Dad of Divas' Reviews: car buying

Showing posts with label car buying. Show all posts

Friday, January 6, 2012

Parents Address Favorites Among Vehicle Functionality, Technology, Safety and…Traffic Ticket Excuses

LeaseTrader.com, the nation’s most recognized name in car leasing, polled roughly 1,000 parents on a variety of auto issues that are important to every parent today, including features and safety, vehicle choices, functionality versus technology, and even what happens when parents get pulled over by the police.

Must-Have Tech Gadget: Rear Back-up Camera. Combining technology and safety, the rear back-up camera scored the highest marks out of all parents polled because it gives them a great sense of security on anything or anyone who’s potentially behind the vehicle. 39.3% of parents said this would be their first choice in a tech gadget, followed by the ability to synch all electronics in the vehicle (21.7%).

Most Overrated Car Feature: Cool box. Of all the features available in cars today that are important to parents, including safety, functionality and technology, 42.4% of parents said they felt the cool box was the most overrated feature in a car. The cool box allows parents to keep food, beverages and other child essentials chilled during trips. The overwhelming summary from parents is that they already bring other cooler options into the vehicle and find that they aren’t using built-in chill systems as much.

Most Surprising Vehicle: Mazda 5 Crossover. Priced under $20,000 and available for lease as low as $250 per month, the Mazda 5 scored the highest overall points in terms of functionality, technology, overall features, roominess and price. Parents love its ability to seat up to six passengers comfortably, ease of getting car seats in and out, lots of storage space and a USB jack for technology favorites. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best, the Mazda 5 Crossover received an average score of 8.3.

Most Disappointing Vehicle: Toyota Rav4. When asked if they felt their vehicle was disappointing in terms of its effectiveness for parents, the Toyota Rav4 had the highest number of mentions. The majority of parents said they were overall disappointed with the vehicle’s handling and feel there just isn’t enough space that’s adequate for their needs. On a scale of 1-10, the Toyota Rav4 received an average score of 4.7.

Best Sedan Choice: Ford Fusion Hybrid. Packed with features, this vehicle scored highest marks out of all sedans because of its full slate of creature comforts along with its ability to offer incredible fuel economy. The vehicle also comes with rear back-up camera and rear sensors, options high on everyone’s list this year, in addition to technology features that allows parents and kids to charge gadgets during the trip. On a scale of 1-10, the Ford Fusion Hybrid received a score of 7.9.

Given the Choice Between Optional 3rd Row Seats or DVD Package: Optional 3rd Row Seats. Admittedly, this one surprised us a bit. Sure, parents are big on functionality. But DVDs in the car go a long way towards pacifying kids during long trips. Perhaps that there is the issue. 47.3% of parents chose optional 3rr row seats over the DVD package (38.6% with 14.1% saying neither), possibly because we’re taking shorter trips? Either way, if you’re a parent who’s big into space, it’s hard to pass up a solid extra row.

Excuse most often given if pulled over by police: Child had a dirty diaper (success of getting out of ticket – less than 10%). This one we had to have a little fun with. We all try to sometimes make an attempt at getting out of a speeding ticket. Ever wonder what parents do in this situation? Why not blame it on the diaper. The majority of parents said they’d tried this once when stopped for a speeding ticket. Perhaps they tried it only once because it worked for just 8.3 percent of those who admitted trying it.

To learn how LeaseTrader.com helps parents make affordable changes in the cars they drive, please visit www.LeaseTrader.com.

About LeaseTrader.com
LeaseTrader.com, the most recognized name in car leasing, easily and affordably matches car shoppers with individuals looking to escape their auto lease. Visit www.LeaseTrader.com, on Twitter @Lease_Trader

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Kelley Blue Book’s 10 New-Car Holiday Deals

Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new carand used car information, has identified 10 of the most heavily discounted 2011 and 2012 new cars available just in time to give the best gift of all; a new car. (http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/top-10-holiday-car-deals-for-2011/) Those looking to give the ultimate gift this year will find some new cars and trucks $6,000 below MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) or lease deals that would please even the finickiest of folks on your gift-giving list. Although the U.S. economy has remained in a lull, a December kbb.com consumer poll found that 17 percent of site visitors have already bought or are planning to buy a new car as a gift this holiday season. (http://mediaroom.kbb.com/driver-input)

With new-car inventories at record lows, Kelley Blue Book analysts scoured their data to find a few great deals to make anyone’s holiday merry and bright.

“Playing Santa this year is easy if you want to gift a full-size truck,” says Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst, pricing and automotive insights, Kelley Blue Book. “With gas prices remaining relatively low, manufacturers have a lot of excess inventory in the truck segment and are offering great deals between now and the end of the year.”

Seven percent or respondents have already purchased a new car and 10 percent are still shopping for the perfect car. An additional 10 percent say that they are still considering giving someone they love a new set of keys for the holidays. And what four-wheeled holiday gift would be complete without a king-size bow to adorn the roof. In an additional poll of kbb.com site visitors, 55 percent of shoppers said that if they were to give a vehicle as a gift, they would absolutely put a king-size bow on top.

Wrapping up a new car in one of those giant red bows can be a reality this year after checking out Kelley Blue Book’s top holiday new-car deals. And if you really do want that giant red bow, check out www.kingsizebows.com, where they actually will sell you an individual bow for that one of a kind holiday gift.

Kelley Blue Book’s 10 New-Car Holiday Deals

#10: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Once hailed as America's only true two-seat sports car, the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette continues to offer driving enthusiasts the most bang for the buck, running neck-and-neck (and in some cases surpassing) exotic cars costing up to four times as much – or even more. Nowhere else but in America can you find a two-seat sports car costing roughly $50,000 and delivering 430 horsepower while returning an EPA highway fuel economy figure of 26 miles per gallon.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
MSRP: $49,900
Fair Purchase Price: $46,407
Rebate: $3,000
Bottom Line: $43,407
Available APR: 0.0%

#9: 2011 Ford Flex

If all you need is room for the family, a minivan or mid-size SUV could certainly do the trick, but neither have the cutting-edge cool the square-as-a-shoebox Flex seems to ooze. With room for lots of their friends, an optional built-in refrigerator and the technology-friendly SYNC audio system, the Flex can easily transform itself from family transport to Friday-night cruiser with just a turn of the ignition.

In addition to the deal below, Ford is also offering a $3,528 down, $219/month lease deal for 27 months and 10,500 miles/year.
2011 Ford Flex SE
MSRP: $29,850
Fair Purchase Price: $28,943
Rebate: $4,000
Bottom Line: $24,943
Available APR: 1.9%

#8: 2012 Jeep Liberty Sport
If you enjoy the Jeep brand but regard a Grand Cherokee as too much of a financial stretch, and the down-market Patriot and Compass seem more trial than trail, the Liberty might be your cup of green tea.

2012 Jeep Liberty Sport
MSRP: $25,770
Fair Purchase Price: $25,319
Rebate: $3,000
Bottom Line: $22,319
Available APR: 0.0%

#7: 2012 Ram 1500 Quad Cab ST

If you need a pickup truck that is as tough as the rugged image it portrays, but you'd also like something with a civilized ride and a nice interior to double as the family road-trip machine, the 2012 Ram 1500 might be your truck of choice.

In addition to the deal below, Ram is also offering a $3,299 down, $259/month lease deal for 27 months and 12,000 miles/year.

2012 Ram 1500 Quad Cab ST
MSRP: $26,645
Fair Purchase Price: $26,379
Rebate: $4,000
Bottom Line: $22,379
Available APR: 0.0%

#6: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LS
The Ford F-150 may hold the title of best selling individual pickup in the country, but when you combine the sales of the Chevrolet Silverado with the nearly-identical GMC Sierra, it's a different story. The General Motors pickups outsell the Ford handily and also outsell all the import label pickup trucks combined.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LS
MSRP: $31,355
Fair Purchase Price: $29,941

"In addition to trucks, consumers can save a bundle by considering models that are due for a redesign,” said Gutierrez. “Although you may not be driving the latest and greatest, you can rest easy knowing you got a steal of a deal this holiday."

For the entire list of holiday new-car deals from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, visithttp://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/top-10-holiday-car-deals-for-2011/.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, visithttp://www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), or like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Tips to Survive Holiday Shopping at the Car Dealer

I wanted to share some great tips from TrueCar.com on how to survive holiday shopping at the car dealer. Dealers want to clear their lots of excess inventory around this time of the year. They do this by offering sizeable cash-back rebates, super financing discounts, and special lease deals, which means great pricing with discounts of up to 30% on some models for new car shoppers who want to buy a vehicle before January. Most consumers are aware of this, so the dealerships get just as busy as the malls during the holidays; be prepared for crowds and delays at the auto malls too.

Holiday Car Buying Tips:

1) Keep the Kids Happy:
Some dealerships have secure play areas to occupy kids while their parents shop. To make it even more enjoyable, be sure to bring toys and snacks to keep the kids amused while you’re doing paperwork.

2) Be Prepared for the Weather:
You’ll most certainly be walking around the dealer’s lot to find the car you test drive, so don’t forget to bring a jacket and umbrella when the weather is wicked. This is the perfect time to evaluate the benefit of cold weather features like heated seats and steering wheels, so be sure to turn those on during your test drive.

3) Stay Connected:
Nearly all dealerships have free Wi-Fi, so bring your laptop or iPad to keep up with the Christmas shopping list during any downtime that might occur while the dealer is preparing paperwork, washing the car, or installing any last-minute options.

4) Get a Home Delivery:
Keep in mind that some dealers will deliver that new car to you, so you may not even have go back to the dealership to take delivery. Be sure to ask if they might be able deliver your car to you during the very busy holiday season.

5) Time your Shopping Carefully:
Shop at the dealership during their low volume time so you get their full attention, try 9-11 am during the week. Avoid the most busy times, late afternoon and early evening during the week and Saturdays. The absolute busiest week of the year for dealers is the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, so even though you might be able to get a bigger discount on these days, if you want the most time and attention and the best selection, you’ll be better off shopping before then.

6) Don’t Wait Too Long:
Jesse Toprak, Vice-President of Industry Trends and Insights for TrueCar.com warns, “Even though you might be able to get a better deal if you wait until December 31st, the car you’re looking for may not be in inventory by the time you get there.” If you’re looking for a specific model, you may want to do a little telephone shopping ahead of time to find out what the dealers still have on their lots.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

2012 LaCrosse with eAssist Ready for Holiday Hauling

Whether hauling gifts for the family or the family itself, the 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist fuel-saving technology comes standard with the space and versatility required to successfully navigate the holiday season.

Now at dealers, Buick’s newest large luxury sedan delivers segment-leading highway fuel economy and more rear-seat leg room and cargo-carrying flexibility than most of its competitors – all while accommodating an electric assist power pack.

The new LaCrosse offers a 60/40 fold-down rear seat that allows pass-through between the trunk and passenger compartment on the wider side to accommodate items like a snowboard or even a small Christmas tree. Comparable hybrid sedans made by Lexus, Infiniti, and Lincoln do not have fold-down rear seats.

Vehicle	Rear Leg Room
2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist	40.5 inches
2011 Lexus GS450h	36.4 inches
2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid	36.7 inches
2012 Infiniti M45h	36.2 inches

In addition, LaCrosse with eAssist offers 40.5 inches of rear-seat leg room, as much as six inches more than its luxury hybrid and conventional powertrain competitors, and the same rear-seat roominess as the 2011 LaCrosse.

As far as Buick’s experts know, competitive gift-hauling vehicles from the North Pole don’t offer a rear seat at all.

“LaCrosse with eAssist is a no-compromise, high-mileage luxury sedan in more ways than one,” said Doug Osterhoff, LaCrosse product marketing manager. “Not only does the eAssist system enable outstanding fuel economy, the compact size of its battery helps maintain a spacious interior and enables owners to carry luggage and wrapped boxes in style.”

LaCrosse’s usefulness doesn’t end once the holidays are over. Though trunk space was slightly reduced to accommodate the eAssist power pack, it offers 10.9 cubic feet (307 liters) of storage – more than enough for two large golf bags or two sets of skis with the seat folded down. Buick market research shows that more than one in four LaCrosse owners participates in gear-intensive activities such as golfing and skiing.

The eAssist system is the standard powertrain for the new LaCrosse. It uses a 115V lithium-ion battery pack to store energy captured during regenerative braking. This energy is used to power a 15-kW electric motor-generator and to provide electricity to all of LaCrosse’s electrical systems when fuel is cut off during auto stop mode, or to provide added torque during acceleration. LaCrosse delivers an EPA-rated and segment-leading 36 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in city driving – up to 25 percent better than the previous model.

The eAssist’s battery pack, which has a warranty of eight years, was subjected to extensive environmental and mechanical validation testing equivalent to 225,000 miles of four-season driving. Battery cell temperature is constantly monitored and managed by an onboard computer to extend cell life and optimize performance. Its cooling fan is calibrated to vehicle speed to help maintain LaCrosse’s library-quiet interior.

“The eAssist power pack was carefully designed and integrated into LaCrosse to be as unobtrusive and unnoticeable in operation as possible,” said Sheri Hickok, LaCrosse chief engineer. The only thing LaCrosse with eAssist drivers are likely to notice is how much gas they’re saving while enjoying the driving performance, quiet interior, or ride and handling they’ve come to expect from Buick.”

Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning models, including the Enclave crossover , LaCrosse sedan , Regal sport sedan and highly anticipated all-new 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan . Buick is one of the fastest growing majors in the U.S. and remains a best-selling brand in China, with continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com , on Twitter @buick or atwww.facebook.com/buick.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Monday, October 24, 2011

With Chevrolet Traverse, Quality Never Takes a Back Seat

Vehicle seats do more than just cradle an occupant. A seat is also a makeshift knee rest, a stepladder, a desk, a tray and sometimes, a bed. A seat has a tough job and should address occasional mayhem with comfort, style and sturdiness.

The seats in the Chevrolet Traverse have been stomped on, crushed, and pressed thousands of times to ensure they stand-up to the rigorous demands customers place on them.

Long before the Traverse was available for sale to the public, GM engineers put the seats of the eight-passenger crossover through an intense series of tests to ensure high quality, maximum comfort and long-term durability.

GM seat validation engineer Mario Zaccagnini and his team used state-of-the-art robotic technology to test the comfort and integrity of the seat cushions, as well as the seat frames and their attachments to the vehicle body. The robots simulate a variety of body types entering, sitting and exiting the vehicle. Programmed to mimic the range of motion of actual customers, the robots are sort of a cyber derriere. The front seats undergo up to 50,000 entry and exit test cycles which represents well beyond ten years of typical customer use.

Rear seats are subjected to testing regiments as well, including the Seat Adjuster Easy Entry Durability Test. GM engineers designed the industry-first Smart Slide® second-row seat so that a 7-year-old child could safely unlock and move the seat out of the way.

“It was mandatory for us to maintain the quality of the mechanism of the seat but at the same time enable passengers, especially younger ones, to easily access the third-row seats”, Zaccagnini said. His team’s validation plan involved sliding the second-row seats fore and aft 15,000 times which equates to more than a lifetime of use and abuse.

Zaccagnini and his colleagues know that Traverse customers frequently kneel on seats to grab packages, groceries and children from other parts of the vehicle. To ensure seats hold up to heavy knee use, the team used a knee-form plunger that simulates a human knee pushing down and applying force on different parts of the seat cushions. This helped engineers assess the long-term integrity of the seat cushion foam, fabric, suspension system and seat warmers. Engineers subjected the seat cushions to well beyond a decade’s worth of knee load exposure – a total of 30,000 robotic test cycles.

Some of these cycles were performed in extreme conditions with temperatures ranging from 5 degrees F to 140 degrees F and humidity of up to 80 percent.

“With a family vehicle, we think creatively about how a seat is going to be used. Knowing that family life means ‘expect the unexpected,’ we go the extra mile to deliver seats that satisfy customer needs in all situations,” said Zaccagnini.

About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Chevrolet Traverse Designers Seek to Prevent Storage Wars

Using the latest 3D virtual reality technology and customer feedback, General Motors designers and engineers created sleek, functional and durable storage solutions for the Chevrolet Traverse crossover.
In a family vehicle like Traverse, an abundance of storage can help keep the peace among young rear-seat passengers, avoiding storage wars on long drives. The Traverse offers the most storage capacity of any vehicle in its segment. Seating for up to eight with a maximum 116.4 cubic feet of cargo space makes for a spacious ride. An optional family-friendly second-row armrest unfolds into a tray table while leaving ample storage space for rear-seat passengers.

Parents Magazine’s parents.com website rated Traverse among its best family cars in 2010. According to the report, “You can get a week's-vacation worth of luggage into the rear cargo well, and with the seats folded down this vehicle could almost double as a delivery van. Still, the sure handling will make you forget all about its size.”

GM director of Design Quality Matthew Davis says the key lies in understanding where a customer wants certain features to be located. Customers were asked very early in the Traverse’s development what they want to store in their car and where they want to store it. A decade ago, customers wanted places to store CDs and Gameboys ®, now Chevrolet customers are looking for convenient places to store smartphones, MP3 players and electronic tablets.

“My job is to act as the voice of the customer, so getting customer input early is essential,” Davis says.
Designers and engineers used a high-powered 3D virtual reality system called Cave Automated Virtual Environment, or CAVE, to develop interior dimensions and design ideas.

“We’re looking for ideas on where we can store items inside the vehicle while maintaining a clean, uncluttered interior with fresh industry leading design appeal,” said Davis. The CAVE allows his team to explore ideas and make changes to the vehicle’s interior in virtual reality, well before production.

The fruit of the exhaustive work is a Traverse interior that blends refined styling, technology and attention to detail. Davis draws inspiration from his 9-month-old son. “It’s exciting to watch him grow and as he gets a little older to see a budding love of cars, which makes his dad proud,” Davis says. “As a dad, I’m keenly tuned in to what kinds of storage features are needed in a vehicle. A crossover like Traverse needs to be able to accommodate and store anything from a sippy cup to a portable video gaming device.”

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Move Over, Mom: Dad’s Becoming the Car Pool King

As children across America head back to school, a new survey commissioned by Chevrolet finds that many fathers in America are taking more of an active role in before-and after-school carpooling duties, with utility vehicles the preferred choice of dads over minivans.

An online survey conducted by Harris Interactive® showed that 80 percent of fathers in the United States with children age 17 or younger take an active role in daily family life, with more than 70 percent driving their kids to school, daycare or extracurricular activities.

But in the evolution of carpooling, the study also showed that both drivers and their vehicles have changed. While moms may prefer minivans for their sliding doors, more than half (58 percent) of the dads surveyed prefer to do their business, personal and leisure shuttling in a family hauler that doesn’t question their masculinity. In fact, survey results demonstrated that fathers gave their current family vehicle a 6.4 “cool” rating on a 10-point scale.

Utility vehicles – such as SUVs and crossovers – were the most-preferred vehicles among fathers for accomplishing all their work week, weekend and family activities. Less than one quarter surveyed indicated that they prefer a minivan for these tasks.

“According to recent Census data, there are 154,000 stay-at-home dads and more than 25 million dads who have kids under 17. The trend is shifting and men are becoming more involved with family-driving duties. We’re seeing the rise of the ‘Dadmobile,’” said James Bell, head of General Motors Consumer Affairs.

“The minivan has long been seen as the quintessential family car, but its heyday might be over with crossovers and SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse, Tahoe or Equinox combining equal or better fuel economy, safety and convenience with a more rugged edge,” Bell said.

The study showed that fathers first and foremost want a safe, fuel-efficient vehicle. More than half of all dads chose safety as top vehicle feature, followed by fuel economy. Interesting to note that dads cited high fuel prices and traffic jams as the top two most stressful things about travel.

Vehicle versatility is also key as dads surveyed use their current vehicles for everything from holiday travel (94 percent) to work commutes (63 percent) to household do-it-yourself projects (54 percent). Accordingly, passenger capacity was important to nearly 40 percent of fathers, along with functionality, ample cargo space and comfort.

“The survey illustrates a growing trend that crossovers – like the Chevrolet Traverse – are more popular than minivans among dads in America,” said Mark Clawson, Traverse marketing manager. “The Traverse has gone a long way in redefining vehicular versatility and efficiency for the modern driver – even farther than the minivan did 30 years ago. The Traverse borrows the best across all segments, uniting the features the study showed as most important to fathers like me.”

The Traverse continues to be one of the more popular large crossovers thanks to its balance of efficiency, spaciousness and safety. It has the best fuel economy of any eight-passenger utility vehicle, due to its 3.6L V-6 engine with direct-injection technology and variable valve timing that delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway (FWD models).

The Traverse also offers the most storage capacity of any vehicle in its segment. Spaciousness comes from seating for up to eight with up to 116.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. It is also recognized as a safe vehicle, receiving a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for safety in the New Car Assessment Program run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Traverse is also an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2011 Top Safety Pick

For 2012, Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models (with two LT trim levels: 1LT and 2LT), in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The starting price is $30,240 including $810 destination but not including taxes and title.

Product highlights include:

Six standard air bags

StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control

StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control

Four-wheel independent suspension system

Choice of 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels

Second-row Smart Slide seat, for easy access to third-row seats

Rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls

Sirius/XM Satellite Radio including NavTraffic real-time traffic feature (with navigation system)

Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity

Cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km)

Towing capacity of 5,200 pounds (2,358 kg).

·Traverse comes standard with a 100,000 mile/5-year(3) Transferable Powertrain Limited warranty, roadside assistance, and Courtesy Transportation Programs.

·Traverse comes standard with a 100,000 mile/5-year(3) Transferable Powertrain Limited warranty, roadside assistance, and Courtesy Transportation Programs.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Lincoln All-Wheel Drive Combines Luxury with Year-Round Driving Confidence

All-wheel drive is a luxury feature that many buyers of premium automobiles demand in their vehicles for maximum mobility. This is especially true in northern states where colder climates naturally lead to more snow, ice, and generally inclement road conditions. Lincoln customers can choose the option of all-wheel drive on all of its models, giving them the added confidence and stability that this technology brings.

In fact, all-wheel drive offers safety and handling advantages in all seasons. Lincoln's all-wheel drive option allows drivers to accelerate and corner decisively and confidently with power to all four wheels, regardless of road surface and weather conditions.

"One of the greatest benefits of luxury is choice," said C.J. O'Donnell, Group Marketing Manager for Lincoln. "That is why Lincoln customers are able to equip any of our cars and crossovers with an advanced all-wheel drive system."

All five Lincoln models offer the convenience of all-wheel drive as an option, but customers of Lincoln's crossover and SUV models are more likely to choose this technology.

So far in 2011, 72 percent of Lincoln MKT three-row crossover customers and 62 percent of MKX two-row crossover buyers have opted for all-wheel drive. This compares to 46 percent of MKS and 25 percent of MKZ sedan customers. The truck-based Lincoln Navigator full-size SUV is built with all-wheel drive no less than 62 percent of the time.

The Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ all share a common all-wheel drive system to ensure the Lincoln DNA of luxurious ride and precise handling shines throughout the lineup.

All-wheel drive is standard on the MKS EcoBoost^™ and MKT EcoBoost, proactively distributing torque to the wheels to allow performance-minded customers to take advantage of the power of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine's 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

The sophisticated AWD system fitted to MKS, MKT, and MKZ is fully automatic, using an advanced array of hardware and controls to efficiently distribute torque between front and rear wheels as needed. The Navigator uses unique truck-based hardware that also provides a luxurious experience.

The new MKX 2-row crossover, launched last summer, takes the AWD system to another level with even better handling attributes than the outgoing product with new controls specifically developed for improved cornering.

"We're seeing the number of customers choosing all-wheel drive increasing steadily as drivers appreciate the benefits," says O'Donnell. "More than half of our crossover customers are enjoying the reassurance that all-wheel drive delivers, such that once they have experienced it, they don't want to give it up.

"We see all-wheel drive as a core technology option for the entire Lincoln line-up, both today and for the future."

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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Industry-first with new Ford C-MAX

Gesture or motion technology employed in today’s video game systems is coming to the new seven-passenger Ford C-MAX crossover, designed with families in mind.

“In the new C-MAX, customers no longer need to set their packages down or fumble to locate their keys to open the rear hatch, especially when their hands are full,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The hands-free liftgate allows them to easily and quickly open the cargo area with one simple leg motion.”

The hands-free liftgate debuts on the Ford C-MAX, which is being shown at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The C-MAX can seat up to seven and is a popular model in Europe because of its clever combination of style, versatility and fuel efficiency.

Enabled by Intelligent Access with push-button start
The hands-free liftgate is enabled by Intelligent Access with push-button start. This technology allows customers to unlock and start their vehicles without ever having to take out the key. When the key fob is in their possession – kept in a pocket, coat, purse or briefcase – a simple pull on the door handle unlocks the vehicle. Once inside the vehicle, the driver simply holds down the brake pedal and presses the power button to start the vehicle.

In conjunction with the Intelligent Access system, there are two sensors located in the rear bumper. One detects the shin and the other detects the leg motion to enable the hands-free liftgate. The customer simply needs to possess the Intelligent Access key fob and gently wave his or her foot under the bumper to operate the feature.

Additionally, the liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.
“We recognize that the C-MAX customer usually has his or her hands full. Whether carrying packages while holding a young child’s hand or carrying bags full of groceries, the hands-free liftgate will make their lives a whole lot easier,” said Wendy King, C-MAX brand manager.

The combination of the system detecting the key fob and leg motion is necessary to unlock and open the liftgate and safeguards against any accidental opening.

“Animals running under the car, hitting a bump on the road or similar unintended gestures won’t trigger the liftgate to open,” said Michael Becker, systems engineer. “This is one smart feature.”

As with other technology Ford has developed, the hands-free liftgate is a customer-focused solution, like SYNC® and EcoBoost™, which can be implemented in other vehicles around the globe.

“The arrival of the hands-free liftgate on the new C-MAX is just the beginning for this technology,” said Kuzak. “Customers soon will see this same technology roll out across our broader portfolio of vehicles.”

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Friday, September 3, 2010

The Ultimate Family Back to School Vehicle Tips

Shopping and car pick tips for a family vehicle from experts at AutoTrader.com

While parents are gearing up and preparing to send their kids back to school in August and September, many shoppers are on the hunt for the perfect vehicle to get them through the next school year. Experts from AutoTrader.com, the largest online auto classifieds site, offer the following insights on what parents should be on the lookout for when selecting a back to school vehicle and the most popular SUVs and mini-vans searched on AutoTrader.com:

What to look for:

· Payment: what can you, they, or both of you afford?

· Warranty: Available on new and most used and certified vehicles. A warranty that can be used at dealerships, or through independent mechanics, will be invaluable when the inevitable maintenance need occurs.

· New, Used, or Certified Pre-Owned: It’s important to learn and explore the advantages of each of these options when determining price, dependability and safety.

· Navigation: Parents are tasked with a lot of driving during the year between after school activities, carpooling friends for their kids and numerous shopping trips. It’s good to look for a vehicle with a navigation system already built in.

· Entertainment: Keeping your focus on the road is a top safety concern, so finding a car with a DVD player or even a gaming system for the kids can be a great feature to keep them occupied and keep the parents attention on driving.

· Ease of use: Things are always hectic around back to school, so find features such as automatic sliding doors which will help lessen the stress of loading the car while holding a child and remove one less thing to worry about.

· Roominess for passengers: Families come in all shapes and sizes, so parents should make sure they pick out a vehicle that fits everyone comfortably as they head back to school.

· Safety: On the minds of all shoppers, parents should be on the look out for cars that come equipped with features such as electronic stability control, side airbags, anti-lock braking systems and tire pressure monitoring systems.

Top Family Car Picks

Below are the most popular SUVs and mini-vans searched on AutoTrader.com. For more ideas on specific vehicles to purchase for your back to school needs, visit the AutoTrader.com Lifestyle Center at www.AutoTrader.com/lifestyle. In the Family Focus and Trend Watch sections of this part of the site, you can view the Top 10 most researched SUVs, minivans and wagons, as well as the Top 10 most popular new vehicles.

Top Most Researched SUVs:

· 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – starting at $30,215

· 2010 Toyota 4Runner – starting at $27,500

· 2010 Jeep Wrangler – starting at $21,165

· 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe – starting at $33,980

· 2010 Kia Soul – starting at $13,300

· 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe – starting at $37,280

· 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee – starting at $27,415

· 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – starting at $23,410

· 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – starting at $23,065

· 2010 Ford Expedition – starting at $33,355

Top Most Researched Minivans:

· 2010 Honda Odyssey – starting at $26,805

· 2005 Dodge Caravan – starting at $18,280

· 2010 Toyota Sienna – starting $23,595

· 2007 Honda Odyssey – starting at $25,645

· 2006 Chrysler Town & Country LWB – starting at $25,620

· 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan – starting at $23,265

· 2008 Chrysler Town & Country – starting at $23,415

· 2005 Honda Odyssey – starting at $25,195

· 2008 Honda Odyssey – starting at $25,860

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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Honk’s Top 21 Best Cars for College Grads

Spring is finally here. Birds are chirping, flowers are in bloom, and thousands of new college grads are anxiously waiting to throw their hats in the air.

Here at Honk HQ, we decided to get ready for commencement day by heading to the library and researching the most popular cars for new grads.

Our final paper is full of coupes, sedans, and hatchbacks with plenty of personality. Compared to previous years, however, you may notice that this list of top cars for the Class of 2010 comes up short on pickup trucks and SUVs.

Given their general sensitivity to the environment and the sky-high fuel prices this class experienced at the end of their Sophomore year, the shift to smaller and more fuel efficient cars makes a lot of sense. Who wants to spend hard-earned cash on a gas guzzler when there are expensive student loans to pay off?

What you’ll find in place of off-roading gear is technology – and lots of it. Gadgets and software are a way of life for these members of the Echo Boom generation and it shows in their vehicle choices.

The winning Mazda 3 on this year’s list can be had with a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, satellite-based navigation system, keyless engine start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic climate control, and high-intensity discharge headlights that can swivel to illuminate corners at night. These kinds of features used to be reserved for mom’s Mercedes, not fuel-sipping junior sports sedans.

So finish cleaning out your dorm room and take a look at Honk’s 21 Best Cars for College Grads:

1. Mazda 3

2. Nissan Altima Coupe

3. Honda Civic

4. Scion tC

5. Toyota Corolla

6. Subaru Impreza

7. Ford Focus

8. Mitsubishi Lancer

9. Volkswagen GTI

10. Ford Mustang

11. Honda Accord Coupe

12. Chevrolet Cobalt

13. Scion xD

14. Jeep Liberty

15. Volkswagen Jetta

16.Lexus IS250/350/F

17. Hyundai Elantra

18. Mini Cooper

19. Toyota RAV4

20. BMW 1-Series Coupe

21. Nissan Cube

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Announcing Autotrader.com's new Lifestyle Center

AUTOTRADER.COM’S NEW “LIFESTYLE CENTER”

HELPS CAR BUYERS FIND THE PERFECT CAR FOR THEM

Everyone has a different priority when it comes to shopping for a car. It could be finding a good deal, a vehicle that is safe for kids, or even a model with the latest features. With so many different vehicle types out there, choosing the right one can often be a challenge.

AutoTrader.com, the largest online auto classifieds site, offers the Lifestyle Center, a new tool that allows consumers to search for cars based on their lifestyle preferences, featuring Family Focus, Going Green, Smart Saver, Trend Watch and Work & Play sections. The Lifestyle Center provides abundant information for consumers that fit into each category, including helpful articles, tip sheets, the most-searched vehicles within each category, reviews, videos and 360 degree views of many cars. Consumers can also see which popular vehicles in each category are for sale near them, where they can be found and price details.

“The AutoTrader.com Lifestyle Center helps consumers find the best car for them, which can be a very difficult thing to do. The right tools and research make finding the ideal car an easier process for any car shopper,” says Shawn Tucker, auto analyst at AutoTrader.com.

To help consumers get started in their search, Tucker provides the following overview of the AutoTrader.com Lifestyle Center’s five different sections:

Family Focus

When family safety is top of mind, this is a must-read. It provides the top researched SUVs, minivans and wagons, allowing consumers to see what their peers are looking at most often. It also includes helpful articles and tips on topics like what to keep in the car in case of an emergency, what to look for in a family car, correct installation of a baby seat and more.

Going Green

In this area, consumers can find the top researched hybrids, recent news about environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient cars, tips for buying a fuel-efficient car and more.

Smart Saver

Budget-conscious consumers looking for a deal can plug in their zip code, the type of car they are looking for and their price range and view a variety of appropriate vehicles. This section also includes articles on how to get the most value out of selling a car, money-saving tips for parents, ways to improve credit and more.

Trend Watch

It’s always fun to keep an eye on the latest car trends. Here, consumers can find the top overall most-searched vehicles and trendy models such as convertibles and coupes. It also provides tips and information on the latest trends in the auto industry.

Work and Play

Whether hauling equipment or towing ATVs, finding the right vehicle for the job is important. Those looking to get the most out of work and leisure driving by can access information on the most searched-for SUVs, trucks and crossovers, as well as tips for do-it-yourselfers, choosing a tow vehicle, off-road driving and more.

Visit http://www.autotrader.com/lifestyle to access the Lifestyle Center and learn more about the right type of car for you.

About AutoTrader.com

AutoTrader.com, created in 1997 and headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is the Internet's leading auto classifieds marketplace and consumer information website. AutoTrader.com aggregates in a single location millions of new cars, used cars and certified pre-owned cars from thousands of auto dealers and private owners. The site attracts about 15 million unique monthly visitors. Through innovative merchandising functionality such as multiple photos, videos, detailed descriptions and comprehensive research and compare tools,

AutoTrader.com unites new and used car buyers and sellers online to improving the way people research, locate and advertise vehicles. AutoTrader.com is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers is also an investor. For more information, please visit www.autotrader.com.

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