JIM MATEJA
AUTO REVIEW: Camaro-o-h-h-h 
PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Three years after the concept was unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Camaro coupe hits showrooms this week.
By Jim Mateja , March 25, 2009
AUTO Q AND A: There's no reason to discount a sure sale
Q. I read your article on Ford hybrid cars. Why is the wait so much longer than for regular cars, and why do dealers refuse to deal on them? I've been looking for the Ford Escape hybrid, and no dealer on the South Side of Chicago had one in stock. I was told that to test-drive one, I'd have to buy it. The only incentive the dealer offered was a government rebate for buying a hybrid. ... In this climate, is it worth considering a hybrid at all?
G.F., Chicago
By Jim Mateja , March 23, 2009
AUTO REVIEW: Redesigned A4 on straight, narrow
Audi followed the accepted formula in redesigning its compact A4 sedan.
By Jim Mateja , March 10, 2009
AUTOMOTIVE Q AND A: Early-morning idling gets a chilly reception
Q. You recommend the remote-start option for the Jeep Wrangler. One thing that annoys me to no end as I walk the dog in the morning is the number of cars idling in front of their garages while the owners are enjoying their last cup of coffee indoors. Their vehicles are polluting and wasting fuel. This goes on for at least 10 minutes. I've read that driving is the best way to get things moving under the hood even on a cold day. Many cars have heated seats or one could purchase sheepskin seat covers, or maybe even use a blanket on tender bottoms as they drive. These are much better solutions than a $185 remote starter, which is another symbol of our wimpy natures and spend mentality.
R.S., Des Plaines, Ill.
By Jim Mateja , March 09, 2009
AUTOMOTIVE Q AND A: Tire-pressure problem sparks Ford investigation
I was planning to buy a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8. But I've heard speculation of a more powerful 500-h.p. plus Hemi V-8 for 2010. Can you confirm?
By Jim Mateja , March 04, 2009
AUTO REVIEW: Suzuki packs a lot in little SX4 crossover
But Suzuki can boast an accomplishment that GM can't: It sells an econocar with the security of all-wheel-drive as well as many of the things you would expect only in a much larger, much more expensive car, crossover or SUV.
By Jim Mateja , March 03, 2009
AUTO REVIEW: Even non-hybrid Fusion a pleasant diversion
The 2010 Ford Fusion offers all the flavors.
By Jim Mateja , February 24, 2009
AUTOMOTIVE Q AND A: You do the math to find hybrids' carbon footprint
Q. There's been a lot of interest in plug-in hybrids, but little evidence of how much CO2 reduction they are providing. Since that is the object, the obvious proof of the pudding is CO2 per mile. The mathematics and science are quite straightforward.
By Jim Mateja , February 23, 2009
AUTO REVIEW: No turf too tough for LR2
For those who forgot, Land Rover, a former member of the Ford family, is now part of the Tata Motors clan, which bought Land Rover and Jaguar to gain luxury SUVs and sedans and access to other markets.
By Jim Mateja , February 13, 2009
AUTOMOTIVE Q AND A: No love — or cash — here for Ford
Q. I bought American, a 1988 Ford Taurus that was the best car I ever had. Between my wife and me, we owned six Fords in a row. But they got steadily worse, and in 2005 I switched to Honda, my wife to Toyota. Now I'm supposed to send my money to Ford via Washington for a bailout deal and not even get a car to show for it?
G.D., Skokie, Ill.
By Jim Mateja , February 09, 2009
AUTO REVIEW: Roughneck Wrangler opens 2 more doors to adventure
Unlimited is offered with a softtop standard and a removable hardtop, a $1,585 option, making it a four-door convertible SUV with adult seating front and rear. And it's a blast to pilot in fair weather or foul. Wrangler looks like it was created for adventure and shares its go-anywhere-anytime attitude with those who drive it.
By Jim Mateja , February 02, 2009
AUTO REVEW: Adjusted for inflation
Q. I took my 2009 Lexus RX 350 to the dealer because the "check tire pressure" light came on. He filled the low tire with 38 psi of air, though the recommended pressure on the tag on the door says 30 psi. He said Lexus recommends 35 psi in summer and 38 psi in winter because of normal leakage. What's the upside/downside in safety and tire wear for going with 38 psi rather than 30?
J.K., Bolingbrook, Ill.
By Jim Mateja , January 30, 2009
AUTOMOTIVE Q&A: AWD does not an off-roader make
XC is Volvo-speak for cross country, and it comes with all-wheel-drive.
By Jim Mateja , January 21, 2009
AUTO REVIEW: Arguments for H3T piling up
But something bigger than the H3T could doom it. A financially reeling General Motors said it plans to save money by disposing of Hummer.
By Jim Mateja , January 20, 2009
AUTOMOTIVE Q&A: The promise of the Chevy Volt
Q. I don't think Chevy will build the Volt plug-in electric. I think Volt will be one more promise not kept by an automaker.
By Jim Mateja , January 13, 2009
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