Automotive News and Opinion from ReviewCars.com

2009 in Review

Fri, 01 Jan 2010

The automotive industry's recovery is now closely dependent on the overall employment level. Thus the recovery may be slow and painful. Though, almost unanimous voice in the automotive industry seems to be, "good riddance, 2009"!

Most Researched Cars in December, 2009

Fri, 01 Jan 2010

Families, that delayed purchasing a new vehicle due to economic uncertainties, have started researching actively. Most of the top ten vehicles can carry more than four passengers and have above average fuel economy, which seem to be two of the top criteria for family car buyers these days.

Most Researched Cars in November, 2009

Wed, 02 Dec 2009

Volvo XC60 is the surprise winner on this list. Ford Fusion also received a boost from winning Motor Trend's Car of the Year award.

The Next Ideal Family Vehicle

Tue, 17 Nov 2009

Minivan? SUV? Crossover? Wagon? Hatchback? Perhaps this era of heterogeneity is preventing the society to have a definable family vehicle.

Most Researched Cars in October, 2009

Sun, 01 Nov 2009

GM's "money back guarantee" promotion seems to be having some impact. Four GM vehicles made the top ten Most Researched list in October.

Nissan LEAF - Taking Reservations

Thu, 01 Oct 2009

Nissan announced it will begin taking reservations for LEAF in spring 2010. Nearly 22,000 people in North America have contacted Nissan since the company unveiled the car in August.

Most Researched Cars in September, 2009

Thu, 01 Oct 2009

Chevrolet Equinox, both the 2009 and 2010 models, made the top 5 list. GMC Terrain, which was just launched, seems to be a runaway hit so far.

Odyssey vs. Odyssey

Thu, 20 Aug 2009

Honda is now selling the fourth generation Odyssey in Japan, and is planning to introduce the fourth generation Odyssey for the North American market in 2010. The new Japanese version is about 25% smaller in volume than the current American version, uses I4 instead of V6, and is considerably more fuel efficient.

Volt's 230 MPG - Is That Good?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009

If the cost equilibrium is calculated based solely on purchase price and fuel costs, it would take 23 to 35 years for the Volt buyer to make up the price difference between Volt and Prius.

Cash for Clunkers (CARS) Keeps Going

Fri, 31 Jul 2009

No government intervention is perfect. Amid the throngs of different government programs, however, the CARS program seems to have the most positive bang for the buck that the world has seen recently.

New Parent for Porsche

Sun, 19 Jul 2009

Volkswagen is to buy Porsche AG for 8 billion euros.

Auto Czar Leaving

Tue, 14 Jul 2009

Steven Rattner is stepping down from his Auto Czar post. In mere five months, Mr. Rattner helped achieve something many thought improbable. Two major manufacturing companies, GM and Chrysler, went in and out of bankruptcy, blazingly fast.

Chrysler and GM: Worst Case Scenario Averted

Thu, 05 Jun 2009

A regulatory framework that prevents the automotive industry from becoming another interdependent behemoth could be a wise long-term solution.

President Obama and Mulally in CAFE Together

Tue, 19 May 2009

President Obama actually promoted a Ford hybrid. He said he still has one parked at his Chicago home. "Check one out," he said. And Mulally made a two-fisted pumping of, "yes!" Being the only one fiscally viable, Ford probably deserved such Presidential promotion.

I'm Going to Miss Pontiac

Sun, 26 Apr 2009

Pontiac may no longer be. A car brand that has been around since 1926, Pontiac may fall a victim of GM's latest crisis.

GM and Chrysler - Last Remaining Option?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009

Unless certain conditions change dramatically, bankruptcy seems to remain the last viable option for GM and Chrysler.

Mr. President, Stir Our Blood with Your Energy Plan

Wed, 22 Apr 2009

For most folks, the carbon cap-and-trade policy is as foreign as textile trade quotas imposed by WTO.

GM's CEO

Tue, 16 Dec 2008

Several years ago, when a minor shakeup in the automotive industry worldwide was underway, Carlos Ghosn and Rick Wagoner were both invited to speak at the Automotive World Congress in Detroit.

Tax Payers May Have to Save GM

Mon, 10 Nov 2008

Deutch Bank announced today that they expect GM's stock price to hit $0. This notion has been around for almost a decade. It has been a common saying among the automotive analysts that GM and Ford's captive financing arms were the profit centers, and other manufacturing and marketing arms had negative valuations.

Time to Buy a Car?

Wed, 05 Nov 2008

As everyone in the industry expected, car sales in October fell again. Compared to last year, new light vehicle sales fell over 30%. The industry sales declined for the past 12 months.

Marriage of GM and Chrysler

Fri, 31 Oct 2008

GM and Chrysler may merge, but will that help?

Trickling Down Credit

Thu, 30 Oct 2008

It looks like the term "trickle down" is much more appropriate for describing a frozen credit market thawing rather than a lackluster economy improving.

Financing Incentives on Toyota and GM Certified

Mon, 06 Oct 2008

After September's 30% sales decline, Toyota is now offering 0% financing on 11 models: Corolla, Matrix, Camry, Sienna, 4Runner, RAV4, Sequoia, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, Tacoma and Tundra. Financing terms vary from 30 to 60 months, depending on the model. The incentive is currently scheduled to end on November 3.

September Car Sales Nosedive

Wed, 01 Oct 2008

September's new light vehicle sales declined over 25% compared to last year.

Small is Good: BMW X1 Concept

Wed, 01 Oct 2008

BMW unveiled a new concept SUV today. X1 is the name, and it faithfully follows BMW's vehicle lineup scheme. X1 is the smallest sibling of X3 and X5.

"Top Safety Pick" by Insurance Institute

Tue, 30 Sep 2008

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), not to be confused with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), added eleven more vehicles to their "Top Safety Pick" list.