Buy the 2021 Chevy Camaro LT1 if You’re Looking for a Sports Car Under $40,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This is a summer that many people are looking forward to. It might be a nice summer to go for a drive in a new sports car too. Don’t worry; not all sports cars will break the bank. There are options if you’re looking for a sports car under $40,000. The 2021 Chevy Camaro LT1 is a great one to consider.

MotorTrend recommends the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 and other affordable sports cars

MotorTrend recently recommended eight affordable sports cars, and the 2021 Chevy Camaro LT1 falls in the middle of the list based on price. MotorTrend does point out that a few affordable sports cars aren’t on the list just because they still need to be tested out. Those are the 2022 Nissan 400Z, the 2022 Subaru BRZ, and the 2022 Toyota GR 86.

The sports cars that are on MotorTrend’s list include the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata (starting at $27,825), 2021 Subaru WRX (starting at $28,420), 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI (starting at approximately $31,000), and 2021 Hyundai Veloster N (starting at $33,255).

Additionally, the list also features the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 (starting at $37,895), 2021 Honda Civic Type R (starting at $38,890), 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance package with EcoBoost Handling package (starting at $39,085), and the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (starting at $39,690).

The performance of the 2021 Chevy Camaro LT1

The Chevy Camaro | Matt Jelonek/Getty Images

MotorTrend proclaims the 2021 Chevy Camaro LT1 as “one of the best driving” V8 sports cars. This trim was introduced for the 2020 model year. It has one of two V8 engines, a 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. It has rear-wheel drive, and MotorTrend recommends getting the standard six-speed manual transmission, but a 10-speed automatic is available.

The Camaro LT1 trim is the least expensive of the three Chevrolet Camaro trims that offer the two V8 engines. The LT1 also has a performance suspension and Brembo brakes. With its engine, the LT1 goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.1 seconds. It can do a quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds, says CarIndigo.

What the 2021 Chevy Camaro has to offer

The Chevrolet Camaro LT1, starting at $37,895, is priced less than $40,000, the average price of a new car sold in 2020, according to MotorTrend. There are less expensive Camaros, but they don’t come with V8 engines.

The 2021 Chevy Camaro has eight trim levels and four different engine options. The Camaro has four-cylinder, V6, and V8 engines. The larger ones give it great acceleration along with its responsive steering. The base engine, standard in the 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trims, is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, generating 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The second engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 335 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. This engine is optional on the 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trims. The third engine is standard in the LT1 as well as the 1SS and 2SS trims. It is the 6.2-liter V8 with 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. The fourth engine comes in the ZL1, which has a much higher starting price of $63,000. It is a supercharged V8, generating 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.

The Camaro comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but an eight-speed automatic and a 10-speed automatic are available. It’s also available as either a coupe or a convertible.

There are definitely highs and lows to the 2021 Chevy Camaro. U.S. News points out that the 2021 Camaro has plenty of engine power along with great handling, but it’s snug in the rear seats and the finishes aren’t as nice as its competitors.

The front seats are quite ergonomic, though, and the infotainment system is easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been added for 2021. The Ford Mustang has a nicer interior and a little more space in the trunk. The Dodge Challenger has more room in the rear seats and a lot more space in the trunk.

The 2021 Chevy Camaro LT1 provides plenty of performance without hurting your wallet too much. It doesn’t have the space or comfort of some of its rivals, but that isn’t necessarily the point of getting a sports car.

RELATED: 2021 Camaro Beats Challenger and Mustang In This JD Power Ranking

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The Lincoln Corsair’s Reliability Is the Worst, but Owners Don’t Care

by Gabrielle DeSantis

People have different priorities when buying a new car. For some reliability is No. 1, while others are more interested in performance, handling, style, or comfort. Buyers looking for the most reliable SUV might not be interested in the Lincoln Corsair, but Consumer Reports found that Corsair owners love their SUVs anyway.

Really low reliability ratings for the Lincoln Corsair

Each year, Consumer Reports conducts a survey of vehicle owners. In 2020, Consumer Reports got information from owners about 329,000 vehicles between model years 2000 and 2020. One of the results that Consumer Reports comes up with is their reliability score. A vehicle’s reliability score is based on issues that owners had across 17 different areas. The predicted reliability scores are developed based on the scores given in recent years.

The Lincoln Corsair is a pretty new model, and its first model year was in 2020. Both model years have the lowest possible rating though. The 2020 Corsair has a reliability rating of one out of five, and the 2021 Corsair has a predicted reliability rating of one out of five from Consumer Reports. Although the 2020 Corsair had high reliability scores in many of the 17 categories, it got the lowest score for body integrity and power equipment.

Owners would buy another if they could

The Lincoln Corsair | MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images

The Lincoln Corsair did much better on Consumer Reports‘ owner satisfaction rating. This rating looks at owners’ answers to the question, “Would you get this car if you had to do it all over again?” It figures out the percentage of owners who said they would definitely buy the same vehicle again.

Both the 2020 and the 2021 Lincoln Corsair have the best owner satisfaction and predicted owner satisfaction ratings, with five out of five. For their component ratings, both years have 89 out of 100 for owner satisfaction with the driving experience and the same score for owner satisfaction with comfort.

They have a perfect 100 out of 100 for owner satisfaction with styling; however, the owner satisfaction with value is lower at 57 out of 100. This level of satisfaction makes it easy for 83 percent of owners who were surveyed to say they’d be happy to buy another Corsair.

Is the 2021 Lincoln Corsair a good SUV?

The highs and lows of the 2021 Lincoln Corsair ratings also appear in its overall score of 53 out of 100 and its road-test score of 82 out of 100. The Corsair is built on the same platform as the Ford Escape, but the Corsair provides a premium experience, says Consumer Reports.

The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 250 hp, and the optional 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates 295 hp. The Corsair has a “lively powertrain” and a “smooth ride” with either engine, says Consumer Reports. There is also a plug-in hybrid version available, says U.S. News. The Corsair is able to tow up to 3,000 pounds.

The high-quality interior has a “floating” center stack along with padded surfaces and lots of chrome and glossy black trim. The base trim comes with synthetic leather upholstery and aluminum accents, but higher trims have leather upholstery and wood trim. The front seats, though, may feel too snug for some drivers. The rear seats do have plenty of space.

The Corsair comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has two USB ports, a 10-speaker stereo, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Available tech features include a 14-speaker Revel stereo, navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging.

The standard advanced safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Adaptive cruise control is included in an available package.

The Lincoln Corsair might not have great reliability ratings, but owners are pretty happy anyway. This SUV has great style and is great to drive as well.

RELATED: The 2021 Lincoln Corsair Is an Underrated American SUV

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Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition worth it?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is now offering a new trim, the Bronze Edition. This special edition Toyota will add to the high-end XLE version and come in colors reserved for the Bronze Edition. How much will the reliable SUV cost? The price is reasonable for all of the upgrades offered.

Is a Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition worth the extra money?

While the Toyota Highlander is a popular SUV for families, the brand offers a more luxurious option for some. For starters, MotorTend shows the hybrid option comes in two colors: cement or wind chill pearl. Cement is only available with the Bronze Edition. It is also offered in all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive. The new electric-rear-axel all-wheel-drive option is new for 2022. The bronze wheels are only for the upgrade as well.

The bronze features go throughout the interior, too. Stitching, fabric inserts, and bronze door sill plates are included. Since this edition builds on the XLE trim, the SUV already has a lot of upgrades. The Bronze Edition adds on a digital rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, a 1500-watt power outlet, and some ambient lighting.

It also comes equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. The all-wheel-drive option comes with three motors. This gets about 243 horsepower, depending on the model.

Currently, Toyota says the Bronze Edition will fall between the XLE and Hybrid Limited editions. So, somewhere between $42,710 and $46,665.

How many miles does a Toyota Highlander Hybrid last?

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE will be offered in a Bronze Edition trim | Joel Lerner/Xinhua via Getty Images

RELATED: Toyota Didn’t Make the List of Best SUVs, But it is Still Reliable

Combining the longevity of a Toyota Highlander with a hybrid option sounds like a good idea. If the SUV is properly cared for and maintained, it can last for many years. Many Toyotas can last upwards of 200,000 miles. This means doing oil changes at the correct intervals, changing fluids, and switching out tires as needed. Since most new Highlanders will come with some included maintenance from the dealership, this should be easy to keep up with!

Consumer Reports frequently gives the Highlander a high reliability score. This also includes comments from actual owners of the vehicle. The 2021 Highlander currently has an overall score of 84. The predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction both received a score of four out of five. It is likely the 2022 Hybrid edition will follow suit.

While we don’t know all of the details yet, the Hybrid option should be rugged enough to last many years.

What is the best year for a used Highlander?

RELATED: Consumer Reports: 2016 Toyota Highlander Is a Fuel-Efficient Pick

There are many good years to choose from if you are looking for a used Toyota Highlander. The 2013 Toyota Highlander might be harder to find, but it also might be worth the effort. Consumer Reports says the price for one today lingers between $14,200 and $17,925. The reliability score received a full five out of five, while the owner satisfaction received a four out of five.

The 2015 SUV is around $18,900 to $25,325, depending on the mileage. The reliability score received the same five out of five, while the owner satisfaction received a four out of five. Some of the optional safety features are forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and anti-lock brakes.

Additionally, the 2020 Highlander is also a good option. You might be able to find one with a warranty still intact, too. Since these are newer, Consumer Reports offers a price of anywhere between $33,625 and $46,075.

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2021 Range Rover Velar Scores Poorly for a $60,000 Compact SUV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Since the 1970s, the Land Rover Range Rover has been a top name among luxury SUVs. In order to protect the prototype design of the first generation, the first models were branded with the name “Velar,” as opposed to the classic Land Rover logos. Though this name was derived from the Italian “velare,” meaning veil or cover, it didn’t stay covert for long. The Velar name has now been attached to a popular model in the Range Rover family, and it’s constantly making headlines. 

The Land Rover Range Rover Velar | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

Most recently, the 2021 release has faced scrutiny for its high prices but low scores from sites like Consumer Reports. With so many options within the luxury SUV class, it’s uncertain if this latest attempt from Land Rover will persuade customers to drop $60,000. 

The Velar is an “avant-garde” Range Rover

Land Rover has referred to the Velar as its “avant-garde” Range Rover, with a body design that’s lower and slightly smaller than that of the sport and classic models. Every inch of the design is tailored toward a sleek feel — from a high-tech entertainment system to retractable door hands that lay flat against the body. 

Just a glance at the vehicle will have most agreeing that, as Car and Driver put it, the designers “hit the nail on the head.” The comfortable, spacious interior and cargo seem to match the luxury label and price tag, at least on the surface. But despite Land Rover’s best efforts to create a seamless, slick design, there seems to be a disconnect between the car’s looks and its actual handling. 

Consumer Reports was underwhelmed, given the $60,000 price tag

RELATED: This $200,000 Range Rover Classic and a Corvette Have 700 HP in Common

Consumer Reports‘ overall rating of the vehicle was, like other reviews, quick to praise the Range Rover Velar’s design. It actually scored a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 rating in terms of interior fit and finish, which seeks to evaluate the “interior quality and craftsmanship.” Unfortunately, things went downhill from there, leaving the car with a final score of 49/100. 

Although solid acceleration, transmission, and braking enabled the Velar to land a 76/100 score on its road test, this overall grade was tanked by predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Owner frustrations could be traced back to many of the same problems present in the 2020 Range Rover Velar — from complaints of the ride feeling “stiff” to the poor fuel economy. 

This Range Rover model’s greenhouse gas rating actually got worse from the 2020 to 2021 model years. Calculated by comparing the vehicle’s carbon dioxide emissions to other vehicles of the same model year, the 2021 Velar scored a mere 4.0 out of 10.

The score makes sense when you consider 2021 releases like the electric Tesla Model Y. Although the Range Rover Velar borrowed the Model Y’s retractable door handles, it neglected to adapt to the modern power source. 

It falls short among 2021’s other luxury SUV offerings

Given its high price and high presence of complaints, it’s uncertain how well the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar will perform among other cars in its class.

Of course, the 2020 model faced similar complaints of overpricing compared to other luxury SUVs and still managed to sell nearly 13,000 units. This was nearly a 25 percent drop from 2019’s 17,000 sales, however. According to GoodCarBadCar, this year’s release is off to an even slower start. 

It’s undeniable that purchasing a 2021 Range Rover Velar will at least give you the air of luxury. Still, for $60,000, we’d like to think you deserve the performance aspect as well. 

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