JeffCars.com: Riding On Six Years And Moving Forward

Jeff Fortson, editor of JeffCars.com, is standing next to a 2011 Buick Regal.

Its hard to believe six years have past since my website launched on the cyber highways on August 23, 2004. While I knew I didn't have a technical background nor the skill sets needed to create a website, I was surrounded by friends, family members and loved ones that had the tools and resources needed to help me fulfill my vision.

As some of you may know, my goal has always been to be the Tom Joyner of the auto industry. Joyner, one of the most popular and well-respected syndicated DJs in America, is also a philanthropist, who tirelessly gives back to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). I, too, want to follow Joyner's path by being the source that binds the minority population to the automotive industry, all while having fun and educating my people. Just like Joyner's roadshows, I will be utilizing my copyrighted educational car-buying clinic to help educate minority students (along with others) about the car-buying process.

Now, as the face of the population of America changes, I want to make sure this website is at the forefront of assisting the key marketing executives and advertising companies to see our community as trendsetters. We expect more than a high-profile entertainer or a catchy rhythmic song in a 30-second ad to sell us a vehicle. Not all of us are just that simple or vain.

Yes, we're a diverse group, who also wants to know about the ins and outs of the car-buying process, too. We want to know about the key minority designers who are steering today's car designs along with key minority leaders in the auto industry, driving new-vehicle sales in the midst of a recession. Yes, we just don't want to be taken for granted, if we're buying your vehicles.
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I can recall at the time I started my website, I had no new-vehicle reviews nor a car-buying pricing guide, but still I considered my website, at the time, to be a full-fledged source of information for minority car buyers and for those wanting to learn more about the minority car-buying community.

Fortunately, many of you rode along with me even when you could have consulted some of the mainstream car-buying sites for more comprehensive data. However, as we all realize, we all have to start from somewhere. We see this occurring in the auto industry with a slow, but steady shift toward fuel-efficient non gasoline vehicles. It may take a few decades for the auto industry to get everyone on board, but there's no turning back now, because we can envision the future of the auto industry.

2010 Lexus RX 450h: A Luxury Hybrid Crossover in a Class By Itself

What’s New:

The second-generation, five-passenger Lexus RX hybrid was introduced last summer as a 2010 model just months after the RX 350, the non hybrid version, hit the scene. Along with the new sexy futuristic design, the vehicle also wears a new name – the RX 450h – dropping the RX 400h tag.

Lexus best-selling hybrid not only is draped with new sheet metal, but underneath the vehicle one will find a uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension that helps provide exceptional agility and control, along with more cargo space.

And, under the hood, one will find that Lexus made dramatic changes their, too, with its next-generation hybrid system. In this updated midsize crossover, the Asian-based automaker has packed in a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine, which puts out more horsepower than its non-hybrid sibling, the RX 350, while also improving fuel-efficiency.

According to fueleconomy.gov this hybrid can achieve somewhere between 30 to 32 mpg in city-driving, while earning 28 mpg on the highway. This estimate takes into consideration both the all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions.  

Must Have Goodies:

The new RX 450his available with a selection of luxury and sport option packages, which include features like a high-end 330-watt, 15-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system, heated and cooled front seats, a dual-screen rear-seat mounted entertainment system, a dynamic radar cruise control, which automatically adjusts the speed and distance for the driver before rear-ending a vehicle, and a Sports Package featuring a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels. 

The luxury five-passenger crossover is also available with a one-of-a-kind Pre-Collision System (PCS). With the use of radar technology, the PCS recognizes a possible frontal collision and primes the brake assist and retracts the driver's and front passenger's seat-belt in anticipation of the crash.

In addition to the PCS, the RX 450h is also available with two available headlight systems which swivel in the direction of the steering-wheel and the speed of the vehicle. Thus, this helps to improve the overall lighting, when cornering. 

And a feature every vehicle should offer is a new automatic high-beam system that automatically switches from high to low beam at night when it detects light from oncoming vehicles. 

Moreover, Lexus offers offer a rear-view camera for going in reverse, but what we believe to be a Lexus-exclusive is their all-new wide-angle side view monitor. With a camera located under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver can check hard-to-view areas on the passenger side of the vehicle by simply selecting a button on the navigation screen or the steering wheel and view the camera image on the navigation screen. Yes, big brother was always riding along with us even when we didn’t realize it. 

Ford Windstars Recalled Due to the Pontential of a Fractured Rear Axle

Vehicle Make / Model:     Model Year(s):      FORD / WINDSTAR     1998-2003 Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY Mfr's Report Date: AUG 26, 2010 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V385000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Potential Number of Units Affected: 462,750

Summary: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2003 AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. AFTER MANY YEARS OF VEHICLE SERVICE IN THESE AREAS, CORROSION CAN WEAKEN THE REAR AXLE, MAKING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO TORSIONAL STRESS. CORROSION AND STRESS CAN LEAD TO CRACKS WHICH IF UNDETECTED CAN PROPAGATE AND RESULT IN A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE AXLE.

Consequence: A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: AS PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY INSTALL THE REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Notes: FORD'S RECALL NO. IS 10S13. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Toyota And Pontiac Recalls Over 1 Million Vehicles for Possible Engine Problems

Vehicle Make / Model:                                                                TOYOTA / COROLLA      TOYOTA / MATRIX       PONTIAC/ VIBE    Model Years: 2005-2008     Manufacturers: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION/ GENERAL MOTORS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V384000 N/A

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,290,413

Summary: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 COROLLA AND COROLLA MATRIX (VIBE) VEHICLES. THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) FOR THE SUBJECT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE 1ZZ-FE ENGINE AND TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A CRACK MAY DEVELOP AT CERTAIN SOLDER POINTS OR ON VARISTORS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD.

Consequence: HARSH SHIFTING COULD RESULT, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START, OR THE ENGINE COULD STOP RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PRODUCTION NUMBER OF THE ECM AND REPLACE THE ECM IF NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA (GM) WILL MAIL AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER 2010 TO ADVISE OWNERS OF THIS DEFECT AND RECALL. THIS INTERIM NOTIFICATION WILL INFORM OWNERS THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE A FUTURE NOTIFICATION WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE FREE REMEDY PERFORMED ON THEIR VEHICLE. A SCHEDULE HAS NOT BEEN SET FOR THE FUTURE NOTIFICATIONS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA OR GM.

Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Which Minority Group Are Automakers Steering More Ad Dollars Toward?

Minority Automotive Media Spending
2007 2008 2009 African Americans  $143,555,000.94  $105,019,000.80  $  85,966,000.60 Hispanics  $659,717,000.00  $528,577,000.88  $323,230,000.00 SOURCE: The Nielsen Company
Since 2003, it has been documented that the Hispanic population has become the leading minority group in America, displacing the  African American population from its throne. The latest census  estimates, as of 2009 also illustrates this population shift.  Hispanics now account for 15.8% of the population, while  African Americans represent 12.3% of the U. S. population.  Moreover, in 2007, a report from the Polk organization, a  data mining company that tracks vehicle sales, determined that  Hispanics and African Americans accounted for 9.9% and  7.1% respectively, of total new-vehicle sales. This is the latest  public data we were able to secure, comparing both minority groups. Unfortunately, as we've determined, the advertising dollars  being allocated by the automakers to both minority groups is quite telling.  In fact, over the past three years auto  advertisers have spent five times as much targeting the new minority group - Hispanics - while virtually walking away  from the African American community. Automakers spent  approximately $1.5 billion and  $334 million  respectively, targeting the Hispanic and African  American media, according to the Nielsen Company. This imbalance of spending was quite evident last year when the  automotive companies, which excludes local dealers, virtually ignored promoting the controversial, but extremely popular government-run Cash for Clunkers Program with the urban  media. With the exception of a limited number of ads airing on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, the urban  community was all but ignored. (We also must point out Steve Harvey has an exclusive relationship with Ford.) And, at the time, GM and Chrysler were in bankruptcy  and had limited funds to advertise. There was no opportunity via the national media outlets to let African Americans know specifically how they could save upwards of $8,000 (or more) purchasing a new-vehicle by trading in a clunker. This number  doesn't factor in finance savings, which further drives up cost  savings. Yet, for the most part, the African American media  outlets kept their community immersed with salacious  entertainment and hot-bed political issues during this time  period. Unfortunately, African Americans, who primarily depend on the  urban media to keep them informed,were basically left in the dark  about this lucrative, one-of-a-kind incentive program. Was this  done by design? How many extra sales could have been added to the auto industry had they properly targeted and educated the  African American community about this complicated  government-run program?   Conversely, in the Hispanic media, advertisers promoted the  government-run program heavily. African Americans like  Hispanics rely on their media sources to keep them informed.  Yet, as of late, we've found most advertisers and marketing gurus only allocate their marketing budget to the Hispanic and general  (mainstream) population.

Garage Preview: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

The first-generation CLS started the four-door coupe trend in 2003.

Sexy, grown and mature are just a few ways to describe the second-generation 2012 CLS-Class. This work of art on wheels will be hitting the streets next year.

The radiator grille in the 2012 CLS is not integrated into the hood, but formed separately. This further highlights the long, sporty hood.

Another distinguishing feature of the CLS comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world's first to offer all of the dynamic light functions using LED technology. What about the elegantly designed rear-end?

2010 Nissan Altima SR: A Well-Equipped, Smooth-Riding Family Sedan

What’s New:

Although the Altima sedan was last reworked in 2007, Nissan’s best-selling vehicle gets a mild makeover for 2010, with a restyled hood, grille, front-bumper and new 16-inch and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheel designs to further differentiate it from the Altima coupe. Also for the 2010 model year, Nissan drops the top of the line SE model in the Altima, replacing it with the SR model, which we reviewed. 

Must Have Goodies:

If you’re in the market for this midsize family sedan, it’s available in three trim levels: the 2.5-liter base, the 2.5-liter SE and the all-new 3.5-liter SR model.

Depending on how one decides to accessorize their Altima, as long as its not the base 2.5-liter, the sedan can be equipped with Nissan’s optional Convenience Package (or the Convenience Package Plus), which could include an 8-way power driver's seat, automatic headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power sliding glass moonroof, XM Satellite Radio, heated front driver and passenger seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control outside mirrors with integrated turning lights and rear-passenger air conditioning vents.

For the techies, a Technology Package is offered with the 2.5 S and 3.5 SR models. This high-tech package includes a hard drive navigation system with a 6.5-inch color monitor and a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, which provides audio/video input jacks, DVD playback capability, a streaming audio and a restaurant guide. The package also included the latest traffic and weather updates, too. 

And, for those opting for the zippier model, the 3.5-liter SR model is available; the midsize sedan can be outfitted with Nissan’s optional, Premium Package and/or Sport Package.

With the Premium Package, the upgraded Altima will include leather-appointed seats, a leather-wrapped gearshift knob, power driver lumbar support, heated front seats, a Bose AM/FM audio system with 9 speakers, 4.3-inch color display, a Back-up Monitor, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, a USB port with iPod connectivity, XM Satellite Radio, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback compatibility, and a Radio Data System. (By the way, the 2.5 S model is also available with the Bose 9-speaker high-end audio system, too.)
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Moreover, opting for the Sport Package on the 3.5 SR adds dual-zone a/c, power sliding moonroof, High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights and a sporty rear spoiler.

One Year Later: 5 Things the Critics Aren't Saying About the Auto Bailout

President Obama is taking a spin in GM's first post-bankruptcy mass-production electric vehicle, the Chevy Volt. 

When President Obama made the decision to bailout the auto industry, with billions of tax payers hard earn dollars, he took a lot of heat from his critics. Many sought to characterize his decision to attempt to save GM and Chrysler as government intervention in the private sector. Now that the American public had a significant ownership stake in both car companies, GM's name was loosely being translated as Government Motors. 

Let's take a look down bailout lane to see what the critics aren't saying one year later.

  

Profitability of GM

Before 2007, GM hadn’t turned a profit until this year. Just this quarter, GM netted a healthy $1.3 billion, as a result of building reliable, appealing vehicles consumers yearned to buy, without huge incentives. Eliminating huge incentives have led to higher transaction prices and higher resale values. 

Yes, had the government not invested in GM we would have missed out on such iconic products as the Corvette or for that matter the Cadillac brand. Moreover, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience GM's award-winning post-bankruptcy products: the all-new Lexus ES fighter, the Buick LaCrosse; the fuel-efficient Chevy Equinox crossover; the return of the retro-designed Chevy Camaro; and the Cadillac SRX crossover.

According to data from the Commerce Department, as cited by Automotive News, a respected industry trade magazine, the motor vehicle output overall in the United States was $314 billion of GDP in the second quarter of 2010 compared with $223 billion in the year ago period and $352 billion in the 2008 quarter. Again we ask: Should President Obama have listened to his critics?

Senior Management Change

Over the years critics of  the auto industry have complained about the U. S.-based automakers home-grown, out-of-touch senior managers with relatively little corporate experience outside of Detroit being out of touch with today's car buyers.

Unlike Chrysler and GM, Ford Motor Company's heir, William Ford, decided to step aside a few years ago from running the family business into the ground, allowing a seasoned industry-outsider, Alan Mulally, a former senior executive at Boeing Airlines, to run the industry. However, until the government intervened into the business affairs of GM and Chrysler, this would have never happened.

As a result of President’s Obama's administration heavy-handed involvement in the auto industry, GM was forced to let go two GM lifers, Rick Wagoner and Fitz Henderson, replacing them with two outsiders, Ed Whitacre and Dan Akerson.

Just maybe had this been done before the government got involved in GM’s business, an industry outsider, attempting to learn the business, would have made better use of GM’s manufacturing partnership with Toyota, specifically during its heyday and prior to Japanese-automaker recent rash of reoccurring recalls. Some believe had they (GM) worked closer with Toyota, the automaker would have never been seeking a bailout.  

Also the bailout forced GM and Chrysler to shed duplicate brands and slow-selling, lack luster models. This would have never been done prior to the bankruptcy bailouts. Was there really a need for Saturn, Pontiac and Hummer? Its being reported that GM is selling just as many vehicles with four key brands.
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And, Chrysler was forced to join hands with Fiat and reexamine their product portfolio, eliminating slow-selling models. Unlike GM, we've only seen one new post-bankruptcy product from the automaker, the Grand Cherokee. Chrysler claims the 2011 Jeep is the best vehicle they've ever built. So far early sales numbers show consumers are snapping up the new Jeep. As of now, we must honestly say its too early to examine the automaker, until they get a few more of their post-bankruptcy products out on the road.

GM Recalls Popular Crossovers for Second-Row Seat Belts

Vehicle Make / Model:     Model Year(s):      BUICK / ENCLAVE     2009-2010      CHEVROLET / TRAVERSE     2009-2010      GMC / ACADIA     2009-2010      SATURN / OUTLOOK     2009-2010 Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Mfr's Report Date: AUG 12, 2010 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V375000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SEAT BELTS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 207,210

Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, GMC ACADIA, AND SATURN OUTLOOK VEHICLES. THE SECOND ROW SEAT SIDE TRIM SHIELD RESTRICTS THE UPWARD ROTATION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WHEN THE SEAT BACK IS RETURNED TO A SEATING POSITION AFTER BEING FOLDED FLAT. IF THE BUCKLE CONTACTS THE SEAT FRAME, ADDITIONAL EFFORT IS REQUIRED TO RETURN THE SEAT TO A SEATING POSITION. IF SUFFICIENT FORCE IS APPLIED, THE BUCKLE COVER COULD BE PUSHED DOWN THE STRAP, EXPOSING AND PARTIALLY DEPRESSING THE RED RELEASE BUTTON.

Consequence: THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE SECOND ROW SEAT SIDE TRIM SHIELDS. IF A SAFETY BELT BUCKLE IS DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 31, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

                                                                     

Mazda Recalls Two Vehicles for Steering Concerns

Vehicle Make / Model/Model Years:      MAZDA / MAZDA3     2007-2009      MAZDA / MAZDA5     2007-2009 Manufacturer: MAZDA MOTOR CORP Mfr's Report Date: AUG 12, 2010 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V374000 PE10021 NHTSA Action Number: PE10021

Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected: 215,000

Summary: MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

Consequence: POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DUE TO SHORT SUPPLY OF PARTS, THE FIRST PHASE OF MAILING OF OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WILL BEGIN ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 AND THE SECOND PHASE MAILING WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER 2010 AND BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.

2011 Kia Sportage: An Upscale, Compact Crossover

Kia’s Brand Value:

Kia, who was once known as the company offering low-budget, lackluster vehicles for consumers with credit challenges, has slowly shed that image over the past two years. With the sales success of the cool looking Soul, the Forte (sedan), the Forte Koup (coupe) and the American-built seven-passenger crossover, the Sorrento, the automaker has gained favor with the public.

Furthermore, it doesn’t hurt that Kia is now building reliable vehicles that rival their Japanese counterparts: Toyota and Honda. And it doesn’t hurt that they offer one of the best powertrain warranties in the industry. This along with their value-packed pricing strategy has also immensely caused the brand’s residual values to increase, according to the Automotive Leasing Guide.

In fact, the recently redesigned 2011 Sportage, which was unveiled in San Francisco, last week, was awarded with one of the highest three-year residual values in the industry. According to the Automotive Leasing Guide, Kia’s latest compact crossover is expected to have a residual value between 60 to 66 percent. Thus, this means that the vehicle is expected to be worth at least 60 percent of the MSRP in three years. This is unheard of for a Kia and in fact most vehicles on the market today. 

The Audi Influence:

Also the exterior design of the new Sportage (along with the soon to be released redesigned Optima midsize sedan) is heavily influenced by the former Audi car designer who recently jumped ship to oversee the designs at Kia. Yes, even the day-time running lights in the stylish compact crossover has Audi’s signature stamp, which has been reserved until now for the German automaker. Who could have imagined Kia would be taking styling cues from the upscale Audi luxury brand?

Infiniti's 2011 G-Series Offers Big Changes Under the Hood

The all-new Infiniti G25 will arrive at dealerships next month, with a smaller engine, better fuel-economy and a lower price tag. The 2.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 produces 218-horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque, versus the G37’s 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V6’s 328-horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The G25 Sedan comes with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission and is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Three models are offered: G25 Sedan, G25 Sedan Journey and G25x Sedan AWD. Pricing starts at $31,000. This is about $3,500 less than the G37. Will this be enough power to satisfy Infiniti owners?

The G-Coupe will become the first Infiniti to add the automaker's high-performance package. The IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) G-Coupe interior is designed to harmonize with the exterior styling, offering two color treatments – Graphite and Monaco Red (red interior only available with the Malbec Black exterior and 7-speed automatic transmission). All IPL G-Coupe interiors include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power torso and thigh support adjustment, red-stitched steering wheel, Silk Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest.

2011 Ford Fiesta: A Subcompact with Style and Spunk

What’s New:

The European-designed Fiesta returns to the American market, after first making its debut in 1978 at the height of the oil crisis, when gas was at a premium. This time around the 2011 Fiesta returns as a sturdy, well-built, funky-looking subcompact sedan and hatchback, with an estimated 38 mpg on the highway, according to fueleconomy.gov.

Must Have Goodies:

For the U. S. market, the Fiesta is available in four trim packages: S, SE, SEL and SES. Unlike many subcompacts, this one offers a number of premium features usually reserved for more expensive vehicles: keyless entry and a push-button engine starter.

Additionally, the Fiesta features Ford’s exclusive capless fuel-filler door, leather seats, heated front seat cushions (not the back), heated exterior mirrors, integrated blind spot mirrors and a power-operated sunroof.

And, for the techies, the Fiesta offers MP3 capability, an audio input jack for the USB and a voice-activated SYNC system, helping to keep driver’s eyes on the road when making calls or sending (or receiving) text.

Furthermore, the Fiesta can be customized with a number of unique packages. There is an Interior Accessory Package or a Metallic Accessory Package that includes lighted (or metallic) front-door sill plates and a lighted (or metallic) automatic gear-shift. Oh and we can’t forget the Tattoo Graphic Package which is also available.

Honda Announces Recall On Roll Away Vehicles

Honda is recalling close to 400,000 vehicles for possible roll away concerns.

Vehicle Make / Model:     Model Year(s):      HONDA / ACCORD     2003      HONDA / CIVIC     2003      HONDA / ELEMENT     2003-2004 Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) Mfr's Report Date: AUG 04, 2010 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V364000 EA09001 NHTSA Action Number: EA09001

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Potential Number of Units Affected: 384,220

Summary: HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC TWO AND FOUR DOOR, AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 HONDA ELEMENT VEHICLES. THE INTERLOCK LEVER OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY UNEXPECTEDLY DEFORM, WHICH CAN ALLOW THE INTERLOCK FUNCTION OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO BE DEFEATED.

Consequence: REMOVAL OF THE IGNITION KEY WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN SHIFTED TO THE PARK POSITION CAN ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Garage Preview: Second-Generation Scion tC Get's a Sportier Makeover

With the Scion brand being apart of the Toyota family, the Asian-based automaker is hoping to rev up sales with its BMW 3-series fighter. Ok, its not really going against BMW. However, Scion is hoping to attract those who can't quite afford a Bimmer, but wants a sporty coupe. According to Toyota officials, the sleek front grille and projector headlamps of the second-generation 2011 Scion tC are complemented by protruding fender flares, which amplify its wider, lower stance. The muscular exterior design now rests on 18-inch wheels.

The tC comes standard with a Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit with USB iPod® connectivity. The 160-watt Pioneer head unit powers the tweeters, mid-range and full-range speakers, while a separate 140-watt, two-channel amplifier is designed to drive power to the 6x9-inch door-mounted woofers.  A high-end audio system and a nav system is available in the tC for 2011.

The Brother Behind the Success of Hyundai's Restyled Sonata

Andre Hudson, the designer of the upscale, sexy looking 2011 Hyundai Sonata, takes a moment to stand-by his pride and joy.

The sales numbers for July have finally been tallied and analyzed. And according to Hyundai officials, last month represented an all-time sales record in the states for the Korean automaker, marking this as only the fourth time Hyundai has sold over 50,000 vehicles in a month. 

Moreover, this sales success has been driven largely due to the redesign of the sexy looking 2011 Hyundai Sonata we reviewed earlier this spring. 

In fact, the Sonata has been so successful since arriving in dealership showrooms this February, it has been stealing sales away from both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Year-to-date sales of the 2011 Sonata has increased by 33 percent, in the midst of a recession. Much of the sales success should be attributed to the hands of thirty-four-year-old Andre Hudson, the design manager at Hyundai, who was responsible for the exterior design of this Korean midsize sedan. 

5 Vehicles Thieves Bypass

The Volvo S80 is known for being safe and highly unpopular with car thieves. The average loss per claim on the luxury sedan  is just $690.

The MINI Cooper is still a popular vehicle, but its not on the list of most thieves. When one is stolen, the average loss per claim is about $2,134.

Early Preview: 2011 Kia Optima Adds Flair And Style

Editor Jeff Fortson is posing with the soon-to-be-released 2011 Kia Optima, while in breezy San Francisco this summer.

Watch out Accord and Camry!  The exterior styling of the 2011 Optima was influenced by the German automaker, Audi.