Monday, May 23, 2011
2011 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Recalled for Inoperative Windshield Wipers
Just the Facts:
- General Motors is recalling 4,674 2011 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks to fix inoperative windshield wipers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- The nut may not be tightened to specification on the windshield wiper motor crank arm and could loosen, which may result in the wipers becoming inoperative.
- The recall begins today.
Read the entire article here.
GM recalls pickup trucks due to wiper defect
General Motors Co is recalling more than 4,500 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks because nuts in the windshield wipers may not have been sufficiently tightened.
If a nut in the wiper’s motor crank arm were too loose, the wiper might not work if there were a build-up of snow or ice. The nut could also loosen if the wiper were operated on a dry windshield.
At a certain point, the nut could be loose enough for the wipers to stop working.
GM said the trucks, which are for the model year 2011, were built from late September to early November of last year.
NHTSA Widens Probe of 1997-2001 Ford F-150 Trucks to 2.7 Million Units
Just the Facts:
- NHTSA said the fuel tank in older Ford F-150 pickups could drop to the road, causing a fire hazard.
- One or both of the steel straps holding up the fuel tank and attaching it to the truck frame can corrode and break, the government said.
- Among the incidents reported to NHTSA or Ford, 243 involved the fuel tank dropping below the vehicle and/or dragging on the ground, 95 involved fuel leakage, and nine included reports of sparks from the tank being dragged on the road.
Read the entire article here.
Toyota announces first pipeline-fed hydrogen vehicle fueling station in U.S.
Today, Toyota announced the opening of the first hydrogen fueling station fed from a pipeline for vehicles in the United States. The hydrogen fueling station in California is to be used as part of the Toyota fuel cell hybrid demonstration program (as well as for fueling other hydrogen powered vehicles), leading up to the release of Toyota's first hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicle by 2015. Read the entire article here.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Mercedes-Benz Unveils Two New Special-Edition G-Wagens We Can’t Buy
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Sadly, the SWB G-Class wagon bodystyle is reaching the end of the line; Benz has chosen to commemorate it with the BA3 Final Edition, available with either a 211-hp diesel or a 388-hp 5.5 in the G350 BlueTEC and G500, respectively. Rated at 398 lb-ft, the diesel actually churns out seven more torques than the gas engine. As for special bits for the BA3? AMG superficials, metallic paint, dabs of faux carbon-fiber and real burl walnut, and—naturally—mudflaps.
For all its AMG-esque showboatery, the BA3 Final Edition features no advertised Designo pieces. The LWB Edition Select, however, is a G500 that apparently stocked up on Designo at Gemco. To wit, you can choose Designo Mystic White paint, Designo porcelain/black two-tone or straight Designo black leather upholstery. Standard stuff includes Designo black/porcelain floor mats and Designo piano black wood trim. You also get an AMG exhaust system and a 450-watt Harmon Kardon sound system. Affalterbo? Harm-O Kardo? No. Not to worry, though. Neither truck is making it to the US, leaving it up to discretionary spenders elsewhere to drop the extra few large on the special-edition Gs.
source:http://blog.caranddriver.com
BMW Leads The U.S. Luxury Market By Just 29 Sales
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For several years, the U.S. luxury market has been dominated by , but as we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, high-end marque recently lost ground with American shoppers. Now BMW sits in the driver’s seat, ahead of German rival Mercedes-Benz by a super-slim lead of just 29 sales.
Lexus’ management team attribute the company’s sales slump to manufacturing and supply problems stemming from the March 11 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, where most Lexus vehicles are built. While there’s definitely some truth to that, the fact of the matter is that Lexus has been slipping for some time, and we’re not entirely sure that its new CT 200h will be the silver bullet that the company has hoped for.
That leaves German brands vying for the #1 spot. sold 18,042 cars and SUVs last month — a 2.3% rise from April 2010 — which put the company at 71,388 sales for the year to date. But when all the dust had settled, it was by a nose, selling 18,801 vehicles in April and 71,417 for the year. That’s a difference of just 29 units.
And the race isn’t likely to get any less exciting as the year progresses. As Marty Padgett noted in his sales roundup earlier this week, has been helped by strong sales of its E-Class rides, while BMW has leveraged the popularity of the X5 and the new X3.
Other brands like , Cadillac, Infiniti, and Lincoln (which actually slipped compared to 2010) have been left mostly in the dust. With 17,576 sales in April (64,932 for the year), Lexus is the only player that stands a chance of competing with BMW and Mercedes — but can the underdog burst from the rear of the pack to force an upset? It’s unlikely, but we’re not laying any bets. Stay tuned.
Source:http://www.thecarconnection.com
Chevrolet Impala - No Redesign Until 2014 Model Year
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In what has to be a blow to Chevrolet’s contention that their recent new product offerings symbolize the revitalized , Automotive News’ Rick Kranz, in a recent posting, took exception to the bow-tie brand’s claim. In Kranz’ view, as with many astute industry onlookers, the Chevrolet Impala is a glaring old-timer in Chevy’s lineup.
In other words, Impala is seriously long in the tooth. It’s been around for five decades, since the first model rolled off the assembly line in 1958. During that time, the Impala has been a best-seller for Chevrolet and a popular family car for millions of American consumers.
What’s the big deal? Why pick on Chevrolet when it’s got several top-selling vehicles right now? Yes, the all-new compact Cruze is moving up fast, posting 25,160 sales for April and 75,365 year-to-date. In fact, the Cruze is the number four best-selling passenger car in the U.S. for April. The mid-size sedan is itself a winner, snagging fifth place in passenger car sales for the month with 24,701 units sold (and 73,446 for year-to-date). And the Malibu for 2013 is redesigned, so that will boost sales even more for the family sedan.
Yet the Chevrolet Impala, though it hasn’t been restyled since 2006 model year and its last major redesign was for the 2000 model year, still sells well. Admittedly, it’s mostly to fleet and/or heavily discounted, but the still managed to capture the number 10 best selling passenger car spot for April with sales of 21,071 (and 70,612 year-to-date, up 29.8 percent year-over-year).
Chevy is reportedly going to refresh the Impala for the 2012 model year. That means, according to various media outlets, that the large sedan will receive a new 3.6-liter engine to replace the current choices of 3.5- or 3.9-liter engines. In addition, gone will be the old (and seriously outdated) four-speed transmission, replaced by a six-speed. Expect a few styling tweaks as well, including a new grille and dual exhaust pipes. Dressing up with a little cosmetic “enhancements” never hurt other models as carmakers eke out a year or so before redoing the line.
Actually, Impala’s re-do is long overdue, in more ways than one. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way, but the whole bankruptcy thing got in the way of a planned redesign that was originally scheduled for the 2011 model year. Some say (including Automotive News) that the next-generation Impala will be rear-wheel drive and that it may include a version; it’s more likely the new car will be front-wheel drive, possibly with an all-wheel-drive option.
As it is, there’s too much overlap between the full-size Impala and mid-size Malibu. Automotive News quotes Chevy dealers and executives who indicate the next-generation Impala will clearly separate the large sedan from its sibling. No more “big, budget-priced car” for the Impala, says Bryan Nesbitt, Chevrolet’s executive director for exterior design.
While Chevy brass are tight-lipped on the details, the next complete re-do of the Impala will sit on the longer version of the GM Epsilon platform – the same one underpinning the current LaCrosse and the upcoming .
Perhaps the most telling comment comes from Alan Batey, Chevrolet sales executive, quoted in Automotive News as saying, “When we do finally show the thing, I think it’ll blow the doors off.”
Hmm…must be impressive. But then, by the time the 2014 Chevrolet Impala (presumably introduced in 2013 as a 2014) goes on-sale, there’ll be a revamped (getting its makeover for 2013) in the market, as well as a new , Accord and Altima. FamilyCarGuide looks forward to the reveal of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala. What Chevy needs is an elegant (dare we say near-luxury) six-passenger full-size family sedan – at an affordable price.
See Bengt Halvorson’s piece on the 2012 Chevrolet Impala in TheCarConnection.
Source:http://www.familycarguide.com
GM Invests $131M To Build Next Corvette
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NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — General Motors is investing $131 million in the Bowling Green, Ky. factory that builds the Chevrolet Corvette as it prepares to roll out the next generation of the sports car in a couple of years.In the process, the automaker will add about 250 jobs at the plant.”This is a significant day for anyone who believes that America should build world-class, high-performance products,” said Mark Reuss, GM North America president.The plant currently employs about 400 hourly workers, GM said, who work four 10-hour days a week producing the cars. Corvettes had been made at Bowling Green since 1981. All versions of the car are assembled there including hardtops, convertibles and the high-performance Z06 and ZR1 versions.The plant will continue to produce the current sixth generation version of the Corvette for at least two more model years, a GM spokesman said. Production of a new version of the sports car will begin some time after that but no specific timetable for the start of production has been set.While most cars are thoroughly redesigned about every five years to keep up with changing consumer tastes and competitors’ improvements, high-cost niche products like the Corvette tend to go much longer between revisions. The sixth-generation Corvette was introduced in 2005.GM has not yet revealed any official images or information about the seventh-generation Corvette.
Source: CNN
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
2012 Honda CR-V Introduction Delayed by Quake
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Just the Facts:
- As some of Honda’s Japanese parts suppliers continue to struggle in the aftermath of the quake and tsunami, the automaker has delayed the introduction of its redesigned 2012 CR-V.
- Honda also said it will curtail production of other Japan-sourced models for the North American market, including the redesigned 2012 Honda Civic.
- Japanese-built models expected to remain in short supply in North America include the Honda Fit, CR-Z, Insight and Civic Hybrid and the Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and RL.
TORRANCE, California — Honda Motor will delay by one month the introduction this fall of the redesigned 2012 CR-V, while extending production of the current 2011 CR-V by one month, as some of the automaker’s Japanese parts suppliers continue to struggle to re-establish production in the aftermath of that country’s devastating quake and tsunami.
Honda also said it will curtail production of other Japan-sourced models for the North American market, including the redesigned 2012 Honda Civic, “at least through the summer months.”
Japanese-built models expected to remain in short supply in North America through the end of the year include the Honda Fit, CR-Z, Insight and Civic Hybrid and the Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and RL. Read the entire article at the source here.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
40 MPG 2012 Ford Fiesta
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To keep interest in its 40 mpg capable Fiesta bubbling along into the 2012 model year, Ford is introducing a trio of new customization packs for both the exterior and cabin of the already stylish minicar. The new packs should prove popular, as around 40 percent of buyers of the 2011 model have opted for at least one accessory.
So what’s available for the 2012 Ford Fiesta?
Porsche Panamera Diesel delivers 37 mpg
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The Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo with a 3.0L diesel engine consumes 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 mpg US)—167 g/km CO2—on the NEDC with optional low-friction tires. Range on a single tank is in excess of 1,200 kilometers (746 miles).
With the standard tires the fuel consumption is 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 mpg US) with 172 g/km CO2.
The 3.0L V6 engine has a rated output of 250 hp (184 kW) achieved between 3,800 rpm and 4,400 rpm. The maximum torque of 550 N·m (406 lb-ft) is available all the way from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm. Coupled with the eight-speed Tiptronic S, the turbo diesel accelerates the new Gran Turismo from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph). The Panamera Diesel is exclusively available with rear-wheel drive.
The Porsche Panamera Diesel features common rail direct injection through piezo valves at a pressure of 2000 bar; turbocharging employing electrically controlled variable geometry turbochargers (VGTs;) and emission control achieved by controlled exhaust gas recirculation, oxidation catalyst and particle filter.
An auto start/stop function is standard.
Source greencarcongress.com
2011 Scion tC Manual - Short Take Road Test
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What Is It?
It’s the cheapest version of the most mundane Scion. Opting for the manual instead of settling for the automatic saves you $1000. While the tC was redesigned for 2011, it takes a real Scion fan (um, anybody? Hello?) to tell the difference. The look is little changed, but every body panel is in fact new, and the result is a rounder, sleeker overall shape.
How Does It Drive?
Fitting for a product from a youth-oriented brand like Scion, the tC might be the perfect car for first-time manual drivers. The shifter has a welcome heft and is very direct, without the high-focus tightness of a Honda piece. The clutch pedal is neither smooth nor linear, but is nearly idiot-proof. Initial takeup is very slow, allowing a nervous left foot lots of play while the car first gets rolling, at which point the final engagement happens very quickly. With the smallest blip of the throttle at any point in the process, first-timers will be rolling. (Actually, a small blip of the throttle is tricky, as the pedal is resistant to motion initially, but requires very little input to net large throttle openings.) Beginners also will find it helpful that the all-new 2.5-liter’s stall speed seems to be around the three-rpm chuff chuff of an old single-piston farm engine. Continue reading from the source here.
Toyota Making Drastic Production Cuts Official No Layoffs Planned During Stoppage
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(CNN) — Toyota Motor Corporation on Tuesday announced dramatic production cuts in North America because of difficulty in supplying parts following the massive 9.0-magnitude March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan.Previously, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA), had said it would suspend production on Mondays and Fridays between April 15 and April 25. That will continue through June 3, the company said in a statement.”During the same period, production will run at 50% on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,” the statement said. In addition, Canadian production will be suspended for the week beginning May 23, and U.S. production for the week starting May 30.No decisions have been made for production after June 3, according to Toyota.”No layoffs are planned during this period,” the statement said. “Team members will utilize non-production time for training and plant improvement activities.”“We are trying to continue production as much as possible and keep our workforce intact in order to facilitate a smooth transition back to full production when all parts are available,” said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of TEMA, in the statement.Last month, Toyota told its U.S. plants to prepare to shut down because of parts supply problems.Toyota employs 25,000 manufacturing and research-and-development workers in North America. It operates nine plants in the United States in Kentucky, Indiana, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, West Virginia, California and Mississippi. It also operates three plants in Canada and one in Mexico.
Source: CNN
2012 Acura TL - First Drive
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When it was launched as a 2009 model, the TL was the most extreme definition of Acura’s new styling direction.
It was a polarizing design, with a brash front end and beak-like silver grille surround. According to Acura marketers, buyers in Miami and New York loved it, but Californians and others didn’t. At all.
The West Coast won out. For 2012, the styling of the Acura TL has been dialed down.
most popular sedan (and, styled in California and built in Ohio, its most all-American) is tidied up, and looks quieter and more polite.
The changes to the exterior are the most visible evidence of a mid-cycle refresh for a car that launched directly into the teeth of the recession in the fall of 2008.
Acura hopes the revised TL has addressed a reason that some buyers cited for avoiding the previous model: its extroverted styling.
Indeed, while side-by-side photos of the 2011 and 2012 models look surprisingly similar, a host of subtle changes to the front and rear fascias have softened the beak and made the bumper surfaces more vertical.
The front grille is smaller, and it’s moved further down the hoodline for a lower appearance.
The pointy beak has given way to a minimal vee shape, and the front bumper now has a horizontal line in it to make it look wider. Continue reading review from source here.
2011 Kia Sorento Recalled for Transmission Failure
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Just the Facts:
- Kia is recalling 12,690 2011 Sorentos because a defective transmission may cause “loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Kia dealers will replace the right-side output gear and intermediate shaft on the affected Sorentos.
- The recall is expected to begin sometime this month.
source: insideline
Monday, May 2, 2011
GM SUVs probed for bad fuel gauges
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Federal regulators are investigating 865,000 General Motors Co sport utility vehicles for potential faulty fuel gauges that could mistakenly tell drivers their vehicles have more gas than they do.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website it opened a preliminary investigation covering Chevrolet Trailblazers, GMC Envoys, Buick Rainiers and Saab 9-7s from model years 2005-2007 after receiving 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge readings.
Of the complaints over the weekend, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall and 43 of those occurred because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel than what was actually in the tank, NHTSA said.
One complaint alleged the affected vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate and was struck from behind, according to NHTSA.
NHTSA said the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year. It added it has opened preliminary probes for Ford Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co Ltd vehicles.
NHTSA received 18 complaints concerning the liftgate glass on the rear doors or hatches on 200,000 Ford SUVs. The reports said the liftgate glass on Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners for model years 2010 and 2011 could spontaneously shatter when the liftgate was opened or closed. Read the rest of this article here.
Chrysler reports first quarterly net profit since 2009 - Business - Autos
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By Deepa Seetharaman
DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler Group LLC reported its first quarterly net profit since emerging from bankruptcy nearly two years ago, helped by a revamped lineup of cars and trucks as well as higher vehicle prices.
Chrysler’s first-quarter net income came to $116 million, compared with a net loss of $197 million a year earlier, as revenue shot up 35 percent to $13.1 billion.
The company reported an operating profit of $477 million in the first quarter, compared with $143 million a year earlier.
Sixty percent of the company’s sales in the first quarter came from its revamped lineup, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Average vehicle prices rose to $28,300 in the first quarter, from $27,300 a year ago.
Until now, Chrysler has posted a string of operating profits, but high interest costs on more than $7 billion in loans the company owes to the United States and Canada from its 2009 bailout have undercut its ability to post a net profit.
Chrysler’s earnings kick off a week of big news for the automotive sector. Carmakers are due to report April U.S. auto sales on Tuesday, and General Motors Co will release quarterly earnings on Thursday.
Chrysler, which now operates under the management of Italian automaker Fiat SpA, is seeking a $3.5 billion term loan and $2.5 billion in bonds to refinance that debt, the company said on Monday.
Sergio Marchionne, the chief executive of Chrysler and Fiat, said the deal was close to being “crystallized.”
Chrysler also reiterated its full-year outlook, saying it aimed to post revenue of $55 billion and net income between $200 million and $500 million.
Marchionne has said the company would need to post “a couple” quarters of net income before an initial public offering, which could come this year or next.
“Success is incredibly temporary,” Marchionne told analysts and reporters on a conference call. “The first quarter is done. We’ve got a lot of quarters to do.”
Fiat shares rose to the highest level in more than three months after the Chrysler report. Read the rest of this article here.
NHTSA Investigating Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner
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The 2010-2011 Ford Escape and its former twin, the , are being investigated by federal safety officials for problems with shattering rear window glass.
The Detroit News says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be studying more than 200,000 Escape and Mariner crossovers from the past two model years, in the wake of complaints about the glass in their rear liftgates. The paper reports that 18 complaints have been logged by the NHTSA from owners reporting shattered glass when opening or closing the rear liftgate.
One of the complainants was cut by falling glass.
has issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) for the problem, but the NHTSA study is a possible step toward an official recall.
The NHTSA advisory indicates that the shattering glass could be related to cold weather. Read the rest of this article here.
Most women buy cars based on lifestyle, price and fuel economy
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In a digital age when consumers can educate themselves long before they enter the showroom of a car dealership, women have become savvy shoppers who are using a variety of online resources to do their car buying research.
Many will read the latest reviews and safety information from sites like JD Power and Consumer Reports. Women are also looking for honest to peer-to-peer reviews from bloggers like Cindi Matthews who recently reviewed the 2011 Chevy Malibu as part of the Chevrolet Girlfriend Getaway Program.
When women walk through the door of an auto dealership, they are armed with information and ready to negotiate, but what are they looking for when they shop for an automobile?
The latest in technology, as well as comfort and style, often factor into the decision making process for female car buyers. With gas prices on the rise, fuel economy is also an important consideration.
However, Christine Overstreet, executive director of Heels and Wheels, feels that most women are looking for a car that fits into their current lifestyle.
“I want a safe, comfortable vehicle that will get me where I need to be. I don’t need seven seats, but would like some cargo space, so I am looking at sedans, CUV’s and wagons … and I love heated seats!”
A woman who frequently travels in her car for business may be looking for something totally different than a mom who is transporting four children to school, sports functions and other activities.
The business traveler may look for a car that touts a technology package with gadgets such as a built-in navigation system and hands-free wireless communication. The busy mom, who has the safety and comfort of her children in mind, may research vehicles that have ease of entry/exit, adequate storage and excellent safety reviews.
In addition to research on safety, fuel economy and comfort, there is still the issue of price. Does price play a factor in the car buying decisions of women and is it the biggest motivator when it comes to writing the deal?
“In this economy, people are price conscious but it is not price alone. Value for the dollar is more important,” says Christine Overstreet. “It is price for what you get and again, this is where the Internet is playing a large part in purchases. You can see exactly what you will get for what you pay out before you even arrive at the dealership.”
Beyond the research, reviews and comparison shopping, what cars are worth a look for women? Overstreet, who created Heels & Wheels to recognize women as a ‘major force in the automotive purchase decision’, gives her opinions on her top five favorite vehicles. Read the rest of this article here.
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE Review
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It has awkward proportions, almost as though it has a nose too big for its face. But that doesn’t take away from the cuteness of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. From the seemingly twisted category of “cute utes,” Mitsubishi comes forth with one of their latest.
A capable hauler, it has pluses and minuses to be certain. Sit back as we cruise with one of the new breed in urban-assault grocery getters, this one from the maker of the Evo. What is it?
A four-adult, or two-adult, three child carrier, the Outlander Sport is a compact CUV that draws inspiration from the Evo Lancer, and according to Mitsubishi, adds some spice to an otherwise humdrum segment. Our vehicle for the week was the 2WD SE model, although it is available in an all-wheel-drive configuration as well.
Powered by the firm’s venerable four-banger, it might be the solution for some, but not all, types of buyers.
What’s it up against?
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes up against some heavy hitters in the segment. Among them are Nissan’s glimmering siblings, the Juke and Rogue, the Kia Sportage, the MINI Countryman and then, at a slightly higher price point, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
It is a rather stout segment, so if you wish to compete, you best bring your A–game.
Any breakthroughs?
Among the breakthroughs for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport start with the price. Value pricing in this segment is a way to get market share, especially when some of your competitors skirt close to the edge of $30,000, or beyond.
All Outlander Sport models are equipped with standard features like remote keyless entry with a panic feature, halogen and S–HID headlights, Bluetooth hands-free communications, and audio systems with USB input and steering wheel mounted controls. Mitsubishi’s FUSE Hands free Link System even allows Bluetooth streaming audio from a smart phone or iPhone. Read the rest of this article here.
2011 Jeep Compass Review
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The new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Compass's larger, hardier sibling, got a complete redesign this year, and it's been almost unanimously lauded for being attractively proportioned, if a bit conservative. Meanwhile, the former, pre-2011 Compass has not at all been well-received, especially with respect to styling. Its 'Jeep Modern' design—with an odd combination Wrangler/CJ design cues in front and an odd, angular crossover tail—never quite took with either conservative Jeep suburbanites or with the hip urban folks Jeep originally aimed it at. Design-wise odd yet homely were appropriate descriptors.
The short story is that Jeep tried to give the 2011 Compass the Grand Cherokee treatment. The Compass hasn't received a complete redesign for 2011, just some softened sheetmetal and new front and rear end styling. The proportions are the same, with the boxy wheelwell outline and smooth rear-pillar upkick preserved. the front end is a smaller, softer version of the Grand Cherokee's, while the taillamps have also been softened. Overall, the Compass has a vaguely sleeker, classier look from some angles, but the changes don't reduce the Compass's ungainliness, to our eyes.
Likewise, Jeep claims to have upgraded trims and finishes inside, but those upgrades are basically limited to a new steering wheel, some new knobs for the climate control, and a few more bright plasti-chrome accents. Available leather seats have contrasting piping and are an upgrade in style, though. That said, the fundamentals are all here and the layout of the interior is straightforward and functional—and appealing in appearance if not always feel. Read the rest of this review here.