GetListy » Autos

2010’s safest cars and trucks

GetListy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:28:22 +0000

Nineteen cars and 8 SUVs earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2010. For the first time, good performance in a roof strength test to measure protection in a rollover is required to win. Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now rollover crashes based on good ratings in Institute tests. Winners also must have electronic stability control, which research shows significantly reduces crash risk. This is the second time the Institute has tightened criteria since announcing the first recipients in 2005.

Subaru is the only manufacturer with a winner in all 4 vehicle classes in which it competes. This automaker earns 5 awards for 2010. Ford and subsidiary Volvo have 6 winners, and Volkswagen/Audi has 5. Chrysler earns 4 awards, continuing a recent trend of improving the crashworthiness of its vehicles. Two new small cars, the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul, join the Top Safety Pick list for 2010.

ALL 27 WINNERS

Large cars

Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

Midsize cars

Audi A3
Chevrolet Malibu built after October 2009
Chrysler Sebring 4-door with optional electronic stability control
Dodge Avenger with optional electronic stability control
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Volkswagen Passat sedan
Volvo C30

Small cars

Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza except WRX
Volkswagen Golf 4-door

Midsize SUVs

Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs

Honda Element
Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

Consumer Reports’ 2009 most reliable auto brands

GetListy — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:11:35 +0000

Ford has secured its position as the only Detroit automaker with world-class reliability, according to Consumer Reports. About 90 percent (46 of 51) of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln products were found to have average or better reliability, according to Consumer Reports’ 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey.

Ford’s sustained production of vehicles that are as dependable—or better than—some of the industry’s best dispels the notion that only Japanese manufacturers make reliable cars. Other than the Toyota Prius, the reliability of the 4-cylinder Fusion and Milan ranks higher than that of any other family sedan. Both of those Ford Motor Company products continue to beat the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, while the upscale Lincoln MKZ tops its rivals, the Acura TL and Lexus ES.

More details, and a list of models with the best and worst predicted-reliability Ratings, will appear first on www.ConsumerReports.org. The reliability report will also appear in the December issue of Consumer Reports, on sale Nov. 3, and in the latest Consumer Reports Cars publication, Best & Worst New Cars for 2010, which also includes predicted-reliability ratings for more than 300 models.

A large margin separates the best from the worst. The least reliable vehicle, the Volkswagen Touareg, is 27 times more likely to have a problem than the most reliable car, the Honda Insight.

In addition to the Insight, small car reliability scores stood out. Twenty of 37 small cars have above-average predicted-reliability including the Honda Fit, Scion xD and Volkswagen Golf. Family cars fared nearly as well, with 21 out of 42 scoring above average. Five of the eight most reliable family cars are hybrids, including the Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Even good brands falter. Among the least reliable vehicles in their respective classes are the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS, the Nissan Versa sedan, and the Subaru Impreza WRX.

Here’s the brand ranking, best to worst:

1. Scion

2. Honda

3. Toyota

4. Infiniti

5. Acura

6. Mitsubishi

7. Lexus

8. Hyundai

9. Porsche

10. Mercury

11. Saab

12.Subaru

13. Suzuki

14. Kia

15. Mazda

16. Ford

17. Nissan

18. Volvo

19. Buick

20. Lincoln

21. Volkswagen

22. Pontiac

23. Mercedes-Benz

24. Audi

25. Chevrolet

26. BMW

27. Mini

28. GMC

29. Saturn

30. Jeep

31. Dodge

32. Cadillac

33. Chrysler

Most stolen vehicles

Bill Sullivan — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:11:51 +0000

About one million vehicles are stolen in the United States each year, but you might be surprised by which are the most likely to disappear.

Your brand new sports car? That shiny SUV? A cool, environmentally-friendly hybrid?

Nope. How about the 1994 Honda Accord, which ranks No. 1 according to an August report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau? More than 55,000 of them get pinched on an annual basis, due in large measure to a lack of anti-theft technology and the value of their spare parts.

Who else made the list? The top five is a veritable who’s who of clunkers:

1994 Honda Accord
1985 Honda Civic
1989 Toyota Camry
1997 Ford F-150
2004 Dodge Ram Pickup

Who would have guessed? To see the rest of the list, and to read more about these popular targets, visit Forbes.

Top Cash for Clunkers trade-ins

Bill Sullivan — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:34:52 +0000

Will the streets be better places without a bunch of old Ford Explorers? We’ll see. In the early going of the “Cash for Clunkers” program, the Explorer rated as the most unloaded vehicle.

Here’s the Top 10, according to the U.S. Transportation Department:

1. 1998 Ford Explorer

2. 1997 Ford Explorer

3. 1996 Ford Explorer

4. 1999 Ford Explorer

5. Jeep Grand Cherokee

6. Jeep Cherokee

7. 1995 Ford Explorer

8. 1994 Ford Explorer

9. 1997 Ford Windstar

10. 1999 Dodge Caravan

Cash for Clunkers rules

Bill Sullivan — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:07:52 +0000

Here’s a list of rules governing the “Car Allowance Rebate System,” otherwise known as “Cash for Clunkers”:

The CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is a $1 billion government program that helps consumers buy or lease a more environmentally-friendly vehicle from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel-efficient car or truck. The program is designed to energize the economy; boost auto sales and put safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles on the nation’s roadways.

Consumers will be able to take advantage of this program and receive a $3,500 or $4,500 discount from the car dealer when they trade in their old vehicle and purchase or lease a new one. Consumers you do not need to register anywhere or at anytime for this program.

Qualified consumers may participate in the CARS Program between July 1, 2009 and November 1, 2009 or when authorized funds are no longer available.
Qualified consumers will receive a credit of $3,500 or $4,500 for an eligible trade-in toward the purchase of lease of an approved vehicle under CARS Program.
Qualified consumers will receive the $3,500 or $4,500 credit at the time the purchase their new vehicle.
Dealers must provide consumers with any other advertised rebates or discounts in addition to the credit they receive through the CARS Program.
Consumers should expect to conduct their deals at their dealership of choice, not on the Internet.
Consumers should expect the dealers to provide their best estimate of the scrap value for their eligible trade-in vehicle. Dealers are allowed to deduct $50 from this value for their administrative costs.
Consumers should expect that all information collected through the CARS Program will be kept confidential. Social Security numbers are not required for a CARS transaction.
Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date.
Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify.
Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG. (Some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements>)
Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in.
You don’t need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase.
Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
The program requires the scrapping of your eligible trade-in vehicle, and that the dealer disclose to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in. The scrap value, however minimal, will be in addition to the rebate, and not in place of the rebate.

To read more, visit the official site at cars.org.

Used Volvos eligible for ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program

Bill Sullivan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:52:06 +0000

The government’s Car Allowance Rebate System (more popularly known as “Cash for Clunkers”) offers cash rebates to encourage owners of older, less fuel-efficient cars to upgrade to more modern, energy-friendly models.

Some general guidelines:

– If you own a car made in 1984 or later that gets 18 miles to the gallon or less, you can qualify.

– It must have been registered and insured over the past year, and it must start.

– If you trade it for a car that gets four more miles per gallon, the government gives you $3,500.

– If your new car gets 10 miles more per gallon, you get $4,500.

– If you’re trading an SUV, minivan or small pickup, you only have to improve your mileage by 2 to 5 miles per gallon.

– The vehicle you buy must be brand new and cost less than $45,000.

Here’s a list of used Volvos eligible for the program:

1991 Volvo 740 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 4A RWD Passenger Car
1992 Volvo 740 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 4A RWD Passenger Car
1990 Volvo 760 2.8L 6cyl 4A RWD Passenger Car
1990 Volvo 760 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 4A RWD Passenger Car
1990 Volvo 780 2.8L 6cyl 4A RWD Passenger Car
1990 Volvo 780 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 4A RWD Passenger Car
1991 Volvo 940 2.3L 4cyl 4A RWD Passenger Car
1991 Volvo 940 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 4A RWD Passenger Car
1992 Volvo 940 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 4A RWD Passenger Car
1993 Volvo 960 2.9L 6cyl 4A RWD Passenger Car
1994 Volvo 960 2.9L 6cyl 4A RWD Passenger Car
1995 Volvo 960 2.9L 6cyl 4A RWD Passenger Car
1991 Volvo Coupe 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 4A RWD Passenger Car
2000 Volvo S80 2.8L 6cyl Turbo 4A FWD Passenger Car
1998 Volvo S90 2.9L 6cyl 4A RWD Passenger Car
1998 Volvo V90 2.9L 6cyl 4A RWD Passenger Car

Source: Edmunds.com

Used Volkswagen eligible for ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program

Bill Sullivan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:49:50 +0000

Some general guidelines:

– If you own a car made in 1984 or later that gets 18 miles to the gallon or less, you can qualify.

– It must have been registered and insured over the past year, and it must start.

– If you trade it for a car that gets four more miles per gallon, the government gives you $3,500.

– If your new car gets 10 miles more per gallon, you get $4,500.

– If you’re trading an SUV, minivan or small pickup, you only have to improve your mileage by 2 to 5 miles per gallon.

– The vehicle you buy must be brand new and cost less than $45,000.

Here’s a list of used Volkswagen eligible for the program:

1994 Volkswagen Corrado 2.8L 6cyl 5M FWD Passenger Car
1993 Volkswagen EuroVan 2.5L 5cyl 5M FWD Category 1 Truck
1995 Volkswagen EuroVan 2.5L 5cyl 5M FWD Category 2 Truck
1997 Volkswagen EuroVan 2.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 2 Truck
1999 Volkswagen EuroVan 2.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
2000 Volkswagen EuroVan 2.8L 6cyl 4A FWD Category 1 Truck
2000 Volkswagen Passat 2.8L 6cyl 5A AWD Passenger Car
2001 Volkswagen Passat 2.8L 6cyl 5A AWD Passenger Car
1990 Volkswagen Vanagon 2.1L 4cyl 4M RWD Passenger Car
1990 Volkswagen Vanagon 2.1L 4cyl 3A RWD Passenger Car
1990 Volkswagen Vanagon 2.1L 4cyl 4M 4WD Passenger Car
1991 Volkswagen Vanagon 2.1L 4cyl 4M RWD Passenger Car

Source: Edmunds.com

Used Toyotas eligible for ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program

Bill Sullivan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:43:08 +0000

Some general guidelines:

– If you own a car made in 1984 or later that gets 18 miles to the gallon or less, you can qualify.

– It must have been registered and insured over the past year, and it must start.

– If you trade it for a car that gets four more miles per gallon, the government gives you $3,500.

– If your new car gets 10 miles more per gallon, you get $4,500.

– If you’re trading an SUV, minivan or small pickup, you only have to improve your mileage by 2 to 5 miles per gallon.

– The vehicle you buy must be brand new and cost less than $45,000.

Here’s a list of used Toyotas eligible for the program:

1990 Toyota 4Runner 2.4L 4cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1990 Toyota 4Runner 2.4L 4cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
1990 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1990 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
1991 Toyota 4Runner 2.4L 4cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1991 Toyota 4Runner 2.4L 4cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
1991 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1992 Toyota 4Runner 2.4L 4cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1992 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1992 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
1993 Toyota 4Runner 2.4L 4cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1993 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
1993 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1994 Toyota 4Runner 2.4L 4cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1994 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
1994 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1995 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1995 Toyota 4Runner 2.4L 4cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1995 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
1996 Toyota 4Runner 2.7L 4cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1996 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L 6cyl 4A 4WD Category 1 Truck
1996 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
1996 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1997 Toyota 4Runner 2.7L 4cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1997 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
1997 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L 6cyl 4A 4WD Category 1 Truck
1997 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1998 Toyota 4Runner 2.7L 4cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1998 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
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Used Suzukis eligible for ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program

Bill Sullivan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:38:48 +0000

Some general guidelines:

– If you own a car made in 1984 or later that gets 18 miles to the gallon or less, you can qualify.

– It must have been registered and insured over the past year, and it must start.

– If you trade it for a car that gets four more miles per gallon, the government gives you $3,500.

– If your new car gets 10 miles more per gallon, you get $4,500.

– If you’re trading an SUV, minivan or small pickup, you only have to improve your mileage by 2 to 5 miles per gallon.

– The vehicle you buy must be brand new and cost less than $45,000.

Here’s a list of used Suzukis eligible for the program:

1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 4A 4WD Category 1 Truck
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 4A 4WD Category 1 Truck
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5L 6cyl 4A 4WD Category 1 Truck
2001 Suzuki XL-7 2.7L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
2001 Suzuki XL-7 2.7L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
2001 Suzuki XL-7 2.7L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
2002 Suzuki XL-7 2.7L 6cyl 5M RWD Category 1 Truck
2002 Suzuki XL-7 2.7L 6cyl 5M 4WD Category 1 Truck
2002 Suzuki XL-7 2.7L 6cyl 4A RWD Category 1 Truck
2002 Suzuki XL-7 2.7L 6cyl 4A 4WD Category 1 Truck

Source: Edmunds.com

Used Subarus eligible for ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program

Bill Sullivan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:36:13 +0000

Some general guidelines:

– If you own a car made in 1984 or later that gets 18 miles to the gallon or less, you can qualify.

– It must have been registered and insured over the past year, and it must start.

– If you trade it for a car that gets four more miles per gallon, the government gives you $3,500.

– If your new car gets 10 miles more per gallon, you get $4,500.

– If you’re trading an SUV, minivan or small pickup, you only have to improve your mileage by 2 to 5 miles per gallon.

– The vehicle you buy must be brand new and cost less than $45,000.

Here’s a list of used Subarus eligible for the program:

1992 Subaru Legacy 2.2L 4cyl Turbo 4A AWD Passenger Car
1993 Subaru Legacy 2.2L 4cyl Turbo 4A AWD Passenger Car
1994 Subaru Legacy 2.2L 4cyl Turbo 4A AWD Passenger Car
1992 Subaru SVX 3.3L 6cyl 4A AWD Passenger Car
1993 Subaru SVX 3.3L 6cyl 4A AWD Passenger Car
1994 Subaru SVX 3.3L 6cyl 4A FWD Passenger Car
1994 Subaru SVX 3.3L 6cyl 4A AWD Passenger Car
1995 Subaru SVX 3.3L 6cyl 4A FWD Passenger Car
1995 Subaru SVX 3.3L 6cyl 4A AWD Passenger Car
1996 Subaru SVX 3.3L 6cyl 4A AWD Passenger Car
1997 Subaru SVX 3.3L 6cyl 4A AWD Passenger Car

Source: Edmunds.com