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It’s hard not to be a fan of the Acura TSX. In its first generation, the lithe and nimble sedan offered great looks and refinement, with a rev-happy four-cylinder engine thrown in to boot. In 2009, a new TSX appeared, larger, more luxurious, but still enjoying that incredible fun-to-drive feeling, and keeping that sweetheart four-cylinder. But the marketplace can be a fickle thing, and just about every competitor of Acura’s near-luxury sedan either featured a standard six-cylinder engine, or offered one as an option. So for 2010, we now have a new TSX V6 model to top out the range. And this is no mild-mannered six, but a very powerful 3.5-liter V6—taken from the Acura TL—that pumps out 280 hp (79 more hp than the four-cylinder) as well as 254 lb.-ft of torque. The V6 comes standard with a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters. That the added power makes a quantum leap in performance is not a big surprises—40 percent more horsepower will do that, but it also makes a huge change in the personality of the TSX. Where the four-cylinder feels light and spirited, the V6 moves out with real authority, yet feels much more serious. Tap on the gas and you’re gone. And the sound is a rich deep...
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If you’re looking for great fuel economy, you have lots of choices. There’s a cornucopia of small cars on the market and, if you need more space, there are some larger hybrid vehicles that still turn in impressive numbers at the pumps. But let’s say you want more. How about a good-sized vehicle with wonderful road feel and driving fun? That car is the Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel sedan. If you haven’t been around diesels lately, you might still think they’re the smoky, stinky, slow models that have been around for a couple of decades. But you’d be wrong. Today’s diesel has been to the gym, quit smoking and—with an impressive 31mpg city/40 mpg EPA fuel economy rating—doesn’t drink much either. The Jetta TDI gives you a choice of either sedan or wagon (or SportWagen), and both are handsome vehicles. Our four-door sedan looked very German in its reflex silver metallic. While our TDI sedan test car was thrifty on fuel, there was nothing low-rent about its interior. Like all modern Volkswagens, the design is clean and efficient, and the quality of the materials sets the standard for its class. The best part of the Jetta TDI experience, though, was in the driving. Start up was smooth...
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Not much in the way of new product. Remember, the company is rapidly reinventing itself, now that it has purged billions in so-called bad assets and almost 800 dealerships , leaving a leaner Chrysler Group to develop a revised product portfolio with its new corporate partner Fiat. (Read: " Like a Phoenix, New Chrysler Group LLC Rises .") For the imminent future, there simply isn’t much happening. The products are largely in a holding pattern for another model year. However, if you look closely, there are numerous refinements that should make the vehicles more satisfying to own than before, though not the kind of breakthrough changes that are likely to spark showroom traffic. Below are the highlights of the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep product updates for the 2010 model year. We have already blogged on the notable update to Dodge Caliber’s interior . Most other vehicles that receive any update for the new model year are given a light touch. The one exception is the 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickups to be offered for the first time in a true crew-cab configuration, complimenting the regular and mega cab. All heavy-duty trucks are distinguished from their light-duty brethren by...
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All good things must end. The first phase for Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) saw $1 billion in federal car-sales stimulus drained in less than two weeks. Congress quickly approved $2 billion to keep the momentum going, with Obama signing into law on August 9th . Now, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced the cash for clunkers program will come to a close on Monday, August 24th at 8 p.m. EDT. “This program has been a lifeline to the automobile industry, jump starting a major sector of the economy and putting people back to work,” Secretary LaHood said. “At the same time, we’ve been able to take old, polluting cars off the road and help consumers purchase fuel efficient vehicles.” As of today, the CARS program has recorded more than 457,000 dealer transactions worth $1.9 billion in rebates. John McEleney, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), issued the following statement: “Today, the Administration announced the submission deadline for all ‘cash for clunkers’ applications. Regardless of when the transaction is consummated, the application must be submitted before the deadline to be considered for funding. “However, the National Highway...
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Acura announced today changes to their quintessential MDX SUV for the 2010 model year. Updates include a revised grille, a new hood and front fascia, new rear bodywork, improvements to its 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 powertrain (that includes better fuel economy), and a new six-speed automatic transmission. An all-new Advance Package offers a revised Active Damper System and new, 19-inch wheels and tires. New, 18-inch wheels are standard. As with recent MDX model years, the 2010 MDX transfers power to the wheels through its renowned Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that actively distributes the optimum amount of power to all four wheels. On the inside, the 2010 MDX features a new, bolstered, Milano-leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, new gauges and available AcuraLink Real-Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting via a new, full VGA eight-inch navigation screen. A new rear-view camera is also on the options list, and features three different view choices. Acura says, “ In keeping with Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced, customer-relevant features, the 2010 MDX is available with an array of technologies to improve convenience, including an all-new blind...
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On your mark, get set, shop! Formerly known as “ Cash for Clunkers ,” the CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program is now in effect. Dealerships nationwide are ready to accept eligible clunkers on trade-in and apply $3,500-$4,500 toward the purchase of a new, qualifying vehicle. There has been real pent up demand for this program, though also some confusion. The official rules are as follows: 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 large pickup 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 November 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. Of course, this program should appeal most...
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With consumers itching to take advantage of the new Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program that is rolling out nationwide, Chrysler is looking to sweeten the pot by offering similar additional incentives on many cars and trucks. The “Double Cash For Your Old Car” incentive has the automaker offering $3,500 to $4,500 off the purchase of new 2009 Chrysler , Dodge , and Jeep vehicles, potentially doubling the discount some customers can get this summer. Customers will be able to choose the Double Cash program, or zero percent financing for 72 months. (Run your own numbers before deciding, as in many cases the rebate will save more money in the long run.) The program is in place through August 31, 2009. Eligible 2009 vehicles and rebate about listed below, notably excluding the iconic Jeep Wrangler and SRT models. Additional local and owner loyalty incentives may be available. Double Cash For Your Old Car Chrysler 300 - $3,500 Chrysler Aspen - $4,500 Chrysler PT Cruiser - $4,500 Chrysler Sebring - $4,500 Chrysler Sebring Convertible $3,500 Chrysler Town & Country $3,500 Dodge Avenger $4,500 Dodge Caliber $3,500 Dodge Grand Caravan $3,500 Dodge Charger $3,500 Dodge Dakota $3,500...
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Lexus says their research has revealed that “more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if available,” which means the all-new 2010 Lexus HS 250h should be a huge hit when it reaches showrooms later this summer. If you want a chance to drive one for free—for either one week or an entire year—go to www.drivehs.com and enter by July 31, 2009 for a chance to win. There are several ways—and prizes—to win. First you can create an account to become a potential driver or just vote for others to win, based upon their profile as to why they believe they should be selected. If you think you’re the best potential driver, create your own Driver Profile explaining why you should be voted to win the chance to drive the new HS 250h. In the world of social networking, you can campaign to your heart’s content through facebook, Twitter, You Tube or any other legal means to persuade friends, family, coworkers and strangers to vote for you. Not only that, every person who submits a vote for a “driver,” will get their name entered into a random drawing to also win. The Voter-only grand prize is a one-year Lexus HS 250h lease and a Lexus Hybrid Living gift bag (contents...
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It's the week ending June 26, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest news of the week is death of Michael Jackson, and even the car sites are talking about it. Besides that, we've got high-performance road tests, long-distance road trips, and green news too! And let's not forget about the Cash for Clunkers/CARS legislation signed into Law by Obama this week! Big News: President Obama signed the Cash for Clunkers legislation into law this week, only it's been renamed the "Car Allowance Rebate System." In case you missed it, we've got a complete description of the new auto sales incentive program here at autoMedia.com Are you ready to go shopping? Do your research first here in our online New Car Buyer's Guide. Autoblog spent three days in the upcoming 2010 Porsche Panamera assailing the Bavarian Alps, streaking across the German Autobahn at speeds up to 170mph, and meandering through picturesque Alpine towns. What did they think of Porsche's gorgeous four-door sedan? It sounds as if they liked it. Although the closest thing you can get to an...
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Even a spacious midsize sedan can be a tight squeeze for five adults—but you still want to go places with everyone every once in a while—and you have to drive. So if driving a minivan doesn’t suit you, nor does spending more than $25,000 on a new vehicle, here are five three-row crossover SUVs that will fit you, your passengers, and your budget. Click on each to learn more about features, options, and pricing in a 2009 New Car Buyer’s Guide . 2009 Dodge Journey 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander 2009 Subaru Forester 2009 Toyota RAV4 -Deborah Neal, Editorial Director
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Do you prefer to start fresh? Would you feel better knowing that your new car doesn’t have a used-car history? If you’re in the market for a brand new car with a new-car warranty, but want or need to keep your spending to a minimum, here are the 16 new models available in trim levels for less than $15,000 (price ranges for some models include trim levels over $15k). Click on each vehicle to learn more about its features and options. Happy hunting! 2009 Chevrolet Aveo ($11,965-$15,365) 2009 Honda Fit ($14,750-$18,960) 2009 Hyundai Accent ($11,070-$15,070) 2009 Hyundai Elantra ($14,120-$17,020) 2009 Kia Rio ($11,495-$14,280) 2010 Kia Soul ($13,300-$16,950) 2009 Kia Spectra ($13,550-$16,450) 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 ($14,690-$20,895) 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ($14,340-$26,490) 2009 Nissan cube ($13,990-$19,370) 2009 Nissan Versa ($10,990-$16,330) 2009 Pontiac G3 ($14,335) 2009 Scion xD ($14,650) 2009 smart fortwo ($11,990-$13,990) 2009 Suzuki SX4 ($13,299-$15,139) 2009 Toyota Yaris ($12,205-$15,880) See the rest of our New Car Buyer's Guide for pricing, specs, mileage figures, and photo galleries of all vehicle makes, models, by pricing and category. -Deborah Neal, Editorial Director
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While we’re more than six months away from ringing in the 2010 calendar year, and several manufacturers are already—or soon will be—selling 2010 models, we decided to piece together this list of the top 10 best-selling green cars for the 2009 model year, with city/highway mileage figures. Click on any of the make/model names to get pricing, specs and a brief overview about each in autoMedia.com’s 2009 New Car Buyer’s Guide . 1. 2009 Toyota Prius: 48/45 2. 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid: 40/45 3. 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid: 35/33 4. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD: 29/27 5. 2009 Smart fortwo: 33/41 6. 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 33/34 7. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: 30/41 8. 2009 Toyota Yaris: 29/35 9. 2009 MINI Cooper: 26/34 10. 2009 Honda Fit: 28/35 And, even though sales results obviously aren’t in yet, here are some of the most significant new high-mileage competitors, one of which may just knock its own predecessor from the number one spot. Click on any of these to read the full road test review on autoMedia.com. 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid 2010 Honda Insight 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid 2010 Toyota Prius -Deborah Neal, Editorial Director
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autoMedia.com is starting something new this week! Lots of events have been in the news, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel are the highlights we found at each. Consider this your carnival of cribnotes to items of interest in the automotive arena. AutoBlog: Now's Your Chance: Repo'd Nissan GT-R up for auction It's barely got 3000 miles on the odometer and already the owner has defaulted on his Nissan GT-R car loan, so the bank is putting it on the auction block at Matley's Richmond Auto Auction today in Virginia. Blogger Dan Roth says he'd "be hiding this thing in a garage more secret and secure than *** Cheney's undisclosed location while we sold an organ or two on the black market to pay its bills." After all, "You've got a spare kidney, but it's not like the GTR comes along every day." Los Angeles Alternative Transportation Examiner: 145 mph on chocolate? Matt Kelly, the Los Angeles Alternative Transportation Examiner asks "is that milk or dark chocolate?" Apparently, he says, "London scientists have unveiled what they hope will be one of the world's...
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