The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has come out with their annual list of top safety picks for the 2011 model year vehicles. This year they recognized 66 vehicles, more than double that of last year. Hyundai and their affiliate Kia as well as Volkswagen and their affiliate Audi lead the insurance industry’s list with nine vehicles on the safest new vehicles list. Below are some of the automobile manufactures and their vehicles that made the list.
Audi – A3 sedan, A4 sedans, Q5 SUV
BMW – 5 series (except 4-wheel drive and V8)
Buick – LaCrosse, Regal
Cadillac – CTS, SRX
Chevrolet – Malibu, Cruze, Equinox
Chrysler – 200 4-door
Dodge – Avenger, Journey
Ford – Taurus, Fusion, Fiesta sedan and hatchback built after July 2010, Explorer, Flex
GMC – Terrain
Honda – Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control, Element
Hyundai – Genesis sedan, Sonata midsize, Santa Fe, Tucson
Infinite – M37/M56 (except M56x 4-wheel drive)
Jeep – Grand Cherokee, Patriot with optional side torso airbags
Kia – Optima, Forte, Soul, Sorento built after March 2010, Sportage
Lexus – RX
Lincoln – MKS, MKZ, MKT
Mercedes – C class, E class coupe, E class sedan, GLK
Mitsubishi – Lancer sedan (except 4-wheel drive)
Nissan – Cube
Scion – tC, xB
Subaru – Legacy, Outback, Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX), Tribeca, Forester
Toyota – Avalon, Corolla, Sienna, Highlander, Venza
Detroit’s showcase of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is one of North America’s most prestigious auto exhibitions. Besides being home to the “Big Three” (the three major American automotive companies: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler ), the show serves as a locale for international automakers to show off their most innovative designs and give consumers the experience of North America’s largest and most prestigious automotive showcase. This year’s show is expected to see over 30 all new reveals of the 500 vehicles on display.
Toyota plans to capitalize on their green image as they launch three new Prius models in an attempt to shift public attention to their innovative new products. There will be many other electric and hybrid vehicles as consumers move toward more efficient and zero emission modes of transportation. Ford will introduce their new Focus electric vehicle as well as their Ford Explorer, North American truck of the year. GM’s Chevrolet Volt, named North American car of the year will also be there.
Experience the next generation of transportation at the 2011 North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center . Doors will be open to the general public: Saturday, January 15 to Saturday January 22, 9 am – 10 pm and on Sunday, January 23, 9 am to 7 pm.
Despite a recall in 2004 and a class action settlement in 2006, Honda and Acura drivers continue to have problems with their automatic transmissions. Over 3,000 complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the last two years, with a spike in complaints in the last six months.
The 2004 recall covered the 2003-2004 Honda Accord, 2002–2003 Honda Odyssey, 2003-2004 Honda Pilot, 2000-2001 Acura MDX, 1999-2003 Acura 3.2 TL and 2001-2002 Acura 3.2 CL. The class-action suit that was settled in 2006 claimed that Honda had misled consumers by selling them vehicles with defective transmissions. Honda denied those claims but settled the case without admitting a defect. Owners got their vehicles repaired, or received an extension on their transmission warranties. But now owners continue to have complaints because they continue to experience problems, even after the extended warranties are up. While 2003 model vehicles seem to experience the most problems, complaints have been noted in:
2003-2004 Honda Accord
2002-2007 Honda Odyssey
2002-2008 Honda Civic
2003-2004 Honda Pilot
2000-2002 Acura MDX
1999-2004 Acura 3.2 TL
2001–2003 Acura 3.2 CL
If you have had repeated substantial problems, and if your vehicle is still not repaired, you should call 1-888-EX-LEMON for a free consultation with one of our experts to learn whether your vehicle qualifies or, if not, whether there are other legal alternatives.
If you are in California call our Lemon Law Offices:
Anywhere in California (free call): 1.888.ExLemon (395.3666)
California Lemon Law in Los Angeles: 310-475-1700
California Lemon Law in San Francisco: 415-285-5366
California Lemon Law in San Diego: 619-229-6900
California Lemon Law in Orange County: 949-856-4333
California Lemon Law in Palm Springs: 760-395-1000
California Lemon Law in San Fernando Valley: 818-837-0500
OnStar will be expanding its customer base this spring as the popular safety and security technology company starts making their service available at more than 1,000 stores nationwide. The product will come as an installable rear view mirror that will be compatible with top selling vehicles including Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford F-Series trucks. The mirror will be selling for about $300 with a service plan of $18.95 a month or $200 a year. The same rate offered to GM OnStar subscribers.
The retail version will give drivers access to most of OnStar’s services, such as automatic crash detection, turn-by-turn directions, stolen vehicle location and the ability to reach an OnStar adviser by pushing a call button. Features such as remote starting, are being considered for the package, according to GM officials.
While some feel that Onstar advisers will become obsolete as voice recognition technology becomes better and more affordable, OnStar is teaming up with Verizon to take the OnStar service to the next level. With the Verizon 4G broadband network, high tech ideas such as tweeting, video chat and view live traffic camera images from behind the wheel is the aim of the partnership. OnStar and Verizon gave consumers a peek at what’s possible while unveiling a prototype Buick LaCrosse at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Chrysler Group has announced three recalls that will have almost 145,000 Dodge Ram owners starting their new year by taking in their vehicles for repairs.
The first and largest of the recalls involves about 65,000 2009 Dodge Journey SUV’s for wiring issues. According to a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler found that the front door wiring harness may wear and break making the side impact airbags inoperative. The problem is being blamed on the routing of the wire and poor wire quality used. Cold weather is also a contributing factor.
The second recall involves almost 57,000 2010 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. In response to complaints from customers about a growling or grinding noise coming from the rear axle, Chrysler’s investigation found that the rear axle requires additional axle lube oil.
Finally, almost 23,000 Ram 4500 and 5500 pickup trucks built between 2008-2011 are being recalled for a faulty steering. The problem is being blamed on an improperly manufactured ball stud which may weaken and eventually break resulting in the loss of vehicle control.
Chrysler will begin informing customers of the recalls beginning in February. Owners with additional questions can contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403.
Consumer Reports (CR) is an American magazine published by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. Consumer Reports does not print outside advertising, accept free product samples, or permit the commercial use of its reviews for selling products. Its publisher states that this policy allows the magazine to “maintain their independence and impartiality… so that CR has no agenda other than the interests of consumers.
Every year, CR publishes their top ten automobiles in ten different categories. The choices are based on performance, reliability and safety. Below are Consumers Reports picks for the 2010 year.
Family Sedan
Nissan Altima:
The Nissan Altima has always been a popular choice as a family sedan. It’s roomy interior and comfortable ride makes the car an enjoyable drive. The 2010 version of this car offers improved looks, standard electronic stability control (ESC) and the best fuel economy in its class.
Small Sedan
Hyundai Elantra SE:
Hyundai safety and reliability has come a long way and has made Consumer Reports top picks for the third time. The Elantra SE, offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy and plenty of features for the price. The SE comes with standard ESC that is often not offered on similar competitors vehicles.
Sporty Car
Volkswagen GTI:
The 2010 Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. It offers excellent handling and acceleration and is a comfortable car to drive. The interior is tastefully finished with plenty of cargo space, especially with the hatchback model. Like all Volkswagen’s, the GTI offers a respectable fuel economy.
The Subaru Forester has been labeled as the SUV that offers the most car like driving experience. It offers a comfortable ride with plenty of room and excellent visibility. The Forester offers excellent reliability and an impressive gas mileage for an SUV.
Best Overall Car
Lexus LS 460L:
Lexus has always pampered it’s customers with a luxurious driving experience. The LS 460L is no exception with it’s well crafted, roomy and quiet interior. Though the price is a bit higher than some of the vehicles in its class, if you can afford it, it is well worth it.
Family SUV
Chevrolet Traverse:
Overall, the Traverse stands out as a family SUV. It is comfortable and responsive, and allows up to eight adults seated comfortably as well as room for cargo. Visibility is not the best for this SUV, taking into account the size of it, but Chevy offers convex side mirrors and an optional rear view camera to help.
Sports Sedan
Infiniti G37:
The Infiniti G sedans are one of the highest rated sedans tested by Consumer Reports. Excellent handling, acceleration and comfort make this luxurious vehicle a pleasure to drive. Because it is a sports sedan, space and storage are compromised.
Family Hauler
Mazda5:
The Mazda5 offers a lot in a compact and affordable microvan. It offers the convenience of a minivan with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a wagon. The addition of standard ESC for 2010 makes this minivan safer and fun to drive.
Green Car
Toyota Prius:
The Toyota Prius was one to the first green cars manufactured for the public. Its overall mileage has made it the green car pick for the seventh straight year. It is a comfortable car to drive, and its 2010 redesign makes it even more appealing. Toyota has also added a dedicated EV that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds.
Pickup Truck
Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
This well rounded pickup offers a roomy cabin, an exellent payload capacity and a decent ride for a pickup. It is an excellent 4WD family vehicle offering a quality interior on higher end models.
GMC has announced a recall on certain 2011 trucks for rear axle cross pins that were not properly heat treated at the factory. The cross pins could break and become jammed within the rear axle causing the rear axle to lock up. The driver could loose directional control of their vehicle resulting in an accident and potential injuries. The vehicles affected by this recall are:
2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
2011 Chevrolet Silverado LD
2011 GMC Sierra LD
Owner receiving a recall notice can take their vehicles to their nearest dealer where a new rear axle cross pin will be installed, free of charge. For more information contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and at the GMC owner center at www.gmownercenter.com. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) vehicle safety hot line at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Cadillac, GMC’s luxury line, is recalling over 100,000 CTS’s cars built between 2005-2007. The problem is found in the sensing device in the passenger seat that detects whether there is a passenger in the seat. Over time, the sensor may deteriorate resulting in failure to activate the airbag during an accident. Owners will be notified of the recall by mail before the end of February and may contact Cadillac at 866-982-2339 or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) hot-line at 888-327-4236.
