
Michael Perkins
A CarGurus contributor since 2008, Michael started his career writing about cars with the SCCA - winning awards during his time as editor of Top End magazine. Since then, his journalistic travels have taken him from NY to Boston to CA, completing a cross-country tour on a restored vintage Suzuki. While his preference is for fine German automobiles - and the extra leg room they so often afford - his first automobile memories center around impromptu Mustang vs. Corvette races down the local highway, in the backseat of his father's latest acquisition.
Articles written by this author:

2019 Toyota Tundra Review and Video
by Michael Perkins
Toyota brings back the TRD Pro trim as the Tundra continues to labor forward without significant updates or upgrades.

2019 Mazda CX-5 Review and Video
by Michael Perkins
Mazda aims to keep the CX-5's forward momentum going with two new trims, improved handling, smartphone connectivity, and a mo...
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2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review and Video
by Michael Perkins
The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid returns with LED fog lights added to its two top-tier trims.

2020 BMW Z4 Review and Video
by Michael Perkins
The return of the M40i brings tire-scorching power back to the BMW Z4.

2019 Toyota Avalon Review and Video
by Michael Perkins
In an attempt to attract a younger audience, Toyota goes back to the drawing board for the fifth-generation Avalon.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review and Video
by Michael Perkins
The A-Class finally arrives in North America as the new entry-level Mercedes.

2019 Nissan LEAF Review and Video
by Michael Perkins
The 2019 Nissan Leaf leverages new features and a more expensive set of trims with added range to help stay competitive in an...
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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Test Drive Review
by Michael Perkins
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class returns for a “second” generation, sporting a full redesign that offers a roomier interior and th...
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2020 RAM 1500 Test Drive Review
by Michael Perkins
The EcoDiesel engine option returns and is now available for every trim of the 2020 Ram 1500.

2020 Subaru Outback Test Drive Review
by Michael Perkins
A quarter-century after its debut, the Subaru Outback rolls into its sixth generation with a giant new tablet interface, fres...
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2021 Volvo V60 Preview
by Michael Perkins
For the 2021 model year, Volvo’s handsome wagon, now three years into its second generation, adds standard blind-spot monitor...
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2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Preview
by Michael Perkins
The tech-savvy amongst us will rejoice at the upgrade of the Avalon Hybrid’s battery pack from nickel-metal hydride to lithiu...
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2021 Lexus RC Preview
by Michael Perkins
Three new special edition trims join the fray in 2021, while the much-loved RC F Track Edition has been discontinued. Two Bla...
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2021 Lexus NX Preview
by Michael Perkins
Lots of little changes abound for Lexus’ long-in-the-tooth crossover, but nothing that will hold back the tides of time. Now ...
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2021 Buick Encore GX Preview
by Michael Perkins
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and satellite radio join the party in the Encore GX for 2021. Just a year old, the Encore GX is ...
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2021 Audi S6 Preview
by Michael Perkins
Critics complain that the Audi S6 looks too understated, forgetting that some people don’t want to be noticed for what they’r...
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2021 Audi S5 Sportback Preview
by Michael Perkins
A compromise wasn’t always a bad thing, but in the world of sport sedans, it seems like any decision that doesn’t get you a b...
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2021 Audi RS Q8 Preview
by Michael Perkins
With a powertrain shared by automotive outliers like the Lamborghini Urus and the Bentley Flying Spur, the Audi RS Q8 sits on...
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2021 Audi Q5 Hybrid Plug-in Preview
by Michael Perkins
Audi’s mid-size crossover gets a mild refresh for 2021, with a new front end and fresh bumpers, after its 2018 redesign. Ther...
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2021 Acura ILX Preview
by Michael Perkins
Acura’s gussied-up Civic rolls into showrooms for the second year in a row with no significant changes. This comes after the ...
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2021 Lexus LX Preview
by Michael Perkins
Lexus’ large luxury SUV gets some slight changes for the 2021 model year, with a new Sport package being introduced for three...
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2021 Lexus IS Preview
by Michael Perkins
The IS gets a much-needed massage for 2021 that concentrates on improving styling, handling, feel, and the infotainment syste...
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2021 Land Rover Defender Preview
by Michael Perkins
The much anticipated two-door Defender 90 body style, delayed due to COVID-19, finally arrives for the 2021 model year, along...
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2021 Ford Transit Connect Preview
by Michael Perkins
A new propane/compressed natural gas (CNG) option increases the versatility of Ford’s little van for the 2021 model year. Add...
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