Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
There are lots of new and redesigned vehicles being built for the 2011 model year, and to help you sift through them, I’ve put together my Top 10 list of them. They range from the mainstream to luxury, but they’re all significant for the industry, manufacturer, or both. Click past the jump to see what made my list and why.
Continue reading ‘Top 10 New and Redesigned Vehicles for 2011′
Well, the 3rd quarter of 2010 is over, and sales are down, yet again, for the U.S. automotive industry. While all the other news outlets are saying sales were up 29% in September year-to-year, sales were down when viewed month-to-month. While there is 1 less day in September than there is in August, this doesn’t account for a 3.32% drop (almost 33,000 vehicles) from month to month. Read on for my analysis and graphs.
Continue reading ‘Sales Figures: September, 2010′
During this week’s Paris Motor Show, Ford has unveiled its 2012 Focus. Glimpses of the new global car have been seen in their release of next-gen airbag technology and a prior preview. With new sheetmetal, more efficient engines, and a redone interior, Ford’s Civic-fighter might have a chance, given the sales of the just-released Fiesta.
Continue reading ‘Paris Motor Show 2010: Ford announces 2012 Focus’
Today, Honda has announced the pricing for its upcoming 2011 CR-Z. The new hybrid from Honda is supposed to bridge the gap between hybrid fuel economy and sportiness. From the performance figures I’ve seen, it’s leaning more towards fuel economy, but the inclusion of a manual transmission bodes well for the CR-Z. Standard features include automatic climate control and USB input for the stereo, with the upmarket EX trim level including things like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a beefed-up stereo. GPS navigation will be an optional feature as well. Click past the jump for pricing, EPA mileages, and a gallery of high-resolution pictures of the CR-Z.
Continue reading ‘Pricing for 2011 Honda CR-Z Announced!’
Well, I’ve said a few things about the upcoming Ford Fiesta before, but now the EPA has given it the official fuel economy workout, and the results are impressive: 29 MPG in the city, and 40 MPG on the highway. After getting their new 2011 Mustang V6 a rating of 19/31 city/highway, Ford is on a roll with its new small car. The fuel economy numbers for the Fiesta are well above the average car, bordering on diesel and hybrid levels of fuel thriftiness. Mind you, this is for Fiestas equipped with the optional automatic transmission. The Fiestas rivals, namely the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, get 5 and 4 less mpg on the highway, respectively. The Fiesta will go on sale this summer, and looks to be a hot seller in the compact car arena.
by John Suit
Source: Ford
With so many cars having been introduced this year at the L.A. Auto Show, A good synopsis of what’s been going on this week is called for, rather than a lot of details that won’t make a huge difference in your buying decisions in the next 12 months. That said, we’ve reported on some of the cars below (you can click on their name to read Road Reality’s report), but here’s a list of cars I think are going to make a splash when they go on sale, in alphabetical order, followed by a description for each car:
2011 Chevrolet Volt
2011 Ford Fiesta
2011 Hyundai Sonata
2011 Mazda Mazda2
2011 Toyota Sienna
2010 Volvo S60
Continue reading ‘Wrap-up: 2009 L.A. Auto Show’
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David Batzek commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
My 99 just started rusting over last fee months (to were it was noticeable). Now today the skid plate [more]
John Suit commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
Yes - but you'll have to submit any issues you have with a vehicle to the NHTSA through their web [more]
Keren Cathey commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
Is there anyway for us, as consumers, to influence a recall on these vehicles? I also have a 99 Grand [more]
wayne duckstein commented on Detroit 2012: Ford Announces 2013 Fusion
Nice artical John [more]
Patty clipner commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
I also have a 1999 jeep grand Cherokee limited which has began to emit high gas fumes. It also [more]