Andy Lilienthal
57 articles

Andy Lilienthal

Andy Lilienthal has been writing about cars, trucks, and gear for 23 years at a host of publications. Prior to that, Andy spent time at/worked at a student newspaper at the University of Wisconsin – Stout. Based in Portland, Ore., Andy enjoys working on his Japanese domestic market 4WD Mitsubishis, traveling, and exploring new countries.

  • Email: andy@crankshaftculture.com
  • Location: Portland, Ore.

Expertise

  • Topics of Expertise: 4WD, off-road, and all things automotive
  • Years in This Expertise: 20+ years
  • Number of Hours Tested: 10,000+ hours since 1999

Education & Certifications

  • Education: BA in Psychology, minors in journalism, history – University of Wisconsin – Stout
  • Years of Writing: 23
  • Club or Association Memberships: Northwest Automotive Press Association
  • Awards or Recognitions:
    • Motor Press Guild (MPG) 2021 Best News Article – Excellence in Journalism for Registration Revoked: Delica Vans No Longer Road Legal (GearJunkie) – Presented June 2022
    • First Place – Review Category: Stars vs. Space: Dueling Mitsubishi Delicas of the 1980s and 1990s. Issued by Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) – Presented December 2021 (co-written by Mercedes Lilienthal)
    • First Place – Social Media: Crankshaft Culture 1st place Social Media (Andy and Mercedes for Crankshaft Culture): Alcan 5000 Rally and Mitsubishi Pajero Recap as posted to our Crankshaft Culture social media accounts. Issued by Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) – Presented December 2021
  • Previous Publications: Adventure Rigs, Auto Conduct, AutoWise, Crankshaft Culture, CRAWL Magazine, Digital Trends, The DRIVE, DUB, Expedition Portal, Model Retailer, Motor Trend, OutdoorX4, Scale Auto, Subcompact Culture, Trails, TREAD Magazine, The Truth About Cars, ZUKIWORLD Online

A Word From Andy

  • Automotive has always been my passion in life, and I’ve been writing professionally since 1999. I’ve been able to combine my automotive passion and communications ability to be a freelance writer for many years, and have been able to write for a wide variety of publications.
  • I started writing for the University of Wisconsin-Stout’s student newspaper, The Stoutonia, back in 1999. I then determined that I wanted to make a career of writing, specifically in automotive. I was able to bag an Assistant Editor position with Scale Auto magazine in 2001, and I’ve never stopped writing.
  • Personal Interests: Automotive, travel, beer/wine/spirits, music

Jeep Anvil Concept

Jeep Rewind

2026 Jeep EJS Concept

2026 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 vs. 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor

Kawasaki Nebraska manufacturing plant

2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro

Globe Trekker E-Series camper

2026 Ford Expedition Tremor

Sleep Ride Solutions

Autozam kei car

2026 Nissan Sentra

Alcan 5000 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport

2026 Kia Sportage HEV SX-Prestige

Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness overland

2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness on TransAmerica Trail

Kei Trucks

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

BFGoodrich g-Force T/A

Grenadier Arcane at 2025 NY Auto Show

Genesis X Gran Equator Concept

Mini John Cooper Works

2026 Honda Passport Trailsport

2025 Subaru WRX vs 2025 Toyota GR Corolla

Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept

Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2

Suzuki Jimny F-Road Iceland Car Rental

2025 MINI Cooper S 2-Door

2025 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71

2025 Subaru WRX tS

high mileage car maintenance