Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
2010 Chevrolet Traverse
If you’re an owner of a 2009-2010 GM-built 3-row crossover, including the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, expect a recall letter in the mail. GM has announced a recall of the 2nd row seatbelt, after several complaints of the seatbelt not functioning properly after the seat is folded flat and then returned to its upright position.
Continue reading ‘GM Recalls 243,000 Crossovers over Seatbelt issue’
According to a report done by Detroit Free Press, The average purchase prices of new cars has risen from $28,160 in 2009 to $29,217 in 2010, an increase of about 3.75%. This is due to several factors, including new technology, different buyers and less incentives.
Continue reading ‘Average New-Car Purchase Price Rises in 2010′
2010 Nissan Maxima
In the pursuit of quieter and quieter cars, I test drive a lot of different ones. I suffer from Tinnitus, also known as “ringing of the ears.” It’s a bothersome thing, and some cars more than others will aggravate my condition, to the point of headaches and earaches. The Lincoln MKS I had didn’t bother my tinnitus at all, but now my 2010 Maxima (review pending) does. So yesterday, I went out and test drove some cars. A couple of these are known for their quietness, another couple of them I just wanted to compare with. How did I fare? Click past the jump to find out!
Continue reading ‘Test Drive Frenzy – 6/6/2010′
In a press conference this afternoon with Ford’s president of the Americas, Mark Fields, it was announced that the Mercury brand, in existence for the past 71 years, will be shuttered at the end of this calendar year. According to Ford, this allows them to enhance the Lincoln brand, with Lincoln-specific powertrains and vehicles, without straining the resources of the Ford brand itself, which has seen major growth in sales, customer satisfaction, and reliability over the past few years. Read on for more details.
Continue reading ‘Breaking News: Ford confirms rumors of Mercury shutdown’
2008 Infiniti QX56
What is it with braking systems on vehicles these days? Have automakers lost their minds? I believe it to be a combination of trying to save money and the mainstream application of “drive by wire” systems, where computers and sensors replace traditional hydraulics and cables. Nissan is the latest automaker to initiate a recall for its brakes, as well as faulty fuel gauges.
Continue reading ‘Nissan to recall 539,864 vehicles for brake pins, fuel gauges’
Toyota Avalon
Last year, Toyota released a “Limited Service Campaign” (LSC) for some of its V6-equipped vehicles. An LSC shouldn’t be confused with a recall, because recalls are for safety issues and the LSCs are for “customer satisfaction,” according to Toyota. This campaign is for a defective oil line for the affected engines. Over time, a rubber portion of the line may degrade, causing oil to leak out, the engine to make odd noises, and the oil pressure light to illuminate on the vehicle’s dashboard.
Continue reading ‘Toyota expands Oil Leak Fix to new models’
