autoMedia Auto News Blog : Mercury

2010 Green Car of the Year Finalists Announced

Brandy Schaffels — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Green Car Journal has announced its five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year; for the fifth consecutive year, this prestigious award will be announced at the opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show on December 3....(read more)

JD Power: 2009 Initial Quality Study – Detroit Rocks

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:09:00 GMT

The Detroit 3 showed marked improvements in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study released this week, with a 10-percent gain over 2008. This accomplishment for Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors is remarkable given the well-publicized challenges they have faced in the past year, and all the more impressive for being greater than the 8-percent rate of improvement by the industry overall.

Cadillac ranks in the top three, moving up from 10th last year, with Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercury all ranked above the industry average. However, Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep remain well below the average.

The study finds that initial quality for newly launched and redesigned models in 2009 has improved compared with previous years. Historically, all-new models have typically launched with below-average levels of initial quality. However, several all-new models in 2009, including the Hyundai Genesis, Kia Borrego, Toyota Venza and Volkswagen CC, perform considerably better than their respective segment averages. Many redesigned models in 2009 also show notable improvement from the previous generation--particularly the Acura TL, Ford F-150, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Z.

The highest ranked for initial quality by car segment
Compact Car: Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Compact Sporty Car: Scion tC
Compact Premium Sporty Car: Nissan Z
Entry Premium Vehicle: Lexus IS
Midsize Premium Car: Lexus GS
Midsize Sporty Car: Ford Mustang
Large Premium Car: Lexus LS
Midsize Car: Nissan Altima
Large Car: Mercury Sable
Compact MAV: Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda CR-V (tie)
Midsize MAV: Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Ford Edge, Toyota 4Runner (tie)
Large MAV: GMC Yukon
Midsize Premium: Lexus GX
Large Premium MAV: Lexus LX
Large Pickup: Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra (tie)
Midsize Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
Minivan: Toyota Sienna

2009 Nameplate IQS Ranking
Problems per 100 vehicles
84 Lexus
90 Porsche
91 Cadillac
95 Hyundai
99 Honda
101 Mercedes-Benz
101 Toyota
102 Ford
103 Chevrolet
103 Suzuki
106 Infiniti
106 Mercury
108 Industry Average
110 Nissan
111 Acura
112 BMW
112 Kia
112 Volkswagen
116 GMC
117 Buick
118 Audi
118 Pontiac
118 Scion
118 Volvo
120 Saturn
123 Mazda
129 Lincoln
130 Subaru
134 Dodge
134 Jaguar
135 Mitsubishi
136 Chrysler
136 Hummer
137 Jeep
138 Saab
138 Smart
150 Land Rover
165 Mini

The 2009 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identifying problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2009.

Ford, GM Offers Job-Loss Protection to Car Buyers

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:17:00 GMT

Borrowing a page from the Hyundai Assurance playbook, both Ford Motor Company and General Motors announced incentive programs designed to ease car-buyer concerns. Smart moves, the Ford Advantage Plan and GM Total Confidence programs should help dealers move the metal by easing shopper worries about what happens should the national economic crisis become personal.

The Ford Advantage Plan provides 12 months of payment protection, up to $700 per month, on any new Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicle, plus zero percent financing on select vehicles through Ford Motor Credit. In addition, Ford is working with its dealers to introduce a local charity support program. The Plan is in effect now through June 1. The revised 2010 Ford Fusion is looking even more attractive...

The GM Total Confidence program provides payment protection for first 24 months of ownership. Should the buyer lose their income, GM will cover up to nine payments for up to $500 per month. Further, if the new GM model is financed, the company will help protect its retail value at trade-in—providing another GM vehicle is purchased. As a bonus, one year of OnStar services are included in the offer. At least initially, the program runs April 1 to April 29th.

Research Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, and Saab, or Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury in the 2009 new car buyer's guide.

Carpocalypse Now: Cars Sales Plummet, Again

admin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:16:00 GMT

The tragic trend continues, car sales continue to slide from bad to worse as the nation reels amidst the troubled economy. As automakers, suppliers, and dealers struggle to survive and restructure to face the changing challenges, the plummeting sales figures do mean that tremendous deals can be found for those in the market for a new or even a used car.

Few companies were spared deep double-digit declines in Februrary when comparing the month year to year. In the 40-50 percent range, Acura, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Pontiac, and even Toyota saw such steep declines. The 50-60 percent range includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Mitsubishi, Saturn, and Volvo. The scariest thing, there are brands in the 60-70 percent range, such as Chrysler, Hummer, Saab, and Suzuki.

At the corporate level, the numbers still look dreadful. BMW is down 32.7 percent, proving that even the well-heeled are sheepish about new car buying. Chrysler is down 44 percent—notably less than Ford Motor Company at 48.4 percent and General Motors at 52.9 percent. Even Honda saw a 38 percent decrease, made higher by the 41.5 percent drop in Acura sales. Nissan is off by 37 percent, and Toyota Motor Company is down 39.8 percent.

The big winner? Subaru, with a 1.4 percent uptick, no doubt fueled by winter months adding appeal to its AWD line up. Victory can be also claimed for Kia with a humble, though celebration worthy, 0.4 percent increase.

As the automakers grapple with these latest figures, expect enticing deals to continue and more creative marketing to appear. Hyundai has done this with the expansion of its successful Assurance program. Chrysler has just announced a free Hemi V8 upgrade for Ram buyers. And the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids are eligible for a $3,400 tax credit till the end of March.

If you’re in the market, do your research and you’ll find great deals on just about every vehicle.

Research in the new car buyer’s guide. Or, scan our more than 3 million used car listings to find the best car for you.

Pricing: 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan

admin — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:24:00 GMT

The freshened Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan arrive at dealers this month, starting at $19,995 and $21,905, respectively, with destination charges. These base models boast best-in-class fuel economy with an EPA-rated 35 mpg highway with the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

Stepping up from the Fusion S, the SE trim level is $20,545 and the SEL is $23,975. An optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine also is available on SE and SEL models. Performance-minded buyers can opt for the Fusion Sport equipped with a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 263 horsepower and 249 ft.-lb. of torque. Fusion Sport FWD starts at $25,825 and Fusion Sport AWD at $27,675. The Mercury Milan ranges up to $27,800 for the well-equipped Milan Premier AWD model with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine.

For maximum fuel economy, these sedans will be offered for the first time as a hybrid. The Fusion Hybrid starts at $27,995 and the Milan Hybrid begins at $31,300. These each claim 41 mpg city, 36 mpg highway – notably more than the competing Toyota Camry Hybrid. For a short time, until March 31st, these hybrids are eligible for a $3,400 federal tax credit. (Learn more about the Ford tax credit.)

Read our most recent Ford Fusion review, and research Ford cars in the new car buyer's guide.

Ford Tells Teens: MyKey, Not Yours

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:06:00 GMT

The electronic whizzes at Ford have followed up the Sync multimedia system with another clever feature, MyKey. Designed as a tool for parents to encourage proper driving behavior from their teenagers, MyKey debuts next year as standard equipment on the 2010 Focus coupe and it will become standard on other Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models.

MyKey ties in to several automotive systems, essentially limiting top speed and mandating the use of safety features. When inserted into the ignition, the system recognizes the key’s transponder and enable functions set by parents.

Among the “key” features:

BeltMinder continues the ever-annoying seat-belt chime until the belt is fastened, and it mutes the stereo to ensure the driver can’t ignore the tone.
Earlier low-fuel warning. Rather than a warning at 50 miles to empty, MyKey provides a warning at 75 miles to empty.
Electronic safety features cannot be deactivated, including traction control.
Stereo limited to 44 percent of total volume.
Limited top speed of 80 mph.
To encourage fuel-efficient driving, a speed alert can be set to chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph.

Read: Giving Teens a Driving Edge and 10 Tips for Parents of Teenage Drivers

Small SUV Crash Tests – Hybrids Good

admin — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:03:00 GMT

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently completed crash test evaluations of eight small SUV models finding most provide good protecting in front-end collisions, but decidedly mixed results from side and rear crashes. The best performers, earning the Institute's Top Safety Pick award, are the 2009 Ford Escape, 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2008 Nissan Rogue, and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. These models earn good ratings in Institute's frontal offset, side, and rear evaluations, and all are equipped with standard electronic stability control and side airbags. The Escape's ratings also apply to the hybrid version, as well as corporate siblings Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute.

“This is a huge change from just five years ago when most small SUVs were rated either marginal or poor in our side test, and standard side airbags and electronic stability control were rare," says Institute president Adrian Lund.

Consumers now have multiple hybrid SUVs earning Top Safety Pick to choose from. Others include the midsize Saturn Vue and Toyota Highlander, which the Institute evaluated earlier.

Jeep and Chevrolet models did not perform as well. The Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet Equinox are the only two vehicles tested this time around without standard side airbags—and the results again prove the merits of side protection. The Jeep Patriot does have standard curtain airbags, but additional torso airbags designed to protect an occupant's chest and abdomen are optional.

When side airbags are optional, the Institute's policy is to test without the option because this is how most of the vehicles will be sold. A manufacturer may request another test with the optional airbags if the automaker reimburses the Institute for the cost of the vehicle. General Motors didn't request a second test of the Equinox, also sold as the Pontiac Torrent. After completing tests of this group of vehicles, the Institute learned that curtain airbags will be standard in the 2009 Equinox. This vehicle will be tested later in the year.

Chrysler didn't request another test of the Wrangler with the optional side airbags, but this automaker did request a second test of the Jeep Patriot with optional torso airbags.

Crashworthiness, as ranked by IIHS:

Volkswagen Tiguan
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Good
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2009 models.

Mitsubishi Outlander
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Good
Front and second-row head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2008 models.

Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Good
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front and rear: 2009 models.
Side: 2008-2009 models.

Nissan Rogue
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Good
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2008 models.

Suzuki Grand Vitara
Front: Good
Side: Acceptable
Rear: Marginal
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2006-2008 models.

Jeep Patriot
Front: Acceptable
Side: Good
Rear: Acceptable
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and optional front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2008 models.

Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent
Front: Good
Side: Marginal
Rear: Marginal
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and optional front torso airbags.
Front: 2006-2008 models (built after January ’06)
Side and rear: 2005-2008 Equinox, 2006-2008 Torrent.

Jeep Patriot
Front: Acceptable
Side: Marginal
Rear: Acceptable
Front and rear head-curtain airbags, but without optional front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2008 models.

Jeep Wrangler
Front: Acceptable
Side: Marginal
Rear: Acceptable
Without optional side airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2008 models.

Learn more about car safety from our DriveSmart articles.

Study: Fuel Prices Hurt New-Car Appeal

admin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:08:00 GMT

Motorists are less delighted with their new vehicles this year, compared to 2007, based on J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. The study, now in its 13th year, measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles.

APEAL examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of 10 measures, encompassing more than 90 vehicle attributes. Over the years, vehicle models achieving high APEAL scores have been shown to benefit from faster sales, reduced need for consumer incentives, and higher margins on each vehicle sold.

"Average prices at the fuel pump have increased by 27 percent in the period between the 2007 and 2008 APEAL studies, creating heightened sensitivity to fuel economy among new-vehicle owners," said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. "Manufacturers that deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles and integrate alternative fuel technology into their designs stand a better chance of delighting their customers and being successful in this rapidly changing marketplace."

Among the 36 ranked nameplates, 20 experience a decline in index scores since 2007, while 15 improve. Domestic brands comprise the eight most-improved nameplates. Buick posts the largest improvement, followed by Chrysler, Ford, Mercury, and Dodge, respectively. A majority of the most-improved models are also from domestic manufacturers, including the redesigned Ford Focus, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chevrolet Malibu.

Honda captures three model segment awards -- more than any other vehicle nameplate this year -- for the Fit (for a second consecutive year), Odyssey (for a fourth consecutive year) and Ridgeline (for a fourth consecutive year). Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen each garner two awards.

2008 Nameplate APEAL Ranking
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)
854    Porsche
844    Jaguar
841    BMW
841    Mercedes-Benz
834    Lexus
827    Cadillac
823    Mini
822    Audi
819    Infiniti
818    Land Rover
807    Acura
802    Lincoln
797    Volkswagen
792    SAAB
791    Volvo
778    GMC
778    Hummer
773    Scion
771    Mazda
770    Buick
770    Industry Average
769    Mitsubishi
768    Ford
767    Saturn
764    Honda
763    Nissan
760    Toyota
759    Chrysler
757    Chevrolet
755    Mercury
747    Dodge
747    Hyundai
744    Kia
737    Pontiac
722    Jeep
719    Subaru
719    Suzuki