Regarding pets, this may be an unpopular opinion, but I don’t like seeing pets anywhere in a car except in a pet carrier/with a proper seatbelt harness. Not only because they can be a distraction to the driver, but also because it isn’t safe for the animal.

On the other hand, I love it when someone is talking on their phone through bluetooth, and have the volume up so loud that I can hear the caller outside their car, even with their windows up.

This one really gets me, when people are so terrified to drive that they utilize really bad/unsafe practices. I live in an area with a ton of two lane mountain roads, and it always irks me when I end up behind a motorist that is doing 10 or even 20 under the limit because they are afraid of the curves/cliffs on the…

I was really surprised that my new car, a 2018 Mazda3, has no link between the auto headlights and rain sensing wipers! If I turn on the wipers / they sense rain and start automatically, it does not automatically turn on the headlights. I do not understand why those systems are not linked.

I really wish that auto manufacturers (or regulators, but I’d prefer if manufacturers did it) would put headlights lower on these giant trucks and SUVs. And people need to properly aim their headlights. Even when they aren’t tailgating or using high-beams, those lights are so blinding because of how they are…

This one really gets me. I drive a four lane (two each direction) mountain road fairly often. Inevitably every time I take that road, there will be a semi in the right lane, and someone in the left lane hanging out in the semi’s blindspot, waiting to pass. Or they’ll get just ahead of the semi, and then sit in the…

I agree on all these counts but especially regarding right of way. I know people are trying to be helpful, but it is dangerous. Always take your right of way, keep things predictable so people aren’t surprised. Especially when I’m trying to make a left turn against oncoming traffic, and someone oncoming stops to let…

+1000 for this. I have them adjusted wide, so between the left, center, and right mirrors, I can see all my blind spots and behind the car. My partner makes fun of me for it when he drives my car. He adjusts his so that looking in the left and right mirrors, he can see the sides of his car. I don’t understand why…

One specific one that bothers me often:

As someone who owned a V6, 2004 Xterra for the better part of ten years, I can tell you DO NOT BUY a 4 cylinder Xterra. The V6 model was slow enough, and I don’t imagine the slightly increased fuel economy is worth it.

I know many people do post videos online doing illegal speed runs. But to Jalopnik’s credit, all the videos in this article were done in a legal manner (closed course or autobahn). 

This is the fault of the person doing the rear-ending. I have heard stories of AEB systems deploying when they don’t need to, which I agree is a concern. But if a driver rear ends someone it’s because they A) were following too closely, B) were not paying attention, C) haven’t properly maintained their tires/brakes,…

Mazda offers their full-speed AEB with a manual, at least they did in the 2018 Mazda3. I assume the only downside is that if the car stops itself and you don’t clutch in, it will stall.

Neutral: I have conflicting feelings about this. On the one hand, I think that drivers tests across the nation need to be MUCH more comprehensive, and could significantly reduce the need for this tech. I swear so many of the accidents I see are the result of unsafe driving practices or people just plain not paying…

I was thinking the Durango would tick all the boxes, it’s American, is available within budget with a lot of luxury features, and certainly isn’t ostentatious. Only issue is the fuel economy in the V6 model likely isn’t any better than an Explorer (to say nothing of the V8 option).

I love the look of that, I think the only thing I would axe is the side exhaust. 

I agree, I don’t think personal self-driving cars will ever really be adopted widely, but not necessarily because of cost. I think they will be a shared/for hire type service at best (i.e. taxis, buses, light rail), but it’s going to be further into the future than these companies are saying. 

Those trips are so fun,. I haven’t done the overnight on the Hornet, but I did stay on the USS Pampanito submarine when I was in the scouts! 

I recently toured the USS Hornet (did it as a kid many years ago), it’s a spectacular museum. It really is worth a trip for anyone living / visiting the Bay Area. (Plus there is a vodka distillery and a brewery next door now). 

Smashing story!