Arison Knapp

Arison’s story began in rapidly evolving Seattle, Washington in the 1980’s. From a young age he gained his automotive experience working in the family business; our nation’s first and oldest personal automotive consulting and buyer’s service, AutoAdvisor Inc. Throughout working as a research car consultant he built a foundation of learning people and how cars can fit with their lives. That is his strong suit, the human to car interface. Over the last decade he harnessed his voice contributing to small print and national online news outlets reviewing cars. Today, his automotive passion has sprung into the love of all things involving motion from shoes to drones. He is an active member of the Motor Press Guild and is ready to share his expertise with WhyThisRide.

2016 Mitsubishi i-MIEV ES Review

2016 Mitsubishi i-MIEV ES Review by Arison Knapp The Mitsubishi i-MIEV is now in a respectable fifth year of production of it’s first generation. With a few updates this all-electric vehicle will go mostly unchanged from the previous year. It’s been one the most affordable EVs on the market since its release. This has contributed to it’s success and continuation. Now with a little lower base MSRP ...[Read More]

2016 Kia Sedona SX-Limited Review

  2016 Kia Sedona SX-Limited Review by Arison Knapp The progressive styling of the 2016 Kia Sedona five-door minivan goes hand-in-hand with engineering in the new age powertrain down to the quality materials in-cabin. Traditionally, minivans have been developed to be buttery-smooth catering to passengers; bland and boring behind the wheel. Recently automakers have been re-imagining what these...[Read More]

2016 Nissan SV AWD Rogue Review

2016 Nissan SV AWD Rogue Review by Arison Knapp Nissan’s Rogue Crossover SUV moves into its refined third year of production for this second generation. This is a vehicle for those who demand comfort, efficiency, reliability and safety in a well-proportioned economically priced Sport Utility Vehicle. At an MSRP of $23,140, the five or optional seven-passenger, four-door Rogue will be available to ...[Read More]

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Review

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Review by Arison Knapp If you have ever driven or been a passenger in a Volkswagen then you already know what an engaging and entertaining spirit they release. From the top model in their lineup to the entry-level, Volkswagen delivers road cars built for enjoyment. The main reason I chose this ride is that VW stays true to their passenger car form in their SUV lineup deliver...[Read More]

2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4 Review

2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4 Review by Arison Knapp If you’re looking for a disproportionately good deal in a heavy-duty off-roading midsize SUV, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is your ticket up the mountain. There are major differences between the ruggedly-equipped Cherokee Trailhawk and the other street-oriented, light-duty, four model lines of the Cherokee. The lower four models comp...[Read More]

2015 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid Crossover SUV Review

2015 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid Crossover SUV Review by Arison Knapp The 2015 Lexus RX Hybrid Crossover SUV stands out on-road and online. It presents a pleasurable driving personality with pleasing production quality and eco-engineering. The “Crossover” dynamism of this Lexus is built on the pillars of being a luxury SUV with nimble sedan handling and light off-road ability. The impressive soothing sil...[Read More]

2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Review

2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Review by Arison Knapp The Toyota Camry Hybrid’s new-era legendary status stems from its proven long-life and highly economical drive systems.  Also legend is the ease of use behind the wheel, gentle hospitable ride and future resale value. This year Toyota overhauled the design of their Camry Hybrid thrusting the passenger car nameplate into a new sportier generation. ...[Read More]

2015 Volvo XC60 AWD

  2015 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Platinum Review by Arison Knapp The Volvo XC60 is acclaimed for its arrangement of solidly built premium mechanical componentry which emits a defined Northern European vibrant driving character. Volvo acquires this disposition by equipping their Cross-Country (XC) 60 SUV with an lifted sedan platform, off-road capability, forced induction engines, hi tech electronic a...[Read More]

2015 Kia Soul EV Plus

  Kia’s First Electric Car: 2015 Kia Soul EV Plus Review by Arison Knapp Kia Motors protects their position in the auto industry as the leader in offering the most value in about every new vehicle they build. As Chevrolet is to domestic cars, Kia is to import cars. Kia has become an established brand in America today for presenting more modern features and safety standards than most of ...[Read More]

2015 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium

  2015 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium Review by Arison Knapp The Toyota Sienna minivan is popular for its reputable reliability and smooth ride. The Sienna is also known for its highly maneuverable driving dynamics, fitting sporty design and for being the only optional all-wheel drive minivan on the market. Toyota’s design prowess shows against competitors like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona an...[Read More]

2015 VW Golf

  2015 Volkswagen Golf 4-Door TSI SEL Review by Arison Knapp Volkswagen hatchbacks are known for delivering a vibrantly entertaining compact of German driving character while providing cargo room of midsize sedans. VW had been plagued by long-term quality issues, now that’s past. This year’s new, next-generation VW Golf is genuinely elevated in mechanicals, materials and assembly quality with...[Read More]

2015 VW Passat V6

  2015 Volkswagen Passat V6 SEL Premium Review by Arison Knapp Intro Rare and unlike most vehicles is the 2015 Volkswagen Passat V6 SEL Premium sedan. In today’s front-wheel drive, midsize sedan segment the four-cylinder leads, six-cylinder gasoline engines are a dying breed. You used to be able to get any of the midsize sedans with a more-powerful six-cylinder engine. Now only half the segme...[Read More]