Cars

Among the ruins of Henry Ford's America

In the 1920s the auto titan strove to export his empire to the Amazon rain forest. Have you read a parable lately?

By Greg Grandin Jun 26, 2009

Auto safety for dummies

Critics who whine Obama is outlawing big cars for dangerous compacts are riding shotgun with empty barrels.

By Katharine Mieszkowski June 16, 2009
The Fiat-ization of the American male

Can a nation of dudes whose sexual self-image was built on macho Jeeps survive the rise of the Little Mouse?

By Gary Kamiya June 11, 2009
Electric cars are coming!

We're sorry to be buzz kills. But we've heard this one before. Like in 1990. And 1910. Do the automakers have the juice this time?

By Katharine Mieszkowski May 20, 2009
Did I just buy an SUV?

I didn't mean to. I am an environmentalist. Really. But before I knew it, there it was, in front of my house.

By Mark Benjamin January 5, 2009

The economic Civil War

The South's attempt to kill the North's auto industry is the latest battle in an ongoing conflict. It's time for a Third Reconstruction to put an end to it.

By Michael Lind December 18, 2008
Dude, where's my $700 billion?

Congress handed Wall Street a huge wad of cash to jump-start the economy. It didn't work -- so where did all that money go?

By Mike Madden December 17, 2008
Meet the GOP's wrecking crew

Why did a small group of Southern Republicans turn the auto bailout into a demolition derby? Introducing the senators who hate unions and love foreign cars.

By Alex Koppelman and Mike Madden December 13, 2008
Detroit revs up its bailout begging

On bended knee, and with promises to retool their operations, the Big Three ask Congress for billions to save the auto industry. They might get it this time.

By Mike Madden December 5, 2008
The short, disgusting life of the Hummer

As General Motors tells Congress it is weighing the fate of the gas guzzler, Salon compiles a scrapbook. Enjoy these proud moments in Hummer history.

By Katharine Mieszkowski December 5, 2008
Detroit isn't dead yet

As Washington clashes over a Big Three bailout, it's ignoring the best cure to the automakers' ills: Universal healthcare.

By Edward McClelland November 26, 2008
Is Detroit worth saving?

The U.S. is gung-ho on rescuing the automakers. But the bailout better have major strings attached.

By Joseph Romm November 12, 2008
Who says Americans won't ride mass transit?

With gas prices through the roof, our car-crazy nation showed the love for buses and trains. But there's a glitch.

By Katharine Mieszkowski October 23, 2008
Doc Hudson vs. Che Guevara

Paul Newman's crusty, kid-friendly, oddly classic final role (as a car). Plus: Film-world eggheads battle over Soderbergh's unconventional "Che."

By Andrew O'Hehir October 6, 2008
Brother, can you spare $50 billion?

The auto industry asks Washington for a little help. But don't call it a bailout!

By Andrew Leonard September 9, 2008
We drive as we live

No wonder traffic will never improve. We are doomed by our behavior, as a drive in New York with "Traffic" author Tom Vanderbilt reveals.

By Kevin Berger August 27, 2008
Busting the electric car myth

No, electric cars don't suck down the same amount of energy as gas guzzlers do.

By Pablo Päster August 25, 2008
Burger and fries to go

How to convert a car to run on leftover vegetable oil from your local greasy spoon.

By Liz Galst August 13, 2008
Hyping the Chevy Volt

Is GM setting a new record for vaporware peddling?

By Evan Ratliff August 11, 2008
Hang up and drive

Think driving while talking on the cellphone is safe as long as you use a headset, as new laws require? Stop yammering and read this article.

By Katharine Mieszkowski July 25, 2008
I'm on vacation. But you can help out!

Seeking suggestions: Best movies for kids, non-current, non-Disney (or at least non-CGI) and non-obvious preferred.

By Andrew O'Hehir June 2, 2008
McCain's gassy tax relief

An economics and transportation expert evaluates the presidential hopeful's plan to suspend the gas tax: "It's a terrible idea."

By Katharine Mieszkowski April 21, 2008
Ask Pablo

Considering the energy used in auto manufacturing, is it better to keep my old car or buy a new hybrid?

By Pablo Päster April 21, 2008
I'm a condo parking-spot hoarder!

I have two spaces and only one car -- but that doesn't mean you can just use my spot!

By Cary Tennis February 29, 2008
The car of the future is here

The Prius? Nope. Hydrogen? Forget about it. Plug-in hybrids are the only way to drive.

By Joseph Romm January 22, 2008