Author: Randy Stern

April 8, 2020

My Thoughts Exactly: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

Since then, I had my share of heavy duty pickup trucks from the Detroit Three. The summation I have made over time is that the typical owner either use these trucks for work or trailering. They are designed as intended because they have the capacity to do so.

April 7, 2020

Rental Car Review: The First Ford Fusions

By the mid-2000s, Ford reached a point where they had to do something about their mid-sized sedan offering. With a lineage that included the Tempo and the Contour (the American version of the Mondeo), Ford needed something that fit perfectly between the Focus and the Taurus.

April 6, 2020

Quickies: A Pre-Historic List of Rental Car Reviews From The "Cutting Room Floor"

Prior to April of 2011, I tried my hand on automotive vehicle reviewing by talking about the cars I rented. They helped me understand what these vehicles were all about. I paid attention to their positive and negative attributes very closely. The result was informed opinions with the approach of living with each of these vehicles day in and day out.

April 5, 2020

Commentary: Looking Out Through The Thick Of It

Being (self) quarantined and practicing social distancing has caused some form of cabin fever amid the quest for answers from the powers to be. While our first responders and healthcare workers are doing their best with limited resources to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are doing what we can to maintain our health and dignity during these times.

April 2, 2020

Rental Car Review: The LX Platform

Mopar, being the root of that name, is the overarching brand that keeps all of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles products together – especially the ones from the Chrysler side of the house. Before Sergio Marchionne arrived to rescue Chrysler from the brink of collapse, the company danced with another partner.

April 1, 2020

Historiography: The Origin Story of Victory & Reseda

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.

March 31, 2020

Commentary: Why Are There No Photos of Engine Bays in Vehicle Reviews Anymore?

This came about a debate among my fellow automotive media professionals whether it is necessary to include photos of the engine bay in our reviews and other related content – with the notable exception of this article, of course. It went back-and-forth. Some argue that because these photos are no longer engaging in their readership. Others argue that some engine bays are worth including in their article.

March 30, 2020

My Thoughts Exactly: 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line Turbo

Prior to the rebranding of V&R, I would write up reviews of vehicles I rented. That way, I can wrap my head around how to approach each vehicle and evaluate it. It meant putting it through its paces and letting it live with me for the tasks each vehicle had to do.

March 29, 2020

COVID-19 Update: Staying At Home and Connected

There have been plenty of responses to the COVID-19 situation that has permeated into this country. It was reported that the USA now has the most confirmed cases in the world. This has prompted continued responses from governments and the automotive industry to try to stem this virus from doing further damage to society and the economy.

March 25, 2020

COVID-19 Update: Ford, FCA to The Rescue

Ford announced on Tuesday, March 24 that they will start producing more than 100,000 plastic face shields for "medical professionals, factory workers, and store clerks" per week at one of their assembly plants in Michigan. They will also produce ventilators, as well as Powered Air-Purifying Respirators, for patients, healthcare professionals, and first responders, as well.