2011 Cadillac CTS, IIHS "Top Safety Pick"!

Located near Chevrolet Dealer New Orleans, was the new 2011 Cadillac CTS. It was ranked 6 out of 18 for Upscale Midsized Cars, per US News. Like most cars found at Phoenix VW Dealers, the Cadillac CTS offers a four year/50,000 mile basic warranty. Powertrain coverage is also provided for five years/100,000 miles as well as roadside assistance . Cadillac also offers a Premium Care Maintenance which covers scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine and cabin air filters. They also offer a multi-point vehicle inspection after four years or 50,000 miles.

Even though the 2011 version has not been fully tested, the 2010 model, which can be found at Port Charlotte Used Dealer, received four stars for frontal impact crashes. They also received a top score of five stars for side impact crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it one of their "Top Safety Pick".

The Cadillac CTS is equipped with front seat side airbags as well as full length side curtain airbags. The vehicle also comes with GM's Stabilitrak System which combines Electronic Stability Control and traction control. Cadillac's also come with OnStar services.

The 2011 Cadillac CTS should be able to hold it's own against other sport sedans, at least better than the older models. The 2011 model will give you two options on engines. The vehicle will come standard with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 223 pound-feet torque. The other option would be a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 304 horsepower and 273 pound-feet torque. Both engines are available and paired with a six speed manual transmission or a six speed automatic with manual shift mode. It has been estimated that the Cadillac CTS should get 16 to 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 to 27 miles per gallon on the highway.

There are many pros versus cons when considering this vehicle. Some of the pros that I found was the sharp handling, ample power distinctive exterior, stylish cabin that is loaded with useful technologies. The cons that were listed are minimal and could be overlooked. They complain that the standard front seat could use more support but they do offer other front seat options as long as you are willing to pay a couple thousand more. The car is a bit expensive, but the perks make up for the cost.

Ford Still Seeking 8.4 Million Recalled Vehicles

If you bought one of the larger vehicles from Lebanon Ford Lincoln Mercury within the last ten years, then you might need to have your vehicle serviced as part of the largest recall in U.S. history to date.  Over the course of ten years, Ford has recalled over 14 million vehicles for leaky cruise control switches; that makes it almost twice the size of the famous Toyota recalls recently.  You can find several of these older Ford models at Warwick Car Dealerships, and approximately 8.4 million drivers have yet to bring their vehicles in for repair.  I’m pretty sure that most drivers of Enfield Honda vehicles pay attention to the publicized recall news. 

As the cruise control switch leaks its fluid, the fluid accumulates on the antilock brake system.  It can then catch fire, even if the vehicle is parked and unattended!  That is probably one of the most frightening things to think about.  What makes it even worse is that there are still 8.4 million drivers who haven’t had their Ford vehicle repaired.  The American auto brand has made it easy for owners to see if their vehicle has been repaired or not.  All you have to do is visit their recall website and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN). 

People who own a Ford Ranger, Ford Explorer, Ford Windstar, or one of the E or F Series vans are urged to see if their car has been repaired.  The affected model years range from 1992 up until 2003, so it is better to err on the side of caution and visit the website.  Many people have bought these vehicles for very low prices and the last thing going through their minds is a potential recall.  But, as old as these cars are, chances are that they’ve had a few owners and you need to be safe rather than sorry. 

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GM to Sell Volt in China Earlier

GM is anticipated to sell its Volt model in its China market earlier than in other markets. The Volt is expected to be introduced into the Chinese market in the second half of 2010. Other automakers like Toyota have already introduced electric and hybrid vehicles into the Chinese market, and the latest Toyota models can be found domestically at Glencoe Toyota. China is now GM's largest market and buyer of GM models, and as a result it makes sense for GM to target China more extensively with its upcoming marketing campaigns and products. Ford is also looking to do the same and expand many of its domestically popular models like the Ford Fusion and Ford Focus to the quickly expanding Chinese market, and these models can be purchased from Ford Dealerships in Lancaster PA and other cities.

Also check out your local BMW Dealer Inglewood for deals on BMW luxury models. GM is hoping that by introducing its Volt model in 2011 that it will have a head start in the rapidly growing overseas hybrid and electric vehicle market. GM does not anticipate large volume in China, however it does anticipate that it will increase over time. In China, buyers are not environmentally conscious yet like they are in the United States and in other markets, and it may be more profitable initially for GM to focus on those markets as well.

China is the biggest importer of oil in the world, and it is offering subsidies for consumers to buy electric and hybrid vehicles to help reduce its dependence on foreign oil, much like the United States and European countries are doing. The price for the Volt in China has not been determined yet, however before any incentives it is known that the price of the Volt in the United States will be $41,000. The Volt will be sold as the Opel Ampera in Europe. The Volt is capable of driving 40 miles on solely electric power and then switching to gasoline power for another 360 miles.

Ford Ranger Going Global; Except in the U.S.

Ford is really outdoing themselves with their global car efforts. While we know that Chattanooga Chevrolet Dealers have placed a few of their popular models on global platforms, Ford is trying hard to become a global name. This goal is achievable, and the cars from Honda Dealer Manchester are well known throughout the globe and have earned their reputation for producing quality vehicles that run forever. Even though the Fiesta, which was first introduced in Europe, was wildly popular when it arrived stateside, Ford still feels the need to shift things around on us.

The latest news is that the Ford Ranger will no longer be offered in the U.S. but will be for sale in approximately 180 countries across the globe. This is good news for Sacramento Nissan Dealers who also have trucks in their line up; less competition will help boost their sales. Ford Motor Company is claiming that because the Ford Ranger will now be built on their T6 Global Platform that having the Ranger for sale in the United States would pose too much competition towards their own F-150 pickup truck. The new 2012 Ford Ranger is slightly larger than it is now, meaning it is closer in size proximity to the F-150. It will be available as either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Ford is tweaking all the elements of the 2012 Ranger so that it is popular in several regions of the world. The Ranger will be tough enough to endure the elements of the Australian outback! The interior will be low-maintenance and easy to clean, just like a truck should be. Drivers can plan on getting a back-up camera, trailer sway control, and an adaptive load control feature. The 2012 Ranger will produce 200 horsepower and 346 pound feet of torque from a turbocharged 3.2 liter five-cylinder Duratorq diesel engine.

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EPA Requests 15% Ethanol in Gasoline

The EPA recently announced that there will be a new fuel mixture available, and that they would like auto engineers to plan on having cars from here on out compatible with running on15% ethanol.  Currently, the cars at Haverhill Volvo Dealers as well as any other car on the market can run on the current low grade fuels that contain 10% ethanol.  Despite all the New Car Specials Warwick, there is still a concern about using such a high percentage ethanol in the fuel.

Vehicles from Dayton Nissan that are older report problems from the ethanol.  Auto engineers and mechanics are aware that the ethanol rots fuel lines, and that it will eventually lead to engine damage.  The EPA likes using ethanol in the gasoline because it reduces emissions that are put into the environment by 19% and it is a renewable resource. 

People who work on cars caution people who drive old vehicles to not use the low grade fuel right now that contains 10% ethanol.  These older engines and components can’t handle the ethanol and they are more susceptible to engine damage.  Also, people who put gas in their boats, motorcycles, ATVs, lawn mowers, and chain saws are already paying for the top level gasoline.  If an even higher percentage ethanol fuel was available, it is likely premium gas prices would increase.

This issue raises again how “green” corn ethanol really and truly is.  While it is beneficial to be using a renewable resource rather than fossil fuels that have a limited supply, there is a hefty added cost for these resources.  Corn prices are now going up, which also causes meat farmers to raise their prices because it costs more to feed their livestock.  The equipment and water used to produce the corn is also taking an environmental toll. 

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Top Safety Convertible Pick; Eos, Miata or Solstice?

The 2010 Volkswagen Eos was ranked number 13 out of 18 for Upscale Midsized Cars. Even though there has been no crash tests done by Federal Government, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said that the 2009 model was the "Top Safety Pick". They were also ranked as "Good", which is the highest rating you can receive, for frontal and side impact crash testing.

Like the one's found at Phoenix VW Certified, the Eos comes equipped with 4 wheel anti-lock brakes, with brake assist; traction control and stability control; front side impact and side head curtain airbags come standard. The side curtain airbags explode upward from the doors so they can function properly if top was down. They also make sure the airbags are functional for any size passenger. Roll bars pop up automatically if rollover is detected.

Mazda Dealer Bradenton would be able to tell you that the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata was ranked one of Car and Driver's "10 Best" and Consumer Reports adds it as one of their "Top Recommendation's".

This vehicle offers dual front airbags; side airbags along with side impact beams; anti-lock brakes and seatbelt pretensioners. The Miata is also equipped with an ignition disable device that will prevent the engine from starting if the correct original manufacturers key is not being used.


Gm Dealer Saginaw has the 2009 Pontiac Solstice. It was ranked 7 out of 10 by JD Power and Associates for reliability. The vehicle received 4 out of 5 stars for front and side impact along with 5 stars on their rollover rating.

The solstice offers many safety features as well. This vehicle has front air bags; traction control; electronic stability control; child seat lower anchorage; 4 wheel ABS; seatbelt pretensioners; tire pressure monitor and OnStar. The biggest complaint I found on this vehicle is that the roof has to be removed manually.

There are many different convertibles out there, these are just three of my favorite. They all have excellent safety features as well as high scores on front and side impact and rollover ratings. I will have to say that my personal opinion on the safest convertible of the three would have to be the 2010 Volkswagen Eos. This opinion is based on the fact that they have a rollover bar that comes out when a rollover is detected. It is just a comforting thought that something so critical and dangerous as a possible rollover can be detected and prevented.

The Future Means 62 mpg!

There will come a time when our average of 23 mpg that we achieve from Buying a new Chevrolet Lakewood will seem like child's play.  The Obama administration has announced that by 2025 automobiles must achieve 62 mpg on average.  That seems like a challenge for some auto brands who haven't even adopted the hybrid concept, but places like Washington DC Honda Dealers shouldn't have any problems meeting the stringent requirements.  There are already fuel economy requirements in place for 2015-2016 that auto engineers must comply with.  The goal is for an auto brand's average fuel economy across their fleet to be at least 35.5 mpg by 2016.

Consumers may applaud the amount of money they will save at the gas pumps annually, but what about the initial cost of the vehicle?  Car engineers will have to raise prices which means more and more people will be frequenting Akron Car Financing to get themselves into a new car.  The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers estimates that because of the research and development that will take place in the next 15 years that consumers can expect the price of a car in 2025 to be between $770 and $3,500 higher than it currently is.  That may seem like a lot right now, but who knows what that will actually be when the time comes.  There is no disputing the fact that higher fuel economy will save all of us money in the long run.  The price of gas can only increase.

If all of this actually becomes official, then emissions and fuel consumption will decrease by as much as 6% annually from 2017 through 2025.  The technology is available and in progress.  Auto engineers are in agreement that these goals are attainable and many of them view it is a challenge to be the best they can be.  We are already seeing great progress with the introduction of electric vehicles, hybrids, and an increasing popularity of small fuel efficient four-cylinders.

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Ford CEO's Downsize Plans

It is no secret that you will no longer be able to find brand new Mercury vehicles from Denver Ford at the end of this year because the brand name is being phased out. However, you will still be able to find a great selection of Ford Motor Company vehicles from Kansas City Used Cars and at a great price! But were you aware that the CEO of Ford Motor Company, Alan Mulally, has plans to get rid of even more of the model line up and decrease their nameplate offering to 20 or 25 different cars?

Taking a cue from auto brands like Subaru Forester San Jose who only offer a handful of vehicle choices for their consumers, Ford wants to trim off the fat of their business. Currently there are 36 different models in the Ford family, and that includes the brands of Lincoln and Mercury. When Mercury is no longer in production, there will be four less models to worry about producing. Plus, there are rumors that the Lincoln brand name will also be discontinued. There is no reason to continue spending money producing vehicles that don't return a profit and don't entice the consumers. If people aren't interested in driving them, then why should they be produced?

When Mulally took over in 2006, there were 97 different nameplates under the Ford Motor Company umbrella. He quickly sold off the luxury brands Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Just last month he was able to sell Volvo for an impressive $1.3 billion to an interested buyer in China. If you can streamline production costs and focus your energy on making the vehicles in your fleet above and beyond perfect, then your success and reputation are likely to soar. Ford has been able to tend more closely to their line up now that the luxury lines are gone, and as the fleet continues to shrink, consumers can expect greater results from one of their favorite American auto makers.

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