Kicking Tires: October, 2011
Posted at 04:59 PM ET, 10/31/2011
By Cars.com
Flooding in Thailand has forced Japanese automakers to trim U.S. production as factory shutdowns affect global supplies. The latest casualty may be the 2012 Honda CR-V, which is slated to hit dealerships in December. Though the CR-V is assembled in...
By Cars.com |
04:59 PM ET, 10/31/2011 |
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Posted at 01:34 PM ET, 10/31/2011
By Cars.com
Fiat continues to roll out a full assortment of trims for its 500 mini car. This time, it’s the high-performance 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth’s chance on the turntable, debuting at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show in November. The Abarth promises...
By Cars.com |
01:34 PM ET, 10/31/2011 |
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Posted at 10:39 AM ET, 10/31/2011
By Cars.com
BMW is recalling 32,084 2008-11 model-year vehicles equipped with an eight- or 12-cylinder engine because of the potential for an engine fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2008-11 models included in the recall are the 5.
By Cars.com |
10:39 AM ET, 10/31/2011 |
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Posted at 07:14 AM ET, 10/31/2011
By Cars.com
We're not talking about your neighbor in the stadium parking lot grabbing an extra hot dog. The actual theft of truck tailgates is a serious matter that can sometimes cost thousands of dollars. PickupTrucks.com found one simple solution to the...
By Cars.com |
07:14 AM ET, 10/31/2011 |
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Posted at 09:04 AM ET, 10/30/2011
By Cars.com
The 2012 Honda Civic remains an excellent car despite the barely noticeable aesthetic upgrades from the 2011 model. Some of the Civic’s subtle changes aren’t seen but are rather felt. They include a more refined ride, improved fuel economy and...
By Cars.com |
09:04 AM ET, 10/30/2011 |
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Posted at 01:19 PM ET, 10/29/2011
By Cars.com
The 2011 L.A. Auto Show is only a few weeks away, and we have a pretty good idea of which vehicles will likely be unveiled there, including the new Honda CR-V and Ford Escape. Continue reading about the anticipated unveilings,...
By Cars.com |
01:19 PM ET, 10/29/2011 |
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Posted at 09:09 AM ET, 10/29/2011
By Cars.com
Volkswagen is redefining what a Passat is in America, by reorienting the car to better suit the needs of family-car buyers. As such, the Passat is more affordable and certainly larger, but VW loyalists might be surprised to find that...
By Cars.com |
09:09 AM ET, 10/29/2011 |
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Posted at 01:59 PM ET, 10/28/2011
By Cars.com
The 2012 Fiat 500c is the Italian carmaker’s novel way to give an open-air driving experience without building a full convertible. The canvas roof folds upon itself and gathers near the rear spoiler. It sounds neat, and it certainly adds...
By Cars.com |
01:59 PM ET, 10/28/2011 |
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Posted at 12:09 PM ET, 10/28/2011
By Cars.com
If you've already downloaded the Cars.com iPad application, fire up your App Store to download the latest update, 1.1. In it we've addressed a few issues and added new features. You can now read all our new-car reviews and see...
By Cars.com |
12:09 PM ET, 10/28/2011 |
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Posted at 11:29 AM ET, 10/28/2011
By Cars.com
Lotus is recalling 5,037 2005-06 Elise and Exige cars because the oil cooler line may become detached, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the affected vehicles — Lotus says approximately 75% of the cars it’s recalling have.
By Cars.com |
11:29 AM ET, 10/28/2011 |
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Posted at 10:59 AM ET, 10/28/2011
By Cars.com
Volvo is recalling about 7,000 2006-12 C70 convertibles and roughly 12,600 2011-12 S60 midsize sedans — the recently redesigned model — because the optional spare tire kit has incorrect label information, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
By Cars.com |
10:59 AM ET, 10/28/2011 |
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Posted at 07:49 AM ET, 10/28/2011
By Cars.com
The Cadillac SRX has been a strong seller for GM’s luxury brand, and a lot of that appeal stems from the crossover’s edgy looks, according to Cars.com senior editor Bill Jackson. Still, looks can only get you so far. With...
By Cars.com |
07:49 AM ET, 10/28/2011 |
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Posted at 07:14 AM ET, 10/28/2011
By Cars.com
Fans of compact trucks are going to wrinkle their noses at any positive news about the next-generation Ford Ranger, which goes on sale globally later this year. PickupTrucks.com delivers news that the new Ranger earned the highest crash-test ratings from.
By Cars.com |
07:14 AM ET, 10/28/2011 |
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Posted at 04:55 PM ET, 10/27/2011
By Cars.com
For the 2013 model year, Audi’s best-selling vehicle, the A4, will undergo a mild refresh, bringing its appearance in line with the new 2012 Audi A6. While we don’t have specific information on U.S. specifications, a release date or pricing...
By Cars.com |
04:55 PM ET, 10/27/2011 |
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Posted at 01:24 PM ET, 10/27/2011
By Cars.com
Women who wear seat belts are 47% more likely to be injured in a car accident compared with men who wear seat belts, according to a study by the American Journal of Public Health. That dramatic difference has to do...
By Cars.com |
01:24 PM ET, 10/27/2011 |
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Posted at 12:19 PM ET, 10/27/2011
By Cars.com
Dave is the proud owner of a 2012 Ford Explorer XLT. While others have complained about the underpowered V-6 and the complexity of the Sync system, Dave hasn’t had problems with them. However, the third-row seats aren’t great for road...
By Cars.com |
12:19 PM ET, 10/27/2011 |
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Posted at 11:14 AM ET, 10/27/2011
By Cars.com
Gas pump handles are the filthiest surfaces that the average working American encounters on the way to and from the office, according to Kimberly-Clark, a health care company. Hygienists at Kimberly-Clark scoured around Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and.
By Cars.com |
11:14 AM ET, 10/27/2011 |
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Posted at 07:45 AM ET, 10/27/2011
By Cars.com
The Takeri concept (shown above and in more photos below) is Mazda's sneak peek at its next midsize sedan. The design style builds off the current Mazda6, especially in terms of the front fender flares, and adds a new style...
By Cars.com |
07:45 AM ET, 10/27/2011 |
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Posted at 07:09 AM ET, 10/27/2011
By Cars.com
Less than three years in and GM already has committed its reincarnated Chevrolet Camaro to some rather significant upgrades, including a revised suspension, a more powerful V-6 and improved cabin materials. Even so, those fixes can’t overcome the Camaro’s weight.
By Cars.com |
07:09 AM ET, 10/27/2011 |
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Posted at 04:34 PM ET, 10/26/2011
By Cars.com
At 6 tonight, Bravotv.com will debut a new web series featuring the cast of the popular show "Work of Art: The Next Great Artist." Over the course of eight weeks, the cast members will try to design the trophy for...
By Cars.com |
04:34 PM ET, 10/26/2011 |
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Posted at 03:24 PM ET, 10/26/2011
By Cars.com
Halloween is filled with fun for children and adults, but it can be filled with frights, especially from drivers not accustomed to so much foot traffic. It’s important for both drivers and trick-or-treaters to be alert. Twice as many kids...
By Cars.com |
03:24 PM ET, 10/26/2011 |
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Posted at 11:29 AM ET, 10/26/2011
By Cars.com
GM is recalling 33,964 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs from the 2012 model year because the tire pressure monitoring system doesn’t meet federal standards, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall affects Equinoxes and Terrains built.
By Cars.com |
11:29 AM ET, 10/26/2011 |
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Posted at 10:14 AM ET, 10/26/2011
By Cars.com
The average life expectancy of a solidly maintained vehicle is about eight years or 150,000 miles, according to Consumer Reports. Take that figure into consideration when Honda announced it found an owner that crossed the millionth-mile marker on his odometer.
By Cars.com |
10:14 AM ET, 10/26/2011 |
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Posted at 09:14 AM ET, 10/26/2011
By Cars.com
As Lexus vies to place its 2013 Lexus GS 350 on the same plane as the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 with midsize sports luxury car buyers, it comes as no surprise that the luxury brand has prepared a...
By Cars.com |
09:14 AM ET, 10/26/2011 |
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Posted at 05:44 PM ET, 10/25/2011
By Cars.com
Ford's dashboard doldrums persist. The automaker's buggy MyFord Touch multimedia system, rolled out in summer 2010, contributed toward a steep decline in J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study. Now it has become a sore spot for Ford owners.
By Cars.com |
05:44 PM ET, 10/25/2011 |
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Posted at 04:39 PM ET, 10/25/2011
By Cars.com
The Department of Transportation reports travel on U.S. roadways fell 4.6 billion vehicle miles, or 1.7%, in August, the latest month reported. That's the lowest level since recession-wracked August 2009 — and year-to-date travel has dropped 1.3%, or 26 billion.
By Cars.com |
04:39 PM ET, 10/25/2011 |
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Posted at 02:49 PM ET, 10/25/2011
By Cars.com
When the redesigned 2012 Kia Rio sedan hits dealerships early next year, you'll plunk down another $1,105 for the base model compared with last year's Rio, but you'll get more standard safety and convenience features in return. Kia announced today...
By Cars.com |
02:49 PM ET, 10/25/2011 |
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Posted at 12:30 PM ET, 10/25/2011
By Cars.com
With a starting price of $15,265, the 2012 Scion iQ "micro" car will join the likes of other miniscule people movers the Fiat 500, Smart ForTwo and more expensive Mini Cooper when it begins a gradual U.S. rollout in California...
By Cars.com |
12:30 PM ET, 10/25/2011 |
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Posted at 12:39 PM ET, 10/24/2011
By Cars.com
This year, PickupTrucks.com asked attendees of the 2011 State Fair of Texas to be the judges in naming the Truck of the Fair, with truck fans texting their vote for their favorite pickup at the show. Voting has closed, and...
By Cars.com |
12:39 PM ET, 10/24/2011 |
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Posted at 11:49 AM ET, 10/24/2011
By Cars.com
The U.S. Army is looking for a few more miles to the gallon, and a new troop carrier that might replace the famed gas-hungry Humvee could get as much as 70% better fuel economy. Specifically, the Army is working with...
By Cars.com |
11:49 AM ET, 10/24/2011 |
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Posted at 10:49 AM ET, 10/24/2011
By Cars.com
In a homecoming of sorts, I drove the Cars.com Chevy Volt to its place of manufacture, Detroit, from Cars.com's Chicago headquarters for some unrelated test-driving events. There was no fanfare, but even in Detroit, the Volt gets noticed and garners..
By Cars.com |
10:49 AM ET, 10/24/2011 |
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Posted at 07:14 AM ET, 10/24/2011
By Cars.com
Fall should mean only one thing to attentive auto enthusiasts: a new auto show season is upon us. With the 2011 L.A. Auto Show less than a month away, we have a pretty good understanding of what to except, though...
By Cars.com |
07:14 AM ET, 10/24/2011 |
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Posted at 09:04 AM ET, 10/23/2011
By Cars.com
The 2012 Honda Pilot won Cars.com’s $37,000 SUV Shootout. One reason the Pilot came out on top is it offers plenty of standard features at a reasonable price, according to Cars.com Executive Editor Joe Wiesenfelder. To learn more about the...
By Cars.com |
09:04 AM ET, 10/23/2011 |
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Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
BMW is prepping a redesigned 3 Series for the U.S. market. It should be available shortly after the new year. New features include a four-cylinder and separate hybrid powertrain, both are firsts for the 3 Series. To learn more about...
By Cars.com |
01:14 PM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 09:04 AM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
We’ve already covered midsize and compact cars, compact crossovers and minivans in our Cars.com Shootouts, so we decided to put three-row SUVs to the test. In this latest faceoff, we put family-haulers like the redesigned Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango.
By Cars.com |
09:04 AM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 12:53 AM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
Earlier this year, General Motors started offering its OnStar service — something once exclusive to GM cars — to almost any car built since 1981. With Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and emergency response services, OnStar FMV could be perfect for.
By Cars.com |
12:53 AM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 12:52 AM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
I'm staring at a dashboard display that's been removed from a car and mounted on a table for journalists, investors and engineers to sample. On it is an enlarged version of a Samsung smartphone home-screen, plugged right into the "car."...
By Cars.com |
12:52 AM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 12:51 AM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
There are two requirements for enjoying the fourth installment of the racing video game “Forza Motorsport” (developed by Turn 10 Studios, a division of Microsoft Game Studios). First, you need an Xbox 360. Second, at least once in your life...
By Cars.com |
12:51 AM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 12:50 AM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
While total sales have been low so far, the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf are having a big impact by drawing customers that wouldn’t usually shop either brand, according to the L.A. Times. Nearly 78% of Volt buyers didn’t own...
By Cars.com |
12:50 AM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 12:50 AM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
“ClaytonS” from Cheyenne, Wyo., so far has no regrets with his 1-month-old 2012 Kia Sedona EX minivan. The reader gives kudos to the Sedona for its powerful engine and quiet ride, as well as its unexpected convenience and safety features...
By Cars.com |
12:50 AM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 12:49 AM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
A Hyundai Elantra compact wagon, known as the i30 in most of the world, is heading to the U.S. in May, according to Agence France-Presse. The i30, shown above, made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is a...
By Cars.com |
12:49 AM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 12:48 AM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
Because my daughter has fallen in love with a specific college based in upstate New York, she decided that I needed to fall in love with it as well, so off we went. We took Cadillac’s two-row SRX SUV/crossover, and...
By Cars.com |
12:48 AM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 12:48 AM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
We recently tested two large three-row crossovers in our Car Seat Check series: the refreshed 2012 Honda Pilot and the revived 2012 Dodge Durango. The Pilot impressed us with its ability to easily fit three child-safety seats across its second...
By Cars.com |
12:48 AM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 12:47 AM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
Off-roading and outdoorsy types, take notice: Ram has several new models for you come December, according to PickupTrucks.com. Starting with the Ram 1500, there’s a new Ram Mossy Oak Edition. For those of you not familiar with Mossy Oak, it’s...
By Cars.com |
12:47 AM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 12:47 AM ET, 10/22/2011
By Cars.com
Cars.com has teamed with Pandora internet radio on three all-new stations for drivers and anyone who loves the open road. "Road Trip" An eclectic mix of Southern and classic rock, with a little bit of country thrown in. Sample artists...
By Cars.com |
12:47 AM ET, 10/22/2011 |
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Posted at 03:54 PM ET, 10/19/2011
By Cars.com
This week is the National Teen Driver Safety Week, a government-sanctioned event that raises awareness about the leading cause of death among 16- to 20-year-olds. The event brings together teens, community leaders, educators and parents to help stem the tide.
By Cars.com |
03:54 PM ET, 10/19/2011 |
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Posted at 03:36 PM ET, 10/19/2011
By Cars.com
Volkswagen has taken a different approach with its redesigned 2012
Passat family sedan that, so far, has the approval of our editors.
The family sedan is now larger and more affordable, and it maintains
the elegant, quality craftsmanship that Volkswagens.
By Cars.com |
03:36 PM ET, 10/19/2011 |
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