The first is the model year. The 1937 812 (known as the 810 in 1936) debuted in what turned out to be the final year of Cord automobiles as a whole. The second is the car itself. Cord only produced 1,066 vehicles in 1937, according to the third edition of the “Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1805-1942.” When this 812 Sportsman (aka Sportsman’s Convertible Coupe) was auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s in 2020, it was listed as “One of only 64 examples built; approximately only 30 extant.”
Do you see the pipes coming out of the sides of the “coffin nose”? Those mean that this 812’s Lycoming 289ci V8 is supercharged to produce 170 horsepower, which is processed by a four-speed pre-selector transmission.
Then there are the things that are less obvious about this car, but no less significant. The story goes that in 1969, an Arizona man named Lee Richardson purchased it and kept it for the next 37 years. In addition to great taste, he also had a technical background because he was one of Disney’s early “imagineers.” The selling dealer states, “Richardson focused on resolving several of the Cord’s notorious quirks, notably developing the acclaimed ‘Richardson joint’ conversion to address the unreliable front-wheel CV joints. During his tenure with the cabriolet, he implemented advantageous modifications, including his distinctive front axle joints, a modern 12-volt electrical system, discreetly integrated electric fuel pump and cutoff switch, and an electric radiator fan. Adding a playful touch, he even installed power operation for the headlights.” As part of his overhaul, Richardson also replaced the original supercharged engine with another one, number FC 3232.
After being sold to an Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club member in 1997, this distinctive drop-top was refinished in its factory color of Rich Maroon, which looks great with the tan leather interior. Not shown in the pictures is the tan soft top stored under the tonneau cover.
If you want this attractive and special piece of automotive history, it can be yours for $299,000.
June 22 is right around the corner! If you find yourself anywhere near Burlingame, California, or feel like a road trip to Northern California is a great idea, I highly recommend attending the Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance.
It has been a few years since I have attended Hillsborough, but it is a wonderful, smaller concours located on the grounds of the Crystal Springs Golf Course. I in no way mean smaller in stature, but more in the size of the field. It is much easier to navigate logistically than the biggest concours events yet still celebrates and showcases some truly amazing cars. I have served as a judge there a few times and can say from that experience that it draws some truly great cars.
First held in 1966, this marks the amazing 69th year of the Hillsborough Concours d’ Elegance and they are celebrating in style, with classes that include the 50th anniversary of Ferrari’s 308/328, as well as the 90th anniversary of Volkswagen’s iconic Beetle and the 75th of its legendary Bus. The show features 24 judged classes and this year includes two new classes: pre- and postwar Cadillacs.
The concours already has a number of amazing entries, including a number of great Cadillacs (with my favorite being a 1931 Cadillac 452).
Other standout entries include a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL roadster and a 1966 Shelby GT350.
The Ferrari 308 celebration also has quite a few standouts, including a 1984 308 and a pair from the 1985 model year. More amazing is that only one of these cars is red!
I highly urge you to get out there and help the Hillsborough Concours celebrate their 69th year. It is a fun event at a great location and is well worth the trip. Basic admission is also a very reasonable $60, which makes it a bit of a bargain these days. Heck, you may still be able to enter your car if it is good enough to qualify – but I would act fast.
For more information, you can go to their website here.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are available from nearly every mainstream manufacturer now, but that doesn’t mean love for them in the car-buying public is as widespread. Some people just downright hate them. The good news is that nobody is required to buy an EV, but those who want one can choose to have electricity power their next economy car, performance vehicle, or even off-road truck, such as the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado, which will be available for the first time with the Trail Boss package.
First launched on the 2019 Silverado, the Trail Boss off-road trim was eventually expanded to the Colorado mid-size truck. In addition to a two-inch lift (which boosts ground clearance by 24 percent to 10 inches), the Silverado EV version of the Trail Boss treatment consists of red front tow hooks, a front fascia that contributes to a 31.6-degree approach angle, Trail Boss badging, and trim-specific 18-inch wheels with 285/75 35-inch all-terrain tires. There are nine color options, including three new ones: White Sands, Polar White Tricoat, and Magnus Gray Matte Metallic.
Chevy didn’t release pictures of the “unique interior,” but it did disclose that it’ll have auxiliary switches and be available with upgraded adaptive cruise control that can automatically set the speed to posted speed limits. An enhanced version of Super Cruise is also available. While the driver has his or her hands on the wheel, the system keeps the Silverado EV in its lane and adapts to the speed of the vehicle ahead; once the truck reaches a Super Cruise-compatible road, the feature’s hands-free driving technology takes over, using new Google Maps integration to navigate to the correct lane for the chosen route.
Off-road, a special Terrain mode engages 4-Wheel Steer to provide better torque application and traction control at low speeds, such as those used on difficult inclines. The Sidewinder feature turns all four wheels in the same direction, enabling the Silverado EV to move diagonally.
Prices for the 2026 Silverado EV start at $54,895 for the base Work Truck model with the standard battery pack that’s capable of 286 miles of range. The RST launch trim has been discontinued, leaving LT and Trail Boss as the two other grades. No matter which one you choose, the Silverado EV comes standard with Dual Motor 4WD, an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 17.7-inch infotainment system screen. The Trail Boss can only be ordered with the Extended or Max battery pack. The Extended power source generates 625 horsepower, 775 lb-ft of torque, and 410 miles of range at an MSRP of $72,095. It also enables the Silverado EV to haul up to 2,100 pounds of payload and tow as much as 12,500 pounds.
Opting for the Max battery pack gets you 725 horsepower, the same amount of grunt as the Extended, and 478 miles of range for an $88,695 starting price. The most potent battery also has the fastest charging speed of 350 kW, which can add 100 miles of range in 10 minutes when the Silverado EV is plugged into a DC fast charger.
Expect to see the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss in dealerships this summer—and silently off-roading sometime later this summer.
Luxury cars often symbolize status, performance, and unparalleled comfort. The allure of owning such masterpieces can seem out of reach for many due to their hefty price tags. Yet, the market for used high-end vehicles offers an enticing opportunity for savvy buyers. When these cars enter the used market, their depreciation can turn them into affordable treasures.
Imagine cruising in a sleek, powerful machine without breaking the bank. The following list of 35 high-end cars demonstrates that luxury can indeed be accessible, offering you the chance to experience opulence without the original sticker shock. Join us as we unveil the vehicles that redefine luxury on a budget.
Throughout the history of automotive design, some vehicles have become legendary not for their innovations but for their faults. These flawed machines have left a lasting impact, often becoming the butt of jokes or cautionary tales among car enthusiasts. From questionable engineering to poor build quality, these cars have earned their spot in the annals of infamy.
As we delve into the list of the bottom 30 cars, ranked by automotive experts, you might find a few familiar names. Brace yourself as we explore cars that, despite their shortcomings, managed to hit the roads and, in some cases, garages of the world. Interested in knowing if your car made the list? Let’s dive in.
Featured on AutoHunter is this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad wagon, which is powered by a rebuilt 350ci V8 paired with a three-speed manual gearbox. Refinished in India Ivory and Twilight Turquoise over a turquoise vinyl and gray cloth interior, this second-year Nomad is now offered by the seller in New Jersey with a clear title.
At one point, the exterior was repainted in its original colors of India Ivory and Twilight Turquoise, which are accented with chrome bumpers and brightwork. Other features include hood and fender ornaments, a driver-side mirror, and vertical tailgate trim strips.
This Nomad travels the roads and highways on a set of 15-inch wheels equipped with chrome covers and 205/75 Hankook whitewall radial tires.
The cabin is furnished with turquoise vinyl and gray cloth split-bench front and bench rear seating. Features include a three-spoke steering wheel with a chrome horn ring, a column-mounted manual shifter, an AM radio, a locking storage compartment, and a passenger-side clock.
Instrumentation consists of a 110-mph speedometer, gauges for the temperature and fuel level, and warning lights for the generator and oil pressure. The odometer shows 16,366 miles; the title for this vehicle indicates it’s mileage-exempt.
Under the hood is a 350ci V8 that was rebuilt in 1987. It comes equipped with an Edelbrock intake manifold, a four-barrel carburetor, and an HEI ignition. The engine sends its power to the road through a three-on-the-tree manual transmission. Manual drum brakes keep the engine in check.
In August 2023, this Nomad was aligned and its front suspension was updated with new upper and lower control arms, shafts, bushings. front shocks and springs, tie rods, and ball joints.
Let’s be honest—there are a lot of SUVs out there. So many, in fact, that choosing the right one can be overwhelming. And while some rise to the top with outstanding value, performance, and reliability, others just don’t measure up. Whether it’s outdated tech, lackluster powertrains, or just poor value for the money, there are a few we simply wouldn’t recommend to anyone looking for a smart buy. Here’s a look at 11 SUVs we would skip, and exactly why they didn’t make our cut.
Jeep Compass
Chrysler
We’ve driven the Compass enough to know it’s not Jeep’s finest. It looks the part of a rugged SUV, but the capability doesn’t match the image. The engine is weak, the interior feels cheap in places, and it falls short on fuel efficiency. Even die-hard Jeep fans might find themselves frustrated by the lack of refinement here. For the same money, we’d go for a Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson—both are better-equipped and more enjoyable to drive.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Mitsubishi
This one feels like it’s stuck in the past. While Mitsubishi gave it a few styling tweaks over the years, the engine, interior, and overall experience haven’t evolved much since 2011. It’s basic—too basic—and the ride is anything but smooth. We’ve tested better budget crossovers with far more comfort, features, and value. Unless you’re okay with sacrificing tech and performance just to save a few bucks, there are better options out there.
Ford EcoSport
Ford
We tried to like the EcoSport, we really did. But between the odd swing-out tailgate, cramped rear seat, and underpowered engine, it left us scratching our heads. It’s small enough for city driving, sure—but so are plenty of other compact SUVs that don’t feel like a compromise. Add in its bouncy ride and dated interior, and we just can’t recommend it when the competition is this fierce.
Chevrolet Trax (Pre-2024)
GM
The first-gen Trax always felt more like a placeholder than a serious contender. It was small, slow, and uninspired—inside and out. We’ve driven enough of them to know they’re better left in rental fleets. The newer models are a huge improvement, but anything pre-2024 just doesn’t deliver enough value to justify the purchase. If you’re shopping used, you’ll find far better vehicles in the same price range.
Dodge Journey
Dodge
This SUV was outdated long before it was discontinued. Even in its final model years, the Journey still used a 4-speed transmission—yes, you read that right. The tech was outdated, the ride quality was below average, and it felt like Dodge just gave up on updating it. We get that it was affordable, but even budget shoppers deserve better. It’s a hard no from us.
Nissan Rogue Sport
Nissan
We wanted to like this smaller version of the Rogue, but it just didn’t deliver. It’s underpowered, noisy, and the CVT makes driving feel like a chore. While it looks good on the outside, the performance is a letdown, and the interior isn’t all that roomy either. With so many better options in the compact crossover segment, this one just doesn’t make the cut for us.
Toyota C-HR
Toyota
We love Toyotas for their reliability—but the C-HR feels like it missed the memo on practicality. The bold design is fun, but it compromises rear visibility, cargo space, and headroom. And without the option for all-wheel drive, it limits its appeal in climates where that matters. We’d recommend the Corolla Cross instead—it delivers more function with the same Toyota dependability.
Buick Encore (First Gen)
Buick
Buick aimed to offer a small, upscale SUV with the Encore, but the first-generation model didn’t quite stick the landing. The cabin feels tight, the powertrain lacks punch, and the overall experience doesn’t match the premium price. We found better quality and comfort in mainstream alternatives like the Honda HR-V or Kia Seltos. If you’re shopping Encore, we suggest going for a newer generation or skipping it altogether.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Land Rover
It’s a Land Rover, so we expected more. The Discovery Sport looks great and promises capability—but what it delivers is unreliable electronics, frequent trips to the shop, and a resale value that drops like a rock. Luxury shouldn’t come with this much hassle. We’ve had our fair share of experiences with costly Land Rover repairs, and unless you’re leasing or have deep pockets, this one isn’t worth the stress.
Hyundai Kona EV (Pre-2024)
Hyundai
We give Hyundai credit for jumping into the EV game early, but the pre-2024 Kona EV left us underwhelmed. The ride is stiff, rear seating is cramped, and the tech already feels dated. While the range is decent, newer EVs in the same price bracket—like the Bolt EUV or Tesla Model Y—offer more bang for your buck. It’s not a bad EV, but it’s not a great one either.
Infiniti QX60 (2016-2020)
Infiniti
From the outside, the QX60 looks like a luxury SUV, but behind the wheel, it’s a dressed-up Pathfinder with a lackluster CVT and underwhelming handling. We found the interior materials didn’t quite match the premium price, and the tech was already behind the curve even when new. For the same money, you could be driving an Acura MDX or Lexus RX—both of which offer a far more rewarding experience.
Let me start with this. If you want to get a brand-new Porsche 911 Turbo, it is going to cost you a minimum of $160,000 and will likely end up running somewhere north of $200K once you add fee options. If you doubt this, visit the Porsche website, “build” one and see how you do.
Besides the economic to your bank account, there is another reason to reconsider a new Porsche 911 Turbo as a car purchase: The newest version, to me, is both too big and not that attractive.
I honestly think the best-looking 911 Porsches of the modern era are the 997 Series cars. These Grant Larson-designed 911s are the perfect modern take on the classic 911 shape. Every subsequent design seems to have slowly erased the original design language, making the newer 911 cars appear almost “cartoonish” to my eyes.
Of all the 997-era 911 Porsches, my favorite is the Turbo. It is less ostentatious than the original 911 Turbo of the 1970s and ’80s but looks like it means business and has the performance to back that up.
The selling dealer states this 911 Turbo has a completely stock exterior, interior, exhaust and catalytic converters. They go on to say it is currently running a Stage 3 tune from FVD (a very prestigious and respected German company) that provides a reliable 670 horsepower and a 0 to 62.5 time of 3.2 seconds.
This 911 Turbo is a lower-mileage car, having covered only 67,000 miles from new and, judging from the photos provided, it looks to be in excellent condition.
This is also a nicely optioned car equipped with many tasteful features without going overboard. These include a limited-slip rear differential, PDK transmission, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, bi-xenon headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), and a black full leather interior with the carbon interior package.
This 911 Turbo also seems to have a great service history backed up by documentation. No really major service items are listed, but a 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo with 67,000 miles should not need any major things repaired or replaced.
Just for a point of comparison, I went on the Porsche website and built a new 911 Turbo as close as possible to the specs of this one. The summary of my build had a price tag of $219,685. I have a better idea. Get this 997.2-era Porsche 911 Turbo for its $98,000 asking price and then take the extra $112K and get another Porsche (say, a classic 911) to go with it. Seems like a better deal to me.
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rapid technological advances, shifting consumer preferences, and stringent environmental regulations. As we head towards 2025, manufacturers are making tough decisions to phase out certain models.
This wave of discontinuations is not just about retiring outdated designs; it’s about aligning with future trends in sustainability and innovation. Many beloved vehicles will bid farewell as companies streamline their offerings to focus on electric, hybrid, and more efficient models. This article delves into the reasons behind these changes and highlights the 30 vehicles set to be retired by 2025.
1. Ford Edge
Photo Credit: Ford
Ford’s decision to discontinue the Edge by 2025 reflects the broader industry trend towards electrification and innovative technologies. The midsize SUV has been a staple in Ford’s lineup, but with consumer preferences shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for traditional internal combustion engines is waning. This strategic move allows Ford to reallocate resources towards developing their electric vehicle portfolio, including the popular Mustang Mach-E. The Edge’s departure showcases the brand’s commitment to sustainability and meeting regulatory requirements. Ford’s future now lies in adapting to these evolving market dynamics and consumer expectations.
Whenever we review a new vehicle, the same questions usually arise: Who is the target customer?How will it perform?Does it live up to expectations? Things were a little different with the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited as it raised questions such as What IS this?An SUV or a wagon? Over the course of a week, we learned what the Crown is on paper and in the real world.
A HYBRID IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
If you go to the Toyota website and click on the Vehicles tab on the top right of the page, a menu with the various types that Toyota makes drops down on the left. You’ll find the Crown Signia under the Crossovers and SUVs section, where’s it categorized as a Hybrid EV. Unlike its Crown sedan sibling, the Crown Signia is available with only one powertrain: a 2.5-liter I4 combined with a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack, two electric motor-generators, and a rear-mounted electric motor that gives the Crown Signia all-wheel drive on demand. Net horsepower is 240 and processed by an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). Under ideal circumstances, the Crown Signia Limited can deliver 39 mpg in the city, 37 on the highway, and 38 combined. A snapshot at 109.5 miles showed we were averaging 40.8 mpg.
Once you go to the Crown Signia’s dedicated page on Toyota’s website, you’ll see its highlights, features, and the things it can do, but nothing about what it is. Interestingly, a June 2024 press release on Toyota’s media site refers to the Crown Signia as being part of Toyota’s SUV lineup, making “an all-new statement for the modern crossover,” and having “the advantages that drivers love about crossover Sport Utility Vehicles.” It seems many companies use either “crossover” or “SUV” to identify their respective vehicles, but Toyota uses both.
Unofficially, it’s easy to see the Crown Signia as a wagon. After all, it is essentially the longroof version of the Crown, which Toyota clearly identifies as a sedan. Looking at it from the side, the Subaru Outback came to mind, although that vehicle is more clearly focused on and equipped for dirty outdoor adventures.
ONE OF TOYOTA’S MOST EXPENSIVE HYBRID CROSSOVERS Prices for the 2025 Crown Signia start at $43,790, making it slightly cheaper than the $44,210 Grand Highlander Hybrid and within several thousand of the Highlander Hybrid’s $46,320 base MSRP. Go beyond those and you start getting into Toyota’s truck-based hybrid SUVs.
There are are only two trim levels available: XLE and Limited. According to the window sticker for our Storm-Cloud-over-Saddle-Tan Crown Signia Limited review vehicle, base price shows $47,990. For that, you receive such standard features as 21-inch dark gray wheels, a fixed panoramic glass roof with a power sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 12.3-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota added on the $1,865 Advanced Technology Package, $375 dash cam, $405 Preferred Accessory Package with carpet mats, and two other options to our test vehicle, which raised the as-tested price to $52,515 – that’s entry-level 2025 4Runner i-Force Max or 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid money.
FUNCTIONAL YET INFURIATING
There was a lot to like about the Crown Signia’s cabin. It felt completely modern with its 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, rearview camera mirror, and large center touchscreen. The automatic settings for its climate control system and front seats made sure every drive was at the right temperature. Storing small items was easy and quick thanks to the vertical wireless charging slot, open cubbyhole, and generously sized dual cup holders. The heated second row offered plenty of headroom and legroom as well as a pair of dedicated HVAC vents. Both rows seemed more spacious when the shade for the panoramic roof was open. At the very back, the 24.8 cubic feet of cargo space was enough to fit a collapsed baby stroller and additional gear.
However, there were a few odd or downright enraging parts of the Crown Signia’s user experience. The first became apparent upon sliding into the driver’s seat. The steep rake to the windshield made the front row seem more intimate and shrink-wrapped, like a sports car’s cockpit. As we’ve already learned, the Crown Signia is a lot of things, but a sports car is not one of them. Then there were those techy screens. Configuring the gauge cluster to show a desired readout was annoyingly tedious, but doing that was a pleasure compared to the sporadic wireless Apple CarPlay. Whether it was used to run YouTube audio and Apple Maps at the same time or just the latter, CarPlay lost connection so often that it was nearly useless. If anyone at Apple happened to be listening on the other end, they received an earful of expletives.
NOT SURPRISING
Whether you think the Crown Signia is a crossover, SUV, or wagon, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a hybrid built for practical commuting, not thrilling performance. It behaved as such: the steering was firm, with a noticeable weight to it, yet it never felt heavy. Output from the hybrid engine was satisfying (not aurally – the four-cylinder engine always sounded a bit gruff), but counteracted by a stiff, uncommunicative brake pedal.
Our Luke Lamendola also spent time in the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited, so listen to his thoughts in the below video review.
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