Tested: The Women’s Cotopaxi Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
When seasons change, it’s always handy to keep something warm nearby. Spring days fool you with warmer temps, but the mercury quickly drops when sunset hits. That’s exactly why I…
Crankshaft Chronicles: Need Some Trailer Wiring? Let Me Get the Wine.
It was June of 2014, and we were preparing our 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, affectionately known as The Teal Terror, to make the 600-mile round-trip trek from our home in Portland,…
Oregon’s Kei Truck Bill, HB 4063: Dead (Again)
Despite bipartisan support, Oregon House Bill HB 4063 did not pass in the House’s short session, which adjourned March 6, 2026. In fact, it never got to a vote. On…
We’re at the 2026 Dakar Rally with Defender Rally Team!
We’re at the 2026 Dakar Rally with the Defender Rally Team! Our very own Mercedes Lilienthal was invited to Saudi Arabia to cover Stage 2 and Stage 3 happenings, Defender and…
Saudi Arabia: Hegra, Maraya, and Harrat Viewpoint
My first morning in Saudi Arabia was stunning. I woke up before the sun rose above AlUla’s huge rock formations, which are reminiscent of Moab or Sedona in the United…
Getting to Saudi Arabia for Defender and the Dakar Rally
We’re kicking off our on-the-ground 2026 Dakar Rally and Defender recap reels! So much to share, we (Mercedes Lilienthal) didn’t posted them all as social stories (although a few hundred videos/photos are…
Peak Design’s Everyday Slim Wallet is a Minimalist Card Carrier
For years, I carried a bulky wallet in my back pocket. About 10 years ago, someone gave me a minimalist wallet: a metal tray with a nylon strap to hold…
Kubota Continues Partnership with American Rally Association
We love all things rally at Crankshaft Culture. Last year, Kubota—yes, the orange tractor company—became a major sponsor of the American Rally Association (ARA). The ARA is the largest rally…
Crankshaft Chronicles: 14-Year-Old Andy Didn’t Know Everything About Cars. Just Ask His Mom
It was the summer of 1992. My mother had just bought her first car, a ’92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport, on her own after her divorce from my father. If…
The 15 Most Interesting Vehicles at the 2026 Oregon International Auto Show
We visit the Oregon International Auto Show each year. Here, you can often see the latest models along with a host of custom vehicles. This year’s event runs Feb. 19–22…
Guest Posts
Why Does the Ford Continue to Be One of the Most Famous and Reliable Cars in 2026
The Ford Motor Company has been a cornerstone of the automotive industry for over a century, producing vehicles that combine reliability, innovation, and accessibility. In 2026, Ford continues to maintain its reputation as one of the most famous and dependable car brands worldwide. Models like the Ford Focus, Ford Escape, and Ford…
Why Young Drivers Love the Creativity Behind Custom Car Builds
Why Young Drivers Love the Creativity Behind Custom Car Builds Cars have always been more than just machines that take us from one place to another. For many young drivers, a car is a canvas for creativity, a way to express personality, and a chance to stand out in a…
Why Car Culture Attracts Adventure-Loving Students
Car culture has become more than just a hobby. For many students, it represents freedom, exploration, and excitement. If you have ever watched a convoy of modified cars driving down a highway at sunset or seen friends planning a spontaneous road trip, you already understand the feeling. Car culture connects…