Car Sales Forum

First Drive: 2009 Mazda6

Mazda’s midsize sedan gets bigger and more powerful. By Kirk Bell of MSN autos The Mazda6 has been at a disadvantage in the dog-eat-dog midsize car class. Compared to stalwarts such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, the Mazda6 was too small and weak on power, although it handled well and looked good. For [...] Click here to read more »

Best Downsized SUVs

We test more economical alternatives to larger sport utilities. Large and luxury SUVs might be languishing on dealership lots, but the best downsized SUVs, which are smaller and car-based, are continuing to sell. Those smaller vehicles are often good alternatives to the larger models; they have better fuel economy and still deliver the practicality, power, and [...] Click here to read more »

Road Trip Safety for Dogs

Tips to help prepare you and your pet before taking those long road trips. For millions of dog owners, family vacations often begin after a trip to the boarding kennel. With proper planning, preparation, and training, however, your dog can enjoy getaways by car with the entire family. There are countless hotels, parks, recreation spots, and [...] Click here to read more »

First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

A stunning blend of handling, refinement and controlled fury. By Marc Lachapelle of MSN autos The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is a flagship sports car that can match or outrun exotics worth several times its $103,000 base sticker, and yet proves smoother and more refined than any other Corvette in normal street driving. Powered by a spectacularly supercharged [...] Click here to read more »

Top Certified Used Vehicle Programs

These automakers scored best in IntelliChoice’s annual ranking. By Perry Stern of MSN autos Volkswagen and Jaguar once again earned top honors for having the best certified used vehicle programs, according to automotive information provider IntelliChoice, Inc. IntelliChoice, a subsidiary of PRIMEDIA, Inc., publishes annual car and truck cost guides projecting ownership expenses from the day of purchase [...] Click here to read more »

Government Enhances Its Crash Test Program for 2010

New vehicle window stickers will feature overall safety ratings. ConsumerReports.org Beginning with the 2010 model year, new vehicle window stickers will feature an overall safety rating that combines frontal, side, and rollover tests, similar to Consumer Reports overall safety rating we have been compiling since 2001. Behind that rating will be several upgrades to the tests and [...] Click here to read more »

Best Downsized SUVs

We test more economical alternatives to larger sport utilities. ConsumerReports.org Large and luxury SUVs might be languishing on dealership lots, but the best downsized SUVs, which are smaller and car-based, are continuing to sell. Those smaller vehicles are often good alternatives to the larger models; they have better fuel economy and still deliver the practicality, power, and [...] Click here to read more »

Toyota Plans Electric Car

Toyota Plans Electric Car, Earlier Plug-In Prius Test By Alan Ohnsman Aug. 28 (Bloomberg) — Toyota Motor Corp., working to keep a lead in advanced autos over General Motors Corp., is developing an electric-powered small car and will speed up testing of plug-in Prius hybrids with new battery technology. The all-electric car will be “mass-produced” in the [...] Click here to read more »

THE PROBLEM OF ROAD RAGE

How to cope with this highway hazard by Kaben Nanlohy Danger on the road Two drivers in two snazzy cars, adjacent lanes, and bad moods are about to “merge” on a freeway at seventy. They have never met before, on the road or off, and neither has earned the other’s anger, but for whatever reason, they’ve both had [...] Click here to read more »

Gear up for the gas-free car

Imagine driving a sleek and roomy plug-in electric hybrid sports car that might never need gas. It’s coming soon, and even if you can’t afford it, you can invest in the technology. By Jon Markman Not too long from now, a sensuously curved sports car designed by a German and made with American parts will roll off [...] Click here to read more »

GM Releases Teaser Pictures of Chevrolet Volt

Written by Andrew Williams In the world of hybrid and electric cars, the upcoming commercial release of the Chevrolet Volt must surely rank as the most widely (and wildly) anticipated event. Now GM has ramped up the expectation levels another notch by releasing two teaser pictures providing us with a sneak-peak of its much vaunted plug-in [...] Click here to read more »

A used Prius is a hot commodity these days

By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY Buyers are so eager to start saving gas with the nation’s best-selling hybrid that they’re paying more for a used Prius than they’d pay for a new one if they were willing to wait. Driven by gas prices and waiting lists for new Priuses at many dealers, buyers paid an average $27,945 [...] Click here to read more »