Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: 2008 Vehicles Archives

August 15, 2008

Chrysler to Get In-Car Internet

It seems that Chrysler has beat other car manufacturers to the punch and will begin selling cars equipped with wireless internet come August 25th.

But of course it will come with a fee. $499 just for the Uconnect equipment, $50 to get that equipment installed, $35 dollars to get that equipment activated, and finally $29 a month to use that equipment.

Who else can sense a law that prohibits using the internet while driving just around the corner?

August 13, 2008

Audi Q7 earns IIHS Top Safety Pick award for 2008

HERNDON, Va. -- The Audi Q7, a luxury performance SUV, earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award for 2008.

The 2008 Q7 received a "good" rating in all three crash tests: side impact, offset frontal and rear impact seat tests. In addition to the Q7, three Audi car models -- the A3, A4 and A6 -- have also been recognized as Top Safety Picks in 2008, earning Audi the most Top Safety Pick designations for 2008 models of any luxury automaker this year.

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August 3, 2008

Jeep Patriot Ranked Least Expensive SUV to Own

Despite high gas prices and general economic uncertainty, many consumers are still in need of sport-utility vehicles and are looking for the best values in the marketplace.

A study by Edmunds.com reveals that the Jeep Patriot is the least expensive sport-utility vehicle to own at 48.6 cents per mile.

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August 1, 2008

Nissan Altima Hybrid Named to 'Top 10 Green Cars'

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Nissan Altima Hybrid, which offers the efficiency and fuel economy of a hybrid drivetrain with the performance and excitement customers have come to expect from the Altima line-up, has been named one of the "Top 10 Green Cars" by the editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

In compiling the list, the kbb.com editors considered factors such as comfort, performance, utility and technology, along with fuel economy and price.

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July 18, 2008

Subaru Forester Named to 'Ten Toughest Cars on the Road' List

CHERRY HILL, N.J. -- The Subaru Forester has been named to Forbes.com 'Ten Toughest Cars on the Road' list. The all-new Forester continues to garner awards from leading publications and in the month of June posted a 41% increase in sales over the same month the previous year.

To make the list, the Forester had to meet several measures, such as the most recent National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration and Insurance Institute of Highway Safety front and side crash-test ratings, Consumer Reports' 2007 Overall Road Test Scores, Strategic Vision's 2007 New Vehicle Experience and Vincentric's estimated five-year repair costs.

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July 12, 2008

Dodge offers 0% financing on 2008 Ram trucks

Zero percent financing for 72 months is now available for a short time in the U.S. on the 2008 Dodge Ram Light Duty Quad and 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab.

With the entry of the 2009 Dodge Ram this fall, Dodge is offering special deals on the 2008 Rams for fans of the current model.

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July 9, 2008

Nissan Increases Delivery Charges on all Vehicles

Nissan North America, Inc. announced increased Destination & Handling (D&H) charges on all 2008 and 2009 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles, effective today.

D&H charges go up $35 on all Nissan vehicles (except the Nissan GT-R, which went on sale July 7th) and $50 on all Infiniti vehicles.

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Nissan Announces Sentra, Murano Price Increases

Nissan today announced interim pricing adjustments on the 2008 Nissan Sentra and 2009 Nissan Murano, effective immediately.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* increases $100 on all 2008 Nissan Sentra models.

The 2009 Murano, which went on sale last January 15 with an MSRP reduction of $1,500 compared to the previous generation Murano, increases $540 for all models.

Mopar to Unveil Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Car

Center Line, Mich. -- This year marks the 40th anniversary of the factory-built drag race package cars from Dodge and Plymouth.

To commemorate those HEMI®-powered drag cars, Mopar announced it will unveil its new Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Car at the 29th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo. on Sunday, July 13.

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June 30, 2008

Kia Sorento Awarded Top Ranking in Ideal Vehicle Awards

IRVINE, Calif. -- The 2008 Kia Sorento has been given the top ranking in the midsize SUV segment in AutoPacific, Inc.'s 2008 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA).

These awards are considered quantitative gauges that measure how closely a vehicle matches to an owner's expectations. Sorento received a higher rating than the Jeep Liberty, Nissan Xterra, Dodge Nitro and HUMMER H3.

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June 27, 2008

Study: Ford Focus most improved model

DEARBORN - The Ford Focus is the most improved vehicle in the industry's top study measuring customer-pleasing design, content, and vehicle performance.

In J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM, Focus raised its score over last year by 88 index points - the biggest improvement in the industry.

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June 26, 2008

Mitsubishi Lancer Recognized for Highest Owner Satisfaction

Adding to its impressive collection of industry awards and accolades, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer has been recognized as the compact car with the highest owner satisfaction rating, after receiving the 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Award within the compact car category.

Conducted by noted automotive consulting firm, AutoPacific, Inc., the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) serve as an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck.

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June 25, 2008

Jetta SportWagen Now Available at Dealerships

HERNDON, Va. -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that its Jetta SportWagen, a sporty and functional wagon version of their top-selling Jetta model, is now available in dealer showrooms.

The Jetta SportWagen combines practicality with European style and balances both style and sportiness-exceptional ride and handling and class-leading safety features, coupled with its functional design are perfect for those with an active lifestyle.

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June 20, 2008

Video: Pontiac G8 Design

Mike Simcoe, GM's global design director, explains styling cues on the new Pontiac G8.

June 16, 2008

Chrysler raises prices 2%

DETROIT -- Chrysler has infromed dealers that it will raise prices 2 percent for most remaining 2008 models. The increase will carry over to the 2009 model year.

The price rise, which will be reflected in invoices starting June 16, was announced in a Webcast to dealers by Jim Press, Chrysler co-president, and Steven Landry, executive vice president of North America sales.

The executives said increasing commodity prices, including steel, pushed the company to raise prices.

June 15, 2008

The Volvo XC90 - SUV of the Year in Russia for the third time

Volvo Cars received several prestigious awards in Russia in 2007 and to date in 2008. The most recent is for the Volvo XC90, which was crowned best crossover - "2008 SUV of the Year".

"There was immensely tough competition and we are very proud over this prestigious award," says Volvo Car Russia's PR director, Alexei Kozhukhov, who received the award at a ceremony in Moscow.

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June 6, 2008

Mustang first convertible to win top safety rating

DEARBORN, Mich. -- When Ford Chief Engineer for Safety Systems Steve Kozak decided to give a new car to his teenage daughter as a graduation gift only one model would do: the 2008 Ford Mustang GT convertible, the No. 1-selling and top safety-rated drop-top in the U.S.

The 2008 Mustang GT is the only convertible to earn a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal crash, side impact and rollover tests.

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2008 Mazda5 wins interior of the year award

IRVINE – Coming on the heels of best-ever sales in April and May, the 2008 MAZDA5 has been named Ward’s AutoWorld’s “Interior of the Year” in the “Popular Priced Truck” category. Thirty-six outstanding vehicle interiors representing 13 manufacturers competed for top honors in the annual competition.

Over four weeks, members of the editorial staff of Ward’s AutoWorld spent time with each finalist vehicle to evaluate its interior.

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June 5, 2008

Ford Offers Employee Pricing on F-Series Pickups

In the wake of a 30% drop in pickup sales in May, Ford has announced they are resurrecting employee pricing for all F-series pickups, through June 30, 2008.

The deal includes all 2008 F-Series: F-150, F-250 and F-350, but excludes Harley Davidson and chassis cab models.

And get this -- the memo from Ford says consumers will also be able to take current cash incentives, about $2,000, in addition to the employee price. Currently advertised on the Ford website, that means you can get a base F-150 for $16,274.

Saab Turbo X Lands In The United States

Detroit – The all-black Saab Turbo X, which made its world debut at the Frankfurt auto show last year, is now arriving at Saab dealership around the United States.

Celebrating thee decades of Saab turbocharging leadership and the first to feature Saab’s state-of-the art Cross-Wheel Drive system, the limited-edition Turbo X is a driver-focused performance car that is already being hailed as an instant classic.

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2008 Chrysler Town & Country Wins Interior of the Year Award

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Ward's judges named the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country "Interior of the Year" at the 2008 Ward's Auto Interiors Show, the publication's annual auto interior event. The prestigious top award emphasizes Town & Country's place as the premium minivan in the segment.

"Best-interiors nominees included the usual smattering of utility vehicles, from the sporty Mazda CX-9 to the sophisticated Volkswagen Touareg 2," said Eric Mayne, Editor - Ward's Automotive Reports. "But the Chrysler Town & Country's rich content and well-executed functionality made it the consensus winner."

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June 3, 2008

Challenger Orders Updated on Web

Each day, about 1,500 eager customers who ordered a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 log in to check the status of their vehicle. They get updates as it’s being built.

Now, their wait is nearly over. That HEMI rumble on the road you hear this weekend may by one of the hundreds of recently-shipped muscle cars.

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May 30, 2008

Saab Yellow Making Only 140 People Yell Hello

Forget about mellow. This yellow's designed to agitate. Invigorate. And accelerate. The Limited Edition 2008 Saab 9-3 Lynx Yellow Convertible takes the pursuit of freedom in a stylish new direction — from its unique, eye-catching color to its spoiler, 17'' alloy wheels and 6-disc CD changer.

And under the hood, you'll be happy to discover, it's still pure Saab. A 4-cylinder, 210-hp turbo engine delivers more excitement than some people can handle. But something tells us you're probably up for it.

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May 28, 2008

Volkswagen EOS named top road trip vehicle

HERNDON, Va.—Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that the Eos has been named to kbb.com’s 2008 Top 10 Best New Road Trip Vehicles. Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, recognized that even with gas prices reaching $4 per gallon, many Americans will still hit the road for summer road trips.

“The coupe-sunroof-convertible makes the Eos a great vehicle for road trips no matter what the weather brings,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “And with the highly acclaimed 2.0T engine, drivers can have fun with 200 horsepower, while still saving money at the pump with 30 mpg in highway driving.”

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May 27, 2008

Audi Sign and Drive Lease Deals

Audi is now offering no money down lease deals on three of their vehicles, through July 2, 2008.

Also known as sign and drive, this means if you've got good enough credit you can sign the lease agreement and drive away with a car without putting out a dime [or its Euro equivalent].

The hottest offer has got to be on the Audi A4 Cabriolet [convertible], for only $479 a month for 36 months.

You can also pick up a Quattro [4-wheel drive] A4 for $399 a month, an A6 for $599 a month or the Q7 SUV for $549 a month. Click here for more details.

May 23, 2008

Ford Donates Customized Escape Hybrids to LA County Lifeguards

LOS ANGELES -- Ford Motor Company is teaming up with the Los Angeles County Lifeguards, a division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, to help save lives while protecting the environment.

Today, Ford presented the squad with the first 10 of a fleet of 45 eco-friendly Escape Hybrids with Intelligent four-wheel-drive, specially equipped for use on rescue patrol along 72 miles of Southern California coastline.

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2008 Chrysler, Dodge Minivans Earn Top Safety Ratings

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan earned "good" ratings, the highest ratings available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in both frontal offset and side crashworthiness tests.

"Minivans are the one of the safest vehicles on the road and our all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are built with more than 25 years of proven engineering innovations," said Larry Lyons, Vice President -- Car and Minivan Product Team, Chrysler LLC.

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May 22, 2008

GMC Offers Free Valet Parking in Acadia Promo

DETROIT -- Through the end of May, GMC is showering the driving public with compliments and complimentary services. More than 50,000 drivers across the country will be treated to free valet parking as they pull into their favorite shopping centers.

During the same period, thousands of coffee drinkers nationwide will get their caffeine fixes free. And with playful compliments like "Your hair looks really, really good today." and "Looks like someone woke up on the skinny side of the bed" placed on millions of valet parking tickets and coffee cup sleeves, their egos will get a stroke or two at the same time.

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May 17, 2008

Scion Announces Pricing For xD Release Series 1.0

Scion_xD_RS1.0.jpg Torrance, CA -- Scion announced today that the third limited-production Scion for 2008, the xD Release Series 1.0 (xD RS 1.0), will be available at dealer showrooms beginning in June.

The 2008 xD RS 1.0 features Hot Lava exterior paint. This first limited edition xD will turn heads with a DAMD body kit, rear spoiler, Release Series wheel covers and TRD lowering springs.

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May 16, 2008

Porsche Named Top Luxury Brand for 2008

ATLANTA -- For the fourth year running, America’s most affluent consumers have declared Porsche the most prestigious car available today.

The Luxury Institute’s 2008 independent nationwide survey of luxury auto brands rated Porsche tops against eleven of the world’s most prestigious car brands. Lexus and Mercedes ranked second and third, respectively.

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May 15, 2008

Porsche Boxster Lease -- Your turn to put on the driving gloves

The instant you turn the left hand ignition you’ll know: The Boxster is a direct descendent of Porsche racing. A nimble body. Mid-engine power and response. It’s built on the knowledge of over 28,000 victories.

No other roadster can boast this combination of performance and everyday driveability. This is no ordinary car. This is the stuff of legends.

Learn more about the Boxster lease offer here.

May 14, 2008

Video: 2008 smart car crash test

The Smart car is getting a lot of attention for its small size and style, and now it's earning impressive crash test ratings. In recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the 2008 Smart Fortwo, the smallest car for sale in the US market, earned the top rating of good for front and side crash protection. Its seat/head restraints earned the second highest rating of acceptable for protection against whiplash in rear impacts.

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Ford working to make Escape, Mariner more fun to drive

DEARBORN, Mich. – The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner are more engaging to drive than ever.

For 2009, the compact SUVs combine improved performance and responsiveness with fuel-economy savings. Improvements include powertrain upgrades, new low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamics refinements – all of which contribute to a more dynamic, fun-to-drive experience.

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Powershift transmission cuts fuel consumption by 8% for Volvos

The two-litre turbodiesel version of the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 is now also available with a fully-automatic transmission.

This new Powershift transmission is a six-speed unit and it significantly cuts fuel consumption compared with a conventional automatic transmission.

Continue reading "Powershift transmission cuts fuel consumption by 8% for Volvos"

Volvo adds flexfuel option to high end vehicles

The Volvo V70 and S80 are now also available with a five-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbocharged Flexifuel engine with a power output of 200 hp (147 kW) and 300 Nm of torque.

"The 2.5-litre version adds spice to our environmental offer. It emphasises our aim to offer our buyers the possibility of combining performance with environmental responsibility. With 200 hp on tap, the driver gets a dynamic drive without compromising fuel economy," says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

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May 13, 2008

2008 Chrysler Town & Country named Best Minivan

Why was the publisher of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine strolling the hallways of Chrysler World Headquarters today? The coffee's good here but he wasn't sniffing out a caffeine fix.

Alex J. McKenna trekked here to Auburn Hills to lay some lovin' on the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX minivan.

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May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

The EPA has issued a comprehensive PDF guide to fuel economy of all 2008 vehicles, which you can download by right-clicking here.

In today's gas market, buyers are more sensitive than ever about buying cars that get good mileage, and more important, they want the government ratings to be as accurate as possible -- nobody wants to buy a vehicle that gets 10% worse mileage in the real world than the sticker rating.

To address this situation, the EPA has started using an updated test to assign more accurate MPG ratings to new vehicles, and you can learn about that by watching the video in this post.

Suzuki offers free gas incentives through June

Through June 30, 2008, you can get "free" gas for the summer when you buy a new Suzuki. The gas spiff comes in the form of a prepaid Visa card, that is charged with up to $470 -- which represents the amount of money you would spend on gas for the specific vehicle, for three months of average driving.

For example, if you buy a Suzuki SX4, you will get a Visa card for $355. The value is calculated by assuming an average 1,000 miles per month, with the SX4 getting 28 miles to the gallon and a gas price assumption of $3.29 per gallon.

To figure the gas card value, divide 3,000 miles [3 months] by 28 MPG, which equals 107.14 gallons. Multiply that by $3.26 per gallon, and you get $352.50. Suzuki then round that up to $355.

Here are the gas card spiff for each Suzuki vehicle, which, are offered in lieu of traditional rebates:

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May 9, 2008

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 production begins

Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Chrysler LLC today celebrated the production launch of one of the industry's most highly anticipated vehicles—the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8.

Dodge Challenger is back in Chrysler's line-up as a modern muscle car with a new SRT8 model. A full line-up will follow in the 2009 model-year. Consumer interest in the Dodge Challenger has been some of the highest seen at Chrysler.

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May 8, 2008

Mercedes SL 63 AMG Edition IWC, comes with free watch!

The AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO has developed a new limited edition vehicle, the exclusive SL 63 AMG Edition IWC.

Limited to a total of 200 units, the new roadster features an eye-catching designo magno Kashmir white finish as well as an AMG Exterior Carbon package with a matte surface.

In keeping with the exterior appearance, the vehicle’s interior is fitted with Carbon matte trim as well as Tobago Brown nappa leather upholstery that creates additional visual and tactile highlights.

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The new Volvo V70 R-DESIGN

The best-selling Volvo V70 becomes the fifth Volvo model to be offered with the sporty factory-fitted R-Design option pack. This further cements Volvo Cars' aim to offer unique products to particularly discerning customers.

The Volvo V70 estate car is for many people the very essence of Volvo: practical, safe and exuding Scandinavian elegance. The R-Design pack spotlights a new dimension: impassioned, extrovert and challenging.

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Lexus announces price increase for 2008 LX 570 SUV

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Lexus has announced new manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2008 LX 570 SUV, effective mid- to late May 2008.

The LX 570 luxury utility vehicle will increase 1.2 percent, or $900, carrying an MSRP of $74,700.