As you’ve no doubt noticed, things they are a-changin’ on The Truth About Cars. Our new look is evolving, several new writers have made the scene and a whole lot of new readers/commentators are joining us every day. With all that going on we thought we’d better answer a few of the questions we’ve been getting (and throw in a few more we just made up).
What is The Truth About Cars?
The Truth About Cars provides no-holds-barred, take-no-prisoners automotive reviews and industry-related editorials. Our writers call it like they see it, and pull no punches. We also provide a comments section for readers to voice their informed and passionate opinions in a atmosphere of mutual respect.
How did the site get its start?
About four years ago, Robert Farago was a freelance writer living in the UK. After Autocar blacklisted Farago for slating then Editor-In-Chief Steve Sutcliffe (for boasting about driving a Lamborghini with his eyes closed), Farago started posting rants on www.pistonheads.com. Despite (or because of) Fahrenheit 451 temp replies, he created a regular series called "The Truth About Cars." When Farago moved to the U.S., he started TTAC.
How are you different from other automotive sites?
The Truth About Cars prides itself on its editorial independence. Even though we accept advertising, the ads do not influence our editorial content. We also believe in full disclosure. Any time we receive a car loan or travel considerations from a manufacturer, we state the fact in the review.
What is going on with the web site? Why does it look so… uh… plain?
As they say in the construction business, pardon our appearance. We’re making improvements to the site; many of which were suggested last Sunday (we haven’t forgotten). Due to budgetary constraints, the changes are incremental. Rest assured, Farago's OCD guarantees that TTAC will return to its Zen garden aesthetic– cleaner, sharper and brighter– once the remodeling is done. Meanwhile, thank you for your patience and understanding.
Why haven’t you reviewed a _________?
TTAC’s a small but feisty site. As far as access to manufacturers' press fleets is concerned, that's a lethal combination. Our poorly-paid, single-minded reviewers must beg, borrow and go to dealerships to drive a car. Mind you, there are advantages: we tend to drive the same car you can buy, rather than carefully prepared press cars NB: If you're a TTAC supportive manufacturer, dealer or owner who would be willing to provide a TTAC scribe with a test drive of something new we haven't reviewed yet (we're nationwide), please contact us ASAP.
I can’t see the comment I just entered. What happened?
Normally, when you enter a comment it’ll show up as soon as you submit it. If your comment contains certain flagged words or several web links or comes from a questionable-looking domain or looks like comment spam (we've received thousands of them), the WordPress spam filter may trap your comment. And there it sits, waiting for manual approval. If there’s a legitimate comment in there we’ll rescue it (and edit it if necessary) before we delete the real spam. Meanwhile, patience.
Why can’t I enter a comment?
To enter a comment you have to be registered on the site, and signed in.
What's TTAC's comments policy?
TTAC has a strict policy for posting comments:
1. No flaming the website, its authors or fellow commentators "Flaming" means personally insulting. For example, you are free to suggest that a TTAC editorial should consider Toyota's green policies, but you are NOT free to say "we've got it in" for domestic automakers (or anyone else). You are free to argue that a reviewer should take the new Jeep Patriot off-road, but you are NOT free to call the writer biased or unfair. You are free to say Ford makes reliable vehicles, but you are NOT free to question a commentator's right to recount his personal history of unreliable Fords.
2. No trolling "Trolling" means making comments deliberately designed to encourage flamers. For example, you are free to suggest that TTAC should consider Toyota's green policies, bit you are NOT free to say "Toyota's a bunch of lying scumbags." You are free to argue that a reviewer should take the Patriot off-road, but you are not free to say "anyone who doesn't take a Jeep off-road is a wimp." You are free to say Ford makes reliable vehicles, but you are not free to say "people who don't love Fords are lousy drivers."
Any commentator who flames or trolls receives email notification that the comment was edited or deleted. If the comment is deemed excessively offensive or mean spirited, the commentator also receives a warning. After the second offense, the commentator will be banned from posting on the site. Permanently. I repeat: there is no coming back. Ever.
If you encounter an offensive comment, do not respond in the comments section. Send an email to Robert Farago or Frank Williams and we’ll take care of it.
And one more thing. There can be a fine line between passionate commentary and flaming/trolling. If you have any doubts, err on the side of civility. Or write an editorial.
How can I try my hand at writing for TTAC?
Email us for a copy of TTAC’s Writers’ Guide. It’ll give you the proper format and procedure for submitting articles or reviews.
What’s coming down the pike?
Once the site redesign is complete, we’ll have a lot of new features. Old time readers will remember the ratings and stars for each review; these are coming back. We also hope to have links to specifications and pricing data on the cars reviewed. And we’re in negotiations with a purchasing service to get the best deal possible for our readers who are in the market for a new vehicle. Through all of it, we will continue to provide the finest fully independent automotive journalism on the web.
Frank Williams
Managing Editor
It’s working for me. Keep it up.
I love the site, the new design, and look forward to reading it every day. Keep it up!
Geee. thanks dad(s)…. ; )
I know you guys are the best parents a bunch-a-can’t-find-a-better-way-to-spent-yer-off-timers like us could find. I know you guys are pretty understandin when we (and me) get to talkin off the posted topic, we really don’t mean to be bad….. honest.
And fer that “Why haven’t you reviewed a _________?” I got one… I was watchin the Nightly Business Report last week and they were doin a piece on high performance golf carts. These things could go 60 mph. And they were just modified from standard off the shelfers from the two major golf cart makers in the country.
So how-bout-it? do a review on the two off the shelf golf carts, and maybe if there is a production hi-pro modified cart ya could do it too…….
I like this FAQ thing, its really a good idea. And for newcommers it should find a place on either the home page, or more appropriately you might want to make it appear like your regular reviews do in teaser paragraphs at the bottom of the “about us” tab.
I like the about us tab, and I think you kids should add to it, maybe like a page, not just the paragraph.
Heck I think it would be a good idea for even those regular goobers like us to do one just so readers would have a refrence on where we’re commin from…..
But anyway, Unlike what I get from a few posters, this is one of the very few sites I like to visit at least once a day. I know I’m missin out not reading other car sites, but like I said before I like this site for its talk about the car business.
Great job to you all.
The plain layout is cool with me, the more empty space the better.
One additional Q for the FAQ, is this a US only website? I note Robert moved from the UK to the US and there are some UK reviews (MG ZT 190 for example) – does this mean only US cars and writers need apply from now on?
I’m a “test drive tart” especially if I can have a car for a few hours on my own, and I would love to put in some “off the side” or UK-based reviews…
I’m available whenever Aston Martin need the publicity. Honest. :)
One additional Q for the FAQ, is this a US only website? I note Robert moved from the UK to the US and there are some UK reviews (MG ZT 190 for example) – does this mean only US cars and writers need apply from now on? By no means! TTAC has readers around the world. Besides the US, Canada and Mexico, we have regular readers in England, Germany, Norway, France, South Africa, Central America, and even Latvia. We also have excellent contributors in several of these countries. They provide reviews of native cars which gives TTAC readers in the US a chance to sample these “forbidden fruits” vicariously. If any of you are interested in being an overseas correspondent for TTAC, let me or Robert know and we'll send you a copy of our writer's guidelines. (Also, if you're in a country I didn't list above, let us know. We're always interested in finding out where our readers are.)
I like the new design. It’s very clean and it doesn’t clobber you with visuals. If it stays this way forever, I wouldn’t mind. Keep in mind, the dashboard on a Rolls Royce is pretty simple too, and everyone agrees that that’s spot on.
I’ve been reading this site for awhile now, and really enjoy it. I work for a supplier on Ford programs so I particularly love the “Death Watch” series.
Out of curiosity, is TTAC’s content limited strictly to new car reviews and editorials about “the industry”?
I ask because my interests with regards to the automobile rarely involves new cars. My desires for a “daily driver” are pretty modest, and so is my budget. I therefore buy a new car maybe once a decade. I’m currently driving a 2002 car and figure it has another 3-5 years left in it. As such, reviews of new cars have little use for me.
Besides, my practical side comes out with regards to this sort of car and therefore I prefer Diesel power. CARBunists have been doing their best to kill off Diesel for 20 years, and I forsee Diesel engines getting strangled, much like gasoline ones did in the early 70s. It will take a while to sort out the particulate emissions issues. Meanwhile Diesel’s legendary reliability will likely suffer as a result. I live in an excessively rainy climate so they are sort of moot up here, but California’s rules are everyone’s rules in this game. I’ll have to sit out the coming Diesel evolution. Unless of course Audi, or some other automaker has the balls to ship a TDI or CRD powered lightweight roadster, in which case I’ll be the first American to buy one. Perhaps the only one? ;)
My passion for automobiles is centered around vintage machinery. My father was a sports car nut, and I inherited the gene to a certain extent. My childood was filled with leaky little British roadsters. Our weekends and vacations were filled with gymkhanas, rallys, restorations, racetracks, old car shows, and museums. A habit I have yet to shake.
I’ve really enjoyed Paul N’s series, mostly because it has covered this old ground, but I know the point of the series has been to illustrate how the industry got to where it is today… backstory for the Deathwatch series as it were.
Any interest in covering old ground, for its own sake?
–chuck
Chuck,
Excellent idea. I’m always crawling the web looking for reviews/indepth owner experiences for used cars. What would be great (because no other site i’m aware of has this) would be reviews of 4-5 year old vehicles (with say 50-70K miles). This would be invaluable information for both individuals looking for information on how a new car will hold up with some mileage on it as well as those like myself looking to buy an older vehicle.
Otherwise, great site! Keep up the good work.
This site rules! Most other car sites praise every single car they review, and lots of times get their facts wrong, and don’t offer an in-depth view of the industry like the DWs.
The vagina dialogues is a classic!
I use to love and admire automobiles until I started reading TTAC “Death Watch” series. Its a lot like loving sausage until you discover how sausage is made.
Seriously, TTAC is a great read. I am looking forward to seeing some color in the Home Page TTAC banner area. Hint.Hint.
Thanks for all that you do guys!
Chuck,
I had the impression that Paul’s auto biography was about that, and that any backdrop to the current state of the industry was incidental. But lets ask him. Paul?
Keep up the good work. I check in daily.
Here I am swimming upstream. I think it’s interesting that some of you folks are smitten with the Deathwatch series. I personally think its pointless and got chastised for saying so. I want to read The Truth About Cars, not pontifications about the automobile industry. Probably gonna get my knuckles rapped for saying so. Anyhow: Deathwatch – yawn, a piece about how a particular car works or doesn’t – yum.
YFAOS,
Daniel
Great work everyone. Love the fact this site is constantly improving in spite of the limited budget! I’m addicted and check a couple of times a day. I love the editorials section, even if not all subjects are equally interesting. The best part here is getting the real opinions.
I have a little beef with the car reviews though. I have been reading car magazines/books for thirty years now and have noticed the degradation in the quality of the writing as it has been amply described here but I find most reviewers rather harsh on anything short of exceptionnal cars. I thought I was critical… I love truly great cars as much as the next gearhead but let’s face it, most of these cars are out of reach for the double-income-double-car-and-mortgage payers. I think some writers lack a little ‘target market’ adjustment when it comes to evaluating the more ordinary do-it-all cars. For example, the ‘novocaine’ steering in my father’s spanking new Impala LTZ would be out of place in the Audi RS4, but he’s happy with it as are probably all other ’60-something-year-old’ owners. They are looking for value in a different way. But taking issue with the exposed wiring behind the rear-view mirror, the non-folding outside mirrors (they truly are ‘break-away’) or the poorly finished trunk lid and its dangling connector for the high mounted stop light should be universally criticized, regardless of target markets. Doing things properly doesn’t cost more, it’s a question of philosophy!
Keep up the good work and keep the content coming, I need my fix!
Frank
I would really like it if you were to add some basic specs (length, width, curb weight, etc.) to your reviews.
Robert – It’s a great site. The lack of flash graphics and pop-ups are a definite plus. DW series in particular is of interest to anyone interested in the car business, save perhaps Mr. Cote. It is hard not to be rooting for GM and Ford, yet at the same time, the DW write-ups make it understandable why the majority of their offerings are so bland, and behind in content when compared to many Asian or European brands. And speaking of European, you might want to start a DW for Mercedes and VW; if these two do not home in on their core business, and believe that customers will require quality levels nearing the best out there, neither will survive.
On a commercial note, I hope you’ll find unobtrusive means to generate an income without becoming shills for the auto manufacturers. I’ve given up on the U.S. buff books because so much of the writing is obviously carried from the manufacturer’s PR flacks. Despite my lifelong enjoyment of C&D, I’m getting a little tired of pieces which are largely puffery to keep the ad revenue flowing.
Best of luck on a courageous editorial stand!
Steve
Keep reviewing with TTAC’s “jaundiced eye”, revealing flaws that the carmaker would like to obfuscate (word!) with the “sheen of the marque.” I’ll still use CR for the raw numbers, though, and other sources for the owner’s opinions. Great site!
One thing, though; the “star” rating. The DTS just tested totals 12 stars across 4 categories, yet only recieves 2 stars. Unless the system includes an “intangible multiplier” that somehow justifies the incorrect math, casual readers (that have good math skills) may not even move on to the article (just sayin’).
Overall is the writer’s opinion of the car overall.
That said, you’re right. We’ll change it to summary ASAP.
One complaint: I don’t like the separation of new reviews from new editorials. I like the linear look of the old site, where I could plainly see the chronology of stories and check them accordingly. Now, it’s like going to 2 different websites.
Maybe put them all together for the first 3-5 days, then “retire” them to their separate sections (similar to before). My $0.02.
Agree with ash78. Liked the old linear format. That and the crystal clear closeup shots at the top of the page that served as a sort of wordless but elegant tagline.
That said, kudos on a great website and your ongoing efforts to keep it #1.
(Also, if you’re in a country I didn’t list above, let us know. We’re always interested in finding out where our readers are.)
Scotland, its part of the UK. Its not just England ;-)
I’m going to third on the linear format. While as a web developer myself, I tend to like organizing things in categories and making those sort of content distinctions… I can’t deny that seeing all the articles in chronological order instead of editorials being off to the side just seemed to feel better. Also I noticed I haven’t read a single editorial since they got pushed to the side, yet I used to read most of them. Sometimes less is more I suppose. It does totally go against my “web designer” knowledge… but there it is. If your web guys have the time and you have the budget, then perhaps you could have an option to view the site in “classic mode” or something. It could be linked to cookie data so a returning user will get the same view.
Chuck and David: I would like to keep finding interesting ways to cover “old territory”. I’ve got several ideas cooking, and one I’ve submitted. Let’s see what Frank and Robert think. Obviously, 60’s & 70’s nostalgia will have little or no appeal to the younger readers.
Thanks Paul.
In scratching my memory, I do recall now a few articles here in the past about… well… the past. Some writeups about muscle cars, the collector market, etc by Mr. Parkhurst, and others.
Keep that up. Remember that the benchmarks for style and performance were set by classics. Without their framework, the new stuff has nothing to live up to. Besides, just about every car guy either has an old machine in his garage for sunny Sundays, or wish he did.
–chuck
Oh… and Paul, I’m way younger than you. ;)
–chuck