Edmunds Daily
Nissan
October 27, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Auto Observer: The Secret of Subaru's Success
Subaru has made the right series of moves to keep them profitable in a time when most automakers are struggling to keep their head above water. Their timely redesigns, adherence to all wheel drive, and unexpected appeal to upscale buyers has made them one of the biggest success stories of 2009.
IL News: Priced: 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
The 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 regular cab 4X2 will start at $28,165. According to Dodge, this price is $1,970 lower than the outgoing 2009 base model. More details on available trim levels after the jump.
Green Car Advisor: Nissan Schedules Leaf EV National Tour, But No Test Drive Opportunities
Nissan will be holding an 11-state, 24 city pre-sale tour of the five-passenger, 100-miles-per-charge Leaf hatchback it plans to launch in the U.S. next year. You won't be able to drive it, but you can see what it looks like in person and ask plenty of questions.
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- Ron Montoya October 27, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Dodge, Edmunds Roundup, Nissan, Subaru
Nissan is recalling more than 160,000 of its 2008 and 2009 Rogue CUVs because a screw may come loose in the steering gear housing. A loose screw will result in compromised steering response, but the driver will still have steering control. If the screw falls out entirely and the driver steers hard, the pinion shaft may come out of the steering gear and the driver would lose all steering control.
This recall is expected to begin in November. Nissan dealers will tighten the screw if it is loose and install a cover plate to prevent future loosening, free of charge. Owners can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261, the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or go to Safercar.gov. The NHTSA recall I.D. number is 09V411000.
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- Joanne Helperin October 27, 2009, 12:02 PM
- Categories:
- Car Safety, Nissan, Vehicle Recalls
October 13, 2009
Nissan and Infiniti have recalled 143,223 vehicles due to a potential defect with the tire pressure monitor system (TPMS). Affected are Infiniti M35 and M45 vehicles made in model years 2008-2010; Nissan Cubes and Muranos made in model year 2009; and Nissan Rogues made in model year 2008.
According to NHTSA, road salt could cause the nut used to secure the TPMS' sensor-transmitter to corrode or crack. If the TPMS lamp is disregarded and drivers continue to pilot the vehicle in this condition, they could get a flat tire, and an accident could occur. Because of the nature of this defect, only vehicles sold in cold-weather states have been recalled.
The defective nut will be replaced by Nissan and Infiniti dealers free of charge, and the recall is set to officially kick off on or before November 9. For more information, owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 and Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
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- Warren Clarke October 13, 2009, 4:47 PM
- Categories:
- Infiniti, Nissan, Vehicle Recalls
October 6, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: Ram Brand Is Born, as Chrysler Purges Ranks and Elevates Designer Gilles
As part of its new brand focused strategy, Chrysler has announced that the Ram brand will break off from Dodge and become its own truck and SUV label. Meanwhile, a similar change in direction is occurring in the corporate ranks, with new executives being hired and others resigning.
Green Car Advisor: Nissan Leaf Video Campaign Launches to Promote New Electric Car
Nissan kicked off the first in a series of informative videos that promote its new electric vehicle. This minute-long video establishes the history that Nissan has in producing electric vehicles powered by lithium Ion batteries. The Nissan Leaf is expected to launch in selected U.S. cities next year.
Auto Observer: Make Mercedes Payment through iPhone App
Need to a way to make your car payment over the phone? Like the commercial says, "There's an app for that." With this new application, you can check your loan balance, make a payment, or locate your nearest Mercedes dealership. The application is free to download, and will work on iPhones and the iPod Touch.
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- Ron Montoya October 6, 2009, 2:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Chrysler, Dodge, Edmunds Roundup, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan
October 1, 2009
Nissan took the wraps off the 2010 Altima to reveal some exterior styling changes and additional features. A new hood, grille, front bumper and wheel choices along with standard stability control and upgraded audio and navigation systems round out the big changes for 2010. Getting into the base Altima sedan will cost the same as last year, but most other trim levels will see a slight price hike. Power output remains the same for gas and hybrid models. Expect the new models to hit showrooms this Monday, October 5th and our impressions in a few weeks.
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- Mark Takahashi October 1, 2009, 9:19 AM
- Categories:
- Nissan
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- 2010 Nissan Altima
September 18, 2009
Nissan has announced that it is recalling 26,398 2009 and 2010 Altimas and Maximas because a strut rod could become dislodged from its mount, affecting vehicle stability and increasing the risk of a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Nissan notes that if the strut rod became compromised, it "would begin to make a loud noise audible to the vehicle operator."
There are no reports of injuries or crashes due to this issue, but as a precaution, Nissan dealers will replace left and ride side front strut insulators for free. The recall is expected to begin on October 5. Owners may contact Nissan at (615) 725-1000.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
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- Josh Sadlier September 18, 2009, 11:00 AM
- Categories:
- Nissan, Vehicle Recalls
September 17, 2009
This week, Nissan revealed that despite some standard feature additions, the 2010 Versa sedans will return at the same price as last year's, while the S and SL hatchbacks receive a slight bump of $40 and $200, respectively. These added features include interior and exterior styling updates, along with some additions to certain trim levels. SL models now come standard with iPod integration as well as traction and stability control. Hatchback SL models now include last year's sport body kit as standard, too. Even in its most modest configuration, the Versa makes for an excellent bargain - as proven in our most recent comparison test.
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- Mark Takahashi September 17, 2009, 9:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Nissan
- Technorati Tags:
- 2010 Nissan Versa
September 15, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: Nissan Announces Pricing on 2010 Titan
The Nissan Titan gets a slight bump in price for 2010. The Titan XE King Cab 4x2 starts at $27,100 and the top of the line Titan SE Long Wheelbase with crew cab starts at $34,630 for the 4X4 model. There are two new exterior colors for 2010 and an available SE Value Truck Package.
Green Car Advisor: Ford to Introduce 2-Cylinder Engine, and Smallest Turbocharged, Next Year
Ford's EcoBoost and direct injection technologies has allowed them to create smaller engines without much of a sacrifice in power. They are planning to incorporate these EcoBoost engines into numerous models. In some cases the EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine will replace their 3.0 liter V6.
Karl on Cars: Talk Back Tuesday: Will a 60-Day Guarantee Get You to Buy a GM Product?
Edmunds' Editor in Chief, Karl Brauer, examines General Motors recent ad campaign, and raises two key points: 1) Are GM's cars really as good or better than the competition? 2) Can GM convince a substantial amount of potential customers its cars are as good or better than the competition?
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- Ron Montoya September 15, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Edmunds Roundup, Ford, General Motors, Nissan
- Technorati Tags:
- Edmunds Roundup, Ford, General Motors, Nissan Titan
September 14, 2009
By Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor
Photos by Kurt Niebuhr
What do you get when you pit the least expensive sedan in the market against the least expensive hatchback? For starters, you get zero radios and six window cranks, but happily, the story doesn't end there -- in the end, you wind up with more than you'd likely expect from this humblest of segments.
Both choices in our ultra-low-budget-economy-car comparison -- the Hyundai Accent GS Base hatchback and the Nissan Versa 1.6 sedan -- are available for thousands less than you'd pay for a base-model Honda Fit. Of course, sacrifices had to be made in the pursuit of such extreme frugality. The Versa was equipped with optional air-conditioning and antilock brakes, but the Accent wasn't. And as mentioned, neither car had a radio or power accessories like windows, locks and mirrors.
So there is some compromise involved, but with these cars, you won't have to compromise too much -- low price doesn't always go hand-in-hand with low quality.
Continue reading...
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- James Riswick September 14, 2009, 12:00 AM
- Categories:
- Comparison Road Tests, Hyundai, Nissan
September 1, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour Revealed
Honda released the first photos of its new Accord based crossover. Bearing little resemblance to the current Accord, this CUV will offer more room and cargo capacity, while retaining a car-like ride. The Crosstour will be positioned at the top of the Accord lineup, and is scheduled to launch this October.
Green Car Advisor: Clean Cities Initiative Parcels Out $300 Million for Alt Fuel Vehicles
The Department of Energy's Clean Cities program issued $300 Million in federal grants to promote alternative fuels. The purpose of the program is to reduce diesel emissions and other exhaust fumes in major cities. Each state and municipality has its own project that the program will subsidize.
IL News: 2010 Nissan Rogue Priced
The Nissan Rogue remains unchanged for the 2010 model year, but the price has slightly risen by $120. The Rogue S FWD starts at $21,140. Nissan is also offering a $1,040 value package that bundles a number of options at a reduced rate.
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- Ron Montoya September 1, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Edmunds Roundup, Honda, Nissan
August 26, 2009
Toyota's Corolla was the most purchased car under the Cash for Clunkers program.
The Department of Transportation is tooting its own horn. Claiming overwhelming success for the Cash for Clunkers program, the federal government is crowing about the 690,114 sales the program spurred, the fuel economy gains made, and the American jobs restored.
But there's the nagging fact that vehicle transaction prices actually rose during the program, as some manufacturers and dealers cut back on their own incentive offerings. Customers taking advantage of the program still got great deals -- just not as great as if they'd been able to simply tack the C4C rebate onto the market prices that existed before the program.
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- Joanne Helperin August 26, 2009, 3:44 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Ford, Fuel Economy, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Vehicle Incentives and Rebates
- Technorati Tags:
- C4C, CARS Program, Cash for Clunkers, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla
August 20, 2009
Nissan's Sentra sedan is not always at the top of most shopper's compact car shopping list, as the usual suspects (including Civic, Elantra, Focus and Mazda3) often garner more attention. However, the Sentra should not be overlooked.
Room is literally the Sentra's biggest attribute, as it offers more passenger space than most in its category, along with storage touches such as a laptop-sized glove box and the flexibility of a large truck with an available removable bulkhead. Technology options such as Bluetooth and keyless start are also available on some models.
However, if all that room isn't enough to capture your attention, perhaps the available incentives might. Read about them after the jump.
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- Lee Scott August 20, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Deal of the Week, Nissan
- Technorati Tags:
- Deal of the Week, Incentives & Rebates, Nissan Sentra
August 19, 2009
Though the CARS program (aka Cash for Clunkers) still has about half of its funding available, a number of news outlets are reporting that some dealers have suspended clunker sales due to lack of payment from the government. The popularity of the program along with a few clerical errors has caused a backlog in clunkers applications, which is delaying the payout process. Numerous dealers are claiming that they are owed credits deep into the six figures.The Obama administration is expected to announce a wind-down strategy in the next few days to ensure that dealers will receive their funds.
This may make it slightly harder for consumers to find participating dealers, but savvy shoppers can take advantage of new incentives that utilize the cash for clunkers credit.
Continue reading...
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- Ron Montoya August 19, 2009, 2:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota, Vehicle Incentives and Rebates, Volkswagen
- Technorati Tags:
- Cash for clunkers, dealers, Incentives & Rebates, Nissan, Penske Saturn, Toyota, Volkswagen
August 7, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: 2010 Ford Taurus named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS
The all-new 2010 Ford Taurus was selected as one of the IIHS' Top Safety Picks. In addition to its ability to keep occupants safe in a variety of collisions, the Taurus gets high marks for its numerous high-tech safety features like cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and Ford's programmable MyKey system.
Green Car Advisor: Obama Administration Grants $100 Million for EV Charging Infrastructure Program
The Obama administration awarded a nearly $100 million grant to little-known Electric Transportation Engineering Corp. (eTec) in Phoenix, AZ. eTec has been charged with the creation of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the new Nissan Leaf electric vehicle (EV). This pilot program aims to install about 2,500 charging stations each in Tennessee and Oregon, the cities of San Diego and Seattle, and the Phoenix/Tucson area -- the same markets which will receive their share of 5,000 Leaf EVs.
IL News: Ford Mustang and Porsche Panamera Customization Sites Go Live
Curious to see what the Mustang of your dreams would look like, or what the worst color combinations are for a Porsche Panamera? Now you can. The new customization sites allow users to see what affect their options and trim levels have on the exterior and interior appearance -- from the sublime to the ridiculous.
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- Mark Takahashi August 7, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Car Buying, Car Safety, Edmunds Roundup, Ford, Hybrids and Alternative Fuels, Nissan, Porsche
- Technorati Tags:
- Edmunds Roundup, eTec, Ford Mustang, Ford Taurus, Nissan Leaf, Porsche Panamera, Safety
August 6, 2009
Ouch, that still hurts! The 2009 Honda Accord sustains $1,507 in rear corner damage -- better than the 2007 Accord.
In new, low-speed crash test results, none of the six midsize sedans tested by the IIHS scored "Good." The 2009 Mazda 6 was judged "Acceptable," the 2009 Hyundai Sonata and 2009 Honda Accord were "Marginal." The 2009 Nissan Maxima, 2010 Ford Fusion, and 2009 Chevrolet Malibu? All rated "Poor."
The 3 and 6 mph tests were designed to see how the cars' bumpers protect fenders, headlights, trunks, grilles and other parts from costly damage. The lowest estimated repair cost from the test was $742 on the front of the Mazda 6; the highest was $3,494 on the rear of the Chevy Malibu. Repair costs are influenced by both the price of replacement parts and the complexity of repairs.
"Consumers buy midsize cars for practical reasons. There's nothing practical about a $1,000-plus repair bill after a minor bump in commuter traffic," says Joe Nolan, Institute senior vice president.
Continue reading...
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- Joanne Helperin August 6, 2009, 10:25 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Maintenance, Car Safety, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan
- Technorati Tags:
- Bumper Test, Crash Test, Honda Accord, IIHS, Midsize Sedans
August 4, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Green Car Advisor: Nissan Turns New Leaf with "Affordable" EV
The Nissan "Leaf" is the company's newest entry into the electric vehicle market. This five seat hatchback is expected to have a range of 100 miles per charge, and a top speed of 90 mph. The Leaf will be available for purchase in select U.S cities by the end of 2010, with an estimated price range of $28,000-$35,000.
Inside Line: 2010 Subaru Outback First Drive
The redesigned Subaru Outback is larger and better equipped than the outgoing model. The 2010 Outback's increased size has changed its prospective competitors. It will now face off against the Toyota Venza and the Hyundai Santa Fe, rather than the Audi A4 Avant and the Volkswagen Passat 4Motion.
AutoObserver: Feds: Cash For Clunkers Saving Gas
The success of the Car Allowance Rebate System (aka Cash for Clunkers) has succeeded in getting gas guzzlers off the road and into more fuel efficient vehicles. According to the Obama Administration, 83 percent of the trade-in vehicles have been trucks. Additionally, the program has improved fuel economy by an average of 61 percent per vehicle.
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- Ron Montoya August 4, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Technology, Car Buying, Edmunds Roundup, Nissan, Subaru
- Technorati Tags:
- Cash for clunkers, Edmunds Roundup, Electric Vehicle, Subaru Outback
July 28, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: Details of 2010 Acura RDX Revealed
The Acura RDX has been redesigned for 2010. The most prominent cosmetic change is the addition of the Acura's corporate grill and new alloy wheels. Pricing starts at $32,520 for the new front wheel drive model. Follow the link for more photos and details.
AutoObserver: The Inconvenient Truth About "Cash for Clunkers"
There is still a fair amount of debate on whether or not Cash for Clunkers is the shot in arm that the auto industry needs to get back on its feet. There are great deals out there for consumers who qualify. But how much does this cost us as taxpayers? Are we funding something that people would ordinarily do? Follow the link for the answer.
Green Car Advisor: Nissan and Jatco Claim Improved Fuel Efficiency with Lighter, Smaller CVT Design
Continually variable transmissions (CVT) are used by automakers to improve fuel efficiency. Nissan and its partner Jatco have co-developed a more efficient CVT that will eventually make its way into most of its new vehicles next year.
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- Ron Montoya July 28, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Acura, Automotive Consumer News, Car Buying, Edmunds Roundup, Nissan
- Technorati Tags:
- Acura, Cash for clunkers, Edmunds Roundup, Nissan
July 14, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Inside Line News: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster Pricing Announced
Nissan's newest convertible will retail for $100 more than the outgoing 350Z. The 370Z Roaster will be offered in four trim levels, and can reach upwards of $42,500 for the Touring model with the seven-speed automatic transmission.
Green Car Advisor: Honda CR-Z Hybrid Should Reach U.S. Shores Next Year
Honda's newest hybrids will be making their way to Japanese showrooms in February 2010. In the U.S. however, only the sporty, three-door CR-Z hybrid will be sold later that year. Honda currently has no plans to bring a hybrid Fit to the U.S.
Auto Observer: GM's Lutz Already Making 'Em Nuts
Bob Lutz's recent comments on the future of the Pontiac G8 have caused quite a stir at General Motors. But this comment may have deeper implications in terms of which direction the new GM is headed.
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- Ron Montoya July 14, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Buying, Edmunds Roundup, General Motors, Honda, Nissan
- Technorati Tags:
- Bob Lutz, Edmunds Roundup, Genral Motors, Honda, Nissan
June 2, 2009
Sifting through countless insurance premiums for almost 300 vehicle models, Insure.com
has released a list of the most expensive and least expensive cars to insure. Factors that contribute to high premiums are the frequency and high cost of claims, and it should also be noted that newer models may be adjusted to lower premiums when more data is gathered. Also noteworthy is the absence of exotic car brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bugatti -- then again, if you could afford one, insurance is probably not that much of a concern.
Topping the list as the most expensive car to insure is the Nissan GT-R -- adding to the high cost of maintenance, as we've seen firsthand. On the other side of the spectrum is the Smart ForTwo, another vehicle in our long-term stable, which registered as one of the least expensive to insure.
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- Mark Takahashi June 2, 2009, 9:41 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Insurance, Nissan, Smart
- Technorati Tags:
- Insurance, Nissan GTR, Smart ForTwo
May 22, 2009
Proving that recalls aren't just a home team occurrence, recalls were recently issued for VW and Nissan products.
Nearly 26,000 2006 to 2009 Jettas (equipped with the 2.0T engine) were tagged for potentially faulty driveshaft screws, which could loosen up and cause the driveshaft to detach from the gearbox.
Over at the Nissan camp, it's a bit more involved -- nearly 363,000 2003 to 2007 Muranos are being summoned for potential separation of the intake ducting, which could cause the engine to stall out. The cause is described as "separation due to the premature aging of the material...which causes excessive shrinking." The latter effect is enough to give George Costanza nightmares.
Check safercar.gov for more details.
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- John DiPietro May 22, 2009, 10:45 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Safety, Nissan, Volkswagen
- Technorati Tags:
- Nissan Murano, Recalls, VW Jetta
May 15, 2009
Inside Line: Nissan Hikes Price on 2010 Infiniti QX56
As sales plummet for Nissan's brick-like QX56, there seems to be no price break in sight. Nissan announced that the price of admission has jumped an additional $1,000 -- now a hefty $56,915 for the base model. Savvy shoppers will note however, that haggling for the best price is always recommended.
Green Car Advisor: Future EV Stations Could Make Battery Swaps Faster than Pumping Gas
Silicon Valley-based company Better Place (really, that's their name?), demonstrated a prototype of a filling station worthy of the 21st century. This station will remove a depleted battery from an electric vehicle and replace it with a fully charged unit quicker than it takes to pump 10 gallons of gas -- and it's completely automated. If the company prevails, and EV manufacturers are on board (with Nissan being a prime candidate), gas stations will go the way of your childhood pet -- that is, they'll be in a better place...
Straightline: Edmunds.com Dishes on the Best Values to CNBC
Edmunds New York-based director of strategic marketing, John Giamalvo, announced on CNBC that now is still a great time to buy a car. He also revealed the best values in cars today, after factoring in insurance, maintenance, depreciation and financing.
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- Mark Takahashi May 15, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Automotive Technology, Car Buying, Edmunds Roundup, Hybrids and Alternative Fuels, Infiniti, Nissan
- Technorati Tags:
- Battery, Edmunds Roundup, Electric Cars, QX56, Values
May 1, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Inside Line
Subaru Announces Pricing on Redesigned 2010 Legacy
Pricing has been announced on the upcoming Legacy, and guess what? Its starting price is $770 less than that of the 2009 model.
Nissan Reveals Pricing on 2010 Armada
The SUV will start at $37,990 for the base SE, and max out at $52,970 for the top-of-the-line Platinum.
Toyota Recalling 2008 Highlander Over Exhaust Tip Issue
The manufacturer announced on Monday that it's recalling 121,000 Highlanders and Highlander Hybrids to fix a problem with the stainless-steel exhaust tip.
Ford Fusion Hybrid Sets Hypermiling Record
The Ford Fusion Hybrid has set a new record for distance on one tank of gasoline. It traveled for 69 consecutive hours and 1445.7 miles on a single tank, managing an impressive 81.5 mpg.
Chrysler Bankruptcy News
Had enough Chrysler bankruptcy news yet? On Green Car Advisor, we look at the effect that the company's bankruptcy and reorganization will likely have on its green initiatives. On Auto Observer, we examine the company's plans to temporarily shutter its manufacturing operations. On Inside Line, we shed light on the company's plans to reduce its number of dealers. Finally, on Straightline, we cover GMAC's plans to take over the retail financing of Chrysler vehicles.
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- Warren Clarke May 1, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Chrysler, Edmunds Roundup, Nissan, Toyota
- Technorati Tags:
- Chrysler, Edmunds Roundup, Nissan, Subaru
April 30, 2009
For 2009, Nissan reinvented the Maxima by looking backwards. From its introduction in 1977 (as the Datsun 810) through 1999, the Maxima was the affordable four-door sports car (4DSC, as Nissan used to label it). However, with the dawn of the new millennium, the Maxima seemed to lose its way while competitors (and even Nissan's own Altima) became more adept at dialing in the Maxima's previous successful formula of performance, features and style.
So when Nissan redesigned the Maxima for 2009, it brought back those very attributes in spades. It now offers better performance, class-leading amenities and crisp styling. Of course some enticing incentives never hurt either. Read what Nissan is offering on its 4DSC after the jump.
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- Lee Scott April 30, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Deal of the Week, Nissan
- Technorati Tags:
- 4DSC, Deal of the Week, incentives and rebates, Nissan Maxima
April 7, 2009
Thanks to lower gas prices, fuel economy isn't the be-all and end-all that it once was with car shoppers. Still, those with any kind of foresight know that change is the only constant. Fuel prices might be agreeable enough today, but historically, they've shown themselves to be as unpredictable as hormonal teens.
Shoppers taking a longer-term view when it comes to gas prices will want to check out our list of the 10 most fuel-efficient sedans.
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- Warren Clarke April 7, 2009, 11:00 AM
- Categories:
- Car Buying, Ford, Fuel Economy, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuels, Nissan, Tip of the Day, Toyota, Tuesday's Top 10 List, Volkswagen
- Technorati Tags:
- Ford Fusion Hybrid, Fuel Economy, Honda Insight, Sedan, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Jetta Diesel
March 23, 2009
In Face Off, we will pit cars against each other, but instead of the full-blown, highly scrutinized, professional comparison test, this is something different. One editor will defend the honor of one car, and make the case for why they would buy it -- and why the other guy is wrong. In the end, you can decide who wins.
While last week's undercard bout pitted the Range Rover Supercharged against the Mercedes-Benz G550, this week's main event is entirely different weight class: the 2010 Ford Mustang GT versus the 2009 Nissan 370Z. Both have trained hard in the off-season and undertaken some corrective cosmetic surgery. Think of this as a companion to the Inside Line brawl that gave the decision to the Z. Will the fans award a knockout this time? The fighters are entering the ring for this real-deal, rear-wheel automobile smackdown. Let's get ready to grumble!
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- Mark Takahashi March 23, 2009, 12:01 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Nissan, Test Cars and Car Reviews
- Technorati Tags:
- 2009 Nissan 370Z, 2010 Mustang GT, Comparison, Face Off
March 19, 2009
The Jeep Wrangler is an icon, the quintessential American off-road vehicle. In a world of do-everything cross-overs, the Wrangler makes no excuses for its intentions as a vehicle with the singular purpose of being the best off-road vehicle it can be. While this results in the Wrangler being unmatched off-road, it limits its ability (and appeal) on-road. Despite this single-minded objective, Wrangler sales have usually been particularly strong, especially when compared to its competitors. Strong sales have usually resulted in limited incentives being placed on the Wrangler. However, this month, there are deals to be had. Read the details after the jump.
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- Lee Scott March 19, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Deal of the Week, Jeep, Nissan, Toyota
- Technorati Tags:
- Deal Of The Week, Dealer Cash, incentives and rebates, Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Xterra, Toyota FJ Cruiser
March 18, 2009
We recently had a 2009 Nissan Cube stop by the office. To quote my arch nemesis Josh Sadlier, "this car is nonsense." There is just no other way to describe a "car" that looks like either an aquarium or a washing machine. A "car" that handles like either an aquarium or a washing machine. A "car" that has water ripple ridges build into the headliner. A "car" that's gauges are colored differently to represent the Earth and the Moon. A "car" described by Nissan as a "mobile device." A "car" that forces you to utter the nonsensical words, "Hey, do you have the keys to the Cube?"
But all of that is before you start customizing your Nissan Cube. Now, plenty of brands offer customization. Mini is perhaps the most famous, allowing you to add different color interior panels, "bonnet" racing stripes and a Puerto Rican flag graphic upon the roof. On the other end of the spectrum, Rolls-Royce will put just about anything you want on your $400,000 behemoth sedan. Fridges, humidors, iron safes, VHS entertainment systems, butlers named Cavendish. Anything your gold-plated heart desires.
And then there's the Cube.
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- James Riswick March 18, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- MINI, Nissan, Thoughts from the Curb
March 17, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Edmunds Auto Observer
Except for Europeans, Vehicle Manufacturers Ditch Diesel Plans
Plans to use clean-running diesel engines for U.S. passenger cars are being shredded almost daily as troubles in the auto industry deepen, with the latest backtracking said to be coming from Nissan. The Japanese company confirmed in early 2008 it would launch a sophisticated 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 for the Maxima later this year, but those plans appear to be cancelled, or at least on hold.
Read the full story here.
Edmunds Inside Line
2010 Aptera 2e First Drive and Video
The Aptera 2e is a three-wheel electric vehicle that looks like the spawn of an unholy union between a Cessna and an Indy car. If it were any more futuristic, it would have warp nacelles and be driven by Chewbacca. The Aptera costs $25,000 and can travel 100 miles before needing a recharge. Our Green Car Advisor, John O'Dell, took it for a spin.
Read the full story here.
Straightline
Camaro Fuel Economy and Other Information Released
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is now in production. According the GM, 14,000 have already rolled off the line in Oshawa, Ontario -- most of them SS models. GM also announced the official EPA mileage estimates. The base 304-hp V6 will return 18 mpg city and 29 mpg highway when paired with a six-speed automatic. By comparison, the 210-hp Mustang V6 with five-speed automatic returns 16/24. I don't know, do you think that's worth the extra $2,000 a base Camaro will cost?
Read the full story here.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor
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- James Riswick March 17, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Chevrolet, Edmunds Roundup, General Motors, Nissan
March 4, 2009
Nobody likes those red circular down arrows. They're depressing, and although the three brands on the left have grown used to them, the numbers beneath those arrows should come with a Costco tub of Prozac.
Automakers sold 691,073 vehicles in February, down 40.9 percent from the 1,168,729 they sold one year ago. That marked the lowest level of car sales for any February since 1967, a year in which there were only 103 million registered drivers -- half as many today. There were also significantly fewer Toyotas, Hondas and Nissans on the road (that's the understatement of the day), so imagine the market share difference between 42 years ago and today.
Edmunds Auto Observer has the whole depressing sales story: Fearful Americans Hunker Down, Steer Clear of Dealer Showrooms.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor
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- James Riswick March 4, 2009, 10:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Toyota
February 26, 2009
Living in Southern California definitely has its advantages for the adventurous. Given that our offices are just minutes from the surf, hours from the snow-capped mountains and desolate desert, we had no shortage of locations to put the 2009 Nissan Xterra Off Road
through its paces.
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- Mark Takahashi February 26, 2009, 3:45 PM
- Categories:
- New on Edmunds, Nissan, Test Cars and Car Reviews
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- 2009 Nissan Xterra, Off Road, test drive
As they say, in life, timing is everything. The Kia Borrego is suffering from bad timing. Kia launched the truck-based Borrego SUV at the same time last summer when gas was hitting an all-time high. An all-new SUV that is rated as low as 15 mpg and gas prices over $4/gallon are like oil and water, they don't mix. Gas prices are down now, but so are overall vehicle sales. We all know that the recession has continued to decimate the sale of all cars and trucks. As a result, last month, Kia sold 272 Borregos. Do I smell a deal of the week?
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- Lee Scott February 26, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Acura, Deal of the Week, Ford, Fuel Economy, Jeep, Nissan, Toyota
- Technorati Tags:
- 0% Financing, Ford Explorer, Fuel Economy, incentives and rebates, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Borrego, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Warranty
February 25, 2009
Nissan has just announced complete pricing of their cube (yeah, they use a lower-case "c"). The cube has been a hit in Japan ever since it was launched in October of 2002. Its boxy shape has proven wildly popular with youth buyers, and Nissan is looking for similar success here in the US. Set to go on sale in May, the redesigned cube has the same boxy look that has driven sales of vehicles like the Honda Element and Scion xB.
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- Lee Scott February 25, 2009, 7:18 AM
- Categories:
- Nissan
- Technorati Tags:
- Nissan cube
