Wednesday, August 24, 2011

KBB.com Releases All-New Compact Sedan Comparison Test

Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com Releases All-New Compact Sedan Comparison Test
Like microbreweries, Lady Gaga hits and bad Ryan Reynolds movies, compact sedans are an inevitable part of the American consumer landscape. It is a given that at some time in our lives, each of us will drive a relatively affordable - starting at or below $17,000 and reaching up to the $24,000 mark - four-door like the four new cars we review in this comparison test. College car, commuter car, second car, empty nester car, rental car. Whatever the purpose, a small, fuel-efficient, utilitarian four-door is exactly right at some time in everyone's life.

The expert editors from Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information, today release the results of their all-new 2011 / 2012 Compact Sedan Comparison Test.

The four new compact sedans in this test – Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra – each represent a fresh-foot forward for their manufacturers and represent some of the most popular vehicles in this important segment. During the comprehensive testing of these vehicles, the kbb.com editors gave each model an overall rating as well as specific ratings based on interior, exterior, performance, comfort/convenience and value. In their story, kbb.com's editors provide deep insight into each of the four vehicles and how they compare to one another to help consumers choose the right car for their needs.

When the editors ultimately tallied the score sheets, the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra tied for first place, each scoring 7.5 out of 10 possible points in the overall ratings. Though their overall scores were the same, the two winners captured the top spot with dramatically different strong and weak points. The Elantra outshined the others in the style and design ratings, while the Civic cleaned up in the performance and value categories.


First Place: 2012 Honda Civic EX-L Navi

Strengths: This is the Mercedes-Benz of compact sedan

2011 Best Cars for Families - U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

2011 Best Cars for Families - U.S. News Rankings and Reviews
For many people, a family car is the car you have to buy, not the car you actually want. But family cars are also the setting of heart-to-heart talks, sing-alongs and games. If you have the right family car, spending time in it is enjoyable for the whole family. The wrong family car can make time on the road uncomfortable, frustrating and expensive.

The 2011 U.S. News Best Cars for Families awards highlight vehicles that make family life easier. The awards are based on a combination of data from the U.S. News car rankings, safety and reliability ratings and long-term ownership costs. The winners are cars, SUVs and vans that impress car reviewers with their family-friendly features and space, but also keep families safe and on budget – factors that matter to any parent.

Honda and Acura win 6 of the 20 awards
2011 Honda Fit
Best Subcompact Car for Families and Best Hatchback for Families
No one type of car is going to work for all families, and the award winners come from 20 diverse automotive classes. Small families who need an urban runabout can find practicality and value in the 2011 Honda Fit, the Best Subcompact Car for Families. The Fit is also the Best Hatchback for Families, earning the highest possible initial quality rating from J.D. Power and Associates. At 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in use, the Fit has the most cargo space in its class, easily swallowing strollers and diaper bags.


2011 Honda Civic Sedan - Honda Civic Coupe
Best Compact Car for Families
The Honda Civic made its American debut in 1973, and since then, it’s become an icon. Most consumers have heard of or seen this affordable small car. The Civic earns its popularity from its top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and above-average predicted reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates.


2011 Honda CR-V
Best Affordable Compact SUV for Families
The Honda CR-V is dependable and popular, just like the Honda Civic, but unlike the Civic, it has all sorts of doodads that simplify parenthood. Inside, you’ll find an under-seat storage bin, a retractable center tray table for snack time, eight cup holders and door pockets for tucking away wet wipes for when Junior spills his apple juice.


2011 Honda Odyssey
Best Minivan for Families
The 2011 Honda Odyssey is the Best Minivan for Families. The Odyssey has five sets of Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), which keep car seats extra-secure. No other minivan has as many LATCH connections. Families with lots of little ones will want to make sure to shop the Odyssey.


2011 Acura TSX
Best Upscale Small Car for Families
When you have a family, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a small car that’s both practical and upscale. That’s where the Acura TSX steps in for parents who like the Honda Civic’s safety ratings and reliability, but want a small car with more pizzazz. Plus, the TSX comes standard with features like a USB port, Bluetooth and automatic climate control.

Friday, August 5, 2011

The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) Dealer of the Week

AIADA's Dealership of the Week

Vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teenagers today. Unfortunately, the majority of these crashes are preventable as they are the result of mindless, distracted driving. Through DCH Auto Group's Teen Safe Driving Program, which began March 2008, its dealerships are partnering with local high schools and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) to raise awareness and educate teens and parents about smart decisions and safe driving. Currently DCH dealerships sponsor 30 SADD chapters in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Southern California, which now include about 2,000 members. Each program is tailored to the needs of the individual high school, allowing dealerships to contribute resources where they are needed the most in their communities. "The number of crashes involving teens is staggering and the tragic results are devastating,"said Shau-wai Lam, Chairman of DCH Auto Group. "We are automobile retailers and this is an area where we can make a difference by working together with high school students and parents to save lives through education, action, and advocacy of teen safe driving in their schools and local communities." Thanks to the program's effectiveness, it has been recognized by several groups, including The Governor's Highway Safety Association and The National Safety Council Teen Safe Driving Coalition. For more information on DCH Auto Group's Teen Safe Driving Program, visit www.DCHTeenSafeDriving.com, or contact Roy Bavaro at RBavaro@dchusa.com
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http://aiada.org/news-and-events/first-up-daily-news/1575-mazda-poised-to-take-zoom-zoom-to-the-mainstream-