That’s Different: 1961 Nash Metropolitan 4×4
Well, this is something you don’t see everyday: A 1961 Nash Metropolitan atop a Suzuki Samurai 4×4 chassis. You know, it kinda works.
Continue reading →Author: Andy Lilienthal
Review: 2017 Kia Sportage SX FWD
We generally prefer our trucks, SUVs, and CUVs with all-wheel or four-wheel drive since we live in an often wet climate along with our proximity to mountains. We also live in an area of the country with plenty of opportunities to get off the pavement. On top of that, we even get snow on rare…
Continue reading →Mule Expedition Outfitter’s Range Rover Traka Conversion
It’s not often we go somewhere and see a vehicle we cannot easily identify, but such was the case at the 2016 NW Overland Rally. Dana and Joe from Mule Expedition Outfitters in Issaquah, WA had told me before the event they were bringing something new that year; I knew it was a vehicle of some…
Continue reading →2017 Jeep Compass Details
Words by Andy Lilienthal, photos by Mercedes Lilienthal/FCA The Jeep Compass has had quite the evolution since it debuted back in 2007. I can’t say I was much of a fan of early iterations, what with its odd proportions and fairly anemic powertrain. So it’s amazing that for 2017, the Compass will come into its…
Continue reading →Driving the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
A couple weeks ago, Portland got nailed by a 40-year snow storm. P-town rarely gets any snow let alone 12” of the stuff. And wouldn’t you know it, the day before it hits, we take delivery of the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The roads in Portland are terrible during a snow event—like really, really bad….
Continue reading →Wonder Wagon: Saul Sanchez’s Lifted Subaru Outback
I’ve seen lifted Subarus before, but nothing quite like this. And while jacked-up, dirt-covered Subarus thumb their Pleiades-badged noses at traditional 4WD vehicles, this lifted Subaru Outback is more like a throat punch.
Continue reading →Japan Camping Car Show
So maybe you saw last week’s post about kei car campervans. It turns out, this is more of a “thing” than I ever thought. In fact, there is an entire show devoted car camping and RV-ing in Japan. It is simply called the Japan Camping Car Show, and it’s held in February. In fact, the next…
Continue reading →The Funny Thing About Travel
You know, the funny thing about travel is sometimes you don’t appreciate it until you’ve done it, come back, let it sink in, and then something—something small, even—triggers an emotion. I’ve heard other people say something to this effect, but it really hasn’t hit me until just now.
Continue reading →Behold: The Kei Mini Campervan
Have you always dreamed of having a tiny house? Are you mildly obsessed with Japanese kei cars? Well we have the car for you! Behold, the Kei Mini Camper! Based on the tiny, 660cc mini cars of Japan, these little rigs feature a campervan back half for all of your lilliputian overlanding excursions. 旅行しよう!
Continue reading →Yokohama Geolandar M/T+Tires In the Snow
During Portland Snopocalypse 2017, I’ve been driving The PDXJ (project 2001 Jeep Cherokee) quite a bit; it’s been pretty much unstoppable in the snow. Then again, vehicle is only as good as its tires. I must say, I’ve been very impressed with our Yokohama Geolandar M/T+ tires during this snowy mess.
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