James Hamel

Featured Arts & Entertainment Contributor; Featured Automotive Contributor
Living in Aliso Viejo, CA
Total page views: 309,611
Published Content: 442
Fans: 38
On AC since: 03.19.09
Bio:
I am a native of Northern California (from the small town of Saratoga) who currently resides in Southern California near Laguna Beach. I can also be seen on Twitter as screen persona JimCarInOC. As you could probably tell, my passion lies mainly in being able to write about automobiles.
Education/Experience:
University of Southern California, Writer for Automotive.com
Motto:
I Don't Believe in Any Idea so Small That It Can Fit on a Bumper Sticker
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While its initial appeal may lie in its drop dead gorgeous styling, there is more to the 2010 Dodge Challenger than meets the eye.
If you are tired of reading about Brad and Angelina, then check out television's new power couple--Animal Planet's Dave Salmoni and comedian Chelsea Handler.
If you have a family and are thinking of buying a 2011 Toyota Sienna be sure to check out this review of the SE model.
If you are looking for a practical and fuel efficient SUV under $25,000 be sure to check this list before making any decisions.
If you are a human being then no doubt you have felt alone at some point in your life and these songs speak to that.
If you love Glee and want a little sneak peek into what's coming for Season Two check out what creator Ryan Murphy said at the recent Comic-Con convention in San Diego.
If you are shopping for a 2010 Chrysler Sebring sedan, read this review first.
If you want to know whether the 2010 Toyota Tundra or the 2010 Dodge Ram is the better truck for you dog then check out this review from the canine perspective.
If you have a budget of $25,000 and need a sturdy workhorse that can do double duty as a family hauler check out these five choices.
If you have $25,000 to spend on a new car you don't have to settle for anything less than the very best.
If you need a pickup truck as big and tough as the state of Texas, check out this in depth review of the 2010 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Limited 4x4.
If you are looking to buy a new SUV you absolutely must check this list of the safest and most dangerous models when it comes to rollover safety.
If you are in the market for a full size pickup truck be sure to read this all encompassing review of the 2010 Dodge Ram.
The Chute of Muddy Creek Trail in Utah uses a river as its natural guide.
When taking a vehicle for a test drive you need to be thinking about more than just how much you enjoy that new car smell.
If you are looking for an affordable new car you need to consider more than just the sticker price.
If you are looking for an around town errand running SUV with the go anywhere off-road ability of a Jeep check out this review. If you are looking for a commuter, you may want to look elsewhere.
After a week of testing these are my thoughts of what it is like to own and drive the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon.
If you love the TV show Glee then you will love reliving some of Sue Sylvester's truly classic one liners from the first season.
Just because you need a family car doesn't mean you have to pay through the nose for a crossover or have no fun behind the wheel. These five models are all utilitarian, economical and a blast to drive.
Wonder what it's like to live with the 2010 VW Golf TDI, 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid and 2010 Toyota Prius for a week? Then check out this comparison review to see how they stacked up in recent tests.
Dust off the eight-track, crank up the Steely Dan and let your hair grow out'"it's time to recapture your misspent youth with the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T.
The Smith Family Compares the 2010 Toyota Prius with Their Certified Pre-Owned 2007 Prius.
Check out this full length, in-depth review of the Honda FCX Clarity after an extended four day road test period.
If you have ever wondered what people might be driving in the second half of this century read this review of the Honda FCX Clarity sedan powered by hydrogen.
If you are like most adults and nothing is really exciting you at the cinema this summer why not check out these five classic films on DVD.
Do you love the TV show Glee? Well, if so check out this review of the entire first season of this ground breaking show.
If you are interested in a 2010 VW GTI then check out this definitive, top to bottom review of this iconic hot hatch.
As a professional auto journalist I know the importance of good driving music and here are my ten favorite songs to listen to during a jaunt on your local winding, two lane road.
This is the story of one man's dream come true-attending the press launch of the 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid sport coupe.
This review will show you what it is really like to live with an alternative fuel vehicle like the 2010 Honda Civic GX NGV (Natural Gas Vehicle).
Looking for a new family car but don't know which vehicle to choose. Not only is the 2010 Subaru Legacy in this review examined thoroughly but it is also compared to all of its rivals.
If you want to know the real scoop about how the 2011 Honda CR-Z drives from a guy who drove it for miles around Sonoma County and on a racetrack then read on.
Find out whether it is the sporty CR-Z, practical Insight or luxurious Civic hybrid that best suit your lifestyle.
Classic Honda fans, prepare to burn me at the stake because I am going to compare a classic CR-X Si with a 2011 CR-Z in a road test showdown.
Find out more about the inside and outside of the 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid sport coupe that I had the priviledge of driving at the recent North American press launch.
If you need a mainstream family sedan but don't want to follow the herd check out this review of the bargain priced all-wheel drive 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i CVT Limited.
Check out this initial review of the 2011 Honda CR-Z written after 3 days of driving the car on a racetrack and the winding roads of Sonoma County.
Check out the all new family friendly 2011 Odyssey!
This review of a 2010 Toyota Prius can give current and future owners some idea of what happens when the auxiliary battery (not the one in the back that moves the car) stops pumping out power.
If you are in the market for an affordable, efficient, reliable and fun to drive compact car check out this buyer's guide for the 2010 Kia Forte EX.
If you want a sporty, luxurious and fun to drive coupe without paying luxury brand prices, the 2010 Honda Accord HFP Coupe EX-L V6 may be just the ticket.
First impressions count for a lot in this world so find out what is really impressive and not so impressive about the 2010 Kia Forte EX sedan.
The month of May was a very good month to be a Honda or Acura Dealer.
If you are in the market for a fuel efficient compact car but can't pick between a hybrid or diesel check out this review.
Find out why the 2010 VW Golf TDI diesel hatchback is the future of truly "green" motoring and not the hybrid.
In this review we discover why the health and welfare of your driving record and insurance deductibles may be put at risk by the 2010 Honda Civic HFP Si coupe.
Here are ten surefire reasons why you should be seriously thinking about changing your auto insurance carrier.
Check out this article to find out who you can let drive your car if they are not on your policy and who pays if they get into an accident.
Check out this in-depth review that answers all your questions about living with a 2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition.
Check out this list of the ten cheesy songs that are best listened to when you are alone in your car or listening to your iPod.
Read this review of the 2010 Honda Accord EX sedan to see if the competition has finally caught up.
These are the pictures I take of the Press Fleet vehicles I test for a week from various auto manufacturers.
Check out this review of the 2010 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid which is the perfect gas/electric vehicle for the hybrid-phobic.
The 2010 Toyota Prius gives commuters a soothing, fuel efficient oasis to guide them home after a long day at work.
The key to surviving a recall on your car, truck or SUV is to never panic.
Check out how far Hyundai and Kia have come in just the last decade when it comes to safety technologies even on its smallest and least expensive models.
If you just assume that your SUV is safe because it takes up a lot of room you might be very surprised by these results.
If you don't believe GM deserved to be bailed out of bankruptcy just check out these awesome new and upcoming models.
The Scion xD is the closest you can get to a true four door Mini Cooper hatchback.
Music has a truly magical healing power that can not only help you through the loss of a loved one, it can also help you feel closer to their memory.
Check out this driving road test car review of the 2010 Mini Cooper S Clubman.
The past, present and future of safety at Honda and Acura.
Find out why Melissa Etheridge's latest album Fearless Love just refuses to drop out of the Top Ten--it has something to do with it being excellent from start to finish.
The 2010 Honda Civic is one of many compact cars that earned a "top safety pick" rating. Here's a look at 2010 compacts with high marks.
The 2010 Audi TT convertible offers style, sophistication, elegance and driving fun in spades.
Can a minivan become desirable to someone with no children or need for such a utilitarian vehicle? Read on...
Read this review of the 2011 Toyota Sienna SE which is a vehicle that will go down in automotive history as the first truly fun to drive minivan.
Find out why Honda and Acura experienced such strong sales last month.
In a weeklong road test of the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT I discovered whether this SUV can live up to the sporting pretense promised by its EVO inspired nose.
Acura has announced a recall to replace the power steering hose in the 2004-2008 Acura TSX because high engine temperatures may cause it to leak thereby risking an engine fire.
There was a time when Hyundai and Kia models looked very similar but with the all new 2011 Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima all that is set to change.
If you are looking for a lavishly equipped luxury sedan from a premium automaker but don't want to spend $50,000 check out the Acura TSX for these five succinct reasons.
If you are in the market for a mainstream family sedan be sure to read this Altima buying guide first.
If you are in the market for an affordable family sedan read this article first!
If you are in the market for a Hyundai check out this list of their ten best models currently on sale.
If you are excited about Soundgarden, Hole and the Stone Temple Pilots getting back together then check out this list of the ten best grunge anthems of the 1990s.
Please "Hold On" and "Stay" because "U Can't Touch This" list of the top ten 1990s pop one-hit wonders because they are cool as "Ice, Ice Baby."
Check out this review of what happens when two pop culture powerhouses--Madonna and the TV hit Glee join forces for a true hour of creative joy.
When it comes to fuel efficient compact cars, when in doubt you should always buy a Honda Civic.
So, your hybrid may be friendly to the environment but is the car company you bought it from eco-conscious as well?
Even when you have enough cash for a Mercedes Benz you still want to be sure that you are getting the best vehicle for your money.
Do you remember some of these more obscure Subaru models? Check out the ten best (and wackiest) Subaru vehicles ever built.
Check out this review to find out if you should be blowing your work bonus at your local BMW or Mercedes dealer.
Find out how Acura is making a station wagon synonymous with sexy thanks to the upcoming release of the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon. Specs, economy readings and general info about this model set for release in Fall 2010 are included.
How a humble Hyundai Elantra Blue helped to teach me about the true nature of beauty during a week of road testing.
Is the Toyota 4Runner (and the Lexus GX which is based on the same chassis) unsafe or is Consumer Reports guilty of biased journalism?
Find out why the 2010 Toyota 4Runner is the macho man (or woman's) 7-passenger off-road SUV.
The ten best Ferrari models of all time based on individual styling and the sonically glorious nature of their engines.
Check out this review and find out which of these "unique" yet very utilitarian hatchbacks comes out on top in this comparison.
The 2010 Acura ZDX is a bona-fide head turner with lines that should qualify it for a spot in New York's Museum of Modern Art.
Check out which five 2010 cars, trucks and SUVs made the list for the most eco-friendly vehicles in the nation.
Find out if the 2010 Mazda6 stands up when compared to the the family sedan herd made up of Camry, Accord and Altima
Check out this list of the ten best Audi models ever produced for both the American and European markets.
Discover the still overflowing pleasures to be found in the ownership of this stylish and expertly engineered luxury crossover.
On any good road trip you must remember to gas up the car, pack a cooler full of snacks and burn a CD with these songs on it.
The 2011 Ford Fiesta is set to revolutionize your concept of the American small car.
With trucks and SUVs there is a difference between having bad fuel economy and being inefficient.
Check out these five ways for senior citizen drivers to save money on their insurance.
Find out how to save money on car insurance and if you really need as much coverage as you currently have on your four wheeled pride and joy.
When you are laying down all that money on a new car do you really want to have to spend more at a stereo shop? You won't have to if you buy one of these 2010 models.
If you want to relive the dreamy synthesizers and deliciously sweet sounds of "Xanadu" era Olivia Newton-John you have to check out Goldfrapp's new album "Head First"
The compact car class has a new master and it practices the art of "Zoom-Zoom." Check out the 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring 5-door.
Why are so many time tested, mechanically reliable car parts being replaced with electronics?
Just because you have to drive a 7-passenger SUV like the 2010 Mazda CX-9 doesn't mean you can't have any fun driving it.
It's a battle of economy car giants with mighty Kia finally turning on itself by pricing the 2010 Kia Soul Sport and 2010 Kia Forte SX so closely to each other.
It's okay if you just can't stand four cylinder engines because there are still these mainstream family options for sale even in 2010.
What do a 2010 Nissan 370Z, Pee-Wee Herman and a Harley Davidson Biker Gang all have in common? Find out in this end of week test report on a Monterey Blue 2010 Nissan 370Z with Sport Package.
Volkswagen goes with the Jetta as well as Oktober goes with Fest. Check out the newly updated 2010 VW Jetta.
Who knew it could take five (credited) songwriters to rhyme the words "drunk" and "junk" with "crunk?" Find out more in this review of pop singer Kesha's hit song "Tik-Tok."
Tired of the banal backing beats and vocal studio trickery so prevalent in today's music? If you miss grunge rock rejoice because 90s mega-bands Hole and Soundgarden have reunited.
Find out why the economic health of supposed "foreign" car manufacturers has just as much of an impact on our national economy as The Big Three.
Five surefire ways that the brutally fast and wickedly entertaining Nissan 370Z can improve your quality of life.
It seems that since the Toyota acceleration recall every single day there is a new vehicle recall from some manufacturer. Well, that's pretty normal.
Get out of that box you are living in and stop shopping SUVs, minivans and crossovers. Welcome to the "alternatives."
It's the Beetle, Microbus, Passat, Jetta, Golf, Rabbit and more all in one place.
Is the new car you are thinking of buying the equivalent of an automotive money pit?
With Toyota's high quality reputation now damaged it makes sense to look at the stellar model line-up from both Honda and its luxury division Acura.
If you or someone you know needs a new car for college check out this list!
These cars are either unreliable, ugly, boring, expensive to maintain or a combination of all of the above.
The 2010 Hyundai Accent 3-door has an intriguingly charming shape which lends itself well to colors like "Mellow Yellow."
Aren't kids today lucky that they can be picked up from school in one of these seven seat crossovers instead of something like the Partridge Family bus?
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon to Premiere March 31st at New York Auto Show.
How these new car features can lead to distraction and quite possibly an accident.
Check out the upcoming Mercedes AMG SLS gull-wing sport coupe!
Hyundai, along with its exemplary new Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track, is doing a serious Justin Timberlake by "Bringing Sexy Back."
Here are five great reasons why you should put the 2011 Kia Sorento on your seven passenger SUV shopping list.
How a mid-pack crossover from Ford Motor Company came to move to the head of its class.
What do German sausages and the new 2011 BMW 5-series have in common? More than you might think.
The 2010 Honda Fit Sport may very well be the last car you ever need to buy yourself.
No matter whether you are young or old each one of these vehicles is reliable, spacious, fun to drive and easy to get in and out of.
The Mazda Miata was a joy to drive in the 1990's and thankfully that trait is just as true today as it was back then.
If you are in the market for a new family sedan be sure to check out the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS.
The new cast for the next season of Dancing with the Stars has been announced and that means drama, tears and a little bit of dancing.
An in-depth look at how Animal Planet's Dave Salmoni is winning over animal lovers, gay men and soon America as a whole.
Find out why the Acura MDX is the best 7-seat SUV on the planet today in this week-long road test!
A look at Shaun "The Flying Tomato" White's expansive clothing line and business interests.
Attention family sedan shoppers! Here are five reasons to add the Suzuki Kizashi to your shopping list!
Five Easy Ways to help keep you from losing your financial shirt on servicing costs when you buy your next new or used car, truck or SUV.
With a bright new future looming ahead with Italy's Fiat, it's a great time to remember some of the best Chrysler products of the last twenty years.
What you know about the Toyota gas pedal recall is 50% fact, 30% fabrication and 20% media and governmental grandstanding.
The story of how becoming "Uncle Jim" ended one man's struggle with finding meaning in his life.
Are you tired of Jay, Dave, Conan and all the rest then why not check out Chelsea Handler on Chelsea Lately weeknights at 11 p.m. on E!
The Audi A3 TDI is the perfect ride for the fashion conscious urban hipster with a desire to help save the planet.
Find out which of ten BMW models are truest to the BMW virtue of providing driving enthusiasts with pure automotive bliss.
Does James Cameron's hit film Avatar cross the line into liberal environmentalist propaganda or is it just a fun sci-fi movie?
So, do you think John Mayer might just be on this list?
Adam Lambert continues to face the same challenges in the music industry that were in place before music stars started "coming out."
No matter which Toyota truck you buy you can rest assured that you are buying a vehicle with a history of resolute and time tested toughness.
Just because you don't have $50,000 doesn't mean you can't have a world class luxury sedan.
The Sorento, RAV-4 and Equinox all battle it out for supremacy in the brutally competitive cute-ute market.
An in-depth weeklong test of the 2010 Acura RL full-size luxury sedan.
Does the 2011 Ford Fiesta have what it takes to knock the Honda Fit off the top of the heap?
Will it be the BMW, Audi or the dark horse from Acura that wins over the hearts and wallets of seven seat luxury SUV seekers?
Sometimes a good manual transmission can make a good car great.
Six tips on how to lower your car insurance premiums by improving your overall credit score.
This hoodie brings style to any ski run.
Read on if you want to fully understand the benefits and requirements of gap protection auto insurance coverage.
One recall does not destroy years of terrific quality and design and this list of ten great 2010 Toyota models proves that.
Why do all the best-selling American family sedans come from Japanese automakers?
If you are going to be buying a new car in the next year why not check out these ten great offerings from the Ford Motor Company?
If you want high mileage but are afraid of the 2010 Prius for obvious reasons why not check out the 2010 VW Golf TDI?
Learn the tale about how one 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with a manual transmission gave an auto reviewer his groove back.
From the iconic 1964 model to the woeful 1970's Pinto-based model to the stylistic resurgence of the 2010 model, the Ford Mustang has had a long, colorful and rich history in America.
The 2010 BMW 335D is Quite Possibly the World's Most Perfect Luxury Car.
You may be too old to pull off wearing a backwards baseball cap but now you can probably afford the insurance for a 2010 hot hatchback.
Would you accept your engine turning off at traffic lights if it meant a 15 to 25 percent gain in fuel economy?
Who says a luxury car can't be environmentally responsible?
The Infiniti G37 is less a car and more of a vessel for bringing joy to your soul.
Automakers and car dealerships alike may learn something from this guide to improving sales in a slow economy.
Five easy ways to save a little money during tough economic times.
If you had your heart set on a Camry but your Toyota dealer won't sell you one here are two fine options.
The 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible is a life affirming grin inducer.
What to do if you won't or can't drive an SUV.
It looks like the Range Rover might finally have a bit of competition both on and off-road.
From Lady Gage to Beyonce to Taylor Swift and everyone in between, here's to hoping someone restrains Kanye West if a certain country star wins Album of the Year.
Will the Toyota Venza be victorious or will the Honda Crosstour conquer its nefarious nemesis in this battle of the SUV/Crossover/wagon/new age family transports?
These inexpensive compact cars prove the old adage "waste not, want not."
Is your Toyota model affected under the recently announced sales and manufacturing freeze? Read on to find out!
World economies and car sales are never steady but the concepts that always sell are quality, comfort, style and sex appeal.
If you follow these ten commandments you too may have what it takes to be a luxury automaker in 2010.
Daydreams inside your commuter econo-box of sports car excitement will never lead anywhere unless you take a look at one of these five wonderful bundles of automotive joy.
Will the new 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD live up to the expectations of a loyal Acura driver?
If your hybrid system doesn't really improve your fuel economy then honestly what is the point?
These five family sedans are the most fun you can possibly have without having to spend over $30,000.
Fun to drive and affordable monthly payments are not mutually exclusive concepts.
How to get a multi-insurance vehicle discount from your car insurance carrier.
You should have no problem lowering your auto insurance premiums with these five foolproof methods.
If you have the money and the kids have finally left maybe you should have a look at one of these fine German luxury roadsters.
If you are looking for a television show to love you should definitely check out the DVD release of "Glee Volume 1: The Road to Sectionals."
Lord Vader, your Crossover/SUV has arrived...
From Aretha to Madonna to Tina here are the top ten female pop vocalists of all time.
A few of my favorite things about the about the 2010 Acura RDX.
If you are shopping for a new BMW 3-Series you really should have a look at the 2010 Infiniti G37 as well.
A fun to drive hybrid with a manual transmission can only come from Honda.
The 2012 Ford Focus makes the current model look like a bigger mess than Mariah Carey trying to give a speech at an awards dinner.
The new Chrysler Delta is introducing Americans to the new concept of Italian/U.S. car badge engineering.
The 2010 Honda Element with Dog Friendly Package gets dissected by the first ever canine auto reviewer--Daisy Mae Hamel.
Unlike most Americans the Nissan 370Z roadster not only lost weight and got smaller but it also enters the 2010 model year looking better than ever.
Top Places for Men to Shop in Los Angeles.
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