Economy cars Archives - Page 6 of 8

Chevrolet seeks boom for Aveo after name change to Sonic

What’s in a name? Chevrolet is hoping there’s a lot since its changing the name of of its entry level Aveo to Sonic for the North American market. The Aveo, introduced into the U.S. market about a decade ago, has received mixed reviews, with some automotive publications naming it the worst car on the road. Consequently, the Aveo joined siblings Vega, Chevette and Prizm on Chevy’s under achieving list. However, Chris Perry, vice president of U.S. marketing for Chevrolet, calls the Sonic “a new beginning for Chevrolet in the small car segment” that warrants a new name. “The new car is roomy, stylish and fun to drive, and Sonic is a youthful, energetic name that helps convey what this vehicle

News Service

Michigan couple celebrates 25-year affair and more than 225,000 miles with a 1986 Honda Civic Si

Pamm and Rick Tarchinski recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of their love affair. Mostly, it’s a one-sided romance, but it’s still epic. The Michigan couple paid $10,000 in 1986 for a new Honda Civic Si. But it’s Pamm Tarchinski’s car or at least it sure seems that way. The original sales brochure made the car appealing, but it’s not perfect. Yet the Tarchinskis are forgiving and appreciative. Through muffler problems, near-catastrophes with deer and a countless number of potential trade-ins when no one wanted the vehicle, the husband-wife still own the car. And they hope to drive it at least a few more thousand miles. If it happens, the Honda Civic will have been driven more than 238,000 miles —

Economy cars

GM confirms first compact car in two decades with 2012 Buick Verano

GM, the largest U.S. automaker, said the Verano will be built alongside the Chevrolet Aveo at the factory in Orion Township, Michigan. The Verano, which means “summer” in Spanish, will be based on the recently launched 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, and will be the first compact Buick since the Skylark was discontinued 12 years ago. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Auto Shipping Quote–Car Financing–Car Insurance Quotes–Car Loans–Online Car Insurance–Rental Cars–Used Cars The Verano, which will debut as a 2012 model, is expected to feature a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while hybrid versions are pending. The Verano will expand GM’s lineup of fuel-efficient vehicles, which includes the 2012 Aveo and Spark. The Verano’s assembly plant, about 30 miles north of Detroit-based GM’s headquarters, previously

Economy cars, Automotive News

Toyota recall redeux: 1.13 millon Corolla sedans, Matrix hatchbacks could stop suddenly

According to the Associated Press, federal regulators have been investigating the possibility of stalling engines in the Corolla and Matrix models since December. The probe was intensified earlier this week. “Our goal is to help ensure that Toyota drivers are completely confident in the safety and reliability of their vehicles,” Steve St. Angelo, Toyota’s chief qualify officer for North America, said in the statement. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review

Economy cars

GM announces 2011 Chevrolet Cruze prices

The 2011 Cruze will be offered for retail sale in four models: Cruze LS starting at $16,995, including: * Standard 1.8L Ecotec engine and six-speed manual transmission * The most standard safety features in the segment, with 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedal system, power rear-door child safety locks * Standard OnStar, with a six-month subscription including Turn-by-Turn navigation * Standard convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, driver information center, and XM Radio with three month trial subscription. Cruze LT starting at $18,895, including: * Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission * 16-inch wheels Cruze Eco starting at $18,895, including:

Economy cars

Geely IG to replace Tata Nano as world's cheapest car

According to several reports, the Chinese manufacturer may soon sell its frugal min-car with its 1.0-liter, 70 horsepower engine and a five-speed transmission for about $2,250, a few hundred dollars less than the Nano. Geely debut the IG Fantastic, concept car, at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show. It had gull wing doors, similar to the famous Mercedes Benz sports car. The IG that may be first available as a 2012 model will be 185 mm longer and will have a 100 mm longer wheelbase than the Toyota IQ. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES Auto Shipping Quote, Car Financing, Car Insurance Quotes, Car Loans, Online Car Insurance, Rental Cars, Used Cars Although the car will be a four-seater, rear space is very limited unlike

Economy cars

Ford Fiesta, 2011: Roman Mica's rambling video review

“The Michigan-based carmaker is about to introduce the diminutive Ford Fiesta this summer to American car buyers. The American Fiesta, while made in Mexico, is almost identical to the European version now the best-selling car in Europe. “In the United States, we get basically the same car as the Europeans, as well as a sedan version of the 5-door hatch not a for sale in the ‘old world.’ Ford thinks young urban types will take to the car which gets 30/40 mpg with a dual clutch automatic Ford calls a PowerShift. Prices start at $15,795. Mica’s assessment of the 2011 Ford Fiesta is below: To read more of Roman Mica’s reviews, visit: www.tflcar.com. Facts & Figures: 2011 Ford Fiesta Specification

Economy cars

Volkswagen Golf, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Thirty-seven years later, the sixth edition in 2010 continues the car’s legacy without missing an RPM. Through 2007, more than 25 million of the cars had been built. According to the manufacturer, it’s the best-selling Volkswagen in history and the third best-selling vehicle of all-time. The sixth generation Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit model features a more spacious interior and slight changes to the grille, headlights and air intake. It’s also now called the Golf again after four years as the Rabbit. Golf is the more global name for the car. Beyond the name switch and design changes, the Golf remains an easy-to-like, sturdy and handsome hatchback — inside and out. Equipped with a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower, inline 5-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission,

Economy cars

Ford debuts 'expensive' sub-compact Figo in competitive Indian market

The Figo is priced substantial higher, with its base price is around $7,800 for the gas version and just under $10,000 for the diesel edition. But since Figo means “cool” in Italian, Ford hopes the car resonates similarly with car buyers. The sub-compact is specifically designed for the Indian market and four models – LXI, EXI, ZXI and Titanium – will be available with different trim levels and designed to suit a variety of consumer tastes. All models also will be available with a Duratorq diesel engine option. Based on Ford’s proven global small car architecture, Figo has been thoroughly tuned for Indian drivers. With the longest wheelbase in the B-car segment (2489 millimeters) chassis dynamics have been optimized with

Economy cars, Auto Shows-Museums

Tata Motors debuts electric vehicle Nano EV at Geneva Motor Show

Built in cooperation with the Norwegian electric car specialist firm Miljoebil Grenland, in which Tata Motors acquired a majority stake in 2008, the Nano EV, is a four-seater electric car with a range of about 80 miles. It can accelerate from zero to about 35 miles per hour in 10 seconds. The car is powered by super-polymer lithium-ion batteries, which provides superior energy retention. When launched, it will expand the company’s electric vehicles portfolio, which also includes the Tata Indica Vista EV, based on the new generation Tata Indica Vista. The latter debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in 2009. Tata Motors’ plans to launch the Nano EV in Europe in 2012 and in United Kingdom and Scandinavian markets. James

Economy cars

Suzuki Sx4 Sportback, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Now in its fourth year since replacing the Aerio, the Suzuki SX4 has gained a steadily increasing following as an unheralded competitor to the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Scion xD. But the compact car now features 16 stylings, including the new sportiest family edition, the Sx4 Sportback. A hatchback with a different name, the Sportback has a firmer suspension, a lower ride height, increased of horsepower (143 to 150) and two new transmission options a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the latter of which replaces last year’s four-speed automatic. And there’s more: restyled front fascia, a new instrument cluster, a height-adjustable driver seat, an auxiliary audio jack (delayed availability), a few new navigation features and some

Economy cars

Toyota Corolla recall: Power steering complaints add to manufacturer's global troubles

Shinichi Sasakim, Toyota‘s quality control executive, says drivers may feel as though they’re losing control over steering. Reasons for the issue are unclear, by Toyota representatives say they’ve received 80 power steering complaints. Since its debut in 1966 and considering sales through 2007, more than 35 million Toyota Corollas have been purchased, one about every 40 seconds. In the past four months, Toyota has recalled more than 8.5 million vehicles globally, including the Corolla, Camry and Prius, due to sticking gas pedals, accelerator problems and faulty brake programming. Meanwhile, Toyota president Akio Toyoda said he does not plan to attend a U.S. Congressional hearing into the carmaker’s safety recalls. Toyoda says he is entrusting the job to his U.S. based

Economy cars, Electric and Hybrid, Specialty cars

Tata Nano, world's cheapest car, set for U.S. debut in New York

The Nano, “the People’s Car” which debuted in India last year amid much anticipation as the newest offering of Tata Motors, is currently available in its native country. But the Nano (only one) will be make its first United States appearance as a “design achievement” at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York. The bright yellow edition of the Nano will be on display at the Great Hall of the museum, located at 2 East 91st Street in Manhattan. The Nano will be on display with accompanying literature and pictures through mid-April. “The Cooper-Hewitt is showing the Tata Nano because, as the world’s most affordable car, it is a design achievement and it has public fancy,” said Cara Mc-Carty,

Economy cars

Kia Forte, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Review (Video)

Some Korean car manufactures have blatantly copied luxury competitors like the Mercedes Benz or Jaguar. But the Forte only takes the better design cues from the Civic and builds on them with a unique, original and sexy spin on the standard Civic. So does the new Kia Forte SX offer dependability, comfort, style, and safety at an MSRP that won’t bust the typical budget? Facts & Figures: 2010 Kia Forte SX Price as Tested: $20,490.00; Engine, Transmission: 2.4 16-Valve DOHC CVVT 4-Cylinder engine with 4-speed automatic transmission; Horsepower: 173; G-Tac as tested Data at 5420 feet above sea level; 1/4 Mile: 18.72 second at 83 mph; 0-60 mph: 11.6 sec; 60-0 stopping: 113 feet; EPA Fuel Economy Estimates; City: 23

Economy cars

Super Bowl 2010: Car commercials revisited (Toyota Corolla, 2009)

Automakers have been major contributors through the years to a much-anticipated social phenomenon: Commercials of the Super Bowl. The 30-second and one-minute spots are the most expensive on television. And while it’s the game most fans tune in to watch, commercials, halftime entertainment and the rest of the pageantry are eagerly and equally awaited spectacles for many football and non-football fans. Chrysler will return to the commercial fraternity during the Super Bowl this year for the first time since 2004. Companies with connections to automobiles also involved in the Feb. 7 game (that’s less than three weeks) include: Hyundai, Bridgestone, GoDaddy.com, Anheuser-Busch, Cars.com, Honda and Audi. The companies’ commercials for this year aren’t yet available for viewing, of course. But

Economy cars, News Service, Recalls

Honda recall: Melting window switches in Fit potential fire hazard in nearly 650,000 cars

Honda Motor Co., has announced a voluntary recall of 646,000 Fit models, its globally popular sub-compact, to examine window switches that can melt or catch fire when exposed to an extreme amount of liquid. The vehicles affected are Fit models from 2007-2008. Honda reported 141,140 units with the potential window switch issues were sold in the United States. The problem stems from a master power window switch on the driver’s side. It will need replacement or retrofitting with a waterproof skirt. Seven cases of the part melting have been reported n the U.S., two involving fire. No injuries have been linked to the defect. “Under some severe operating conditions, water, rain, or other liquid may enter the driver’s window and

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