
Thom Blackett
Thom is a lifelong car nut, owning cars ranging from Datsuns to Mustang GTs and, currently, a Hemi-powered Ram 1500. He has spent the past 15 years writing objective, thorough vehicle reviews and consumer-focused feature articles for Autobytel.com, Kelley Blue Book, The Boston Globe, Cars.com, and other leading websites and publications.
Articles written by this author:

The Best American Muscle Cars: New and Classic in 2026
by Thom Blackett
Let's talk about good ol’ American muscle cars. While some consider them machines, others may think of them as cherished fami...
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The Best Cheap Cars for Snow in 2026
by Thom Blackett
Driving in winter conditions can be hard on both cars and drivers, but you don't need to spend a fortune to find a reliable, ...
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The Best First Cars for New Drivers in 2026
by Thom Blackett
Whether you’re learning to drive at 16 or 60, great first cars for new drivers have a few things in common: safety, reliabili...
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The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands in 2025
by Thom Blackett
With daily lives as hectic as ever, few of us have the time or resources to deal with unexpected repairs. We consulted leadin...
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2023 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity
by Thom Blackett
For 2023, the midsize Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds.

How to Handle Car Depreciation
by Thom Blackett
Even the most diehard car enthusiasts have to admit that depreciation is perhaps the greatest downside to vehicle ownership. ...
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Should You Lease or Buy Your Next Car?
by Thom Blackett
Leasing can look like an affordable way to get into a new car, but how does it really compare with buying outright?

How to Inspect a Car Before Buying
by Thom Blackett
Despite being advertised as “like new” or in “mint” condition, used cars are indeed used. None are perfect, but the goal is t...
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2021 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity
by Thom Blackett
The full-size 2021 Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds.

2024 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity
by Thom Blackett
The full-size 2024 Ram 1500 has a max towing capacity of 12,750 pounds.

2023 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity
by Thom Blackett
The 2023 Ram 1500, a full-size pickup truck, can tow up to 12,750 pounds.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity
by Thom Blackett
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

2021 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity
by Thom Blackett
The midsize 2021 Toyota Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds.

Should You Buy a Car With Cash?
by Thom Blackett
After weeks (or months) of research and test drives, you've finally found the new or used vehicle that perfectly fits your ne...
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How to Find a Great Car Dealership
by Thom Blackett
Finding a great car dealership requires a bit of time and effort, but the payoff is huge: You'll do business with a company t...
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Is It Smart to Buy a Salvage Car?
by Thom Blackett
You may come across used cars for sale that appear to be in great condition but have a salvage (or a branded or rebuilt) titl...
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2021 Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity
by Thom Blackett
The 2021 Toyota Tundra has earned its place in the full-size truck segment with trims ranging from the work-ready SR to the p...
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2023 Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity
by Thom Blackett
The recently redesigned 2023 Toyota Tundra is a more competitive full-size pickup truck with a maximum towing capacity of up ...
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2024 Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity
by Thom Blackett
With a maximum towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds, the 2024 Toyota Tundra is a capable full-size truck that falls a bit s...
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What Does a New Vehicle Warranty Cover?
by Thom Blackett
All new vehicles are covered by some sort of warranty, but it's important to understand what they cover – and what they don't...
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What to Know About Changing Your Oil
by Thom Blackett
Just like the human body needs water, the engine in your car needs oil (unless it’s a pure electric vehicle, in which case it...
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How to Find, Fix, and Prevent Rust on your Car
by Thom Blackett
Understanding rust is the first step to avoiding it. Here's how to spot rust, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happe...
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Car Chip Shortage: How Semiconductors Bottlenecked the Automotive Industry
by Thom Blackett
The global microchip shortage resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has affected anyone even remotely connected to the auto in...
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1994 Toyota Pickup Test Drive Review
by Thom Blackett
Though slightly pricier and thirstier than its competitors, the Toyota Pickup is a capable truck backed by a stellar reputati...
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