Where Does the Term “Shotgun” Come From?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We’ve all been there, walking to the car with a group of friends, ready for a road trip, when all of a sudden you hear “shotgun.” Everyone who stayed silent moans in despair, forced into the backseat, while the vocal one of your group lives it up in the front. But where did the calling/riding shotgun even come from, and what’s the deeper meaning behind it?

Man With Shotgun Riding A Horse | Touring Club Italiano/Marka/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Calling shotgun goes way back to the wild west

While the photo above is actually of a man hunting boar, the term “riding shotgun” goes back to the wild west, before cars were even invented. Horses and buggies were the main forms of transportation, carrying cargo across the country one gallop at a time. But one can imagine that a wooden buggy isn’t exactly secure.

To remedy this, there would often be someone riding beside the carriage with a shotgun. The official title was “shotgun guard,” and they were used to ward off bandits and thieves. Otherwise, the precious payload could be ransacked at any given moment.

This isn’t the only instance of the wild west influencing a car term we use today. Shooting brakes were also used around that time, large carriages called brakes for people to shoot out of. Put those together, you have shooting brake.

Though, the phrase “riding shotgun” might have been more of a movie cliche than an actual term. While shotgun guards did exist and did fight off robbers, they may not have considered it riding shotgun at the time. That term was popularized in ’40s and ’50s western movies.

The first example of this was from the 1939 flick Stagecoach, in which one of the characters says “You boys take care of the office for a couple of days. I’m going to Lordsburg with Buck. I’m gonna ride shotgun.” It spiraled into popularity during the 50s, and now we have Hollywood to thank for the competition to get the passenger’s seat.

What are the “official rules” of calling shotgun?

Man Riding Shotgun In The Passenger's Seat Of Car
Man Riding Shotgun In The Passenger’s Seat Of Car | Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images

Much to our surprise, there’s an entire website dedicated to the topic. ShotgunRules.com outlines the specifics, but we’ll sum up some of the key points here:

  • In a traditional game, you can’t call shotgun until “the deed is done.” In other words, you can’t call shotgun until you’re done grocery shopping/have exited the building.
  • To build off this, you must be outside in order to call shotgun.
  • In some instances, you’re not allowed to call shotgun until the car is in view.
  • If you place your hand on the passenger’s side door, or sit in the seat before anyone has called it, then you get to ride shotgun.
  • The driver is not the dictator, and cannot void a valid shotgun call.
  • Mom’s always get to ride in the front (yes, that’s an actual rule).

If you manage to follow all the rules and earn the right to shotgun, then congratulations. On top of a more comfortable seat, you’ve also earned your fair share of responsibilities.

What exactly does it mean to ride shotgun?

Driver And Passenger Riding In Car
Driver And Passenger Riding In Car | Tim Graham/Getty Images

Riding shotgun means more than just sitting in the passenger’s seat. There are duties to fulfill and tasks to complete in order to make sure your driver is comfortable and gets every passenger there safe.

While it’s not listed as the first rule, it might be the most important. Whoever is riding shotgun is responsible for sending any texts the driver might need. In other words, no texting and driving. Let whoever is in the passenger’s seat safely send the message, or use hands-free methods.

On top of this, whoever is riding shotgun isn’t allowed to fall asleep. I didn’t know this one, as I’ve let passengers regardless of seat pass out as I drive. But in reality, it’s the front passenger’s job to make sure the driver is awake, keeping them company on the long haul. If they can’t stay awake, they must move to the back, and let someone else take the hot seat.

Other duties include unwrapping food/feeding it to the driver, looking out for traffic ahead, reading maps, and acting as DJ (unless the driver specifies otherwise). In other words, there’s a lot more to shotgun than just the word. So the next time you’re racing to the passenger’s seat, remember all the things that riding shotgun entails.

RELATED: These Are the Roomiest Cars According to Kelley Blue Book

The post Where Does the Term “Shotgun” Come From? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

This Is Why Mazdaspeed Dissapeared

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Remember Mazdaspeed? We do, but we wouldn’t be surprised if some of our younger readers have no idea what it is. Let’s start with a little history lesson. In the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, OEMs began to embrace the “tuner” scene and lean into marketing to the enthusiast demographic. As a result, larger portions of marketing budgets went to the performance divisions of several brands. There was SRT from Dodge, TRD from Toyota, Ralliart from Mitsubishi, and Mazdaspeed from, well, Mazda.

A brief history of Mazdaspeed

2012 Mazdaspeed3 | Mazda

Mazdaspeed was unique among the others because the performance off-shoot had very strong ties to Mazda’s motorsport efforts. The same branding was seen on the track as on the road. Mazda started adding the Mazdaspeed badge to their cars in the early 90s, beginning with the Protege and eventually expanding to the MX-5. Some would argue the Mazdaspeed road cars’ peak was the Mazdaspeed 3, a turbocharged version of the Mazda 3 hatchback, and the Mazdaspeed 6, which had a turbo and AWD. While other OEM’s performance bands didn’t extend further beyond an exhaust and some graphics, Mazdaspeed was giving the tuners what they wanted.

Mazda’s performance brand built a loyal following and continued to keep a strong relationship with Mazda’s motorsport division which was eventually named “Mazdaspeed Motorsports.” Then, one day it all just sort of stopped. Mazdaspeed variants and products fizzled away. 

Some might blame the economic downturn of 2008. Others might point to Mazda’s relatively small size compared to their competitors. Either way, Mazdaspeed faded from Mazda’s road cars, and we don’t really know why. 

The crew at Fitment Industries YouTube channel looked into Mazdaspeed’s history to get some answers. This is what they came up with.

Mazda thought Mazdaspeed was ‘childish’

When Mazda changed its design language in 2006, it marked a shift for the brand. It was the first sign that Mazda wanted to get away from its image of producing low-cost, fun, sporty cars to a brand seen as more “upscale” and environmentally friendly. 

Part of that shift was Mazda investing in their SKYACTIV engine technology which was all about efficiency. At the same time, their vehicles became more sculpted and elegant in their exterior and interior designs. 

In a 2016 interview with Motoring.com.au, President of Mazda, Masahiro Moro famously panned Mazdaspeed variants and suggested that they were rising above it. 

“As a brand we are trying to elevate again a little bit more, because execution of Mazda MPS or Mazdaspeed 3 or whatever you call it was a little bit – I am not afraid to say it – childish.” Said Moro.

Pretty harsh if you ask us. However, we can understand where Moro was coming from. For what it’s worth, the current Mazda 3 can be had with a turbocharged engine and AWD. It’s just missing the “Mazdaspeed” badge. It might be time to let go of that fun-loving Mazda of the past and get used to the “mature” Mazda of today. 

RELATED: The 2021 Mazda3 Turbo Is One of the Best Daily Drivers You Can Buy

The post This Is Why Mazdaspeed Dissapeared appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Consumer Reports: Best New Cars for Tall Drivers

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It would be ideal if everyone fit into all cars, but that isn’t the case. Tall drivers often have trouble fitting into smaller vehicles, but not these options. Vehicles like the Kia Soul, BMW 7 Series, Audi A6, and Subaru Impreza are new car options that leave a little wiggle room for leggier drivers.

The best new cars for Tall Drivers according to Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports: Best New Cars, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

“When judging cars, I pay particular attention to the balance of legroom, headroom, and comfortable reach to the steering wheel,” CR’s senior auto testing technician Ryan Pszczolkowski said. Pszczolkowski is over six feet tall and tends to focus on having a tilting telescope steering wheel was essential to him.

Here is a list of the best new cars for tall drivers, according to Consumer Reports.

  1. Kia Soul
  2. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  3. Subaru Legacy
  4. Audi A6
  5. Dodge Charger
  6. BMW 7 Series

1. An unlikely option on the best new car list, the Kia Soul

The Best New Cars for Tall Drivers according to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Kia Soul
The Best New Cars for Tall Drivers according to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Kia Soul | Kia

You read that right. Consumer Reports says the 2021 Kia Soul is one of the best new cars for tall drivers. It might be compact, but it works. The Soul of a Soul is deceivingly large. CR notes that it is small on the outside but roomy on the inside. With 28 mpg and above-average predicted owner satisfaction, it is a solid choice for tall drivers.

Price Range:  $17,590 – $27,650

Second option: 2021 Subaru Impreza

2. Best new car with a bit of luxury, Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a roomy option for tall people. The Mercedes is going to cost more upfront, but it has a lot to offer. Consumer Reports found the Mercedes-Benz C-Class had above-average predicted reliability, but the owner satisfaction was just average. It gets 26 mpg overall and comes with tons of safety features. CR says it offers a “Gratifying balance of cushy ride and handling agility.”

Price Range:  $41,600 – $85,600

Second option: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

3. A midsized option is the Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Subaru Legacy is a well-rounded vehicle. It gets 28 mpg and has above-average predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. It scored well on the road test and came in second on the list of midsize cars. Consumer Reports thought it had a comfortable ride, a roomy interior, and plenty of trunk space. Plus, standard safety features like automatic emergency braking.

Price Range:  $22,895 – $36,145

Second option: Honda Accord

4. Consumer Reports liked the Audi A6

The 2021 Audi A6 came in third on the list of best new luxury cars. The price range is a little higher on this Audi option. The A6 only gets 26 mpg and has average predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. On the road test, Consumer Reports gave it a 93 out of 100. It comes with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

Price Range:  $54,900 – $74,400

Second option: BMW 5 Series

5. Don’t overlook the new Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger is a reasonably large car. It only came in third on the list of four large cars but scored elsewhere. Both the predicted owner satisfaction and predicted reliability were above-average. The Dodge Charger doesn’t have as many standard safety features, but it is fast and fun to drive. The Hemi V8 engine makes up for what it lacks elsewhere. The seats are large and comfortable, perfect for tall people.

Price Range:  $30,755 – $70,755

Second option: Chrysler 300

6. An ultra-luxury new car for tall drivers is the BMW 7 Series

The 2021 BMW 7 Series is priced between $86,000 and $157,000, which makes it out of many budgets. However, it came in first on the list of ultra-luxury cars and scored well on the Consumer reports road test. This particular has seven recalls on it already, though, so make sure you check those out before driving off the lot.

Price Range:  $86,800 – $157,800

Second option: Genesis G90

Overall, 2021 has a lot of new cars that fit tall drivers. Even the Kia Soul has room! Depending on your budget, these are some of the best new cars that Consumer Reports recommends for tall people.

RELATED: Best Electric Cars and SUVs You Can Buy Under $35k

The post Consumer Reports: Best New Cars for Tall Drivers appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The 10 Vehicles New Car Shoppers Consider, According to Kelley Blue Book

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a new car can be a hassle for many folks, and sometimes, it might be easier to look at what other people are shopping for. Furthermore, when it comes to new car sales, most people tend to have preferences for buying some trendy cars, according to Kelley Blue Book. Here’s a look at the 10 cars that new car shoppers tend to consider.

Toyota, Ford, and Chevy dominate the Kelley Blue Book list

A Toyota dealership sign | Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

Brand loyalty is an important thing for automakers, as that usually means repeat customers. As a result, it’s no surprise that the three brands that new car customers tend to consider all have some loyal fans. In fact, according to Kelley Blue Book, in the second quarter of 2021, Toyota, Ford, and Chevy were the three brands that customers were most likely to consider when shopping for a new car.

Toyota is in first place, as 33% of drivers had a Toyota in mind. As such, three Toyota models made Kelley Blue Book’s list, and they were the RAV4 at fourth place, the Tacoma, which was tied for seventh place, and the Camry, which was tied for ninth place.

The Ford brand was in second place, and it got quite close to Toyota, as 31% of folks considered buying a Ford. Three Ford models made the list. The first was the F-150, which came in first place. The F-250/350 Super Duty came in at sixth place, and the Ford Explorer was tied for ninth place. 

Lastly, Chevy came in at third place, with 27% of folks considering one. Interestingly, Chevy only had one model on Kelley Blue Book’s list. The Chevy that made the list was the Chevy Silverado, but it came in second place overall. 

Honda and Subaru make up the rest

The rest of the list was split between Honda and Subaru. However, since Kelley Blue Book included ties in its list, there are actually 11 cars on the list. The Honda CR-V came in third place, and the Honda Accord was tied for seventh place. Meanwhile, the Subaru Outback was in fifth place, and the Subaru Forester was tied for ninth place. 

These rankings are subject to change, however. As Kelley Blue Book wrote, one of the biggest factors affecting car considerations recently has been the chip shortage. A lot of cars, including the Toyota RAV4, were affected by the chip shortage. As a result, customers were wary of buying some of those affected models. 

For example, Kelley Blue Book reported that although the Subaru Outback and Forester were two of the most considered cars for shoppers, they were both affected by the chip shortage. That’s why it’s no surprise that only 13% of customers considered buying a Subaru in the second quarter of 2021, a 3% drop from the previous quarter.

SUVs dominate overall, according to Kelley Blue Book

While two pickup trucks ended up in first and second place, Kelley Blue Book’s list was otherwise dominated by SUVs. Five SUVs are on the list, which makes it the largest segment in the list. This demand for SUVs goes beyond the most popular models, too. 

For example, Kelley Blue Book reported that 64% of new car shoppers considered buying an SUV. In comparison, 33% of new car shoppers considered buying a sedan. Surprisingly, only 31% of new car shoppers thought about buying a new truck. Lastly, only 5% of new car shoppers were thinking about buying a minivan. 

These findings are, of course, more than just studies. In practice, SUVs are selling very well. Furthermore, many of the cars that made Kelley Blue Book’s list are also best-sellers, such as the F-150 or the Camry. 

RELATED: The Toyota RAV4 Stole the Ford F-150’s Spot as the Best-Selling Vehicle

The post The 10 Vehicles New Car Shoppers Consider, According to Kelley Blue Book appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by