The Kia Telluride Has Already Won A LOT of Awards - Now, It’s Literally the ‘World’s Best Car of 2020’

I actually didn't even know this award existed until recently. The Kia Telluride might be the best SUV EVER at blurring the lines between mainstream and luxury.

The 2020 Kia Telluride (alongside its sister vehicle the Hyundai Palisade) is a well-rounded, award winning SUV. In fact, it’s won the “triple crown” of automotive awards this year (MotorTrend, NACOTY, and Car and Driver).

For better reference, here’s a quick list. So far, it’s won:

-2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year

-MotorTrend 2020 SUV of the Year

-Car & Driver 10 Best List 2020

-2020 Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Best Buy

-AutoTrader.com 12 Best New Cars for 2020

-Cars.com Best New Car of 2020

-Named the “CUV of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association - won in the “Midsize CUV” category at the Texas Auto Writer’s Association Roundup

-Edmunds Top Rated SUV 2020

...and several other awards. I’m putting a link below to Friendly Kia, where they highlight some of the Telluride’s other accolades. Contact your local Kia dealer for more specific Telluride info.

Friendly Kia: https://www.friendlykia.com/blog/what-awards-has-the-kia-telluride-won/

Now, you can add “2020 World Car of the Year” to that win list. Generally awarded at the New York Auto Show (rescheduled until at least late August due to coronavirus), the Telluride beat out the Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3 to be the overall winner.

Other winners include the 2020 Kia Soul EV as “Urban Car of the Year” (note - the 2020 Soul EV is not available in the U.S. yet), and the 2020 Porsche Taycan EV as “World Performance Car of the Year” and “World Luxury Car of the Year”. The 2020 Mazda3 took home “World Car Design of the Year”.

I gave this Telluride to my mother as a gift. Its been a great SUV.

Previously, I said I was going to get her a new Oldsmobile Silhouette

and then a new Saturn Outlook as gifts someday, but those brands are 

no longer around of course.

I leased the 2020 Kia Telluride S AWD for my mother last spring from Summit Place Kia Auburn Hills when I worked at Hyundai/Kia product planning and gave it to her as a gift, making good on a promise I made to her in the 2nd grade that I would help her get a car someday. I had no idea it would rack up as many awards as it has. It’s been a stellar SUV, we’ve taken it on two family road trips! Add it (and the Palisade) to your new SUV shopping list.

I haven’t talked about the Palisade/Telluride duo a lot on my blog, but I do plan to upload some other content on them and fully review the Telluride in the future, so stay tuned.

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Please, Donate to Your Local Food Banks

Hello all,

Taking a break from posting about cars for a moment to encourage you to donate during this coronavirus pandemic to your local food banks while also continuing to do what you can to help "flatten the curve". Many are struggling to keep up with demand, and a record number of Americans are unemployed and depending on community food banks for assistance. You’re blessed if you’re not. Be a blessing to someone else if you’re able. Every little bit helps.

Stronger together.

-Adam

New YouTube Video: How to Change Wiper Blades - 2008 Saturn Aura

Changing wipers may seem hard, but it can all be so easy. The process varies from car to car, however.

There's a new YouTube video up on the Adam's Autos YouTube page! I demonstrate how to change the wiper blades on my 2008 Saturn Aura. Note that this wiper changing process will vary from car to car. However, in this case, this method will also apply to the 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu.

I ordered my wiper blades off of Amazon.com, which generally allows you to order an exact fit. You want to be sure that you have something that will allow you to press down on the little tab on the wiper blade to release the old blade. Then, it slides right off and the new blades can slide on. Be sure to remove the green protectant film and test the out. Also, make sure that the driver's and passenger blades are on the right sides of the car. You can see the millimeter measurements on the tip of the blade.

Here's the video link. Like, comment and subscribe for more:  https://youtu.be/eFuA3WSz7gg

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Lexus Discontinues the GS 300 for 2020; LQ Flagship SUV Is Coming (UPDATE 4/24/20: Lexus GS Is Dead after 2020 MY)

Lexus doesn't sell a ton of the GS, which is probably why the base GS 300 model is dropped now. Could this be foreshadowing the discontinuation of the entire GS line?

UPDATE 4/24/20: The Lexus GS will officially be discontinued after the 2020 model year. I had a feeling this was coming. The rear-wheel drive GS has been in a sales slump and constantly outsold by the front-wheel drive ES, which is also significantly cheaper. This, before you factor in the whole crossover SUV and truck trend we have going on. A special 2020 Black Line Edition will be offered as a send off. R.I.P. #Sedanapocalypse

For the 2020 model year, Lexus has dropped the GS 300 from the GS line. This was a base model that started at $47,885 with 241 HP. Lexus says that this model only accounted for a small percentage of GS sales, so people were going for the higher GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport models. The GS 350 starts at $52,420 for 2020 and makes 311 HP. The GS 350 F Sport rear-wheel drive starts at $53,785, and the AWD model at $55,530. The GS F is powered by a 5.0L V8 with 467 HP and 389 pound-feet of torque.

The Lexus GS sells in pretty low numbers, and if you visit a dealer, it doesn’t even look like they stock many. I noticed this at my local Lexus dealer near Ann Arbor. Its rumored that the Lexus ES may offer AWD in the future (finally) and given that both the IS and GS sedans are older designs now while the ES is all new, this could be a reason for the sales slump. The 2020 Lexus ES makes just nine HP less than the GS 350 at 302 with its 3.5L V6 and costs $7,000 less (albeit, its FWD vs. the GS with RWD). Time will tell what happens to Lexus’ sedan lineup as SUV sales continue to grow and sedan demand continues to cool off. A RWD sport sedan will likely always have a following. But something tells me the GS might be on its way out the door in the future...

Lexus LQ SUV Coming Soon?

Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept - this will likely inspire the design of the upcoming LQ SUV.

In other Lexus news - it looks like there’s going to be a new top SUV coming to the Lexus lineup. The upcoming LQ will slot above the LX, which is an ancient design that competes with the likes of the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. The LQ likely will be far more modern than other  Lexus SUVs, and may even make up to 600 HP. Its basic design was previewed a few years ago by the LF-1 Limitless concept from 2018, but the LQ isn’t likely to arrive until the 2022 model year with base prices starting in the $80,000 to $100,000 range.

Are you a Lexus fan and which model would you get? I’m looking forward to some new life being injected into Lexus’ lineup. Personally, I find Toyota and Lexus cars to be very practical and always reliable, but kinda boring to drive and overstyled all at the same time... Their infotainment system in their cars also needs an overhaul (in particular Lexus).

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

New YouTube Video: 0-60 MPH in All of My Cars: 08’ Aura, ‘18 Compass, ‘04 Bravada, ‘13 Regal Turbo, ‘20 Telluride

A 0-60 time isn’t everything, but it can give you an idea of what a vehicle’s powertrain is capable of. 

I've uploaded a new video to my Adam's Autos YouTube page! This video features me doing a 0-60 run in all of the vehicles I have at my disposal: the 2008 Saturn Aura, 2018 Jeep Compass, 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2013 Buick Regal Turbo, and the new 2020 Kia Telluride. Can you guess which one is the fastest? 

I enjoy driving all of these vehicles when I get the chance. The Regal and Aura are quite sporty, the Compass and Telluride have a "rugged but still smooth" vibe, and the Bravada is butter smooth on the road, comfortable and luxurious while still being capable.

For more of my quick impressions on driving/owning these vehicles, visit my YouTube video and read the description box. While you're there, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for future content AND to answer the poll question I've placed in the video! Thanks for tuning in AND for the and the 50,000+ website views now! I'm looking forward to more cars and content!

Link: https://youtu.be/4mBF1Yp43w0

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

An Assortment of Vehicles That Look Surprisingly Similar

"I've seen that grille and headlight design somewhere before, but I just can't quite put my finger on it..."

Ever see a car on the road and think, “Huh... ya know, that looks like something else...” Largely this could be a coincidence, but some companies do have prior business tie-ups that may influence designs, such as Ford, Aston Martin and Range Rover being under a single roof at one point. Let’s explore a few strikingly similar-looking cars.

1. 2020 Kia Telluride vs. Ford Expedition (front), GMC Yukon Denali (front), Volvo XC90 (side profile & rear) vs. Range Rover lineup (front grille)

2. 2020 Jeep Compass vs. 2020 Range Rover Evoque (front & side profile, especially in two-tone white paint)

3. Ford Fusion, Fiesta, Focus grilles vs. Aston Martin's grille

4. Lincoln Continental vs. Bentley Continental Flying Spur

5. Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. Genesis G70 (side profile and rims)

6. Audi A5, A7 and Kia Stinger (Overall shape/silhouette, liftback, rims - 2020 Audi A7 shown)

Do you know of any very similar looking cars that come from different brands? Let me know if you can think of some!

Stay Prepared, Stay Safe, STAY HOME - Coronavirus

Keeping a full tank of gas in an unknown, fluid situation such as the U.S. is in now is something I recommend.

Hello friends,

It’s been some time since we’ve talked cars. And while I will be making more content, especially while we’re quarantined due to the Covid-19 coronavirus, there’s something pressing I want to quickly address. Staying home and staying safe while staying prepared. Today, the governor of the state of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, declared that residents are to stay home and only come out for essential needs (food, medicine, to care for someone else, etc.). Auto shows such as the one in Geneva have cancelled. The Big 3 (GM, Ford, FCA) have all temporarily suspended operations at their U.S. plants. This is all to help “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of the coronavirus. I want to encourage you to do just that - take care of yourself and family and stay home. Practice social distancing and flatten the curve.

However, I’d be remiss to tell you to not prepare also. If you need something essential such as water, go get it, but protect yourself and your family by washing your hands regularly first and foremost, but  also wearing rubber gloves if you have any on tap. Clean your house and car after any trips out. And one thing I do strongly advise - FILL UP YOUR GAS TANK AND KEEP GAS IN IT.

Now I know what you’re thinking - “Adam, that makes no sense. We’re not going anywhere.” That may be true, but in an emergency, you can NEVER be too prepared, friends. Gas is cheap in most places now - I stopped and put gas in my mother’s 2020 Kia Telluride for $1.57 today. When was the last time you could fill up for that? The 90s!? Keeping gas in your tank in a situation where you don’t know what’s coming tomorrow is basic safety in my eyes. You’re ready to go anywhere for anything if need be. So yes, stock up and fill up, too. But maybe leave a pack of toilet paper for the next family, ok?

Roll on guys. And stay prepared, stay safe and STAY HOME.

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Score a Safety, Score a Volvo – Super Bowl LIV

Happy 2020!

Volvo is a company committed to safety. So much so, until they’re rooting for a safety to be scored during this year’s Super Bowl game. If a safety (worth 2 points) is scored by either team, then Volvo is giving away $1 million dollars’ worth of cars! But you only have until kick off time to enter (6:30 pm).

Here’s how you enter – go to Volvo’s site and you’ll see a link to configure your dream Volvo and enter the sweepstakes. You’ll be asked after to enter your email so you can be contacted. Here’s my Volvo below – a red/white roof XC40 Momentum AWD. Candy paint with a cream interior! Some of my options include navigation, 19-inch rims, and an exterior appearance package that rolls in silver accents.

Be sure to get your entry in and good luck!

Who are you rooting for in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs or 49ers? Look out for commercials from Jeep, Kia, Hyundai, GM and other automakers during the big game! Super Bowl LIV will air on FOX at 6:30 pm.

The Volvo XC40 I built for the sweepstakes - get yours in before the kickoff!

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Smart Will No Longer Sell Cars In N.A. After 2019

Seen at the Mercedes-Benz of Ann Arbor store. Smart is not long for the U.S. market...

Grad school and work keep me plenty busy. But I'm coming back with more new content! However, one brand won't be making a return in the near future...

Another one bites the dust – Smart will stop selling cars in the U.S. and Canada after the 2019 model year. Currently, the only model that’s offered is the battery-electric Smart EQ Fortwo. The gasoline model has already been dropped. Its quite uncommon to see these cars on the road, especially in the hands of the average driver, so I can’t say I’m surprised… Fiats are also pretty uncommon. I believe this is partially due to the fact that Americans are just more into SUVs and larger cars in general than compact or pint-sized cars. Also, the EQ Fortwo has a puny EV range to match its puny size (58 miles).

Daimler, who owns both Mercedes-Benz and Smart, issued a statement citing “a number of factors, including a declining micro-car market in the U.S. and Canada” among other reasons. Originally, Smart cars were designed to be “urban runabouts” for tight city settings. Most Mercedes-Benz dealers have stopped selling Smarts already, but the one near me still has its Smart sign up.

Will you miss Smart cars? I for one likely won’t – you can’t miss what you can’t see. And generally, you don’t see one unless its taking up a parking space you happen to want. I’m looking forward to other electric cars from Mercedes-Benz.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Used Car Shopping Tips

Do you get stressed at the thought of buying a car? These tips below will hopefully give you an advantage going in the door of the dealer!

Car shopping doesn’t have to be tricky, especially used car shopping. You can turn it into something fun and in your favor. That’s what I’ve strived to do with my 2008 Saturn Aura and 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada. Here’s a few tips to help you navigate used car buying.

1. Know what you want and the price you want to pay - This might seem basic, but having the basics established before you walk into a dealer is key. Know what you can afford in your budget, what you’re looking for in your next vehicle in terms of safety, convenience features, etc., and then perform the necessary research to find out what vehicles offer what you want/need in a purchase.

2. Don’t be afraid to negotiate - Getting the best deal out of anything in life requires advocating for yourself, and that includes car deals. If you feel in your gut a price is too high, bargain on it! This often requires research so you know what similar vehicles are selling for, but leaves you more informed about the products and situation you’re walking into.

3. Don’t be afraid to “get dirty” and inspect the car yourself top to bottom, inside and out - For my Bravada I just got, it was a great deal at $3,700 - lower than any Bravada within several hundred miles! But I had to check the car out to ensure it was worth the deal. I looked under the hood, looked under the bottom of it, went for a full test drive, check all exterior lighting, checked the Carfax, had a checklist of trouble spots I was looking for... This all took planning, but the key word is “check”! 

4. Never drive off without making sure everything is in working order how you want it. Any issues you notice, report them to your salesperson and say, “I don’t want to drive this vehicle off the lot until these issues are resolved so I’m safe.” Note that some dealers may try to wiggle out of the responsibility to fix the car - Todd Wenzel in Davison, MI fixed several of the things I pointed out, but did leave a few tasks undone. I’m still very appreciative either way.

Bonus: If you choose to finance a cheaper car, it can be a solid way to build credit. Keep up with your payments and again - make sure it fits well within your personal budget and is decently maintained so it’ll last while you’re planning your life out and building.

So there you have it, a few tips from my own experience buying cars. Have any of your own to add? Feel free to state what you know. Happy hunting!

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

My Dream/Project Car Highlight - The 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada

If you’ve talked to me for any length of time, you’ll probably hear about how I enjoy finding uncommon cars and how I’ve always wanted my own Oldsmobile. I’ve been making plans literally since grade school, writing book reports on Olds, and my mother has had several Oldsmobiles and Buicks. 2004 was the final year for the Oldsmobile brand. But now...it’s officially a reality!

I’ve had this 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWD 4.2L I6 for roughly a month and a half now, and it’s been GREAT. What’s even better is that it’s a 1-owner vehicle that had 88,000 miles when I got it - the only 2004 Bravada within 500 miles of my home like this. Wild! My 2008 Saturn has almost 103,000 miles on it! The price was right at $3,700 (similar Bravadas with 100-200k cost thousands more), and the only mechanical things I’ve noticed that need addressing are possibly an alignment, a slight rattle under the rear (loose spare tire?), and the check engine light (bad sensor).

My goal is to now fix this and my Saturn Aura 3.5L V6 up (and maybe my Jeep - but it’s a lease) in my own ways and to start attending various car shows in the future. And road trips! I’ve already started detailing and repairs - let’s just say it’s been quite an endeavor haha. Shoutout to my coworker for helping me get to the shop to pick up my Saturn and DaVonta Grant at Todd Wenzel Buick GMC in Davison, Michigan!

Here’s to “Operation: Project Cars”! I’ll be highlighting my experience along the way. I’ve also posted an article on Adam’s Autos on things to look for if you’re shopping for a more affordable used car. I encourage you to strive to follow your passions and goals you've set as well. #Oldsmobile #Bravada #Saturn #Aura #Customization #DreamCarHighlights

My 2008 Saturn Aura V6, 2018 Jeep Compass Latitude, 

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada

SN: Been getting questions about “how you’ve got all green and white cars!” I know, and the answer is NO - I’m not purposely buying all my cars green and white because I went to Michigan State haha. Purely coincidental. But hey - IT WORKS! Go Green, Go White! My next new car will definitely be red, black or blue though.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Lincoln Is Winning In Style

I am really digging Lincoln more and more. Nice modern spin on classic American luxury. Though the MKT is definitely the oddball of the lineup now, and should be phased out soon. I'm also liking how the company is reverting back to using actual names on its cars! YES! The Corsair will replace the MKC for 2020. #MKZ #Continental #Corsair #MKC #Nautilus #Navigator #Aviator #MKT #FordMotorCompany #TheLincolnMotorCompany

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Dream Car Highlights - 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora V8, Final 500 Edition Oldsmobiles, Or Any 2004 Oldsmobile

The final Oldsmobile was a 2004 Alero, on display now at the GM

Heritage museum. Its hood was signed by all of the line workers.

What Is It: Oldsmobile was a mid-luxury brand from General Motors, and one of the oldest car brands in existence before its demise in 2004. Over the years, they made a variety of personal luxury coupes, sedans, a minivan, and an SUV among other cars. The Final 500 models were special edition Oldsmobiles made between the 2002-2004 model years with dark cherry paint, unique badging, and commemorative ornaments for the owner celebrating more than 100 years of the brand.

It’s worth noting which of these models you CAN’T get and when. You can’t get an Aurora for 2004 - it was discontinued after 2003, and only the V8 model was available that year. The Intrigue and Aurora V6 were discontinued after 2002. Of the three remaining Oldsmobile models in 2004 (Alero, Bravada, and Silhouette), I’d get an Alero V6 or Bravada if it was in great shape.

2001-2003 Aurora

Why Do You Want It: Let’s establish something if you didn’t already know: I love Oldsmobiles. My mother had 3 (two Achievas and a Silhouette) and I love the history of the brand. When I heard the brand was being shut down in 2004, I was shocked, even as a kid. We had a lot of great times in our Oldsmobiles. It’d be great to have some more of those.

2002-2004 Bravada

That’s why for me, I’d like to someday have a Final 500 Oldsmobile, preferably an Aurora. But since these are hard to find, especially in decent shape nowadays, I’d also take any 2004 Oldsmobile. Having a piece of automotive history that reminds me of my childhood is just special to me. Sharing that passion with the world and encouraging others to follow their ambitions, whether it’s car-related or not, is equally critical.

Literiture on the Final 500 Bravada, Silhouette and Alero:

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Dream Car Highlights – 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

With a 6.2L V8 good for 415 HP, the G8 GXP was Pontiac's real true send off!

What Is It: The Pontiac G8 was a large four-door rear-wheel drive sedan produced by the now defunct General Motors-Holden division in Australia and exported to America for 2008 and 2009. The G8 replaced the Bonneville and GTO as Pontiac’s full-sized/import offering within their lineup in the 2000s. It was Pontiac’s last new sedan introduction – the ST (Sport Truck) version never made it into production.

The G8 was available with a 3.6L V6 and two V8s – a 6.0L V8 with 361 HP and a 6.2L V8 with 402 HP. Arguably, the G8 GXP with its 6.2L V8 is the rarest variant. One with the 6-speed manual would be extra, extra rare – I’ve seen some examples of low mileage GXPs still cost upwards to $35,000-$40,000! A full decade later!

Why Do You Want It: To have one of the very last Pontiacs would be pretty special. Specifically, the G8 GXP and Solstice GXP were like Pontiac’s last hurrah. One car I really wanted in high school was the 2010 Pontiac G6, which was not quite as special as the G8, but holds the honor as the last Pontiac ever made. Given one of my goals to compete in car shows some day, a G8 GXP would round out whatever collection of rides I have at time nicely… If one can be found in good condition down the road at a nice price! I simply can’t imagine that these prices will decrease any time soon.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

"Its been a long time, shouldn't have left you..." I'm back with more vital information for your everyday life and also updated the mobile site layout. Don't blame me, blame grad school for my absence.

Now that we've gotten those couple 90s references out of the way, let's jump right in.

Did you know: The 2019 Genesis G70 and Buick Regal Sportback are two of the only new cars I’ve noticed that give you a standard heated steering wheel BEFORE you get standard heated seats…

I like it when I don't have to jump to higher trims for comfort features I want...

A heated steering wheel is standard on the base trim of the Genesis G70. But you must jump up to the Elite Package for an extra $5,000 to get heated/cooled front seats among other features (such as real leather seats, navigation and rain-sensing wipers). On the other end, the Regal Sportback’s Preferred II trim will give you a heated steering wheel. But you must jump up to the Regal’s Essence trim for an extra $2,000 to get real leather seats and heated seats…

This seems backwards to me… Personally, I’d want to have heated seats before a heated steering wheel. Although now that I’ve had both in my Jeep, I won’t go without either. Regardless, these are both stylish rides.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.