Sunday, July 31, 2011

Nissan Recalls 20,000 New Altimas for Steering Concerns


Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): NISSAN / ALTIMA 2011-2012

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Component: SUSPENSION

Potential Number of Units Affected: 20,000

Summary: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 25, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011 AT THE CANTON, MISSISSIPPI PLANT. THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE BOLT TO BECOME LOOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, CREATING A RATTLING NOISE AND VIBRATION.

Consequence: IF THE BOLT COMES OUT COMPLETELY, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE LINK BOLTS AND NUTS AND TIGHTEN THEM TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261. 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/ .

Saturday, July 30, 2011

2011 Chrysler 300: Redefining Luxury At An Affordable Price



300’s Highlight: At first glance, the vehicle looks the same as the model it replaced. However, upon a closer examination, one notices a new grille, new sheet metal, new taillights and a redesigned interior. Yes, this is the vehicle the previous generation 300 was yearning to become.

Test Vehicle’s Base MSRP: $27,995

Major Standard Features: 17-inch Michelin brand tires/wheels; 6-speaker AM/FM/ CD/DVD/MP3 Player; 1-year Sirius Radio subscription; 8-way power driver’s seat; power-heated foldaway exterior mirrors; steering-wheel mounted audio controls; an analog clock; keyless access doors; push-button keyless starter; and rear-view auto dimming mirror with microphone

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.6, 5-speed transmission/292-hp

Standard Fuel-Mileage (city/hwy):18-city/27-hwy

Competition: Buick’s LaCrosse, Cadillac’s DTS, Ford’s Taurus, Hyundai’s Genesis, Nissan’s Maxima and Toyota’s Avalon


What’s New: Everything! Yes and we mean everything.

Pros: The 2011 300 is available in four trim levels: base, Limited, 300 C (rear-wheel drive) and 300 C (all-wheel drive). A high-powered SRT-8 will be available soon.

And although the current-generation 300 looks similar to last year’s model, it’s really all-new, both inside and out. The redesigned 300 has moved upmarket, offering such features as LED illuminated headlights, taillights and tailpipes, while holding down the price.

The 300’s upscale feel continues inside the vehicle with this big Chrysler new instrument cluster, which features two large gauge faces with Sapphire Blue illumination and chrome ring accents. Anyone who is fortunate to be behind the wheel of the 300 at night will love driving this vehicle.

Furthermore, the 2011 300 offers the latest safety technology that wasn’t available on the previous model or the entry-level 300 we reviewed. Buyers who step-up to the Limited or 300C models can now opt for such popular features as adaptive-forward lighting (AFL), high-intensity discharge (HID) projector high and low-beams with automatic headlamp leveling, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with adaptive-cruise control (ACC), Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, a parking assist system, LED-illuminated rear fog lamps, exterior mirrors with supplemental turn signals and approach lamp and rain-sensing wipers.

Moreover, heated (and cooled) front and rear seats are now available in the pricier 300s along with a panoramic roof, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, adjustable pedals, rear power sunshade and 20-inch wheels too.

Yes, this 300 offers everything that the previous distinctive-styled model didn’t.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Cadillac Helps Fuel the Next-Generation of Black Filmmakers

 

Like a hurricane, the American Black Film Festival, also known as the ABFF, and a fleet of Cadillacs took over Miami’s South Beach earlier this month. Over a four-day period approximately 5,000 industry movers and shakers, independent filmmakers, script writers, aspiring actors, self-appointed film critics, fans of independent black films and those who just wanted to be in the mix were in Miami for what has become one of the world’s premiere culture events.


Yes, even the NFL’s T. O. surfaced at the festival, making a respectable acting debut in the must-see comedy-drama, Dysfunctional Friends, which is expected to be a hit once it’s released on the big screen.


And unlike the previous film festivals, this one was truly a special occasion for the ABFF, since it was celebrating its 15th year. As Jeff Friday, the founder of the ABFF, and his model-like, super-smart wife Nicole revealed at a private luncheon attended by a few folks from the media, they never envisioned that this festival would grow this large or have such an impact.

During the course of the conversation, Friday also recalled how it was just a few years ago when the festival was only attracting around 200 or so attendees where he literally knew everyone in attendance on a first-name basis. Well, of course this isn’t the case today.

Thank God Friday and a close niche of associates decided to step-up their game when it finally dawned on them that the mainstream film festivals like Sundance weren’t embracing black films or those that were directed by black filmmakers. As opposed to boycotting the event and/or meeting with the leadership team of the mainstream festival to request that they make provisions, Friday decided to turn his dream into reality, launching what we now know as this much needed outlet to help discover the next-generation of black filmmakers.

So because of Friday and his determination to turn his larger than life dream into reality, we now have a viable outlet for black storytellers, screenwriters and the like who only hope that they too will someday have the longevity of such trailblazers as Melvin Van Peebles, Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, Robert Townsend and Keenan Ivory Wayans.


In fact, Wayans was being honored at this year’s festival for being one of the few people in the film and TV industry providing a platform for cultivating talents such as Jim Carey, Jenifer Lopez, David Alan Grier and Tommy Davidson through his hit comedy TV show - In Living Color. And we can’t forget that Keenan Wayans has also been instrumental in personally nurturing the careers of his siblings and the next-generation of Wayans too.



In addition to the ABFF sticking to its usual format of debuting twenty independent films, which is the ultimate dream of any independent filmmaker to have his work to make the cut out of over 400 films that were submitted to the film festival for consideration, Friday along with his wife surprised the audience by kicking off the event’s first ever ABFF Hall of Fame Class. The inductees of the inaugural class, who were all in attendance, included such notables as Robert Townsend, Bill Duke, former HBO executive Olivia Smashum and Chairman and CEO of the Uniworld Group Inc., Byron E. Lewis Sr., who provided the seed money to launch the ABFF.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Garage Preview: The Next-Generation Honda CR-V

The curvaceous  fourth-generation CR-V will be hitting dealerships in the fourth quarter. As you can tell, Honda has dropped the boxy design, adding more curves and giving the vehicle a more upscale look. This time it looks as though Honda may be emulating Kia. Over the years Kia has been targeting the Japanese-based automaker, Honda, with its designs. Its amazing how times change.
This is the current-generation Honda CR-V.

According to the folks at Honda, the all-new 2012 CR-V will improve upon the current model in a variety of ways. It will not offer a more fuel-efficient engine but expect reduced body weight too. In addition to all-new stylish exterior styling, the 2012 CR-V will have an all-new interior, accommodating a lower cargo floor. We're hoping that this new-styling gives us a peak at what we should expect out of the next-generation Honda Accord which is coming out next year.

Monday, July 25, 2011

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist: GM's Answer to Today's Expensive Hybrid Technology


Highlights: This is GM’s first hybrid-like vehicle to use the eAssist system, which is expected to deliver an estimated 26% better fuel economy than a comparable gas model LaCrosse. The eAssist 4-cylinder engine will be standard on all 2012 model-year LaCrosses, replacing the 4-cylinder gas only engine that was in the 2011 model. And for those not ready for a hybrid, an optional peppier 6-cylinder engine will be available.

Competition: Lexus HS Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Why It’s Called eAssist: According to the folks at Buick, this isn’t your typical hybrid, since the vehicle is belt-driven with a liquid-cooled motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system.

What distinguishes the eAssist vehicle from the typical gas model:

* An ECO gauge on the instrument panel continuously responds to driving behavior, allowing the driver to drive with maximum efficiency, if he (she) chooses too.

*Regenerative braking provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery.

*An additional 15 hp (11 kW) of electric power assistance is available from the hybrid-like system during heavier acceleration.

*Automatic and smooth engine start-stop functionality occurs when the vehicle is stopped.

*Electricity is used instead of gasoline, when the LaCrosse is stopped.

*Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero mph adds to the fuel savings.

Arrival Date: The vehicle will be out this summer.

Starting Price: $30,820 (see our New-Vehicle Pricing Guide)

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.4-liter/182-hp

Estimated Fuel Mileage: 25-city/36-hwy

Major Standard Features:17-inch alloy wheels; cloth seats; 8-way power driver’s seat; 2-way power passenger seat; side curtain airbags; OnStar turn-by-turn navigation system; dual-zone climate control; full-color driver information center; and Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Standard Audio System: a 7-speaker AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo (and a 3-month subscription to Satellite radio is included)


Pros: The LaCrosse eAssist is available in a variety of trim packages: Base, Convenience, Leather and an upscale Premium I package. Like any luxury vehicle, consumers can load this hybrid-like vehicle up with leather seats, GM’s signature Heads Up Display Information Center, a panoramic roof, 19-inch wheels, a rear-view camera, an electronic blind spot detection system, dual rear seats DVDs, a rear power sunshade or a 30GB music storage system. Yes, this vehicle not only provides fuel savings, it offer loads of luxury amenities too one has come to expect in a Buick.

Also later on during the 2012 model year, not only will the 4-cylinder hybrid-like engine be standard, but each LaCrosse will be outfitted with Buick’s IntelliLink, which uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a new eight-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. This standard audio system will also enable streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio.

Although the IntelliLink wasn’t available in the vehicles we test drove in Silicon Valley, we did manage to experience this feature with the assistance of one of the GM’s representatives. Only one vehicle which weren’t able to drive was set aside just for the media to experience with this brand-new audio technology. Based on our early assessment, it seems as though Buick is doing everything possible to match Lexus with this new-technology. We know Toyota has a similar system that will be available on the PriusV. We can only assume this audio system will be integrated into the Lexus line up too.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Women's Car Study: Different Ethnicity, Different Preferences (Part II)

Source: R. L. Polk  ( To enlarge the chart, click on it.)

The table above identifies the Top 5 vehicles selected by women for each ethnic group, plus the top European and domestic selections for each group. You will quickly notice the Top 5 list is dominated by Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Hyundai respectively. With Hyundai getting the nod via support from the Korean and African American women.

To view Part I of  our Women's Car Study: Different Ethnicity, Different Preferences, click here

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Ford Recalls Over 26,000 Vehicles for Possible Non Functioning Exterior Lights


Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
FORD / E-250 2002-2007
FORD / E-350 2002-2007
FORD / E-450 2002-2007
FORD / E550 2002-2007
FORD / EXCURSION 2002-2005
FORD / RANGER 2004-2011

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Mfr's Report Date: JUL 07, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:11V352000 N/A

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 26,715

Summary: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.

Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. Notes:

FORD'S SAFETY RECALL NO. 11C18. 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 .

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Women's Car Study: Different Ethnicity, Different Preferences (Part I)

The VW Jetta is the top European model with both African American and Hispanic women.  

The BMW 328 is the top European model purchased by Indian women.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the top European model purchased by Asian women.

Not only are women making waves in corporate America, but this group, specifically ethnic women are steering today's car sales. Ethnic women have increased their new-vehicle purchase share 4.7 percentage points, moving from 40.7% in 2006 to 45.4% in 2010. This growth is nearly double the rate of white women overall, according to R. L. Polk. In fact, Indian women purchase more vehicles than their male counterparts. And Asian women aren't too far behind their male counterparts, purchasing nearly 49 percent of new-vehicles in their community. Forty-eight percent of African-American women and 41.6% of Hispanic women make new-car buying decisions.

Ironically, Asian women are more than likely to support their own brands (Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia) since domestic (GM, Ford and Chrysler) vehicles are not high on their shopping list. Conversely, Hispanic and African American women are helping to drive the sales of the domestic makes.

Stay tuned for Part II of this revealing study.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Its True, Italian Luxury Brand Finally Will Return to U. S.



Yes, after being away since 1995, Automotive News has confirmed that this automaker will return in 2013 with five new models.

Friday, July 15, 2011

2011 Ford Explorer Limited AWD: A Game Changer in the Crossover Segment


Explorer’s Highlights: The Explorer no longer rides on a truck platform. It has moved from being classified as a SUV to a crossover. Thus, this allows the vehicle’s fuel-economy to improve by 25 percent.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $44,170 (Base Price of Explorer starts @ $29,185)

Major Standard Features: AM/FM/CD w/6 speakers; MP3 compatible; Hill Start Assist; Rollover Stability Control; trailer sway controls; SOS Post Alert Crash System; 17-inch wheels; tinted rear/side windows; cargo hooks; 6-way power driver’s seat; third row 50/50 split seats; tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a capless fuel filler door; MP3 compatible; and four 12-volt powerpoints

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5, 6-cyl/290-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 17-city/23-highway

Competition: Chevy Traverse LTZ, Dodge Durango AWD, GMC Arcadia SLT, Honda Pilot 4WD Touring, Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring and Toyota Highlander 4WD Limited

What’s New: The 2011 Ford Explorer is all-new, inside and out. Not only is the vehicle totally redesigned, the vehicle switches from a truck-based platform to a car-based platform, since Ford realizes most folks will never take this vehicle off-road. And if they decide to go off road, Ford has a new terrain management system to address this issue.

Also Ford has many new first’s available in the reworked Explorer: an inflatable seat belt and a smartphone- like system to control the audio system, ventilation, seats and the nav system known as MyFordTouch.


Pros:

From the Explorer's new MyFordTouch to the vehicle’s soon to be available Electronic Parking Assist System, obviously this is the most advanced eight-passenger vehicle to date.

In fact, the new Explorer is so smart that its Curve Control technology senses when a driver is taking a curve too quickly and rapidly. When it does, the vehicle automatically reduces engine torque and apply four-wheel braking, slowing the vehicle by up to 10 mph in about one second. Now this is what we call a smart vehicle. The Curve Control technology is effective on dry or wet pavement, and is expected to be particularly useful when drivers are entering or exiting freeway on- or off-ramps with too much speed.

In addition to the Curve Control technology, Ford’s Electronic Park Assist System we mentioned earlier enables the optional active park assist technology. When activated, the system scans for a suitable parking spot, calculates the trajectory, and steers the vehicle. Go figure. The driver continues to control brake and throttle inputs, but the system steers the vehicle throughout the parking maneuver.

Now while the Explorer 4WD we reviewed lacked Ford’s new electronic parking system, it was equipped with the terrain management system. Replacing the traditional SUV transfer case, the new terrain management system takes the guesswork out of maximizing the use of the 4WD. Rather than employment of four-high, four-low and auto settings, the Explorer terrain management system is selectable by situation. The four settings – available as a shift-on-the-fly rotary dial – include normal, mud, sand and snow. So as one can tell, this Ford is capable of riding into any weather condition.

Moreover, our Explorer was equipped with Ford’s optional smartphone like audio and ventilation system. Ford has eliminated radio knobs and switches. Everything, we mean everything, including the heated (and a/c) seats can only be operated using the touchscreen. Now this is what we call futuristic.

And besides all of the technology integrated into the Explorer, which makes it one of the most advanced vehicles in its class, the new car-based platform makes this one smooth-riding vehicle. Furthermore, we found the optional Blind Spot Monitoring System, which electronically alerts the driver of objects in its blind spot before changing lanes, and the power liftgate one hot ride that meet the needs of its occupants.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

243,000 Dodge Ram Trucks Being Recalled for Steering Concerns


Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
DODGE / RAM 1500 2008
DODGE / RAM 2500 2003-2011
DODGE / RAM 3500 2003-2011

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Mfr's Report Date: JUL 06, 2011

Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Potential Number of Units Affected: 242,780

Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008. BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE.. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Bank Settles $27M Suit For Misleading Auto Loans, 4 Ways to Steer Clear of Predatory Practices

According to the Huffington Post,  JPMorgan Chase recently agreed to pay a $2 million fine to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency that regulates banks and distribute $25 million to customers who were misled by auto loan officers to purchase additional credit protection.

From January 2008 through May 2009, JPMorgan Chase sales staff steered consumers into purchasing credit protection, which drove up their monthly notes. The Office of the Controller of Currency alleged that the bank's sales staff used high-pressure tactics such as using a script provided by the bank to include rebuttals for when customers balked at purchasing credit insurance.

The bank would usually make their money off of the credit protection when unemployment or death occurred with the borrower.

JPMorgan Chase is not the only institution that's guilty of such deceptive practices. They just happened to get caught. Ed Voyles Honda in Atlanta refused to give a customer with excellent credit a low-interest rate that was being offered by the automaker. The finance manager made more money off of the deal by stretching out the loan and offering a higher rate. Now while this gave the customer a lower monthly payment, consequently, it drove up the overall cost of the loan by approximately $800.

And Delta Credit Union based in Atlanta allowed a customer with great credit to skip close to a year's worth payments, which are also known as payment holidays, over the seven-year term of the loan. Thus, now that the customer is ready to trade-in their that gas-guzzling SUV for a fuel-friendly crossover, a car-based utility vehicle, they find that they are upside-down, owing more than what the vehicle is worth, by close to $20,000. While you can't really faught the credit union, the customer should have been warned of the risk of the payment holidays and the seven-year loan. (Read  "A New Trend in Auto Financing: Car Mortgages?")

So as you can see, banks and credit unions may not actually be working in your best interest. In order to avoid being steered in the wrong directions, here's what we recommend:

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Garage Preview: Infiniti Confirms New 7-Passenger Crossover

Soon Infiniti will be making its entree into the seven-passenger luxury crossover segment, a car-based utility vehicle, with the all-new JX Concept. The curvaceous crossover will join the line next Spring, according to the folks from Infiniti.

“Families don’t have many luxury vehicle options today. The new Infiniti JX will be the seven-passenger antidote to the ho-hum luxury crossovers that are out there right now,” said Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti Americas.

Infiniti will officially debut the production version of the 2013 Infiniti JX, which goes on sale in the Spring of 2012, at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. As we get more photos, we'll post them.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Garage Preview: 2012 Toyota Camry


Just recently Toyota Motors Corporation President Mr. Toyoda confirmed that the much anticipated 2012 Toyota Camry will be hitting the streets this fall. This is welcome news to the African American community, since this is the number one brand with this group based on a recent industry study.

The all-new 2012 Camry (and Camry Hybrid) will be designed to meet the changing needs of the 21st Century driver, providing technologically advanced features, a contemporary design inside and out, improved performance and refined ride and handling. Unlike never before, the Camry will face some stiff competition with the Lexus-like design of the Hyundai Sonata, the Audi-like design of the Kia Optima, the sportier looking 2013 Chevy Malibu to arrive early next year and a redesigned Honda Accord, which is expected to follow the arrival of the new Chevy. As soon as we get our hands on some photos of the 2012 Camry, we'll release them. We've seen some, but we're not ready to publish them just yet!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

2012 Honda Civic EX-L: The Fuel-Efficient Little Car with Midsize Features

Civic’s Highlight: The 2011 Civic was ranked as the top vehicle in the small car segment based upon the latest J. D. Power Initial Quality Study.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $24,205 (Base Price of Honda Civic starts @ $16,575.00)

Major Standard Features: 15-inch tires; power windows; tilt/telescopic steering wheel; side curtain airbags; automatic off headlights only; ABS (Anti-Lock Brake Systems), VSA (Vehicle Stability Assistance); EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and a Multi-Information Display (MID) Center which includes an average fuel economy indicator, a clock, a digital odometer, digital trip meters, a maintenance reminder system and a miles-to-empty indicator.

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.8-liter/140-hp (a 2.4-liter is available in the Si model)

Standard Fuel Mileage: 28-city/39-hwy

Competition: 2011 Chevy Cruze LTZ, 2012 Ford Focus Titanium, 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited, 2011 Kia Forte Sedan EX, 2011 Mazda3 Touring and the 2011 Toyota Corolla LE.

What’s New: The ninth-generation Civic has been redesigned for the 2011 model year. Besides a modestly restyled exterior, the compact provides a roomier interior, a new comprehensive Multi-Information Display (MID) center, a satellite-link navigation system and two re-engineered powertrains.

Pros: As opposed to staggering the launch of individual Civic models, Honda was hoping to open the flood gates, releasing everything from a fuel-efficient gas model to a natural gas model to a hybrid model to the peppy Si model all at once. (However, the earthquake, which occured in Japan put, a monkey wrench in Honda's plan. So some models are taking a little longer to arrive.) And unlike many of its competitors, the vehicle is available as either a coupe or sedan. This is a great strategy, since Honda is making every attempt to saturate the highly competitive compact segment.

Honda, like a number of other compacts, is redefining the segment, blurring the lines between the compact and midsize segments, as we found with the living room like comfortable leather seats we experienced in the top of the line EX-L model.

In addition to the roomier interior, our upscale Civic was equipped with 16-inch wheels, a power sunroof, heated front seats, a USB Audio Interface, a Bluetooth Hands Free Link, a XM satellite radio subscription, a premium quality 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers including MP3/WMA playback and a navigation system with voice recognition.

Moreover, the Civic took a page from its luxury brand, Acura, offering real-time traffic data. Not only does this useful data help to steer you around traffic congestion, it’s a rarity to find this type of data in a compact. Furthermore, to improve the fuel-efficiency in most of the Civic line up, an Eco Assist feature is now available in the 2012 model just like in Honda’s hybrids. Conversely, don’t expect this fuel saver feature in the supercharged SI model.

Monday, July 4, 2011

June's Sales Analysis: Are American Car Buyers Becoming More Patriotic?

The F-150 was the top-selling vehicle in June 2011 and June 2010 despite gas price being above $3.00 a gallon. And for the 2011 model year, Ford also offers a 6-cylinder engine that pushes out as much horsepower as any 8-cylinder.
The Chevy Silverado was the second best-selling vehicle in both June 2011 and June 2010.  A redesigned Chevy truck is on the horizon in the next 18 months.

The all-new Chevy Cruze was the best-selling car in America in June. In June 2010, the Camry was the best-selling vehicle in Ameica. Camry sales were affected by Japan's earthquake, which has caused severe inventory shortages. A new Camry is on the way this fall. 


The Chevy Malibu is in the last stage of its product cycle and it was the number four best-selling vehicle last month. A sportier designed Malibu will hit the market during the first quarter of 2013. The Honda Accord held the number four spot last June. The Accord was also affected by Japan's earthquake and is expected  for a major redesign next year.



The Ford Escape was the fifth best-selling vehicle this past June, while the Civic held this spot last year. The Civic just received a major redesign. Like the Accord, the Civic has been affected by Japan's earthquake. 
 


Vehicles from "The Detroit 3" (Ford, GM and Chrysler) accounted for 80% of the top 10 best-selling vehicles last month. In June 2010, "The Detroit 3" only had four vehicles in the top 10 spot. If Detroit continues this pace, they could be called the "Big 3" again. Ironically, sales from Toyota and Honda dipped last month, as a result of the disruption in Japan. In a piece we wrote exclusively for BlackEnterprise.com, we warned you earlier that this was going to happen. 

Friday, July 1, 2011

The Baby Range Rover Will Be Priced in the $40s




Land Rover will enter the premium compact crossover/SUV segment this fall with its brand-new 2012 Range Rover Evoque. The funky looking crossover will have a starting price of $43,995 for the five-door and $44,995 for the coupe. Both prices include the destination fee too. We expect that this vehicle will bring in a younger demographic to the brand and also become the band's best-selling vehicle due to the price point.

The Evoque will compete with the Acura RDX, the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, the Infiniti EX and the Volvo XC60.