Russ Heaps

Russ Heaps is an author specializing in automotive, financial and travel news. For nearly 35 years he has covered the automotive industry for newspapers, magazines and internet websites. His resume includes The Palm Beach Post, Miami Herald, The Washington Times and numerous other daily newspapers through syndication. He edited Auto World magazine, and helped create and edit NOPI Street Performance Compact magazines. He supplied financial content and automotive-industry analysis to Bankrate.com and Interest.com.

2024 Ram 1550 Classic Warlock

Trim Comparisons

2024 Ram 1500 Classic: Choosing the Right Trim

Russ Heaps-December 12, 2023December 3, 2024

The Ram 1500 Classic is an old school but high quality truck being sold for attractively low prices compared to most modern pickups.

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric

Trim Comparisons

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric: Choosing the Right Trim

Russ Heaps-December 11, 2023March 8, 2024

Learn which about the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric to determine which of these compact electric SUVs might be right for you.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross in white.

Trim Comparisons

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross: Choosing the Right Trim

Russ Heaps-December 8, 2023December 3, 2024

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross offers the utility of a small SUV in a fuel-efficient Corolla-size package.

Buying a Car from Private Sellers Exchange

Private Seller Exchange Quick Facts for Vehicle Buyers

Russ Heaps-September 28, 2023May 6, 2024

Find out how you can benefit from buying a car from Autotrader’s Private Seller Exchange.

Private Seller Exchange for private individuals buying and selling cars

Autotrader’s PSX Helps Consumers Safely Buy and Sell Cars

Russ Heaps-August 23, 2023May 12, 2025

If you want to buy or sell a car privately, owner to owner, we’ll show you a safe way to transact.

2024 Jeep Wrangler exterior.

Why Is the Jeep Wrangler Still So Popular?

Russ Heaps-May 5, 2023December 4, 2024

People love the Jeep Wrangler, and continue to choose it over more modern competitors. So what’s the Wrangler’s secret?

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SE in red

Trim Comparisons

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Choosing the Right Trim

Russ Heaps-April 19, 2023December 3, 2024

With its hybrid engine and sub $30,000 starting price, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has everything compact crossover buyers need.

2024 GMC Sierra HD in white.

Trim Comparisons

2024 GMC Sierra HD: Choosing the Right Trim

Russ Heaps-March 17, 2023March 17, 2025

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD pickups range from simple workhorses to luxurious daily drivers perfect for towing your Airstream trailer.

A car dealer handing key fob to a buyer

Buy Here, Pay Here: What You Need to Know

Russ Heaps-February 9, 2023December 5, 2024

Finding a car with poor credit has some turning to buy here, pay here dealerships. We’ll provide the info you need to know.

Trim Comparisons

2023 Nissan GT-R: Choosing the Right Trim

Russ Heaps-February 8, 2023February 27, 2025

The GT-R may be getting long in the tooth, but this potent AWD sports coupe is a delight on the race track.