2022 Nissan Maxima: Large Sedan Does Not Disappoint

 

You tend to expect a smooth ride, pleasantly appointed interior and nice convenience features when you get in a full-size sedan. The 2023 Nissan Maxima delivers all that, and a bit more. 

The Maxima offers a stylish, nearly luxurious, design and continues to show why Nissan has nicknamed it the "four-door sports car."

Under the hood, you'll find a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 300 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission. 

The Maxima gets fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 30 highway. 

Three trim levels are offered: SV, SR and Platinum.

 

Driving dynamics are impressive, with good handling and braking and smooth acceleration. 

The interior creates a comfortable and somewhat upscale environment, pleasant for driver and passengers. 

And the exterior styling is equally impressive, with flowing body lines and a mildly aggressive stance. 

Pricing for the Maxima starts at around $40,000, ranging to around $45,000. 

For those seeking a great premium sedan, the Nissan Maxima provides a strong choice. 

2023 Nissan Altima: Refreshed Styling Makes It Even Better

 

In yet another reminder that the sedan market hasn't gone away (it's just receded a bit), Nissan has given its popular Altima mid-size sedan, a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year, featuring a sportier front grille in stylish black and a larger infotainment system.

The Altima comes in four trim levels: S, SV, SR and SL.

Under the hood, you'll find a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 188 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). The Altima is also available as an all-wheel drive (AWD) model, making 182 horsepower. 

And if you're looking for more power, there's a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder model that makes 248 horsepower with the CVT and FWD.

For the standard model, fuel economy comes in at an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/39 highway. The AWD model is rated at 26/36, while the turbo model is rated at 25/34 mpg.

In addition to a stylish exterior, the Altima has a neatly appointed interior that has hints of luxury but still maintains a practicality and user-friendliness that you'll appreciate. 

Pricing for the Altima starts at around $26,000 and ranges to about $35,000.

For an attractive and pleasant-to-drive sedan, the Altima delivers. 

Toyota Saying Farewell to the Avalon Sedan

 Today's test-drive model offers a tribute to a venerable sedan in the Toyota lineup that will be going away next model year. The 2022 Toyota Avalon, a full-size family sedan, has been a steady competitor in the family-car segment for many years. It now appears to be falling victim, though, to the swelling popularity of crossover SUVs, a movement that has spelled the end for a number of sedans.

The Avalon has, under the hood, a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 301 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. 

The Avalon comes in three trim levels: XLE, Limited and Touring. 

Fuel efficiency for the XLE trim is an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 32 highway. The Limited and Touring trims are rated at 22 and 31.

The Avalon offers a smooth ride and a pleasant interior. And in recent years, even its exterior styling has drawn praise, as Toyota updated it to make it less stodgy and boring. 

But alas, as more buyers turn away from sedans, Toyota has decided to move on from the Avalon. It reportedly will be replaced by another sedan in the lineup, though, so stayed tuned for more developments.

The Avalon starts at around $37,000 and ranges to around $44,000.

For a nice family sedan, check out the Avalon - while you still can. 

Fall and Winter Driving Tips from Georgia's Clean Air Force

 

With fall in full swing and winter looming, it is important for motorists to be mindful of changing weather and temperatures and their potential effects on vehicles.

“Keeping cars well-maintained facilitates cleaner vehicle operations, which leads to better air quality for Georgians” said Michael Odom, Mobile & Area Sources Manager, Georgia Environmental Protection Division. “Georgia’s Clean Air Force encourages motorists to take some time this fall to attend to car care basics for cold weather driving.”
 
Here are some suggestions to ready your vehicle for the upcoming months:
 
Check the lights. Fewer daylight hours and the potential for winter precipitation are compelling reasons to ensure that all vehicle lights, including headlights, taillights, flashers, and brake lights, are in good working order.

Check the brakes. Both brake lines and brake fluid can be impacted by cold weather. Have them inspected to make sure they’re ready for the season.

Check the tires. Tires lose air pressure more quickly during cold weather than during warmer weather. Low air pressure contributes to lower gas mileage, decreased tire lifespan, and longer stopping times. Commit to checking tire air pressure on a regular basis.

Check the heater and defroster. You will undoubtedly use both more frequently during colder months, and they are essential for comfort and safety.

Check the battery. Freezing temperatures can cause a vehicle’s battery to lose strength. Check your battery now and attempt to keep it adequately charged during the winter. A fully charged battery has much more protection against the cold than a mostly depleted one. 

Stock a roadside emergency kit. Include items such as gloves, blankets, flashlights, a first aid kit, an ice scraper, reflective warning triangles, bottled water, jumper cables, and a portable phone charger.

Check the wipers. Make sure your vehicle’s wipers are doing their job before heading into the chill of winter. Don’t ask them to do more than their job, though. Use the car’s defroster and an ice scraper, not the wipers, to remove frost, ice, or snow from the windshield.     

2022 Nissan Sentra: Small Sedan Offers Big Value

 

Compact sedans can be seen as the most basic level of automobile transportation. But even as such, there can still be a lot to like about small cars, and the 2022 Nissan Sentra proves the point.

The Sentra is a sedan with seating for five and front-wheel drive. Under the hood there is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 149 horsepower and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. 

Fuel economy is rated at 28 mpg city, 37 highway, which is one of the key benefits of driving a small sedan. It's become popular in recent years for people to choose hybrids or electric vehicles as they seek to cut down on the usage and expense of gasoline. However, those types of cars are generally still markedly more expensive than most traditional-fuel vehicles of the same size. So it still makes financial sense to purchase small, traditional-fuel vehicles. 

The Sentra features 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which is another selling point that you might not think of when considering a small sedan purchase. That space in the Sentra isn't cavernous, but it's pretty good for hauling around basic small loads that you might have. 

For the 2022 model year,  Nissan added a Midnight Edition Package that’s offered on the SR trim level and has a black grille, a black rear spoiler, black 18-inch alloy wheels and black badges.  

Other strengths of the Sentra include its interior quality and ride comfort. 

The Sentra is priced starting at around $20,000 and ranging to about $23,000.

For a reliable, low-maintenance small sedan, the Nissan Sentra deserves a good look. 

2022 Lexus NX 350: Sharp Small Crossover is Fun, Functional

 

The popular small crossover vehicle segment has a number of competitive entrants, including today's test-drive model, the 2022 Lexus NX 350.

This all-new edition has seating for five passengers. 

Under the hood, there is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 275 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. 

The NX 350 has fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city, 29 highway, according to EPA. 

This version of the vehicle features a more dynamic design, with maximum cargo capacity of 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The NX 350 comes in four trim levels: Base, Premium, F Sport and Luxury.

The NX 350 offers solid driving dynamics and a smooth ride. 

Pricing starts at around $42,000 and ranges to over $50,000.

For a compact crossover with some nice luxury features, the NX 350 is a solid choice. 

2022 Nissan Armada: Great Size, Smooth Ride

 

Large SUVs aren't as popular as they once were, giving way in large part due to the popularity of midsize crossovers. But that doesn't mean there isn't still a market for the behemoths, and this week's tester, the 2022 Nissan Armada, shows why.

This full-size SUV has three rows of seats and features a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that makes 400 horsepower and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Armada has rear- and four-wheel-drive versions available, and includes 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row and 10.4 cubic feet behind its third row.

That combination of power and size is still valued by many motorists, keeping the Armada relevant. 

Standard features on the Armada include 18-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, satellite radio, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. 

Options include 20- or 22-inch aluminum wheels, power moonroof, power liftgate, remote start, leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and second-row captain’s chairs.

The Armada received an update last model year, and it gave the cabin a more luxurious feel in higher trims and added space to the second row.  The third row remains tight on space, and cargo space is limited when it’s upright. 

The V-8 engine is powerful, but consumes quite a bit of fuel. Mileage is rated at 14 mpg city, 19 highway with the rear-wheel drive and 13 and 18 with all-wheel. And keep in mind that it uses premium fuel. 

The Armada starts at around $50,000 and ranges to around $71,000.

If you're in need of a large, powerful people and cargo hauler, the Nissan Armada is worth a look. 

Ford Opens Research, Innovation Center in Atlanta

 

Ford Motor Co. is opening an Atlanta facility to grow its digital efforts in areas such as software-led connected vehicles, university research, artificial intelligence and more. 

The Ford Atlanta Research and Innovation Center joins a network of Ford research and development facilities in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Palo Alto, Calif., dedicated to pioneering the future of transportation with automated, connected and electrified vehicles. The new Atlanta location places Ford in one of the most diverse tech talent markets in the nation and enables the company to develop a pipeline of software experts with a variety of backgrounds.

 

“Ford is transitioning from a traditional automotive company to a digital products and services company driven by software innovation,” said Jim Buczkowski, executive director for Ford Research, Advanced Engineering. “There’s a high demand for tech talent across industries, and we have an opportunity to create non-traditional career pathways to attract and develop the expertise needed to stay competitive.”

 

Ford says it remains committed to developing a workforce that reflects the communities and customers that it serves, including attracting and retaining historically underrepresented talent, especially in the software engineering and high technology fields.

 

“Atlanta continues to attract and grow tech companies and startups; and we continue to attract a desirable talent base — particularly for Black tech talent. We look forward to this partnership with the Ford Atlanta Research and Innovation Center, which has the potential to help us grow an even more robust and diverse pipeline,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

 

Aside from serving as an innovation hub and delivering software solutions, the FARIC team will also focus on increasing Black, Hispanic and female representation in software engineering and high technology careers. Strategies include:

 

• Leveraging relationships with regional Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and The Atlanta University Center Consortium to help make high-tech career opportunities more available to diverse students
• Continuing to create and deepen relationships with regional colleges and universities, including HBCUs and Hispanic Service Institutions, to conduct pioneering research and address Ford’s growing need for the new competencies required for electrification, connected vehicles and software engineering that are revolutionizing Ford products, technologies and services

 

• Creating flexible, non-traditional career pathways for people interested in pursuing software and high-tech careers, including co-ops, internships, part-time work, and non-degree software programs in collaboration with Atlanta-based TechBridge and community partner City of Refuge

 

“Underrepresentation is a significant issue in software and engineering industries, especially when it comes to Black and Hispanic communities, which makes it particularly exciting to work with local colleges, universities and nonprofits to help bring greater diversity into the tech space,” said Doron Elliott, senior manager of Ford In-Vehicle Infotainment, who will also oversee FARIC operations. “Building this critical talent base will enable Ford to continue to find innovative and efficient ways to develop cutting-edge products and services to meet the demands of a very diverse customer base.”

 

New Workplace Design Standards

Located within the new 8West development on Atlanta’s Upper West Side (889 Howell Mill Road NW), the 24,000-square-foot FARIC space is designed to surpass standard ADA compliance with a thoughtful, accessible layout that supports inclusion, flexibility, collaboration and innovation.

 

The all-new workspace supports individual needs while promoting creativity and team collaboration through an open and accessible floor plan designed to support the needs of a diverse and innovative team. It includes individual focus space, sit/stand desks, soft seating, and phone booth-style space where employees can take calls or work independently.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights Set to Expand

 

Atlanta is close to realizing its initial dream for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, as the center is beginning work on a major expansion of the unique attraction in downtown Atlanta.

Read Saporta Report for details. 

Fort Frederica National Monument: History and Culture

 

Fort Frederica, on St. Simons Island, Ga., was established in 1736 by James Oglethorpe to protect the southern boundary of his new colony of Georgia from the Spanish in Florida. Colonists from England, Scotland and the Germanic states came to Georgia to support this endeavor.

Named for Frederick Louis, the Prince of Wales (1702-1754), Frederica was a military outpost consisting of a fort and town. The entire area was fortified with a palisade wall and earthen rampart. The fort's location on the Frederica River allowed it to control ship travel.

Oglethorpe's foresight in establishing Frederica was rewarded in 1742 during the War of Jenkins' Ear. Spanish forces from Florida and Cuba landed on St. Simons Island. Oglethorpe's attack on a Spanish reconnaisance party at Gully Hole Creek led to the battle at "Bloody Marsh". Despite the name, casualties were light and the Spanish continued their campaign on St. Simons. Clever deception on Oglethorpe's part convinced the Spanish to retreat from Georgia seven days later.

This British victory not only confirmed that Georgia was British territory, but also signaled the end for Frederica. When peace was declared, Frederica's Garrison (the original 42nd Regiment of Foot) was disbanded, and eventually the town fell into decline. Today the archeological remains of colonial Frederica are protected by the National Park Service.

- National Park Service

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross: A Wonderful Little Crossover with a Question

Toyota has introduced a new compact crossover vehicle that is quite appealing. The 2022 Corolla Cross offers seating for five and a maximum cargo capacity of 26.5 cubic feet.

It gets great fuel economy, is pleasant to drive and, despite being compact, offers a fairly comfortable interior.

The one question that one might raise about it, though, is why? Why, if you're Toyota, are you rolling this out when you already have the RAV4 (which is probably a bit larger, but still a small-ish crossover SUV) and the C-HR, which is a sporty little crossover vehicle that also is pleasant to drive and is comfortable?

Guess Toyota figures there can never be too much of a good thing. 

The Corolla Cross comes in three trim levels: L, LE and XLE.

Under the hood, you'll find a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive being optional. 

Fuel economy checks in at an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city, 33 highway for the FWD model. The AWD model's numbers drop to 29 and 32 mpg.

And just like its sedan sibling, the Corolla Cross gives good driving dynamics, with adequate acceleration, sure handling and reliable braking. So if you like the Corolla, but want a hatchback model, problem solved.

We're not sure that this was an actual problem raised by many in the car-buying public, but regardless, here's the Corolla Cross. 

Pricing starts at around $23,000 and ranges to around $29,000. 

For a compact crossover that you didn't know you needed, the Corolla Cross is a fine choice. 

Mackinac Island, Mich.: A Scenic Area to Enjoy the Great Lakes

 

AAE recently visited Mackinac Island, Mich., which is part of the state's Upper Peninsula. Mackinac is adjacent to Lakes Huron (to the East) and Michigan (to the West), two of the Great Lakes. 

This sidewalk featured shops and eateries along the main drag of the town of St. Ignace. The town had a friendly vibe, and is probably a popular spot for vacationers during summer months. 

As one might expect, boating appears to be a popular activity in this nautical area, and there is a local park with an historic marker that pays tribute to the many boats that overturned in the waters, costing many lives. The boats once heavily traveled the area for commercial purposes such as fishing and shipping of goods. 

This small lighthouse provided a fitting stylistic touch to the local area, which is scenic and relaxing. 

The area provided many peaceful settings for enjoying the surrounding lakes. 

Rosewood, Fla.: Site of an Ugly Chapter in America's Racist History

 AAE recently visited Rosewood, Fla. This historic site was the scene of a racially motivated massacre against African-American residents that took place over a few days in January 1923. A violent White mob invaded the town after a woman claimed she was assaulted by an African-American resident. 

The ensuing violence that was sparked by the invasion of the mob of savages resulted in as many as 150 deaths, and destroyed virtually the entire town, wiping out homes, schools, businesses and houses of worship. 

The historical photo above shows the immense damage caused by the racist attack. Later, survivors and some descendants of the African-American residents who were traumatized received a paltry settlement from the state of Florida to address their "mental anguish." This incident is yet another in a long line of attacks against innocent Black communities in the United States that have tainted the nation's racist history. 

Today, there is one standing house in the Rosewood area, in addition to the two-sided historical marker that is pictured above. More needs to be done to tell the story of this racist tragedy and to redevelop the area to restore its heritage and return people to rebuild the community.  

Cedar Key, Fla.: Sleepy Fishing Village Offers Beauty, History and Great Seafood

 

AAE recently visited Cedar Key, Fla., an island village off northwestern Florida's coast along the Gulf of Mexico. It is known for its national wildlife refuge, a group of islands with abundant bird life and trails. Cedar Key has a history as a busy port town, with fishing and other boats plying their trades from docks in the area. 

The sleepy village has fewer than 1,000 residents, but it offers a handful of quaint restaurants (specializing in seafood, of course), shops and other attractions. 

Cedar Key is a beautiful place to relax and take in the pleasant views of the Gulf of Mexico. It has a laid-back, island-type vibe, so it's a good place to come wash your stress away. 

Cedar Key lies roughly an hour west of Gainesville by automobile, so if you're ever visiting the home of the UF Gators, but want to get away to a quiet, relaxing spot, CK would fit the build nicely. 

Gainesville, Fla.: Gators' Home Town Has Much to Offer

AAE recently visited Gainesville, Fla., home of the University of Florida. The public land-grant university has history dating back to 1853 and has a current enrollment of around 35,000 undergraduate students. This pond is part of the scenic campus and features signs that warn visitors to keep an eye out for real alligators, not just the Gators who represent the school's athletic teams. 

Pictured above is part of the UF athletics complex. UF competes in a wide range of men's and women's collegiate sports, and is a member of the Southeastern Conference in the NCAA. The Gainesville community is hugely supportive of the Gators, providing a classic college-town type feel. 

Lexington, Ky.: Home to a Major University and Other Historical Attractions

 

AAE recently visited Lexington, Ky., a city of about 322,000 and home of the University of Kentucky. This shot from the street gives a glimpse of Thoroughbred Park, an area of downtown Lexington that pays homage to the area's rich history in horse racing. 

This is a statue of a race horse named Lexington, who was one of the most successful horses in the early days of American racing. 

This fountain in downtown Lexington provides a scenic and relaxing spot to take in the city.

It may look like a fairly non-descript building, but this is an outside view from the parking lot of the fabled Rupp Arena, home of the University of Kentucky Wildcats of college basketball. The arena is downtown, convenient walking distance to the UK campus and other downtown attractions. 

This is an elevated view of one of the streets running through the UK campus. The campus was buzzing with new students arriving when we visited. 

This mural depicts the famed artist Frida Kahlo. We don't know if Kahlo had any connection to Lexington or UK, but the mural adds a nice artistic touch to the downtown scene.

These statues of horses were not in Lexington, but rather off the highway as you first enter Kentucky from the Tennessee border. The display gives a nod to Kentucky's rich history breeding and competing race horses. 

Corbin, Ky.: Home of the Sanders Cafe & Museum, A Shrine to the KFC Founder and his Restaurant Chain

 

AAE recently had the pleasure of visiting the Sanders Cafe & Museum in Corbin, Ky. It is the site of the original Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, started by Col. Harlan Sanders in 1937, when it opened as a gas station, with the restaurant and a small motel to follow. 

According to the site's website, KFC franchisees Linda and John R. Neal bought the Corbin KFC in 1973, and following a renovation, reopened it as the Harland Sanders Café and Museum on Sept. 9, 1990, which would have been the Sanders' 100th birthday.

The museum features many historical items from KFC's distant and recent past. This display showed some of the products that have been offered from the fast-food chain.

This is a replica of the open-kitchen concept that Sanders used in his first restaurant. He wanted customers to be able to see the process used in creating the signature fried chicken and other dishes that were served.

This is a replica of one of the tables used in the dining area where guests could come in and enjoy their meals.

This life-sized statue of Sanders greets visitors in the entry area of the museum. And of course, he's holding a bucket of his world-famous chicken. 

This display contains one of the iconic white suits worn by Sanders. It gave him a distinctive look, along with his white hair and goatee. 

This bust of Sanders honors his memory, and along with so much of the other items displayed, helps tell the story of the man and the restaurant chain he founded. Plus, the Sanders Cafe now also functions as a modern KFC restaurant, so hungry visitors can grab a bite to eat at the historic site.