Odometer gives sense of where we’ve been

“Like sands through the hourglass ... so go the miles of our lives. ...”

Start transforming your Charger or 200

Psst! Hey, buddy. You know the Dodge Charger Redline and the Chrysler 200 Super S you liked so much at the recent North American International Auto Show?

Painful farewell to Saab’s heritage

More than 100 Saabs, from the streamlined 1947 prototype known as the Ursaab to a 2010 9-5 sedan, are to be taken from their home at the company’s museum in Trollhattan, Sweden, and sold to the highest bidder.

2012 Kia Soul Eco lacking in spirit

The 2012 Kia Soul has a lot going for it. So why would Kia, the fastest growing brand in America last year, want to muck things up by tweaking the Kia Soul just enough to annoy people?

• Photos: 2012 Kia Soul

Skyactiv brings Mazda3 to Earth

Skyactiv is not merely an engine or a transmission; it’s a philosophy, a way of living, or at least driving. It’s the belief that moderation will make your life greener. Skyactiv is also one version of the venerated 2012 Mazda3.

Mitsubishi i catches the eye, needs a socket

Being a transport pioneer is not as tough as it was in the horse-drawn wagon days, but it does have its challenges.

Higher mpg gas engines push hybrids to roadside

Detroit — It’s a sign of the times when Cadillac is staking its comeback on a compact car that boasts fuel economy approaching 40 mpg.

Motorcycle caddy plays right

Because it’s mostly been warm and sunny this winter in Michigan, you might be thinking about playing a round of golf.

Take six hot cars on a cool 150-mile drive

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — A joyride on the Florida Turnpike in a Ferrari F430 is a hassle. For starters, there are state troopers on patrol. Then there’s the engine. It’s loud. OK, so the ride is actually pretty sweet.

Buick LaCrosse an all-around good hybrid

GM offers a large sedan that out performs many subcompacts when it comes to mileage.

• Photo: 2012 Buick LaCrosse

A familiar scene for Midwest drivers

George Carlin famously observed “Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?”

StrongBox a sure, secure storage solution

Whether you’re at the job site, hunting, camping, tailgating, or just want to stop for lunch on your way home from a morning of garage sailing, keeping the stuff you have to haul in an open trailer secure isn’t easy. After all, it’s all just sitting there on display, and covering it with a tarpaulin doesn’t provide meaningful protection.

In tight market, dealerships ‘mine’ for used cars

Dallas — Every vehicle in for service at Five Star Ford of Plano, Texas, gets a tantalizing offer.

EV designers choose fancy or familiar

10 things to know about year-end vehicle sales, and some auto show insights

Kia Rio one of the best small cars available

Auto show gets its 2nd wind

Don’t let a mechanic take you for a ride

Websites target women behind steering wheel

Laser Shades let summer air in, keep bugs out