Atlanta Auto Examiner Presents Top 10 Vehicles of 2019

AAE got to test a number of vehicles in 2019. Here are our favorites.

10. Mitsubishi Outlander

9. Mazda CX-9

8. Toyota CH-R

7. Volkswagen Beetle

6. Toyota RAV4

5. Lexus ES 350

4. Mazda CX-5

3. Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

2. Mazda MX-5 Miata

1. Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Mainz, Germany: Historic and Charming

AAE recently had the pleasure to visit the beautiful city of Mainz, Germany. The city is about a half hour outside of Frankfurt, and has a charming downtown area with plenty of historic buildings.

Mainz has plenty of shops, restaurants and other attractions for visitors to enjoy in its downtown area.  The city is very pedestrian friendly.

The fascinating St. Martin's Cathedral in Mainz was built more that a thousand years ago. It has survived wars, fires and more, with periodic updates. This huge structure is full of history.

Fascinating Santiago, Chile

AAE recently visited Santiago, Chile, a beautiful city that is adjacent to mountains and features a number of historical buildings.

Santiago most recently, though, has received attention because of widespread protests that have been conducted in the streets by citizens dissatisfied with the direction of their nation.

The recent protests have been met with efforts by President Sebastian Pinera and security forces to quell the uprising, which has resulted in violence that has claimed nearly 20 lives.

The demonstrations began in October when students protested against a rise in metro fares. The students gathered in stations and avoided turnstiles.
The protests continued peacefully, but before long, destruction and looting began. Protesters were expressing their frustration with income inequality in a nation that has made economic progress that has failed to benefit many segments of the population.

Top earners in Chile make many times what average wage earners bring home.
In an effort to address these concerns, Pinera promised a raise in the minimum wage and pensions, as well as suspension of the metro fare hike.
That has not gone far enough in the view of many protesters, who also feel pinched by education and health care expenses that are financially crippling.

During our visit, the presence of troops and security forces was quite prominent. Throughout the streets and in shopping centers, armed authorities, sometimes with gas masks, were visible.
Some observers in Chile have compared the recent times to the days of the military dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, whose violent reign occurred during the 1970s and '80s.
Protesters are angered by conditions that have recalled that time, and have vowed to continue their uprising until lasting change and equality are achieved.

Autumn Beach Trips are the Best

AAE recently made another trip to a favorite spot, St. Simons Island, Ga. It was relaxing and as beautiful as ever.

The lighthouse at St. Simons Island is a popular attraction. In our opinion, autumn trips to the beach are the best.

Sweet Time in Great Salt Lake

Atlanta Auto Examiner recently visited Salt Lake City, Utah. The scenery was beautiful, as witnessed in this image taken at sunset. The Wasatch Mountains are visible in the background, with a sweeping view of the city in the foreground.

The Mormon Temple complex is seen here in downtown Salt Lake City. The sprawling complex features beautiful architecture and a number of historical markers and statues.

This view from downtown captures the close proximity of the mountains to the city. The city is very walkable but also has an easy-to-use public transportation system.

Scenic and Historic: San Juan, Puerto Rico

A recent trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, produced beautiful vistas of the island, which is still trying to recover from Hurricane Maria. This street in Old San Juan reflects the traditional architecture and bright colors that make the city so distinctive.

This row of toilets made for an interesting attraction in a bar in San Juan. Must admire the creativity.

Colorful neighborhood scene from La Perla section of Old San Juan. Beautiful views of the water.

This historic site offered breathtaking views. It is a popular gathering spot.

This is Carmelo Anthony Court in La Perla section of Viejo San Juan. The basketball star built this court partly to honor his father, who was Puerto Rican.

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: A Good Way to Go Green

In the ever popular world of small SUVs, one of the key drawing points is fuel economy. This week's test model, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, can certainly lay claim to being a leader in that space.
The Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid version of the traditional Outlander. 
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 190 horsepower and a 60-kW electric motor linked to a single-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive is included. 
There are two trim levels: SEL and GT, which our tester was.
The EPA estimates the Outlander PHEV's total driving range to be 310 miles, with a pure electric range of 22 miles. 
That's pretty impressive. 
The interior is comfortable, even though it's not hugely spacious. Our tester had plush leather seats, dual zone climate control and touch screen audio on the center dashboard.
The Outlander PHEV accelerates better than you might expect, with solid braking and handling. 
Pricing starts at over $36,000 with our top of the line tester going for $42,625.
If you're looking for a small SUV with green credentials, the Outlander PHEV is worth a glance.

Beautiful Brazil - Rio de Janeiro

A recent visit to Rio de Janeiro included a trip to Sugarloaf Mountain. The beautiful site can be accessed via cable cars that give breathtaking views of this magnificent city.

The scenic city of Rio has so much to offer, visually and culturally. This view from above gives a glance at the amazing vantage points.

2019 Mazda CX-9: Smooth, Spacious and Smart

With a spacious interior, luxurious styling and good fuel efficiency, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a formidable competitor in the SUV market. 
The CX-9 provides seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The roominess of the interior is striking, as technically the CX-9 is considered a midsize SUV. But when you experience its cavernous space, it seems much more like a large SUV.
Under the hood, the CX-9 features a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 250 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. 
Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive optional. 
Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg city, 28 highway for front-wheel drive models and 20 and 26 for all-wheel drive.
The CX-9 offers four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature, which our test drive model was.
Amenities in the Signature model included leather seating, three-zone climate control, HD radio and side mirror safety notification when a vehicle is close by in the lane on either side.
The CX-9 offers smooth handling and steady acceleration, as we've come to expect from Mazda and its famous Zoom-Zoom mantra.
The CX-9 starts at around $34,000 and tops out at the price of our tester, which was $47,285.
For a spacious SUV with a great set of amenities, the CX-9 offers an appealing choice. 

2019 Toyota C-HR: Small Crossover Offers Big Value

Crossovers have gained substantial popularity in recent years, but within that trend, there has become something of a sub-trend, if you will: the popularity of subcompact crossovers. 
This week's test drive vehicle fits into that category.
The 2019 Toyota C-HR offers seating for five and has a maximum cargo capacity of 36.4 cubic feet with the rear-seat folded down.

It comes in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited, which our tester was.
Under the hood, the C-HR features a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 144 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive.
Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg city, 31 highway by the EPA. 
When you first see the C-HR, you are struck by how truly small it appears. But then you get in the vehicle, and you're struck by how much room you actually have in the cabin. 
We took a nice holiday-weekend getaway trip in the CH-R (see below post), and the three of us all fit in nicely, along with our bags. No one was uncomfortable.
Driving dynamics are pretty good, with more than adequate pickup and responsive handling. 
And the styling of the vehicle, especially the exterior, is distinctive. Sports car vibes meet subcompact looks with a little bit of SUV influence thrown in. 
The C-HR starts at around $23,000, with our topped-out model carrying a sticker price of $29,643.
It's not entirely clear why the subcompact crossover market has burgeoned as it has. Maybe it's because folks want the great fuel economy of a subcompact car, but with a little more interior room.
If that's the case, the Toyota C-HR fits the build beautifully. 

Great Place for a Getaway: Abingdon, Va.

The scenic Holston River just outside Abingdon, Va., is a perfect spot for getting away from it all and enjoying the beauty of nature.

This historic building in Abingdon's downtown has served many purposes over the past couple of centuries. It has been a civil war hospital, a residence and currently is the site of The Tavern, an upscale dining spot offering gourmet food and drinks.

Georgia’s Clean Air Force Offers Seven Key Guidelines for Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle

According to a 2017 used car market report, three out of four automotive sales in the United States involve a pre-owned vehicle. Since Georgia motorists rely so heavily on their cars for transportation, choosing the right pre-owned automobile is important. Utilizing the best resources can help with this decision.

Georgia’s Clean Air Force, in partnership with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), offers seven expert tips to help motorists in the market for a pre-owned vehicle.

“Prior to buying a pre-owned vehicle, it’s imperative that consumers research its history. Researching a potential buy can save you time and money later,” said Michael Odom, Mobile & Area Sources Program Manager, Georgia EPD.

• Obtain a Free Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). To view a free summary of the most recent vehicleinspection reports, motorists should visit www.cleanairforce.com/motorists/vir-reprints/. This report informs you if the vehicle has had a valid, passing emissions inspection performed within the last 12 months.  
• Ask for a Carfax Report. Carfax reports give you the history of the vehicle, letting you know if the vehicle has been involved in an accident or other negative event. When you’re ready to buy, check to see if the dealership will run this report for you. If not, you can easily run a report by visiting www.carfax.com.
• Research the Dealer. Knowing who you are purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from is a vital step in the buying process. By reading reviews for any dealerships or sellers, you can eliminate those that are untrustworthy or have negative comments posted about the vehicles they sell.
• Acquire a Pre-Purchase Inspection. Employ a trusted third party to perform a pre-purchase inspection. 
• Take a Mechanic to a Private Sale. Bring a trusted mechanic with you to a private sale so you don’t drive home with a lemon.
• Complete an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Test. Not sure what this entails? An on-board diagnostic (OBD) test scans the vehicle for specific codes that indicate when the vehicle had certain repairs, or if it has undergone recommended preventative maintenance services. This is helpful information to know when determining what kind of damage or work has been done in the past.
• Choose Your County Wisely. Sellers located outside of metro Atlanta’s 13-county testing area are not required to provide a passing emissions test at the time of sale. You should take this into consideration if you reside in one of the 13 counties where passing an annual emissions test is required.

For additional information or to download an infographic on tips for buying a pre-owned vehicle, visit the Georgia’s Clean Air Force website at http://www.cleanairforce.com.

First Look: Ford GT

Atlanta Auto Examiner recently got a look at the all new Ford GT. It truly seems to be a modern day muscle car. It looks fast even when it's standing still. We hope to drive it soon to provide a full report.
A few facts:

• All-new race-winning Ford GT supercar serves as a test bed for new technologies and advanced lightweight materials that will benefit future Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electric vehicles
• Patent-pending rear wing improves track performance by changing shape like an airplane wing, increasing downforce on the car, with minimal impact on drag, to help aid acceleration, cornering and braking
• GT’s aerodynamics produce positive downforce in all conditions, giving GT stability and grip on and off the track

Love the Lake: Lake Hartwell, S.C.

Beautiful Lake Hartwell, S.C., straddles the South Carolina-Georgia border and is just a two-hour drive from metro Atlanta. It offers boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking and other activities. It's also a great place to view wildlife. Atlanta Auto Examiner's recent trip included viewing a fox, several squirrels and some fish.

Tips for Improving Air Quality and Saving Money

Georgia’s Clean Air Force, a partnership with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), offers these six simple tips to help improve Georgia’s air quality and save money in the process.

As summer driving season kicks off, Georgians who make minor adjustments to their driving habits can greatly reduce harmful emissions, help to improve air quality, and operate their vehicles more reliably.

“As Clean Air Month leads into the summer driving season, it is the ideal time to remind drivers to assess their driving habits and make adjustments that can help to improve the air quality in Georgia,” said Michael Odom, Mobile & Area Sources Program Manager, Georgia EPD. “A few minor tweaks can contribute to cleaner air, save drivers time and money, and prolong the lives of the vehicles they drive.”

In honor of Clean Air Month, following are six tips to help improve air quality and save money:

• Pressure Your Tires to Perform at Their Best. When it comes to fuel economy, your tires are literally where the rubber meets the road. Under-inflated tires create more drag, requiring more gas to accelerate. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.2% for every 1 psi drop in the average pressure of all tires. Plus, properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

• Don’t Idle on Idling. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, idling for just 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting the engine. For every 10 minutes your engine is off, you'll prevent one pound of carbon dioxide from being released into the environment. And you’ll save money, too. An idling car burns anywhere from 1/5 to 7/10 of a gallon of fuel per hour. A good rule of thumb is to turn your engine off if you will be idling for 30 seconds or more.

• Car Pool to Work and School. A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Carpooling with friends or colleagues is not only an excellent way to cut down on harmful emissions, it can save you money on gas, and it can even save you time through the use of HOV lanes. If you have a shorter commute, pledge to walk or ride your bike to work once or twice a week.

• Fuel in the Cool. Twenty percent of all hydrocarbon emissions from cars come from fuel evaporation. Filling your gas tank during the hottest parts of the day – afternoon and early evening – will lead to more evaporation than filling in the morning or at night. Hot temperatures combined with gasoline fumes create harmful ground-level ozone. Also, don’t forget to snap your gas cap in place. Each year, 147 million gallons of gasoline vaporize due to loose, damaged or missing gas caps.

• Lighten Your Load. According to the EPA, fuel economy can be increased by 1 - 2 percent for every 100 pounds removed from the trunk of a vehicle. With gas prices increasing for the summer driving season, this can translate into significant fuel savings over time.

• Cruise to a Win. Fueleconomy.gov statistics show that increasing your highway cruising speed from 55 mph to 75 mph can cause as much as a 20 percent increase in fuel consumption. Driving at 55 mph instead of 65 mph can help you improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 - 15 percent.

For additional information, visit Georgia’s Clean Air Force at www.cleanairforce.com.

2019 Volkswagen Beetle: Another Swan Song

For decades, the Volkswagen Beetle was among the most popular small cars. Then it went away for awhile. Then in the 1990s, it came back, as the New Beetle. Its popularity was re-stoked and it seemed the world would forever have its Beetles. 
Now however, the 2019 Beetle has entered its final year of production, as it will take another halt in production, indefinitely. 
Sales have been mild, with the rise of compact crossovers probably playing a large role. 
Anyway, doesn't hurt to enjoy it while it's still here. 
It's available as a two-door hatchback or two-door convertible.
Its maximum cargo capacity is 29.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.
The Beetle has four trim levels: S, Final Edition SE, SE and Final Edition SEL.
Under the hood is a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 174 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy for the Beetle is rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway. 
While it's no sports car, it's still kind of fun to drive. And you can't help but enjoy the nostalgic aspect of it. 
Pricing ranges from about $22,000 to around $31,000.
We'll miss this fun, iconic little car. Maybe it will come back to us again some day. 

Things to See in Tennessee -- Chattanooga

This lovely view of a bridge over the Tennessee River revealed itself in a recent visit to Chattanooga. This pleasant city has a fun downtown section with shops, restaurants, attractions and beautiful river vistas.

Chattanooga is nestled amid the Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River, creating beautiful views throughout the city.

Sensational Sao Paulo

We recently visited the vibrant city of Sao Paulo, Brasil. Shown above is a Sunday afternoon street festival that featured live music, performances, food and a lively party atmosphere.

This live statue was among many attractions at the Sunday street festival in Sao Paulo. The city showed its cultural richness.

2019 Toyota RAV4: Sporty New Style, Same Great Utility

In the ever-growing field of small SUVs, there is one that has been around a long time and still delivers the goods: the 2019 Toyota RAV4.
This popular model seats five and has been redesigned for this model year to give it a sleeker, sportier look (with good results, by the way).
The RAV4 comes in five trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure and Limited. Our tester was the latter. 
Despite being a small SUV, we found it to have ample room. It features a maximum cargo space of 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. That's pretty impressive. 
We took it on a weekend trip with two adults and two teenagers, with each carrying a duffel bag, and did not feel the least bit cramped.
Under the hood you'll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 203 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but our tester had the optional all-wheel drive. 
Gas mileage for the RAV4 is rated at 26 mpg city, 35 highway, according to the EPA. With all-wheel drive it drops to 25 and 33. The RAV4 features an Eco driving mode that helps contribute to better fuel efficiency with little diminishing of power. 
Pricing for the RAV4 starts at around $28,000, but our top of the line tester carried a sticker price of $39,429. That might seem kind of hefty for a small SUV, but with all the features such as leather interior, satellite radio, front and rear safety cameras and more, it's a lot of bang for the buck. 
With its sportier new design and continued utility, the Toyota RAV4 is a strong player in the small SUV market. 

2019 Lexus ES 350: Smooth and Sultry

Sedans may not be as popular as they once were, thanks to the growing affinity for crossover SUVs. But that doesn't mean there aren't some really good sedans still on the market. One of which is the 2019 Lexus ES 350.
This mid-size luxury sedan offers comfortable seating for five and a pleasantly designed interior that lets you ride in style. 
It is powered by a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 302 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 33 highway.
Driving dynamics can best be described as super smooth. Acceleration is pretty powerful, too, but overall, the ES just glides over the highways. 
Amenities included rich leather seating, satellite radio, dual zone climate control, backup camera and side-approaching warning signaling.
And compared with its European luxury brand competitors, you can expect high reliability from the Lexus - so even if you spend a fair amount on the initial purchase, you can be assured you won't have several costly follow up visits to the dealer to fix all manner of things that go wrong. 
The sticker price on our model, which was the Ultra Lux trim, was $53,742.
For a nicely appointed luxury sedan, check out the Lexus ES 350.

2019 Mazda CX-5: A Crossover that Makes a Lot of Sense

The small crossover market has been burgeoning in recent years, in part because of vehicles like the 2019 Mazda CX-5. It is compact but still roomy enough for regular life stuff, gets good gas mileage and offers seating for five.
The CX-5 comes in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature. The Signature model is new and features Nappa leather seats and satin chrome/wood-grain trim on the interior.
Under the hood of the CX-5 is a standard 2.5-liter SKYACTIV four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.  Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive being optional. 
Another option is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 227 horsepower. 
Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg city and 27 highway for turbocharged models with all-wheel drive, and 25 and 31 for models with naturally aspirated engines and front-wheel drive.
The interior is comfortable and more roomy than you might think. 
Exterior styling flows nicely from front to back, with the retention of the fluid design language that Mazda has adopted over the past few years. 
Pricing on the CX-5 ranges from about $26,000 to just under $40,000.
For a stylish small crossover that offers reliable performance, the Mazda CX-5 makes a lot of sense. 

2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro: It's Back, Bolder than Ever

The 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro has returned, and it's bolder and badder than ever. 

This version of the Tundra pickup truck took a hiatus for the 2018 model year.

Upon its return, it offers the whole slate of Toyota's Safety Sense P system, including Toyota's Star Safety System, as standard features. The systems feature stability and traction control, an anti-lock brake system, brake-force distribution, smart-stop technology, a precollision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, sway control, auto high beams and adaptive cruise control.

The TRD Pro is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 engine. 

Other key attributes are the new 18-inch BBS alloy wheels that save almost 14 pounds of weight, a newly designed 1/4-inch-thick front skid plate with a restyled TRD logo stamped on the aluminum, LED headlights with black accents and a pair of Rigid Industries foglights at the outer edges of the front bumper.

Fuel economy is rated at 13 mpg city, 17 highway. 

The interior is cavernous and comfortable, featuring leather seats and dual zone climate control. 

Our test model carried a sticker price of $52,474.

Whether you need a big pickup for work, play or some of both, the TRD Pro is a terrific choice.