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## Posts

- [Reporter's Notebook: Something About a Rolls-Royce](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-something-about-a-rolls-royce/) - I am quite smitten by the way something evolves and change with the times while keeping up traditions dating back over a hundred years.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Toyota Venza](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-toyota-venza/) - The Venza certainly showed how Toyota can make a present vehicle with forward thinking without clobbering the brain with future technology and design.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Another Dream Fulfilled, The Sequel](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-another-dream-fulfilled-the-sequel/) - However, I must recall back to my days as a MLBlogger. There had always been that dream of actually working a press box at a Major League Baseball game.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Mazda3 Hatchback](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-mazda3-hatchback/) - However, you will notice that it is lower in height and ground clearance. There is no C-pillar glass. So, clearly, it’s not our CX-5.
- [Video Quickies: 2023 BMW M2](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2023-bmw-m2/) - The small two-door coupe gets a powerful six-cylinder engine shoehorned under its hood, ready to light up your automotive fantasies.
- [Still The Enthusiast's Compact?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-mazda-3/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2016 Mazda3 Has it been two years ago already? Social media is a wonderful thing, sometimes. This Wednesday morning, Facebook decided to pop up a memory from two years ago that I did an extended drive in a 2014 Mazda3 to test out fuel economy and driving dynamics.
- [Commentary: How To Be Better Content Creators](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-how-to-be-better-content-creators/) - You’ve read variations of the above over the past 12 years. Nothing’s changed. The players have, however.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Another Dream Fulfilled,  Take Two](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-saintpaulsaints-take2/) - This is Take Two. And, they made it a “Play Two.”
- [Reporter's Notebook: Another Dream Fulfilled](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-another-dream-fulfilled/) - It was easier for to get credentials at the Los Angeles Auto Show than to get media access to an MLB ballpark.
- [Video Quickies: 2023 Toyota Prius Prime](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2023-toyota-prius-prime/) - As we pointed out in our video on the 2023 Toyota Prius, the Prime adds the plug-in hybrid element to an improved driveline.
- [My Favorites for Canada Day](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-canada-day/) - From enthusiasts in Edmonton to some of my old friends in Toronto, you promoted the good work on here for the rest of the world to see.
- [Historiography: The Automobile in Canada](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-canada/) - That is well and good. But, what has Canada contributed to the automotive landscape?
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Lexus IS](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-lexus-is/) - It has survived a series of updates inside and out, as well as threats of its cancellation. This is the latest iteration of this sports sedan.
- [Video: 2026 Toyota RAV4](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2026-toyota-rav4/) - By nw, you should be taking delivery of your new 2026 Toyota RAV4. If not, go ahead watch our video review of the newest version of this hot selling SUV.
- [Historiography The Honda Accord at 50](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-the-honda-accord-at-50/) - The first models looked sportier than the Civic, while offering more cabin and cargo space. It had a sportier vibe, which attracted customers immediately.
- [Quickies: 2027 Rivian R2](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2027-rivian-r2/) - The R2 is the first of two such vehicles that will fill these spots in the Rivian lineup. We had to find out whether they really fit the mission of the company?
- [Historiography: The Crown Jewel of Chrysler](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-imperial/) - Chrysler decided it was time to take the most expensive model of its lineup and give it a brand of its own. The name was Imperial.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Missing Cars](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-missing-cars/) - I’d rather get into a deep dive of those you may have forgotten about over these times. Ones that we even forgot about for a minute.
- [Rental Car Review Video: 2025 BMW 430i Gran Coupe](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-video-2025-bmw-430i-gran-coupe/) - Last Christmas, George spun the Rental Car Roulette Wheel at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. He almost got a bad spin - among other things that day. Given a few more tries, he landed a 2025 BMW 430i Gran Coupe. Did he get the right vehicle for a Christmas in the Valley of The Sun? This
- ["Look! It's Got G-Vectoring!"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-mazda-6/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2017 Mazda6 In June of 2013, I was introduced to what would become a staple of this work in the automotive media. It was a car. Moreover, it was a car that would cement a love for a brand that has been an integral part of this work.
- [The Turbocharged Move Upmarket of An Old Favorite](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2018-mazda-6/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2018 Mazda6 Since the day it returned to its "Zoom-Zoom" roots, I loved the Mazda6. Three generations of this car showed me the kind of gumption Mazda had – and, sometimes, with the help of Ford – to demonstrate that a mid-sized sedan can be sporty and exciting
- [How to Make a Better CX-5](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-mazda-cx5/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Mazda CX-5 There was that feeling of deja vu. Back in October, I attended the Midwest Automotive Media Association Fall Rally outside of Chicago. As my return vehicle from the event, I drove back to the Twin Cities in the new 2013 Mazda CX-5. It was one
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Dodge Charger](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-dodge-charger/) - The crops may have been saved, but there are still some Moparians who aren’t satisfied. After all, they coined the phrase “Mopar or no car.”
- [Historiography: Ford's Brougham Division](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-mercury/) - With inspiration driving my thought process, I began scouring the V&R site to see which "broughams" I had not talked about.
- [Video: 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2026-subaru-outback-wilderness/) - The new 2026 Subaru Outback may be the most improved vehicle of 2026. The Wilderness model is just icing on he cake. How good is it? Watch our video...
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Subaru Outback Limited XT](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-subaru-outback-limitedxt/) - Keep in mind that the Wilderness is one of six trim levels available on the 2026 Outback. We just happen to have a more…ahem…”normal” version.
- [Commentary: The Automobile at America's 250th Birthday](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-automobile-at-americas-250th-birthday/) - Ever since the first automobile was assembled in this country some 130-plus years ago, we weathered a lot of change in this industry.
- [Made for the Larger "We"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2013-honda-accord/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2013 Honda Accord Why we do love the Honda Accord? Perhaps I need to define "we." If I meant the automotive media corps, "we" have not been too kind to the Accord. "We" demand too much from American Honda (and Honda Motor Co., Ltd.) to give us a
- [The V&R Podcast - Episode 13](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/podcast-13/) - On this episode, we talk about the 2026 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally and interview automotive photographer Alex Bellus.
- [Historiography: A Complete Personal History of the Ford Taurus](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-ford-taurus-2/) - You may read some of this story in an upcoming review of the latest iteration of this car. I would rather give you the full background now.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Subaru Outback](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-subaru-outback/) - With improvements in safety engineering and technology, build quality, and so forth, Subaru may have just created its best vehicle ever.
- [Quickies: 2027 Chevrolet Bolt](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2027-chevrolet-bolt/) - There is a saying that “timing is everything.” In the case of the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, it is very apt considering consumer interest and behavior.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-jeep-grand-cherokee/) - The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee carries a reputation for being a tough SUV that offers the kind of comfort you expect from something softer.
- [Video 2026 Polestar 4](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2026-polestar-4/) - Even the news lately about this bran, we still present an electricvehcile with an interesting design feature. You have to watch this to find out what it is!
- [Commentary: The Immediate Social and Industrial Impact of a 238-Mile Range EV](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-chevrolet-boltev/) - General Motors is defining what a practical EV looks like. Electric cars might not be what will make a difference to meet the looming Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for 2025. The future will see greater and greater market penetration of electric cars. Tesla has been a force of chaos in the automotive world,
- [Quickies: 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2026-gmc-sierra-1500-denali/) - For over 25 years, it has become the focal point to attract customers to their popular half-ton full-size pickup truck.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Toyota C-HR](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-toyota-chr/) - With all of that out of the way, the North American 2026 C-HR could be one of the coolest looking vehicles in the marketplace.
- [Video: 2025 Lexus LS 500 F Sport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-lexus-ls500-fsport/) - Our final ride in the Lexus LS - a 2025 LS 500 F Sport AWD, to be exact. We look back on how this flagship sedan changed the luxury car business back in 1989.
- [High Riding in Subzero Temperatures](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2018-toyota-chr/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2018 Toyota C-HR Remember Scion? For the few enthusiasts that have championed the brand its youthful outlook and expanding canvas for creative personalization, it is truly missed. Maybe some of the practices might not be fondly remembered, as you can now get more leverage on deals for the
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-hyundai-palisade-xrtpro/) - However, that was not the only new thing that caught our eye. There is the model you’re seeing in this page – the XRT PRO.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-volkswagen-atlas-peakedition/) - Combined with the two-row Atlas Cross Sport model, Volkswagen has produced over a million units exclusively from that facility.
- [Historiography: A Personal Memory of When Cadillac Stood by its Slogan](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-cadillac-1/) - Here’s what I’ll do. Let me skim through Cadillac’s history from 1964 to today to the ones that caught my eye the most. Along the way, try to tell its story.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Ford Ranger](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-ford-ranger/) - Which brings us to this 2026 Ranger. It is a specification that represents value for money, along with capability and capacity.
- [Is <i>This</i> The "New Standard of The World?"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2012-cadillac-srx/) - Since then, General Motors had been soul searching to find a way to make Cadillac relevant once again.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Toyota RAV4](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-toyota-rav4/) - In 2025, the Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling SUV in the USA. In all, over 479,000 units were delivered to customers who wanted a reliable, dependable, rugged-looking vehicle. Before the end of 2025, Toyota introduced their sixth generation of their popular compact SUV. Their approach was different, but somewhat similar. Similar, because they switched their
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-mitsubishi-outlander/) - However, the driveline in the internal combustion engine version has been swapped out for a new turbocharged mild-hybrid driveline. Call us intrigued!
- [Quickies: 2026 Chevrolet Suburban](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2026-chevrolet-suburban/) - Over our 15 years, we have never said anything about this large SUV. Only its competitors, but not the O.G. family truckster. Until now.
- [#MAMA26SR: The Annual Reality Check](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama26sr-the-annual-reality-check/) - It is work. Work laden with opportunity and experiences that we bring to you towards engagement and interest.
- [Historiography: The Legend of <i>Jinba ittai</i>](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-mazda-miata/) - If one thing was said on that day: The modern two-seat small roadster has returned.
- [Video: 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2026-lexus-nx350h-fsport/) - A hybrid SUV with a sports motif and "handling" upgrade may seem like an anomaly. But, does it work/ Wach the video review to find out!
- [Commentary: The Chinese Are Coming (The Canadian Edition)?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-chinese-cars-canada/) - How did we get to this increase in noise about the Chinese automotive industry and its long-shot potential entry into the USA market?
- [Reporter's Notebook: The Cake Doesn't Lie](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-the-cake-doesnt-lie/) - Some traditions still hold sway with us. several of years ago, when we celebrated a couple of #VOTY wins with a cake?
- [A Different View: 2021 Ram 1500 TRX (Part 2)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/a-different-view-2021-ram-1500-trx-part-2/) - His perspectives were definitely different, but offered up a vibe that resonated with the factory-made "trophy truck."
- [Commentary: Debriefing #VOTY18](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-voty18/) - The cake was not a lie
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-ford-maverick-lobo/) - As with everything, the sport minitruck craze faded away. People moved on with another trend. Therefore, Ford added the Lobo trim to the 2025 Maverick.
- [Alex Zanardi - 1966-2026](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/alex-zanardi-1966-2026/) - Zanardi never lost the fight to compete. He rehabilitated to the point where he was ready to race again.
- [Video: 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2026-volkswagen-tiguan/) - The new Tiguan is trying heads. Ours, included. However they added a more powerful version of its turbo engine. Is this the SUV you want from Volkswagen?
- [Travelogue: The Stories I Forgot to Tell](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-the-stories-i-forgot-to-tell/) - During these years, I had to be creative on which experiences would work for you. Ones that encourage engagement, curiosity, and interest.
- [Video: 2026 Honda Passport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2026-honda-passport/) - It looks rigged. But, is it ready to tackle the toughest trails around? Watch the video to find out if the 2026 Honda Passport is ready for the rough country.
- [The V&R Machine Ownership Diary: Three Years In](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-vr-machine-ownership-diary-10/) - While we took it on more than a few road trips, we kept our mileage down due to local errands, work runs, and other driving trips within the Twin Cities.
- [On The Dial: The End for CBS News Radio](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/otd-cbs-news-radio/) - A majority of the 700 stations affiliated with the network dedicated themselves to 24-hour programming every day without fail.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Polestar 4](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-polestar-4/) - On paper, this is a premium electric hatchback with four doors. It is a sporty car, by definition, as is part of Polestar’s mission.
- [Video: 2026 Lincoln Navigator](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2026-lincoln-navigator/) - Looking for a flagship SUV for your family? You have plenty of ty of choices out there. Here's one of them for you - the 2026 Lincoln Navigator!
- [Transiting: Tap And Go](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/transiting-tap-and-go/) - What if you don’t have the bills and coins to ride? What alternatives do you have available to you?
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-toyota-tundra-trdpro/) - They introduced a proper four-wheel drive pickup truck with proper ground clearance for the USA market since the end of the 1970s.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-lexus-nx350h-fsport/) - Fifteen years ago, Lexus was the first brand V&R has officially worked with for content. It has been a great relationship since. We probably worked with every model over time, including its current lineup. The brand has also been a part of some really awesome stories over the years, as well. How do we celebrate this relationship? Work with
- [Quarterly Report & Podcast - Episode 12](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quarterly-report-podcast-episode-12/) - Our first podcast for 2026 includes an interview with a motorsports driver and enthusiast, our auto show coverage, our 15th anniversary, and more!
- [Reporter's Notebook: Being Out in The Field](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-being-out-in-the-field/) - It is a part of what we do, when called upon by an automobile manufacturer to travel to another place to check out their latest vehicle ahead of its arrival into dealer lots.
- [Travelogue: Discovering Delightful Connecticut – Part 2](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-connecticut-2/) - I was absolutely having one fantastic and delightful time in a state I have never visited before. But, wait, there's more...
- [On The Dial: Here, Now, The News!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/otd-news-radio/) - Radio became popular when the programming was expanded to network shows and news programming. That was the late 1920s onward into the 1950s. It was also helped by the inclusion of the car radio as an additional way for motorists to enjoy the drive. As television began to supplant the radio in terms of entertainment
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-toyota-corolla-hybrid/) - The standard bearer Corolla has had a target on its back. Its competitors have taken aim and leapfrogged it with more...of everything.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Mazda CX-70](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-mazda-cx70/) - Our last vehicle we drove in the 2025 calendar year was the turbocharged 2026 Mazda CX-90. We remarked how much the non-hybrid driveline made the difference in terms of drivability. We actually preferred the inline six-cylinder engine in these mid-sized SUVs. On top of all of this, we also established how there is not much
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Lexus LS 500 F Sport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-lexus-ls500-fsport/) - However, the executives at Toyota saw opportunity. They wanted to produce a luxury car that would compete with the best in the world.
- [Video: 2026 Ram 1500](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2026-ram-1500/) - The crowd was rejoicing. And so were we. Can you blame us?
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-ford-expedition-tremor/) - That is open question that can range from improved powertrains and chassis components to making better use of passenger space and cargo access.
- [Commentary: Kuniskis To the Rescue](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-kuniskis-to-the-rescue/) - Therefore, I will focus on some hope for the long term future of a certain automotive manufacturer. First off, no one should count Stellantis out.
- [Historiography: A Proud Bird](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-thunderbird/) - Both companies figured they could not sell just sedans and wagons for eternity. They needed something else to satisfy a new kind of driver.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Kia Carnival](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-kia-carnival/) - The same generation that were transported in the second and third row of those first-generation minivans are the ones driving them and their children today.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Toyota Crown](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-toyota-crown/) - Our test vehicle model is the Nightshade trim, which is based off of the Limited. As with other Toyota models, the Nightshade adds darker features and trim.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Lincoln Navigator](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-lincoln-navigator/) - The Navigator is the definition of ”Lincoln-ness." That term signifies the intersection of the brand’s past with the present.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Through The Eyes of a Child](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-through-the-eyes-of-a-child/) - What is it about the automobile that brought me to this point in my professional life that I enjoy working with them? We have to go back to my childhood...
- [Our Own 2026 Auto Show Circuit](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/our-own-2026-auto-show-circuit/) - Nonetheless, he was able to capture enough content between the two shows to make it worthwhile.
- [Historiography: From PowerPoint to Production...to #VOTY12](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr5-dodge-dart/) - By the time the car rolled onto the stage inside COBO Center, the 2013 Dodge Dart was born.
- [Video: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2026-hyundai-ioniq-9/) - Is this the only electric three-row SUV you would consider for your family? That pixel lighting signature looks tempting, doesn'r it?
- [V&R Turns 15!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-turns-15/) - To know its future, you must know its past. It starts with a story about turning an interest in automobiles into a website full of stories about them.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Looking Back on 25 Years](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-looking-back-on-25-years/) - Auto Shows, press boxes at sporting events, media familiarization trips, meeting – and interviewing – “important” people, and so forth.
- [On The Dial: The Historiography and Listening Guide to The Bongo Drums](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/otd-bongos/) - We English speakers call the instrument consisting of two small hand-performed drums attached by a bridge piece “bongos” or “bongo drums.”
- [Historiography: The Origin Story of Victory & Reseda](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-vr-origin-story/) - It also became the proving grounds for the website you are ready today. My initial forays into reviewing vehicles and talking about the automotive industry. Then, I made a choice as to the direction of this space by turning it into an online automotive magazine. It earned a name – something you may not be able to pronounce.
- [Video: 2025 Polestar 3](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-polestar-3/) - The 2025 Polestar 3 has a lot to unpack for us to explore. Watv h the video and check it all out!
- [Travelogue: My First Time in Detroit](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-detroit-2006/) - It took me 42 years to get there - a long stretch considering I was some sort of "car guy."
- [Commentary: <i>The Supreme Court of The United States of America v. This Work</i>](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-scotus-work/) - The decision was one that went beyond just the fundamentals of recognizing the legal status of couples. It engaged all walks of life to the debate towards this decision by the Supreme Court. In today's socio-corporate climate, several companies added their names to the Amicus brief on the plaintiff's side of the case.
- [What's New (Again) from FCA for 2016?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-preview-fiatchryslerautomobiles/) - The rule of thumb is simple: Drive everything, take photos and videos, but do not post anything until later. Abide by the embargo, and you are good for life.
- [V&R Stories: A Pivotal Moment in My D.C. Life](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-dc-1997/) - This is the one one we all agree on – the permanence of warmth and beauty that makes our lives full.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Twenty-Five Years](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-twenty-five-years/) - It opened up plenty of doors as I grew from neophyte to a next-wave digital automotive content creator/journalist.
- [The Culimination of a Celebration](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-lexus-is-vr5/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2016 Lexus IS 200t It was cause for celebration. As V&R's Fifth Anniversary culminated, it seemed appropriate for things to be aligned, as such. Our dinner at Joey Nova's in Tonka Bay near Lake Minnetonka was a great time for all. They even baked us a cake. My
- [Commentary: These Past Five Years](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr5-commentary/) - These five years were one hell of a ride! It is an apt description on how a blog that had no direction whatsoever – except it was all my thoughts and my interests – turned into something that is worth reading. It took a few leaps of faith – a decision on which subject matter
- [My Five Favorite Vehicles of the V&R Era...So Far](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr5-5faves-vehicles/) - You like automobiles. So do I. This journey of the past five years were born with a simple concept – to love cars. This journey had been mixed with cars, trucks and SUV/crossovers. These vehicles provide the backbone of the work towards conveying how one can live with them on a daily basis. Therefore, we
- [V&R Stories: It All Started With One Car...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr5-lexus/) - It was a single car started everything for Victory & Reseda. The idea of that car began on the first day of the 2011 Twin Cities Auto Show inside of the Minneapolis Convention Center. I was to meet with the regional communications contact for Chrysler to get a good overview of their display. That led
- [Twin Cities 2016: Our Best Shots - Part 5](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tc2016-ben/) - As a part of our Fifth Anniversary, I brought on some of our most creative people from our car community to show their coverage of the Twin Cities Auto Show. Five of these highly creative lensfolk responded to a call for photographers to cover the show's media preview. Of the photographers showcased on V&R for
- [Twin Cities 2016: Epilogue](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tc2016-randy/) - Having a home auto show to work at has its advantages. For me, the Twin Cities Auto Show is home turf. Living here enables my resources to maximize the value of attending and working the show for almost every year I have lived in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Each year adds another layer of responsibility
- [Twin Cities 2016: Our Best Shots - Part 4](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tc2016-eric/) - As a part of our Fifth Anniversary, I brought on some of our most creative people from our car community to show their coverage of the Twin Cities Auto Show. Five of these highly creative lensfolk responded to a call for photographers to cover the show's media preview. Of the photographers showcased on V&R for
- [Twin Cities 2016: Our Best Shots - Part 3](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tc2016-wayne/) - As a part of our Fifth Anniversary, I brought on some of our most creative people from our car community to show their coverage of the Twin Cities Auto Show. Five of these highly creative lensfolk responded to a call for photographers to cover the show's media preview. Of the photographers showcased on V&R for
- [Twin Cities 2016: Our Best Shots - Part 2](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tc2016-jarrett/) - As a part of our Fifth Anniversary, I brought on some of our most creative people from our car community to show their coverage of the Twin Cities Auto Show. Five of these highly creative lensfolk responded to a call for photographers to cover the show's media preview. Of the photographers showcased on V&R for
- [Twin Cities 2016: Our Best Shots - Part I](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tc2016-stephen/) - Sure, it's a Tier 3 auto show, but it's ours! Victory & Reseda is proud to be based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. This region is home to a car culture that is deep, because of its people and their love of the automobile. This is why I wrote the line above to explain to
- [The Car That Made V&R](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr5-buick-regal/) - This is the car that has made Victory & Reseda what it is. It was the first to be awarded the Vehicle of The Year after the rebranding of the site in 2011. It was the first General Motors vehicle I had in for review. It would be the first car I ever took on
- [Travelogue: Our Five Favorite Hotels](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr5-5faves-hotels/) - When you are working, you need a home away from home. Such a place should always be affordable to the budget, but full of value. That would mean a comfortable bed, a good place to work, reliable and fast wi-fi connections, places to relax and good food available within walking distance. Good service is always
- [Five...No, Seven Favorite Places to Eat](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr5-5faves-restaurants/) - In celebration of V&R's Fifth Anniversary, we are doing a series of Five Favorites to celebrate this major milestone for this site. We will explore some favorite experiences from roads to lifestyle bits to eventually, the Five Favorite Vehicles of the V&R Era. Speaking of lifestyle, one thing I found in doing this work is
- [V&R@5: A Cause For Celebration?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr5-a-cause-for-celebration/) - Five years is quite some time to build a brand. Some say that five years is not enough time to solidify a name brand. It takes decades, and decades means staying power. That may be true for a lot of things – including covering the automotive industry and its culture. However, this social-media driven form
- [Thank You for a Solid 2015!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/thank-you-2015/) - 2015 was a solid year for Victory & Reseda! We had our adventures in the Twin Cities and beyond. From working the Chicago Auto Show without handing out an award to driving some of the latest automobiles before their on-sale date in places, such as Raleigh-Durham and Grand Rapids, Michigan. We found ourselves on the
- [Is This Scion-ara?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-scion-im/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2016 Scion iM This is not Scion-ara. Nor is it good-bye. There is no wake, where the alcohol flows and readily as tears. This is not a funeral or memorial where memories are cast upon the congregated. Nor is this the last dance before it goes. In truth,
- [Your Turn: Introducing KUMAKART](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/your-turn-iain/) - "Your Turn" is back! V&R has not always been about Randy Stern, Tyler Lipa and other writers who have contributed to this site. It is about you! Yes, YOU! You got an automotive-related story to tell - tell it here! That simple! To help bring this segment back is my friend Iain Bennett. I have
- [Season's Greetings from Victory & Reseda](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/seasons-greetings-2016/) - As the Gregorian and Hebrew calendars collide, we find ourselves in an interesting and rare moment between two holiday traditions. This Saturday is not just Christmas Eve; it is the first night of Hanukkah. Many homes across North America – and beyond – will be in a festive mood this weekend. It is also a
- [Transiting: Northstar's Post Mortem](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/transiting-northstars-post-mortem/) - It was a way to demonstrate that commuters do have a choice and not fight the traffic on Interstate 94 from Saint Cloud into the Twin Cities.
- [Looking Ahead To 2026...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/looking-ahead-to-2026/) - What really makes this website – and our YouTube channel – tick are the vehicles we work with. We simply love working with the latest and greatest.
- [Historiography: Downsizing](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-downsizing/) - These events included the imposition of emissions controls, new crash protection standards and the OPEC Oil Crisis.
- [Our Favorite Vehicles of 2025](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/our-favorites-of-2025/) - George and I discussed, debated, and finally agreed to ten vehicles that made this year a productive one.
- [Video: 2025 Toyota GR Corolla](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-toyota-gr-corolla/) - When this came out, the cool kids were circling it wanting a taste of that turbocharged three-cylinder underneath its hood.
- [Video: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-subaru-forester-hybrid/) - The Subaru Forester has one of the most loyal group of owners. They love the extra space with the taller roof, along with its ability to go wherever they want to go. On top of the new generation model for 2025, Subaru added their new hybrid driveline. They used the largest 2.5-liter BOXER engine as
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Mazda CX-90](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-mazda-cx90/) - The need for families to roll in a mid-size three-row transport with exceptional space and utility. It also does so with style, performance and quality.
- [Commentary: A Look Back at 2025 in the Automotive Industry](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-a-look-back-at-2025-in-the-automotive-industry/) - These challenges are not new to us, but we certainly saw some serious impacts stemming from these recent moves.
- [Reporter's Notebook: One More Chance](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-one-more-chance/) - When you do not care about yourself and put everything else ahead of your health, you have to face the consequences.
- [Historiography: The Legend of The Honda Prelude](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-honda-prelude/) - Why is there such a fuss about the Prelude? Well, we must look back in order to move forward...
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Toyota Camry](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-toyota-camry/) - We did not plan on getting another Camry this calendar year. However, this 2026 XSE all-wheel drive model showed up in time for Thanksgiving in Minnesota.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Jeep Wagoneer S](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-jeep-wagoneers/) - We can talk ad nauseum about what it is versus what it is not. Yet, we need to approach the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S on its own merits.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-hyundai-santafehybrid/) - You are definitely seeing a lot of Hyundai Santa Fes on the road. It also helps that they are assembled at Hyundai’s Montgomery, Alabama plant.
- [Reporter's Notebook: A Lesson From a Children's Book](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-a-lesson-from-a-childrens-book/) - Over the past decade-plus, I have been fortunate to become part of a car culture. One that celebrates our rides and the people who bring them to share. The shows, the meets, dinners, lunches…we all met to talk vehicles, builds, repairs, finding parts, and other people’s attitudes towards them. We even shared families, friends, spouses,
- [Video: 2025 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-lexus-lx-700h/) - What do you get when you take a large luxury SUV, give it off-road capability and have it powered by a hybrid driveline? Well...you get this!
- [V&R Stories: A Thought For The Holidays...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-a-thought-for-the-holidays/) - The spirit of this piece has evolved from community to culture - and I'm glad someone has taken the spirit of this piece to heart. Maybe several someones...
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-volkswagen-tiguan-selrlineturbo/) - A month earlier, Volkswagen announced that they would offer a trim level with a more powerful engine. They definitely got our attention.
- [Oh, What "Fun?"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2013-volkswagen-tiguan/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan There are vehicles out there that speak to the fun quotient in all of us. Seriously, when you shopped for your last vehicle, it did cross your mind about where it would fit in your lifestyle? The word "fun" did come up in various conversations
- [#VOTY2025: And The Winner Is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2025-winner/) - After all of the scoring, measuring social media metrics, and your votes...there is new Victory & Reseda Vehicle of the Year award winner! The photo maybe be a giveaway. However, it is a very well-deserved winner. Something that may eb of a surprise, but it shouldn't. No one really had this picked ahead of your
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Honda Passport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-honda-passport/) - We didn’t take this 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite on something as challenging as the Yukon or the deserts of California.
- [Commentary: Nothing Will Save The (Kia) Soul](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-kia-soul-finale/) - Throughout my time watching the automotive industry, I feel we are in yet another cycle that has been frequently repeating itself.
- [#VOTY2025: The Nominees Are...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2025-nominees/) - And, here are you nominees for #VOTY2025
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-toyota-grand-highlander/) - The aim to find a vehicle with more passenger and/or cargo space in a more maneuverable package – at a lower price point.
- [Hamsters with Snails Making Turbo Noises](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-kia-soul/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2017 Kia Soul...with a turbocharger! From the onset, the Kia Soul was designed to be a cool car. Consider the familiar box shape behind the engine compartment. Also, consider the quirks in the design that has attracted an average of 10,000 customers each month. It was once the
- [Commentary: Do You Really Want Cheap Cars Now?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-do-you-really-cheap-cars-now/) - The average transaction price for a new vehicle in the USA reached over $49,000 at the end of 2024.
- [Video: 2025 Lincoln Corsair](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-lincoln-corsair/) - "Lincolnness" is what defines one of the few luxury brands left among American automakers.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Toyota GR Corolla](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-toyota-gr-corolla/) - This is why people were falling over each other when Toyota announced the arrival of the Gazoo Racing-massaged Corolla hatchback.
- [Travelogue: Finding Fall Colors](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-finding-fall-colors/) - Minnesota is a blessed state. The past 14 years have shown me a lot through every sub-zero winter day, every humid summer day, and every time the temperatures begin to rise in the spring and plunge in the fall. I have found a place I call home where there are truly four seasons. Some may
- [For Evolving Hamsters](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-kia-soul/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Kia Soul Ah, those lovely hip-hop hamsters! How have they evolved! To introduce the second generation Kia Soul, the hamsters that promote the hip compact crossover-ish wagon-esque hatchback faced a dilemma. Their fat hip-hop bodies were not going to cut it. They decided to slim down, dress
- [Historiography: How To Tell The History of the Volkswagen Golf GTI](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-history-volkswagen-golf-gti/) - We were planning in doing our own Historiography of the GTI. However, there is a twist to this plot.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Toyota Prius](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-toyota-prius/) - There has been one word that never described the Toyota Prius. Not in its 24 years of existence in the USA.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Ram 1500](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-ram-1500/) - To celebrate, Ram added a special badge on HEMI-powered pickups to let the world know what’s underneath the hood. They call it their Symbol of Protest.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-subaru-forester-hybrid/) - Subaru knows it has to play in the electrification sandbox. They need to get this right. After all, all of their competitors have stepped up their hybrid game.
- [Quarterly Report & Podcast - Episode 11](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quarterly-report-podcast-episode-11/) - A new episode of the Quarterly Report & Podcast has dropped. We have a special guest and our usual wrap on our fleet and vehicles we worked with.
- [Quickies: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2026-chevrolet-equinox/) - We should establish that most consumers (and commercial/fleet purchasers) will choose the LT for its inherent value and popular level of content.
- [Quickies: 2026 Hyundai Tucson](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2026-hyundai-tucson/) - We had not worked with the internal combustion version of the Hyundai Tucson since 2021. We figured we should rectify that.
- [Video: 2025 Range Rover Sport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-rangerover-sport/) - You're not looking at a Rolls-Royce or Bentley. But are you looking at royalty nonetheless.
- [#VOTY2025: Join Us!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2025-intro/) - You may find this a bit different than past years. It is because we want to simplify the process and include you – the readers – in the process.
- [Quickies: 2025 Volkswagen ID.4](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2025-volkswagen-id4/) - Yet, Volkswagen remains as a leading mainstream automaker producing EVs for the marketplace. As an added bonus, the ID.4 is assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Hyundai Palisade](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-hyundai-palisade/) - While competing in a very hotly contested segment, Hyundai figured it was a good time to introduce a second generation of the Palisade.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-hyundai-ioniq9/) - The easy part was putting on the flexible Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The major tweak to the platform was to give it a larger battery pack.
- [Quickies: 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2025-hyundai-elantra-hybrid/) - There are a few models that have not appeared on these pages in a few years. The Hyundai Elantra was one of them.
- [Quickies: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2025-mitsubishi-outlander/) - A lot has happened to the “regular” Outlander since handing off the award to Mitsubishi Motors.
- [Quickies: 2025 Volkswagen Taos](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2025-volkswagen-taos/) - The result is a small SUV that has Wolfsburg’s DNA while maintaining its primary mission as a spacious offering in a key segment.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Volkswagen Atlas](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-volkswagen-atlas/) - What if I want a very roomy vehicle where I can lower the third row to fit mobility devices, musical instruments, a week’s worth of luggage...
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Jeep Wrangler](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-jeep-wrangler/) - In recent years, you’ve seen plenty of “Jeep Waves” and rubber ducks being a part of a lifestyle. One that gives permission to anyone to tackle an ORV park.
- [Historiography: When Motoring Meant Something](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-when-motoring-meant-something/) - When you were a kid, what did your parents drive around in? Can you recall that far back enough to remember your first car ride? How about the time first time you went on a long car trip? Where did you go? What did you see? What games did you play on the trip? Memories
- [Historiography: Born From Jets](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-saab/) - When automobile brands disappear, it becomes a challenge to try to maintain their legacy. This is the new challenge for Scion owners. Though Toyota made a commitment to honor warranties, continue with service and parts support, the owners of these cool cars have the burden of keeping the brand relevant for their enthusiasts and current
- [Commentary: Aging Gracefully Behind The Wheel](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-aging-gracefully-behind-the-wheel/) - Older adults will find a vehicle that not only fits their lifestyle, but that can accommodate an easier entry and exit into one.
- [V&R Stories: I Understand Now](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-jeep-rocks-and-road-tour/) - The phrase you've seen many times: "It's a Jeep thing, you don't understand?" Understand what? Yes, I've driven Jeeps – to mixed thoughts. Still, Americans and others around the world love them. That, I had trouble comprehending. The attraction to them is simple: They are one of the original off-roaders. They won a major world
- [Historiography: The Long Hard Climb of The Japanese Automobile in America](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-japan-autos-usa/) - Translation: Japanese cars were thought of as cheap tin boxes that would never make it through a Minnesota winter. That was the mentality of the American consumer until the last couple of decades. It does help that several Japanese automakers set up shop building vehicles on our soil to change our collective minds.
- [Historiography: The Mighty Continental](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-lincoln-continental/) - Whether it was sold as its own division, or a beacon for the entire lineup, the Continental name evoked the finest of everything.
- [Travelogue: Rental Car Tales](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/5faves-rental-car-experiences/) - These are the stories of how I contributed to the coffers of the likes of Hertz, Avis Budget, Enterprise Holdings and others for the past four decades.
- [Video: 2025 Subaru WRX tS](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-subaru-wrx-ts/) - If "tS" means "tuned by Subaru Technica International," then why is it not a true STi?
- [Commentary: "The Rolls-Royce of SUVs"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-rolls-royce-cullinan/) - It is now a reality – the Rolls-Royce of SUVs. Rolls-Royce debuted their latest addition to their growing line of automobiles - the Cullinan. For three years, the bespoke British brand and member of the BMW Group announced it would make this vehicle. A series of videos shot in Scotland, the United Arab Emirates, Colorado
- [Commentary: The New Chevrolet Blazer and The Future of the Crossover/SUV](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-chevrolet-blazer/) - You know what they say: "just when you least expect it..." At a private media event in Atlanta, Chevrolet rolled out their latest addition to its lineup of SUVs and crossovers. It was an ongoing rumor that the nameplate would return, but it speculated that it would be a capable SUV built off of the
- [Chicago 2019: We Got Videos, Yes We Do!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chicago-2019-josh/) - To wrap up our coverage of the 111th Chicago Auto Show, we now turn to Josh Dvorak and FlecsMedia for a series of videos from McCormick Place. Josh and Veronica Krawiec have been on our team for last year's show. This year, we had a few ideas in mind. They appear to be random, but
- [Chicago 2017: Preview Time!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi17-preview/) - The Chicago Auto Show is almost here. This will be my seventh straight time I have been credentialed to work as a member of the automotive media. This will also be my ninth Chicago show I have worked since 2002. With the additional visit in 2008, this will make my tenth visit to McCormick Place
- [Chicago 2018: My Take](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi18-randy/) - Since 1901, Chicago has hosted one of the largest auto shows in North America – if not, the world. The over one million square feet of space inside two halls of McCormick Place houses almost every automotive brand in the country for a span of almost two weeks. The highlights point to a charity preview
- [Chicago 2017: "Blair Witch," "Star Wars," and Then Some...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi2017/) - I could do a standard-issue look at the 109th edition of the Chicago Auto Show. However, I have done that plenty of times. In fact, this is my tenth time I visited the show. This marks the 15th anniversary of my first one – credentialed as media. That now makes it nine years as a
- [Chicago 2018: Michael's View](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi18-michael/) - Two years ago, Michael Gatch joined me to help capture images from the Chicago Auto Show. What he came up with was a set of beautiful images with varying degrees of light and emotion. This year, he returned on his own, however would be a part of a growing team of content creators adding more
- [Chicago 2018: The Reasons Why We Go](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi18-anthony/) - Throughout the nation and indeed the world, there is a type of event that happens in almost every major city. Although there are major destinations, these shows serve multiple purposes. These are auto shows and they draw millions of people to them. Recently, the Chicago Auto Show held its Press Days and just started its
- [Chicago 2018: Kevin's View](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi18-kevin/) - So far, you have seen Michael Gatch's phoptohgraphy, Anthony Fongaro's commentary, and my story from the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. We're just getting started with the rest of the coverage. Now, it's slashMedia's turn. You can see some video teasers on their Instagram (@slashmediagroup) from the Chicago Auto Show. However, Kevin Tran (Instagram: @thenomadictire) is
- [Chicago 2018: Rezal's View](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi18-rezal/) - Just when you thought our coverage of the 2018 Chicago Auto Show is over...we have a couple of more posts to go! While the two halls at McCormick Place have emptied, we have another set of images from the show to share with you from slashMedia's Rezal Scharfe. He not only took some images from
- [Chicago 2016: Our Best Images](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chicago-2016-mike/) - To wrap up Victory & Reseda's coverage of the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, we saved the best for last. In the last two articles, you saw the photographic work of Michael Gatch. I met Mike on one of journeys up to the Twin Cities, chronicling the local car scene through his lens. He was on
- [Chicago 2012: A Little Perspective](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi2012-pt4/) - Every year, there is an attempt to capture more of an event than ever. As an automotive writer/journalist/whatever-the-hell-you-want-to-call-me, these attempts can either be beneficial for you, dear reader. Or, it would a complete waste of bandwidth full of saccharine and moose turd. However, this year's Chicago Auto Show became more of another steppingstone towards building
- [Chicago 2013: A Preview](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi2013-preview/) - There is truth in the song "Sweet Home Chicago." The truth of it is there is meaning to the song within the context of this work. Though I call the Twin Cities my home and Los Angeles my hometown, Chicago is my automotive home. It is where most of V&R's activity originates from – from
- [Chicago 2014: A Bit of a Preview](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chicago-2014-preview/) - Frankfurt, Los Angeles and Detroit – yep, I missed them all. Budgets and time constraints aside, no one should be excused for ignoring them. The wave of new product alone is worth a glance, especially when preparing for the one show to attend on Media Days. For the fourth time in a row, it is
- [Chicago 2016: Team V&R is a GO!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi16-preview/) - For the sixth year in-a-row, Victory & Reseda will be on the floor of the Chicago Auto Show. And, we are definitely excited. How so? The coverage will be different, thanks to some help. Here's how... First of all, I will be there for Thursday's media preview and Friday's social media days. I will be
- [Chicago 2016: Three Key Debuts](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi16-tyler/) - Do driverless cars dream of sport utility vehicles? Last month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit was filled with technologies of the future. Automakers showed us new safety technologies that if given free reign could drive a car unaided by its human occupant. The 2016 Chicago Auto Show is the alarm clock that rips
- [Chicago 2016: Playing Catch Up](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi16-randy/) - After seven Media Days, The Chicago Auto Show still serves up good opportunities to catch debuts of new products, watch revisions of current ones and catch up on vehicles seen at prior auto shows. The latter is important, since it seemed that everyone else had their chance to put their paws on it while I
- [On The Dial: Listening To Your Favorite Book](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/otd-listening-to-your-favorite-book/) - There are occasions when the content coming from the infotainment system adds to the processing queue. Perhaps an audiobook.
- [Commentary: The Bane of AI](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-bane-of-ai/) - If you live your life on social media, you have seen these AI-generated renderings of vehicles that will never go into production.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Volkswagen Golf R](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-volkswagen-golfr/) - The high bar set by the last generation Golf R makes it a challenge to tackle this current generation model. Let alone, comparing it to anything else.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Polestar 3](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-polestar-3/) - Before we dive into the vehicle itself, just a gut check. Do we need to go over what Polestar is?
- [The Flagship SUV You Should've Seen Coming](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2025-lexus-lx700h-overtrail/) - Therefore, the new 2025 LX 700h Overtrail is a combination that we should’ve seen coming. But, is it what we wanted?
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ota-2025-volkswagen-golfgti/) - That is why enthusiasts have been flocking to all eight generations of this seminal “hot hatch” for the past 50 years - across almost every continent.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Toyota Sienna](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-toyota-sienna/) - Want some interesting trivia? For the second time in V&R’s history, we have reviewed every minivan sold in the USA within a single model year. Not that it’s a big deal. However, it does align with one of our (well, my) arguments about why the minivan is still relevant. At a recent car meet, an enthusiast quipped about my
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Lincoln Corsair](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-lincoln-corsair/) - The emphasis here is on the smallest Lincoln and seeking relevance in an ever-changing luxury vehicle market – especially in its most competitive segment.
- [Rental Car Review: 2025 Toyota Camry](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2025-toyota-camry/) - The initial praise has been warranted, with the welcoming of an all-hybrid lineup along with universal availability of all-wheel drive.
- [For The Ballers](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2025-rangerover-sport/) - You know it commands an air of superiority. It shows that you run a part of the universe. You may have impeccable taste in everything you touch.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Chrysler Pacifica](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-chrysler-pacifica/) - Only minivans are stocked with the winged badge these days. It seems fine, since none of the brands sold by Stellantis North America offers a minivan.
- [From Subaru Technica International...With Love](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2025-subaru-wrx-ts/) - It is still a performance compact that you always knew Subaru would produce for the enthusiast crowd.
- [Historiography: 1970](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-1970/) - After 55-56 years, I still love the automobile. Perhaps not as enthusiastically as I once was back at five or six years old.
- [Saab Automobile - 1947-2011(?)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/saab-automobile-1947-2011/) - Perhaps it wasn't meant to be. On Monday, December 19, 2011, the legal team representing Swedish Automobile, the parent company of Saab Automobile, filed for bankruptcy for their Trollhattan-based automaker. The brief was filed in light of General Motors exercising their right to decline the proposed deal for Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile to invest in their former asset. This was after Viktor Muller, the Dutch entrepreneur and CEO of Spyker Cars who bought Saab from GM, entertainment many offers to save the Swedish automaker.
- [Video: 2025 Toyota 4Runner](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-toyota-4runner/) - The 4Runner sticks to its original mission while providing a wide variety of models to fitb your needs, personality, and pursuits.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Driving For What?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-driving-for-what/) - It shouldn’t have to be this way. However, the act of driving around is a cathartic form of mind clearing, idea gathering, and pure escapism.
- [My Favorite Winter Driving Getaways (2014 Version)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-winter-driving-getaways-2014/) - It appears everyone has begun the year on the road. That is good news for the economy. People are traveling again. They are expanding their budget, even while finding bargains. The idea of value is a great motivator towards accomplishing that trip you always wanted to go on. As an automotive website, the idea of
- [Commentary: Let's Talk About Your Driving Habits](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-driving-habits/) - We all think we're the best drivers in the world. In truth, we are not. We learn how to drive, then we take what we learned and try it out on the roadways. As we grow older, we think we’re still competent behind the wheel. With kids, spouses, significant others in tow, we become a
- [Throwback Review: Driving The Dream](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2010-dodge-challenger/) - A Victory & Reseda "Throwback Review" of the 2010 Dodge Challenger What better way to celebrate a national holiday (Independence Day in 2010) with a national icon – and a trip back to memory lane! As if I was driving a dream... I often talk about the family's 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. It was perhaps the
- [What Ever Happened to Tailgating?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/what-ever-happened-to-tailgating/) - Let me take you back out to the ballgame. In the past, I discussed tailgating, an All-American ritual (and Canadian, too) that ties the automobile and professional spectator sports. It is a simple thing to do, though sometimes complicated by sophistication and some crazy idea found on the Food Network. Not that I have anything
- [Travelogue: The Return of The Summer Road Trip - Yours! (Part 1)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-summer-road-trip-2021-1/) - Which brings me to why we need to have road trips. We get so wrapped up in our lives, our work, and family and friends that we forget to do something for ourselves. Being busy is great and does reap the rewards of hard work and dedication. Yet, you need a reset – a reboot, at times.
- [Quickies: A Flight of VWs](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-vw/) - Sometimes, you have to take a flight. I am not referring to the act of getting on a plane and going somewhere. I have not done so in months, before Congress decided to walk away from the budget and not pay for air traffic control. They certainly made a mess of the aviation business. This
- [Remain in Focus](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-ford-focus/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2016 Ford Focus Back in 2000, I got to drive the then-new Ford Focus. It was a complete revelation on how a compact car can be not only fun-to-drive, but accommodating for many bodies. The SE sedan I drove felt great in and around the Washington, DC area.
- [When Imaginations Run Wild...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/when-imaginations-run-wild/) - The things we think about when our imaginations run free. My imagination can be off the chain. The things I think about – especially with automobiles – could either make me a wealthy person or locked up at a state institution. However, there is a solid basis when it comes to the imagination. It is
- [Throwback Review: The Most Fun To Be Had...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/volkswagen-rabbit-mkv/) - A Victory & Reseda Throwback Review of the 2006-2009 Volkswagen Rabbit No one should underestimate the power of a Volkswagen. Not just in mere horsepower or presence on the road. Rather in a single word: Fun. If I looked back at all of the Volkswagen cars and SUVs I have driven since that first Mark
- [A Car You May Have Forgotten About](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-kia-forte/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2017 Kia Forte The compact car has been set aside in a market that might just need them again. Why would I say this? Consider how much gasoline has gone up in a year's time. We're not talking $4.00/gallon here, but a jump over $2.50/gallon here in Minnesota
- [Historiography: Replacing Greatness With Another Great](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-volkswagen-golf/) - How do you replace the most iconic and popular car in the world? It was a monumental task to achieve a proper replacement for the Volkswagen Type 1 Sedan and Cabriolet. This was a car that was developed before World War II as a dictum by the Nazi regime in Germany. From its unfortunate roots,
- [Historiography: The Definitive Favorite Car of All Time](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-lexus-rcf/) - The “favorite car” question has always been one that you should never ask an automotive journalist.
- [Video Preview: 2027 Scout Traveler Concept](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-preview-2027-scout-traveler-concept/) - This is a first. Randy has admitted he is not into concepts. Unless, the concept is close to production ready. We rarely talk about concepts. Let alone do videos on them. However, the 2025 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally (#MAMA25SR) provided us with an opportunity to talk about the upcoming 2027 Scout. In this
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Ford Explorer ST](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-ford-explorer-st/) - Of course, we already had the mid-cycle refreshed 2025 Explorer. What more could we glean from this Rapid Red ST?
- [Video: 2025 Kia K4](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-kia-k4/) - Not to beat a dead horse, but sedans are not going away any time soon. Especially when you have a company that is committed to selling them with striking design, the right amount of performance at a very competitive price. Kia rolled out its replacement for the Forte in the form of the K4. Spoiler
- [Quarterly Report & Podcast - Episode 10](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quarterly-report-podcast-episode-10/) - Our tenth podcast! And, it's packed! We start off with a look at the 2025 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, where Randy and George did everything and drove plenty. We focus on our first look of the Scout Traveler Concept, as well as a first drive of a new body style for the Dodge
- [Video: Driver's Seat Chat - Minivans vs. SUVs](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-drivers-seat-chat-minivans-vs-suvs/) - Back in 2021, I decided to do exactly that. Use this platform, point an iPhone in my face and talk about...something.
- [Historiography: How The 2004 Chicago Auto Show Shaped My Work In The Automotive Media](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-2004-cas/) - “We are a people driven by fantasy. Think about that night at Touche where you saw this perfect muscle bear hanging out by the bar. He's approachable, but once you made that move, he heads for the door. As you follow him, you notice that as soon as he crossed Clark Street, he jumps into
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-toyota-corolla-cross-hybrid/) - Which brings us to this question: So, what’s so different between the Corolla and other vehicles than this one?
- [Video: 2025 Ford Explorer](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-ford-explorer/) - Did it deserve a video review of it? We thought so.
- [Quickies: An Ultium Duet](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2025-gm-ev/) - After a couple of quick spins in the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS and 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali, my curiosity was satisfied.
- [Commentary: Scion 2002-2016](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-scion-obituary/) - We probably saw this one coming. The story broke this week regarding the closing of Toyota's Scion brand by one of my colleagues. I held back some form of reaction until I received confirmation from Toyota Motor Sales USA. That confirmation came in an e-mail from Toyota's communications team. It was not the kind of
- [Going The Distance](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-lexus-rx450hplus/) - Instead, we had turbocharged four-cylinder power along with expanded hybrid offerings. That included plug-in models.
- [Savior Of the Universe?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2025-ford-f150-lightning/) - Needless to say, we appreciated the opportunity to revisit this electric pickup truck at a time when one of its rivals went into a sales freefall.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Toyota 4Runner](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-toyota-4runner/) - After our fellow MAMA members took a mass of photos on it, it was our turn to load up this 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited and head back to the Twin Cities.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Genesis GV70](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2026-genesis-gv70/) - Perhaps for the past couple of decades, the traditional model year calendar has been thrown out the window.
- [Video: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-mazda-cx-50-hybrid/) - A few years ago, we reviewed the then-new Mazda CX-50 with its turbocharged Skyactiv-G engine. We eve made a video on it. This time around, Mazda asked their Huntsville, Alabama plant partner Toyota if they had an electrified driveline they could use on the CX-50. They provided them with a proven driveline that is shared
- [Reporter's Notebook: Accessibility in Transportation and How To Cover This Topic](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-accessibility-in-transportation/) - Plus, vehicles are getting another look at how they could work for disabled drivers and passengers.
- [Travelogue: My Favorite Destinations in the USA](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-usa-destinations-2/) - Granted, I have been to more places that were listed here. Most places I have not been in years – let alone, decades.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-lexus-rx500h/) - How did we get this the 2025 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin? Actually, George and I went in separate vehicles. He took the V&R Machine as our back-up vehicle. I took this…a 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance. It’s an annual tradition…sort of. The idea that we take we
- [#MAMA25SR: The Good Media Event (Part 2)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama25sr-2/) - Certainly, we can talk about the cars we drove, the experiences we enjoyed, the people we met, and so forth. There was a personal goal in mind.
- [#MAMA25SR: The Good Media Event (Part 1)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama25sr-1/) - George and I returned for the third year in-a-row to Elkhart Lake and Road America. It was driven by not only fulfilling our membership.
- [Video: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-hyundai-tucson-hybrid/) - It is a well-executed compact SUV that offers loads of space and yielded a good gas-hybrid driveline. Including the revised interior and updates all around,
- [#VOTY15: ...And The Winner Is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty15-winner/) - The first step in rebooting #VOTY is to backtrack and award the 2015 award. We felt that there were some vehicles that deserved this award and had that opportunity missed. At this point, there is no recounting exactly how many vehicles were eligible for this award, except that they would have to have been written
- [Quickies: 2025 Lincoln Navigator](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2025-lincoln-navigator/) - If their largest SUV wants to be the one to covet and own, they have to deliver on its statement of excellence.
- [Rental Car Review: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2025-volkswagen-jetta/) - Although we had a few GLIs to work with over the past few years, we needed something refreshing. We needed to show you a Jetta that most people can afford.
- [#MAMA16FR - 25 Years in The Making](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama16fr/) - Why is the Midwest Automotive Media Association such an honor to be a member of? A discussion with one of its board members came up with a few reasons. We have a great core group of journalist members – mostly from the Chicagoland area, but within our region, too. We also have great affiliate members
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Mazda3](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-mazda3/) - The 2025 Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition is the only way you can get the non-turbocharged Skyactiv-G engine with all-wheel drive.
- [Video: 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe SUV](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-genesis-gv80-coupe-suv/) - Although there are other coupe SUVs out in the marketplace - in particular among luxury brands - the Genesis looked and felt cooler.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Ford Explorer](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-ford-explorer/) - The formula worked. Ford sold loads of Explorers. They navigated some headwinds along the way and found themselves in public safety fleets across North America.
- [Travelogue: Knocking on "Death's Door" (County)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-door-county/) - The idea of a "romantic getaway" should be one where the locale and the company should be equally romantic. Let me back up for a moment and personal here. Yes, I am in a relationship – albeit a long distance one. I've known Jason for 16 years – we thought we were cute when we
- [Travelogue: Detroit Revisited](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-detroit-2018/) - Twelve years ago, I arrived in Detroit for the first time. Being an automotive person, I felt that this city had been missing in my life. While the trip presented plenty of firsts and enabled me to hit almost every automotive location as possible, it served as a foretelling of the future. I’ve done a
- [My Favorite Places to Stay - Part 2](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/my-favorite-places-to-stay-part-2/) - When on business, you end up being sequestered in a hotel. Sometimes, that is not a bad thing. In fact, it is a good thing. When you check into a fantastic hotel, you want to do as much as you can. You get superb service, a clean room, plenty of amenities, and a comfortable bed.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Lexus NX 450h+](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-lexus-nx-450h/) - Remember when we had the Lexus NX 450h+ a few years ago? It came in the F Sport model. The blue one! Right! I was wondering where Lexus was going with this new generation model. Not just design-wise, but with the expansion of electrification to include a plug-in hybrid driveline. Eventually. I “got it.” When
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025.5 Volvo XC90](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-volvo-xc90/) - Over the years, Volvo stayed true to the XC90’s mission as its flagship vehicle. Over time, electrification became part of the lineup.
- [Historiography: Chrysler at 100](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-chrysler-at-100/) - Chrysler soldiered on as the child of its namesake – Walter P. Chrysler.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Kia K4](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ote-2025-kia-k4/) - As sedans slowly disappear from new car lineups, Kia knows that there are still customers who want a three-box, lower-to-the-ground traditional automobile.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Lexus TX 350](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-lexus-tx350/) - This time, it’s the TX 350 with its turbocharged four-cylinder internal combustion engine. To be honest, this is the model you want to know about it.
- [The #VOTY2022 Victory Lap - In A Flash!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-ford-f150-lightning/) - If you recall, the Ford F-150 Lightning became the first pickup truck to win our award. It also was the first fully battery-electric vehicle to do so.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-ford-ranger-raptor/) - We were fine with the North American Truck of The Year winning Ranger. Except it was missing something.
- [Video: 2025 Subaru Outback](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-subaru-outback/) - People buy Subarus in places, such as our own backyard of the Twin Cities, because of the way it performs in winter conditions.
- [Quarterly Report & Podcast - Episode 9](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quarterly-report-podcast-episode-9/) - There is plenty to cover in this episode. Where do we begin? Fuel grades,, update on our fleet, vehicles we reviewed, and an interview.
- [Quarterly Report and Podcast - Episode 8](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quarterly-report-and-podcast-episode-8/) - We have a guest on the show. Also, we discuss our fleet, and look back at 2024 .
- [Twin Cities 2025: My Only Stop On The Circuit](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tcas-2025/) - Nonetheless, my being there could be seen as a make-up event. Therefore, this year’s Twin Cities Auto Show was the only auto show I will attend and cover.
- [Video: 2025 Toyota Crown Signia](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-toyota-crown-signia/) - s we stated before, this is not our first ride in the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia. We loved it so much the first time, we wanted more time with it. So, we did. George had it the entire time (as Randy was recovering from a couple of surgeries). He ws able to do a full
- [Historiography: Where Dreams Comes True](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-dealerships/) - The automotive retailing process spawns one of the most time consuming and difficult consumer transactions known to the universe.
- [The V&R Machine Ownership Diary: Turning Two](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-vr-machine-ownership-diary-9/) - By the time of reading, we are reaching 35,000 miles on the odometer. The V&R Machine has been drama free.
- [The V&R Machine Ownership Diary: Surviving The Freeze](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-vr-machine-ownership-diary-8/) - It endured snowfalls and sub-Arctic temperatures. You can think that parade of vehicles coming in for review that kept it at bay and parked.
- [Historiography: "Gotta Go To The Auto Show!"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-auto-shows/) - If you ask any enthusiast where the love for the automobile was nurtured, it might come from their first auto show experience. The auto show is a safe place to connect with the automobile. Your admission into the exhibit hall is a license to dream. Once inside, you encounter cars, trucks and SUVs that you
- [Reporter's Notebook: Embracing "New" Conveniences](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-embracing-new-conveniences/) - Things that may have been thought of in some science fiction novel some 75 years ago. Now, they appear on today’s vehicles.
- [Commentary: Content Creation, AI, and Soon-To-Vanquished Car Brands](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-content-creation-ai-and-soon-to-vanquished-car-brands/) - The voice overs are just not real. Some of the footage appeared to be “stolen” from other – and more reputable – outlets.
- [Commentary: The Lessons LJK Setright Taught Me](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-ljk-setright/) - "In a way I wish I hadn't met LJK Setright...because he exposed so many of today’s car journalists for the one-dimensional pretenders that they are."
- [Transiting: The New Link To The East Metro](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/transiting-the-new-link-to-the-east-metro/) - Metro Transit's efforts are now focused on service on the region’s major corridors through bus rapid transit and extensions to their current light rail network.
- [Transiting: Memories of Riding the Old RTD](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-scrtd/) - Randy looks back at his first adventures riding the buses of his hometown and reflects on the changes in transit today.
- [Transiting: Smarter Travel On Public Transportation](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/smarter-travel-on-public-transportation/) - Gas prices has been on a rollercoaster lately. With the possibility of crude oil prices going up to $70.00 a barrel, your gas bill may up costing as much as your rental car bill in some places. If you're concerned about your travel budget, why not beat the cost of gas and visit a town with a good public transportation system? In North America, there are several cities you can visit where you can skip reserving a rental car. Think of the savings when you take a public bus, train or ferry boat around town or out in the suburbs. Not to mention the incentives for using these services to the most popular locales. Here's a listing of a few places in North America that you can get around easily by public transportation...
- [Commentary: One Corporate Transaction = Sustainable Alternative Transportation?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-zipcar-acquisition/) - That was my first reaction to the announcement that Avis Budget Group acquired the biggest carsharing enterprise in North America, Zipcar.
- [Commentary: The Old Depot Comes Alive Again](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-union-depot-stpaul/) - All photos by Randy Stern The Twin Cities now has a new transportation hub. It is actually the same as an old one. The pubic arrived on December 8 to check out the newly renovated Union Depot in St. Paul. The purpose is to introduce the Twin Cities public to the future of public transportation
- [A Transportation Guide to the Gay Softball World Series](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/gsws-2012/) - Victory & Reseda proudly supports the Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League and the Twin Cities Bears - one of 153 teams competing in the 2012 Gay Softball World Series. Welcome to the Twin Cities, softballers! All photos by Randy Stern When you have 153 teams from across North America, totaling about several thousand participants, how
- [Commentary: Coming Out Behind The Wheel](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-coming-out/) - Randy talks about being out as a multi-faceted writer, gay male and someone of the ursine persuasion. Don't ask...he'll tell.
- [Transiting: Who Makes Those Transit Buses?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/transit-buses-101/) - For those of us who take public transit, do we care about the bus we ride? A few people do. Randy explores the bus-making aspect of the transit business to tell you who's who, first.
- [Transiting: The Coming of Better Transit in L.A.](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/public-transit-los-angeles/) - In the years after World War II, the way Americans viewed transportation shifted to reflect an overall lifestyle migration from an urban society to metropolitan sprawl. Places that were once agrarian and bucolic became paved with new family housing units and expanding businesses supporting the new suburbs.
- [Travelogue: How I Got Home From My Road Trip To Chicago...<i>Seriously</i>](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-chicago-greyhound/) - You read about Randy got from Minneapolis to Chicago via the luxury of the GMC Terrain. So, how did he get home? Read onward...
- [This is Your Victory & Reseda, Too!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/this-is-your-victory-reseda-too/) - Randy has thrown down the gauntlet - an offer to photographers and writers to show their best automotive and transportation work on here. Read on for details!
- [Transiting: Carmageddon It!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/carmageddon-it/) - This weekend, a portion of Interstate 405 in Los Angeles was shut down due to some major road work. Randy explores the shenanigans of his hometown...
- [Transiting: You Want To Cut <i>What</i> Again?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/you-want-to-cut-what-again/) - Randy rants about the current state of public transportation and the potential cuts looming in Congress and at the state house. Or, is it really a rant?
- [Transiting: High Gas Prices vs. Public Transit to the Ball Game](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/high-gas-prices-vs-public-transit-to-the-ball-game/) - Randy presents a simple overview and argument on using public transportation to the ballpark, rather than driving.
- [Answering the Call to Living Green](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/answering-the-call-to-living-green/) - Randy visits this year's Living Green Expo in St. Paul - and comes away with more options towards sustainable transportation.
- [Transiting: The Reverse Commute - By Northstar](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/northstar-commuter-train/) - With gas prices still climbing, is it worth taking public transit even over a car even for a long distance, exurban commute? Read on...
- [Transiting: Ideas To Deliver Mobility At Your Doorstep](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ideas-to-deliver-mobility-at-your-doorstep/) - Even with amended service, one wondered whether ridership would return to pre-pandemic levels on a regular basis.
- [Travelogue: A New Train In Town](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/a-new-train-in-town/) - However, there is now some momentum coming from the White House and Congress that has enabled Amtrak to bring back some services or create new ones.
- [Transiting: Paratransit For The People](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/paratransit-for-the-people/) - It became a necessity. The doctors told me that after another round of surgeries on my left that I am restricted from bearing any weight on it.
- [Video: 2025 Audi Q7](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-audi-q7/) - We never had a video review of an Audi before. Its about time, don't you think? It is a desirable brand. It's enthusiasts and owners expect nothing else than being charmed by the four-ring badge and its famed drivelines. In turn, Audi delivers on their expectations to fulfill their wants of excitement and driving pleasure.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-hyundai-tucson-hybrid/) - The advanced exterior design attracted those who truly want to stand out.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Some "Sunday Morning" Inspiration](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-some-sunday-morning-inspiration/) - I usually take some time on Sunday evening to catch up on the stories from that morning’s broadcast on YouTube.
- [Commentary: "Back To The 50s" and Classic Car Stewardship](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-classic-car-stewardship/) - Somehow, miracles do exist and this one was pulled off nicely. To return to the Fairgrounds to see these wonderful classics again is a treat.
- [Commentary: A New Generation of Classic Car Stewardship](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-btt80s/) - Not that the 1980s have been ignored at all. It was a seminal time that helped lead the automotive industry out of a dark period in the USA.
- [Travelogue: (At Least) One Memorable Flight](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-at-least-one-memorable-flight/) - Finding a story that I could recall vividly – especially one that was decades ago – have been a challenge.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-hyundai-santacruz-xrt/) - Hyundai introduced the Santa Cruz at the right time. With another small SUV-based, unibody constructed pickup truck hitting the showroom about the same time, the opportunity was to show that the automaker from the Republic of Korea can make a similar vehicle. They needed a pickup truck. Instead, they added the capability of one onto
- [Travelogue: O, Madison!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-madison-2015/) - What I meant by "used to be" was that I used to live there – from October, 2000 to the spring of 2004. I lived in two places there.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Toyota Crown Signia](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-toyota-crown-signia/) - Last year, we had a chance encounter with the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally. It was more of an introduction to this new model for us. We actually liked some of the things on this new crossover. Of course, we needed more time with it. A week’s worth of driving usually
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-mazda-cx50-hybrid/) - This makes it four. Not that we like counting them, but we should be familiar with the newest SUV/crossover from Mazda. However, this one is different.
- [Histroriography: For the Sake of Convenience](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/histroriography-convenience/) - Yet, we soldier on with our smart phones, our broadband and our brand allegiances towards semi-dehumanization.
- [Video: 2025 Mazda CX-5](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-mazda-cx5/) - Getting this 2025 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature beckoned for comparison with our ow V&R Machine - a 2021 CX-5 Touring. From experience comes perspective
- [Reporter's Notebook: No Chicago This Year...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-no-chicago-this-year-sorry/) - Simply put, it was our health. George got sick and my left foot imploded again. End of story.
- [Video: 2025 Volvo V60](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-volvo-v60/) - This befits the name as it is one of the drollest Volvos you can get today. It also adds to the legacy of Polestar.
- [Historiography: America, Meet Volvo!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-volvo/) - From there, a legacy was forged through innovations in safety and a loyal fanbase of owners and enthusiasts.
- [Video: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-volkswagen-idbuzz/) - What we got was a roomy, three-row minivan with innovative storage and cargo solutions, a spacious passenger cabin and looks that make people smile.
- [Commentary: The Tariffs Are Here...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-here-comes-the-tariffs/) - Before you assume where this commentary is going, let me make one thing clear. I try to keep this website free of political bullcrap....
- [Reporter's Notebook: About 61](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-about-61/) - We’re living longer and retiring later. A good sign of progress, I suppose.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Inside McCormick Place in February](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-inside-mccormick-place-in-february/) - Sadly, my memory gets foggy when it comes to the first auto show I worked as a member of the media.
- [Chicago 2013: Coming Back for More](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi2013/) - Chicago was set aside for full cavity exploration of what I did not fully experience at NAIAS.
- [Chicago 2012: What's New at McCormick Place](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi2012-pt1/) - Chicago Auto Show is still considered one of the major exhibitions of the automobile in the USA. Being one of the "majors" on the USA auto show circuit, manufacturers are given the opportunity to debut brand new or revised models to their lineups. Chicago continues to provide this opportunity for the automotive world to see what’s new and different for the upcoming model year. In recent times, manufacturers are no longer tied to the auto shows to create debut events. Also, the number of opportunities for these debuts are being consolidated or reduced for various different reasons. At one time, the Chicago Auto Show organizers were planning to consolidate their press conference schedule into one day. Luckily, they did not do so this year. Who is to say whether they will do this in the future? Still, there are some debuts to be discussed. Here’s the best ones that showed up at McCormick Place...
- [<i>WWRD?</i> - The Second Batch from The Oven](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/wwrd-2/) - The first batch was fun, wasn't it? I bet you're ready for more... To review, WWRD? works via V&R's social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Google+, where I will ask the question for submissions on what I would drive. These submissions are compiled and delivered with just three vehicles as called out by YOU.
- [Commentary: How I Ended Up in the Twin Cities Pride Parade](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-tcpride/) - Prompted by a crazy idea from a friend of mine, I wound up riding along the parade route. It was not what I had planned to do after my original task, but…
- [Commentary: Equality as a Vehicular Identity](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-hrc-stickers/) - It is the American way, really. Our nation is one of the few countries where our vehicles are personalized with stickers, cling placards, badges and so forth.
- [Commentary: Behind That Big Pride Edition Article](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-lavender-poll/) - Wait, you haven't picked up your humongous Pride edition of Lavender Magazine? You didn’t know I had an article in there?
- [Commentary: Humanity Above Hate](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-humanity-above-hate/) - V&R normally does not parrot the news already covered by practically everyone. However, this story truly hits home in various ways.
- [Commentary: It's Just an Ad](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-gm-pride-ad/) - Unbeknownst to me, another Pride celebration was taking place at a much larger community several hundred miles away – Detroit.
- [Video: 2025 Genesis GV80 SUV](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2025-genesis-gv80-suv/) - You have choices. Plenty of choices. Luckily, each one offers a distinctive design, level of luxury, features and technology.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Ford Ranger](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-ford-ranger/) - The Ford Ranger certainly had a wild ride for the past 43 years. It became the Blue Oval’s answer to the import compact truck in the summer of 1982. If you ask me, they did this one right compared to other domestic automakers. They gave it a long life until Ford shut down the Saint
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Subaru Outback](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-subaru-outback/) - The Outback wagon changed Subaru for good in the USA – and few other places around the world. It was their immediate response to the proliferation of the SUV.
- [Historiography: Forward Looking](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-forward-looking/) - That year saw Chrysler gaining the world's attention. It came up with something that took our breath away and almost made us lose it in the process.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Setting The Course For 2025](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-setting-the-course-for-2025/) - The messaging throughout 2024 as to what will happen in 2025 is a bit discomforting. That, I am taking to heart.
- [A Charming Audi](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2025-audi-q7/) - The 2025 Q7 is quite charming. The four rings are just an invitation. It neither looks too big or too small. Just the right size to a lot of things.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Mazda CX-5](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-mazda-cx5/) - The reason why it is here on your screen is someone had a crazy video review idea. “Since we own a CX-5, why not bring in a newer one for a ‘comparison’?”
- [The Greatest Car Ever Made?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-mercedesbenz-sclass/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class This is the greatest car ever made. You may argue otherwise, but consider how much this lofty title was earned by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It shifted the luxury market when luxury became too grandiose and out of scale. Instead of the fattest car becoming the
- [Quickies: The Anticipation is Over!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2017-alfa-romeo-giulia/) - The most anticipated automobile in years have arrived. It is slated to become the savior of the Alfa Romeo's return to North America. You have read those first two sentences before. They may have been written differently – or the same. Yet, they are two statements that define the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia. These are
- [Quickies: A Four-Ringed Duet](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2017-audi-q7-2018-a5sportback/) - I will admit feeling guilty about not giving some brands their due on this site. In other publications, absolutely! Those brands attract a wide swath of customers buying their wares. Yet, they are somehow allusive in a sense that they become enigmas. That statement may sound strange, but very true in this case. Although, one
- [Our Favorites of 2024](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/our-favorites-of-2024/) - We should celebrate the positives. That includes those vehicles which made our work an enjoyable one.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-volkswagen-idbuzz/) - We have been teased so mercifully for its eventual arrival. Even to the point where disbelief have overcome anticipation. So, here we are. After almost eight years, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz has finally reared its retro-designed head onto the American market. The euphoria may have settled down. Reality has now settled in. The reality
- [Can A Coupe SUV Change Your Mind?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2025-genesis-gv80coupesuv/) - However, you must be open minded in this business of automotive content creation. There has to be a vehicle in the genre that would overcome these complaints.
- [The Speculator: Another (Necessary) Mega Merger Looms](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-speculator-honda-nissan-potential-merger/) - From early indicators from this “rumor” that the company would operate as a single entity without any consolidation of production and development.
- [Commentary: The Nissan-Mitsubishi Affair - Part II](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-nissan-mitsubishi-2/) - There is a lot more to this story than you think... Previously, my collaborator, Tyler Lipa, discussed the root cause that brought Nissan to pay $2.2 Billion for a 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors. No one expected Nissan to take the route of buying into Mitsubishi Motors with intent on having a controlling interest
- [Quickies: What Fred Diaz Will Be Working With at Mitsubishi](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2018-mitsubishi-eclipsecross/) - No, sorry, Mitsubishi is not on its deathbed. Far from it. There are two reasons why. One, Fred Diaz is taking over as the head of its USA operations. As of April 1, the Texas-born-and-bred Truckmaster General will shift from Nissan's North American headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee to Mitsubishi's Cypress, California center. Since witnessing Diaz
- [On The Dial: A Contemporary Classic Holiday Song For Our Time](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/otd-band-aid/) - Not so fast, Scrooge! There is a track that is still worth listening to after Thanksgiving.
- [Commentary: It Ain't All Rosy, Folks!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-it-aint-all-rosy-folks/) - The fact is that we’re not entirely doomed. Well, hopefully, we’re not doomed.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Lexus UX](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-lexus-ux/) - He asked if I knew anything about it. I did review it within months of its debut, but that was about it.
- [Video: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-toyota-landcruiser/) - It is a different vehicle than it was when it left the USA market. It is more concentrated and powered by the I-FORCE MAX turbocharged hybrid driveline.
- [Historiography: The Rise, The Fall, And The Reboot of A Cat](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-the-rise-the-fall-and-the-reboot-of-a-cat/) - One brand emerged from war-torn Britain that would be the talk of the new class. A lineup of automobiles so beautiful that were coveted by the well-to-do.
- [Historiography: A Scout's Honor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-a-scouts-honor/) - That vehicle was the International Harvester Scout. And, now, that legacy has been resurrected in the name of Scout Motors.
- [Video: 2024 Lexus GX](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-lexus-gx/) - The overloading set has spoken. This is their ride. However, we did not get the rough and rugged Overtrail model to prove its worth. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 you'e about to see does the job quite well. Its can take you a bit further off the highway to get you to your camping site
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Kia Carnival](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-kia-carnival/) - To give you an SUV aesthetic while providing the driver a cockpit that would not look out of place...and, as functional as an SUV
- [#VOTY2024: The Winner Is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2024-winner/) - It took a lot of work to deliver a winner for 2024.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Honda Odyssey](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-honda-odyssey/) - Lastly (for now), we journalists love them. If we are wired to support the underdog, there’s no other underdog than the minivan.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Nissan Ariya](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-nissan-ariya/) - There are some vehicles that are more relevant than others. Case in point is the 2024 Nissan Ariya I just worked with.
- [Quarterly Report & Podcast - Episode 7](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quarterly-report-podcast-episode-7/) - New episode of the V&R Quarterly Report & Podcast...who dis?
- [#VOTY2024: It's YOUR Turn!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2024-vote/) - #Vote4VOTY
- [Benchmarking Luxury](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2025-genesis-g80/) - For 2025, Genesis gave their mid-size luxury sedan a mid-cycle refresh. While it looks the same, you can certainly tell the difference.
- [Video: 2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-lexus-lc500convertible/) - Yes, it won #VOTY18, but look at how it's evolved! The experience just keeps getting better.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-volkswagen-jettagli/) - For 2025, Volkswagen enhanced the Mk7 with new front and rear exterior treatments and an updated center stack inside.
- [Video: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-hyundai-santa-fe/) - Apparently, there was a fleet of white Hyundai Santa Fes running around Samoa ferrying Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and their staff.
- [Hi! You've Been Ducked!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/hi-youve-been-ducked/) - Congratulations! You've been ducked! Read on...
- [Commentary: Why So Many Vans?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-why-so-many-vans/) - All of the sudden, there is expanded business for the full-sized cargo van, as Amazon have taken control of their deliveries.
- [#VOTY2024: The Long List Revealed](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2024-longlist/) - Some are considered stalwarts in the marketplace. Other vehicles represent the latest, the greatest, and the freshest ideas for their intended consumer.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Time For Another Change](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-time-for-another-change/) - I did not make that announcement on here at the time. I wanted to give myself some space to let things settle down and my ability to move forward.
- [Historiography: The Last of The Independents](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-amc/) - Born from the merger of the Hudson Motor Car Company and the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation in 1954, AMC's history had its share of twists and turns.
- [Video: 2024 Lexus TX](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-lexus-tx/) - The TX delivers on space for six-to-seven people and a choice of drivelines that satisfy their want of luxury performance.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-toyota-landcruiser/) - Therefore, we have the J250 series. Except, we Americans simply call it the Toyota Land Cruiser.
- [Video: 2024 Ford Mustang GT](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-ford-mustanggt/) - We were fortunate to take the wheel of two 2024 Mustangs - a Dark Horse (twice) and this GT Premium.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Lexus GX 550](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-lexus-gx550/) - However, if we trust the overlanding set, then we will witness how the Lexus GX has become its prized rig.
- [Remember "Fun?"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-toyota-4runner/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2017 Toyota 4Runner Little do I measure the power of what this website could do for you. Yet, I wonder if it actually did for at least one particular vehicle. What I am referring to was a review I did almost two years ago for a certain very
- [Three Decades of Capability](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-toyota-4runner/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Toyota 4Runner Thirty years ago, Toyota introduced the first SUV that was not a Land Cruiser. Not that there was anything wrong with the Land Cruiser. They had been an integral part of Toyota's history since after World War II. It is the perception of these rugged
- [Video: 2024 Toyota Tacoma](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-toyota-tacoma/) - So significant, that we had to do a video about it. On a dusty trail. To test out its off-road prowess.
- [#VOTY2024 - Expect Plot Twists!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2024-intro/) - Which brings us to the 18th #VOTY - #VOTY2024!
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Volvo V60](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/my-thoughts-exactly-2025-volvo-v60/) - You may be happy to know that the Swedish automaker still produces station wagons. On top of that, performance-oriented ones.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-honda-passport-trailsport/) - The test of an off-road ready vehicle is where you take one from the mall onto the trail without any harm or foul on the vehicle and its driver.
- [Travelogue: Old (And New) Familiar Places](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-old-and-new-familiar-places/) - In my humble opinion, it is one of the best cities in California. You can argue this, but I need to remind you that I am a native of the state.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Nissan Kicks](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-nissan-kicks/) - The solution was simple: Increase the size of the Kicks to fill the space where the Rogue Sport used to live, give it more power and available all-wheel drive.
- [V&R Stories: When I Was At School...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-school/) - Are you ready to head back to school? It’s about that time again, where the youth of the world will return to their respective classrooms and perhaps learn something new. They may have moved up a grade, welcomed their new teacher(s), and are ready to get back into the swing of things. No matter what
- [Video: 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-rolls-royce-spectre/) - At this year's Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, the opportunity was presented to George to take their newest vehicle out for some content.
- [Historiography: Turbo!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-turbo/) - [I}t is a "turbine-driven forced induction device that increases an engine's efficiency and power by forcing air into the combustion chamber."
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Hyundai Sonata](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-hyundai-sonata/) - There will always be a market for sedans like the one you’re going to read about. The Sonata is one a few choices left in the segment.
- [Going Bespoke](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-lexus-lc500convertible/) - When you think of the word bespoke, you immediately think of vehicles that live in a rarified air for customers to choose what they want their new vehicle.
- [Video: 2024 INEOS Grenadier](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-ineos-grenadier/) - At the MAMA Spring Rally this past May, INEOS brought a few Grenadiers for us to drive. We took the opportunity to take one through its paces.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Volkswagen Taos](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-volkswagen-taos/) - The idea of the Taos came at the right time as consumers were looking at smaller SUVs.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-toyota-tacoma-trdpro/) - A lineage of leadership and development that goes back a long time. It was the four-wheel drive pickup that spawned many California dreams in the '70s and '80s.
- [V&R Stories: Adventures in "Adapted Normalization"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-adapted-normalization/) - As someone who is recently disabled. I would like to see how I can enjoy my family’s favorite pastime in my current state of being.
- [Commentary: Making The Cut(s)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-stellantis-2/) - Last month, CEO Carlos Tavares made it very clear that any brands within the company that do not achieve profitability will be shut down.
- [Historiography: A Is For Muscle](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-1970-gm-abody/) - Although, one should reflect back on its roots to see how these four mid-sized models emerged to the iconography of the muscle car movement in the 1960s.
- [The V&R Machine Ownership Diary: The Idea of Freedom](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-vr-machine-ownership-diary-the-idea-of-freedom/) - We have been often told about the automobile equals to personal freedom. The freedom to go anywhere we want to go – within reason.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Processing This Loss](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-processing-this-loss/) - I name him because he was someone I knew and hung out within the local car culture. He should not have been killed. He should still be here.
- [Historiography: The American Compact Car](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-american-compact/) - The introduction of the 1960 Chevrolet Corvair, Chrysler Valiant and Ford Falcon was a pivotal event for the automotive industry.
- [Historiography: The Final Vestiges of Pontiac](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-pontiac/) - It was 2009. The clouds were looming over Renaissance Center as to how to exit from its Bankruptcy case after taking Troubled Asset Relief Fund money. Amid the sell-off of General Motors' "old" assets, the automaker also announced the wind-down of the Pontiac brand off of their product portfolio. This was the second brand that
- [Video: 2024 Kia EV9](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-kia-ev9/) - Since he did not get a chance to drive it when it was in our possession, it was George's turn to see what the hubbub was all about.
- [Rental Car Review: 2024 Nissan Rogue](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2024-nissan-rogue/) - Twenty minutes is never enough to drive a vehicle that has already provided some positive feedback. I liked it so much that I needed more time behind the wheel.
- [Video: 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-alfa-romeo-tonale/) - Yet, there is a debate of whether this electrified Italian is truly worthy of the badge and the iconography it represents.
- [Rental Car Review: 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rental-car-review-2024-jeep-grand-cherokee-l/) - Ultimately, I suggested that when teams fly and rent their vehicles for the run of the tournament that they should enjoy the three-row Grand Cherokee L.
- [Reporter’s Notebook: Twenty Years a Minnesotan](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-twenty-years-a-minnesotan/) - Yet, I made it through the winters, the mosquitoes, “Minnesota Nice” and came out on the good end of things.
- [More Fun In A Crosstrek Wilderness](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-subaru-crosstrek-wilderness/) - The last such vehicle came in the middle of winter. We are now in the middle of summer. Seems like a good time to revisit it.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Who's Got Beef Now?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-whos-got-beef-now/) - Whenever a subject gets thrown around for debate, the inclination to say something is perhaps left for those with thicker skins.
- [Commentary: A Blizzard Full of Social Media Rancor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-a-blizzard-full-of-social-media-rancor/) - Yet, we never let up of our disdain for a major April snowstorm that sometimes pops up on our memory banks on occasion.
- [How To Describe A Performance SUV Like This One?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-alfarmeo-stelvio-quadrifoglio/) - This serves as a justification for Alfa Romeo to offer a couple of SUVs in its lineup. The Stelvio being the first of the two.
- [Video: Honda Pilot TrailSport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-honda-pilot-trailsport/) - Also on the rise are SUVs that start as family haulers to become ruggedized rides that would like to follow an off-roader onto the dusty trail.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-ford-broncosport-freewheeling/) - The five stripe decal and interior insert gives each Free Wheeling model a look that beckoned consumers to take them to the beach.
- [Commentary: The Ride Hailing Service Rollercoaster in The Twin Cities](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-ride-hailing-service-rollercoaster-in-the-twin-cities/) - Nonetheless, we will continue to be serviced by the two largest ride-hailing services beyond the July 1 date.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-subaru-crosstrek-sport/) - Somewhere between these two trim levels is a Subaru Crosstrek that combines the best of all worlds – the Sport model.
- [Defender Of The New Realm](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-defender-110/) - In the process, they split the Land Rover lineup into three brands: Discovery, Range Rover, and Defender. Henceforth, this model is simply called Defender.
- [Video: 2024 Mazda CX-90](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-mazda-cx-90/) - The toughest thing to do when working with anther Mazda is to compare it with our team car. Yet, the CX-90 yields so many references.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Mazda CX-90](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-mazda-cx90/) - The new 2024 CX-90 is the latest vehicle offering extending Mazda’s trajectory upmarket. The strategy for the CX-90 is simple: Bring more luxury to the segment.
- [Historiography: A Room at The Inn](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-motels/) - The motel was a part of Americana. It still is. Some say it was probably the best idea that came out of the growth of the automobile.
- [A Charmed SUV](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2025-genesis-gv80/) - Before we even consider the Coupe SUV, we must look at the 2025 GV80 SUV. In fact, it’s right here – just as you are looking at it on this website.
- [The HEMI's Last Parade](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-dodge-durango-srt392-alchemilastcall/) - However, the HEMI’s days are waning. In particular, at the Dodge brand. Its days as the big ticket attraction for Dodge has come to its climax.
- [Video: Type R vs. Type S](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-type-r-vs-type-s/) - So, we're asking...which Type are you?
- [Historiography: Casualties of A Sales War](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-casualties-of-a-sales-war/) - There was a time when we became comfortable. Comfortable enough to let post-war designs to simply just be normalized.
- [Quarterly Report & Podcast – Episode 6](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quarterly-report-podcast-episode-6/) - This time around, we discuss what we drove and experienced at the Midwest Automotive Media Association 2024 Spring Rally.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-hyundai-santa-fe/) - In this business, being “normal” does not foster progression. You have to shake things up. Being predictable will not attract new customers to your products.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Subaru Forester](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-subaru-forester/) - I’ve seen this at the MAMA Rally and wondered how it was like to drive. I circled it a few times, but never got the chance to actually sit in it.
- [Preview (Plus Video): 2025 Toyota Crown Signia](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/preview-2025-toyota-crown-signia/) - It would be natural that the Crown Signia would be a crossover. Well, more crossover than SUV.
- [Video: 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-ford-mustang-dark-horse/) - While we wait - perhaps in vain - for a Shelby-massaged model, we have the Dark Horse as the highest performance version of this iconic coupe.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Toyota Prius Prime](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-toyota-prius-prime/) - The sleek design was a huge change from what we knew about the Prius. That was the theme that came amongst us members of the automotive media corps.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Kia EV6 GT](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-kia-ev6-gt/) - While we are fully aware of Kia’s claims that the EV6 GT can sprint faster than a couple of notable supercars. For the record, I did not look for any such performance icons to test that claim.
- [Chapter Four](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-lexus-lc500h/) - The Lexus LC is the brand’s grand tourer. It is not exactly a hot seller, but it does get looks wherever it is driven.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Toyota Crown](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-toyota-crown/) - When I saw it at the Chicago Auto Show, we did a video introducing it to you. Two months later, I drove it outside of Chicago.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Mazda CX-70](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2025-mazda-cx70/) - We appreciate Mazda’s desire to get into that segment. Its competitors are quite formidable in among both mainstream and premium brands.
- [#MAMA24SR: Being There Again – Part 2](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama24sr-2/) - A full night’s sleep did some good to quell the anxiety. So did breakfast. Along with driving plenty of vehicles during the morning.
- [#MAMA24SR: Being There Again – Part 1](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama24sr-1/) - Media associations, such as MAMA, will put on events that engage its members and the automotive industry towards connecting with vehicles for some testing.
- [Commentary: The Chevrolet Malibu's Final Act](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-chevrolet-malibus-final-act/) - The last two quarters did see a drop in sales compared year-to-date. But, there is plenty of evidence that the Malibu continues to do steady business.
- [Video: 2024 Hyundai Kona](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-hyundai-kona/) - Don't let the Kona's size fool you. Consumers looking for a smaller SUV will find that the Kona not only stands out, it delivers.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Kia Telluride](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-kia-telluride/) - These three-row SUVs offer a balance of size, space, efficiency, and features to keep a family of six comfortable for miles on end.
- [Living the Dream at Road America - Final Thoughts](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama-spring-rally-4/) - I am not done talking about this very important event in this automotive writer's life. In the past few pieces, I took you through the psychosis of getting through a day-and-a-half of new experiences, new venues, new contacts and colleagues – along with reconnecting with others. There were plenty of firsts to recount – some
- [Living the Dream at Road America - My Favorite Vehicles](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama-spring-rally-3/) - This may be the most predictable My Favorites ever in the series. It is because you already know which ones would appear on this one after reading the last two posts on this site. If I said "Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally" one more time, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure
- [Living the Dream at Road America - Part 2](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama-spring-rally-2/) - The track was just a recent memory. Adrenaline is not my friend. It used to be, but it seemed to seep away when I got older. The ride alongs on Road America's wet 14 corners awoke that kernel in my DNA during the first day of the 2013 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally. Sadly,
- [Living the Dream at Road America - Part 1](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama-spring-rally-1/) - How do I describe attending the largest of the annual events put on by the media association I belong to? For the first timer, it is perceived to be part-theme park, part-convention and a lot of work mixed in. I just so happen to be that first-timer. The event in question is the Midwest Automotive
- [The Painted Pony](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-ford-mustang/) - It is also the last surviving American brand front engine V8, rear wheel drive sport coupe in its class being produced.
- [Historiography: Turning The Page on Model Name Legacies](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-turning-the-page-on-model-name-legacies/) - I figured I do a bit of ancestorial work to look at some of today’s models. Especially those that wonder why they were named such some generations ago.
- [Travelogue: Duluth <i>sans voiture</i>](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-duluth-1/) - Intercity buses. Love 'em or hate 'em, they provide a key link to smaller communities for travelers who do not have access to an automobile. They also provide the cheapest form of mass transport between cities. Until recently, Greyhound Lines held a monopoly on this kind of transport. Then a key provider of regional transport
- [The #VOTY2023 Victory Lap](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-ford-meverick/) - It is a segment-busting vehicle. It re-created a new size class for pickup trucks – small enough for tasks in urban environment, as well as for commutes.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Acura TLX Type S](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-acura-tlx-types/) - Not because they’re not available for us to work with. It’s just that you have to be patient until the right one shows up at your doorstep.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-chrysler-pacifica-hybrid/) - We have reviewed the Pacifica Hybrid before. Like fine wine, this plug-in minivan has improved over time.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-hyundai-ioniq6/) - The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a sedan. A midsize sedan built on the battery-electric platform that has been the talk of the automotive industry.
- [Historiography: We Used To Call Them "Foreign"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-foreign-cars-1970s/) - The American market had seen some interesting vehicles from abroad since the end of World War II, including the names already mentioned here.
- [It's Is As Big As...TX](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-lexus-tx/) - Why offer the TX? Could Lexus customers head to a Toyota dealer and get a Grand Highlander instead?
- [Add TrailSport and Some Dirt](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-honda-ridgeline-trailsport/) - The addition of the TrailSport trim gives the Ridgeline some more credibility for outdoor activities.
- [Twin Cities Auto Show 2024: The Result of "The Discussion"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/twin-cities-auto-show-2024/) - It may be a local auto show for dealers and consumers to connect, enabling these consumers to compare vehicles under one roof.
- [The V&R Machine Ownership Diary: A Year In](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-vr-machine-ownership-diary-chapter-6/) - It sat in the ramp…er, garage…right at the Hyatt Regency hotel at McCormick Place diligently and safely.
- [Historiography: When the New Model Year Meant Something](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-when-the-new-model-year-meant-something/) - The past year's models should have been liquidated from the lots, if a dealership was lucky to do so. Instead, a new shipment of vehicles would arrive. Then, the showroom gets spruced up with new signage announcing the new model year and its products.
- [Commentary: The Automotive Industry's March Madness](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-automotive-industrys-march-madness/) - What these March vehicle unveilings tell us is that we’re back to business as usual. Perhaps not at 100%, but we’re pretty close.
- [Genesis' Four-Banger Baller](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-genesis-g70/) - They do so with a unique touch, inspired by forging their own interpretation of their definition of luxury.
- [Just Road Tripping in A Tiguan](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-volkswagen-tiguan/) - The weather reports were quite concerning. The main concern was for the roads – not just within the Road America property.
- [Video: 2024 Buick Envista at #CAS2024](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2024-buick-envista-at-cas2024/) - After doing a Quickies review of the newest entry onto the Buick lineup, I wanted to dig deeper into this new vehicle.
- [What Is It About The Kia EV9?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-kia-ev9/) - Teasing us with a product that people might want is frustrating. Yet, we are rewarded with a vehicle is delivering on its promises – realistically.
- [How To Improve a Tacoma](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/preview-2024-toyota-tacoma/) - A pretty bold statement if you ask. There’s more to it when you consider its purpose and intended use, as well as your purpose and intended use.
- [Commentary: A Future in Auto Shows](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-a-future-in-auto-shows/) - The automotive media has always been a part of the bigger auto shows around the world.
- [Historiography: GM's New Wave Sedan](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-gm-acars-1982/) - Their next step was to introduce a line of mid-sized sedans aimed to eventually replace its already-downsized rear-drive models.
- [My Favorite Captive Imports](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-captive-imports/) - In order to achieve this, Detroit's "Big Four" had two choices: Build them domestically or import them from a global partner somewhere.
- [Reporter's Notebook: A Detour On Ice](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-a-detour-on-ice/) - The other night, I added a third Pride game inside the Xcel Energy Center for the Minnesota Wild – our National Hockey League club.
- [Video: A Tour of The 2024 Chicago Auto Show](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-a-tour-of-the-2024-chicago-auto-show/) - Instead of doing m multiple videos (which we may end up doing - OK, just one), we wanted to give you a tour of the show floor.
- [The One-Ton Stunner](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2023-ford-f350-superduty/) - Five decades later, the most common pickup truck sold to retail consumers is no longer a two-door cab with one big bench seat and a six-foot-plus box.
- [Quarterly Report & Podcast - Episodes 4 and 5](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quarterly-report-podcast-episodes-4-and-5/) - In this episode, we give you another take from the 2024 Chicago Auto Show - our favorites from the show, included.
- [Video: Our First Quarterly Review of Vehicles We Reviewed](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quarterly-review-1/) - It also gave the both of us some engagement with these topics, since George also have been working with these vehicles.
- [Video: Our Second Quarterly Review…Report…???](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-our-second-quarterly-reviewreport/) - So, what are these videos? What would like these to be called? Are these podcasts? News programs? Utter BS? Are you bored by now?
- [Video: Our Third Quarterly Review "Podcast"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-our-third-quarterly-review-podcast/) - What is a podcast? If you take a look at what’s out there on the interwebs…they come in both audio and video formats. In our case, it’s video.
- [A Tundra For Everything](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-toyota-tundra/) - It appears that almost every pickup truck available for sale is a crew cab with a five-and-a-half-foot bed with four-wheel drive and a mid-spec engine.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Hyundai Kona](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-hyundai-kona/) - It looks like history has repeated itself with this second-generation Hyundai Kona. There is a new design inside and out.
- [Quickies: An Aloha From Detroit](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2018-hyundai-kona/) - Even with the success of these three products, Hyundai knew it needed to add more models to its SUV portfolio.
- [More "Aloha" For The Money](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2018-hyundai-kona/) - With that first taste of the Kona, I wanted to bring it to our home stomping grounds of the Twin Cities to see if that "aloha" feeling remained.
- [A Second Helping of Brrrrrraptor!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2023-ford-bronco-raptor/) - Whenever you send a Ford vehicle with the name “Raptor” on it, you’d bet I’d be dancing like Snoopy in a “Peanuts” comic strip.
- [Flying Volvo's Flagship Sedan](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2024-volvo-s90recharge/) - Here it is. The 2024 S90. Same as it was back some seven or so years. Yet, a few things have changed.
- [#VOTY16: The Winner Is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty16-winner/) - We are about to announce the winner of #VOTY16. Before we do so, here is how #VOTY16 shaped up. Thirty-four vehicles were qualified for this tenth #VOTY. They ranged from the best-selling vehicles in North America to some of the latest and greatest in the world. Through eight categories, each vehicle was given a score
- [On The Dial: The Deeper Art of Automotive Sound Reproduction](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/otd-the-deeper-art-of-automotive-sound-reproduction/) - Today’s audio system is now more complex, thanks to infotainment systems driven by touchscreens and multiple menus.
- [Commentary: A Celebration of Ralph Gilles](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-a-celebration-of-ralph-gilles/) - To me, Gilles is the pen that crafted Stellantis’ North American vehicles. Rather, he has the final say in everything you have seen since his arrival.
- [My Favorite Collectable Cars](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/my-favorite-collectable-cars/) - It got me thinking…if I had a deep pool of funds, a garage condo and the time to search out vehicles for a collection, what would I get?
- [Historiography: 75 Years of Volkswagen in America](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-75-years-of-volkswagen-in-america/) - No longer do they sell air-cooled rear-engine vehicles. They have diversified into battery-electric models, alongside performance icons and SUVs.
- [Chicago 2024: Doors Open](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chicago-2024/) - In the past 123 years, this auto show survived wars, weather extremes, economic downturns, industrial actions, and large-scale health challenges.
- [Commentary: Celebrating Black Excellence In The Automotive Industry](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-celebrating-black-excellence-in-the-automotive-industry/) - Ten years ago, I met Ralph Gilles at the Chicago Auto Show. He was both the design boss at, then, Chrysler, LLC, and the head of the Dodge and SRT brands. My first impressions in person were his passion for the automobile and his thought process on how to push the envelope of performance in them.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/my-thoughts-exactly-2024-subaru-crosstrek-wilderness/) - At the New York International Auto Show last year, Subaru presented its third Wilderness model - the 2024 Crosstrek. Surprised? We weren’t.
- [Reporter's Notebook: This Is 60](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-60/) - My response: I can’t believe I made it this far.
- [Five Favorite Motorsport Events for 2012](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/five-favorite-motorsport-events-for-2012/) - Photo by Randy Stern So, the New York Giants won Super Bowl XLVI a week-and-a-half ago. That's nice. Remember sometime last month when I discussed how motorsport had started to become a sport I'd follow rather than the ones I used to love? Sure, there's serious money behind motorsport, but there is also a beauty
- [Five Favorites from One Lucky Country](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/5faves-australi/) - Photo by Randy Stern When I do research on various subjects, I try to have a global perspective in what I am examining. Sometimes, my attention is grabbed by something really wonderful. Most likely, it is something that I do not see every day. It explains my interest in the Australian automobile industry. It is
- [Mein favroite deutsche Automobile](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/5faves-germans/) - Just a couple of Porsche 911s... Photo by Randy Stern You know I am Jewish, right? Big shock? Nah, I was born that way. Thank you Lady Gaga for the song, by the way... As part of a post-World War II Jewish world, one thing was made clear by the generation that lived through it:
- [Five Favorites from Auto Show Seasons Past](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/five-favorites-from-auto-show-seasons-past/) - Looking back at ten years of auto show coverage, Randy picks five favorite automobiles from his experience on the show floor.
- [Quickies: 2024 GMC Sierra 1500](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2024-gmc-sierra-1500/) - Whether it is bringing home a new project for the backyard or to take new material to the jobsite, a good pickup truck must be there to get the job done.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-ford-broncosportheritage/) - It’s not enough to bring back the nameplate, but to form a design that reminds us of the 1966 original?
- [Quickies: 2024 Buick Enclave](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2024-buick-enclave/) - As Buick is now selling appropriate products to younger consumers, their traditional ownership base might think they’re being ignored.
- [Quickies: 2023 GMC Acadia Denali](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2023-gmc-acadia-denali/) - Evidence shows that the three-row mid-size SUV segment is experiencing a renaissance thanks to families looking for better transportation together.
- [Rocking You Like a Hurricane](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2023-grand-wagoneer/) - In this specific case – a 2023 Series III L (for long wheelbase) – we’re talking on the level of an Imperial LeBaron with all of the toys, bells, and whistles.
- [The Next-Level Raptor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2023-ford-f150-raptorr/) - But, all attention was focused on creating a Trophy Truck to end all arguments. One that would win the fight for dominance on the desert floor.
- [Reporter's Notebook: WT...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-wt/) - However, I was reminded by the universe that holding things in is not a healthy way to live. So…I’ll let these thoughts fly.
- [Video Quickies: 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2024-mercedes-benz-gle/) - The midsize GLE SUV may not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
- [Historiography: Memories of Oldsmobile](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-oldsmobile/) - An Oldsmobile symbolized what was good about cars built in the good ol' USA.
- [Detroit 2019: A Bit of Warmth Inside Cobo for One Last Winter](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/detroit-2019/) - Forget about Emotional Support Musical Instruments, airports understaffed due to the government shutdown, trains, and Wisconsin...can we talk about automobiles, again? We can. The North American International Auto Show opened for its final January at Cobo Hall in Detroit. We will the final vestiges of a cold auto show on the shores of the Detroit
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Kia Seltos](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-kia-seltos/) - Slotted around the Soul, Niro, and Sportage, the Seltos offered an excellent balance of size, space, standard all-wheel drive, performance, and efficiency.
- [My Favorite Classic Automobiles for the Next Concours d'Elegance](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/5faves-next-concours/) - When I was younger, I used to be fascinated by American cars of the 1940s and 1950s. They were reminders of how good the industry was to this country.
- [Rental Car Review: The One With The Jeep Pickup Truck](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2023-jeep-gladiator/) - What these speculators and pundits seem to forget that the Gladiator is very capable of doing what their competitors are doing.
- [Rental Car Review: A Challenger In Phoenix](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rental-car-review-a-challenger-in-phoenix/) - My needs were not for anything fancy as my plans were for some short commuting around town and maybe some people hauling.
- [Our Favorite Vehicles of 2023](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ourfaves-2023/) - However, we’re flipping the script. Instead of doing this at the first of this month, as this website has done so since 2011.
- [Reporter's Notebook: The End of 2023](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-end-of-2023/) - As I looked at 2022, I remember thinking “I should be OK with my health and so forth.” Nope. At least 2023 started off on a good footing.
- [Rental Car Review: Worth The Second Spin](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2023-hyundai-santafe/) - To win at the wheel is to get something that will be spacious enough for the four of you and everything you lugged on that plane to finish up the Holidays.
- [V&R Stories: The Memories of Holidays](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-the-memories-of-holidays/) - They could possibly prompt something that could frame your present and future. Without them, you could be lost.
- [Five Favorites for a Pigskin Party](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/five-favorites-for-a-pigskin-party/) - If this was any other year, I'd be happy to celebrate my birthday on Super Bowl Sunday. Not this year, I'm afraid. It is not because the Minnesota Vikings went into complete retrograde. Just my interest in the National Football League waned severely this year, thanks to the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the constant frustration with the state of cultural relations with most major professional sports leagues. Frankly, I could care less who is playing in this year's Super Bowl. If it is your team that will be on the field inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis – good luck! Still, football was one of sports for the longest time. I recalled some memories from the game – in attendance, of course. In some cases, they involved automobiles. On this special Super Bowl/birthday edition of Five Favorites, let me log back into time to see what crazy automobile-related events transpired around the pigskin and the 100-yard field.
- [Video Quickies: 2023 Kia EV6 GT](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2023-kia-ev6-gt/) - And, then Kia rolled out a faster, more powerful model – the EV6 GT. It puts down 577 horsepower from two electric motors...
- [#VOTY2023: Postlude for a Maverick](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2023-postlude/) - As in most elections, it came down to the votes. It wasn’t even close. It points to one of the key reasons why this compact unibody pickup truck won.
- [Commentary: The EV Hot Take](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-ev-hot-take/) - More apt term that a “gut reaction.” Something that springs from an immediate reaction to something else that’s immediately dispensed top the world.
- [On The Dial: SiriusXM's Next Evolution](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/otd-siriusxm-next-evolution/) - With the push towards streaming and listener-driven content, SiriusXM is beginning to cater towards pivoting their service towards that new demographic.
- [On The Dial: Bouncing Off The Satellites](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/on-the-dial-siriusxm/) - One of the first things I do when I receive a vehicle to work with is to program the presets on the radio. Depending on the number of presets available – either per band or in combination of all bands – I have a few stations I prioritize above others. Contrary to popular belief, none
- [On The Dial: Broadcasting From The Pod](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/otd-podcasts/) - MotoCult's Erik Berger about to do his thing. Photo by Randy Stern Radio or podcasting? This was a question that came out of a retort on a recent appearance on the MotorCult podcast. While I mentioned that I did a radio column (this one), one of the hosts, Erik Berger, retorted that (and I may
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-mazda-cx50-meridianedition/) - All of this turkey chasing might make you hungry. Hopefully, you already went through your leftovers – especially the ones you were given by your hosts.
- [Historiography: Remembering Former Airlines](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-remembering-former-airlines/) - However, I began to reminisce of airlines gone by. Airlines that once ruled the sky only to merge or fold into the dustbin of history.
- [The V&R Machine Ownership Diary: Chapter 5](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-vr-machine-ownership-diary-chapter-5/) - To live with a vehicle that is yours, you have a special feeling about that vehicle. You make it comfortable for you. You give it names.
- [Quickies: A New Buick For A New Kind of Consumer](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2024-buick-envista/) - But, what if I told you that everything you know about Buick will change with this one specific vehicle.
- [Quickies: All The Space In The World](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2023-gmc-yukonxl/) - You have all of the space in the world. Eight people can live comfortably across all three rows. You can carry many pieces of luggage in the cargo hold.
- [#VOTY2023: ...And The Winner Is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2023-winner/) - We had some electoral battles and some downright landslide wins. We had vehicles you did not predict that would get this award.
- [Historiography: Defining The Minivan](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-minivans/) - Here’s something you might have – or have not – wondered: We had quite a time defining what a minivan was some 40 or years ago.
- [Quickies: A Brand New Van](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-ford-transit/) - The full-sized van is alive and well in the U.S.A. No one does a better job of selling the full-sized van than Ford. The E-Series is the best-selling vehicle in its class for the past 30 years. With a basic design that dates back to 1992, it was time for a change. Enter the new
- [Quickies: The Pride of Wentzville](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2023-gmc-canyon/) - Perhaps because the Colorado and Canyon were hot products for the company.
- [#VOTY2023 - Here Are Your Finalists](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2023-finalists/) - What are you voting for? The five finalists for #VOTY2023.
- [#VOTY2023: The Ballot Is Still LIVE!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2023-the-ballot-is-still-live/) - #Vote4VOTY NOW!
- [Video: 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2023-volkswagen-golf-gti/) - The GTI is where you start understanding the enthusiast's mindset with its calculation of the power-to-weight ratio and finding where to land the car through the apexes.
- [My Favorite Roads](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-roads-2/) - There are some great roads out there – across the country and so forth. Each one is deserving of a drive – or many.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-toyota-grandhighlander/) - If you have four children and they’re getting into their teens, they need to continue to be comfortable.
- [VOTY2023: The Nominees Are…](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2023-nominees/) - Some of which are considered stalwarts in the marketplace. Other vehicles represent the latest and greatest ideas for their intended consumer.
- [#VOTY2023: It's That Time Again!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2023-intro/) - Here we are - our 17th #VOTY! Have things gone back to “normal?”
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-volkswagen-atlascrosssport/) - Being big enough to accommodate four-to-five adults and their stuff is a measurement that one should start with.
- [Video: 2023 Lexus RZ](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2023-lexus-rz/) - However, it was about time that we did a full on video review of a vehicle we recently worked with starring both Randy and George.
- [Commentary: The Naming Convention](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-naming-convention/) - You see, the problem I have with some model names is the lack of originality.
- [My Favorite “What Did You Call That Vehicle?!?"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/my-favorite-what-did-you-call-that-vehicle/) - Some were unfortunate for some reason or another. And, there were some that have been lost in translation.
- [Just Add "Sport"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-nissan-rogue-sport/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport Over a year ago, Nissan pronounced the 2017 model year as the "year of the truck." It has been quite a good year for Nissan with SUVs and trucks up 14.9 percent for the first nine months of the calendar year. It helps to
- [Quickies: Fisker's Second Act](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-fiskers-second-act/) - That journey began in 2016. We witnessed its first result at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show with the debut of the Ocean SUV.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Honda Pilot](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-honda-pilot/) - So popular that the Pilot has been dubbed the “king of the carpool lane.” You can also add “king (or queen) of the school run.”
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Honda Accord](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-honda-accord/) - The Accord is still around. You are seeing a number of the new models out on the roads as of this writing.
- [Historiography: The Class of 1982](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-1982/) - As I realize today that I am indeed approaching sixty years old, remembering every moment of that year seems a bit difficult these days.
- [Throwback Review: Sitting on the Middle-of-the-Road](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2010-honda-accord/) - A Victory & Reseda Throwback review of the 2010 Honda Accord Seven years ago, I posed the following question when I reviewed this car: "Has anyone realized how truly middle-of-the-road we are as a country?" I was anticipating a lot of disagreement about that question. Think about it for the moment. No matter how polar
- [Video: 2023 Volkswagen Golf R](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2023-volkswagen-golf-r/) - George not only had some seat time behind the wheel of a Mk.8 2023 Golf R – he even took it on Road America’s four-plus mile “national park of speed.”
- [Rental Car Review: 40 Years A Minivan](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rental-car-review-40-years-a-minivan/) - What was innovative about the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager was the use of a front-drive format that opened up critical cabin space.
- [The Chicagoland Double Dip](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-chicagoland-double-dip/) - So, I gave in. And, off to Wheaton, Oakbrook Terrace, and Naperville we went…
- [Rental Car Review: One Popular SUV](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2023-chevrolet-equinox/) - It is a practical vehicle for families, commuters, travelers, app-based ride service drivers, local delivery people…you name it!
- [Commentary: The UAW, WGA, SAG-AFTRA, and The State of Labor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-uaw-wga-sag-aftra-and-the-state-of-labor/) - While revenues and sales have increased, some manufacturers have threw up some warnings of further strife if they accept the UAW’s latest demands.
- [Quickies: "Relevance" in "Professional Grade"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2023-gmc-terrain/) - Notice I mention just the SUV lineup. We all know that GMC is known for their pickup trucks.
- [Quickies: Three Hybrids in One Day](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2023-toyota-hybrids/) - It is an important piece of trivia, given the onslaught of battery-electric vehicles that are arriving quickly to showrooms across America.
- [Large...and In Charge](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2015-gmc-yukon/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2015 GMC Yukon It is true what they said about General Motors' large SUVs - they are indeed large and in charge. They remain very popular with families who need a true three-row vehicle with excellent cargo space without resorting to a minivan. If you go anywhere, you
- [A Little Holiday Indulgence](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2013-gmc-terrain-denali/) - Did you know I had a hand in the introduction of the car pictured above? Well, sort of. At the last Chicago Auto Show, I was with Alex Villani and Nick Saporito of GMInsideNews as we were talking to one of the product managers for GMC's crossover lines. We talked about our experiences with the
- [True Truck Luxury](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-gmc-sierra-denali/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali The full-sized pickup truck market is one of the toughest segments to cover in this business. It is not because of the vehicles themselves. It is because of the level of parity that is forming among the manufacturers. Rather, as to which aspects of
- [Quickies: Seeking Smaller and Sharper for Younger Consumers](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2024-buick-encoregx/) - Key elements of the Wildcat Concept are now applied to its current and newest vehicles in its lineup. For example: The 2024 Encore GX.
- [Reporters Notebook: The Flip Side of This Month's Travel Adventures](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-the-flip-side-of-this-months-travel-adventures/) - I never questioned the rationale for each stop as practically every one of them welcomed me to feature them in my stories.
- [Reporter's Notebook: More Notes From Southern California](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-more-notes-from-southern-california/) - As I also mentioned before, I went through a few loops thrown at me on my last trip. I came out alive. That’s all that matters, really.
- [The V&R Machine Ownership Diary: Chapter 4](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-vr-machine-ownership-diary-chapter-4/) - See, we knew we found the right vehicle because of its practicality!
- [My Favorite Vehicles for Going Back to Campus](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-back-to-campus/) - For the precious undergraduate in your life, isn't it time you sent them off in a vehicle you can trust? We have a few for you to consider.
- [Video Quickies: 2023 Lucid Air](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2023-lucid-air/) - We were surprised to see Lucid representing at this year's Midwest Automotive Media Association Rally, too!
- [Historiography: The End of Mopar's Greatest Line](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-the-end-of-mopars-greatest-line/) - We should look back at both of the Dodges before picking up the story on the development of the LX platform.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Lincoln Corsair](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-lincoln-corsair/) - We never envisioned a Lincoln that only offered SUVs. So, here we are. Once the Navigator took flight, Ford’s luxury brand was never looking back.
- [The Final Answer To Your Eternal Question](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2023-lexus-rcf-trackedition/) - The story goes that a person well known in the Twin Cities car community asked me that same question. I answered him with the response of the “Lexus RC F.”
- [A Different View - 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport and Friends](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/a-different-view-lexus-rc/) - Rarely do I get to review something that actually turns heads. Last year was a bumper crop of such - 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG...to name a few. In the grind of doing car reviews for other outlets, there is always time to drive one
- [Commentary: The SUV As A "Butch" Commodity](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-suv-as-a-commodity/) - There’s been a lot of stuff that has come across my screen. I needed some time to suss it all out that does not require its own bandwidth.
- [My Favorite Vehicles of 1969](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-1969/) - The year 1969 was the "calm after the storm." Or, was it? Richard M. Nixon was sworn in as the President of the United States. We finally had a lunar landing, thanks to Neil Armstrong and "Buzz" Aldrin, with Michael Collins waiting up in space. It was "The Age of Aquarius," according to Marilyn McCoo,
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-volkswagen-golfgti/) - Volkswagen of America saw this and figured “we better give our customers a Rabbit GTI.” The Fall of 1982 brought a Rabbit GTI to performance-hungry enthusiasts.
- [Fit For Your Desires](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2023-range-rover-sport/) - Such vehicles are no longer seen as modes of transport. Rather, to exemplify your station in life and that your dreams and desires are fulfilled.
- [Discovering Delightful Connecticut...In A Jeep](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2023-jeep-grandcherokee-4xe/) - This is the not only the first two-row version of this new generation Grand Cherokee I worked with. It is also the first with the 4xe plug-in hybrid driveline.
- [Travelogue: Discovering Delightful Connecticut - Part 1](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-connecticut-1/) - This year’s new destination is a state that stands alone, but it is shared with two distinct regions of this country.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-genesis-electrified-gv70/) - It should have come as a surprise that Genesis has taken the GV70 and made it into the battery-electric SUV. On the same platform!
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Lexus RZ](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-lexus-rz/) - Lexus created something with familiar with nods to the future. Lexus looked no further than their latest design language on the NX and RX for inspiration.
- [Historiography: A Personal History of Flight](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-flight/) - However, there is nothing like getting psyched up for a flight to the destination...and wind down on the one coming home.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2024-alfa-romeo-tonale/) - We never envisioned the Milanese purveyors of temperamental sporty machinery to any form of electrification in its lineup.
- [The Speculator: The Next-Generation Toyota Camry](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-speculator-the-next-generation-toyota-camry/) - Perhaps “venerable” is not a good word to describe this car, as I always enjoy my time behind the wheel of this latest generation model.
- [Our Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Ford F-150 Tremor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/our-thoughts-exactly-2023-ford-f-150-tremor/) - You can certainly do almost everything the Raptor does and save a few bucks in the process.
- [Video Quickies: 2023 Nissan Ariya](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2023-nissan-ariya/) - This time, he took on the all-wheel drive version at this year's Midwest Automotive Media Association Rally.
- [Commentary: The Mystery of The Next "Land Cruiser"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-mystery-of-the-land-cruiser/) - The tag line may be a giveaway. They refer to as a “legend reborn.” They also call it a “rugged SUV.”Have you cracked the code, yet?
- [Historiography: Riding The Rails](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-passenger-rail/) - It remains the largest rail passenger service in the country running on 21,400 miles of track to each of their 500 destinations.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/my-thoughts-exactly-2024-subaru-crosstrek/) - Some people want a smaller footprint, enough space for two for adventure or anything life throws at them.
- [Crosstrekking](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-subaru-xvcrosstrek/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek I believe you have been wondering when we will get a Subaru in for review. This is it – the Subaru XV Crosstrek. Based off of the Impreza hatchback, the XV Crosstrek is designed as a successor to the Outback Sport with the outdoors
- [Reporter's Notebook: The Grind Of Pride](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-the-grind-of-pride/) - It was as June was busting out all over, along with LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations! There has been so many of them so far in 2023.
- [Commentary: The End of The Ford Fiesta](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-end-of-the-ford-fiesta/) - Over time, 22 million Ford Fiestas were produced worldwide. It was the best-selling car in several countries, including the UK.
- [Having a Fiesta](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-ford-fiesta/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Ford Fiesta Remember the Ford Fiesta? Not the current model on sale right now, but the first one. No? Here is the story... It was 1977. Lee Iacocca was still President of Ford. Things were going sideways at Dearborn thanks to a new product push that leaned
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-jeep-grand-cherokee-l/) - The market dictated that families wanted three-row SUVs – aside from the Dodge Durango. The Jeep brand delivered on a new platform for the Grand Cherokee.
- [The V&R Machine Ownership Diary: Chapter 3](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-vr-machine-ownership-diary-chapter-3/) - When given the task for extended runs - or, any run - the V&R Machine responded in flying colors.
- [The V&R Machine Ownership Diary: Chapter 2](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-vr-machine-ownership-diary-chapter-2/) - Without spoiling anything, we now have the V&R Machine up to short of 19,000 miles. It is holding up very nicely!
- [Video Quickies: 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2024-dodge-hornet-r-t/) - At this year's Midwest Automotive Media Association Rally (#MAMA23Rally), there was a discussion as to which vehicle George and I should drive.
- [Commentary: Changing Plugs](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-changing-plugs/) - It was announced that the Society of Automotive Engineers have decreed the NACS charging plus to be the standard in North America.
- [Travelogue: A Solo Weekend With Paul and The Blue Ox](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-bemidji/) - Still, being in a vehicle alone could yield various feelings. You could feel lonely, content, relaxed, and even excited. Still, it would be a good idea to take a solo adventure to avoid the pandemic for a few hours.
- [My Favorite Vehicles from Lee Iacocca's Legacy in the Automotive Industry](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-lee-iacocca/) - His legacy is still being felt today. And, yes, he was one of the greatest leaders in the automotive industry in the USA.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Lexus ES 300h F Sport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-lexus-es300hfsport/) - It’s that synergy of design, performance, engineering, comfort, ergonomics, space, quality, and proven reliability. Some vehicles have this. Some don’t.
- [#MAMA23Rally: A Team Effort](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama23rally/) - This year, I was told that I was missed. What transpired afterwards was a spiral into the healthcare vacuum.
- [Video: Victory & Reseda Did A Thing!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-victory-reseda-did-a-thing/) - It took a while, but we now have an introductory video talking about the journey of ownership with our V&R Machine - the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring AWD.
- [Video Review: 2023 Honda CR-V](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-review-2023-honda-cr-v/) - We already proclaimed that the Honda CR-V is the most improved vehicle in its class.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Mazda CX-9](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-mazda-cx9/) - What the Mazda CX-9 represents is a vehicle for those with a CX-5 to step up into a three-row SUV that offers all of the good things found on the smaller model.
- [The Big "Zoom-Zoom"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2013-mazda-cx9/) - 2013 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD. All photos by Randy Stern A Victory & Reseda review of the 2013 Mazda CX-9 The idea of choice can be a very good thing. It starts with a basic idea of what you want. Once you decide that you want something that fits your needs and satisfies your
- [Upward Mobility](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-mazda-cx9/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Mazda has been one of those brands that make this job a bit easier to work with. In my case, it is based on familiarity. I mentioned the fact that I owned a 1979 Mazda 626 coupe, which was originally my brother's. If you ask
- [V&R Stories: Gary Numan On the Prowl](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-gary-numan-on-the-prowl/) - He mentioned he had his eye on a Jaguar. However, with so much of his time away from his home touring he does not get much time to enjoy his vehicles.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Honda CR-V](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/my-thoughts-exactly-2023-honda-cr-v/) - After decades of selling vehicles in North America, the automaker is now on a roll. It shows as their product refresh movement continues for 2023.
- [Commentary: Bring Back Sedans Again?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-bring-back-sedans-again/) - Yes, some sedans are still selling. There is a movement towards introducing sedans to some lineups – in particular, battery-electric ones.
- [A Rebel Among Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2023-ram-2500-heavyduty-rebel/) - Not because I question the need for a heavy duty pickup truck to go off-road. Rather, Stellantis’ need to offer two of them in the same lineup.
- ["Oh, What Fun It Is To Ride..."](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-ram-2500/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Ram 2500 Remember what you asked Santa for Christmas? I am not talking this past Christmas, but when you were a child. Our imaginations ran wild back then! We recited every hot toy in the market – especially the ones we wanted. We also wanted generic toys,
- [My Favorites Of Amigo Avenue and Gilmore Street](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-home-cars/) - Our corner lot at Gilmore Street offered plenty of curbside parking for any of the cars our family owned and any car I would take home from a rental car lot.
- [Historiography: Remembering The E-Type](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-remembering-the-e-type/) - The legacy apexed with the E-Type – the extension of the XK sports car. What an apex that was.
- [The V&R Machine Ownership Diary: Chapter 1](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-vr-machine-ownership-diary-chapter-1/) - We did our first “modifications” to the V&R Machine. I think we gained about 15 horsepower based on the stickers were applied on the C-pillar glass.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Anything Helps](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-anything-helps/) - First off, I was very excited about getting back on the road – or, up in the air...
- [Travelogue: Flying As A Newly Disabled Person](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-flying-as-a-newly-disabled-person/) - Exploring this again came from a new challenge I set for myself. Can I travel again with a new set of circumstances related to my current health?
- [Quickies: Finally, An Altima!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2023-nissan-altima/) - Sedans are on the way out…well, not so fast! There is also a small groundswell that points towards a trend back to sedans for those who do not need an SUV.
- [Quickies: Nissan's Next EV](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2023-nissan-ariya/) - Actually, we could use another one. If the market is heading towards battery-electric propulsion.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-kia-telluride-xpro/) - Of course, there’s always room for updates, upgrades, and fresh ideas. For 2023, Kia introduced the Telluride’s mid-cycle refresh.
- [V&R Did A Thing](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-did-a-thing/) - In this case, we wanted a machine with cargo space, comfort, and connectivity.
- [Rental Car Review: The Mystery Rental](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2023-mazda-cx30/) - I took a spin on the Rental Car Roulette wheel shooting for the Mystery Car at a rate I have not seen since the fall before COVID-19 came knocking on our door.
- [Rental Car Review: A Trusted Old Friend](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2022-toyota-camry/) - We often look at our vehicles as appliances. They take us to point A to point B without much drama. We go to work, earn our keep, and go home in our appliance.
- [Rental Car Review: Just A Good Ol' Truck](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-ram-1500-clssic/) - Like most North Americans, a truck is a way to either for absolute necessity or to show off your superiority over everyone.
- [My Favorite Track Weapons](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-track-weapons/) - Track days test the nerves of a driver and a car. More than recreation than a learning experience. What would Randy take on a track day? Here's five for you...
- [Twin Cities 2023: Back Inside The Convention Center](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tcas-2023/) - That opportunity came about this year, as the Twin Cities Auto Show returned back to Minneapolis Convention Center for its 50th time.
- [A Ram in Ram's Clothing](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2012-ram-1500/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2012 Ram 1500 Tradesman It is not often when a car guy gets a chance to work with a truck. Every month, an estimated average of 130,000 pickup trucks are sold monthly in the USA. The strength of this market continues for both domestic and foreign makes –
- [Video: 2023 Lexus RX](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2023-lexus-rx/) - While this vehicle is very important for those reasons, we had to see it for ourselves. Therefore, we put this new fifth-generation RX to the test.
- [The Pleasant Surprise](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-lexus-rx450hfsport/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2016 Lexus RX 450h F Sport It was the first full week of November in 2015 when I first encountered this vehicle. I was honored by Lexus to have brought me to Raleigh-Durham to sample the then-new 2016 RX. It was mostly a look at the Lexus lifestyle,
- [What Does The "L" Really Mean?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2018-lexus-rx350l/) - A Victory & Reseda Review of the 2018 Lexus RX 350L What if you can sell a three-row version of a very popular crossover/SUV? Since 1998, the Lexus RX was the standard bearer for the premium mid-sized SUV/crossover. The 2016 model year ushered in the fourth-generation of this popular model for Toyota's luxury brand. Since
- [Historiography: From <i>Milano</i>, With Love](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-alfaromeo/) - One brand with such rich history and aura, it spawned many stories from it. Obviously, this brand would be Italian. It would well over a hundred years old. And, it is brand that invites enthusiasts to rally around it. It won great races and hearts of drivers since 1910. There are many stories to tell
- [Historiography: Like a Fox](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-ford-fox/) - But, if we sift through every one of them to find a platform that is still fondly remembered, you may or may not be surprised to know which one.
- [Commentary: Looking Back At a Sea Change](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-looking-back-at-a-sea-change/) - The historiography column tells the story of not just the classic car but also the history behind the development of the vehicle.
- [V&R Stories: San Francisco Days and Nights](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-san-francisco-days-and-nights/) - One thing that I can look back of my time was the experience of driving in a city where a different skillset is required to navigate its 49 square miles.
- [The Speculator: EV All Things!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-speculator-ev-all-things/) - So far, several manufacturers have stepped up by delivering these vehicles onto the marketplace.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Toyota GR Supra](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-toyota-grsupra/) - V&R named Toyota and BMW’s collaborative two-seat performance coupe our annual “best of” honor. It was done so with the help of your votes.
- [Commentary: The Temptation of Flight](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-temptation-of-flight/) - When the world was put on lockdown, the airline industry took a major hit on all sides.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Unloading Another Set of Unpopular Opinions](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-unloading-another-set-of-unpopular-opinions/) - Just like medical ailments and certain parts of our body, we all have opinions. And, yes, some of them just happen to be unpopular.
- [Video Preview: The 2023 Acura Integra at #CAS2023](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-preview-the-2023-acura-integra-at-cas2023/) - It is on our list to work with this year for a special reason: I used to own an Integra some 30 or so years ago.
- [Commentary: The End of "Big Power"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-end-of-big-power/) - It is about the end of high horsepower, high displacement, multiple cylinder engine that my generation grew up on.
- [My Favorite Cinematic Moments in Automobile History](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-movies/) - What I look for a film where an automobile made a greater impact on the story. Whether it is a memorable chase or a distinctively prominent vehicular character, the car is factored in the star power and story impact of the movie.
- [Video Preview: The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2023 Dodge Hornet at #CAS2023](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-preview-the-2024-alfa-romeo-tonale-and-2023-dodge-hornet-at-cas2023/) - You may have heard that these two small crossover/SUVs are joined at the hip. Some might say that these two vehicles are an exercise in badge engineering.
- [Historiography: The Tri-Fives](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-1955-1957-chevrolet/) - The bowtie brand was the dominant brand of automobile for decades.
- [Reporter's Notebook: The Newest Icon on The Plinth](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-the-newest-icon-on-the-plinth/) - On a rare occasion, there would be a vehicle that I would work with that would create permanent space in my memory bank.
- [Video Preview: The 2023 Toyota Crown at #CAS2023](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-preview-the-2023-toyota-crown-at-cas2023/) - We wanted to explore vehicles that we're very interested to work with in the coming months. One of them just happened to be the 2023 Toyota Crown.
- [Video Preview: The 2023 Toyota Prius at #CAS2023](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-preview-the-2023-toyota-prius-at-cas2023/) - Now in its fifth generation, this Prius created a buzz around the new design, improved performance, and so much more.
- [What Makes a Legend?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2015-dodge-challenger/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2015 Dodge Challenger The Dodge Challenger is a legend. It is a car that melds the past, the present and the future in one high performance coupe. They remind us of an era where horsepower mattered – an era that has returned with a vengeance. As legends go,
- [My Favorites Among The Finest Cars in the World (That I Have Worked With)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-finest-cars/) - Forty-three years later, some of those dreams have been fulfilled. Others...not so much. Let's just concentrate on the positive, shall we?
- [Reporter's Notebook: My Not-So-Favorite Vehicle I Ever Experienced](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-not-so-favorite/) - V&R may be a love fest, or a critical point of examination. So, what can go wrong? Randy goes back through his driving years to recall the worst auto experiences ever...
- [#CAS2023: Return and Reunion](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/cas2023-return-and-reunion/) - I knew we had to attend this year’s Chicago Auto Show – the 115th edition. This time, we arrived as a team. It was just George and I.
- [Historiography: A Personal History of Road Tripping](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-road-tripping/) - This year, it seems that I am indeed living my best life as a road trip journalist. Or, at least that is how things are transpiring. It has been an extension of the things I love – driving and travel. Road tripping stokes the fire of discovery, curiosity, and adventure.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Lexus RX](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-lexus-rx/) - The package is simple: A two-row luxury mid-size SUV/Crossover that acts as a long-distance tourer packing more than enough cargo and passenger room.
- [A Moving Target](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/lexus-rx350/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the Lexus RX 350 No one likes to be the target of the competition. Say that you created a product that began an entire market segment. The product in question was innovative enough to break several rules and spawn all comers to create their interpretation of the original. Then,
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Kia Niro](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-kia-niro/) - You had an unassuming design that faded into the background. Yet, you also had a very efficient and practical package that turned good fuel economy figures.
- [Commentary: 59](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-59/) - Then, I thought about that photo post. I mean…what if I was a broken down ol’ jalopy? What vehicle would I represent?
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Hyundai Palisade](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-hyundai-palisade/) - Since encountering it at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, I always had a soft spot for the Hyundai Palisade.
- [Reporter's Notebook: That Time I Covered a Collegiate Women's Basketball Game](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-college-wbb-game/) - Initially, I elected not to get a media pass for me, as the event photographer was already on the scene.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-volvo-s60-recharge/) - Yes, the S60 is still produced near Charleston, South Carolina. It is still a four-door sports sedan. So, nothing has really changed, right?
- [Video: 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-ford-bronco-raptor/) - You probably figured out our level of excitement over getting a chance to work with a Ford Bronco.
- [#VOTY17: ...and The Winner is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty17-winner/) - The scores have been tabulated. The votes counted. There is one more thing to do here... Announce the winner of #VOTY17. Before we do so, here is how #VOTY17 shaped up. Forty-one vehicles were qualified for this tenth-anniversary version of the #VOTY. They ranged from the best-selling vehicles in North America to some of the
- [Reporter's Notebook: Out Of The Cold For A Warm Feeling](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-out-of-the-cold/) - In a place like Minnesota, no one said you cannot have any sort of car-related function. Especially when the air temperature is only a single digit – over zero.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Honda HR-V](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-honda-hrv/) - However, the North American definition of “small” has changed yet again. For us, anything that was once small has grown in size.
- [The Incredibly Shrinking Crossover](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/subcompact-crossovers/) - We are now seeing the birth of a new vehicle segment in America. Are you afraid now? You could be, but understand where this was coming from. It has been brewing for while – vehicles about 170 inches in length designed for urban use, despite having about 8 inches of ground clearance and available all-wheel
- [Still "Go?"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2015-honda-fit/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2015 Honda Fit This Fit has grown up. Or, has it? Since 2006, Honda sold their subcompact by showing how fun it is to drive. It was a fun little car that sold quite well. Some have even put the Fit above everyone else as the best in
- [Small Car vs. Cold Temperatures](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-honda-fit/) - Can you drive a subcompact car in the dead of winter? This is a legitimate question to ask for those of us living in the northern climes. It is perhaps why we often look at this neck of the woods as prime grounds for four-wheel drive vehicles, crossovers, SUVs and trucks. Small cars may be
- [The Best V&R Moments of 2017](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-best-vr-moments-of-2017/) - One of the best views of 2017: in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the North Carolina/South Carolina border. - All Photos by Randy Stern Another year is wrapping up. This was one an interesting one, though. To avoid any political and social commentary, I wanted to look back at 2017 through its highlights. Not just
- [On The Dial: My Favorite Songs from Any Given Infotainment System of 2012](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/5faves-songs-2012/) - What did I listen to when I was driving during 2012? When I drive, I make sure I fully utilize the technology on board to satisfy my want of musical entertainment. What comes out of the infotainment system may surprise you – especially the breadth of genres and artists that I lock in for that
- [Commentary: Committed To "The Game"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-committed-to-the-game/) - In a recent social media post, I parsed out my thoughts on what lies ahead in the immediate timeframe.
- [The Newest "True" Family Vehicle](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2023-toyota-sequoia/) - The evolution of the breed has seen another uptick for these family haulers, as new models provide a wider variety and choice for families.
- [My Favorite Loss Leaders](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-loss-leaders/) - They join the misbegotten that danced in front of us for our dollars. Some of these brands ended a lengthy history of success – and failure.
- [Historiography: Ahead Of His Curve](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-kaiser-frazer/) - Automotive historians could tell you that the industrialist had his hands in practically everything after World War II.
- [Quickies: Starting Up With Rivian](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-rivian-r1t/) - These vehicles encourage their owners to take them wherever their hearts are content with practical, innovative, and rugged rides.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-ford-maverick-tremor/) - Well…yes…Ford’s return of the “minitruck” has proven its worth. The low buy-in price was just the start.
- [The Baddest Bronco Of All!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2022-ford-bronco-raptor/) - I’ve been waiting for this for quite some time. Even though I had a little taste thanks to a friend of mine, it was on my “to do” list since it was announced.
- [The Small Car For Those Who Want One](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2018-kia-rio/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2018 Kia Rio Ah, bless the urbanista who has no off-street parking space – or limited space to maneuver for so-called off-street parking – that needs a new car these days. For years, I have worked with such small runabouts that fit well in urbanized situations. Places where
- [Video Quickies: Lucid Air](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-lucid-air/) - Let's back up a bit: George Torline was on vacation in Arizona over the holidays. He was trying to get some coverage of the Lucid Air.
- [CES 2023: Placing All Bets](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ces-2023/) - According to the folks at CES, the automobile is the new consumer electronic device. Especially when it is fully powered by a battery pack.
- [Obituary: Ken Block - 1967-2023](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/obituary-ken-block-1967-2023/) - Yet, he influenced a generation or two to go the extremes. He elevated the sport of rallying and Gymkhana to new heights with fearless determination.
- [Rental Car Review: A Good Choice For A Short Overnighter](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-jeep-cherokee/) - Even as we’ve heard of the run on rental vehicles due to the multitude of flight cancellations...getting any rental car may seem like a gift in itself.
- [Commentary: Welcome to 2023](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-welcome-to-2023/) - As I have said over the years, I do not make resolutions. Only goals. Most of the goals can be achieved realistically. Others become pipe dreams rather quickly.
- [Commentary: A Look Back at 2022](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-a-look-back-at-2022/) - However, I’m happy to report that V&R remained strong through most of this year.
- [Rental Car Review: The Passat’s Last Ride?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2022-volkswagen-passat/) - The only customers buying a Passat were rental car fleets. In turn, they were easy upgrade fodder.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-mitsubishi-outlander-phev/) - While the new model was driving a sales resurgence at Mitsubishi, the question came up as to when a plug-in hybrid will join the lineup.
- [Rental Car Review: The Roulette Wheel Landed Where?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2022-toyota-rav4/) - This year’s social calendar may not be as robust as you would think. I declined a few invitations, but I retained just a couple.
- [Historiography: A Personal History of “Toy” Automobiles](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-a-personal-history-of-toy-automobiles/) - Somewhere in the midst of the automotive collective of toys is one that will satisfy a child’s imagination towards the day they will take the wheel. of a car.
- [On the Dial: The Tunes of 2022](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/on-the-dial-the-tunes-of-2022/) - I don’t have Spotify. Nor do I have Apple Music as my streaming platform. So, how do I let you know about which songs made a difference for me in 2022?
- [Video: 2023 Genesis GV60](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2023-genesis-gv60/) - This finalist for #VOTY2022 did not disappoint. It offered a lot of style and technology to go along with its efficient and powerful electric drive system.
- [Commentary: Fifty Years of Hot Wheels](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-hot-wheels/) - Want to talk about being born at the right time? I was four years old when Mattel introduced their Hot Wheels cars at the 1968 New York Toy Show. What happened afterward was a phenomenon that engaged a child into a world of the automobile. Fifty years and six billion units later, Hot Wheels is
- [Commentary: Remembrance of Hannukahs Past](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-hannukahs/) - How did this story began? On that fateful day in the winter of 1964, Sheldon and Barbara Stern gave birth to their last son while overlooking the Ventura Freeway near Los Angeles. They cleaned him up, brought him home and made an appointment with the local rabbi. A few days later, the rabbi blessed the
- [Commentary: Showing Off Our Automotive Love at Work](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-showing-off-our-automotive-love-at-work/) - We express our love for the automobile in many ways. This is not just talking about the cars we own and drive, but rather outside of the vehicle. For example, we often use the inside our homes to extend this love. From posters, artwork, flags, signs – and so forth – to signify our love
- [Historiography: The Holidays, 1972](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-the-holidays-1972/) - Forty-five years ago, we lived in interesting times. The USA general election produced a landslide victory for incumbent President Richard Nixon. Yet, what laid below the surface was a major scandal that began earlier that year with the break-in at the Watergate Office Building in Washington, DC at the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee.
- [My Favorite Vehicles of 2022](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-2022/) - Some did have a portal to plug in for a wee bit of electricity. Nonetheless, the internal combustion engine still ruled the roost at V&R – for now.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-toyota-tacoma-trdpro/) - Yet, it yields plenty of challengers. Some figuring out how to out-Tacoma the Tacoma. They are trying new approaches to the same formula.
- [Every Day is 'Taco' Day!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-toyota-tacoma/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma "I did not know they refer this as a 'Taco'." This is what one of you said. Maybe a few of you. But, it is a code for Toyota's mid-sized pickup offering. It tells you how it is affectionately named for a food in which
- [Commentary: A Life Change](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-a-life-change/) - The stigma of the disease I am trying to control and the result of not doing a good job in the end is one that yields plenty of discrimination.
- [Benchmarking Beyond Genesis](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2023-genesis-g90/) - That benchmark is usually set by a flagship automobile. A vehicle that is designed with technology, engineering, design, quality and execution.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Acura MDX Type-S](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-acura-mdx-types/) - Acura is turning the tide with fresh products and a focus on delivering performance and luxury in very neat packages.
- [#VOTY2022 - We Have a Winner...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2022-we-have-a-winner/) - Every year yields a different kind of #VOTY story. We had some electoral battles and some downright landslide wins. And here we are...
- [#VOTY2022 - A Voters Guide](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2022-a-voters-guide/) - We have your answers here…
- [#VOTY2022 - #Vote4VOTY Now!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2022-vote4voty-now/) - Make your choice for #VOTY2022!
- [Historiography: The Great Wagon Maker of Automobiles](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-studebaker/) - Depending on your point of view, one could agree that the westward expansion of the North America continent was forged by the presence of the covered wagon. Whether that presence was seen as progress or not, the fact that people from the established states of the USA and of the eastern part of the Dominion
- [#VOTY2022 - Here Are Your Finalists](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2022-here-are-your-finalists/) - What are you voting for? The five finalists for #VOTY2022.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-hyundai-santafe-phev/) - It is just your run of the mill Santa Fe with a J1772 port on the side. Which means that it is not a full electric vehicle, but a plug-in hybrid.
- [My Favorites: The First Five #VOTY Winners](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/5faves-voty/) - While some people would say: "We have too many automotive awards out there." I said: "Why can't I do one?"
- [#VOTY08: ...And The Winner is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty08-winner/) - For the past ten years, it always seems that it gets tougher to choose a #VOTY. That first year, the voting and scoring came down to three vehicles before the Hyundai Sonata squeaked out the win as #VOTY07. Toyota made up the two other finalists, the subcompact Yaris and the Prius hybrid to be exact,
- [#VOTY11: The Winner Is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty11-winner/) - Drum roll, please?
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Kia Sportage](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-kia-sportage/) - Now, the Sportage has taken yet another twist in design, performance, and utility. You might say it now looks like one of its competitors again.
- [Quickies: A Whole New Corvette Experience](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2022-chevrolet-corvette-stingray/) - They offered me a brief drive in one of the vehicles in their fleet. What I had in mind was...a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.
- [Quickies: A Lifestyle Choice](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2013-kia-sportage/) - Lifestyle vehicles are exactly that – directed to facilitate your lifestyle. Then, what are compact crossovers and SUVs? Could there be degrees of "lifestyle vehicles" amongst this growing segment? There is indeed a difference amongst compact crossovers and SUVs. Conventional wisdom states that these vehicles are to be wagon-like. They would have proper liftgates, rear
- [#VOTY2022: The Nominees Are...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2022-the-nominees-are/) - Even in the face of continuing supply chain shortages and inventory challenges, we continue to recognize the continued realities of the marketplace.
- [Video: 2023 Mazda CX-50](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2023-mazda-cx-50/) - To find out how it did on this test - and to see whether the CX-50 still had a bit of "Zoom-Zoom" to go with its "Feel Alive" theme - watch this video.
- [Driveify Your Life](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/driveify-your-life/) - If you need to step up your rental car game, may I suggest a company with a wide range of vehicles, including supercars and modified SUVs.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Ford Explorer](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-ford-explorer/) - For one, the Explorer continues to be the favored vehicle among public safety fleet managers. It is the second-best-selling model sold by Ford so far in 2022.
- [Quickies: The Crossover America Forgot](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-ford-flex/) - Somehow, I got inspired by driving this... This is a three-row crossover. It may seem more like a tall-ish wagon that I may have reviewed a few years ago. It may not be the first thing you think of for family transport requiring three-rows of seating. More on that later... Why the inspiration? I was
- [Living On (er, With) The Edge](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2015-ford-edge/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2015 Ford Edge Back in 2009, Ford sold six different SUV/Crossovers in North America. At the time, that was considered more than enough to make consumers go bonkers over choosing the right one. I wondered if perhaps Ford bit off more than they can chew in that market.
- [Throwback Review: Think "Country Squire"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2010-ford-flex/) - The Monday after Jamie Foxx’s crew extolled the positive virtues of the Detroit area at the MGM Grand Casino in Greektown (and live on Sirius XM), some good news came out of the Motor City. Ford reported a $1 Billion profit in the third quarter of 2009. This is the best financial news to come
- [The Prophet of Controlled Rage](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2013-ford-explorersport/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport A name could evoke several emotions at once. The Ford Explorer has been one of those names when, over time, you had a mix of emotions about driving one. When it first appeared on a reconstituted Ranger chassis in the early 1990s, it brought
- [<i>This</i> Is a Luxury SUV](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-ford-explorer/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2016 Ford Explorer It changed the landscape for the SUV. It still does so today. The Ford Explorer's story had been one of ups and downs – a cliche in itself, really. As much as one could forget about the Firestone tire situation, the mid-sized SUV framed the
- [Commentary: This or That? Very Expensive Electric Vehicles](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-this-or-that-very-expensive-electric-vehicles/) - The introductions of the Cadillac CELESTIQ and Rolls-Royce Spectre are the signs of the inevitable arrival of these ultra-luxury EVs
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-chrysler-pacifica-hybrid/) - If you’re one of those minivan deniers, you need to get behind the wheel of a Pacifica. Not just any Pacifica – the plug-in Hybrid version in the Pinnacle trim.
- [Travelogue: The RV Experience](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-the-rv-experience/) - I headed down to the Winnebago Industries facility in Forest City, Iowa to check them out and take one of their RVs out for a weekend away.
- [Reader's Drives: Demystifying The Tesla Model 3](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/readers-drives-tesla-model3/) - Tesla has proven to be leaders in battery technology and charging infrastructure through a proprietary strategy.
- [My Favorite Superdupercars](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-supercars/) - Then, we grow up. We've either gawked at enough of these beauties, sat in one, driven one – or owned one. And, we’re in awe of them.
- [Travelogue: A Quick List of Things To Do In The Twin Cities](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-to-do-twincities/) - No matter the weather or time of year, the Twin Cities has plenty to offer.
- [Quickies: The One Everyone's Talking About](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-tesla-models/) - Everyone seems to be talking about it. "It" being a big hatchback sedan that seats 5-7 people and multiple cargo holds. "It" has won its fare share of praise – from a 99/100 score from Consumer Reports to its extraordinary crash test result to becoming the current Motor Trend Car of The Year. "It" is
- [Reporter's Notebook: Lessons From A Few Electric Vehicles](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-lessons-from-a-few-electric-vehicles/) - #VOTY2022 will be the first to feature a number of battery-electric vehicles to be considered for our annual best-of award.
- [#VOTY2022 - It's #VOTY Season Again!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2022-intro/) - Getting to our 16th #VOTY was harder than you think. But, we’re here again.
- [Rental Car Review: No Shame Driving a Corolla](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rental-car-review-no-shame-driving-a-corolla/) - Most commercial and government fleets usually get a basic specification that helps in the bottom line of their business or budget.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-toyota-tundra-trdpro/) - Toyota highlighted the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powerplant that combined a strong twin-turbocharged V6 with a version of Toyota’s hybrid drive system.
- [My Favorite Cars Worth Importing Into The USA](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-imports/) - Imagine driving this in 'Murica... 1978 Opel Senator - Photo (c) 1978/2013 GM Want to stand out in a crowd? How about driving in a car only a few have ever heard of. How? According to the United States Customs and Border Protection agency, if you happen to find a vehicle that is 25 years
- [Video: 2022 Kia EV6](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-kia-ev6/) - We decided to take our EV6 GT Line on a little road trip with one of our car clubs from the Twin Cities to Eau Claire. A distance of 80 miles each way.
- [Commentary: Ready To Go Back To The Office?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-ready-to-go-back-to-the-office/) - By getting back to work, that means getting back into your vehicle or public transportation conveyance and commuting back to your office.
- [My Favorite Industry Failures](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-failures/) - How does a failure occur? Mismanagement is one source of the problem. Incompetency is another – perhaps notes as the biggest source of failure.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-volvo-c40-recharge/) - This is where we find the Volvo C40 Recharge – it looks like a Volvo, but with a very different look. Confused? “Look over there!”
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Genesis GV60](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-genesis-gv60/) - They want quality, distinction, and to be completely apart from the crowd. With the new 2023 Genesis GV60, could we call it “mission accomplished”?
- [Commentary: Lessons from Carsharing](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-lessons-from-carsharing/) - One could learn a lot from a car. A car might not be able to talk – despite some experiments by Nissan and Chrysler in the 1980s. If it did, it would divulge some secrets through the dialogue between driver and the car’s soul. It would show an owner how to maintain it, properly fuel
- [Flexibility - The Latest Transportation Option](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/car2go/) - All Photos by Randy Stern If there was one truth over my nine years as a Twin Cities resident – we love being sustainable and show it as much as we can. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. From global meetings in Kyoto to simple acts of recycling and bicycle share, our progressive community
- [Commentary: The Challenge of Mobility...and Then Some](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-mobility-2/) - Let's talk about mobility...again... I spent the week of the North American International Auto Show without working with a vehicle for publication. I figured I would utilize the entire spectrum of alternative mobility to fulfill my commute to my day job and other things I might have to do in the meantime. This involved the
- [100 Years A Navigator](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2022-lincoln-navigator/) - This legacy never let up. Lincoln had its ups and downs over its century of life. They always stayed true to where they needed to be.
- [On The Dial: Gary Numan Still "Sings" About "Cars"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/on-the-dial-gary-numan-still-sings-about-cars/) - For those familiar with this song, the distinctive warbling howl of the analog synthesizers you hear right from the first note reminds you immediately of this song.
- [Commentary: The Audacity of a Four-Pointed Star](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/lincoln-motor-company/) - There is a word to describe the latest move by Ford to prop up the Lincoln brand – audacious. To prepare for the arrival of the MKZ onto dealer lots, Ford thought it was a great idea to rebrand their luxury lineup. The concept of the rebranding would fit some of Bill Farley's earlier statements
- [Throwback Review: Becoming the Chauffeur](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2009-lincoln-towncar/) - A Victory & Reseda Throwback Review of the 2009 Lincoln Town Car Just before taking the wheel of this luxury yacht, I did some research on the then-new Rolls-Royce Ghost. The newest Rolls sedan, based on BMW's latest 7-Series, is looking more to be perhaps the best automobile for drivers in this vaunted line’s history.
- [Historiography: The Lost Chrysler](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-the-lost-chrysler/) - They benefitted from Fiat’s recent success at the time. The Italian’s Compact platform was transformed into a trio of newer variants of it.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Mazda CX-50](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2023-mazda-cx50/) - The people that once gave you rotary engine cars are now offering a ruggedized crossover that invites you to take it for an adventure deep into the woods.
- [Historiography: 100 Years Of The Lincoln Star](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-100-years-of-the-lincoln-star/) - While Dearborn tout’s the brand’s 100th anniversary, a bit of history must be told prior to its inclusion into the company.
- [Commentary: Farewell, 4DSC](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-farewell-4dsc/) - Yet, this is another example of another sedan being sent off into oblivion for the sake of crossovers and SUVs.
- [Video Quickies: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2023-kia-sportage-hybrid/) - Now in its fifth generation, the Sportage grown to compete directly in the compact SUV segment. It offers more space overall and a choice of propulsion options.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Going Solo](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-going-solo/) - It a frequently told story that explains why traveling solo seems to work for some people.
- [Historiography: Infiniti and Now - Twenty-Five Years in the Making](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-infiniti/) - Luxury is defined in many ways. It everyone followed the same definition of luxury; we would not have any way to differentiate one product from another – even if it is the same kind of product. Twenty-five years ago, two Japanese automakers introduced new divisions to sell their idea of a luxury automobile. Toyota created
- [Throwback Review: 4DSC](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2009-nissan-maxima/) - About twenty years ago, Nissan decided to change the game on Asian four-door sedans. When they introduced the 1989 Maxima, they continued the front engine/front-wheel-drive format and concentrated on massaging the 3.0 liter V6 for performance instead of tepid luxury. Thus with the sporty SE sedan, the 4DSC was born: The four-door sports car.
- [A Short Answer To A Big Car](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2018-toyota-avalon/) - If you ask me which vehicle over the years have helped inform the entire breadth of this work - you will be very surprised. Lexus would be an answer, but you'll be rather close. Granted, a Lexus was the first vehicle I worked with as supplied by the OEM/brand, but it would not be as
- [Commentary: For The Love of The Big Cars](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-big-cars/) - Here is something you should know about me...I have a soft spot for big sedans. Perhaps I always had. Of course, size being relative over the years I enjoyed the large car. My first car was a 227-inch long 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Luxury Sedan. From there, I always enjoyed cars that would be considered "big"
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Ford Maverick (Part 2)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-ford-maverick-2/) - There are some big differences between the two: The engine and transmission.
- [Video: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-ford-f-150-lightning/) - Who knows how many reservations on hot vehicles on consumer might have? Including this one!
- [Great For Road Trips?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2022-ford-expedition/) - After all, this large SUV – available in regular and MAX versions – can seat up to eight in some models.
- [Purified by The Waters of Lake Minnetonka](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2018-ford-expedition/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2018 Ford Expedition Let me talk about a little trend that you may or may not be aware of. The term "SUV" is on a high trajectory as the family conveyance for the good ol' U.S. of A. We prefer them to cars – a lot. Some, as
- [My Favorites from an (Un)forgettable Youth](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-unforgettable/) - Still, I found myself in the face of aging – of starting to look old. Not exactly what you want from a member of the automobile media corps.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Kia EV6](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-kia-ev6/) - Keep in mind that all three brands of the group are applying their touches to the E-GMP platform.
- [Your Reservation Has Arrived!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2022-ford-f150-lightning/) - Ford knew that in order to create an electric pickup truck, they needed to utilize a familiar platform and make it look like something they love and cherish.
- [Travelogue: Along The Great River Road (Part 1)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-great-river-road-1/) - It starts with collaboration, then onward to planning, alignment with publications, then execution. Similar patterns, but different destinations.
- [Commentary: Vettel's Last Ride?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-vettels-last-ride/) - In turn, he won 53 race victories, 122 podium finishes, and 57 pole positions. Vettel also won four driver’s World Championships.
- [Imported from Sterling Heights](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2013-chrysler-200/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2013 Chrysler 200 I have a confession to make: I am closet Moparian. What is a Moparian? It is a social media-driven term of endearment used by Chrysler’s parts, service, accessories, motorsports and lifestyle brand – Mopar. For 75 years, the former "Motor Parts" division embodied the enthusiasm
- [On The Dial: Vin Scully - 1927-2022](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/otd-vin-scully/) - The story of Scully is personal. I never met him. I wished I did. Yet, he was a part of our family’s life for as long as I can remember.
- [The Better Choice of a Best-Seller](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-toyota-rav4hybrid/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Hell just froze over at Toyota's new North American headquarters in Plano, Texas. They just moved onto the new campus north of Dallas when the August sales were released to the media. The report yielded confirmation of a suspicion I had in regards to
- [They Made This](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2015-chrysler-200/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2015 Chrysler 200 The game has changed. Or, has it? The past Super Bowl gave Chrysler another banner to fly. This one, spoken by Bob Dylan, ensured us that "Imported from Detroit" has transformed into truth. The Sterling Heights-made 2015 Chrysler 200 was presented as Southeastern Michigan's weapon
- [Rental Car Review: Taking An Edge Off The Weather](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2022-ford-edge/) - The weather did not stop me from taking a relaxing drive along the Saint Croix River on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin side.
- [On The Dial: The (Other) Game Is On The Air](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/otd-football-basketball-hockey/) - Football season has arrived. Hockey and basketball are just weeks away. Are you ready? Well, your radio is ready. Maybe your ears will be, too. Unlike baseball, these three major North American professional team sports have found a better home on television than the radio. Radio was a necessity decades ago, but not so now.
- [On The Dial: The Game is On The Radio](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/on-the-dial-baseball/) - Sports on the radio has one of the deepest histories attached to it. Before television, radio and the local newspaper were the only ways to know what was going on with your favorite team and sport. They also help inspire the imagination of generations of sportscasters. Vin Scully tells the story of how he discovered
- [Reliving The Dream at Road America - Part 1](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama-spring-rally-2014-1/) - It has been a year since my first Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally. A lot has changed over the course of that year. I now write for three outlets. Instead of going to an unfulfilling day job and scrounge for time to do the work I love, I commute daily to an editor's chair
- [Chicago 2014: The One "Imported from Detroit"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chi2014-chrysler-200/) - Forget what you know about the Chrysler 200. Forget its roots – the Chrysler Sebring upgraded by mandate of Fiat Auto to save the Pentastar from oblivion. Forget that Eminem drove it around Detroit only to make a declaration on stage at the Fox Theatre in 2011. Forget how fun it was to drive last
- [Detroit 2015: Just <i>My</i> Headlines](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/detroit-2015/) - Here's the deal: One of my freelance clients asked me to get credentialed for the 2015 North American International Auto Show. I received my credentials, however I was unable to get the funds for travel to do so. Long story...I rather not get into it. However, that does not preclude me from covering the show.
- [The Last Road for The Show](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-chrysler-200/) - Back in 2014, we were pleased as punch when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles introduced a mid-sized family sedan to compete with the big boys. However, things have since changed… It was a bold promise made during Super Bowl 48 with Bob Dylan being coherent for once in extolling the virtues of this new sedan. A car
- [My Favorite "Brief Appearances"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-brief-appearances/) - Do you remember any vehicle that showed up in one moment and was gone before we knew it? Of course not!
- [Video Quickie: 2023 Subaru Soltera](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickie-2023-subaru-soltera/) - The Toyota-Subaru collaboration agreement does not stop with the GR86 and BRZ.
- [Historiography: Crowning Glory](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-crowning-glory/) - Perhaps a look back at how Toyota’s flagship impacted the market back in Japan and to understand why it never came back to our market until now.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Toyota GR86](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-toyota-gr86/) - Or, should we call this review "Along The Great River Road (Part 3)?"
- [Travelogue: Along The Great River Road (Part 2)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-great-river-road-2/) - Behind the wheel of the aforementioned GR86, I drove all the way down the mighty Mississippi on the Iowa side. I made it all the way to Keokuk intact.
- [Is it a True Sports Car?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2013-scion-frs/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2013 Scion FR-S Remember the sports car? It was one of the greatest sensations that came out of World War II. They were light in weight, offered minimal seating, a lower stance, and they would run like nothing else on the road. Yet, they were temperamental. Many a
- [Travelogue: The Road To/From #MAMA18FR](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-mama18fr/) - Normally, I would talk about the journey to the Midwest Automotive Media Association Fall Rally. Well...what about the journey from it? Rather, let's talk about the entire journey... The original plan was thrown out the window due to some personal changes in my life. With respect the people involved, I rather not comment further publicly
- [Video Quickie: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickie-2022-chevrolet-silverado-1500-zr2/) - General Motors had it in their wheelhouse to create an off-road ready trail dusting, bad-ass pickup truck for their loyal customers.
- [Video Quickies: 2022 Subaru WRX](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2022-subaru-wrx/) - The hate on the WRX was hard. It was as you simply were cheated from its clutches. Yeah, it had more power than the last generation "base" WRX.
- [Historiography: Sports. Utility. Vehicle - Part 2](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-suv-2/) - By the mid-1970s, the SUV market shrank due to the loss of Land Rover and International Harvester.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Mazda CX-5](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/my-thoughts-exactly-2022-mazda-cx-5/) - There had been some lingering arguments. Whether or not it has lost its “edge.” An “edge” that was born out of the “Zoom-Zoom” marketing campaign.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Unpacking Random Notes](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-unpacking-random-notes/) - That does not mean that I avoided my duties in putting out this website. George is doing a great job with the videos – and, there’s more to come!
- [Video: 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-hyundai-ioniq5/) - This one is an important one, since it not only throw's Hyundai's hat in the ring. It also demonstrates the thought that went into the IONIQ 5.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-hyundai-ioniq5/) - By playing in their sandbox is to find an electric vehicle that is competitive enough for you to own.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-volvo-xc40-recharge/) - If it is not a Polestar and it looks like an XC40, then why should we even consider the Recharge battery-electric version of this small SUV/crossover?
- [Video Quickies: 2022 BMW i4 M50](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2022-bmw-i4-m50/) - We know there are plenty of BMW enthusiasts that follow us and we really want to deliver.
- [My Favorites From The 2000s](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-2000s/) - Little did I know that would get me into the Chicago Auto Show the year after that.
- [Throwback Review: The Impala Phase](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chevrolet-impala/) - Why the reference to the Ford Taurus? With the exception of the reconstituted Chicago-built Five Hundred, the Taurus was the automotive equivalent to comfort food. Maybe not the last couple of examples of fleet-only afterthoughts, but every Taurus I drove like a comfy old friend bound for adventure.
- [My 50 Favorite Vehicles of The Past 50 Years](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-50-vehicles-50-years/) - Did this make the list? All Photos by Randy Stern This February 5th will mark a personal milestone – I turn 50 years old. To celebrate, I felt compelled to compile a list of 50 favorite automobiles of the past 50 years. These are vehicles that shape what I do today – from cars my
- [The Latest "Big Ticket"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2022-lexus-lx600/) - Therefore, the idea of a flagship is now embodied onto an SUV with the same significant amount of luxury to whet the interest of the well-to-do.
- [Video Quickies: 2023 Nissan Z (w/6-Speed Manual Transmission)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2023-nissan-z-w-6-speed-manual-transmission/) - One of the vehicles he drove...well, I actually drove it before him. The 2023 Nissan Z.
- [Video Quickies: 2022 Ford Expedition](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-quickies-2022-ford-expedition/) - This is first of several video reviews that fall into our "Quickies" category from that event. Let us present the updated 2022 Ford Expedition Limited.
- [#MAMA22Rally: George's First Rally](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama22rally/) - With the Chicago-based media association in its 31st year of running as an organization and holding such events, this was my first MAMA rally event.
- [The Big Ticket](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-lexus-lx570/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Lexus LX 570 Big. Luxury. SUV. Take these three words/acronyms and think for a moment. What is the first thing that comes to mind? Cadillac Escalade is one. The Range Rover is another. These sit on top of the big luxury SUV universe because of their reputation,
- [My Big Traveling Companion](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-lexus-lx570/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2017 Lexus LX 570 Travel is a mixed bag sometimes. You can plan the most enjoyable time in the world with a few deficiencies to balance out the excitement. You can budget to the hilt and find you're running over. But, you can have the time of your
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-volkswagen-jettagli/) - Simply put, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI became the benchmark for compact sedans looking to ooze more performance for more engaging driving.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Changing Addresses](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-changing-addresses/) - It was also home to over 500 vehicles that have passed through my hands towards publication – almost all of them featured on this website.
- [Historiography: Sport. Utility. Vehicle - Part I](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-suv-1/) - It introduced new technology, such as the jet engine and more efficient engine and transmission designs. It gave us the Jeep – in various different forms.
- [Reporter's Notebook: The Obligations of June](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-june-2022/) - That’s like telling LeBron James to “shut up and dribble.”
- [Rental Car Review: The Moparian Guide To Premium Big Sedans](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2021-chrysler-300/) - Understand that there is no practical rationale for loving the Chrysler 300. That is, unless you are unapologetically a Moparian.
- [New Memories, New Z](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/new-memories-new-z/) - That is why it is one of the most special vehicles that are – thankfully – still around.
- [Video: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2021-ford-mustang-mach-e/) - There's so much to talk about in terms of charging infrastructure. We already covered that in the written review.
- [Travelogue: Heaven or Las Vegas](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-las-vegas/) - I have been to Las Vegas once. I was changing planes in 1996 en route from the Bay Area to Philadelphia. I never left the airport. Therefore, that did not count.
- [My Favorite Regrets](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-regrets/) - The same goes with automobiles. You passed by a rural road or a car lot to see something that caught your eye.
- [Reporter's Notebook: 90 Days For 21 Years](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-90-days-for-21-years/) - I’ve been told by the publisher and other senior staff members of the magazine that once you get through your first Pride issue, things could get easier.
- [Rental Car Review: "Malibu, Baby!"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2022-chevrolet-malibu/) - Wait…is this still in production? That is the big question surrounding the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. I thought this was its last year and they would make room for more SUV production at their Fairfax, Kansas assembly facility. Nonetheless, this is General Motors’ big secret vehicle. It comes from a lineup that has been decimated at
- [Rental Car Review: The Drawing Board](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2014-chevrolet-malibu/) - The Malibu was supposed to be the global answer for its segment. In its 2012 introduction, many promises were made on how efficient the Chevrolet mid-sizer should be. Promises that were challenged by road tests giving the light hybrid Eco models lower consumption numbers than advertised. If that was not enough, the complaints expanded to
- [Video: 2022 Ford Maverick](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-ford-maverick/) - The reference was to the point that Ford stopped taking orders on the Maverick months ago to get production finished to meet customer orders.
- [Twin Cities 2022: It's Back Outdoors!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/twin-cities-2022/) - For the second year in a row, most of the show will be outdoors. And, hopefully, it will be sunny and warm without being too humid.
- [Travelogue: A Short Trip To The Chippewa Valley](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-chippewa-valley/) - You can’t really escape from stress because it is connected to your devices. You can shut them off or skip certain software and websites.
- [The V&R Comparo: Two Compact Sedans, No Cups](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/comparo-2019-hyundai-elantra-2019-kia-forte/) - Comparing one vehicle against another can go a few ways. One, it can be a treatment towards a bias. This brand of automobile is far more superior than the other brand. Another is to try to make the comparison between an apple and an orange – and we’re not talking smartphones and laptops here. Seriously,
- [My Favorite "Forbidden Fruit" Experiences](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-forbidden-fruit-experiences/) - If you have Randy's imagination, it will involve automobiles. Here's an examination into his imagination to see what crazy ideas he comes up in his sleep...
- [Five Favorite Project Cars...or, Would That Be "Car Projects?"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/5fave-project-cars/) - Dr. Frankenstein is a genius! Of course, we know he is a character that pops out during this time of year. A symbol of horror films dating back to the silent era, the scary doctor creates life from a hodgepodge of parts. All you need is an organ playing that induces fright and fear to
- [My Favorites From The "Land of the Rising Sun"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-japan/) - A very long time ago, but Japan used to make terrible cars. When Toyota and Nissan set up their respective USA shops in the late 1950s, they were met with laughs. They little sedans were seen as clown cars to the average post-World War II American. Even Renault and Volkswagen owners would join in the
- [Historiography: The Call of The American Road](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-the-call-of-the-american-road/) - A car lover knows that these are mere points on the map worth exploring when the opportunity becomes available.
- [The Electric Vehicle...Not The Badge](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/ford-mustang-mache/) - From the badge seen in various parts of this vehicle, one might think it belongs to another cult. One that is truly an American classic for the ages.
- [Video: 2022 Genesis G80](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-genesis-g80/) - After this video posted on YouTube, our videographer George questioned me why I concentrated on calling the 2022 Genesis G80 a "luxury car."
- [Commentary: Your Enthusiasm Is Our Little Secret](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-your-enthusiasm/) - Secrets should never be divulged at any cost. That is why my colleagues have been imposed an embargo on information until a certain day and time.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-subaru-forester-wilderness/) - The market is swaying towards active lifestyle consumers looking for something that will get them closer to the trailhead or the water’s edge.
- [Historiography: Horizontally-Opposed Engines and Four-Wheel Drive](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-subaru-awd/) - Victory & Reseda introduces a new contributor to our site: Ryan Senensky. If you are a fan of the Japanese Nostalgic Car site, you may have seen his byline on it. He just happens to be based in Minneapolis - not far from V&R's Headquarters. Please join us as we welcome Ryan to the team.
- [My Favorites...Because, "It's Spring Again!"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-spring2fallcars/) - The one car that is either is a constant garage project or a show star with more awards than a Westminster Kennel Club champion.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Ford Maverick](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-ford-maverick/) - If you have followed the news on this new compact pickup truck, you may have heard how it rebooted the segment. Rather, to remix it and modernize it for today.
- [Video: 2022 Toyota Tundra](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-toyota-tundra/) - The lyrics at the top of this article popped up while searching of a metaphor.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Genesis G80](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/my-thoughts-exactly-2022-genesis-g80/) - It appears that the newest Genesis G80 may have tugged at some emotional strings of its intended customers.
- [Turn It On](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2015-hyundai-genesissedan/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan No, I should not use musical metaphors in my review. But, I am going to. It is because of this car. The name. It evokes anger with Top Gear's Richard Hammond. A tool for Jeremy Clarkson to use, if he is not reported in
- [Luxury. Hot Rod.](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2015-hyundai-genesis-2/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 When you think a story is over, there is another chapter to write. For example, the 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan was a huge surprise a year ago. Hyundai wanted to create a premium sedan that would be on par with its intended competition. The
- [Commentary: Hyundai's "Invisible Touch"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-genesis-hyundai/) - "...and Then There Were Three." "Three Sides Live." "Turn It On!" "Invisible Touch?" How many Genesis puns should I use ahead of the new use for the band's name? Actually, this is an old joke. Yet, some people may think that splitting Hyundai's luxury models into its own separate brand is equally hilarious. Satiristic, perhaps?
- [An SUV/Crossover For The Space-Limited Lifestyle](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2022-hyundai-venue/) - In a sense, the Venue is a response to economic pressures. Rather, an affordable vehicle that most new car buyers can live with until things get better.
- [Video: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-toyota-corolla-cross/) - That's what we got when I received the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD for its weekly turn with George and I.
- [Historiography: <i>Der Sonderklasse</i>](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-mercedesbenz-sclass/) - If one product signifies Gottlieb Daimler's sage words "the best or nothing," look no further than the S-Class.
- [Commentary: Good-Bye or Good Riddance?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-encore-ecosport-trax/) - These model cuts were not just targeted towards car models. Some SUVs were also dropped from their respective lineups.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Toyota Tundra](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/my-thoughts-exactly-2022-toyota-tundra/) - There is cause for celebration here. The reason? After 14 years of production, Toyota finally introduced a new Tundra.
- [My Favorite Vehicles From The 1970s](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-1970s/) - The idea of slotting a key into an ignition, turning it over, depressing the brake, shifting a gear and opening up the throttle was magical to this child of the 1970s.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-toyota-corolla-cross/) - You get this vehicle. It is called the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross – an all-new small SUV/crossover from a brand that needed such a vehicle in its lineup.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Kia Sorento X-Line](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-kia-sorento-xline/) - These include moments where the perfect balance between two extremes providing enough comfort and ease that define the lives we live.
- [The Combination of Unique and Fun](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2018-kia-sportage/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2018 Kia Sportage Did you know that the Kia Sportage was the first SUV/crossover sold in the USA from the Republic of Korea? It arrived in the 1990s to help boost a brand that needed a reputation boost. The original fit in a new class of small SUVs,
- [Video: 2022 Honda Civic](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-honda-civic/) - That is the story of the 2022 Honda Civic. Its history and importance as a "universal vehicle" for everyone has spanned these past 50 years.
- [The #VOTY17 Victory Lap](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2022-volvo-v90crossountry/) - Considering how much these former winners have evolved and emerged from the first time I encountered them.
- [Historiography: A Rare, But Common Sight](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-pontiac-grandprix/) - The interesting point about such vehicles is the fact that the brand no longer exists. These are mobile orphans that defy the laws of vehicular life.
- [Commentary: OMG, Gas Prices Are Rising Like Crazy!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-gas-prices-march-2022/) - Angry motorists have expressed some political statements wishing for an impeachment of the current President and restoration of the previous one.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Honda Civic](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-honda-civic/) - Honda delivered the eleventh generation Civic to dealerships in North America. Back in January, they were awarded the North American Car of The Year...
- [Historiography: The Shock of Oil](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-oil-crisis-1973/) - Whenever I research and write out one of these Historiographies, one such event pops up in telling each story. The OPEC Oil Crisis. It is important to note this for many reasons. One, the impact of this event on "western nations" - read: The United States of America – ran very deep in the psyche
- [The Present of The Civic](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-honda-civic/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Honda Civic Do you remember seeing your first Honda Civic? It is not a question most often asked, but we often forget how long the Civic has been around – albeit many generations old. In my case, I do recall the first Civics ever sold. They came
- [The Head-Turning Return of The Civic Hatchback](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-honda-civichatch/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback This car almost won #VOTY16. It placed second behind the Volvo XC90. Considering how dominating the Swedish SUV was throughout the process, some people found that hard to believe that a compact car would have been crowned our highest honor. But, it is true
- [Commentary: The Return of Ford's "Divisions"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-ford-plus/) - In the case of Model e, that will include developing connected vehicle technologies and other related software across the Ford family.
- [Commentary: When Many Pairs of Shoes Drop at Once](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-ford-phaseouts-1/) - How do you feel about what Ford is about to do as soon as 2019? Let me explain...this has been in the rumor mill and in open discussion for years. Now, all reliable sources have confirmed it. Ford will be reducing its North American lineup by the elimination of three distinct car lines in segments
- [Obituary: Lee Iacocca - 1924-2019](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/obituary-lee-iacocca-1924-2019/) - There are a few people whom I would bestow the lofty title of "hero" to. In this industry that is my beat, the number of "heroes" are few.
- [Obituary: Sergio Marchionne - 1952-2018](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/sergio-marchionne-obituary/) - "The so-called "inevitable" just seems unavoidable." We lost Marchionne this morning at a hospital in Zurich. He was 66 years old.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Hyundai Palisade](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-hyundai-palisade/) - It is no secret that the Hyundai Palisade is built on the same platform as the Telluride. It also uses the same drivetrain components, as well.
- [Commentary: Unleashing March's Lion](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-unleashing-marchs-lion/) - We’re two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have not paid attention, the world has changed around you.
- [The #VOTY19 Victory Lap](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2022-kia-telluride/) - The Kia Telluride was a story unto itself. It was the company’s entry into what would become a strong segment during this pandemic.
- [Believe The Hype - Times Two](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2020-hyundai-palisade-2020-kia-telluride/) - You may not want to read about a couple of mid-sized, three-row SUVs. However, these two vehicles are generating a lot of buzz that has been the talk of the industry. Of course, this segment has been on fire. New products have been introduced over the past few years that have moved the bar in terms of meeting the needs and wants of families looking for this kind of vehicle. And, believe me, there’s more to come in this segment.
- [Commentary: Life at $5.25 Million Per 30 Seconds](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-sb53-commercials/) - Every year on this date, I try to make sense of life. Life, in context to this work. To do so, I have to look back a couple of days. For example, this past Sunday. During Super Bowl LIII, a few things happened. Julian Edelman shows us again that heroes do not come from a
- [Historiography: A Quarter Century of Giving It Everything](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-kia/) - In the spring of 1994, a new brand arrived at unsuspecting showrooms. This was not just any new brand. It became the second manufacturer from the Republic of Korea to sell their vehicles in the USA. Kia arrived in the USA at a time when there was room in the automotive market for another inexpensive
- [Chicago 2020: All In A Day's Work](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chicago-2020/) - This was supposed to be the premier Tier I auto show for the winter, thanks to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit moving to June. All hopes were on Chicago delivering the impact Detroit vacated at this time of year, as it once did some 15 years or so ago.
- [Historiography: The "X" Factor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-gm-xbody-1968/) - In 1975, Cadillac took an important step to reclaim lost sales of their larger, more iconic automobiles. They introduced the Seville. The Seville represented a new kind of Cadillac – trim, small, but had every inch of Cadillac luxury inside and out. A 5.7-liter V8 powered this trim new Cadillac, even in the face of
- [Reporter's Notebook: Taking On A New Role](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-taking-on-a-new-role/) - Dreams, such as being a monarch of a fantasy land where you drive whatever you want, all of the money in the universe, and have the spouse of your dreams.
- [Plugged In On The First Try](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/plugged-in-on-the-first-try/) - Over the years, I always argued that electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle ownership would serve a homeowner better than a renter.
- [Commentary: Hi, Robo Dog!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-hi-robo-dog/) - How many of us actually watched the game? You may know who won, but was there a play that stood out above all else?
- [V&R Stories: The First Time I Bought A New Vehicle](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-the-first-time-i-bought-a-new-vehicle/) - Buying a new vehicle should be reserved for those who have better than acceptable credit and can guarantee making those payments for the entire term.
- [Commentary: What Propels You?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-what-propels-you/) - However, the SUV segment saw one 700-plus horsepower model dropped last year – the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Now, it gets replaced by another one.
- [Historiography: The Misapplication of Issigonis' Engineering Breakthrough](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-fwdwth/) - The first application of Sir Alec Issigonis' engineering breakthrough - All Photos by Randy Stern, except otherwise noted Remember Sir Alec Issigonis? The innovation he created by switching the orientation of the engine, changing the traditional transmission to a transaxle and sending power to the front wheels was a magnificent idea! The Austin/Morris Mini was
- [The Speculator: A Continental Return](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/the-speculator-lincoln-continental/) - The rumors began to swirl about a new concept a few months back. The only thing to go on was a 2007 concept designed as influenced by the 1961-65 Lincoln Continental. That concept was replete with suicide doors and other design features from the older car with loads of modern technology and engineering supporting it.
- [Reporter's Notebook: This Is 58](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-this-is-58/) - It is crazy to think that I made it this far in my life. I sort of expected it, but never envisioned quite like this.
- [Commentary: Working With Your Passion in 2022](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-working-with-your-passion-in-2022/) - That was my motivation years ago. While office work (of some sort) pays the bills and keep down tax bills, they never help me fuel what I am passionate about.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Farewell, Passat](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-farewell-passat/) - Of course, things change. The market changed. No longer were mid-sized family sedans attractive to families. Consumers choose the SUV instead.
- [Chicago 2015: On the Road and Through McCormick Place, I Go...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chicago-2015/) - So, what happened at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, you asked? Plenty. It was a busy show, full of updated models, concepts and a brand new vehicle. It also yielded an award from the Midwest Automotive Media Association. MAMA's Family Car of The Year was the 2015 Chrysler 200. Brand CEO Al Gardner received the
- [For The Love of The 4Runner](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2019-toyota-4runner/) - Let’s state some facts, shall we? First off, 4Runner sales are on the rise. The first quarter of 2019 saw a 4.1-percent increase in deliveries over the same period in 2018. It is the sixth best-selling vehicle in the Toyota lineup – one of seven that are selling over 10,000 units per month. Then, there’s
- [My Favorite Vehicles Of Victory & Reseda's 10 Years In Publication](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-vr10-1/) - Obviously, the most popular lists on this website revolve around the vehicles I had worked with. My Favorite Vehicles of [insert year here] are ones that fulfill your questions year after year. And, every year, you have opinions on it.
- [My Favorite Moments of Victory & Reseda's 10 Years In Publication](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-vr10-2/) - This career does not solely revolve around auto shows. It was the other experiences that I experienced as part of publishing and creating this website. Experiences that ranged from media drive events to road trips and everything in-between.
- [Come "Sit With Us" at Back To The 80s](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/come-sit-with-us-at-back-to-the-80s/) - That is why Victory & Reseda is a sponsor of this year’s Back to The 80s, to be held on Saturday, June 12 in Burnsville, Minneosta at the Buck Hill Ski area. It will be part of our 10th Anniversary Celebration!
- [300 at 60](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/chrysler-300-60-years/) - The week before, I was at the LA Auto Show to attends as many press conferences as possible. There was one I was asked to be at, however. Back at June at the Chelsea Proving Grounds outside of Ann Arbor, Chrysler brand CEO Al Gardner asked if I was going to Los Angeles for the
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2021-jeep-wrangler-4xe/) - Does it have to win wars? Rule the Rubicon Trail? Blaze a trail for equality? Or, become the preferred ride for mall crawling?
- [Commentary: How Should I Cover The Continuing Story?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-vw-diesel-crisis/) - "So, Randy, what is your take on the whole Volkswagen crisis?" Seems to be that everyone thinks I have the answer to what was happening at Volkswagen AG, let alone Volkswagen of America. It is a hot subject due to how Volkswagen handled the crisis with stop sales, executive turnover and a jumble of numbers
- [Video: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2021-ford-f-150raptor/) - You read the review. You saw Jake Jorgenson’s photos. Now, we have the video review of the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor!
- [Raptor vs. Winter](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2021-ford-f150raptor/) - live in their own microclimates. The TRX are for those who live by the mantra “the person who dies with the most toys win.”
- [My Favorite Crazy Ideas In Celebrating a Birthday](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-birthday/) - In the past, I mentioned that I do prefer more understated celebrations at this stage in life. This is true, but what if I wanted to go "all out?"
- [A Different View: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/a-different-view-2021-ford-f-150-raptor/) - Some subjects do not require words. Case in point: The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor.
- [Commentary: Things That Should Not Be Temporary](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-disabilities/) - To be honest, I never thought of myself as an example of what a disability looked like. Albeit, temporary.
- [V&R 10th Anniversary Stories: How V&R Became V&R](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr10-the-name/) - Randy's automobile writing has been getting some serious boosts lately. Perhaps it was time for a rebranding of this work...
- [V&R 10th Anniversary Stories: Answering A Ten-Year-Old Question](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr10-answering-a-question/) - Perhaps a history lesson is in order to understand what is behind this blog’s title. Maybe there's a need for context here that would be helpful to you as a reader, contact or casual observer.
- [V&R 10th Anniversary Stories: I Used To Write About Sports - A Lot](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr10-1/) - Before this website became Victory & Reseda, I was trying to blog about everything. Not just automobiles. I tried to write about what interested me. What engaged my curiosity. What tripped my intellect. You get the idea.
- [V&R 10th Anniversary Stories: The Decision...Not, LeBron's](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr10-3/) - Until that point, my website was a "catch-all" for everything I was interested in. Not just automobiles and sports, but politics, society, community, music, and so forth. I was all over the place when it came to creating content.
- [V&R 10th Anniversary Stories: Hints from the 2011 NAIAS](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr10-2-2/) - In this case, I have to go back to the oldest story on the site. It was a look at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. I was not at the show, but it would help frame future remote auto show coverage of those that I did not attend.
- [V&R 10th Anniversary Stories: Accolades and Admiration – #VOTY Throughout the Years](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr10-voty/) - With the celebration of Victory & Reseda's 10th anniversary of producing authentic and informative automotive content for consumers and enthusiasts alike, it is a great way to delve into something that has become an annual celebration for the publication. The coveted Victory & Reseda Vehicle of the Year Award, #VOTY. An award that has predated V&R's formation and has developed its standing within the field of automotive industry awards.
- [Yes, There Will Be a Victory & Reseda 10th Anniversary Celebration](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr10-btt80smn/) - Our sponsorship enabled us to set up space for a tent and a featured vehicle. We are finalizing those details as we speak. I believe you will love what we will activate for the V&R Lounge.
- [Victory & Reseda X Lexus: Tracing The Trail From Farm To Table](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vnr-x-lexus-from-farm-to-table/) - Think about how we have been trying to achieve a sustainable lifestyle free of overconsumption of resources. To live with eating healthier foods produced without chemicals and consume goods that are made of more natural and organic materials.
- [V&R 10th Anniversary Stories: Finally, A Celebration](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr10-celebration/) - This culminates the 10th anniversary celebration cycle. It took quite some time to finally be able to celebrate, given the ever-changing social climate of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- [The Truth of The Tape Measure](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-jeep-compass/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2017 Jeep Compass There was once a time when Willys-Overland actually made small Jeeps. That was back in the 1940s and were converted from military to civilian duty. Then, they got bigger, taller – some owners made them even taller. For decades, the Wrangler and its ancestors were
- [Commentary: Legacy Manufacturers Sweep 2022 NACTOY](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-nactoy-2022/) - This year’s NACTOY could be seen as a vote against the EV. Rather, a vote against the start-ups in the automotive industry.
- [V&R Stories: The Last Ride of The Taurus](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-ford-taurus/) - In 1986, I had the opportunity to drive my first Ford Taurus. It came as I rented the car for the weekend as I had tickets for a San Diego Chargers game down at Jack Murphy (now Qualcomm) Stadium and my employer’s holiday party. It was a daunting task to drive from Reseda to San Diego and back in time for the party in Woodland Hills, but I was up for a challenge. Besides, this would be the first time I would drive between two major cities.
- [Luxury At Scale](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2022-grand-wagoneer/) - This large SUV fit in its role nicely. It is substantial, loaded with technology, very robust, and heavier than most products sold alongside of it.
- [Historiography: The Personification of Genuine Mopar](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-plymouth/) - Well before the late Sergio Marchionne arrived at Auburn Hills, there was a brand that competed in the budget car field under the Mopar banner. It was once the match for Chevrolets and Ford, while putting out some of the most compelling models of the Muscle Car Era. Maybe you have forgotten about Plymouth. You
- [An Icy Commercial Gone Viral](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/an-icy-commercial-gone-viral/) - At any given local television market, we are often entertained by commercials representing the region's market.
- [My Favorite Vehicles From The 1960s](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-1960s/) - The 1960s was a decade of change. Americans were divided, as is today.
- [Commentary: CES 2016](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-ces-2016/) - I did not go to school for Computer Science or other tech majors. Nor do I completely understand the inner-workings of technological devices. This is despite the fact that I had been around people who worked in a technological capacity for the past two decades. Nor do I possess a lot of tech goodies. I
- [Commentary: Welcome to 2022](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-2022/) - You probably have some resolutions. That’s great. If you can keep them up beyond today, you got a chance to accomplish something you always wanted to do.
- [The Story Continues...With a Twist of Ginger Ale](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2013-ford-taurus/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2013 Ford Taurus As promised, there is more to this story... On August 27, I asked whether the Taurus story would continue for me. This chapter began with a weekend full of activity, ending with a ton of stress, disappointment and frustration. Luckily, I knew something good would
- [Historiography: Of Porsche, Piech and Volkswagen](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-porsche-piech/) - It all began with a single man. He got married, had a business partner - who became part of the family. The rest reads like a script from Dallas or Dynasty.
- [Quickies: Riding the Tiger](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-porsche-macan/) - By now, we should expect a high level of excellence in everything Porsche sets out to do. It is a given that a 911, Boxster and Cayman are great sports cars in heir own right. However, we would be equally bowed over by the Cayenne and the Panamera. While they are different than what they
- [Historiography: They Sat Beside The 911](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-porsche-914-924/) - It was such at the beginning. Dr. Ferdinand Porsche's idea of a German car was to be air-cooled, mounted at the rear and can propel people wherever life takes them. That idea spawned the Volkswagen. Yet, Porsche wanted to do something after the defeat in World War II. To pick up the pieces, the company
- [Commentary: So Long, Slug Bug](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-volkswagen-beetle-finale/) - The first time around was an icon mired in global history and eventual conflict. The second time around was just for nostalgia's sake. The Volkswagen Beetle had a shape that was simple, fun, joyous, and spoke to the needs of world transportation. Whether it was the original air-cooled, rear-engine car or the Golf-based retro coupe,
- [Quickies: The Porsche Experience](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-porsche-cayenne-cayman/) - Name one of the greatest brands in automobile today? You can name a few. You can name a lot. However, we would all agree upon one particular name due to its cache, history and image. That name alone evokes performance, excitement, and a legacy of track victories that stretch several decades. Let us not beat
- [2013 - A Look Ahead](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2013-a-look-ahead/) - And, now, a brief look back at 2012...OK, moving on... Photo by Randy Stern No, the Mayan Prophecy was not fulfilled. You can breathe now... The notion of trusting a calendar that supposedly ended on December 21, 2012 is to trust anything a nut job would say. Instead of naming a slew of nut jobs
- [Commentary: Looking Back At A Milestone Year](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-2021-summary/) - What that means is I’ve taken larger steps towards success in the media world. According to the traffic stats, V&R will achieve some milestones for 2021.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Lexus ES 250 AWD](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-lexus-es250awd/) - Lexus always had AWD vehicles. They have never installed it in their most popular sedan – the ES. It shouldn't be hard to do, right?
- [Historiography: The Original Franco-American Affair](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-renault-amc/) - If divine foreign intervention did not come in time for an American automaker, the company in question would have probably ceased to exist by 1982.
- [Historiography: "Cars That Make Sense"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-hyundai/) - That year, Hyundai sold 168,882 of the compacts – a strong showing thanks to sharp marketing and a base price of under $5,000.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2021-jeep-grand-cherokee-l/) - It took a few years, another corporate merger, and the opening of a new plant in Detroit to finally deliver on the elusive three-row SUV.
- [Quickies: An SUV Full of Passion, Romance and Emotion?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2018-alfa-romeo-stelvio/) - Some cars are made to embody romance and emotion. They have to convey something beyond simple engagement. They have to have an overt personality that can be seen through even a suit bought from a mainline clothing store. But, where are those cars? Who's making them these days? And, for whom? What I may have
- [Your Turn: An SRT Dream Fulfilled](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/your-turn-cbeltowski/) - We, automotive writers and journalists, love getting asked consumer questions. For example: If it were our money, what would we get for a certain vehicle class you're considering? We don’t mind at all...though our perspective would be somewhat different than the average consumer. Then again, we could be wrong completely... The subject of this "Your
- ["Is This a Gumball Machine?"](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-dodge-durango/) - You have seen the commercials, right? The ones where Will Farrell reprises his role of San Diego's greatest television news personality Ron Burgundy? Your comments have been wide spread from "high-larious" to plain "stupid." Fine. We cannot agree with our gut reaction to the red-suited 1970s anchorman character now the spokesperson for the 2014 Dodge
- [A Durango By Any Other Name](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-dodge-durango/) - I remember my first Durango. That was back in 2012. It was red. Actually, they call it “Redline.” It had a HEMI underneath its hood. At a price of just over $39,000 (in 2012), it was one of the baddest machines Mopar ever thrusted upon us. Did I mention it was a SUV? It was
- [The Birthday Jeep](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-jeep-grand-cherokee/) - In my 50-plus years of life, I don't recall ever getting a Jeep for my birthday. Not that I ever had one. Nor do I recall getting one. My brother and I might have a Tonka toy of an old Wagoneer, a military Jeep or a CJ. But, a real live one? Who would have
- [Video: We Took A Ride In A Waymo!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-we-took-a-ride-in-a-waymo/) - Autonomous driving technology remains a very controversial subject. Are we ready for a future where our vehicles drive us? Even if we hire them from an app?
- [Twenty Years A Pioneer](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2022-toyota-prius/) - It’s arrival stateside in 2001 may have predicted the future that have taken it for a wild ride throughout its two decades.
- [Commentary: A Side-Step Into The Abyss](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-healthcare-2021/) - There could be no beds available immediately, even in the Emergency Room. If you get an ambulance quickly, you're pretty damn lucky.
- [Commentary: A Ruggedized Mazda?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-a-ruggedized-mazda/) - up points to the move upmarket, there are still consumers who rather look at their value than move into the near-luxury space.
- [Historiography: 100 Years of Three Diamonds](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-mitsubishi/) - Prior to its movie stardom, the automotive company in question had many triumphs and low points along the way.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Lexus NX](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-lexus-nx/) - If it is, they have to start somewhere. Might as well start with the once-best-seller-in-its-class – the NX.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-hyundai-tucson-hybrid/) - This review was not driven entirely by me – obviously. Yet, they both offered their perspectives on this popular new addition to the Hyundai lineup.
- [#VOTY2021: Watch What Happened Next](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2021-postlude/) - You want to see how much resonance and engagement the award would receive across social media.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-volkswagen-tiguan/) - To be honest, I felt that Volkswagen knew what they were doing by bringing the long-wheelbase model to our market.
- [Travelogue: The First Flight Back To Work](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-los-angeles-2021/) - I knew that I would have to have my mask on from the time I enter Terminal 1 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to my hotel room in Los Angeles.
- [Historiography: The Epic Failures](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-the-epic-failures/) - Sadly, this is a business lesson that often used as examples of failures. But, should we consider them failures? Perhaps another lesson from the music industry would be apt here – if you had a one-hit wonder and continues to have airplay and downloads, you are not a failure.
- [Rental Car Review: Not Everything Has To Be Awesome..](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2020-honda-accord/) - Cool looking? Sure, let’s go with that. It also has a huge following of Honda loyalists who will defend their mid-sized sedan to the end.
- [Rental Car Review: The 41,000-Mile Experience](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2020-toyota-camry-4/) - Not exactly an ideal rental car, but you might say it is a reflection of what has been happening through the COVID-19 pandemic for the travel industry.
- [#VOTY2021 - We Have a Winner...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2021-winner/) - Are we back to normal with Tuesday’s regularly scheduled #Vote4VOTY?
- [Los Angeles 2021: All EVs, All The Time](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/los-angeles-2021/) - Though it was not in my plans for this year, I wound up working the show again. This time, their media days wore the label called Automobility LA.
- [My Favorite Vehicles of 2021](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-2021/) - The year.was unlike any other year. Yet it was like any other year. Which is the best way to describe 2021 in a nutshell.
- [#VOTY2021 - #Vote4VOTY NOW!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2021-vote4voty-now/) - The polls are now open! Make your choice below for #VOTY2021. This poll will be open until 11:59 PM Pacific Time!
- [#VOTY2021: What's On The Ballot?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2021-voters-guide/) - You might say that this year’s ballot may have justified using the term “Vehicle” instead of “Car” for #VOTY.
- [Rental Car Review: Why Not Indeed!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/rcr-2021-hyundai-elantra/) - I figured that I needed some freedom of mobility. I also needed to get some wheel time in my “down time” between vehicles to work with. Why not rent a car?
- [#VOTY2021 - Here Are Your Finalists](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2021-finalists/) - What are you voting for? The five finalists for #VOTY2021.
- [Video: 2022 Genesis GV70](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-genesis-gv70/) - You might say that we were blown away by the 2022 Genesis GV70. How it looked, drove, and everything else about it.
- [On The Dial: Discovering New Music](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/on-the-dial-discovering-new-music/) - Once you latched onto a new song or artist, you have to play it in your vehicle.
- [Which Minivan/MPV Would You Choose?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/minivan-mpv-comparison/) - This has been my argument for years: Minivans (and MPVs) do a better job transporting maturing families than SUVs.
- [Commentary: Filling Some Voids In This Market](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-filling-the-voids-in-this-market/) - For the latter set of manufacturers and brands – good for you. That is why you stay in business.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Support Your Local Businesses](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-local-businesses/) - Let me focus on a few people in my life who I root for in their respective businesses. Two of which had a recent Grand Opening and Open House each.
- [My Favorite Classic/Collector Vehicles I Might Buy Someday](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/my-favorite-classic-collector-vehicles-i-might-buy-someday/) - One’s idea of a classic car might not be the same as the next person’s notion of one. When it comes to ownership of one, that is where I deviate.
- [My Favorite Vehicles From The 1990s](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-1990s/) - It began in Marin County, California and ended in Northern Virginia. In-between was a series of discoveries with the automobile as a key factor along the way.
- [#VOTY2021: The Nominees Are...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2021-nominees/) - Without further ado, here is the Long List of nominees for Victory & Reseda's 2021 Vehicle of The Year Award – #VOTY2021:
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Subaru Ascent](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-subaru-ascent/) - Some companies have done this. Subaru accomplished this with ease. When you stick to a formula and its works, why do anything else?
- [Reporter's Notebook: Finding Your Tribe Revisted](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-finding-your-tribe-revisted/) - I've gone to the point of trying to serve my tribe, working my career and passion, finding a comfortable place among a wider populace...
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Genesis GV70](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-genesis-gv70/) - That has since changed. Genesis has knocked on the door of the status quo. They’re not going to be left hanging.
- [#MAMA21Rally: Back To Elkhart Lake](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama-2021-rally/) - I missed the last time MAMA reconvened at “America’s National Park of Speed.”
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-hyundai-santa-cruz/) - Those of us who have some sort of memory left, car-based pickup trucks have been around for a long time. Heck, we thought that no one makes them anymore.
- [Commentary: Toretto's Family Values](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-torettos-family-values/) - Who knew that Dom Toretto would be the spokesman for "family values?" Vin Diesel's character in the "Fast And Furious" franchise may seem like a self-centered ex-criminal turned hero at times over the course of eight films. However, he is an ol' softy deep down inside. To his character, his definition of family is based
- [Reporter's Notebook: Writing For A Demographic](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-writing-for-a-demographic/) - I have alluded to working for the other three over time. Some have been triumphant experiences. Others have been downright frustrating.
- [Video: #VOTY2021 Explained](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-voty2021-explained/) - With good production, you can deliver the message. One day, as my video person, George, and I were on a cruise down towards Fountain City, Wisconsin, we had a hair-brained idea of making a video explaining the process and timeline of the Victory & Reseda 2021 Vehicle of The Year Award - #VOTY2021. The result
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Volkswagen Taos](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-volkswagen-taos/) - This is not about a physical swap of a car for an SUV. Rather this is a question of whether the new Taos has the soul of a Volkswagen.
- [Good Car, But Have You Seen The Movie?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-volkswagen-beetle/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Dune Remember when you first saw the Volkswagen Beetle... When I mention the "Beetle," I'm not talking about the resurrected "New" one that was a cuter version of what once roamed this Earth million times over. I'm talking about the original. The one that saved
- [How To Measure True Value](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2019-volkswagen-tiguan/) - I know. That is an audacious statement. It is not without data, impressions, I know. That is an audacious statement. It is not without data, impressions, and results. However, it has always been a basis of argument between myself, my colleagues in the automotive media, the readership, and anyone else who wants to start a conversation about vehicles in the most important automotive segment today.
- [Historiography: A Forgotten Innovator of Automobiles](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-franklin/) - It was not until recently when I was reacquainted with the H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Company.
- [Commentary: The Future of Automotive Dealerships](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-future-automotive-dealerships/) - Instead of having what your customers want immediately on the lot, ordering a customer’s next vehicle is now taking weeks for delivery. Anything you have in stock right now might be gone in hours.
- [Reporter's Notebook: Driving For An Important Cause](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/reporters-notebook-survivor-rally/) - Some of these road rallies have a charity component to them. Some are for a good cause that aligns with the participants, organizers, and sponsors.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Genesis G70](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-genesis-g70/) - We all know how subjective answering this question will spur on many different definitions.
- [The Q to Love](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-infiniti-q50/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Next year will mark Infiniti's quarter-century of existence. Nissan's luxury brand made some inroads in the premium car game. Some might say it had not done enough in terms of sales and memorable vehicles during its 25 years. Let me prove you wrong. If you
- [The Quadrifoglio Experience](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/alfa-romeo-giulia-quadrifoglio/) - For years, I have always wanted to drive an Alfa Romeo. Even before I finally got a chance behind the wheel of a 4C coupe a few years ago, I felt that I was unworthy of piloting an Italian icon. Even if a Milano or a 164 had an automatic transmission, I passed on that
- [Quickies: This Is Polestar](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2021-polestar-2/) - While Volvo expands their Recharge sub-brand with full battery electrics in the XC40 and C40, Polestar offers a more premium level of electrified models under its own brand.
- [Anecdotes From A Luxury Sports Coupe](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2021-lexus-rc350fsport/) - The Lexus RC debuted for the 2015 model year. That’s years after I made a pivot away from a semi-comfortable subcultural lifestyle towards this life.
- [Commentary: The Teasing Is Over!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-2022-toyota-tundra/) - After years of teasing us, Toyota finally delivered on a new generation full-sized pickup truck.
- [#VOTY2021: Number 15 Is Coming Soon!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty2021-intro/) - Things are getting underway for the fifteenth #VOTY – V&R's award for automotive excellence with the audacity of gumption.
- [A Solid Choice Among Pickup Trucks?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-gmc-sierra/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 I learned a lot from driving full-sized pickup trucks. It is important to consider how important this segment is to the automotive industry in this country. These big work machines yield a lot of profit for their manufacturers. They also provide a combination of
- [High on a Plynth](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-lexus-rc200tfsport/) - This is one of my favorite coupes... I know...I have too many favorite coupes. Yes, the mind changes a few yards to the wind on regular occasion, but life is fluid. So is my engagement with the automobile. With one already winning my heart with its experience, another one can come along and sweep me
- [Commentary: Do Influencing Matter?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-influencing-matters/) - Let me set aside what transpired with the conclusion and evaluation of this past Pride Road Trip. Nor will I kvetch about being an influencer...
- [My Favorite Cars From The 1950s](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-1950s/) - The 1950s provided a glimpse into the future. The Soviets blasted off into space, which was inconceivable at the time. We were flying in faster jet-powered airliners, plugging in guitars, basses and everything else in our music. We even saw a nation that could possibly be integrated and united.
- [Travelogue: A Mellow Celebration Along The Mississippi River](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-pride-road-trip-2021/) - This pandemic caused various celebrations to be cancelled last year. This trend continued into 2021.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2021-toyota-highlander-xse/) - The Pride Road Trip was one thing. Let’s talk about the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE that I drove for it.
- [Video: 2021 Honda Ridgeline](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2021-honda-ridgeline/) - Before you answer that, I am pleased to announce the publishing of a new video review on V&R's YouTube channel. This time is for the Honda Ridgeline.
- [Historiography: Ode To The Toyota Avalon](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-toyota-avalon/) - News reports stated that the Toyota Avalon will be produced for another year at their Georgetown, Kentucky. After the 2022 model year, it will be eliminated from Toyota’s catalog.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2021 Honda Ridgeline](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2021-honda-ridgeline/) - Many truck folks have dismissed the Honda Ridgeline for years because it is not built like a truck. However, those who have owned a Ridgeline will tell you that it has all of the utility and capability of its competitors in its class.
- [Smooth Piloting](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2016-honda-pilot/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2016 Honda Pilot You may not like what I am about to say. Yet, I have to establish something that may be unsettling for those have owned them. It could be that I have to take liberties on what could be contrary to consumers...maybe somewhat enlightening to enthusiasts.
- [Mopar at 75](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mopar-at-75/) - Seventy-five years ago, a company called Chrysler decided to join General Motors and Ford to offer a distinct brand of maintenance parts along with accessories to customize your vehicle.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2021 Toyota Sienna](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2021-toyota-sienna/) - However, there is one more. Perhaps the most important one among the four (five, if you include the Chrysler Voyager) available to families and businessfolk alike. That would be the 2021 Toyota Sienna.
- [#VOTY13: The Winner Is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty13-winner/) - One thing is clear in the business of giving out awards – no one is predestined to win anything. There are a few exceptions but only driven by dialogue, discourse, and overall punditry. Yet, how many people would predict an Academy Award winner a year out from the ceremony? Or, a pick a Grammy Award-winning
- [#VOTY14: ...And The Winner Is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty14-winner/) - This Victory & Reseda Vehicle of The Year Award was seen as the most competitive field ever brought together. The forty cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers and minivans represented a diverse group that was strong across the board. Making a solid decision to narrow it down to ten was not easy, either. The panel offered their
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2021 Toyota Camry TRD](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2021-toyota-camry-trd/) - The result is that it caught my attention. It was enough to be called one of my favorite vehicles of the V&R era. The reason for it was that each and every one of them – five in total – have given me a high level of satisfaction while putting them to the test.
- [Travelogue: A Summer Drive To The Summer Drive](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-mama-summer-drive-2021/) - at a car meet. Signs of life, but it’s not exactly the same as being at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring or Fall Rally.
- [Video: 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-mitsubishi-outlander/) - 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander for the “summer drive to the Midwest Automotive Media Association Summer Drive.” We had some time before I headed towards Chicago, so we made this video review on Mitsubishi’s newest entry in the compact-to-mid-size SUV space.
- [On The Dial: Songs of Automotive Interest](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/otd-car-songs/) - Even today, the automobile is still a subject for musicians to tackle. The genres of music and vehicle are wide enough to capture the culture we live in. The automobile still plays an integral part of our lives – as does music.
- [My Favorite All-American Machines](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-all-american-machines/) - The rules are strict here – their final assembly must be solely done right here. That eliminates a lot of favorite cars, I am afraid. It also eliminates some of the best cars ever built because they were built elsewhere included in the USA.
- [Video: 2022 Kia Carnival](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/video-2022-kia-carnival/) - The subject was easy: The 2022 Kia Carnival. The newest MPV looked like a great subject too shoot, with its bold new looks and Kia's marketing push to not call it a minivan. We showed that there was definitely some design and functional alignment with its larger SUV models.
- [Quickies: What I Drove At The MAMA Summer Drive](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-mama-summer-drive/) - Now that I took a summer drive to the Midwest Automotive Media Association Summer Drive in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, let’s talk about what I drove at the Summer Drive.
- [Playing In The Sandbox](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mama-fall-rally-2012/) - Even mature adult working professionals can be "kids in the candy store." How so? Put a group of people working within the same confines of their work – regardless of where they came from and other individual foibles they might have – and let them do what they love to do. The "geek" comes out
- [Throwback Review: Ageism Defined By One Car](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2009-toyota-avalon/) - A Victory & Reseda Throwback Review of the 2009 Toyota Avalon Ageism. At 53, I get some of it. Sometimes it is in jest; other times with intent to demean yours truly. One such event of ageism through jest came with a discussion of whether a friend in Janesville, Wisconsin about nine years ago. He
- [What Would Randy Buy...When The Pickings Are Slim?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/wwrb-2021/) - It just seems so silly to do another “What Would Randy Buy If He Had The Money” article this year. Let’s be honest: What’s available to buy these days?
- [Commentary: Acts of Exclusion](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-exclusion/) - Drilling down, the “legal definition” of the word “exclude” also provides two definitions. Again, one, “to prevent or restrict the entry or emission of…” And, two, “to remove from participation, consideration, or inclusion.”
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2021 Ford Ranger](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2021-ford-ranger/) - We must remind ourselves that a pickup truck was originally intended to be put to work. That is regardless of its size and whether it is built on a frame or in a unibody. For example, midsize pickup trucks were originally seen as the perfect size to do the job in more concentrated settings where parking spaces were at a premium.
- [Historiography: A Different Kind of Car Company](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-saturn/) - It would be easy to tell the story of Saturn as a corporate historiography. Yet, there is more about Saturn than just the foundation, the design and production of the company and its products. It is the cultural impact on how a company – albeit a part of General Motors – sought to connect its products, the way they sold them and the extraordinary consumer engagement that spurred on such immense brand loyalty amongst owners.
- [A Sort of Homecoming](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2012-buick-regaleassist/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2012 Buick Regal eAssist There is nothing like recalling past triumphs. At this year's Chicago Auto Show, I had the great opportunity to present the 2011 Vehicle of the Year award to Tony DiSalle, Vice President of Marketing for Buick and GMC. The Buick Regal won this award
- [Commentary: The Fall of HAAH](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-the-fall-of-haah/) - I first reported that HAAH was looking for a production facility to build vehicles under the T.Go and Vantas brands from Chinese automaker Chery. They would come from its Tiggo and Exeed lineup with mostly North American components by the middle of this decade.
- [Commentary: Are The Chinese Coming?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-are-the-chinese-coming/) - Normally I would not pay attention to the National Automobile Dealers Association’s annual confab. There are a few people I know that attend this every year on various sides of the business. I will bet you that they had some inkling of a bit of news that has seeped out of the Moscone Center in
- [Commentary: Let's Talk About Shifters](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-shifters/) - While the shifter is a reassuring thing to many motorists, they do not operate the way they use to.
- [Commentary: Could There Be More Mid-Sized Pickups?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-could-there-be-more-mid-sized-pickups/) - The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are arriving at dealerships shortly. Can we get an Amen? General Motors' new mid-sized pickups will join the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier as in this once neglected segment. The latter two had been holding on in the face of the rise of the full-sized and heavy duty
- [Eclipsing All Expectations](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2019-mitsubishi-eclipse-cross/) - By now, you have heard a lot about the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. You heard that it is a great entry into the small SUV segment. You heard that its turbocharged performance is really good while returning solid fuel economy. You heard that it has a design that might suit everyone.
- [The Speculator: We're Not Product Planners, But...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/speculator-product-planning-ideas-2021/) - Those of us who are not working for an automaker or supplier to the industry think we know better than any of these people. We think we know how to improve upon a vehicle. The way it looks, operates, how some functions should work, how it should perform, and so forth.
- [Quickies: A Few From The Cutting Room Floor](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-a-few-from-the-cutting-room-floor/) - The vehicles I want to go over were mentioned in passing on some articles – or, not at all. These represent vehicles that I drove for a very short stint at some event or another. Yet, they yield some headline because of their significance. Or, because you asked me privately whether I have driven it or not.
- [My Favorite Drives Before The Victory & Reseda Era](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/myfaves-drives/) - When families are prompted to gather around, they're on the road involved in an epic drive to their destination. Or, they're sitting down for a story or two. Stories that need to be retold, even when loved ones are no longer around due to the pall of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- [Commentary: How Much Are Rental Cars Now?!?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-rental-cars-cost/) - However, there is one issue that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a huge hurt on traveler’s wallets. Because of the immediate impact the shutdowns had on the travel business, a lot of financial decisions had to be made. While airlines parked planes all over the world, rental car companies found that they could not afford to keep up current fleet levels when business dropped.
- [Agent Provocateur - The Sequel](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-jeep-cherokee-2/) - We are past debating about the nose of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee by now... For the most part, the new unibody SUV riding on a Fiat-developed platform has delighted us with rigidity, space and agility. It proved that it is a Jeep, despite its nose. Rather, because of it. We have grown accustomed it its
- [Agent Provocateur](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-jeep-cherokee/) - A Victory & Reseda Review of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Has Jeep lost its soul? This was the question upon the introduction of the Compass crossover (and its Patriot companion) back in 2006. The idea of a compact crossover with Jeep overtones threw everyone in a tizzy. That was until it was facelifted for 2011
- [Going Overland](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2017-jeep-cherokee/) - Let me get off my chest: Haters are gonna hate no matter what you think. It is a pervasive truth that has dogged the Jeep Cherokee. When it was first shown in photos back in 2013, the "peanut gallery" had a field day with this new SUV. With a month before its unveiling at the
- [#VOTY09: ...And The Winner Is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty09-winner/) - When #VOTY09 was awarded, it went through the ringer with another close victory. For the third straight year, it just seems that the #VOTY process got more interesting with winners decided on a mere fraction of a score. #VOTY07 was won by the Hyundai Sonata, as it squeaked out its award over the Toyota Prius
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2021 Nissan Murano](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2021-nissan-murano/) - Perhaps this is a good time to even discuss this vehicle. You have heard that inventories are low on new vehicles around the world. The microchip/semiconductor shortage has slowed down and shuttered new vehicle production throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the most popular vehicles that consumers want are simply not there to fulfill a huge demand for them.
- [Throwback Review: It...Stands Out](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2009-nissan-murano/) - A Victory & Reseda Throwback review of the 2009 Nissan Murano It was either this or a Dodge Journey. Why not the Dodge Journey? It would’ve been good to fulfill my Sirius satellite radio fix, but one thing prevented me from doing so. It is a peeve of mine when you think a vehicle would
- [V&R Stories: Intersecting Passions](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vrstories-intersecting-passions/) - What passion do you have in your life? Do you have something you love to do so much that you are even proud enough to put it on your social media networks? On my Facebook, I started talking about passions. It started with this post earlier this month... It is not your vocation, your lifestyle
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Kia Carnival](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2022-kia-carnival/) - When you first announced that your fourth generation Carnival was coming to our market, you were not going to call it a "minivan." Instead, you called it an MPV. I get that in most of the markets the Carnival is sold that it is the designation for the vehicle. But…I’m confused.
- [Historiography: Der E28](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/historiography-bmw-5er-e28/) - The M5's legend began with the E28 5er. Before we get there, a bit of background on how BMW's faithful became obsessed with the most glamorous of beasts.
- [Commentary: Unpacking Stellantis's EV Day](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-unpacking-stellantiss-ev-day/) - There is a lot to unpack here. However, Stellantis made this a bit easier for me to navigate their strategy through the slogans that goes with each brand. The slogan is the messenger for what exactly they plan for each brand. Some of them are too tasty to read. Others fit what they are doing already or plan to do in the future.
- [Commentary: The Balance of Social Media, Life and Automotive Enthusiasm](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-social-media/) - Social networking and media is old hat, by now. It built communities – car communities, to be specific -through technology unlike any time in our history. It also breaks down barricades between us and expands the possibilities of human connectivity.
- [V&R Stories: My First Auto Show...and How It Stunted My Childhood](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/vr-stories-first-auto-show/) - In elementary school, I was a car kid. And, a sports kid. And, a music kid. And, a world affairs kid. Hell, I was too well-rounded for a kid.
- [Commentary: For The Love of Enthusiasm](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-carmmunity-rwb/) - We all have different definitions what "automotive enthusiasm" means to us. I have heard many arguments being volleyed across the car community on whether such a car should be "built not bought." There had been rumblings of "hate" and disrespect towards someone's own ride over another and which vehicles should be allowed at specific meets
- [Commentary: Traveling With Your Emotional Support [Fill in the Blank]](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-travel-emotional-support/) - You have a what? And, you're taking that on the plane?!? What prompted those questions was my last trip to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. I was picking up my roommate from her flight from San Francisco. In the baggage claim area, I noticed a lot of parents and other loved ones waiting patiently for their
- [Quickies: Another Driving Experience With The Roundel](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-bmw-2021/) - As I rarely work with BMW and their vehicles, there is one way to get that experience driving the Roundel badge for this work – their Ultimate Driving Experience tour.
- [Commentary: A Much Needed Break](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-a-much-needed-break/) - There were many mouths to feed – myself included. Many obligations to fulfill. The miles put on for travel content earlier this year was just the beginning of what was to come.
- [Travelogue: The Mid-Continent Road Trip - Part 1](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mid-continent-road-trip-1/) - You're probably thinking "I can go from Los Angeles to New York in one fell shot." You can do this over several days, stopping overnight in a few places. Perhaps, driving from coast-to-coast is better than being hurtled across the sky in a pressurized metal tube with a mask on. There is no guarantee that in this COVID-19 world that airline service would be completely different than before the world shut down.
- [Travelogue: The Mid-Continent Road Trip - Part 2](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mid-continent-road-trip-2/) - It should be a day of celebration, regardless of your political theories. However, something feels strange on this national holiday. Let’s face it, we’re a divided nation standing on both of sides of a chasm as big as the Grand Canyon. One side of the proverbial canyon fells like celebrating. The other is still upset over the powder keg that blew last month on the streets of Minneapolis and around the world.
- [The Supreme Grand Touring Convertible Experience](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2021-lexus-lc500-convertible/) - Remember that the first automobiles were built without a roof over the driver’s head. While closed roof vehicles were emerging, there were an equal – if not more – numbers of folding roof cars roaming the newly formed highways and byways of our globe.
- [Car Community: The Arc of a Diver](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/carmmunity-the-arc-of-a-diver/) - Yet, the carmmunity is restless. Several cruises came about as back as February. The Twin Cities Auto Show was supposed to signal the beginning of the mental thaw of the carmmunity. Enthusiasts and owners scramble to get vehicles out of storage for the eventual rites of spring. That itch became evident this past Sunday. The
- [The Coolest SUV On The Road](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2018-dodge-durango/) - In my humble opinion, the Dodge Durango is one of the few really cool SUVs out there. There is some proof of this claim. How many SUVs have real swagger? I'm talking the kind of swagger that you can roll up into a car meet, smile, and give the one-finger salute on the way out
- [From Concept to Production...to This!](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2018-lexus-lc500/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2018 Lexus LC 500 I know what you're thinking... "Oh, great, Randy is reviewing another Lexus! He must be such a fanboy of the brand himself that his journalistic integrity is just dust by now..." If you think that way, then perhaps you can wait and read my
- [Snapping Necks and Starting Conversations](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2018-lexus-lc500h/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2018 Lexus LC 500h Whenever I get a chance to revisit a vehicle I worked with, I try to get a different perspective out of it. Sometimes, you arrive at the same conclusion as the previous time. Others yield a completely different experience – one worth discussing on
- [#VOTY18: ...And The Winner Is...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/voty18-winner/) - We started with 41 nominees. That list was whittled down to five. You voted. And, now, we have a winner. It has been an interesting #VOTY. You had a diverse group of finalists this year... A compact sedan that has been transformed towards a new direction for its brandA concept car that turned into a
- [Commentary: About Those Rainbow-Infused Social Media Icons...](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-rainbow-infused-social-media-icons/) - While some communities are celebrating on the month commemorating the Stonewall Riots of 1969 – the real powder keg that projected the LGBTQ Liberation Movement into orbit worldwide, others are on hold. Plans are in effect for a July, August, September, even October Pride festival or some sort of celebration.
- [Travelogue: The Return of The Summer Road Trip – Mine? (Part 3)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-summer-road-trip-2021-3/) - This summer, there is a renewed feeling of wanderlust. You may have been cooped up working from home, staying safe, ordering food and everything else for delivery, and avoiding the universe by consuming your free time with social media mayhem.
- [Commentary: Is This Film For The Car Culture?](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-f9/) - Twenty years later, we are now on the ninth installment of “the saga.” While we tragically lost Paul Walker to a car accident in 2013, the show supposedly had to go on.
- [Them and Us - Epilogue](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/them-and-us-epilogue/) - As a follow up to an article written in 2011, Randy updates how several companies fared in the Human Rights Campaign's latest Corporate Equality Index.
- [Them and Us (Part 1)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/them-and-us-part-1/) - Randy looks at the relationship between the automotive industry and the GLBT community. Part 1 looks at the marketing aspect of this relationship.
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2021-lexus-is350-fsport/) - The brief overview of this car goes like this: Lexus revamped the IS for 2021. They concentrated on revising basically everything, while retaining the same platform this third generation model rode on since 2013. Their revisions go beyond cosmetic. Lexus claims that the IS has greater rigidity and a more concentrated suspension.
- [Commentary: Musings On A Changing Automotive Landscape](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-musings-on-a-changing-automotive-landscape/) - The first twenty years in this business (the last ten as V&R) has seen some astounding revolutions and evolutions. The automobile is a work of art that has gone through so much that it is still recognizable as a self-propelled vehicle.
- [Travelogue: The Return of The Summer Road Trip - Yours! (Part 2)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/travelogue-summer-road-trip-2021-2/) - There is a difference. Since most international borders are still shut or restricted to a few people, we had to be creative in our travel pursuits. Based on what I have seen in the travel media, the trend now is to stay within our country’s borders to outdoorsy destinations.
- [The Prize Fighter](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2014-lexus-is/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2014 Lexus IS This car did what?!? Comparisons are a tough thing to do. You jump from one subject to another to find a conclusion as to which one is best. In-between are the arguments – for and against a specific vehicle. Comparisons and contrasts are tested with
- [My Thoughts Exactly: 2021 Hyundai Veloster N](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/mte-2021-hyundai-veloster-n/) - Is it a small sports coupe that sometimes act as a commuter? Or, could it be the most practical autocross and track weapon that you could drive daily?
- [Commentary: Pride, In The Name Of This Work](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-lgbtq-pride-2021/) - With shutdowns and community guidelines in place, almost every in-person event was cancelled. This year, we’re seeing a limited number of events happening – even with some changes to placate the latest guidelines for gatherings, social distancing, and masking rules.
- [Driving Confidence](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/2015-volkswagen-golfr/) - A Victory & Reseda review of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R Can a car give a driver confidence and competence behind the wheel? A lot of cars can. Some are more equal than others towards accomplishing driver competency. Yet, having confidence on the road means you can do so many things behind the wheel. For
- [Quickies: Hyundai's Two-Fer for 2018](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2018-hyundai-elantragt-sonata/) - The long hard road for Hyundai has paid off in their product offering. For example, the Elantra and Sonata lines remain their bread-and-butter. Hyundai has been selling at a mix of commercial/fleet and retail, offering solid value for the money. Their SUV products are growing – mirroring market trends. Hyundai recently announced the end of
- [Them and Us (Part 2)](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/them-and-us-part-2/) - In the second part exploring the relationship between the automotive industry and the GLBT community, Randy surveys readers on their view of this relationship.
- [Quickies: The Sum of Veloster's Value Equation](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/quickies-2019-hyundai-veloster/) - Remember those fun-to-drive and relatively affordable little sports cars? We had a lot back in my day. They ranged from very small roadsters – such as the MG Midget – to funky little hatchback coupes – like the Nissan Pulsar NX. In the 1970s and early 1980s, it seemed that everyone had one, varying in
- [Commentary: Ford's Maverick Strategy](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/commentary-2022-ford-maverick/) - For one, the former compact pickup truck has grown into a mid-size one. Full-sized pickup trucks have grown tremendously, especially when you consider how big the Heavy Duty versions are. Not to mention how prices have soared for pickup trucks – period.

## Pages

- [Our Etsy Store](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/our-etsy-store/)

## Categories

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- [Mahindra](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/mahindra/)
- [SsangYong](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/ssangyong/)
- [Lucid](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/lucid/)
- [Maybach](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/maybach/)
- [Mercedes-Maybach](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/mercedes-maybach/)
- [Triumph](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/triumph/)
- [Leyland](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/leyland/)
- [#VnRxLexus](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/vnrxlexus/)
- [#LexusRX](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/lexusrx/)
- [#ExperienceAmazing](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/experienceamazing/)
- [Bronco](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/bronco/)
- [Abarth](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/abarth/)
- [Tiggo](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/tiggo/)
- [Polestar](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/polestar/)
- [Franklin](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/franklin/)
- [Wagoneer](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/wagoneer/)
- [Geely](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/geely/)
- [Lynk & Co](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/lynk-co/)
- [GAC](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/gac/)
- [VinFast](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/vinfast/)
- [Waymo](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/waymo/)
- [Google](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/google/)
- [#MAMA22Rally](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/mama22rally/)
- [Winnebago](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/winnebago/)
- [Frazer](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/frazer/)
- [Sony](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/sony/)
- [Afeela](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/afeela/)
- [#CAS2023](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/cas2023/)
- [#VOTY23Rally](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/voty23rally/)
- [#MAMA23Rally](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/mama23rally/)
- [JLR](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/jlr/)
- [Scout](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/scout/)
- [#MAMAfallfavorites](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/mamafallfavorites/)
- [#ChicagoDrivesElectric](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/chicagodriveselectric/)
- [McIntosh laboratory](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/mcintosh-laboratory/)
- [#CAS2024](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/cas2024/)
- [#GottaGototheAutoShow](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/gottagototheautoshow/)
- [Defender](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/defender/)
- [INEOS](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/ineos/)
- [Brightdrop](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/brightdrop/)
- [Scout Motors](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/scout-motors/)
- [International Harvester](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/international-harvester/)
- [#MAMA25SR](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/mama25sr/)
- [#VOTY2025](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/voty2025/)
- [SAIC](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/saic/)
- [Zeekr](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/zeekr/)
- [BYD](https://www.victoryandreseda.net/tag/byd/)