Japanese automobile company Mitsubishi presents its latest production of the compact car called the Mirage Geneva Auto Expo in 2011. The tailgate was discovered by the company at the Motor Show in Tokyo in December 2011. This is the first company in India hatchback will be launched, and it is anticipated that Mirage would have helped the company to publish its lost ground in the Indian market, if the company is this car in 2012. The small gasoline engine to replace the Mitsubishi Colt. The company plans to launch this car and two tone combinations of black and beige interior. The engine start-stop mechanism makes this performance sedan cars high. Mitsubishi has used the technology of the machine to light, increased fuel economy of the sedan. This car has an elegant look. Mitsubishi says the Mirage a perfect vehicle for developed and emerging markets.
What gives? The Mirage, who presented at the Tokyo Motor Show was the production version of the Global Small Concept which was unveiled by Mitsubishi Motor Show in Geneva 2011. The length of the gasoline engine segment B is 3710 mm long and its width is 1665 mm. It is expected that this car is good to do business in emerging markets. There are many differences between the standard and version of the concept. The style of the production version will be significantly weakened, in order to keep costs under control. The mileage of this car is 30kml. Mitsubishi lightweight materials are used to build the body of the Mirage and reduced rolling resistance to increase fuel consumption. Japanese companies improved engine, tires and brakes, motor gasoline used in this compact. Mirage is a sport of regenerative braking mechanism and an automatic start-stop system well. This car is 1.0 liters from 1.2 liters to be powered by gasoline. The beauty The look of the sedan is similar to some other sedans on the market. Mitsubishi has tried to give an elegant and attractive, and we can say that Mirage is a bit 'in this way. The drive train The engine of the Mirage 2012 is used to working with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmission, energy efficiency of the sedan. Version will be available for sale in Thailand is sport 1.0 liter gasoline engine with a mileage of 30 kmpl, while the version to go on sale in India, is powered by a gasoline engine 1, 2 L. Mitsubishi has improved its technology into two new MIVEC engines. The engines are also Auto Stop & Go system. Mitsubishi is still the power values for two models of liberation, but the engine is designed to provide power hp 1.2 L 80 and over 110 Nm of torque. It is expected that Japanese companies would soon realize the power values of both models. Interiors Mitsubishi philosophy of "clean and simple" in the design of the cabin as the Mirage, so it's two-volume ventilation. With accents of metal and finished in black and white, inside the Mirage is attractive. The bridge is flat and the wheel 3-spoke sports car wrapped. Mirage is the lightest engine gas previously published. It is quite spacious, comfortable for four passengers. Outside Mitsubishi has used lighter materials and reduces the rolling resistance of the car to make it less expensive. The company also improved the brakes, tires and the engine can be used at the Mirage of a powerful car. This car uses regenerative braking and an automatic start-stop system. The width of this car is 1665 mm and its length is 3710 mm, which makes this sedan 15 mm narrower and shorter than 175 mm of Mitsubishi Colt. The size of this compact petrol engine is the same as the Toyota Yaris. Should I buy? Go by the technical specifications, we can say that Mirage is a gasoline engine is perfect for emerging markets, and would be a good case in Asian countries do. Energy efficiency is to attract many customers of this car. Pricing and Availability Mitsubishi is still an official announcement regarding the price and availability of the brand. However, it is assumed that this car will be sold in Thailand in March 2012.
When the Hyundai Tucson debuted for the 2005 model year, it represented Hyundai's first entry in the long-established small SUV segment.
Current Hyundai Tucson The five-passenger Hyundai Tucson is a car-based compact SUV. The Tucson is available in GL, GLS and Limited trim levels. The GLS adds alloy wheels, roof rails, cruise control and Bluetooth, and all-wheel drive versions get heated front seats. Available options include a navigation system and rearview camera. In reviews, we've appreciated the Tucson's combination of style, sophistication and sharp road manners.
Used Hyundai Tucson Models The current, second-generation Hyundai Tucson debuted for the 2010 model year. The first-generation Tucson was produced from 2005-'09. Every first-generation Hyundai Tucson had antilock brakes, stability control, front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
The base GL was powered by a 140-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual (mandatory on AWD models) or a four-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment included four-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels and heated outside mirrors. The top-shelf Limited model boasted items such as a sunroof, leather seats, automatic climate control and an upgraded audio system.
A five-passenger Journey with the new American Value Package (AVP) starts at $18,995, and a seven-passenger model starts at $19,990. The 2012 Journey costs $2,000 less: The new Dodge Journey also gets new trim designations for the 2012 model year.
The base AVP trim comes with seven airbags, air conditioning, power accessories, heated power mirrors, a 4.3-inch touch-screen, satellite radio, USB controls and a passive entry system with push-button start. The Crew trim starts at $28,495, and it adds 19-inch wheels, an 8.4-inch touch-screen, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic temperature controls, security system and remote start. Besides the American Value Package, all other trims see modest price increases. The 2012 Dodge Journey is on sale now.
Dodge showed up late to the midsize crossover SUV segment, finally entering the marketplace with the Dodge Journey.
Current Dodge Journey The Dodge Journey is offered in five trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, Crew, R/T and Lux. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard, as is front-wheel drive. Many of the upper trim features can be added to supporting trims along with a sunroof, a 50/50-split third-row seat (increasing the passenger count from five to seven), built-in child booster seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.
In reviews, the Dodge Journey earned praise for its flexible seating and smooth ride, but drew fire for the underpowered base four-cylinder engine that lacks any significant fuel savings.
An optional premium audio system adds a 5.8-inch touch-screen display. Standard features include steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, keyless entry, air conditioning, antilock brakes, stability and traction control, tire-pressure monitoring, cruise control and a tilt steering wheel. With the xD, Scion has bucked the trend.
Current Scion xD The Scion xD is a four-door subcompact hatchback that comes in one trim level. Like all Scions, the xD hatchback comes with an extensive standard features list and very few factory options. The standard features include full power accessories, remote keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A navigation system is also available. On the road, the Scion xD's 128-hp engine makes it more satisfying to drive than other cars in the class.
Used Scion xD The current-generation Scion xD debuted for 2008 to replace the xA as the company's entry-level car. Apart from that and audio system upgrades for '10, the xD has been unchanged.
Sept. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Porsche 911s AG unveiled the revamped 88,000-euro ($123,000) 911 sports car today, seeking to stem declining sales of its iconic model and renew the brand's heritage as a maker of two-seat performance vehicles.
Porsche's presentation of the 350-horsepower Porsche 911s highlights a push by German carmakers at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt to showcase models critical to their future growth plans. Volkswagen AG is pressing its case to become the industry's sales leader with a new city car, while Daimler AG kicked off its pursuit of VW's Audi and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG for the luxury-car lead with the start of a small-car line.
Porsche Icon Six-month deliveries of the 911 model declined 13 percent to 10,101 cars as buyers waited for the revamped version. Porsche has sold about 700,000 911s across six generations built since the model's inception in 1963. The 911, which was driven by U.S. actor Steve McQueen in the 1971 movie “Le Mans,” evolved from the Porsche 356, the sports-car maker's first production vehicle designed by Ferry Porsche in 1948. The model came fifth in the 1999 so-called Car of the Century awards.
911 Orders “The Germans are boasting pivotal models there. Mercedes Push
Electric Cars “Frankfurt is our home show, so it's natural” to premiere strategic products, Ian Robertson, BMW sales chief, said in an interview in Berlin Sept. 9. German manufacturers' offerings will attract regular Frankfurt show visitors like Hermann Reichert, a 73-year-old retired engineer who lives in Berlin and calls himself a “car fanatic.” Reichert attended the 1963 show when Porsche introduced the original Porsche 911.
It appears in 350bhp 3.4-litre form in the Carrera, while the Carrera S gets a 3.8-litre version producing 400bhp.
With the PDK semi-automatic gearbox and the optional Sport Chrono Pack (or, more specifically, the Sport Plus feature which is part of it), the Carrera S covers the 0-62mph run in 4.1 seconds.
Pricing for the Carrera starts at £71,449. The Carrera S - which gets 20" alloy wheels,Porsche 911s Active Suspension Management and Porsche Torque Vectoring with a limited slip differential in addition to the more powerful engine - costs from £81,242.
Mitsubishi Outlander has launched a special edition of its premium SUV, the Outlander. Last month, Mitsubishi sold 33 units of the Outlander while on an average, the Japanese automaker has been selling around 44 Outlanders in 2011. A diesel engine is what could revive the sales of the Mitsubishi Outlander and offering such special edition bits won’t matter much. The CR-V has been doing similar numbers at the Mitsubishi Outlander.
The Outlander has four-wheel drive which the Honda lacks Our Mitsubishi Outlander Black Outlander Sport has All-Wheel Control with 2WD/4WD/LOCK modes for when you want to save gas (2WD), when you want to let the vehicle sort out the traction (4WD), and LOCK for when the road gets ugly or disappears under snow. On the geek side, the Outlander Sport uses a smart charging system to charge the battery when coasting or braking. "Sport" in this instance may be what a condescending bigger brother calls his sibling.
This week’s 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander test vehicle may not be the flashiest vehicle on the road, but it gets major kudos for passing pretty much every challenge posed by The Annual Camping Trip." There are three Outlander trim levels available, with my tester being the entry-level ES with four-wheel drive.
Search available options for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander The downside is that the Outlander’s ride quality suffers. The driver and front passenger seats are pretty good (including over extended trips), but road imperfections are even more pronounced in the rock-hard second row seats. The Outlander ES forgoes the XLS trim’s full-time “Super All-Wheel Control” for the non-super “All-Wheel Control”, which is activated manually by the driver via a knob behind the shifter.
Though I don’t have a chance to thoroughly test its abilities, it’s worth noting the vehicle can be changed to “four-wheel drive” and “lock” mode any time those unpredictable situations arise.
Compared to popular models from Honda and Toyota, however, the older Outlander models offered less interior space, and their breathless four-cylinder engines failed to live up to Mitsubishi's sporting image.
Current Mitsubishi Outlander The Outlander is available in four trim levels: ES, SE, XLS and GT. Outlander ES and SE models are powered by a 168-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while the XLS and GT receive a 230-hp 3.0-liter V6. All Outlander trims are available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The Outlander XLS gets a Fuse hands-free link system, a third-row seat, automatic climate control, chrome accents in the cabin and voice-activated Bluetooth phone connectivity. Many options are grouped into packages and include a sunroof, the upgraded audio system, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates, leather upholstery, front seat heaters and a power driver seat. A rear-seat entertainment system is a stand-alone option.
Used Mitsubishi Outlander Models Debuting for 2007, the latest (second-generation) Mitsubishi Outlander introduced a few key attributes that the original lacked, namely V6 power, a third-row seat and additional cargo room. For 2008 Mitsubishi added the SE trim and the current car's four-cylinder engine. The first-generation Outlander was sold from 2003-'06. Throughout the first-generation Outlander's run, both front-wheel-drive and AWD versions were offered.
In addition to the LS and the XLS trims, Mitsubishi added a high-line Outlander Limited trim in 2005, with unique interior and exterior trim enhancements as well as leather seating. Models prior to 2006 reserved those safety features for premium models, making older LS-trim Mitsubishi Outlander less desirable for used car buyers.
Chrysler Recalling Minivans has announced that they will be recalling around three hundred thousand minivans. And unfortunately, it is the same types of minivans that were recalled a while ago for a problem with condensation with the heating and air tubes that are found in the minivan. It is yet another problem with the heating and cooling system. This time it would seem that the heating and cooling problem could trigger the airbags to deploy. So just which minivans are being affected?
Federal safety regulators have opened an investigation into Dodge and Chrysler minivans from the 2005 model year because the headlights can fail without warning.
The agency says more than 1,500 owners have complained to Chrysler or the government. Chrysler also has received complaints of dimming or flickering headlights. NHTSA said it will analyze consumer complaints and Chrysler's technical information.
Chrysler Group, LLC ("Chrysler") is recalling over 300,000 minivans over concerns that their airbags may deploy inadvertently. The recalls include the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Grand Voyager, and Chrysler Town & Country minivans. The recall extends as far as Canada with 50,251 minivans and Mexico with 3,748 minivans. The recalls concern a leak from the air conditioning and heating system that may cause the Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module to fail and deploy the airbags. Chrysler Minivans Have a History of Inadvertent Airbag Deployment This is not the first recall regarding possible inadvertent airbag deployment.
The PT Cruiser's rivals are numerous and vastly more capable.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a five-seat compact wagon that is now offered in only one trim level -- the Classic. The optional Convenience Group adds a six-way power driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat and heated front seats. The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. The only available transmission is a four-speed automatic that drives the front wheels. Fuel economy is a middling 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 21 mpg in combined driving.
Safety Antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags and a low-speed traction control system are standard for the 2010 PT Cruiser. Interior Design and Special Features Those seated in back are afforded a pleasant view thanks to the Cruiser's slightly elevated rear seats, and head- and legroom are plentiful for adult passengers.
Driving Impressions With the previous turbocharged engine no longer available, the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is left with the anemic base power plant and outdated four-speed automatic.
The V8-powered 2010 Chrysler 300C receives standard keyless entry/ignition and rear parking sensors, and all 300 models get standard side curtain airbags; however, front-seat-mounted side airbags are no longer available. If you're looking at V6-powered 300 models, we'd advise cross-shopping front-drive rivals like the Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon, as well as the rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis V6 and any number of V6-powered family sedans.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan available in Touring, Touring Plus, Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series, Limited, 300C, 300S and SRT8 trim levels.
The Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series adds 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, a different suspension, automatic headlamps, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, additional chrome exterior trim, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a touchscreen-operated stereo with a six-CD changer and a 30GB hard drive for digital music storage. The Limited adds automatic high-beams, rain-sensing wipers, remote engine start, walnut interior trim, a six-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system and steering-wheel audio controls. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Touring, Signature and Limited gain a larger fuel tank, a five-speed automatic transmission and upgraded brakes.
The 300S adds 20-inch wheels, performance suspension, tires and steering, sport seats, faux-suede upholstery, an auto-dimming mirror, sport steering wheel, different exterior and interior trim, Bluetooth and a 13-speaker surround-sound system with iPod interface.
The base 2010 Chrysler 300 Touring comes with rear-wheel drive and a 2.7-liter V6 that produces 178 hp and 190 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard. Fuel economy with this engine is 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. The Touring Plus, Signature and Limited trim levels come standard with rear-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 good for 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is optional. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the rear-wheel-drive 3.5-liter 300 sedans, while a five-speed automatic with manual shift control comes with the all-wheel-drive 300. Fuel economy is 13/19/15 mpg. Side curtain airbags are standard, but front seat side airbags are unavailable for 2010 Chrysler 300.
The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country receives a restyled exterior and a greatly improved cabin. The Swivel 'n Go seating option has been dropped.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country minivan is offered in three trim levels: Touring, Touring-L and Limited. Inside you'll find air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, a power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, Stow 'n Go second-row seats, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, full power accessories (including second-row power windows and third-row power vents), a conversation mirror, a back-up camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 115-volt AC power outlet, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a six-speaker CD sound system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and digital music storage.
Moving up to the Touring-L model gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming side mirrors, remote ignition, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats and second- and third-row window shades. Other major options include a sunroof, a power-folding third-row seat, second- and third-row window shades, Bluetooth, Sirius Travel Link satellite data service, a rear-seat DVD entertainment center with dual video screens and Sirius Backseat TV.
The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts out 283 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country comes with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, full-length side curtain airbags, front seat side-impact airbags and a driver knee airbag. For 2011, the Chrysler Town & Country's interior gets a major makeover. With all three rows of seats in use, the Town & Country offers a healthy 33 cubic feet of cargo room.
Driving Impressions The multiple mechanical changes make the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country a contender.
Until Pontiac bit the dust in the wake of GM's 2009 bankruptcy fiasco, the Pontiac G6 was the company's go-to midsize car. In a constant battle to steal sales from the class favorites, the G6 offered unusually tactful styling by Pontiac standards, solid performance from its V6 engines and the availability of a four-seat retractable-hardtop convertible body style. Volume-selling models were the five-passenger sedan and four-passenger coupe.
Most Recent Pontiac G6 Coupes were either GTs or GTP/GXPs, convertibles GT only. The GXP topped the range with items like sporty exterior styling tweaks and automatic climate control.
At the time of Pontiac's demise, the Pontiac G6's engine lineup included a base 2.4-liter four (164 horsepower), a 3.5-liter V6 (219 hp), a 3.9-liter V6 available on the convertible only (222 hp) and the GXP's 3.6-liter V6 (252 hp).
The dealer was kind enough to permit me to take the vehicle home Saturday night to Monday morning. I was mainly interested in seeing how the seats felt over a longer drive than the dealer test drive permits, what the dash lights were like at night, and the night time visibility.
I have always liked GM interiors and driven GM cars since 1981 including a Cadillac Sedan de Ville, a Buick Le Sabre Limited with a "T" package, a Firebird with a small underpowered 2.8 V6 and five speed which my wife drove for 12 years and loved, a Bonneville which was nice and dependable, a Montana van, and an optioned up base Malibu. I walked from that vehicle at the end of the lease term.
Options on the vehicle included a rear spoiler (handy for opening the trunk), a sunroof, something I have always wanted but never had in a car, anti-lock brakes. Price, terms and comfort were the biggest issues followed by style, dependability and gas mileage. All a test drive tells you is comfort for a short trip, ergonomics and handling within reason. The sunroof is cool though and the air conditioning works well. Very cool.
The heavy makeover includes updated exterior styling, a vastly improved passenger cabin, a new 3.6-liter V6 engine and retuned suspension and steering.
Introduction In place of the Sebring's low-budget rental car cabin is a nicer interior with high-quality materials that shame other sedans in this class.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Chrysler 200 is offered as a midsize sedan and convertible. Both are offered in four trim levels.
The entry-level LX model comes equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, a four-speed automatic transmission, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
The Touring model adds some desirable extras including 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speed automatic, automatic headlights, a power driver seat, automatic climate control, a trip computer, upgraded interior lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. For the 200 convertible, Chrysler offers either a conventional power-operated soft top or a retractable steel hardtop. The front-wheel-drive 2011 Chrysler 200 offers a choice of two engines. A key to performance is the six-speed automatic transmission, which is standard across the line aide from the entry-level LX, which has a four-speed automatic.
Safety The 2011 Chrysler 200 comes with a long list of standard safety features including stability and traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
The convertible also scored "Good" in the frontal-offset and side impact tests (no roof strength test was done).
Interior Design and Special Features The sedan's 13.6-cubic-foot trunk is also a little on the small side.
Sometimes you need the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe. The 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV available in three trims: LS, LT and LTZ. The LS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, dual-zone manual climate control, rear air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat with six-way power driver adjustment, a 60/40-split second-row seat and a 50/50 folding and removable third-row seat. The Interior Plus package adds tri-zone automatic climate control, six-way power front bucket seats with a front center console, rear seat audio controls, Bluetooth, interior wood trim and additional body-colored exterior trim pieces. The Luxury Package adds power-folding exterior mirrors, a power liftgate, eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions, heated front and rear seats, and a second-row power release function. Second-row bucket seats are also optional for the Tahoe LT.
The Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package available on all trims adds a sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system and the navigation system with rearview camera. The 2010 Chevy Tahoe comes with only one engine, a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 320 hp and 335 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, while rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive models are available. In performance testing, a 4WD Tahoe LT went from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined regardless of 2WD or 4WD. Properly equipped, a 4WD Tahoe can tow up to 8,200 pounds.
Every 2010 Tahoe comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the Tahoe received a perfect five stars for frontal crash protection. The Taho
For the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban, the 2LT trim level is dropped, reducing the trims to simply LS, LT and LTZ.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chevrolet Suburban full-size SUV is available in 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 models, each available in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The LS comes standard with 17-inch wheels, side assist steps, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, a power driver seat, full power accessories, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, dual-zone climate control, rear-seat air-conditioning and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player, auxiliary audio/USB jacks and satellite radio.
The Suburban LTZ gets 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, the Autoride rear air suspension, premium leather upholstery, upgraded heated and cooled front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding second-row seats with heat and an upgraded 10-speaker Bose surround-sound
system. Chevrolet offers two engine choices for the 2010 Chevrolet Suburba. Properly equipped, the Suburban 2500 can tow up to 9,600 pounds.
Combined fuel economy for the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban ranges from about 14 mpg combined to 16 mpg combined, depending on the model and the engine. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on all Suburbans, as are stability control, GM's OnStar emergency communications system, front-seat side airbags and a three-row side curtain airbag system with a rollover sensor. Although the Suburban's second row is available with a power-folding feature, the third-row seats must be removed manually to optimize cargo space.
For 2010, the Chevy Malibu gets minor changes. Most notably, the six-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all but the base LS model, thereby helping to improve fuel economy. There's also standard driver power-adjustable lumbar on all models and E85 fuel compatibility for the 2.4-liter engine.
For 2010, Chevy expanded the availability of the Malibu's six-speed automatic transmission to all trims except the base LS, providing improved performance and fuel economy.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is a five-passenger, four-door sedan available in four trim levels: LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ. The 1LT adds color-keyed side mirrors and moldings, a six-speed transmission and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The 2LT adds 17-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, Bluetooth, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote engine start, premium faux-suede and vinyl upholstery, heated front seats, a six-way power driver seat (manual back adjustment) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Rear Power package adds a 110-volt AC outlet and manual rear sunshade.
Every Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 169 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque. In performance testing, a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LS went from zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds, which is on the slow side for this class. A six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is standard. Fuel economy stands at 17/26/20.
Safety Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Strangely, a four-cylinder 2010 Chevrolet Malibu with different 17-inch tires we tested provided a much different result -- a disappointing 140 feet. In government crash tests, the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu scored a perfect five stars in all frontal and side crash categories.
Driving Impressions The cabin is impressively hushed at highway speeds, and seat comfort and support are superb, making the Malibu ideal for long trips.
The performance-oriented SS model has been dropped from the 2010 Chevy Impala's lineup. The Impala, which carries over largely unchanged for the 2010 model year, remains a solid large family sedan.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options For 2010, the Chevy Impala is offered in three basic trim levels including the LS base model, midrange LT and top-of-the-line LTZ. Entry-level LS models come standard with 16-inch steel wheels, dual-zone air-conditioning, front bucket seats with a six-way power driver seat, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, OnStar and a six-speaker CD audio system (with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input jack). Interior goodies include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and a premium Bose eight-speaker audio system.
Powertrains and Performance The 2010 Chevrolet Impala is offered with your choice of two different powertrains. The 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 18 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, while the 3.9-liter engine numbers drop to 17 city/27 highway and 21 mpg combined.
Safety The Impala's list of standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control, side-impact airbags for front seat occupants and side curtain airbags that cover both rows. In government crash testing, the Impala earned the highest possible five-star rating in frontal crash tests; for the side-impact tests, it emerged with five stars for front passengers and four stars for rear seat occupants.
Interior Design and Special Features The interior of the 2010 Chevrolet Impala is a microcosm of all that's right and wrong with this full-size sedan.
Driving Impressions When it comes to driving the 2010 Chevrolet Impala, the "competent but uninspiring" trend continues.
While today's minivans offer levels of comfort and performance on par with sedans, the Chevrolet Astro was a minivan from a different era. Compared to front-wheel-drive, car-based minivans, the Chevy Astro was a true workhorse with considerable towing and hauling capabilities.
Chevrolet did offer the Astro van with an all-wheel-drive system, which made it one of the handful of vans, mini or otherwise, capable of tracking confidently through snow and ice.
Most Recent Chevrolet Astro A 4.3-liter V6 was standard on all Chevrolet Astro passenger vans. Early vans were exclusively rear-wheel drive; Chevrolet added the option of all-wheel drive in 1990. From 1995 onward, Chevrolet sold only the extended-length Astro. Options included rear air-conditioning, leather upholstery, second-row bucket seats (reducing seating capacity to seven), upgraded stereos, towing preparation and a locking rear differential.
Four-wheel antilock brakes were made standard on Astro passenger vans in 1990. A 1995 face-lift gave the Astro a fresher exterior look. Speed-sensitive power steering was added to ease parking in 1997, and in 1999, Chevrolet adopted a new all-wheel-drive system that sent power to the front wheels only when the rear wheels began to slip -- thus improving fuel economy.
The extensively redone 2010 Mercury Milan boasts improved fuel economy on four-cylinder models, a standard six-speed automatic transmission, more power, refreshed exterior and interior styling, and additional features content.
Well, the 2010 mercury milan offers a competitive 175-horsepower four-cylinder base engine and a juiced-up 240-hp version of the familiar 3.0-liter V6. If you want a sportier version of the Milan, the Fusion Sport has a larger engine and a sport-tuned suspension. The 2010 Mercury Milan is a midsize sedan available in base or Premier trim. The Premier adds 17-inch alloys, automatic headlights, foglamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, power heated front seats, leather upholstery, unique interior trim and the Sync entertainment and communications interface.
Options on the base Milan include many of the Premier's standard features plus a sunroof and reverse parking sensors. Additional options on the Premier include a 12-speaker Sony sound system, a blind-spot warning system, a back-up camera, a rear deck spoiler, a 12-speaker Sony sound system with a six-CD changer, and a voice-activated hard-drive-based navigation system and Sirius Travel Link (includes real-time traffic and weather information). The 2010 Mercury Milan is powered by either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter flex-fuel V6. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive can be specified on the V6-powered Premier.
Fuel economy ratings for the four-cylinder Milan with the automatic transmission are an impressive 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway.
Interior Design and Special Features The 2010 Mercury Milan's cabin will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in the previous Milan, but that's not a bad thing. There's plenty of room for passengers in the Milan.
Driving Impressions The 2010 Mercury Milan is one of the most engaging family sedans from the driver seat.
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro rocks. Impressively, the new Chevy Camaro is an excellent performance-car value whether it's equipped with the base direct-injected V6 or the optional V8. The Camaro handles smartly, too, with even the base car surpassing the rarefied 68 mph mark on our slalom course.
The base direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 is the same sophisticated engine that's an extra-cost option on the Cadillac CTS luxury sedan, while the 6.2-liter V8 in the manual-transmission Camaro SS is essentially borrowed from the base Corvette (automatic SS models get a slightly less powerful V8 variant). In the final analysis, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is a car that's no-excuses good. The wait is over; the Camaro is here.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro performance coupe is available in five trim levels: base LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS and 2SS. The 2LT adds 19-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, auto-dimming functionality for the driver-side and interior mirrors, additional auxiliary gauges, remote engine start (automatic transmission only), leather upholstery, heated power front seats and a Boston Acoustics sound system with steering-wheel-mounted controls, a USB audio interface and Bluetooth.
Upgrades include SS-specific exterior and interior styling cues, 20-inch aluminum wheels and Brembo brakes. The 2SS unites the 1SS's sporty styling touches and performance hardware with the 2LT's full list of standard equipment.
Powertrains and Performance The rear-wheel-drive 2010 Chevy Camaro is powered by either a 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 (LS, 1LT, 2LT) or a 6.2-liter V8 (1SS, 2SS). Camaro V8s with the automatic have slightly less power (400 hp, 410 lb-ft) but come with a cylinder-deactivation feature for enhanced fuel economy.
Safety Muscle cars have traditionally had bland interiors (a trend that continues with the Camaro's Ford and Dodge competition), but the Camaro laudably mixes retro touches like square gauge hoods and the available four-pack of auxiliary gauges with common-sense modern ergonomics.
Other upgrades include an SRT-tuned adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, forged 20-inch wheels, steering wheel paddle shifters and special bodywork.
The 2012 Grand Cherokee, which goes on sale next month, will reportedly benefit from a $3,220 price decrease versus the 2011 model. For example, the 2011Grand Cherokee Laredo came standard with an eight-way power seat, whereas the 2012 model does not. Elsewhere in the Chrysler lineup, the 2012 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200 receive price decreases of $250, and the 2012 Dodge Journey costs a substantial $1,450 less than the 2011 model.
The 5.7-liter V8 model now comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that replaces the old five-speed. The model equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 will now come with electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering.
The updated model can now report both efficiency and power increases, while the base price for the Wrangler remains $22,045.
We’re not big fans of MyFord Touch, Ford’s touch-screen interface for the climate, stereo, phone and navigation systems, but Ford’s nav system is more modern and useful.
Fuel economy favors the Explorer. The four-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee’s ratings are 16/22 mpg with the standard V-6 and 13/19 mpg with the optional V-8.
