Car Blog

National Survey Reveals Cadillac as Top Premium Brand, Buick as Top Popular Brand, Suzuki Kizashi as Top Car and Lincoln MKT as Top Truck.

AutoPacific announced its 14th Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) to help consumers make informed vehicle purchase decisions.

“While the auto industry is showing signs of improvement, more than ever before, manufacturers need to be able to differentiate themselves. Proof of satisfied customers is as good as gold,” says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. “We’ve found that more than 25% of new car buyers are positively influenced by owner-based awards like the VSA when deciding on a new car or truck.”

AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award is an industry benchmark for measuring how satisfied an owner is with his/her new car or light truck. This study by the Southern California-based automotive research firm summarizes the results of over 42,000 new vehicle owners.

“Vehicles that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes,” says Peterson. “The winners perform well in 48 separate categories that objectively measure the ownership experience.”

The vehicle – car or truck – registering highest overall satisfaction in 2010 is the all new Suzuki Kizashi. The Kizashi scored 99 points above the industry average to place first among all 2010-model year vehicles in AutoPacific’s survey. “This is an amazing win for Suzuki,” said Peterson, “The Kizashi is Suzuki’s most important vehicle, and this performance in our research is exceptional.” The truck or SUV with the highest overall satisfaction score is the Lincoln MKT, scoring 94 points above industry average.

At the manufacturer level, multiple top-ranked award winners are: Ford with five wins, General Motors, Honda, Nissan and Toyota with three wins each.

“As we cautiously emerge from this economic crisis, new vehicle buyers are being especially careful, and the data we’ve analyzed for the Vehicle Satisfaction Award will help this year’s customers make wise purchase decisions,” says Peterson.

Top 2010 model year performers are:

HIGHEST SATISFACTION PREMIUM BRAND: Cadillac

HIGHEST SATISFACTION POPULAR BRAND: Buick

PASSENGER CARS:
Premium Luxury Car Lexus LS
Aspirational Luxury Car Hyundai Genesis
Luxury Mid-Size Car Nissan Maxima
Large Car Ford Taurus
Premium Mid-Size Car Honda Accord
Mid-Size Car Suzuki Kizashi
Premium Compact Car Volkswagen GTI
Compact Car Nissan Cube
Economy Car Honda Fit
Sports Car Porsche 911
Sporty Car Chevrolet Camaro
Hybrid Car Mercury Milan Hybrid

LIGHT TRUCKS:
Heavy Duty Pickup Dodge Ram HD
Large Light Duty Pickup Ford F-150
Compact Pickup Honda Ridgeline
Luxury Sport Utility Cadillac Escalade
Large Sport Utility Ford Expedition
Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility Nissan Pathfinder/Toyota 4Runner
Mid-Size Sport Utility Dodge Nitro
Premium Luxury Crossover Lincoln MKT
Luxury Crossover SUV Lexus RX
Large Crossover SUV GMC Acadia
Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV Ford Edge
Mid-Size Crossover SUV Ford Escape
Compact Crossover SUV Hyundai Tucson
Minivan Honda Odyssey
Hybrid Truck Lexus RX400h Hybrid

A jury of 49 veteran automotive journalists has selected the Ford Fusion Hybrid as the 2010 North American Car of the Year and the Ford Transit Connect as the 2010 North American Truck of the Year.

It was only the third time in 17 years that one automaker has won both awards. Honda won both awards in 2006 and General Motors won both in 2007.

The awards are unique because — instead of being given by a single media outlet — they are given by automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites.

The awards are designed to recognize the most outstanding vehicles of the year based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

There were three car finalists: The Ford Fusion Hybrid got 241 points, the Volkswagen Golf/TDI/GTI got 146 and the Buick LaCrosse got 103.

There were three truck finalists: The Transit Connect had 213 points and beat the Chevrolet Equinox with 183 points and the Subaru Outback with 94.

Juror Csaba Csere said, “Though not the first hybrid on the market, or even the second or third, The Fusion Hybrid is simply the best one ever built. In addition to delivering terrific mileage, it looks and drives like a regular car — and a very good one indeed.”

Jim Mateja, of the Chicago Tribune, said, “A U-Haul that fits in your garage. Holds people and soooo much of their stuff — bikes, snowmobiles, lawn mowers, skis, tents, boats, ladders, furniture, you name it. Defines multi-purpose and boasts a reasonable price even when you add side and rear windows and back seat.”

To be eligible, vehicles must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model. This year the jury considered more than 50 vehicles and finally focused on 16 cars and 10 trucks.

Michelle Collins, Vice Chairman Automotive at Deloitte LLP, was responsible for counting the ballots, which jurors sent directly to the accounting firm. The winners were kept secret until today at a news conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

At that news conference Ms. Collins handed over the car and truck envelopes to Tony Swan, a member of the awards organizing committee and a senior editor at Car and Driver magazine. Mr. Swan announced the winners.

Last year the North American Car of the Year was the Hyundai Genesis and the North American Truck of the Year was the Ford F-150.

This is the 17th year of the awards, which are funded exclusively by the jurors. During that time:

* Domestic automakers have won North American Car of the Year nine times. Japanese automakers have won three times. European automakers have won four times. A Korean automaker has won once.

* Domestic automakers have won North American Truck of the Year 11 times. Japanese automakers have won four times. European automakers have won twice.

Here are the vehicles on which the jurors voted:

2010 North American Car of the Year nominees:
BMW 335d
Buick LaCrosse
Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Chevrolet Camaro
Ford Fusion
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO
Honda Insight
Kia Soul
Mazda3/MazdaSpeed3
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Porsche Panamera
Subaru Legacy
Suzuki Kizashi
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Golf/GTI/TDI

2010 North American Truck of the Year nominees:
Acura ZDX
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Transit Connect
Honda Accord Crosstour
Land Rover LR4
Lincoln MKT
Subaru Outback
Volvo XC60

More information on the awards — including the names of jurors as well as previous finalists and winners — is available at: www.northamericancaroftheyear.org.

Hagerty Picks Stylish, Sophisticated Collector Cars that Epitomize the Don Draper Lifestyle

Since its premiere in 2007, the popular AMC show “MAD MEN” has renewed an interest in the sophisticated lifestyle of the early 1960s. For professionals of this era, the ultimate sign of success was a new car.

Hagerty, the country’s leading provider of collector car insurance, has put together its picks of the collector cars that the most powerful and influential professionals of the MAD MEN era would have driven.

“Collector cars are a unique way to show off your sense of style and express your personality,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “The early ’60s especially were an era when quality products and cutting-edge design still ruled in America. The ten cars on our list are great examples of the understated and sophisticated design style of this period, and their solid value today makes them a smart way to capture the essence of MAD MEN era.”

Below are Hagerty’s picks of “How to Drive like the MAD MEN: Top 10 Cars of the MAD MEN Era.” The leading collectible car price guide, Hagerty’s Cars that Matter, has determined approximately what each vehicle is valued at today.

1. 1963 Buick Riviera ($28,000-$36,100): When Cadillac decided against producing the Riviera, Buick enlisted McCann Erickson ad agency to convince GM brass that the car should be a Buick. GM styling chief Bill Mitchell drew inspiration from Rolls-Royce and Ferrari. Owners knew the value of a powerful, yet beautifully understated car with plenty of room for the mistress and weekend’s luggage. And the iconic 1963 Riviera certainly filled the bill.
2. 1963 Corvette Sting Ray ($61,000-$74,000): The 1963 Corvette was perhaps the last truly elegant Corvette before the muscle car era arrived with all its ducts and scoops. A man could “expect a subtle, extra measure of attention and respect” by arriving in such a potent machine.
3. 1961-63 Ford Thunderbird ($35,000-$45,000): With the 1955 Thunderbird, Ford introduced Americans to the concept of a personal luxury car. By the early sixties, the boys from Dearborn had perfected the notion. Big power, big comfort, “suddenly, you’re in Thunderbird Country.”
4. 1961-63 Lincoln Continental Sedan ($18,000-$24,000): Conceived just before the beginning of the design-by-committee era, Elwood Engel’s magnum opus was the last mass-produced automobile to be designed by a single man. A 1963 print ad showed the Continental, with doors open in welcome. Below, the tagline stated: “For 1963, we have enlarged your private world and provided you with added power.”
5. 1961 Chrysler 300G ($59,000-$67,000): The G’s styling was unabashedly 50′s. But with up to 400 horsepower available and one of the best suspension and brake packages available, the big Chrysler was more than met the eye. Though outwardly traditional, its looks concealed inner fury.
6. 1963 Studebaker Avanti ($23,000-$31,000): Studebaker was among the last of America’s independent automakers. Styled by a team led by famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy, the Avanti was Studebaker’s last gasp. A Hail Mary Pass of a European-style GT, the Avanti was a lasting icon of an era when the fiercely independent were heroes. While Studebaker succumbed to a creeping death, Avanti production continued
into the 1980s.
7. 1962-63 Cadillac Coupe De Ville ($14,000-$20,000): No list of great 1960s cars is complete without a Cadillac. The Coupe De Ville was a neon sign announcing the “arrival” of a top executive. Young businessmen did not want or even yearn for a new Cadillac, they aspired to one.
8. 1962-64 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk ($27,000-$32,000): Although Studebaker went out of business in 1966, it wasn’t because their products lacked style. The GT Hawk was fast, elegant, and understated.  Though larger and more staid than its Avanti stable mate, the Hawk was still a bold statement of independence.
9. 1963 Buick Electra 225 ($13,000-$19,000): Though it was built by GM’s “near luxury” division, the Electra 225 carried plenty of prestige.  Four vents on each front fender indicated Buick’s largest available engine and the big 401 cubic-inch V8 provided enough power to make even Cadillac owners think twice. Though not as flashy as the Cadillac, the Buick was grace and style made manifest.
10. 1963 Ford Galaxie XL Convertible ($31,000-$36,000): If the world or even the solar system simply wasn’t big enough, there was the Galaxie.
With a whopping 119″ wheelbase the Galaxie convertible wasn’t a car you wanted to parallel park in Manhattan. Which is why the French invented valet parking. True story, sweetheart.

Source: Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc.

Thirty-six vehicles and 12 companion models received Best Buy ratings from Consumers Digest out of some-240 total 2010 models.

The ratings, published in CD’s December issue (on sale November 1), span 10 categories: Small Cars, Family Cars, Luxury Cars, Sporty Cars, Pickups, Minivans, Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs, Full-size/Luxury SUVs and Hybrids. The Best Buys–based on behind-the-wheel assessment, safety ratings, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities–reflect CD’s view of which 2010 vehicles offer the most value for the money.

Five “Small Cars” received Best Buys: Honda Fit, Kia Soul, Mazda3, Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla.

Seven “Family Car” Best Buys are: Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan and Toyota Camry.

Four “Luxury Cars” received Best Buys: Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS, Hyundai Genesis sedan and Lincoln MKS.

Five “Sporty Cars” Best Buys are: Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, MINI Cooper/Cooper Clubman and Nissan 370Z.

Four “Pickups” and five “Minivans” earned Best Buys: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra 1500 are the top pickups, and Chrysler’s Town & Country, Dodge’s Grand Caravan, Honda’s Odyssey, Kia’s Sedona and Volkswagen’s Routan are the best minivan values.

Six “Compact SUV” Best Buys include: Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner and Nissan Rogue.

Five “Midsize SUV” Best Buys include: Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia and Mazda CX-7. “Full-size/Luxury SUV” Best Buys include: Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Volvo XC60.

Three “Hybrid” Best Buys include: Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid and Toyota Prius.

“We really feel for the people across the country who are suffering through some tough times financially,” says Randy Weber, CD’s publisher. “We also know that some of them will have to purchase a new vehicle soon, and we hope that they take advantage of the work we have done on their behalf so that they get the most value possible out of their purchase.”

Weber says Consumers Digest’s editors consider automotive “value” to be based on purchase price and ownership costs relative to quality, performance and subjective factors like comfort and design.

Performance characteristics evaluated include starting and acceleration, shifting, steering, handling, braking, ride quality and fuel economy.

Best Buys awarded to U.S. automakers increased by seven for the 2010 model year compared with 2009 models–to 31 from 24 a year ago. Best Buys for vehicles from Asian automakers decreased by eight, to 14 Best Buy models from 22. Seven brands–all U.S.–saw their totals increase. Chevrolet and Ford led the way: Chevy has seven Best Buys for the 2010 model year (up from five for the 2009 model year), and Ford has seven (up from four). Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln and Mercury have an additional Best Buy versus the 2009 model year awards. Mercury has three Best Buys, the others two each..

CD’s Auto Best Buys section includes photos, invoice pricing, standard features and performance traits that support the models’ Best Buy selection in the collective opinion of CD’s veteran automotive editors: Jim Gorzelany has served Consumers Digest readers for 22 years, including reporting on automotive categories, such as hybrids; Kevin Kelly is senior editor of Automotive Design & Production magazine; Jim Mateja writes a weekly Chicago Tribune auto column and has received numerous awards for his auto coverage; Dan Jedlicka has written about autos for 41 years and is a member of the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury.

“Few purchases are more important, or require more research, than buying a new vehicle,” Weber says. “Our analyses underscore our commitment to ensure that consumers are as satisfied with their auto purchase years after making it as they were on the day they drove off the lot.”

Source: Consumers Digest Communications, LLC

Prizes Include Enough High-Performance Hardware to Build The Ultimate Street Machine & Treasure Trove of Hot Wheels Collectibles

Performance Therapy, a “social media car show”, launched this week with backing from top automotive aftermarket brands. The site, PerformanceTherapyContest.com asks enthusiasts to show the world how they enjoy their car by submitting a photo. The Grand Prize Winner will receive parts to build an incredible, high-performance supercar. Popular vote determines category winners – whom receive a $250 gift certificate. Sixty runners-up will receive a free t-shirt.

Performance Therapy Defined

Despite tough economic times, auto enthusiasts are packing car shows, races and events. Across seven continents and hundreds of niches, car fans have one thing in common: high-performance vehicles make them happy. Owning, modifying and driving cars is more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. It’s the cheapest form of mental therapy and provides quality entertainment for the entire family.

The Contest

The Performance Therapy Contest is a chance for enthusiasts to participate in one of the biggest online car shows of all time, show off other enthusiasts around the world and win a variety of fantastic prizes. The purpose is to help people have fun with their ride. For three months any enthusiast can submit a picture, show it off to friends and get as many votes as possible. With six categories and nine fantastic sponsors, there are dozens of ways to win and nearly 70 prizes will be awarded!

The Prizes

The Grand Prize is enough hardware to build a muscle car dream machine, including a Hotchkis Sport Suspenison system, Baer Brake system, Rushforth Wheels, Yokohama Tires, Flowmaster Exhaust, an MSD Ignition System, Red Line Oil & Lubricants, a Lifeline Fire Safety System and enough Hot Wheel Collectibles to fill a dream garage!

To enter or vote for your favorite car, go to www.PerformanceTherapyContest.com. For more information, email info@performancetherapycontest.com or click for more information on the rules, prizes and sponsors.

The Performance Therapy Contest is brought to you by Hotchkis Sport Suspension, Baer Brakes, Flowmaster, Hot Wheels Red Line Club, Lifeline USA, MSD Ignition, Red Line Oil, Rushforth Wheels and Yokohama Tire Corp.

Source: Performance Therapy Contest

NADAguides.com Picks the Best Cars for Dads and Grads

List Highlights Sports Cars, Hybrids, Crossovers, Convertibles and Trucks that Any Dad or Grad Would Be Proud to Own

It only seems fitting that as we begin to kick-off the summer, we start celebrating two hardworking groups of people: Fathers and graduates. With all the long hours they put in and sacrifices they make, a reward is well-deserved. What better reward to give than a new car? To ease the process for those looking for the perfect car for their dad or grad, NADAguides.com, the leader in vehicle pricing and information, has identified its list of the “Best Cars for Dads and Grads” in five of today’s hottest vehicle segments.

Sports Cars

Nothing ignites the soul of an auto enthusiast like a spirited drive in a sports car. For dads, the 2010 Camaro SS will do the trick in more ways than one. The Camaro blends the tire-melting performance of a 426 hp 6.2L V8 with styling straight from the late 1960s, the golden era of the American muscle car, at an amazing starting price of just $30,245.

Performance isn’t reserved for the wealthy, as evidenced by the $22,000 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T. The 210 hp turbocharged 4-cylinder puts its power down through the rear wheels, which leaves it in a class all by itself. With a relatively low curb weight of about 3,300 pounds and a sport tuned suspension, the Genesis Coupe continues to thrill when the road gets curvy.

Hybrids

Dads concerned about fuel prices and the environment will love the EPA rated 41 city/36 hwy mpg 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Starting at $27,270, the Fusion Hybrid is loaded with technology, including voice-activated navigation with SYNC and Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide that manages to make economical driving fun.

For years the high price of hybrid technology has kept hybrid vehicles out of reach for most graduates, but the 2010 Honda Insight aims to change that. With a starting price of $19,800 the Insight provides a practical and affordable way to get 40 city/ 43 hwy mpg while making a strong social statement.

Crossovers

Dad deserves to be comfortable. With a standard tri-zone climate control and available heated and cooled leather seats, the 2010 Buick Enclave is certainly up to the task. The starting price is around $35,000 and an estimated 24 mpg on the highway also makes this luxurious crossover very affordable.

Starting at $21,245 the 2009 Honda CR-V is the perfect vehicle for the active graduate. Plenty of cargo room and available four-wheel drive add to the go anywhere, do anything attitude while great gas mileage figures of 20 city/ 27 hwy mpg keep operating costs low.

Convertibles

There’s really nothing like driving with the top down, and for the dad who enjoys some sportiness to go along with it the 2009 Porsche Boxster S is an excellent choice. Porsche’s renowned driving dynamics and a silky-smooth 310 hp flat 6-cylinder engine create an incredible driving experience that is further enhanced by the “wind through the hair” sensation. The $56,700 starting price might seem steep, but is a small price to pay for such a legendary machine.

Most recent gradates’ love for the 2010 Ford Mustang is eclipsed by only one thing: their love for the Mustang Convertible. The 210 hp 26 mpg highway V6 results in a practical and fun-to-drive car that starts at only $25,995 and the classic styling ensures they’ll never go unnoticed.

Trucks

Whether dedicated to work or fun, Dad can’t go wrong with the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. The 3,458 pound hauling capacity takes care of the work and the 13,000 pound towing capacity handles the fun. Whether in 6.0L gasoline or 6.6L turbo diesel trim, the Silverado 2500 continues to be one of the most capable and dependable trucks on the road.

In rear-wheel drive format with the 159 hp 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, the 2009 Toyota Tacoma can accommodate nearly any budget with a low starting price of $15,170. Any graduate will love the utility and rugged looks of the Tacoma, while parents will undoubtedly appreciate its reliability and five-star front and side crash test ratings.

Source: NADAguides.com