Can’t Afford an Acura Integra Type R? Buy a 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S Instead

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s no denying that the Acura Integra Type R has skyrocketed in value over the past few years, but if you can’t afford one, then Toyota Celica GT-S could be a great substitute. The Celica was one of the automaker’s sportiest cars and best-selling coupe. And you can now get one at a really good bargain.

The last Toyota Celica nameplate stayed true throughout the years

2003 Toyota Celica GT-S | Toyota

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The Toyota Celica first appeared in the market in 1970 as the Japanese automaker’s answer to the Ford Mustang at the time. According to Top Speed, the original Celica GT was outfitted with a high-performance 1.6-liter, dual-carbureted engine in addition to underbody spoilers, hood flutes, and a GT front grille. That type of attention to performance and sporty upgrade carried through to the seventh, and final, generation of the Celica.

Beginning in the year 2000, the last-generation Toyota Celica featured a cab-forward design with plenty of sharp angles and futuristic curves. It came in two different trim levels: GT and GT-S. The latter of which was powered by a high-performance 1.8-liter 2ZZ engine that produced 180 hp at 7,600 rpm, thanks to its VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with lift intelligence) system. At the time, this front-drive, high-RPM sporty coupe rivaled other cars of the same configuration, namely the Acura Integra Type R.

a shot of the 2003 Toyota Celica GT-S engine
2003 Toyota Celica GT-S | Toyota

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The Toyota Celica put up a good fight with Integra Type R

If you’re unfamiliar with the Acura Integra Type R, you just need to understand that its mysterious aura is fortified mainly in its rarity and its engine compartment. The reason the Type R is so highly regarded and coveted is its high-revving, 195-hp 1.8-liter engine that’s mated to a slick-shifting five-speed manual transmission.

It also has the fancy footwork to complement that power including a stiffer suspension than that normal Integras, larger disc brakes, and a front and rear strut brace. MotorTrend was able to get the Integra Type R up to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds and down the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds, which was pretty quick for a front-drive coupe at the time.

2003 Toyota Celica GT-S interior
2003 Toyota Celica GT-S | Toyota

The 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S, on the other hand, had the same type of configuration. The GT-S model had a high-revving engine under its hood, a six-speed manual transmission, and a revised suspension and braking system over the normal Celica GT.

MotorTrend was able to get the Celica GT-S from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and down the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds. And while it wasn’t quite as quick as the Integra Type R, the Celica was still fun to drive and it provided decent interior and cargo space, thanks to its hatchback configuration.

How much does a 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S cost now?

A nationwide search on Cargurus turned up around 10 different Toyota Celica GT-S models for sale in the 2000 to 2005 range. Many were selling for well under $10,000 and we even found a clean, low-mileage example priced at $6,000.

That’s far below the current Integra Type R values, most of which typically sell for around $20,000 to $30,000 and even higher, according to Bring a Trailer. If you’re looking for a sporty, front-drive coupe that will give you feelings of nostalgia from the early 2000s, but you don’t want to break the bank, check out a 2000-2005 Toyota Celica GT-S.  

2003 Toyota Celica GT-S rear shot
2003 Toyota Celica GT-S | Toyota

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The 2021 BMW X5 Is the Best Luxury SUV to Buy Right Now, Says Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Luxury SUVs are all the current rage. As demand for well-designed SUVs continues to grow, many potential buyers may struggle to figure out what they want thanks to the crowded segment. Consumer Reports just made this decision easier by creating a list of the top current luxury SUVs, and the BMW X5 came out on top. So, how did it manage this, and which SUVs did it have to beat out?

How does Consumer Reports determine which SUVs are worthy of praise?

What does it take to win over the heart of Consumer Reports like the BMW X5 did? Is it the price tag? What about speed and power? Or does having a high safety rating from the IIHS play a huge role? As it turns out, there’s a whole list of things Consumer Reports looks at, and each luxury SUV to make the list must perform well in a variety of areas.

According to the review site, “Our Overall Score encompasses a vehicle’s performance in our road tests; the latest results from the reliability and owner satisfaction sections of CR’s Annual Auto Surveys; the availability of forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning (BSW); and results from government and insurance-industry crash tests, if they’re available.”

Which luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 made the list?

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Out of the top 10 luxury SUVs Consumer Reports listed, the 2021 Buick Enclave came in last. Surprisingly, the Porsche Macan came in ninth place. Given the Porsche tag on the front, it might seem like it would score higher, but Consumer Reports stated the cabin was “quite snug.”

Next came the Audi Q5, the Lexus GX, and the Porsche Cayenne.

The 2021 Lexus UX came in fifth place and is also the cheapest luxury SUV to make the list. Unlike some competitors that have prices well over $100,000, the UX has a price range of $33,000 to $39,900.

The Lexus NX, which scored fourth, also has a low starting price. It costs anywhere from $37,610 – $46,910.

The BMW X7 was third, while the Lexus RX came in second. Given that Lexus is owned by Toyota, it’s no surprise that it had the most vehicles to make the list.

Noticeably missing was Mercedes-Benz SUVs, which makes one wonder why the German automaker didn’t have at least one SUV to impress Consumer Reports. Still, BMW, another German automaker, was able to come out on top with the 2021 BMW X5.

The BMW X5 is spectacular

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The 2021 BMW X5 took home the crown for the top luxury SUV you should buy right now, according to Consumer Reports. The review site couldn’t say enough good things about the X5 and continued to heap high praise on it.

Consumer Reports stated, “The X5 is one of the best vehicles we’ve ever tested. The xDrive40i’s smooth 335-hp, 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine makes the X5 quick, yet it gets a decent 23 mpg overall. The ride is comfortable and impressively composed. The impeccably finished luxurious cabin is whisper-quiet, and the seats are all-day comfortable.”

There were a few sour notes for the impeccable 2021 BMW X5. One is the price. It has a starting price of $59,400, which is rather cheap for a BMW, but it tops out at $105,100. Another frustrating feature is the handling, which was less than stellar. 

The review site was also a little disappointed with the controls, at least at first. It reported that learning to operate the controls took a lot of time and effort. Once they got used to this, though, everything made sense, and it was much easier to operate. Overall, the 2021 BMW X5 proves that it continues to satisfy, and should be at the top of your wish list.

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The 2021 Ram 1500 Review Finally Beat the 2021 Ford F-150 Review On U.S. News

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Comparing pickup trucks can be a tricky business. The 2020 Ford F-150 had the 2020 Ram 1500 whipped. But, with the 2021 model years, the Ram finally pulled ahead of the Ford F-150. What changed to make the 2021 Ram 1500 review so much better than the 2021 Ford F-150 review? 

2021 Ram 1500 Limited | Stellantis

The 2021 Ram 1500 review earned it the best full-size pickup on U.S. News

The 2021 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel towing a boat behind it
2021 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel | Stellantis

The 2021 Ram 1500 has been waiting for its day in the sun, and it has finally come. The U.S. News review of the 2021 Ram showed a brilliant pickup truck that is comfortable, strong, and dependable. 

The ram review landed a score of 9.1/10. USN was impressed by the wide variety of power plants, ranging from the base 260 hp all the way up the RAM TRX’s 702 hp and the strength and reliability of these varied power plants. 

Is the 2021 Ram 1500 a good truck? 

The rear 3/4 view of a blue 2021 Ram 1500 TRX on a desert mountain plain
2021 Ram 1500 TRX rear 3/4 | Ram

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The Ram’s well-sorted suspension, roomy interior, and practical controls lead to a resoundingly positive review from USN. The simplicity of a review that starts with “the Ram 1500 is an excellent truck” says all that needs saying. However, further exposition will likely be appreciated. 

They go on to say that the 2021 Ram 1500 has the smoothest ride in its class. This comfort and quality continue into the cabin, where soft-touch materials abound.

Both the front and rear seats offer roomy seating and cushy materials. Although the Ram is a serious hauler, some rivals can out tow it, making its dominance a little softer. 

How did the 2021 Ford F-150 review go? 

New technologies will now be available for the 2021 Ford F-150 including class-exclusive Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch as well as continuously controlled damping, each engineered to help customers who tow and haul load their trucks up for the work they’re designed to do while also adding on-road confidence.
2021 Ford F-150 | Ford

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As with pretty much everything else surrounding the Ford F-150, the 2021 model is pretty great. It is a class leader on towing and hauling capacities, just got a fresh redesign, and has a massive variety of options and configurations. 

The 2021 Ford F-150 review got an 8.9/10 which landed it in second place for the best full-size pickup truck. Usually, this is enough to put the F-150 first, but USN must have really been feeling the 2021 Ram. 

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 a good truck? 

Like the Ram, USN calls the 2021 F-150 “excellent.” The diversity of power trains and options is easily the F-150’s strongest attribute. From the base-model 290-horsepower V6 to the 430-hp EcoBoost hybrid V6, there is an F-150 for every application. 

The handling is also pretty good for the segment. The F-150 reviews notes handling that feels tight and relatively confidence-inspiring. The cabin is also well-built with enough quality materials to feel like it’s quality.

Lastly, the seats are supportive and roomy, topping off the comfy cabin feel. However, the cabin and ride comfort just fell short of the 2021 Ram 1500, which cost the Ford the best pickup of 2021 for USN. 

Which of these is really the best pickup truck? 

Thankfully, these two pickup trucks are so close in quality that the choice is really up to the consumer. The Ram has the better cabin and ride comfort, but the Ford is probably the most usable and practical pickup truck on the market. It all comes down to what each specific customer needs out of a pickup truck. 

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The 2022 Atlis XT Electric Pickup Shrugs Limitations

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Electric pickups are about to hit the market in full force. The 2022 Atlis XT has some of the most impressive stats of any currently announced electric vehicle models. It’s also available in a nearly infinite array of configurations. While models like the Cybertruk, the electric F-150, and Silverado gain media attention, the 2022 Atlis XT is changing the world.

2022 Atlis XT | Atlis

The 2022 Atlis XT is built from a place of care

CEO and Founder Mark Hanchett has a background in technology. Before Atlis, he dedicated his career to improving transparency within law enforcement. He did this work because he wanted to change the world and save lives. Hanchett now brings the same care and concern to the automotive world.

WIth Atlis, Hanchett seeks to bridge a gap he saw in EV pickup truck production. He felt no automaker was truly catering its electric truck to the markets traditionally the largest truck buyers. He felt that EV makers would only lure buyers from ICE pickups if they didn’t compromise quality or features.

On this philosophy, Hanchett said: “If you’re going to change the world, you have to do it without compromise.” The 2022 Atlis XT pickup truck delivers all of the performance and features of a heavy-duty workhorse without all of the environmental impacts of an ICE vehicle. The XT was built to offer everything a traditional pickup brings to the table and more.

500 miles of range and infinite customization sets the Atlis XT apart

A pair of 2022 Atlis XT pickup trucks driving down a mountain road
2022 Atlis XT pickups | Atlis

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Most upcoming EVs are being sold traditionally. Automakers offer their vehicles in trim levels, sometimes with optional packages. The Atlis XT will break this mold. Customers will have the ability to customize each truck completely. With prices starting at $45,00, the XT can be built to spec from the bed style to the maximum range.

Buyers can choose from 200, 300, and 500-mile range options. The XT accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds and tops out at 120 mph. Maximum towing capacities range from 6,000 to 17,000 pounds. It can tow a 5th wheel up to 35,000 pounds. The 2022 Atlis XT can handle up to 5,000 pounds of payload.

Ground clearance options range from 12 to 15-inches. The XT is equipped with an air suspension system that can be raised or lowered for easier cargo loading. Side cameras take the place of traditional side mirrors. There’s a wealth of other options to make each XT perfectly suited to its owner.

Unprecedented battery cells and charging technology

An electric vehicle charging station parking space
Electric vehicles charging station|Michal Fludra/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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While details were light, Hanchett outlined the company’s plans for in-house battery production. He mentioned that Atlis had plans to produce cube-shaped cells. This would be an industry first and could shake up EV battery technology.

The Atlis XT pickup truck boasts a competitive 15 minute fast charging time. Atlis has outlined plans to develop charging infrastructure to improve EV ownership for their customers and others. Atlis wants to make EV charging accessible, affordable, and painless.

The XT will be compatible with the existing EV charger infrastructure as well as Atlis’ new concept. Atlis charging can be paid for by an annual subscription. Members won’t need a card to access the chargers. They’ll communicate directly with the new pickup.

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