Kia now ranks in the top ten of all automakers on the J. D. Power quality rating scale, ahead of Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. That's quite an accomplishment, considering that when the first Kia cars arrived in North America twenty years ago, they were as reliable and well designed as the Yugo. That’s just one of the recent awards for Kia, which also has been rated as the best value brand by KBB, … [Read more...]
5 best 2014 green cars
There are plenty of fuel efficient green cars on the road. But which one is the best? The five models up for the title of 2014 Green Car of the Year award from the magazine Green Car Journal include something for everyone, including clean diesel, high efficiency gasoline, and hybrid/plug-in hybrid power featured in mainstream, sporty, and executive models. The winner will be announced at the … [Read more...]
Best 2013 cars manufactured in USA
The new Cadillac ATS performance sedan has been named "Best of the Year" 2013 car by MotorWeek, the longest running automotive series on television. This award includes only vehicles made in America, on assembly lines operated both by Detroit based manufacturers and foreign companies including Toyota/Lexus, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan/Infiniti, which have been building cars and trucks … [Read more...]
Green cars rule the 2012 LA Auto Show
There are nearly 50 world or North American debuts of new cars at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. More than half are fuel efficient, eco-friendly green cars. It's tough to choose the most important new car, but my vote goes to the BMW i8 Spyder Concept electric -- pictured here -- and the Volvo plug-in diesel hybrid. The BMW i8 Spyder Concept is a gorgeous plug-0n electric roadster … [Read more...]
Best cars under $25,000: 2012 Honda Civic
Nearly nine million US customers have purchased a Honda Civic since it was launched as a 1973 model, making it one of the most popular vehicles in recent history, for its affordable price, dependable handling, and gas-sipping fuel efficiency that earned it the "Green Car of the Year" award at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, although that was for the top-rated GX natural gas model. There's also a … [Read more...]
VW factory is world’s first LEED green certified, in Chattanooga
Volkswagen is known for manufacturing fuel efficient cars, like the VW Passat, so it makes sense that VW builds them in an energy efficient factory. VW's new $1 Billion manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is the world's first and only LEED certified green auto manufacturing plant. Volkswagen saves both money and the environment with this green design, which is a model for … [Read more...]
More than 50 new vehicle intros at 2011 LA Auto Show
The upcoming 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show is the biggest in years, with more than 50 North American and world debuts of new cars, SUVs and trucks. The intros show that the auto industry continues to be a surprise bright spot in the overall economy. Green cars, including electric cars, diesel cars and extended range hybrids are the big news, along with improved performance and design and … [Read more...]
Best 2012 cars under $20,000: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is an icon, a bargain, and fuel efficient,too. The redesigned third generation of the classic "people's car" will start at just $18,995, for a stylish, sporty, four-passenger car that's fun to drive , and loaded with what I call creature features. The 2.5 liter base model has a 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine that cranks out 10 percent better fuel economy … [Read more...]
Fuel efficient diesel vehicles are alternative to hybrids and electric cars
With gas prices approaching $4 a gallon in many states, interest and demand is increasing for fuel-efficient diesel vehicles, including certified pre-owned models from diesel leaders Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Volkswagen. The Mercedes E350 Bluetec has the highest demand among diesel vehicles on LeaseTrader.com, with search demand up 6.4 percent compared with January 2011. For domestic … [Read more...]
Best 2011 Cars Under $20,000: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
Simply, the 2011 VW Jetta is great car. This is a family-friendly, budget-friendly sedan that does double duty as a peformance sedan. This all-new, redesigned model is precision German engineering and safety features, lots of cabin and cargo space, and what I call 'creature features'. Combine that with fuel economy of up to 42 mpg highway, depending on engine, at an astounding base price of … [Read more...]