Toyota's First Fun Camry, An Actually Cool Malibu And The Only Tucker Convertible Ever In This Week's Car Buying Roundup

The Toyota Camry has always been a lot of good things — reliable, efficient, comfortable — but it’s never exactly been thrilling to drive. That has changed with the introduction of the ninth-generation Camry. For 2025, Toyota’s trusty midsize sedan has been pared down to just one powertrain option, a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine mated to the company’s fifth-generation hybrid system. It’s that hybrid system that has helped enhance the Camry’s driver enjoyment. - Elizabeth Blackstock Read More

Most American cars of the 1970s were underpowered, unfortunate-looking four-wheeled lumps of disappointment, but this 1975 Pontiac Astre has one, maybe two redeeming qualities. It’s currently listed on Bring A Trailer for auction, and despite hiding a little 140 cubic-inch inline four cylinder that produced a paltry Pontiac-claimed 87 horsepower when new, this little hatchback has go-faster stickers on the side so that’s got to add at least 20 horsepower. This example’s three-speed automatic transmission further relegates it to the economy car doldrums rather than the hot hatchback fun zone. - Logan Carter Read More

The Chevrolet Malibu hasn’t raised many pulses in the 21st century, and despite General Motors’ best efforts, this custom 1997 Chevrolet Malibu Cruiser Concept Car displayed by GM at the 2001 SEMA Show still looks underwhelming. Currently available for auction on Bring A Trailer and painted in a striking shade called Sublime Lime, this oh-so-2000s concept should be sweet, but it’s definitely leaving a sour taste in my mouth. The equation should result in a product that’s desirable or at least cool looking, and despite being an exemplary snapshot of tuner culture in the early 2000s, this Malibu Cruiser is still hampered by the exceptionally anonymous styling of the fifth generation Chevy Malibu. - Logan Carter Read More

Toyota is continuing to break into the off-road SUV market with two massive drops: the all-new 4Runner and the all-new Land Cruiser. Both SUVs boast rugged off-road chops, they sit on the same TNGA-F truck platform, and they even share several similar components. Are there really distinct enough audiences to appeal to both of these highly similar machines? I had to find out. - Elizabeth Blackstock Read More

You can count the car makers that have offered V12s without even having to take off a shoe. Today’s Nice Price or No Dice DB9 was Aston Martin’s second foray into that market. Let’s see if it’s now worth a new owner delving into. - Rob Emslie Read More

Preston Tucker was a visionary, and his cars are cool as heck. There were so many technologies developed for the Tucker 48 Sedan, like the center headlight that pivoted with your steering wheel and the quick-change drivetrain that could be swapped out in fifteen minutes. Back in 1948 this car’s powerful Franklin engine could push it from 0 to 60 mph in under 7 seconds. Tucker produced 58 frames and bodies, though just 36 sedans were finished before the doors to the factory were closed for good. This car, a convertible prototype, was begun but not finished in-period. And now you can buy it for a cool $2.4 million. - Bradley Brownell Read More

With convertible weather right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about cars like today’s Nice Price or No Dice Mercedes. Let’s see if this droptop still needs a drop in its price. - Rob Emslie Read More

Casey is getting his driver’s license soon and is eying up some options for his first ride. With a budget limited to $15,000, he wants something comfortable with a bit of luxury and enough cargo space for sports gear. What car should he buy? - Tom McParland Read More

This week’s reader has a $45,000 budget for a SUV with solid towing capabilities and room for the family.

Today’s Nice Price or No Dice Expedition shows what happened when Ford took its winning Explorer formula and doubled the ingredients. We’ll have to decide if this old-school SUV’s price still makes it large and in charge. - Rob Emslie Read More