Senior Research Editor
Damon Bell
Senior Research Editor Damon Bell has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, beginning as an Engineering Graphics researcher/proofreader at model-car manufacturer Revell-Monogram. From there, he moved on to various roles at Collectible Automobile magazine and Consumer Guide Automotive before joining Cars.com in August 2022. He served as president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association in 2019 and 2020.
Articles by Damon Bell
The Supreme Court has ruled some Trump tariffs illegal, but specific tariffs on steel, aluminum and cars remain in effect. The auto industry is unlikely to see any substantial relief immediately, and car buyers probably won’t see prices drop anytime soon.
By Damon Bell
February 20, 2026
We pored over the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness and 2026 Toyota 4Runner at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show to help you decide which one you should choose.
By Damon Bell
February 16, 2026
The EPA’s announced rollback of emissions standards will likely mean fewer new vehicles will have engine stop-start systems in the near future.
By Damon Bell
February 13, 2026
Toyota has redesigned its Highlander three-row mid-size SUV for 2027, reimagining it as an all-electric vehicle that will compete directly with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9.
By Damon Bell
February 10, 2026
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Jeep Wrangler 4xe are all being discontinued.
By Damon Bell
January 9, 2026
The Mazda3 is one of the oldest designs in the compact-car segment, but it’s still one of the most engaging and fun to drive — even if it’s showing its age in some ways.
By Damon Bell
Senior Research Editor
Toyota takes back the crown of most dependable brand in Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey.
By Damon Bell
December 4, 2025
Honda’s popular three-row mid-size SUV is refreshed for 2026, gaining face-lifted exterior styling, upgraded tech features, and new trim touches inside and out.
By Damon Bell
November 18, 2025
We’ve picked up a few minor blemishes in the finish of our long-term Toyota 4Runner, so we polished them out with a ceramic paint-correction product.
By Damon Bell
November 6, 2025
Jeep pushed out an over-the-air software update on Friday, Oct. 10, that apparently caused major powertrain problems for some Wrangler 4xe owners.
By Damon Bell
October 13, 2025