

Carl Jung’s ghost smiled the other night. I had Nissan’s new Cube that week. It’s the latest of those funky little, small-but-tall urban-warfare rigs.

There is, in case you haven’t noticed it, a lot of machismo in the automobile world. Dedicated motor heads who talk about a car being fun to drive are almost always referring to one of those long, low, slightly suggestive, slightly dangerous sports cars. And when they use the word drive, they secretly mean “tame.” It’s all about big horsepower and a bigger attitude.

At nearly 20 feet long and weighing more than 2-1/2 tons, the 1974 Buick Estate was one of the largest station wagons ever built. It was a long, low and boat-like behemoth that could hold Mom, Dad, Grandma, the dog and as many kids as one could cram into the cargo space in the back. It was perfect for hauling passengers and cargo, and taking the family out for those bygone weekend nights at the drive-in theater.


Dear Tom and Ray: Is it ever safe to start a car with no oil in it? I have a 2004 Honda Civic, and when I change the oil filter, it always drips all over the place, down the side of the engi


The Falcon Name Was Used Before — And Since — 1955
This is not a customized T-bird, and not a product of Ford Motor Company, despite the "Falcon" name. (Ford bui


The wheels of automotive technology are turning faster than ever, even amidst automakers’ trying times. Vehicle manufacturers are adjusting to a lower level of light vehicle sales in the United States: a total of barely 10 million for 2009, which is a significant decline compared to 14 million in 2008 and 17 million in 2007.


This week, we’re driving the 2010 Mazda 3 “i” Touring 4-door sedan, featuring a new, aerodynamic exterior based on its new concept car called Nagare (pronounced “na-ga-reh”) that debuted at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

I have a 2003 Ford Focus, and every time I use the windshield-wiper fluid, the wipers’ fuse blows. They work fine otherwise. What can I do?


If you have a favorite car (or truck), we want you to share your passion with our readers. Send a picture of you and your favorite car (it’s OK if you’re in the picture, but the car or truck must be prominent), and include the following information: your name and age, make, model and year of vehicle, when you bought it, why you love it (including a favorite experience with the car if you have one), and what you expect your next car will be. Send it to Pete Tormey, The Spokesman-Review, 999 W. Riverside Ave., Spokane, WA 99201 or via e-mail to petet@spokesman.com.



