Chrysler felled by faulty airbags, recalls nearly 920,000 Grand Cherokee, Liberty models

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Chrysler is globally recalling three model years and more than 900,000 vehicles from its popular sport utility vehicle lineup, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty, for faulty airbags. According to documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Chrysler, 919,545 total vehicles are affected from 2002 to 2004 and will require fixing a faulty module that could cause the airbags to inadvertently deploy. If the module fails, front airbags or side curtain airbags could deploy inadvertently while the SUVs are being operated, Of the vehicles recalled, 744,822 are in the United States; 49,430 in Canada;

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2014 Ford F-150: lighter, better mpg for country's top-selling vehicle

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The Ford F-150 pickup, perennially the largest-selling vehicle in the United States, will weigh about 700 pounds less beginning with 2014 models to drastically improve the truck’s fuel efficiency. Details of the new F-150 are sketchy, but a recent report in the Wall Street Journal details the truck body will largely be constructed of aluminum not its current steel construction. As a result, the F-150 will weigh about 15 percent less and will further accelerate the F-150 toward to the average 54.5 mpg gallon by 2025 mandate approved by the Obama Administration. The weight reduction will increase the F-150’s miles

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Consumer Reports tabs hatchbacks as most reliable car segment

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In addition to its yearly offering of best values in different price classes and fuel efficiency, Consumer Reports’ recent lists of best and worst cars included the category of most reliable vehicle by segments. The list makes sense for car buyers not shopping by social status or brand loyalty but in more general terms — the reliability of vehicle segments. It’s not true in every instance, but in many cases the vehicles among the country’s most fuel efficient segment is the same segment that’s the most reliable — hatchbacks. And how ironic? Consumer Reports in general terms reports the more

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2014 Audi R8: First makeover means lighter, faster, more powerful supercar

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The 2014 Audi R8, a refreshed edition for the first time since the mid-engine, two-seat sports car was introduced in 2006, will feature more horsepower and a new, seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic transmission when it debuts next spring in Canada. Optional on R8 V8 and standard on the R8 V10 Coupe and Spyder, the S tronic replaces the agricultural R tronic autobox that originated from the R8’s sister model, the Lamborghini Gallardo. The new Audi RB will also feature new lighter carbon fiber body components, lighter bucket seats and a streamlined interior. New LED headlights and tail lights will

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TheWeeklyDriver.com joins Carmel's KRML golf show with weekly car review

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KRML (1410 AM, 102.1 FM), the recently revived legendary radio station that debuted 55 years ago and was featured in the 1971 movie Play Misty For Me, will regularly feature a new review from TheWeeklyDriver.com. The reviews will be included in the “Fore in the Morning” golf talk show hosted by Ed Vyeda, a golf industry expert and former golf writer and sports columnist. The program will be broadcast 9-10 a.m. Sundays and will focus on the Monterey Peninsula’s golf scene, and will feature interviews and discussions of related topics. TheWeeklyDriver.com segment, offered by James Raia, the site’s editor and

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President Barack Obama's limousine: A modified 2009 Cadillac called The Beast

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One of the most anticipated moments of Election Day was President Barack Obama’s arrival for his acceptance speech. One television commentator said it might be shortest processional in history since the president’s motorcade traveled only a few blocks in downtown Chicago to the McCormick Center. The short travel distance nonetheless includes plenty of security vehicles, including the current presidential limousine — a 2009 Cadillac. It’s often called The Beast. According to the manufacturer, Chevrolet, the 2009 Cadillac presidential limousine is the first not to carry a specific model name. The vehicle’s exterior many current Cadillac styling themes, but does not

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2014 Subaru Forester: Bigger, roomier, better mpg for enduring crossover

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The 2014 Subaru Forester, the fourth generation of the all-wheel driver crossover that debuted in 1997, will be slightly longer, taller and wider than its predecessor and will make its North American debut at the LA Auto Show in late November. While featuring slightly bigger dimensions, the 2014 Subaru Forester will be closely related to its older siblings and will offer, according to the manufacturer: “An exceptionally roomy interior, featuring increased rear seat legroom, and an enlarged cargo area.” New features will also include for the North American market: an infotainment system with smartphone integration, navigation, rear view camera, and

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Honda Accord’s dubious honor: most stolen car in the United States

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Nearly one million vehicles are stolen every year in the United States, which breaks down to one about every 33 seconds. But those two statistics, while staggering, only tell part of the story of car theft, particularly among the most popular stolen cars brands — Honda and Dodge. One reason for the massive problem of stolen vehicles is that owners make it easy for those in the car theft occupation. Consider: * 50 percent of all vehicles stolen are unlocked. * 25 percent of all vehicles stolen have a purse of wallet in plain sight. * 15 percent of all

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American Suzuki joins legion of former carmakers, files for bankruptcy

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Citing poor sales, vast competition and bad exchange rates, the California-based American Suzuki Motor Corp. will end its U.S. auto business and file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. While continuing its motorcycle and marine engine business units, Suzuki, which began its U.S.-based business in 1985, will making models such the Samurai, Sidekick SX-4, XL-7, Vitara, Grand Vitara and its most expensive model, the Kizashi. Suzuki Japanese parent company, Suzuki Motor Corp., is not filing for bankruptcy, the company said, while adding the American company, which has about 245 U.S. dealers, will honor customer warranties; “While the decision to discontinue new

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2013 Scion FR-S: Not so fast, but country's best modestly priced sports car?

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When Scion debuted a decade ago, the idea was to attract younger buyers to Toyota with a funky design, a modest price and a hopeful degree of hipness in lieu of acceleration or state-of-the art technology. The 2013 Scion FR-S is the first sports car for the brand, co-developed by Subaru and thus directly and unmistakably related to its close relative, the Subaru BRZ. The Scion FR-S, like its family members, is still value priced. But as a lightweight, low-center-of-gravity, classic-sports-car-steering, sleek-sport-car-designed machine, the Scion FR-S is a modern-day version of Toyota’s original “Z” cars. The Weekly Driver Test Drive

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Volkswagen Passat TDI shines when catastrophe, fuel shortage collide

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Gas shortages mean different thing to different people in the automotive industry.  In the instance of Hurricane Sandy, great gas mileage didn’t matter much since there was a limited supply of fuel available. A full tank of gas in a car or trunk with a big tank and decent mileage, of course, meant a lot more. Correspondingly, hybrid and electric vehicles are keen when gas is in short supply. But what if electricity isn’t available? That was another predicament during Hurricane Sandy and in the following week’s aftermath. More relevant in times of need, therefore, how far the gas you

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2013 Volvo XC60: Solid sports car alternative with vast cargo room

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It used to be that a need for more room called for a move to a truck-like SUV. But then vehicles such as the Volvo XC60 crossover came along, feeling much like a sports sedan but providing lots of cargo space. The 2013 XC60 drives more like a carlike compact premium crossover vehicle than a typical SUV. It continues in a variety of trim levels, starting at $34,200 for a front-wheel-drive (FWD) version and ending at $48,750 for a more powerful, deluxe, turbocharged all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. The XC60 has a non-turbocharged 3.2-liter 240-horsepower six-cylinder engine or a potent turbocharged 3-liter

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2013 Tesla Model S claims Car of the Year honors

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The Tesla Model S sport sedan, overcoming the financial troubles of its owner, long delays, pricing increases and bad press, has been named as the 2013 Automobile of the Year by Automobile magazine. “It’s the performance that won us over,” said the magazine’s editor-in-chief Jean Jennings when announcing the award. “The crazy speed builds silently and then pulls back the edges of your face. It had all of us endangering our licenses.”The magazine’s road-test editor Christopher Nelson was equally impressed. “Driving the Model S is decidedly not like piloting a Nissan Leaf or an electric Smart,” he said. One of

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2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: Redesign adds further appeal to surprising sedan

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By Bruce Aldrich, Contributing Edtior The 2013 Toyota Avalon will debut in December, and the fourth generation sedan has a new mission statement — excitement. The car has a entirely new look, an upgraded interior and better handling. Expect to see design cues from the Avalon in future Toyotas. The real news is the hybrid Avalon. The hybrid drivetrain is the same used in the hybrid Camry. This Synergy Drive system uses a 2.5-liter gas motor, combined with an electric motor to provide 200 horsepower. I prefer the hybrid Avalon over gas models. The hybrid does everything the gas model

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Hurricane Sandy aftermath: beware of water-damaged cars for sale

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Natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy take wide-ranging tolls on industry — the demolishing of small corner grocery stores to halting of the stock market. And the cancellation of international sporting events like the New York City Marathon to fraud in the auto industry. According to a report on the New York Times website, the damage from Hurricane Sandy not only destroyed many vehicles and affected the daily operation of car dealerships and auxiliary automotive businesses, it prompted a need for consumer awareness. Consumer advocates are warming car buyers they need to beware of vehicles that have suffered from water damage. It’s

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Toyota Avalon, 2013: New design invigorates old school sedan

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By Bruce Aldrich/Contributing Editor Our grandfather’s car has been reborn. For 2013, the fourth generation Toyota Avalon has been redesigned to attract people with color left in their hair. The car looks and drives better because the manufacturer’s President Akio Toyoda wants it that way. Toyoda’s goal is to put excitement into Toyota automobiles. The Avalon is the first car in the Toyota line to benefit from the new edict, and expect to see design cues from the Avalon in future Toyotas. The first thing I noticed about the Avalon is new styling. It doesn’t look like any other Toyota.

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