Car Prices Blogs - June, 2010

2010 J.D Power Top 3 Picks

June 21st, 2010

After rolling spring sales, inventories of 2010 cars are withdrawing, along with some of the sweets offers. Edmunds.com thinks nevertheless, that a few models will still have lower prices between now and summer’s end. Three of them are also on the list of winners in the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, released on June 17th: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan and two SUVs: Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade.

Among individual models, Power named the top three in 20 groups. MoneyWatch reduced further those lists to come up with the best-made models you can probably get good deals during the following months.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Going ahead in the entry-level luxury group in Power’s quality survey, the C-Class proudly shows the eye-catching shaping Mercedes has been known for in past years. Match that with top safety evaluations and a relaxed driving experience and you’ve got a first-rate luxury sedan.

Chevrolet Tahoe: For some of us who drag trailers or boats, Tahoe has long been an optimal pick. Americans also like its seating for up to nine and off-road abilities. Yet Tahoe may be too large for some SUV consumers, drivers used to the size find its handling lively.

Cadillac Escalade: A favorite of sportsmen and hip-hop stars, the Escalade is top-ranked not only by Power but by american surveyed by U.S New which remarked on its stylish, eight-seat interior, coupled with the ability to haul heavy loads. It is expected added price cuts with the Escalade Hybrid whose 21 mpg rating in city driving, 22 highway is about 50% better than the standard engine.

2010 Toyota Compare New Car Models

June 17th, 2010

Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan’s #1 carmaker, has traditionally offered some of the most trustworthy vehicles existing. Recall issues at this time weigh up heavily on customer’s observances and Toyota is occupied to efficiently resolve the problems. For the 2010 model year, Toyota bids on seven cars in a variety of sizes. Vehix gives us a summary of things you should be aware of at the time of picking up a new car when speaking of Toyota.

2010 Toyota Avalon: Basically a carryover from 2009. 2010 model only offers one new color.

2010 Toyota Camry: The record breaking Camry gets a host of enhancements including upgraded engines, new wheels, audio and Bluetooth updates, standard traction and stability control.

2010 Toyota Corolla: Basically a carryover from 2009. 2010 model has new standard traction and stability control.

2010 Toyota Matrix: Basically a carryover from 2009. 2010 model has new standard traction and stability control.

2010 Toyota Prius: All-new for 2010, the Prius is much more spacious yet more efficient than its forerunner.

2010 Toyota Venza: Basically a carryover from 2009. 2010 model has new audio USB port, iPod adapter and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

2010 Toyota Yaris: Basically a carryover from 2009. 2010 model has new standard traction and stability control.

Fuel Efficiency and Car Noises

June 1st, 2010

At the time of thinking how to improve fuel efficiency we go thinking for motor size reduction, alternative fuels or electricity but it does not normally come to our minds noise cancelling technologies. While the noises that a car makes do not have to do directly with fuel efficiency they are important because often times it is a determinant factor to know if a certain powertrain solution is acceptable to driver and passengers. Sam Abuelsamid from AutoBlog tells us new ways to improve developments without making too much noise.

Companies among BMW, Honda or GM are actively developing ways to control noise at the source in order to make room for powertrain improvements. A good sample is the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox: GM incorporated active noise cancellation so it could let the engine to spend more time running at lesser speeds where the engine tends to make more of a low booming sound. Without the noise cancellation technology, the noise would turn off drivers.

BMW has been carefully after structures of engine blocks or bays. The application of ribs and tuning of structural shapes had made lighter structures without the risk of excessive vibration helped by special insulation materials.

All of these aspects show into making more efficient vehicles that are attractive to consumers. After all, if consumers don’t want to buy a vehicle for reasons that have nothing to do with function, all of the efficiency rewards they might offer will be left stuck in ‘park.’