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August 25, 2009

2009 Toyota Tundra - Double Cab 5.7L 4X4 Limited - All Guts, No Glory

Humble Beginnings
The first-generation Tundra (like the T100) had been caught between mid-size and full-size pickup trucks. It was economical, reliable, and easier to park, but didn't sell as well as the Detroit threes offerings. The 1999-2006MY Tundra (not coincidentally) built as a 7/8ths truck, was always perceived to be more of a grocery getter than an outright, knock down, drag-out, work-ready truck. This perception was reflected in Tundra sales volumes.

toyota_tundra2000-2006350.jpg

Continue reading "2009 Toyota Tundra - Double Cab 5.7L 4X4 Limited - All Guts, No Glory"

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 8:14 AM | | Comments (0)


August 20, 2009

Impact of Cash for Clunkers Program

The Cash for Clunkers Program Ended at 8PM EDT on Monday August 24.  According to government statistics, 680,114 Cash for Clunkers deals were made using $2.88 billion of the $3 billion authorized for the program..  The average clunker received a $4,235 rebate.  Reimbursements are coming very slowly to dealerships and the government is putting more processors on staff to handle the backlog.  Overall, a rare successful stimulus program.

On July 24, 2009 new car dealers in the United States began accepting trade-ins of older vehicles not worth much for new cars. Based on their fuel economy and the fuel economy of the new vehicle purchased, customers received a voucher for $3,500 or $4,500 to apply to the purchase of a new car or light truck.

Ultimately, the results of this program may be the sale of slightly over 700,000 new cars and light trucks with about 250,000 incremental to what would otherwise have been sold. But the impact goes deeper. There will have been substantial sales tax revenue from each sale going to states and cities that sorely need the income. Additional income taxes will be generated from the additional commissions and salaries dealership personnel otherwise would not have earned. The list goes on.

A brief synopsis of the impact of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is shown below the fold...


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Continue reading "Impact of Cash for Clunkers Program"

Posted by George Peterson at 5:29 AM | | Comments (0)


August 18, 2009

2009 Honda Fit: Maybe the Most Ingenious Car You Can Buy Today

Honda_2009_Fit_exterior_side.JPGWhen I was a kid, I loved all manner of transforming robots. Transformers, Go-bots, Voltron...if it could change shape and function, I loved it. As an adult, I'm no different. I love multi-functional furniture, living spaces, and of course, automobiles.

Apparently, so do a lot of people. Part of the reason that SUVs became so popular was because they were multi-functional. They could carry people in comfort, but they could also be reconfigured to haul cargo. Or, they could be reconfigured to carry both. SUVs gave people the flexibility to adapt the vehicle to their needs, rather than the other way around.

Of course, there's no reason why lessons learned from the SUV can't be applied to other kinds of vehicles, and the Honda Fit you see here is one of the best examples of multi-functionality applied to a vehicle at any price. It may be tiny on the outside, but there's a staggering amount of out-of-the-box smart thinking on the inside that makes it more useful than many vehicles twice its size.

Continue reading "2009 Honda Fit: Maybe the Most Ingenious Car You Can Buy Today"

Posted by Ed Kim at 8:06 AM | | Comments (0)


August 11, 2009

2009 Cadillac DTS: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Cad_DTS.jpg"For the third year running, the 2009 Cadillac DTS wins the Motorist Choice Award in the Large Car segment. With a spacious cabin, huge trunk, and plush seating, owners find the DTS to be a very pleasant vehicle to own and operate." -- AutoPacific

"Best-in-segment ownership costs and a strong showing in the AutoPacific survey were the keys to the DTS win." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Exterior Size
* Brand's Reputation
* Reliability / Dependability
* Driver's Seat Forward Visibility
* Feeling Safe While Driving
* Safety Features

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:32 PM | | Comments (0)


2009 Cadillac Escalade: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Cad_07_Escalade_7 copy.jpg"In a closely fought battle, the Cadillac Escalade wins the 2009 Motorist Choice Award for Luxury Sport Utility segment-again. Cadillac style, expressed by exterior and interior styling as well as image, resonates with these buyer; satisfaction with Power and Acceleration helped secure the win." -- AutoPacific

"The Cadillac Escalade has best-in-segment maintenance costs and was ranked first in the AutoPacific survey." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Brand reputation, Vehicle Reputation and Image
* Exterior and Interior Appearance
* Ride, Handing and Braking
* Overall Quality, Reliability and Dependability
* Safety Features (and large size) give Escalade owners a strong feeling of safety while driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Lowest Maintenance Costs
* Better than Expected Insurance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:36 PM | | Comments (0)


2009 Audi A5: Motorist Choice Award Winner

A5080001_large.jpg"A stunning complement to the Audi range, the A5 picks up a 2009 Motorist Choice Award in the Aspirational Luxury Car Segment. The near-uncompromised coupe delivers on Audi's 'Truth in Engineering' promise. A low-slung stance and sleek lines add beauty and grace to a demanding performance pedigree." -- AutoPacific

"The Audi A5 has the best-in-segment ownership costs and strong retained value." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Image and Exterior Styling
* Fun to Drive
* Overall Quality
* Overall Satisfaction

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
* Strong Retained Value

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:28 PM | | Comments (0)


2009 Chevrolet Corvette: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Chv_09_Corvette_ZR1_11 copy.jpg"Chevrolet Corvette takes home both Motorist Choice Award and AutoPacific's Owner Recommendation Award for 2009. Owners in the Sports Car Segment kept the Corvette on top, following a 2008 win. These wins prove, yet again, Corvette is a performance icon. High scores in the performance categories drove Corvette in front to take the overall segment win." -- AutoPacific

"The Corvette has best-in-segment ownership costs and segment-leading retained value.." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Power and Acceleration
• Braking
• Handling
• Fun to Drive
• Image and Exterior Styling

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:17 PM | | Comments (0)


2009 Chevrolet Avalanche: Motorist Choice Award Winner

X09CT_AV003 copy.jpg"The Chevrolet Avalanche is the Motorist Choice Award winner in the Full-Size Pickup segment. Standard features that earned the win include a powerful V8 engine, a four-door cab, and useful bed size. The Avalanche is reliable/dependable and provides a strong feeling of safety when driving." -- AutoPacific

"The Avalanche was best in fuel costs and second best in retained value." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Ease of Ingress/Egress
* Overall Seating Capacity
* Reliable/Dependable
* Durable/Long Lasting
* Ride
* Safety Features and Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Strong Retained Value
* Lowest Fuel Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:13 PM | | Comments (0)


2009 Honda Odyssey: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Hon_08_Odyssey_Touring_3 copy.jpg"Minivans aren't for everyone, but those that like 'em love 'em. And the Honda Odyssey is the one to beat, winning its segment in the Motorist Choice Awards but also in the 2009 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards. There are sound product and financial reasons for selecting the Odyssey, including seating capacity, reputation and safety features. Some owners consider it stylish as well." - AutoPacific

"The Odyssey was a 2009 BOVY Winner. The Odyssey has best-in-segment ownership costs and segment-leading retained value and low insurance costs." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Overall Seating Capacity
• Driver's Seat Comfort
• Brand Reputation
• Safety Features
• Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• 2009 BOVY Winner
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value
• Low Insurance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 10:41 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Chevrolet Tahoe: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Chv_07_TahoeLTZ_10 copy.jpg"Chevrolet's Tahoe takes the Motorist Choice Award in the Large SUV segment, after winning AutoPacific's 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Award. Owners appreciate its reputation for reliability/durability and its wide array of safety features provide a strong feeling of driving safety, all complemented by highly rated driver's seat comfort and driver?s forward visibility." -- AutoPacific

"The Tahoe has the lowest fuel, insurance, and maintenance in the segment as well as ranking first in the AutoPacific survey." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Reliable/Dependable
* Overall Quality
* Safety Features/Feeling Safe While Driving
* Driver's Visibility
* Seat Comfort and Seating Capacity

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Lowest Fuel Costs
* Lowest Insurance Costs
* Lowest Maintenance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:22 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Motorist Choice Award Winner

2008_09_09_fj_cruiser_51.jpg"Toyota's FJ Cruiser wins the 2009 Motorist Choice award for the Mid-Size Sport Utility segment. What a ride! Looks tough. Is tough. Goes anywhere. Just what an authentic SUV is supposed to be, and a poster child for legendary Toyota virtues of quality, reliability and durability to boot." - AutoPacific

"The FJ Cruiser was a 2009 BOVY Winner. The FJ Cruiser has best-in-segment ownership costs and by far the best retained value." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Brand reputation
• Reliable/Dependable
• Durable/Long Lasting
• Overall Quality

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• 2009 BOVY Winner
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:04 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Toyota Prius: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Toy_08_Prius_2 copy.jpg"When thinking Toyota Prius, one often thinks green. We must also think winner, as Image Compact Car owners bestow the Motorist Choice Award as well as AutoPacific's Owner Recommendation and Vehicle Satisfaction Awards on the iconic hybrid. With a standout shape and efficient interior packaging, the Prius fits nicely into the lives of those looking to make a statement without sacrificing lifestyle." -- AutoPacific

"The Prius was a 2009 BOVY winner and has the second-best retained value and the lowest fuel costs of any vehicle." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Vehicle and Brand Reputation
* Reliable / Dependable
* Environmental Friendliness
* Innovative Technology
* Overall Quality

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* 2009 BOVY Winner
* Exceptional Retained Value
* Lowest Fuel Costs of any vehicle

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:55 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Hyundai Tucson: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Hyu_06_Tucson_2 copy.jpg"Hyundai's Tucson wins a Motorist Choice Award as a top Compact Crossover SUV. Hyundai has done well lately, in vehicle awards and, even more important, in vehicle sales. The award-winning Tucson gains points for product content in a very competitive segment and for financial responsibility in a tough financial environment." - AutoPacific

"The Tucson has low insurance and repair costs and was ranked first in the AutoPacific survey." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Ease of Ingress/Egress
• Reliable/Dependable
• Driver's Seat Forward Visibility
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Safety Features

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Low Insurance Costs
• Low Repair costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:38 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Jeep Patriot: Motorist Choice Award Winner

JP009_005PA.jpg"The Jeep Patriot wins AutoPacific's 2009 Motorist Choice Award for Compact Crossover SUVs. Just the right size for passengers and cargo and with traditional Jeep appearance, the Patriot meets the product needs of its buyers in a financially efficient way. For them, it is the Goldilocks SUV - not too much and not too little - in every respect." - AutoPacific

"The Patriot has the best-in-segment fuel costs, above-average retained value and low insurance and maintenance costs." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Safety Features
• Reliable / Dependable

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Lowest Fuel Costs
• Strong Retained Value
• Low Insurance Costs
• Low Maintenance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:36 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Lexus Brand: Motorist Choice Award Winner

"For 2009, Lexus edged out Jaguar and Porsche to take top-rated brand honors in the Motorist Choice Awards. With remarkable consistency in outpacing the competition along with outstanding overall quality, longevity, and durability scores Lexus has earned its reputation as a top-ranked nameplate." - AutoPacific

"The Lexus brand has a strong history of excelling in ownership costs and 2009 was no exception. Lexus had four BOVY winners and was ranked the best brand value among the luxury brands." - IntelliChoicelexus_bl.jpg

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:32 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Lexus ES: Motorist Choice Award Winner

2009_Lexus_ES350_MCA.jpg"The Lexus ES is back for accolades as it wins a Motorist Choice Award, after 2009 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle, Vehicle Satisfaction, and Owner Recommendation Awards. Lexus ES earns top marks in the Mid-Size Luxury Car Segment by offering a sophisticated blend of luxury and smooth performance. A long-standing reputation as a quality vehicle from a dependable brand only bolstered ratings." - AutoPacific

"The Lexus ES has best-in-segment ownership costs and is second best in retained value and lowest in insurance and repair costs." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Vehicle Reputation
• Brand Reputation
• Reliability / Dependability
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Overall Quality

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Strong Retained Value
• Lowest Insurance Costs
• Lowest Repair Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:30 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Lexus LS: Motorist Choice Award Winner

2009_LexusLS460L_MCA.jpg"The Lexus LS wins the 2009 Motorist Choice Award for the third straight year. The LS has not been bashful about receiving awards, also taking AutoPacific's Owner Recommendation, Vehicle Satisfaction, and Ideal Vehicle Awards this year. Owners in the Premium Luxury Car segment keep placing the LS at pole position. Lexus comes through by consistently placing the ownership experience at the top of the priority list" - AutoPacific

"The Lexus LS was a 2009 BOVY Winner. The Lexus LS has best-in-segment ownership costs and by far the best retained value in the segment.." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Ease of Getting in and Out
• Driver's Seat Comfort
• Image
• Vehicle and Brand Reputation
• Exterior and Interior Styling
• Power and Acceleration
• Reliable / Dependable
• Vehicle's Ride
• Safety Features and Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• 2009 BOVY Winner
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:26 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Lexus RX: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Lex_07_RX_400h_2 copy.jpg"For the second year in a row, the Lexus RX is the Motorist Choice Award winning Luxury Crossover SUV. Not a first choice for serious off-roading, for what its buyers want and need, it is tops in class. It meets or exceeds its daily product requirements, looks good inside and out, and delivers reliable, trouble-free service." - AutoPacific

"The Lexus RX was a 2009 BOVY Winner. The RX has best-in-segment ownership costs and retained value." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Overall Quality
• Reliable/Dependable
• Brand and Vehicle Reputation
• Safety Features/Feeling of Safety While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• 2009 BOVY Winner
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:23 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Lincoln Town Car: Motorist Choice Award Winner

2008_LincolnTownCar_MCA.jpg"The Lincoln Town Car wins 2009 AutoPacific Motorist Choice Award in the Large Car segment. Owners rave about one of the last body-on-frame vehicles. From 5-star safety ratings to stuffing four golf bags into the trunk, owners appreciate their Town Car. It consistently scored at the top of its class." - AutoPacific

"The Town Car has low maintenance costs and was ranked first in the AutoPacific survey." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Vehicle and Brand Reputation
• Winning scores for Durability and Longevity
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Packaging elements, including Cargo Space/Capacity and Forward and Rearward Driver's Seat Visibility
• Vehicle's Ride

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Low Maintenance Costs
• Better-than-expected Insurance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:20 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Nissan Frontier: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Nis_09_Frontier_4 copy.jpg"The 2009 Motorist Choice Award for the Compact Pickup segment is the Nissan Frontier. A sturdy truck and worthy winner, Frontier combines the traditional product virtues of quality, reliability and durability with attractive financial considerations so important in today's challenging economy." - AutoPacific

"A strong retained value and low maintenance costs were the keys to the Nissan Frontier win." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Reliable/Dependable
• Quality
• Durable/Long Lasting
• Vehicle and Brand Reputation

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Strong Retained Value
• Low Maintenance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:17 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Toyota 4Runner: Motorist Choice Award Winner

2008_09_04_09_4Runner_Ltd.jpg"The winner of the 2009 Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle award is the Toyota 4Runner. That shouldn't be a surprise, as the 4Runner won the same award last year. And the year before that. A three-time winner, the 4Runner is highly rated on attributes that make it an outstanding product, and also an outstanding proposition from a financial standpoint as well." - AutoPacific

"The 4Runner has best-in-segment ownership costs with the best retained value in the segment and lowest fuel costs." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Reliable/Dependable
• Overall Quality
• Durable/Long Lasting
• Brand and Vehicle Reputation
• Overall Satisfaction

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value
• Lowest Fuel Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:13 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Toyota Camry: Motorist Choice Award Winner

2008_09_09_Camry_SE_16.jpg"On the heels of an AutoPacific Owner Recommendation Award, the Toyota Camry wins a Motorist Choice Award in the Premium Mid-Size Car segment. The mid-size car by which others are measured, Camry exudes a comforting sense of predictability. Owners gave it top marks for reputation, dependability and safety." - AutoPacific

"The Camry has best-in-segment ownership costs with the best retained value in the segment and lowest insurance costs." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Vehicle and Brand Reputation
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Overall Quality
• Durable / Long Lasting
• Interior and Exterior Styling

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value
• Lowest Insurance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:09 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Toyota Matrix: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Toy_09_Matrix_XRS_13 copy.jpg"Owners crown the Toyota Matrix as the new king of the Compact Car segment in the 2009 Motorist Choice Awards. With incredible package efficiency and Toyota reliability, the Matrix blew the competition away. This compact hatchback turns owners into ambassadors eager to share their enthusiasm for Matrix." - AutoPacific

"The Matrix has the best-in-segment ownership costs and strong retained value." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Ease of Loading / Unloading
• Vehicle and Brand Reputation
• Reliable / Dependable
• Feeling Safe While Driving
• Fun to Drive

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Strong Retained Value

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:00 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Toyota Venza: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Toy_09_Venza_10 copy.jpg"Toyota's all-new Venza wins the Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV Motorist Choice Award. It is beautiful, easy to get into and out of, with good driver's visibility. Lots of safety features and a Toyota reputation for durability, reliability,and quality. No wonder Venza took a solid win in a highly competitive segment." -- AutoPacific

"The Venza has best-in-segment ownership costs with by far the best retained value in the segment and lowest fuel costs." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Ease of Ingress/Egress
* Brand Reputation
* Reliable/Dependable
* Safety Features/Feeling Safe While Driving
* Exterior Styling and Size

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
* Best-in-Segment Retained Value
* Lowest-in-Segment Fuel Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:51 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Volkswagen Jetta: Motorist Choice Award Winner

VW_09_JettaTDI_3.jpg"Pulling ahead of the competition in the Mid-Size Car segment, the Volkswagen Jetta wins AutoPacific's 2009 Motorist Choice Award. This after winning AutoPacific's Ideal Vehicle and Owner Recommendation Awards. Jetta offers a touch of class and German engineering not found in the competition which, when added to the high ratings for powertrain and safety, makes it a Motorist Choice." -- AutoPacific

"The Jetta has best-in-segment ownership costs. The Jetta has the highest retained value and lowest fuel costs in the segment." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Cargo Space / Capacity
* Powertrain and Acceleration
* Braking
* Handling
* Fun to Drive
* Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
* Best Retained Value
* Lowest Fuel Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:47 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Honda Fit: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Hon_09_Fit_Sport_6 copy.jpg"The Honda Fit's image and reputation helped it earn a 2009 Motorist Choice Award, as well as AutoPacific's Ideal Vehicle Award. This Economy Car's owners applaud the Fit's versatility, as it is easy to live with. The Fit also benefits from its Honda badge, as owners cite Brand Reputation as a contributing factor." -- AutoPacific

"The Fit was a 2009 BOVY winner and has above average retained value and fuel costs. In addition, the Fit has the lowest maintenance costs within the segment." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Image
* Vehicle Reputation
* Brand Reputation
* Reliability / Dependability
* Overall Quality
* Durability / Long Lasting

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* 2009 BOVY Winner
* Strong Retained Value
* Low Fuel Costs
* Lowest Maintenance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:40 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Honda CR-V: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Hon_07_CRV_LX_6 copy.jpg"The Honda CR-V wins the 2009 Motorist Choice Award in the Mid-Size Crossover SUV segment. Traditional CR-V strengths include brand reputation, vehicle reputation, reliability/dependability, durability, and overall quality. What a base to build upon! Even subjective attributes like exterior styling and environmental friendliness were highly rated. A solid winner." -- AutoPacific

"The CR-V has best-in-segment ownership costs. The CR-V has the highest retained value and strong insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Brand and Vehicle Reputation
* Reliability / Dependability
* Durability
* Overall Quality
* Safety Features/Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
* Best Retained Value
* Low Insurance Costs
* Low Fuel Costs
* Low Maintenance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:38 AM | | Comments (0)


2009 Dodge Challenger: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Dod_09_ChallengerRT_4 copy.jpg"Dodge Challenger's win of the 2009 Motorist Choice Award was preceded by its win of the AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Award. Owners in the Sporty Car Segment gave the Challenger the nod as it packs everything the 1970s muscle car had to offer into a modern reincarnation. From flair and bravado to horsepower and braking, the Challenger has what it takes to be a success in this segment." -- AutoPacific

"The Challenger has the lowest insurance costs and was ranked first in the AutoPacific survey." --IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Image
* Exterior Styling
* Fun to Drive
* Braking
* Power and Acceleration
* Vehicle's Ride

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Lowest Insurance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:34 AM | | Comments (1)


2009 Chevrolet Traverse: Motorist Choice Award Winner

"The 2009 Motorist Choice winner in the Large Crossover SUV segment, Chevrolet Traverse, also took segment honors in AutoPacific's Ideal Vehicle awards. The attractively styled Traverse has much to recommend it, including high ratings for overall seating capacity, ease of loading and unloading cargo, and safety features." -- AutoPacific

Chv_09_Traverse_11 copy.jpg"A strong retained value and lowest maintenance costs in the segment were the primary reasons for the Traverse win." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Seating Capacity
* Ease of Loading/Unloading Cargo
* Safety Features
* Overall Quality
* Driver's Seat Comfort
* Reliable/Dependable

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Strong Retained Value
* Lowest Maintenance Costs

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:25 AM | | Comments (0)


Motorist Choice Awards Reveal Vehicles That Please Both Hearts And Minds

vv_intellichoice_autopacific_mca.jpgAwards Show Consumers Enjoy Luxury and Size (August 11, 2009) -- Right brain, left brain; the practical versus the emotional -- an age-old dilemma often at the center of decision making when buying a new car or truck. The 2009 Motorist Choice Awards recognize new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction, helping new-car buyers find vehicles that best satisfy all of their personal-transportation needs. The fourth annual Motorist Choice Awards survey, announced today, scores 196 cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs. With the top overall scores in both owner satisfaction and value, the Lexus LS placed highest of any 2009 model year vehicle.

Large and luxury vehicles dominated this year's results. The top 34 ranked cars, and 106 of the top 107, are large cars, luxury cars, sport utility vehicles, crossover SUVs or minivans. Only one small car, the BMW 1-Series, scored in the top 100, landing in the 35th slot. Toyota Prius is the next-highest-scoring small car, coming in 107th.

Awards are given for top-scoring vehicles scoring in each of twenty-three segments, as well as for the top-scoring brand. Nine manufacturers earned segment wins, led by Toyota with nine awards (including three for Lexus), followed by General Motors with six (Chevrolet 4, Cadillac 2), Honda with three, and Chrysler with two (Dodge 1, Jeep 1). Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan and Volkswagen took top honors in one segment each.

(And check out our video on YouTube.)

Continue reading "Motorist Choice Awards Reveal Vehicles That Please Both Hearts And Minds"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:00 AM | | Comments (0)


August 4, 2009

2010 BMW 335d: The Polar Opposite of What You Think Diesel Is

BMW_2009_335d_fillup.JPGWhile hybrids may be getting all of the attention when it comes to efficient motoring, the German automakers have long been preparing to show Americans a real alternative in the form of diesel engines. Because of much higher fuel prices in Europe, diesel has become the norm across the Atlantic due to their much greater fuel economy (up to 30% better than a comparable gasoline engine). In other words, the German automakers are already fully invested in diesel, and they would love to expand this technology into the U.S.

It isn't an easy job, however. Whereas European emissions rules focus on CO2 emissions - a diesel strength since CO2 emissions are directly linked to fuel economy, American emissions rules tend to prioritize NOx and particulate emissions, which are two areas where diesels typically don't do so well in. Furthermore, Americans associate diesels with dirty truck stops, smoky 18-wheelers, and pig-slow jalopies from the '70s and '80s that were unreliable and belched filth from their sooty tailpipes. On the other hand, Americans equate hybrids with high technology, clean air, and in many cases, a green future.

Continue reading "2010 BMW 335d: The Polar Opposite of What You Think Diesel Is"

Posted by Ed Kim at 8:34 AM | | Comments (0)


August 2, 2009

2011 Nissan LEAF: First Look

Nissan will deliver its next all-electric vehicle in late 2010, for fleets only initially, in the United States as well as Japan and Europe. After teasing the project with a prototype of the drivetrain under a home-market Cube, Nissan has announced the name and released first photos of the production version.
bl_Nis_11_Leaf_a.jpg

The new car will first be built in Oppama, Japan, but also at Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee, plant. Battery production will initially be in Japan, with Nissan scouting supplemental sites around the world, and including the United States.
bl_Nis_11_Leaf_f.jpg

Continue reading "2011 Nissan LEAF: First Look"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:09 AM | | Comments (0)


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