James Derek Sapienza, Author at The Cheat Sheet

Author

James Derek Sapienza

Derek Sapienza is a New York-based writer with a serious car obsession that started when he was two years old. Originally from Rochester, New York, he also loves baseball, music, and art. When he's not spending time pondering important things like the evolution of taillights on full-size Mercedes-Benz sedans, he's likely to be found taking photos around New York or painting.

August 18, 2017

10 Cars That Are Much Faster Than They Look

From luxury cars to family haulers, these 10 fast cars are way quicker than they need to be -- and that's just the way we like it.
August 18, 2017

The Best 3-Row SUVs for You and Your Family

With SUVs and crossovers taking over the roads, it can be difficult making a decision on the right one. Here are the best three-row models you can buy.
August 18, 2017

10 Popular Muscle Cars That Are Actually Terrible

Nothing is romanticized in the automotive world quite like the classic '60s-era muscle car. Here are 10 muscle cars that would be awful to drive today.
August 18, 2017

Top 10 Car Brands Everybody Now Wants to Own

As leasing becomes more popular than ever before, these are the car brands people want the most -- and they aren't the usual suspects.
August 18, 2017

10 Classic Car Nameplates That Need to Make a Comeback

Times may change, but a good name has some real staying power. Here are 10 classic cars that need to come back, if in name only.
August 18, 2017

Consumer Reports’ Surprising 10 Best Automobiles of 2017

No outlet is tougher on cars than Consumer Reports. Its 10 best for 2017 are here, and they include a few selections you might not expect.
August 18, 2017

10 Production Cars That Hit 0-60 the Quickest

Hold on to your hats! We're entering a bold new era of performance. These are the 10 fastest production cars currently in existence.
August 18, 2017

10 Classics You Can Legally Import in 2017

Another year, another class of cars turns 25. Here are 10 of the coolest cars from 1992 that we'll be able to import soon.
August 18, 2017

These 10 Sleeper Cars Are Perfect Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

Cars don't need to be expensive, flashy, or even attractive to be fast. These 10 cars are proof that for performance cars, looks can be deceiving.
August 18, 2017

11 of History’s Most Infamous Automotive Scandals

These 11 scandals grabbed headlines, shaped the automotive landscape, and will continue to haunt the industry for decades to come.
August 18, 2017

8 Vintage Cars That Were Built With Young Drivers in Mind

For decades, automakers have been using looks, technology, and performance to attract lifelong customers. Here are 8 hits and misses from automotive history.
August 18, 2017

Why This 1990s-Era Japanese Sports Car Deserves Your Respect

For some gearheads, the original NSX revival was a long time overdue. Here's the story of one of the most groundbreaking cars in automotive history.
August 18, 2017

Car Companies That Are Looking Beyond Vehicles to Stay Afloat

Like any investors, automakers have diverse portfolios. Here are the 10 most lucrative, interesting, or downright strange automotive side projects.
August 18, 2017

15 Cars That Became Political Icons

In today's volatile political climate, we're reminded that cars play an important car in national identity. These 15 have etched their way into history.
August 18, 2017

10 Forgotten Pickup Trucks That Never Made It

Some pickups have bloodlines that go back generations, and inspire lifelong loyalty among customers. Others get forgotten. These 10 have been forgotten.
August 18, 2017

25 Classic Muscle Cars That Are Easy to Restore

If you've always wanted a classic car and like to get your hands dirty, start checking Craigslist for these 10 American icons.
August 18, 2017

10 Things You Need to Know About the 2018 Ford F-150

America's favorite truck is getting a refresh for 2018. Here's what you need to know before it hits dealerships this fall.
August 18, 2017

American Muscle: The 10 Fastest Dodge Cars

Dodge has built some of the fastest and most powerful American cars over the years -- and continue to this day. Here are the brand's ten fastest.
August 18, 2017

Hagerty’s 10 New Cars That Will Become Future Classics

Don't have a time machine? That's OK. Hagerty has found 10 new cars that almost certainly will become collectibles in the future.
August 18, 2017

10 Vehicles That Prove Ford Performance Is Top Tier

For several years, Ford's performance lineup has put everyone on notice. These 10 cars have made it the powerhouse it is.
August 18, 2017

10 Dream Garage Cars That No One Ever Thinks Of

Everyone has a list of cars they'd own if they had all the money in the world. Here are 10 wild cards that don't usually get mentioned, but deserve to.
August 18, 2017

The Sports Car That Is Worth Its Weight in Gold

With 22 variants produced over 11 years, Ferrari's 250 cars established the combination of power and luxury that define Italy's most revered automaker.
August 18, 2017

10 Classic Pickups That Deserve to Be Restored

Long consigned to decades of hard labor, pickup trucks are starting to catch on in the collector market. Here are 10 that deserve to be better known.
August 18, 2017

28 Historical Snapshots of the Chevrolet Corvette

Even through the ups and downs, the Corvette has always been America's sports car. Here's a look at how it's evolved over the years.
August 18, 2017

10 Forgotten Fords That You May Not Have Heard Of

Ford has made some of the most famous and infamous cars in the world. But do you remember any of these models that never quite caught on?
August 18, 2017

Amazing Facts You Never Knew About the Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is one of the most common sights on the road today. But it's had a fascinating life. From runabout to sports car, here's the Civic story.
August 18, 2017

12 Iconic SUVs That Need to Make a Comeback

These 12 prove that there are plenty of different ways to make a truly good SUV, and we need all of them now more than ever.
August 18, 2017

Road Rage Makes Driving in These 15 States a Living Hell

If you hate your commute, you might live in one of these states. Drivers in these places have the worst habits you find anywhere in the country.
August 17, 2017

These 11 Classic Trucks Have Skyrocketed in Value

Most trucks won't increase in value over the years, but these 11 iconic models just keep getting more desirable (and valuable).
August 17, 2017

How to Choose Your Motor Oil Like a Pro

The ins and outs of motor oil are complex and confusing. Here's everything you need to know to pick the right stuff for your car.