1952 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup 235 Inline 3 Speed Ac Look At This One on 2040-cars

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Question of the Day: Worst year of the Malaise Era?

The Malaise Era for cars in the United States spanned the 1973 through 1983 model years, and featured such abominations as a Corvette with just 205 horsepower (from the optional engine!) and MGBs with suspensions jacked way up to meet new headlight-height requirements. There were many low points throughout this gloomy period, of course. The horrifyingly low power and fuel-economy numbers for big V8s during the middle years of the Malaise Era make a strong case for 1974 or 1975— the years of Nixon's resignation and the Fall of Saigon, respectively— as the most Malaisey years. But then the GM-pummeling debacles of the Chevy Citation and Cadillac Cimarron could make an early-1980s year the low point. 1979, the year of the ignominious Chrysler bailout? You choose! Related Video:

2016 Chevrolet Spark gleams in green in New York

Take one look at the 2016 Chevrolet Spark that's debuting at the 2015 New York Auto Show, and you can immediately see that the little hatchback is growing up. The previous long headlights and tall greenhouse are gone in favor of a slightly more conventional look that suits the enlarged overall size well. To address complaints about a lack of power from the current Spark's 1.2-liter engine, the latest model gets a larger 1.4-liter unit making 98 horsepower. It can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission, but for those looking to maximize fuel economy, a CVT offers an estimated 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy. Beyond the new engine, there's an upgraded platform underneath with a longer wheelbase. The underpinnings are also more rigid, as well, to help improve handling and lower interior noise. Inside, the Spark now gets some physical controls to go along with the seven-inch MyLink infotainment system. A rearview camera is standard, which seems almost unnecessary is such compact model, and buyers can further enhance safety with tech like a Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Spot Alert. Check out the gallery above to see the Spark in its nuclear green paint at the New York show before the little hatch arrives at dealers in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Best 3rd Row SUVs of 2024

If you plan on using a vehicle's third row a lot, let us at least make the suggestion that a minivan would be a smarter bet than anything you're going to see on this list of best three-row SUVs. Their third rows are bigger, more comfortable and easier to get to. The kids will definitely be happier. Here are our two top choices.  OK, now that that's out of the way, we totally get why minivans are totally depressing and that if the kids want to be happier, they can buy their own darn vehicle. You're buying, you're driving, you're being seen in it and you'd rather have a three-row SUV. Fair enough. Luckily, there are more choices than ever and they're really good. The best do a particularly good job of being family friendly without looking like a drab transportation appliance, although really, you can't go wrong with any of the mainstream three-row SUVs. Now, some of the luxury choices are a bit suspect, including those that are otherwise very appealing but have cramped third-row seats (the Genesis GV80 comes to mind). We're focusing on three-row SUVs here, so having a usable third row is a must.   In this list, we have broken things down into four sub-categories: Best Three-Row Crossover |  Best Full-size Three-Row SUV Best Luxury Three-Row SUV |  Best Flagship Luxury Three-Row SUV Note that we define crossovers as SUVs since most buyers use the terms interchangeably, but acknowledge that "crossover" is literally a vehicle with a car-like unibody structure as opposed to the truck-like, body-on-frame construction that traditionally has defined "SUV." In other words, we consider all crossovers SUVs, but not all SUVs are crossovers (specifically those in the full-size segment and some in the flagship luxury segment). Best Three-Row Crossover SUVs of 2024 2024 Honda Pilot Why it stands out: Exceptional storage and cargo space; unique second-row functionality; refined ride; versatile and capable TrailSport; advanced AWDCould be better: Subpar acceleration with lackadaisical transmission and engine response; so-so driver assistance tech Read our full 2024 Honda Pilot Review The Honda Pilot was completely redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor's family friendly packaging and overall focus, but it has injected a welcome sense of style (especially in the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out much better from the big crossover crowd.