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Vehicle Class Buying Guides

2010-05-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

Consumer Guide Automotive's singular focus is to make car shopping easier. We do that by offering comprehensive reviews of over 1,000 new and used vehicles, detailed pricing, safety information, and expert buying advice. Still, scanning through hundreds of reviews, sorting out option packages, and haggling for the best price is a daunting task for even the most diligent buyer.

That's why our vehicle class buying guides will give you a concentrated dose of car shopping advice specific to whatever vehicle class you're shopping for.

Each guide tackles a different vehicle class, explains the pros and cons of owning a vehicle in this particular class, points out features to look for, and suggests things to avoid. The "Consumer Guide to" guides make it easy for the shopper who knows what type of car they want and needs help selecting two or three they want to test drive.

In addition, the "Consumer Guide to" series helps a buyer focus on the type of vehicle that's right for their needs. Many consumers cross-shop between classes, and our class buying guides help consumers remain focused on the right vehicles.
The Consumer Guide to 2010 Alternative-Fuel Vehicles
chevy volt
Electric Vehicles
We take a look at the traffic-ready electric vehicles you can buy right now or in the near future. The vehicles covered here aren't exotically priced and go faster than 25 mph.

hybrid

Hybrid Vehicles
In the market for better fuel economy? The Consumer Guide to 2010 Hybrid Vehicles breaks down all of your gas-electric hybrid vehicle choices on sale this year.

2009 buying guide

E85 Flex-Fuel Vehicles
New-car buyers can select from among 36 2010 models that can run on E85, a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Choices include cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.
2009 buying guide
Diesel Vehicles
Dirty diesel is a thing of the past. Check out which automakers offer clean diesel models for 2010.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 Cars

2009 buying guide

Subcompact Cars
Subcompact cars have enjoyed a popularity surge over the past two years, thanks in part to steep fuel prices and heightening environmental concerns. These vehicles are some of the most fuel-efficient and affordable cars on the market.

2009 buying guide

Compact Cars
Compact cars make sense for many people because they offer so much for so little. Our buying guide will help you navigate through this crowded class.

2009 buying guide

Premium-Compact Cars
The premium-compact-car segment is one of the hottest, most competitive classes. Use our buying guide to research your options.

2009 buying guide

Midsize Cars
For a blend of passenger and cargo space, affordability, fuel economy, and variety, no other single vehicle comes close to matching the midsize car.

2009 buying guide

Premium-Midsize Cars
These upscale machines come replete with posh, leather-appointed interiors, heated seats, superb stereo systems, and lots of technological gadgetry.

2010 Buick LaCrosse

Large Cars
As a class, this seemingly traditional gathering of sedans appears misleadingly dull. With available all-wheel drive and V8 engines with over 400 horsepower, this segment is as compelling as ever.

2009 buying guide

Premium-Large Cars
If you're lucky enough to afford one of these cars, you'll be treated to a powerful, luxurious, and comfortable vehicle. Here's an overview of the 2010 premium-large-car lineup.

2009 buying guide

Sporty/Performance Cars
Consumer Guide's sporty/performance-car class probably contains the most diverse variety of vehicles: Performance hatchbacks, drop tops, and muscular coupes.

2009 buying guide

Premium-Sporty/Performance Cars
The cars that Consumer Guide classifies as premium-sporty/performance are at the top of the mountain when it comes to acceleration, handling response, and of course, price.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 SUVs

2010 Hyundai Tucson

Compact SUVs
Looking for a vehicle that's small on fuel consumption but large on utility? Check out a compact SUV. Our buying guide breaks down what's offered in this class.

2009 buying guide

Premium-Compact SUVs
This class may be small in numbers now, but it is poised to explode during the next few years. Interested in luxury and utility in a tidy package? Check out this buying guide.

2009 buying guide

Midsize SUVs
Consumer Guide classifies 29 vehicles as midsize SUVs. Our buying guide will help you find the right one.

2009 buying guide

Premium-Midsize SUVs
Consumer Guide classifies 18 different models as premium-midsize SUVs. Use our buying guide to compare them all.

2010 Chevrolet Tahoe

Large SUVs
Consumer Guide's large-SUV class is made up of six vehicles. Whichever model you choose, all large SUVs are designed for maximum cargo and passenger versatility.

2009 buying guide

Premium-Large SUVs
Consumer Guide puts eight vehicles in this class. All players in this category appeal to well-heeled shoppers who want and need more than what any coupe, sedan, or smaller SUV has to offer.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 Pickups

2009 buying guide

Compact Pickups
In the market for a small pickup? Consumer Guide classifies 9 vehicles as compact-pickup trucks. Use our buying guide to check them all out.

2009 buying guide

Large Pickups
The two top-selling vehicles in the nation are both full-size pickups. Are you in the market? Check out all your options with our buying guide.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 Minivans

2009 buying guide

Minivans
Though the minivan might seem like an endangered species, there are still a handful of model-year 2010 vans that haven't yet succumbed to extinction.

The naughty Mini

2010-04-24T00:55:00.000-07:00

The naughty Mini – Click above to watch video after the jump

Volvo may be trying to convince the world that the new S60 has a naughty streak, but it's nothing compared to Mini's kinky side. The company is running an ad campaign in Hamburg, Germany under the slogan "A good Mini takes you to heaven. A bad Mini takes you everywhere," and has put up a massive billboard, complete with an S&M whip dangling over the rear of a Cooper.

That would already be enough to stir puritanical parent groups here in the States into a tizzy, but it gets better. Mini put out a secret five-digit number and code word. Anyone on the street can text the phrase to the number, and the Cooper gets disciplined via the automated whip. Yes, it even makes very whip-like sounds and honks its horn in agony/ecstasy. Hit the jump to see for yourself, just don't forget the safe word.

2010 Bentley Continental Super Sport

2010-03-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

In this article
1.Comments from the parking lot: 2010 Bentley Continental Super Sport
2.2010 Bentley Continental Super Sports Photos
3.All parking tickets articles

2010 Bentley Continental Super Sport
We have 300 miles Remember the driving seat of the Bentley fastest and best car, the 2010 Continental Super Sport.
Model: 2010 Bentley Continental Super Sport, 621 hp turbo engine 6.0-liter W12 and 6-speed automatic

Base price: $ 267,000

Options: Rear, Gas-guzzler taxes, the objective

Tested Price: $ 273.515

Total Miles Tested: 299 miles

Fuel Economy: 12.3 mpg

Guest Editors'
Call Tom: I think it's praise of the car, when I say that the price of insult. The seemingly impossible combination of Bentley luxury and non-graphics performance is now mixed with seamless finesse. Compared to the Continental GT, enter the sport super cold comfort, but also comfortable and a little road noise. In this car blew back through the legal barriers with astonishing ease and speed smoothly. So what you need for about 300,000 U.S. dollars? About $ 300,000 worth of world-class engineering and a hell of a cool car.

Auto leasing making a comeback

2010-03-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

Auto leasing is showing signs of making a comeback after bottoming out over the last 18 months.

Earlier this decade -- when U.S. auto sales regularly topped 16 million units a year -- leasing accounted for as much as 30 percent of the market in some months. As recently as the first quarter of 2008 -- before the worst of the latest recession hit -- auto leasing represented 22 percent of the market, according to the Power Information Network, or PIN.

Today, U.S. auto sales are barely topping 10 million units a year -- the lowest per capita since World War II -- and PIN data show auto leasing fell to a low of about 10 percent of U.S. retail auto sales in the third quarter of 2009.

But the latest data show car leasing rebounded to about 16 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009.
What happened?
In a lease, the customer, in effect, borrows the difference between the price of the car and the finance company's estimate of how much the car will be worth at the end of the lease -- the residual value.

At lease end, the customer can buy the car but the vast majority turns them back in to the auto finance company, which then auctions them off to auto dealers. If the car is worth less than the finance company thought it would be, the lender loses money.

When U.S. gas prices spiked at more than $4 per gallon in the summer of 2008, demand for new cars and trucks fell, credit dried up and used car values fell -- especially for gas-guzzling trucks. Companies financing leases lost billions of dollars. Chrysler Financial quit leasing entirely and for a time, GMAC all but abandoned leasing, too.
Leasing still an option
Leasing is an especially important selling tool for luxury import brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW and, to an extent, for domestic brands Cadillac and Lincoln. Leasing lowers your monthly payment.

Leasing higher-end models is still easy and while it's unlikely to regain the popularity it enjoyed before 2008, leasing more moderate-priced models appears to have bottomed and is on a mild upswing.

Jack Ferry, a spokesman for Mercedes-Benz Financial, says his company stuck with leasing, and Margaret Mellott, a Ford Credit spokeswoman, says, "Ford Credit has continued to make leasing available throughout the recession, unlike some other finance providers."
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Tom Henderson, a GM spokesman, says GM expects to rebuild leasing to about 10 percent of U.S. sales. Leasing is expected to be higher for some models and for the Cadillac brand, he says. Before 2008 leasing typically accounted for 20 percent to 25 percent of GM's U.S. sales.

Here are quick profiles of the Big Three domestic automakers' recent history with regard to auto leases.

New Chevrolet Beat

2010-03-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

New Chevrolet Beat

Quick Take
* Fuel Economy	17 / 20 km/l city/highway
Available Engines	1.2L I-4 engine, 79 bhp, Petrol
Available Transmissions	5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Pros

Cons

Fuel-efficient
Chic exterior
Value for money

Innovative Rear door handle
Funky Instrument console
Climate control first in its class

Rear Window limits rear visibility

Overview

The Chevrolet Beat debuted as a concept car at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. The root of this compact car can be traced all the away back to the Daewoo Matiz. General Motors reintroduced the Matiz as the Beat in 2007 when this car giant bought the dying Korean car company. The Beat was designed to appeal to young car buyers in urban markets, infusing the energy, diversity and excitement of urban life into a car that would deliver good-looking fun, fuel economy and value.

After the success of the Chevrolet Cruze in India, General Motors has unleashed the Beat to beat the heat of the Maruti Suzuki Ritz, Fiat Grande Punto and Hyundai i10. The commercial production of the five-door Chevrolet Beat started from December 15 2009 in Halol, India. General Motors is bringing this car to India before other markets in the world as this car is very important for the company for make a mark in the small car segment.

The Beat comes in 3 variants: PS, LS and LT.

Powertrain & Performance

All the 3 variants of the Chevrolet Beat comes with a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine which is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This gearbox provides crisp shifting of gears. The top three gears are quite short which makes highway overtaking easy and even with a full load the Beat doesn't feel sluggish. The short fifth gear makes the drive wonderfully refined.

The 1.2-litre engine is incredibly refined as low revs and has a perky throttle response, which is useful in stop-and-go-traffic. The engine can give a power output of 79 bhp at 6200 rpm and a torque of 108 Nm at 4400 rpm. The Beat is eco-friendly as it has an average fuel economy of 18.6 km/l. The S-TEC II engine employs PDA (Port De-Activation) system which "ensures high exhaust gas recirculation, resulting in combustion stability at low speeds and optimal performance at high speeds together with improved fuel efficiency." The PDA system also reduces carbon emissions.

Build & Styling

The build of the Chevrolet Beat sets it apart from any other car in its segment. Adopting the body-frame integral (BFI) system, the upper body structure and frame are engineered as a single unit, resulting in better feel of the road along with a heightened sense of firmness and stability. A McPherson strut front suspension of Chevrolet Beat combined with a four-point mounted long engine cradle and a width power reduction spring enhances the solidity of the entire chassis, for improved crash safety and driving performance. A rear compound crank torsion beam incorporates a tubular V-beam for more effective tuning and dynamic performance.

The Chevrolet Beat is targeted at the young urban crowd. This sporty hatchback showcases the new direction of General Motors' design and a new trend in the design of small compact cars. The dramatically sized headlamps that literally stretch from the front fascia to the back of the hood, with clear polycarbonate lenses and chrome-coated bezels of the Beat resemble diamonds and adds an upscale appearance and glamour. A window line that is slanted dynamically upward, an arching roofline and sharp sidelines bring a sporty yet edgy look, a rarity in the segment. Secret vertical rear door handles located in the C-pillar are another unusual feature that peps up the exterior giving it a three-door coupe look. A first-in-segment offering of an integrated rear spoiler in Chevrolet Beat that extends the rear roofline, for enhanced aerodynamic performance and provides a stable stance in high-speed driving as well as increased fuel efficiency. Round tail lamps of Chevrolet Beat with clear polycarbonate lenses add to the Beat's rear fascia. A chrome-coated radiator grille and fog lamps, outside mirrors with two-tone color, and a refined-looking roof rack are other design cues that transport the Beat's styling beyond that of a compact car.

The interior of Chevrolet Beat has a sharp-edged design and the neat centre console show that plenty of thoughts has gone into it. An exterior-color-matched instrument panel and door trim are offered either in red, blue or silver which enhances the unified design of the interior and exterior. The cabin looks good and feels solid. The pattern-printed semi-bucket seats are cozy. With high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship, they also enhance the luxurious interior atmosphere. The instrument cluster with ice blue lighting looks cool.

Safety features like dual-frontal airbags, ABS and Front and Rear Crumple Zone. The beat has got 4-Star NCAP Safety Rating and the Safety Cage is reinforced with welded tubular section members that frame door openings and support the roof and steel members in the door.

2010 Audi A6 Comparison

2010-03-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

we can help you determine which vehicle best meets your needs. Our Comparison tool is designed to help you evaluate the advantages from one vehicle over another, by listing the pricing, engine specification and more side by side. Is the 2010 Audi A6 28 mpg fuel economy better than similar vehicles you are considering? Let our tool help you choose which automobile is right for you.

2010 Audi A6
MSRP Range: $45,200 - $60,950| Show Me Dealer Pricing
Fuel Economy: 18 MPG city / 28 MPG highway
Transmissions: 0 Speed Continuously Variable
Drivetrains: All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Select Trim:

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Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
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Model A6
Trim
Price Comparison Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
MSRP $45,200.00 $45,800.00 $46,280.00 $47,760.00
Destination $825.00 $865.00 $920.00 $825.00
Internet Price Get Price Quote Get Price Quote Get Price Quote Get Price Quote
Fuel Economy Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
City (mpg) 18 17 15 17
Highway (mpg) 28 25 23 25
Engines & Power Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Standard Engine 3.2L 265hp V6 3.5L 303hp V6 4.6L 275hp V8 3.5L 355hp V6
Horsepower 265 @ 6500 RPM 303 @ 6800 RPM 275 @ 6000 RPM 355 @ 5700 RPM
Torque 243 @ 3250 RPM 262 @ 4800 RPM 295 @ 4400 RPM 350 @ 3500 RPM
Valves 4 4 4 4
Displacement (cc) 3197 3498 4565 3490
Bore X Stroke (in.) 3.4 X 3.7 3.8 X 3.2 3.7 X 3.3 3.6 X 3.4
Compression Ratio 12.5:1 10.6:1 10.0:1 10.1:1
Exterior Dimensions & Weight Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Curb Weight - Automatic (lb.) 3858.1 3864.7 4008 4277
Wheelbase (in.) 111.9 114.2 115.6 112.9
Length (in.) 193.5 194.1 207.6 204.1
Width (in.) 79.2 71.1 74.8 75.9
Height (in.) 57.4 59.4 57.6 61.6
Track Front (in.) 63.5 60.5 62.5 64.9
Track Rear (in.) 63.7 61 61.7 65.1
Ground Clearance (in.) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Car Interior Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Standard Seating 5 5 5 5
Front Headroom (in.) 37.5 39.6 39.2 37.9
Rear Headroom (in.) 37.8 37.8 38.6 38.5
Front Legroom (in.) 41.3 44.2 42.5 41.9
Rear Legroom (in.) 36.9 37.3 41.6 38.6
Front Shoulder Room (in.) 57.1 58.2 60 58.6
Rear Shoulder Room (in.) 55.9 56.9 59.2 57.4
Front Hip Room (in.) N/A 55.1 56.9 55.3
Rear Hip Room (in.) N/A 53.9 56.7 55.3
Payload & Towing Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Passenger Volumn (cu. ft.) 96.2 105.2 113.2 105.8
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Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Front Suspension multi-link wishbone strut strut
Rear Suspension multi-link multi-link multi-link multi-link
Tires 245/45R17 245/45R18 235/55R17 255/45R19
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Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Power Door Locks Std. Std. Std. Std.
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Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
4 Wheel Drive / All Wheel Drive front wheel drive rear wheel drive front wheel drive 4x4 wheel drive
ABS Brakes (2 or 4 Wheel) Std. Std. Std. Std.
Limited Slip Differential or Axle N/A N/A N/A N/A
Vehicle Stability Control System Std. Std. Std. Std.
Entertainment, Communication & Navigation Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Radio N/A N/A N/A N/A
Cassette Player N/A N/A N/A N/A
CD Player N/A N/A Yes N/A
CD Changer Yes Yes N/A Yes
DVD Player N/A N/A N/A N/A
Navigation Aid N/A N/A Std. Std.
Interior Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Cruise Control Std. Std. Std. Std.
Tilt Steering Yes Yes Yes Yes
Telescopic Steering Column Yes Yes N/A Yes
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Air Conditioning Std. Std. Std. Std.
Car Safety Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Driver Airbag Std. Std. Std. Std.
Front Side Airbag Std. Std. Std. Std.
Passenger Side Airbag Std. Std. Std. Std.
Rear Side Airbag N/A N/A N/A N/A
Seating Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Driver Multi-Adjustable Power Seat Yes Yes Yes Yes
Roof Hide Show
Audi A6 3.2 Infiniti M35 Cadillac DTS Lincoln MKS EcoBoost
Sunroof / Moonroof Std. Std. N/A N/A
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers

Honda Recalls 947,913 Vehicles Globally

2010-02-25T23:17:00.000-08:00

Earlier this morning, Honda said that it is recalling an additional 437,763 vehicles worldwide to fix the driver-side airbags in all 2001 and 2002 models like the Accord, Civic and CR-V. This includes approximately 378,758 vehicles here in the United States.

The problem lies in the design and discharge of the airbag’s deployment, namely, the inflation of the airbag. Apparently, the driver-side airbags in 2001 and 2002 vehicles can deploy with enough force to rupture the inflator casing. When the airbag gets deployed, the force generated from the airbag’s propellant might shatter the inflator’s casing, which could potentially shoot through the bag and injure occupants.

Honda’s website stated that a total of 12 incidents were reported, with one fatality.

Honda Vehicles listed in the recall include:

2001-2002 Honda Accord
2001-2002 Honda Civic
2001-2002 Honda CR-V
2001-2002 Honda Odyssey
2002 Acura TL*

*Not all 2002 model year Acura TLs.

What to do if you own one of these vehicles:

Honda will be sending you a notice in the mail on where to take your vehicle for the repair. If you are unsure as to whether or not your vehicle is part of the recall, click here to find a Honda dealer in your neighborhood. If you still have questions, feel free to email me at: armaan.almeida@carsdirect.com.

Find New Cars

Vehicle Class Buying Guides

The naughty Mini

2010 Bentley Continental Super Sport

Auto leasing making a comeback

New Chevrolet Beat

New Chevrolet Beat

Quick Take

Highlights

Pros

Cons

Overview

Powertrain & Performance

Build & Styling

2010 Audi A6 Comparison

Honda Recalls 947,913 Vehicles Globally