Michael Frank - Jalopnik

Location

Hudson Valley, New York

Expertise

Automotive industry news, Product safety and innovation, Translating automotive minutia

Michael was there when Mercedes-Benz thought Maybach as a stand-alone brand seemed like a good idea, and remembers when Toyota thought Scion would be a hit.
He has been behind the wheel of a Mille Miglia at 100 MPH on the highway and 2 MPH crawling through traffic in Rome, which he recalls as the most thrilling automotive event he's participated in.
Michael is the humble owner of a 1979 Volvo 245 wagon. He believes that old cars teach you to respect new cars, and also to search for the clearest way to explain technology, whether it's brand new or ancient.

Experience

Michael Frank is an automotive writer and editor whose works have been featured in publications such as Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, Outside Magazine, Cool Hunting, Hagerty, TopSpeed, and many others. He also contributes regularly beyond the automotive sector, for publications like Consumer Reports. As both an editor and writer, his default is trying to think like the reader, and to ask what's less known but should be, especially when it comes to the world of automotive news. Also, to heed the wisdom of one of his mentors: "Don't ever take yourself too seriously; people are looking at this stuff on the toilet!"

Education

Michael Frank obtained his bachelor's degree in English literature at the University of Colorado, and received his master's degree from American University.

Jalopnik Editorial Policies

The unique content on Jalopnik is a result of skilled collaboration between writers and editors with broad journalistic, academic, and practical expertise.

In pursuit of our mission to provide accurate and ethical coverage, the Jalopnik editorial team consistently fact-checks and reviews site content to provide readers with an informative, entertaining, and engaging experience. Click here for more information on our editorial process.

Stories By Michael Frank

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Jalopnik Investigates

Jalopnik Investigates By Michael Frank

Are There New Non-Turbocharged Diesel Cars Or Trucks Available Anymore?

Naturally aspirated diesel cars are practically extinct in today's market, reserved for special markets and almost impossible to buy in America.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Explains

Jalopnik Explains By Michael Frank

Where The '85th Percentile Rule' For Speed Limits Falls Short

The formula behind many U.S. speed limits has guided traffic engineers for decades, yet growing evidence suggests it misses key safety risks.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Explains

Jalopnik Explains By Michael Frank

These Three Cars Had Options That Were Just Other Vehicles

We all know some car makers like to go a bit wild with the optional extras, but these manufacturers simply put completely different vehicles on the tick list.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Toyota

Toyota By Michael Frank

The Lexus LS 400 Was Born From Toyota's Secret F1 Project That Cost $1 Billion

A secret Toyota project set out to beat Germany's luxury elite. What followed became one of the automotive industry's biggest success stories.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Advice

Advice By Michael Frank

Why MSRP Actually Means You Have Room To Negotiate

Don't pay the sticker price. Learn why the manufacturer's suggested cost is just a starting point and how you can leverage it to lower your final bill.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Explains

Jalopnik Explains By Michael Frank

The Move Over Rule Exists In All 50 States And 1/3 Of Drivers Still Ignore It

Move over laws require drivers to switch lanes to avoid driving next to emergency vehicles. Ignoring them can carry fines of up to $10,000 and even prison time.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Explains

Jalopnik Explains By Michael Frank

Here's How Much The Gap Between U.S. Income And Car Prices Has Increased In 55 Years

New car prices have changed dramatically over the decades, but the real story behind affordability involves more than just inflation and income.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Explains

Jalopnik Explains By Michael Frank

Can You Legally Buy Retired Road Signs, And How Can You Use Them?

Your garage walls deserve better than a stolen stop sign from college. Learn how to legally buy retired road markers without getting a free ride in a cruiser.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Beyond Cars

Beyond Cars By Michael Frank

Are eBike And Regular Bicycle Tires The Same?

Can you put regular bike tires on an eBike? Learn why weight capacities, and tread wear mean eBikes need specialized, tougher tires.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Investigates

Jalopnik Investigates By Michael Frank

Do Variable Speed Limit Signs Improve Safety?

Examine the data behind dynamic speed zones. Learn what safety studies show regarding their effectiveness, limitations, and real-world impact on drivers.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Crashes and Safety

Crashes and Safety By Michael Frank

Are You More Likely To Get Into A Car Accident In The City Or The Country?

Accidents are part of driving, but not every kind of drive is the same. So are you safer on the city streets, or in a more rural environment?
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Explains

Jalopnik Explains By Michael Frank

Why You Don't Want To Use Car Tires On A Trailer

Tires that appear nearly identical can behave very differently once they're mounted, thanks to engineering differences most drivers never notice.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Trainlopnik

Trainlopnik By Michael Frank

Japan's L0 Series Maglev Is The Fastest Passenger Train Ever Made At A Verified 375 MPH

Frictionless, wheel-less, and incredibly fast. Click to learn how magnetic levitation powers the most extreme high-speed transit technology on Earth.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Crashes and Safety

Crashes and Safety By Michael Frank

Is Your Car's Rear Middle Seat Still Its Safest?

It's been widely known that the middle of your car's back seat is its safest place to sit. But sometimes things change over time. So is this "fact" still true?
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Explains

Jalopnik Explains By Michael Frank

What Are The Differences Between The Top Summer Tires In Terms Of Grip?

Summer tires are built for performance, and part of that is gripping the road with fierce determination. Naturally, some tires manage this better than others.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Explains

Jalopnik Explains By Michael Frank

How You Should Clean Your Car's Touch Screen (And Mistakes You Need To Avoid)

Your car's touch screen is different from your smartphone's screen, and so are the ways you should clean it. Here are the right and wrong ways to get that done.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Explains

Jalopnik Explains By Michael Frank

Why Diesel Engines Last Longer Than Gas Engines

What's the secret to diesel engines usually lasting longer than their gasoline-powered counterparts? To some extent, it comes down to just one word.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Planelopnik

Planelopnik By Michael Frank

Here's How A Plane Can Land Safely With A Flat Tire

If your car gets a flat, you're wise to pull over immediately, or you risk ruining the tire and worse. Pilots aloft, though, can't just stop flying.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Explains

Jalopnik Explains By Michael Frank

Why Are Diesel Taxes Higher Than Gas Taxes In Some States (Especially California) And Lower In Others?

Higher taxes help make diesel cost more than gas in some states, but it's less harshly taxed in others. The reasons lie in different states' tax philosophies.
By Michael Frank Read More
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Jalopnik Explains

Jalopnik Explains By Michael Frank

Why These Two States Still Don't Have Hold-Open Clips On Gas Pumps

Even when it's minus 20 out and your hand will stick to the lever, there are states that still won't let you pump gas without continually holding the handle.
By Michael Frank Read More

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