on my next dentist visit. He agreed to be a guest on the podcast Bruce Aldrich and I have co-hosted for five years.

After Steve retired, I didn't see him often, and I only learned recently that he died last November at age 73 while vacationing in Italy.

Steve was a gregarious man, a people person. Like his son, he enjoyed knowing his patients and freely shared his enjoyment of life. It was infectious. Dr. Casagrande's office staff and his patients were treated as family, a legacy not always associated with dental visits.

During our podcast, Steve shared the family history of the three-row, nine-passenger station wagon. He had as much pride in the car and what it meant to him as any car owner. Steve grew up in the Bel Air with his four brothers. The wagon has had rotating family residences through the years. It also had years when it remained untouched. Steve's father bought the car new.

We are re-posting episode #167 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. It's our time with Dr. Casagrande from January 2021. He shared fascinating stories about the Bel Air, and his love for his family trips in the iconic vehicle.

"He was our greatest guest," Bruce said after listening to the episode again. "Three generations of family memories and still going. What a focal point that car is for the family!

"As Steve said: 'That car will never leave the family,' and I hope it never does. Something tells me that car will continue to be taken on those family vacations to Lake Tahoe with Steve enjoying the ride."

I've kept some of the original text from our podcast. It's mixed in below with images of the Casagrande family Bel Air, all provided by Dr. Casagrande.

 

A 1956 Chevy Bel Air Beauville station wagon and its accompanying Shasta travel trailer. Images courtesy of Steve Casagrande.

Casagrande was age seven when his father bought the wagon. The Bel Air isn't the rarest or most sought-after vehicle manufactured 67 years ago. But it's still a treasure.

It's carried the family on trips and provided the brothers and their families with lifelong memories. It's escorted fathers and sons on hunting trips and brothers on fishing trips. It's taken wives, children and grandchildren on trips across states or just for short treks around Sacramento.

The Casagrande family's 1956 Chevy Bel Air and its accompanying Shasta travel trailer on display at the Sacramento Automobile Museum.

"It was bought brand new in 1956 by my father at Good Chevrolet in Bakersfield," Casagrande explains in the podcast. "Basically, it's as an original car now as it was back then. We've done nothing really to alter it. It's original and a good daily driver."

Casagrande, who rebuilt the car, shares tales of riding in the third row when the wagon was driven from Taft to Los Angeles on hot summer days. It was an ordeal of negotiating the infamous "Grapevine."

Casagrande details getting his driver's license and going on his first date in the wagon, just like most of his siblings. He talks about working on the car through the years and the surreal feelings of taking his grandchildren for rides.

"People just get a warm feeling about it," Steve says. "The colors are light blue and white. It's pleasing to the eye. You don't see those colors in cars today. They're gray and black and white. It catches peoples' eyes. It puts a smile on your face."

"We're just lucky it's stayed in the family. It's become a rallying point, a focal point for the family."

The Chevy Bel Air also has an accompanying Shasta travel trailer. It's an integral part of the story best saved for the podcast.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast or on your preferred podcast provider.

God Bless you, Dr. Casagrande.

After a three-year hiatus, the most varied collection of automobiles, planes, boats and exotic machinery and their equally varying owners will again gather for the daylong Pacific Coast Dream Machines.

Sometimes described as a showcase of motorized mechanical marvels, the event's 30th edition will feature more than 2,000 antique, vintage, classic, custom and exotic machines on display for public viewing.

If it has an engine, there's a good chance at least one example will be showcased at the Half Moon Bay Airport on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Unique vehicles abound at Pacific Coast Dream Machines at the Half Moon Bay Airport. All images © James Raia/2019.

Event chairmen Chad Hooker and Bob Pelikan are our guests on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast to discuss the return of the show and provide details of this year's features.

In 2020 and 2021, Pacific Coast Dream Machines was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. In late January 2022, event organizers reported the show would be canceled because a large portion of the airport grounds was scheduled to be farmed. The show now has a new three-year contract with San Mateo County officials.

With arguably the country's least pretentious automotive-related show back on track, organizers have reconfigured the showcase's layout, and changed public and participant entrances and exits and parking.

The help celebrate the show's three days, a "Machines of Tomorrow" showcase will include concept and flying cars, robotics as well as autonomous and electric vehicles.

A one-of-a-kind machine ideally suited for a Mad Max movie present at the Pacific Coast Dream Machines show in Half Moon Bay.

The Mainstay offering will return, streamliners to model-T fire engines and mega-modified machines to any vehicle and its proud owner wishing to display it.

A collection of antiques boast is also new and will be joined by the show's tradition of flyover by historic military aircraft and antique railway artifacts and machinery.

As a family-oriented gathering, monster truck rides, uni-motorcycle drag races, bungee jump, waterballerz, and climbing wall are will return with varied food vendors and live music.

Organizers stress attendees visit the website to familiarize themselves with the festival's new layout, particularly the entrances for spectators and exhibitors.

The show is an annual benefit for the Coastside Adult Day Health Center.

Fact & Figures: The 30th edition of Pacific Coast Dream Machines, 9850 Cabrillo Highway North, Half Moon Bay, 94109. April 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tel. (415) 999-2428; Tickets: $25 advance ($30 at the gate) for adults (ages 18-64), $15 advance ($20 at the gate) for ages 11-17 and 65 and older; free for ages 10 and under.

Website: https://dreammachines.miramarevents.com

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. More eyeballs on more content works for us.

The podcast is in its fifth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform.

Bonnie and Grant Sinclair are high school teachers in Georgia who also enjoy the outdoors as part-time RV enthusiasts. As wife and husband, Bonnie Sinclair has co-authored an RV travel book with her husband Grant Sinclair.

Grant Sinclair

The Sinclair's first book USA RV Adventures has just been published by Moon Travel Guides. The authors' comprehensive debut includes 25 flexible RV trip itineraries.

While taking a break from teaching and RVing, the Sinclairs were our guests on Episode #254 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. We spoke with the couple on their vacation on a cruise ship near Cozumel, the Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea.

Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with the Sinclairs their enjoyment of RVing and the process of writing about it. They select some of their favorite places.

The Sinclair's book is meticulously detailed. Every itinerary includes the road trip loop, ideas for side trips and strategies for linking routes together. The best routes for national parks, historic sites, natural wonders, beaches and pet-friendly destinations are all featured.

USA RV Adventures offers locations from coast-to-coast: from camping on the beach in the Florida Keys to following the ruts on the historic Oregon Trail. The Sinclairs offer their expertise on wildlife-watch in Yellowstone, hiking in Acadia with a dog, and enjoying morning mountain-peak views in Colorado.

Bonnie Sinclair

The book is promoted as a comprehensive planning resource. It features easy-to-use maps that highlight where you can (and can’t) drive an RV. It also provides thorough lists of nearby grocery stores for each campground, plus tips for health and safety on the road, navigating weather conditions, RV-ing with pets and minimizing your environmental impact.

Please join us as we get to know the Sinclairs and discover their interest in RVing and all it encompasses.

The Sinclair's book is available via all major online retailers.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform:

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John Berg is passionate about cars and trucks, notably vintage vehicles with an emphasis on Corvettes. The automotive columnist for the Alameda Post owns two of "America's Sports Car."

Berg is our repeat guest this week on Episode #253 of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

We first spoke with Berg last November shortly after the Los Angeles Auto Show. During Episode #248 we talked about the vintage vehicles on display at the prominent show. We also discussed debuts and concepts, including the convertible concept vehicle from Genesis.

The spotlessly clean 1996 Corvette C3 owned by John Berg, automotive columnist for the Alameda Post. It's the last year of the third edition of "America's Sports Car." All images courtesy of John Berg.

Berg has spent decades in the automotive industry including as a reporter and photographer. In our new interview, co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talk with Berg and his 1996 C4, the last year of the fourth generation, and his 2003 C5.

"The '96 has the enormous clam-shell hood, reminiscent of an F1 car," Berg details. "Even though it's 25 or what, 27 years old, it's still an outstanding sports car. It's a lot of fun to drive. If you want to get into sports cars, they are still pretty undervalued. You can get a really nice example for under $10,000 and they really perform to current sports car standards."

Berg's C5 is the 50th-anniversary edition, which he also describes as an "excellent performing sports car."

Berg, who drove from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Los Angeles Auto Show in his new, sixth-generation Chevy Camaro, has a varied automotive collection.

John Berg's 2003 Corvette C5, the sports cars' 50th-anniversary edition.

But Corvettes capture his attention with special reverence. He knows every year of the car dating to its 1953 debut. He knows the major changes through its eight generations as well as the subtle differences between years of the Corvette's now 70-year tenure.

Later in the podcast, we talk with Berg about his idea for a complete guide to the Corvette's year-to-year changes.

Please joins us for a conversation with the veteran automotive journalist, historian, enthusiast and collector.

Here's a link to The Weekly Driver Podcast's previous conversation with Berg: #248, Auto journalist John Berg talks LA Auto Show

T0 read John Berg's automotive column, visit: Alameda Post/Automotive

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners.

Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. More eyeballs on more content works for us.

The podcast is in its fifth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below.

Karl Brauer is an automotive analytics wonk. It's a compliment to the work and enthusiasm the lead analyst for iSeeCars.com has for number crunching, comparisons, trends and all things related to buying, selling, appreciation and deprecation of cars and trucks. He's eloquent while discussing what might otherwise seem mundane.

Brauer is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. He's a repeat guest for all of the above reasons.

The Jeep Wrangler is a prominent car in the used car data compiled by iseecars.com

Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I can't get enough of the site. Its surveys include data from millions of cars and the topics are relevant, including the least and most depreciation of new cars from three and five years after ownership. The lowering prices of used. A new study details the cars with the top percentages of value above their MSRP from three years ago.

Here's what editors at iSeeCars.com commented on the use car industry.

"Depreciation is the most expensive part of car ownership, and with the drastic rise in car prices over the past two years, finding a vehicle that retains its value can provide significant savings for consumers."

"In the current high demand, low supply vehicle market, the average new car loses just 16.9 percent of its value after three years, and 33.3 percent of its value after five years.

How is Tesla faring in the used market, according to iseecars.com?

"However, some cars retain their value and depreciate far less than average (7.3 percent or $2k for the Jeep Wrangler after 5 years), while others do the opposite (56.9 percent or $62k for the BMW 7 Series after 5 years). As an unprecedented sign of the times, there are five models that have actually appreciated over the past 3 years, meaning their current used value is now higher than their original new MSRP. "

With the automotive industry always in flux, and particularly during a supply chain shortage, Bauer provides insight into the current buying and selling trends in the industry.

We also talk with Brauer about the electric vehicle segment. What's its current status? Can any manufacturer challenge Tesla? How does the depreciation of the EV segment compare to gasoline and hybrids?

The Weekly Driver Podcast has featured iSeeCar.com experts, Julie Blackley and Brauer, several times during our more than five years online.

Besides the latest episode, we're provided the link to previous episodes:

#174, iSeeCars.com: Ford Tops New/Used 2020 Sales

#121: iSeeCars.com: Best Used, Enduring Cars

#110: iSeeCars.com: Best Deals In A Used Car Color

#57: iSeeCars.com: Jeep Gets Depreciation Honors:

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform.

Scott Colosimo is the founder and CEO of LAND Energy, a Cleveland tech company that will debut its light electric vehicles at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 5-7.

Colosimo, whose company started in 2020, is our guest on episode #251 of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

As Colosimo defines, the District and the District Scrambler are "eMotos." The bike straddles between e-bike, e-moped and e-motorcycle and sport e-motorcycle. They feature a swappable battery enabling consumers to power their laptops, cell phones or their recreational vehicles.

LAND Energy, a new tech company, will debut is lineup of versatile e-bike at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Called the LAND Energy E-Moto ecosystem gives users options with four LEVs in one depending upon the ride mode selected.

The connected CORE battery platform enables users to travel, work and play anywhere with a personal, portable, easy-to-use energy grid. It keeps them connected through a 4G network connection - whether urban commuting, remote working or spending time outdoors and off the grid.

Please join co-host Bruce Aldrich and me as we discuss with Colosimo the company's versatile, lightweight vehicles, including all specs and LAND Energy's plans during our standard 30-minute podcast format.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is available on your preferred podcast platform.

And all episodes as archived via the link: https://www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Selecting the cars of the year helps celebrate another year reviewing new cars and trucks, visiting auto shows and talking with vintage car owners, book authors and industry experts about their cars of the year.

There are always great and not-so-great moments driving vehicles. The industry is always abuzz. There are always changes, oddball statistics, recalls and new models and makes.

What has Elon Musk done now? Will autonomous driving and EVs ever make a significant difference? Will low-profile tires stop blowing while negotiating small divots in the road? Will Audi ever change its front-grille design?

As much as the automotive industry changes, sometimes not much happens.

In 2007, the year the iPhone debuted, the starting price of the Toyota Corolla was $14,925; In 2022, the year a robotic toy cat that nibbles for human comfort made its debut, the starting price of a Toyota Corolla was $20,245.

The average price of a new car in 2007 was $27,958. In 2022, the new car price average surpassed $48,000.

Three years after TheWeeklyDriver.com debuted, I began to compile a list of top-10 cars of the year. It was also in 2007. The list is now in its 16th year.

The 2022 Ford Lightning is the first full-size electric pickup truck. It was on the TheWeeklyDriver.com's list of cars of the year. Image © James Raia/2022.

As co-hosts of The Weekly Driver Podcast, Bruce Aldrich and I have expanded my yearly list of cars of the year and detailed the choices during a podcast episode. We're now in our sixth year.

Many automotive publications select their best vehicles of the year at the start of the calendar year. I've always announced the selections at the end of the year. Bruce and I agree it's a better approach while reviewing current model year cars throughout the calendar year.

Sometimes, a new year's model debuts prior to its corresponding calendar year. Sometimes, new models arrive later in the year.

The 2017 Bentley Bentayga is the fastest SUV ever made. It topped TheWeeklyDriver.com's list of cars of the year in 2017. Image © Michael Kahn/Frogstone Media, 2017.

This year, as per usual, I reviewed about 40 cars. Bruce also drove most of them, often to lunch after our podcasts and sometimes for extended review sessions. For several years, we made videos before switching to a podcast format.

During some years, we've picked a car of the year, like the 2020 Corvette Stingray, the debut year of the mid-engine model. In 2017, the Bentley Bentayga was easily our favorite.

In our 250th episode, Bruce and I discuss our respective lists of cars of the year, an exercise we compile individually and then share during the podcast. We mostly make the same selections.

The 2020 Corvette stunned the auto world with its mid-engine design and new interior and exterior styling. It was theweeklydriver.com's top pick for 2020 Cars of the Year. Image © James Raia.

One exception this year: Bruce selected the BMW M3 Competition; it didn't make my list.

We didn't pick a top car of the year in 2022, but we agreed the Ford Lighting was the vehicle we liked the most for its innovation in the expanding electric vehicle segment. The rest of the list doesn't represent the most expensive, most powerful or most of anything else. It's just 10 cars and trucks that stood out for  a reason or two.

My lists dating to 2004 are listed below. Follow the year links for more details on each vehicle.

Bruce discusses his list on the podcast episode. Enjoy.

2022

Ford Lightning, Genesis GV70, Kia EV6, Mercedes-AMG ESQ, Cadillac CT5, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Genesis G70, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Mercedes-Maybach, Subaru Outback.

2021

Honda Odyssey, Honda Accord Hybrid, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, Genesis GV80, Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE, Genesis GV90, Aston Martin Vantage, Mustang Mach-E, Rolls-Royce Ghost

2020

Corvette Stingray, Aston Martin Vantage, Genesis G90, Ford Bullitt Mustang, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Gladiator, Kia Telluride, Mazda MX5 Miata, Volvo XC40 T5, Honda Civic.

2019

Chevrolet Camaro Z1, Chrysler Pacifica (Hybrid), GMC Sierra, Honda Civic, Hyundai Ioniq (Hybrid), Infiniti QX90, Lexus LS500, Kia K900, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Camry.

2018

Audi A5, Genesis G80, Genesis G90, Honda Accord, Hyundai Ioniq, Infiniti QX60, Lexus GS300, Mazda3, Range Rover Velar, Volkswagen Golf SportWagen.

2017

Bentley Bentayga, Genesis G90, Honda CR-V, Kia Niro, Lincoln MKZ (Hybrid), Mazda3, Volvo S90, Volvo V90 Cross Country, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Prius Prime.

2016

Honda Accord (Sport), Honda Civic, Honda Fit, Honda Odyssey, Kia Optima, Lexus IS200t, Lexus RC F, Lincoln MKX, Mazda6, Scion iA, Toyota Avalon (Hybrid), Toyota Sienna.

2015

Buick Lacrosse, Chrysler 200, Ford F150, Ford Mustang, Honda Accord (Hybrid), Honda Civic, Hyundai Genesis, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K-900, Lexus ES350, Subaru Outback, Toyota Camry (Hybrid).

2014

Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet SS, Ford Focus, Ford Fusion (Hybrid), Honda Accord, Honda Accord (Hybrid), Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Equus, Kia Cadenza, Volkswagen Jetta, TDI. Special Mention: Rolls Royce Wraith.

2013

Acura ILX, Audi Allroad, BMW 750 Li, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Santa Fe, Infiniti IPL, Mazda3, Volkswagen Beetle.

2012

Acura MDX, Acura TSX, Audi A7, Honda Odyssey, Honda Civic (Natural Gas), Hyundai Sonata, Infiniti G37 IPL, Kia Optima Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Nissan Maxima.

2011

Acura TSX, Buick Regal, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 2, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Sienna, Volvo S60.

2010

Audi A5, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Transit Connect, Honda Crosstour, Infiniti G37, Lexus LS 460, Mini Mayfair (Special Edition), Subaru Forester, Suzuki SX4, Volkswagen Golf.

2009

Acura TSX, Audi A3, BMW 335d, Honda Civic (Hybrid), Honda Fit, Infiniti G37, Lexus GS450h, Lexus IS350, Nissan Versa, Toyota Corolla.

2008

Audi A4, Audi A8 W12, BMW 128i, Cadillac CTS, Honda Accord, Honda Civic (Hybrid), Honda Fit, Kia Amanti, Mini-Cooper Clubman, Nissan Altima.

2007

Cadillac CTS, Honda CR-V, Honda Fit, Honda Ridgeline, Hyundai Elantra, Lincoln MKZ, Mini-Cooper, Saab 9-3, Saturn Aura, Volkswagen EOS.

Addendum: At least 11 of the vehicles on my cars of the year lists are no longer manufactured: Ford Transit Connect, Honda Civic (CNG), Honda Crosstour, Honda Fit, Kia Cadenza, Saab 9-3, Saturn Aura, Scion iA, Suzuki Kizashi, Volkswagen Eos, Volkswagen Beetle.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform.

With the recent announcement of the 2023 Formula 1 schedule, automobile racing's most lucrative series will have three events in the United States for the first time.

The international circuit doesn't include any drivers from the United States, but enthusiasts in this country can next year travel to Austin, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Miami, Florida to witness the sport's finest.

Formula 1 is expensive for its participants and spectators. A recent article on Robbreport.com detailed one package to attend the new Las Vegas stop on the international circuit for $1 million.

The Formula 1 international racing circuit will have three races in the United States for the first time in 2023: Austin, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Miami, Florida.

Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I discuss the Formula 1 phenomenon as one of three topics on episode #249 of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

"I would just call it the pinnacle of racing, unbridled," Bruce explains. "Obviously there are rules; there's always rules, some kind of rules to keep the price from being astronomical, which it kind of already is in Formula 1. But's only half astronomical because there are rules that limit things.

"But it's the fastest cars. It attracts rich people from all over the world. They follow it through the different races and money's no object.

Also in this episode:

A letter writer commenting on a recent column I wrote about the 2022 Ford Mustang, explained the iconic vehicle is a pony car, not a muscle car. Bruce and I discuss the "gray area" of what defines a pony car and what defines a muscle car.

Formula 1 cars and muscle cars don't have much in common, with one exception: performance.

"It's a hard topic because you can't win," says Bruce. "A pony car is often a muscle car, but it doesn't have to be. It depends on the motor."

Lastly, Bruce and I discuss a recent analysis of the least and most expensive cars to operate. The study was presented by Zutobi, the online international driver’s education company with courses in the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia, France, and Germany.

Lots of automotive sites publish surveys. Bruce and I discuss the legitimacy of surveys, particularly the size of the sampling used to compile statistics.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us.

Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site.

If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews.

The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests: famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below.

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