Blue Book Briefing
February 2009 - Blue Book Briefing
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In this issue – FEBRUARY 2009:
· NEW-VEHICLE MARKET ANALYSIS – Timely commentary from Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com: A PAIR OF HOT POTATOES GREETS NEW ADMINISTRATION
· LATEST NEWS & BLOGS ON KBB GREEN – The latest news and blogs posted to KBB Green from the editorial staff of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
· LATEST NEWS STORIES ON KBB.COM – The latest video and written news stories from the editorial staff of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
· NEW-VEHICLE REVIEWS ON KBB.COM – All-new and updated video and written reviews from the editorial staff of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
· Weekly Values Now Available in Kelley Blue Book’s KARPOWER Online
· Kbb.com Reports Rise in New-Car Traffic, Leads
· Kbb.com’s ‘5 Great Deals’ Program Connects Shoppers to New Car Deals Each Week
· Nearly Three-Quarters of New Car Shoppers Prefer to Buy American-Made Products
· Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com Names Most-Researched New-Vehicles of 2008
A Pair of Hot Potatoes Greets New Administration
- Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director & executive market analyst, Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com
When I was a child (which was too long ago for many to even contemplate), we played a game called “Hot Potato.” While the precise rules of the game are long forgotten, I do recall that it involved getting rid of the “hot potato” as quickly as you could. If you didn’t, you got “burned.”
In passing the baton of power to the Obama administration, the George W. Bush presidency also passed along a pair of auto industry-related hot potatoes for the successor to deal with. Of course, the elephant in the phone booth is what to do about the continuing liquidity crisis affecting the Big Three American car companies. President Bush extended an initial lifeline to them in the waning days of his administration, but many seem to doubt that the cash infusion, large as it was, will be enough to keep disaster from one or more of these companies. The situation is confused by the fact that each of the American carmakers seems to be in a different position. Ford declined the initial lifeline and appears to have substantial capital to draw on; General Motors has moved aggressively on a restructuring plan on its own that could require more government loans; and Chrysler has embarked on an interesting but so far cashless alliance with Fiat. The Obama administration might soon have to make decisions on further aid to the latter two companies. It is not out of the realm of possibility, if the economy continues on its dreary course, that Ford might still ask for help as well.
In addition to that giant hot potato, the Obama administration was tossed another one in the form of the new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) requirements that were authorized by Congress nearly two years ago. Rather than structuring those requirements in the waning days of his administration, President Bush laid those responsibilities squarely in his successor’s lap.
“The Bush administration will not finalize its rulemaking on Corporate Fuel Economy Standards,” said Department of Transportation spokesperson Sarah Echols. “The recent financial difficulties of the automobile industry will require the next administration to conduct a thorough review of matters affecting the industry, including how to effectively implement the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA).”
The new rules, which will prescribe the fuel economy targets for the American car and truck industry for 2011 to 2015, could potentially cause problems for the new president. With the American Big Three automakers severely tested by the current recession, President Obama and his Department of Transportation must decide on the new regulations knowing that if they are too onerous they could make it harder still for the American manufacturers to return to profitability and challenge their future viability. On the other hand, a postponement or an easing of the regulations to help the American carmakers could anger President Obama’s political base, much of which has been openly antagonistic to the auto industry in the past.
So, to say the least, the first few months of the Obama administration will be portentous for the auto industry.
LATEST NEWS & BLOGS ON KBB GREEN:
Check out the very latest news and blog entries by visiting www.kbb.com/green and clicking on News & Blogs.
The following latest news & blogs by kbb.com’s editorial staff went live on the site or were updated during January 2009.
· 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid Revealed
· 2010 Lexus HS 250: Well-Bred Hybrid
· 2010 Toyota Prius: Recasting an Eco Icon
· 2010 Volvo S60 Concept Offers Looks at EcoBoosted 1.6-liter Engine
· A123Systems Asks for $1.8 Billion for New Battery Plant in Michigan
· California Law Mandates New Eco-Labeling for All 2009 Vehicles
· Eleven States Seek to Establish New Low-Carbon Fuel Standards
· Ferrari Engine Facility Gets a Solar-Power Boost
· First Plug-in Hybrid Fuel Cell Bus En Route to Burbank, California
· Fisker Karma/Karma S: Plug-in Passion
· Ford to Offer Mileage-Maxing Six-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission
· Garmin to Offer Fuel-Saving Software for its nuvi Portable Navis
· GM’s Project Driveway Equinox FCV Fleet Tops 500,000-Mile Mark
· GM Teams with LG; Will Build Volt Battery Packs in Michigan
· GreenHunter Gets Greenlight to Sell its Biodiesel in the U.S.
· Honda Moving Ahead with Electric Motorcycle for 2010-2011
· Lotus Designing its Own EV Sports Car
· Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO Concept: It Comes in Three Shades of Green
· Michelin Postpones Challenge Bibendum until 2010
· New Fusion Hybrid Tops Ford’s Own Forecast, Nets 41 MPG in City
· New Mazda Catalytic Converter Uses 70 Percent Less Precious Metals
· Newark, Delaware Begins First U.S. Vehicle-to-Grid Charging Program
· No New CAFÉ Ruling Until Obama Administration Takes Over
· Panasonic Buys Sanyo, Strengthens Hold on Battery-Building Business
· Rinspeed To Unveil a Transformer for the 21st Century
· Scottish Team Claims Breakthrough in Making Hydrogen from Biofuels
· Toyota FT-EV Concept: Shock Treatment
· U.S. Consortium Formed to Accelerate Li-ion Car Battery Development
· U.S. Fuel Cell Council Asks for $1.2 Billion to Build Hybrid/EV Batteries
· Will the Road to EV Power be Paved with Piezoelectric Crystals?
· Zero-Emissions British “Steamliner” Readies for Record Attempt
LATEST NEWS STORIES ON KBB.COM:
Check out the very latest news stories by visiting www.kbb.com and scrolling down to the Latest News & Articles link on the home page.
The following latest news stories by kbb.com’s editorial staff went live on the site or were updated during January 2009.
· Compact Car Comparison Test Video
· Music Legend Mike Watt & His Ford Econoline Van Video
· Audi R8 V10 FSI quattro Auto Show Video
· 2010 Cadillac SRX Auto Show Video
· 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Auto Show Video
· 2010 Ford Taurus Auto Show Video
· Lincoln C Concept Auto Show Video
· 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss Auto Show Video
· MINI Cooper Convertible Auto Show Video
· 2010 Toyota Prius Auto Show Video
· Volvo S60 Concept Auto Show Video
· VW Concept BlueSport Auto Show Video
· 2009 Bentley Continental GTC Speed: High Winds
· 2009 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty: Back to Work
· 2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S: More HP
· 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss: Check Your Chin
· 2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year Finalists Announced
· 2009 Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition: New Wheels, etc.
· 2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI: It’s Coming!
· 2010 Buick LaCrosse: Sculpted Design, Ultra-Refined
· 2010 Cadillac CTS Sports Wagon: More CTS to Love
· 2010 Chevy Equinox to get High-Tech, High-Mileage Powertrains
· 2010 Fisker Karma, Bonus Convertible Concept
· 2010 Ford Shelby GT500: Red-Hot Mustang Redefined
· 2010 Ford Taurus: Born Again
· 2010 Honda Insight: A Hybrid for Everyman
· 2010 Jaguar XFR: 510-Horsepower Debut
· 2010 Jaguar XKR: Sleek Cat, More Ponies
· 2010 Lincoln MKT: Three Rows of Luxury
· 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Staying the Course
· 2011 Chevy Cruze: Downsizing Done Right
· Air Conditioning For One, Please
· Audi R8 5.2 quattro: V10 Takes it to 11
· Audi Sportback Concept: Audi A7 Preview
· BYD F3DM: First Mass-Production Plug-in Hybrid
· Cadillac Converj Concept: Plug-in Luxury
· Cadillac Unveils All-New Presidential Limo
· Chrysler 200C EV Concept: We’ve Got a Pulse
· Credit Score Creator Tells How to Increase Your Score
· Detroit Auto Show New BMW, New Caddy, New…
· Dodge Circuit EV Concept: All-Electric Screamer
· First Look: 2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover
· First Look: All-new 2010 BMW Z4
· Ford and TIA Work to Keep Aging Drivers Safe
· Ford Helps Raise $1.8 Million with Warriors in Pink Mustang
· Ford Will Make Parking Easier for Most of its Cars
· Future Collector Car: 09 Dodge Challenger
· GMAC Relaxes Credit Squeeze, GM Offers Zero Percent
· Home Safe, Drive Safe, Stay Safe
· Improved Safety Stats for Elderly Drivers
· Kia Soul’ster Concept: Fun, Fun, Fun…
· Lincoln C Concept: For ‘Curiosity,’ Perhaps?
· Lose Your Job? Return Your Hyundai
· More Dumb Drivers from Around the World
· New Laws Ban Texting, Windshield-blocking Navis, More
· New MINI Drop Top Will Debut in Detroit
· NHTSA Delays New Crash Test Requirements
· North American Car, Truck of the Year Announced
· Safety Recall: Britax Frontier Child Seat
· Subaru LEGACY CONCEPT: Good Look at Next Legacy
· Taking Advantage of the Credit Crunch
· Talking While Driving to be Banned?
· Volkswagen Concept BlueSport: Good, Clean Fun
· Volvo Offers Free Maintenance on 2009 Models
· Volvo S60 Concept: Stylish Swede
· What is the Cheapest Vehicle to Insure?
NEW-VEHICLE REVIEWS ON KBB.COM - VIDEO:
The following new-vehicle video reviews by kbb.com’s editorial staff went live on the site or were updated during January 2009. To see any new-vehicle review from kbb.com’s editorial staff, please visit www.kbb.com and click on the News and Reviews tab, then select the make and model.
· Ford Expedition Video Review
· Ford Explorer SportTrac Video Review
· Honda Civic Si Mugen Video Review
· Hyundai Genesis Video Review
· Mazda Tribute Hybrid Video Review
· Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Video Review
· Subaru Impreza WRX Video Review
· Toyota Camry Hybrid Video Review
· Toyota Highlander Hybrid Video Review
· Toyota Land Cruiser Video Review
· Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen Video Review
· Volkswagen Tiguan Video Review
NEW-VEHICLE REVIEWS ON KBB.COM - WRITTEN:
The following new-vehicle reviews written by kbb.com’s editorial staff went live on the site or were updated during January 2009. To see any new-vehicle review from kbb.com’s editorial staff, please visit www.kbb.com and click on the News and Reviews tab, then select the make and model.
Combining the sure-footed stability of a performance sedan with the versatile utility of an SUV makes the 2009 Cadillac SRX one of the automaker's more attractive offerings. The SRX has the power, moves and luxury trappings to compete with such favorites as the BMW X5 and the Infiniti FX, while offering a number of unique amenities such as Magnetic Ride Control and a huge "UltraView" power sunroof. Capable of carrying up to seven passengers, the SRX is a viable alternative to a full-size SUV, although those who need to tow heavy loads will require more than the SRX's 1,000-pound base tow rating. For those who don't care about towing or off-road ability, the SRX's low step-in height, manageable dimensions and respectable fuel consumption should hold strong appeal…
Cadillac's evolution from a builder of cushy luxo-barges to world-class touring sedans is complete, and nowhere is this transformation more evident than with the 2009 Cadillac STS. Along with the CTS, the STS has the mission of putting Cadillac back on the world's radar screen, and if ever there was a Cadillac that could lure younger buyers from their love affairs with Lexus and BMW, it's the STS. With a choice of V6 or V8 engines, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and enough sophisticated electronics to please the most demanding technophile, about the only thing lacking from this car is a manual transmission, a feature some enthusiasts may desire…
The verdict is in on the 2009 Cadillac STS-V: It's an unmitigated success. Some had doubts a Cadillac could ever play in the same arena as the famed M cars from BMW, the AMG offerings of Mercedes-Benz or the R models from Jaguar, but the STS-V has left even its harshest critics slack-jawed. Why? Here's part of the reason: A 469-horsepower supercharged V8 teamed to a super-taut chassis and a fluid body with razor-sharp good looks. The STS-V has the acceleration (zero-to-60 miles per hour in less than five seconds), braking and handling to place it among the world's best, making it easy for proud American driving enthusiasts to get behind the wheel. It also includes all the luxury one would expect from America's quintessential luxury car manufacturer…
As gasoline prices continue on their rollercoaster trend, the compact pickup is beginning to look mighty attractive. Though it can't tow or haul like a full-size Silverado, the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado makes an attractive alternative for those whose truck use tends to be more recreational than occupational. The Colorado's 185-horsepower four-cylinder and 242-horsepower five-cylinder engines provide good power and excellent fuel economy, while a four-wheel-drive option allows the compact pickup to tackle deep snow and venture off-road. Although the Colorado's cab and bed are not the largest in this segment (and its turning radius is uncommonly wide), the truck remains competitive with Ford's Ranger series and, to a lesser extent, the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Dodge Dakota…
The most stylish Suburban to date soldiers on for 2009 with a host of technological, safety and comfort upgrades. The Suburban hauls more passengers and cargo than anything in its segment, a fact not overlooked by those who need such convenience or capability. Cousin to the GMC Yukon XL and Chevrolet's own Avalanche SUV/pickup, the Suburban is also related to the shorter full-size Tahoe sport-utility. The 2009 Chevrolet Suburban can be had with two- or four-wheel drive, and in regular 1500 or heavy-duty 2500 models. Depending upon the model, a variety of V8 engines are available, from a 5.3-liter Flex-Fuel V8 on 1500 models to a 352-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8 on the 2500 versions…
The 2009 Chrysler 300 sedan has succeeded where many of its domestic rivals have not. While it's true that Americans have flocked to the 300 chiefly because of its bold styling, the 300 provides a roomy interior, impressive ride and handling, the availability of the well-known HEMI V8 engine and the option of all-wheel drive. The 300 benefited greatly from the now-defunct merger between Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler by receiving a number of German-engineered components, including its rear suspension and five-speed automatic transmission. One might think with so much premium content added to the mix that the 300's price tag would also surge, but V6 models start around $25,000. Thanks to the 300's popularity among the tuner crowd, there are plenty of aftermarket parts, allowing owners to customize their cars to their hearts' content…
Who says you have to be filthy rich to enjoy the finer things in life? From our standpoint, you need only about $50,000 and a driver's license. Those two commodities will put you behind the wheel of a 2008 Chrysler 300C SRT8, arguably the most potent performance sedan ever to leave a domestic factory's doors. Developed by Chrysler's in-house Street and Racing Technology team, the 300C SRT8 takes all that is good about the stock 300C and ratchets it up to the top of the scale. Big, bold and in-your-face, the 300C SRT8 has the HEMI power, performance and panache to break up the European sport-sedan monopoly, and does it for tens of thousands less…
The 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser continues as one of the most stylish and fun-to-own compact wagons on the market. While some may argue its retro look has grown tiresome, sales remain strong, as does the demand for aftermarket parts and accessories. Beyond its flamboyant "look at me" exterior, the PT Cruiser provides a roomy and highly flexible interior as adept at hauling kids and cargo as it is serving tailgate, or, rather, liftgate-party duty. Unlike most cars in this segment, Chrysler offers PT buyers a choice of fuel-efficient engines, one of which is turbocharged. Best of all, the PT Cruiser's price tag starts around $18,500, making it a vehicle just about anyone can afford…
Although it was temporarily overshadowed by the SUV as the symbol for family transport in third-millennium America, as recently as 2007 almost a million families opted for the arguably more functional minivan. Chrysler is widely credited with inventing the modern minivan and will soon be the only domestic manufacturer left in the game, as GM and Ford effectively replace their slow-selling minivans with three-row crossover SUVs. Fresh from last year's complete redesign, the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country – and the less chromed and woodgrained Dodge Grand Caravan – refine the segment by offering attractive seating and entertainment options clever enough to remain competitive with rival minivans from Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia…
Offering bold, muscle car-like styling combined with a comfortable ride, predictable handling and reasonable fuel economy, the 2009 Dodge Avenger is the Dodge Charger of the mid-size sedan segment. Far from a ham-fisted hunk of steel, the Avenger offers an impressive list of comfort and convenience options, such as a navigation system with real-time traffic information and a heated and cooled cupholder. The Avenger is also one of the few cars in the segment to offer all-wheel drive…
Heavy-duty pickups are a special breed of hauler. These full-size leviathans are built to tote and transfer big-time payloads and pull trailers weighing in excess of 10,000 pounds. Chrysler's entrants into this segment, which includes competitors from Chevrolet, GMC and Ford, are the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups. Available in Regular, Quad or Mega Cab configurations, with rear- or four-wheel drive, short or standard bed lengths, shorter or longer wheelbases, single or dual rear wheels, multiple trim levels and HEMI V8 gasoline or Cummins Turbo Diesel power, these ultra-Rams offer everything the basic Ram 1500 pickup does while adding even greater all-around capability…
By masterfully combining the best attributes of a responsive but comfortable sedan with those of a versatile and roomy SUV, the 2009 Ford Edge fulfills the promise of the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) like no other example to date. It also demonstrates impeccable timing, earning a spot as the nation best-selling crossover as many car-based CUV sales begin overtaking their truck-based SUV counterparts. The Ford Edge might not have the capability to impact the market in the same way as the automaker's Taurus sedan of 1986 or the Explorer SUV of 1991, but the fact that it's good enough to get mentioned in the same sentence as those milestones says quite a bit…
The 2009 Ford Ranger finds itself surrounded by a number of newer and larger competitors, making it necessary for Ford to keep its compact truck competitive by offering numerous upgrades, fresh styling and rock-bottom pricing. In terms of size, only the Chevrolet Colorado, its sibling twins, the Isuzu i-Series and GMC Canyon and the Toyota Tacoma offer a regular-cab configuration, an appealing feature for those looking for a bare-bones truck. The Ranger SuperCab models feature two small rear doors, but no crew-cab model challenges similar vehicles from Dodge, Nissan and Toyota. With no V8 option under the hood, the Ranger also falls behind the class leaders in horsepower and towing capability…
Not many domestics can go toe-to-toe with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but over the last two decades Ford's Taurus has consistently been a big sales generator hot on the heels of its overseas competition. The Taurus name took a brief hiatus in 2007, but was quickly returned to the lineup last year. For 2009, the Taurus continues to offer consumers a roomy and safe full-size sedan, set to do battle with the likes of Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Dodge Charger. With its fresh look and low entry-level price tag, the Taurus is better than it's ever been and worth a look for those seeking a sedan that can comfortably hold a family of five…
When it comes to the Ford Taurus X, the name is familiar and so is the vehicle, but for different reasons. That name belonged to a car that radicalized the world of mid-size sedans and wagons when it first appeared as a 1986 model, but then declined over the years to rental fleet anonymity. The vehicle itself, meanwhile, made an all but invisible debut as the Ford Freestyle, its solid foundations clad in forgettable sheetmetal and propelled by an engine unequal to the task. In 2008, Ford returned the Taurus nameplate to their big wagon and along the way added a substantial list of significant upgrades, as well as earning a spot in Kelley Blue Book's list of Best New Family Vehicles. Offered in front- and all-wheel drive editions, the Taurus X stacks up as crossover worthy of attention…
As the first crossover SUV sold by GMC, the 2009 GMC Acadia shares its structure and many of its features with the Saturn Outlook, Chevrolet Traverse and the Buick Enclave. The Acadia successfully combines the appearance and capabilities of an SUV with an added measure of practicality and efficiency. It seats up to eight people, has ample room for luggage or cargo and offers good fuel economy. Considering that most SUVs never leave paved roads, GMC expects the Acadia's street-focused ride, handling and available all-wheel drive to make up for its lack of off-road capability. The Acadia's competitors include the Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer…
Do you find yourself attracted to the reasonable size and off-road ability of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, but feel your position in life requires you to drive something a bit more upscale? Well, you're in luck, because that's exactly what you'll find in the 2009 GMC Envoy and Envoy Denali. Though identical to the TrailBlazer under the skin, the Envoy visually excels beyond its Chevrolet counterpart with its upscale exterior, plush interior and, for those who can afford the extra premium, high-end Denali trim package. The Envoy is extremely flexible, offering a choice of six- or eight-cylinder engines with two-wheel or four-wheel drive. When equipped with the V8 and the optional tow package, the Envoy can pull up to 6,600 pounds…
Long regarded as the twin of the Chevrolet Silverado, the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 offers more differentiation from its General Motors stable-mate in looks, while sharing the same basic architecture and engine choices. Exclusive to the GMC Sierra line, though, is the Denali trim level that brings with it a variety of power and luxury features. Looking to extend their leadership in the pickup truck segment, GM engineers and designers have created a new breed of pickup, one offering an improved chassis, more precise steering and not one but two quieter, more upscale interiors. The Sierra also delivers segment-leading fuel economy thanks to the new line of Active Fuel Management-equipped V8 engines and the introduction of the 2-Mode hybrid model…
For several decades, GMC products represented little more than rebadged versions of their Chevrolet counterparts. Beginning in 2007, GMC began a concerted effort to distinguish itself from its divisional sibling. With the 2009 GMC Sierra HD trucks, GM's engineers have also made a concerted effort to increase the differentiation between the Heavy Duty pickups and their lighter-duty 1500 counterparts. With improvements in refinement, engines and capabilities, the GMC line of trucks are easily a match, and in some cases superior, to their peers from Dodge and Ford…
Recently acquired by India's Tata Motors, Jaguar is currently embarking upon an unprecedented new chapter in its illustrious history. While the pivotal vehicle in determining Jaguar's ultimate fortunes will likely be the new XF luxury sedan, this legendary automaker's stunning XK Coupe and Convertible remain its most powerfully emotional driving statements. Sensational styling, impressive V8 engines (supercharged in the XKR variants, reviewed separately), and finely tuned suspensions allow these luxuriously appointed 2+2 grand tourers to vie for the attentions of potential upscale owners against prime competitors that include the BMW 650i, Lexus SC 430 and Porsche 911. As always, the Jaguars do it with a distinctly – and distinctive – British accent that gives them an abundance of sheer, unmitigated charisma…
Recently acquired by India's Tata Motors, Jaguar is embarking on a new era in its illustrious history. But in this time of change, one constant remains: The automaker's commitment to create cars that match expressive styling with impressive performance. Advancing that noble cause well beyond the formidable XK models, the exhilarating XKR Coupe and Convertible boast stronger 420-horsepower supercharged V8s, upgraded suspension and braking and enhanced levels of standard equipment. These 2+2 Hypercats are bred to take on the likes of the BMW M6, Maserati GranTurismo and Porsche 911 Turbo, with some two-seaters, such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Chevy Corvette Z06 and ZR1, in their sights. Adding a halo effect to the lineup are XKR Portfolio trim-level versions that bring unique and even-richer features to the 385 limited-edition vehicles we'll see here for 2009…
Jeep purists never got over the loss of the original Cherokee, so it's no surprise the 2009 Jeep Commander bears a striking resemblance to the former's beloved and boxy design. Unlike the old Cherokee, the Commander offers far better interior accommodations, including a third-row seat. The Commander is Jeep's largest SUV to date and, although it shares much of its chassis and suspension with the Grand Cherokee (as well as the availability of a HEMI V8 engine), no one will ever mistake the two. While the Commander doesn't offer the same cargo space as a full-sized Chevrolet Tahoe or even Dodge Durango, it should suit most families looking for a workable combination of comfort, power and superior off-road ability…
Timing may not be everything, but it certainly counts for something. Consumers have shown a definite penchant for smaller, more fuel-efficient crossover utility vehicles, which bodes well for the 2009 Jeep Compass. Sharing much of its mechanicals with the Jeep Patriot, the four-cylinder Compass is designed for buyers who seek on-road comfort and convenience with a dash of Jeep off-road heritage Jeep purists will likely find more to like in the Patriot, with its more traditional Jeep styling and off-road abilities…
The Grand Cherokee is legendary for its rugged off-road capability, sensible size and car-like ride and interior. While most SUVs have grown to near-gargantuan proportions, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains true to the general size of the original 1992 model. Engine choices, however, have grown larger and include a fuel-efficient V6, a 4.7-liter V8, a powerful HEMI V8 and, for a limited time, a torque-happy turbodiesel. Jeep also offers a choice of three four-wheel-drive systems, which range from a basic shift-on-the-fly high/low transfer case to a permanently engaged system capable of sending power to whichever wheel has traction…
The 65-year history of what has become America's definitive off-roader – and an icon on the level of national treasures such as the Corvette and Mustang – began with a run of nearly 650,000 units built for use during the last world war. Distributed strictly for civilian enjoyment today, Jeep claims the percentage of Wrangler owners who take their vehicles off road is higher than that of any other brand. A short wheelbase, solid front and rear axles and renowned all-wheel-drive systems combine in a perennial favorite of rock crawlers, mudders and light off-roaders alike. The longest, widest and most livable design to date, the 2009 Jeep Wrangler continues to enjoy a wide and deeply loyal audience…
With the addition of the Versa as Nissan's smallest car, the once tiny Sentra moves up the line to nearly mid-size status. Anchoring the largely carryover 2009 lineup are 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL models, while high-performance SE-R and SE-R Spec V variants (reviewed separately) provide enthusiast appeal. This front-drive four-door boasts sophisticated styling, competent ride and handling, excellent fuel efficiency and a long list of standard and available creature comforts – traits that serve it well in dealing with market challenges from the likes of the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda MAZDA3 and Toyota Corolla…
2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R and Spec V
Representing the sporting side of the Sentra family, the hot SE-R and hotter SE-R Spec V each boast bigger, more powerful engines, tauter suspensions and lots more attitude than their "normal" Sentra kin. Sharing basic "C" platform front-drive architecture with the core Sentra models, these scintillating sedans each skew towards a slightly different kind of enthusiast. Buyers who demand the convenience of an automatic will find it in the SE-R's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with sport mode, while the Spec V offers its extra adrenaline rush only with a six-speed manual gearbox. Either of these rakish road warriors warrants a comparison drive if you're considering the Honda Civic Si or even the pricier Volkswagen Jetta GLI sedan…
The 2009 Saturn Aura sedan is the most powerful salvo launched in Saturn's rejuvenation program. Riding alongside the hot SKY roadster and newly-launched Astra sedan and coupe, the Aura redefines the automaker's role as both import fighter and technology leader. Like the SKY roadster, the Aura is more stylish and confident than anything Saturn produced in its first 15 years of existence. Although the Aura shares a platform with the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn's version feels more refined inside, outside and on the road. The latest model in Aura lineup is a gas-electric Aura hybrid formerly known as the Aura Green Line. Even as Saturn begins unleashing its most appealing cars ever, the automaker has committed to maintaining its popular "no haggle" pricing policy…
You can spend two, three or 10 times as much on a sports car with a bigger engine and a fancier badge, but the smiles don't get a whole lot wider than the ones the 2009 Saturn SKY roadster is capable of painting upon your face (although it also can have you grimacing at times). Even though its suspension is slightly softer than that of its Pontiac Solstice sibling, the SKY still grips corners like a small, serious roadster should…
Ever since the brand's introduction in 1990, the easy-to-purchase Saturns have been known mainly as sensible cars for small families and modest budgets. That's all changed dramatically with the debut of the SKY roadster and, especially, its recently-introduced turbocharged Red Line offshoot. Only in small details does it differ mechanically from the Pontiac Solstice, and the rear-wheel-drive two-passenger 2009 Saturn SKY – particularly in Red Line guise – sends Saturn and its potential customers into a new and unexpected automotive realm…
The 2009 Scion tC has proven to be everything its competitors feared. Smartly styled, fuel-efficient and a blast to drive, the little tC is more than just a good value – it has become the poster child for the lucrative aftermarket parts and customization business. Though not as space-efficient as the xD or xB, the tC can comfortably fit two adults and its versatile hatch design makes it easy to carry sports equipment or overnight gear. A near-flawless repair history and excellent resale value are but part of the tC's early success stories. By holding the tC's price well below $18,000, Scion has grabbed a substantial chunk of the all-important youth market, attracting young buyers who may likely move up to Toyota and Lexus brands as they grow older…
When Scion set out last year to redesign the original xB, it asked current owners and fans of the brand what they would like to see on the next generation. Their feedback revealed that people wanted the box-like styling to stay, but also wanted the car to be larger, with a more powerful engine and more standard features, such as cruise control. The result is the 2009 xB, a vehicle that should appeal to both Scion enthusiasts and other potential buyers, all at a reasonable price. Scion's straight-forward "mono spec" basic equipment level continues, encouraging customization and making the car-buying process more personal…
Scion has, in its fairly short history, always striven to be the purveyor of uber-cool in the automotive world, looking to create true trend-setter and lifestyle-focused vehicles. What many overlook is that Scion builds products that are applicable to a wide audience of both young and old alike, as truly practical and affordable modes of transportation that don't loudly scream "budget." The 2009 Scion xD, with its aggressive short, squat stance, four doors and convenient hatchback, is a nice addition to the Scion family line-up. Although it delivers slightly less interior and cargo room than to old xA it replaced last year, the xD offers a bigger engine with 25 additional horsepower…
Few SUVs are held in such high regard as the Toyota 4Runner. Generation after generation has come to love this midsize SUV for its near-bulletproof reliability, excellent build quality and strong resale value. Although the 4Runner has grown larger and more luxurious over the years, at its core it remains a versatile and rugged SUV, as comfortable traversing a boulder-strewn desert as a four-lane highway. Still, it is easy to find newer SUV and CUV designs with more interior room, smoother rides and more electronic goodies. Budget-conscious buyers will probably suffer sticker shock, as even the most basic rear-wheel drive 4Runner model starts around $29,500…
The 2009 Avalon is Toyota's flagship sedan. One step above the popular Camry, the full-size Avalon offers a generous interior packed with so much luxury many owners consider the car to be almost Lexus-like. In what has long been the domain of the domestic automakers, the Avalon offers full-size car buyers a modern, front-wheel-drive sedan with an impeccable history of excellent service, outstanding quality and best-in-class resale. Beyond its solid engineering attributes, the Avalon also offers customers a powerful yet fuel-efficient V6 engine, a huge and easily accessible trunk and a sense of style not found in more traditional sedans…
Largely due to its solid reputation for quality and reliability, Toyota's midsize Camry has been the best-selling car in America for nine of the past ten years. Although the Honda Accord continues as the Camry's main rival, a host of new sedans, including the Mazda MAZDA6 and Chevrolet Malibu, threaten to chip away at the champion's throne. To keep ahead of the pack, the 2009 Toyota Camry remains one of the most style-conscious Camrys to date, with an abundance of interior room and marked improvements in the areas of steering, braking, handling and ride comfort (although in the sportier SE the tuning is biased more toward crisper handling response). Engine choices include a 158-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. There's also a hybrid model which is reviewed separately…
The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid uses the Hybrid Synergy Drive system which, like the Prius, employs a frugal four-cylinder engine teamed with a powerful electric motor. Unlike the Prius, the Camry Hybrid does not stand out in a crowd, an important difference for the eco-friendly driver who prefers to remain anonymous. In fact, about the only noticeable differences between the Camry Hybrid and its gasoline-powered equivalent are a smaller trunk (due to the placement of the battery pack), a slightly smaller fuel tank and the obvious Hybrid Synergy Drive badges…
Sold in the U.S. from 1960 to 1983, the Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser remains one of the most respected off-road vehicles of all time. The Land Cruiser nameplate survives to this day, in fact, but affixed to a much bigger, much more expensive vehicle. Toyota's 4Runner has also grown, both in size and in price, to a starting sticker near $30K, which necessitated the need for the FJ Cruiser. The 2009 FJ Cruiser is Toyota's answer to the popular Nissan Xterra and the venerable Jeep Wrangler. The FJ Cruiser backs up its distinctive, retro-esque styling with serious off-road capability, thanks to features like body-on-frame construction, big tires, available four-wheel drive with two-speed transfer case and available locking rear differential…
The 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser takes the best attributes from several different types of vehicles – luxury sedan, minivan, serious off-roader, full-sized pickup – and combines them to produce a comfortable, roomy and capable SUV. The flagship of Toyota's six-SUV fleet offers seating for eight, a 381-horsepower V8, full-time four-wheel drive, 8,500-pound towing capacity and new technology that gives it impressive ability off-road. However, its price and size have both ballooned. Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz GL550 SUV, Land Rover Range Rover HSE, Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, though none exactly match the Land Cruiser's combination of power, seating capacity, towing capability and back-country performance…
At the cutting edge of automotive design and technology, the 2009 Toyota Prius is propelled by a hybrid powerplant consisting of a battery-powered electric motor teamed to a gasoline engine. The two units can work in tandem or individually, allowing the Prius to earn uncommonly good fuel economy figures while producing extremely low (and, under certain conditions, zero of currently regulated) emissions. Offering as much head and legroom as a mid-sized Camry sedan, the Prius can comfortably accommodate four adults, has a surprisingly smooth ride and can be loaded with such high-tech features as a rearview monitor and DVD navigation. For environmentally savvy families seeking to conserve both fuel and the great outdoors, the Prius is second to none…
The 2009 Toyota RAV4 has come along way from the cute little two-door pop-top of 1996. Toyota's smallest SUV has left its long-time rival, the Honda CR-V, in the feature-content dust by offering seating for seven, a low-cost navigation option and an optional V6 engine. Moving upscale can have its drawbacks, however, and the current RAV4's conservative styling might be the most noticeable of those. Where the RAV4 was once aimed at young singles with active lifestyles, the new vehicle caters to young couples with active two-year olds. While there are better equipped and less expensive seven-passenger SUVs on the market (the Hyundai Santa Fe, for example), none have the RAV4's impeccable quality, reliability reputation or strong resale value…
The 2009 Toyota Sienna is considered one the best minivans on the market today. Although not as big as the Honda Odyssey or Dodge Grand Caravan, the Sienna is still a sizable family hauler with room for up to eight persons. An attractive feature you won't find on any other minivan is the optional all-wheel drive, a must-have for many families who live in snow-frequented climates. Known for its solid build and a reputation for reliability, the Sienna quietly retains one other noteworthy quality: A strong resale value…
The 2009 Toyota Tacoma may be the Japanese automaker's smallest pickup, but it has long since left the realm of the compact courier. The Tacoma is the best selling pickup in its segment and dwarfs the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado in every area that counts. Its closest competitors are now the Dodge Dakota and Nissan Frontier and, while worthy opponents, neither can match the Tacoma's long history of reliability and high resale value. Wrapped in muscular, aggressive sheetmetal and touting the most powerful V6 engine ever to grace a small Toyota, the Tacoma has much to offer those who take their pickup trucks seriously…
At first glance, equipping a pickup truck body with the ride and handling of a sports car might seem like an odd pairing. But consider that many compact pickup buyers use their trucks only for light-duty hauling, and the idea is not so far-fetched. The 2009 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab X-Runner features a full-length bed and a roomy cab, which gives a great combination for hauling sports gear and showing up at tailgate parties. The lowered sport suspension rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and performance tires. Reinforced frame bracing provides a stiffer chassis for better handling and, while the truck's lightweight rear end isn't exactly conducive to slalom course maneuvers, the X-Runner's handling is far better than the average Tacoma pickup…
For 2009, the Yaris continues as Toyota's subcompact value leader, which makes sense since it's also Toyota's only subcompact offering. Having replaced the slow-selling Echo two years back, the Yaris has gained in popularity and, although it remains the smallest and least expensive vehicle in the Toyota brand line-up, it is still packed with value. Set to do battle with the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and lesser rivals like the Chevrolet Aveo and Kia Rio, the Yaris must cover a lot of ground. Of the three distinctly different Yaris models it's the Liftback that make the more expressive design statement and, although the Sedan is nearly 19 inches longer than the Liftback, all three vehicles share the same chassis, engine and drivetrain…
Despite relatively modest overall production numbers, Volvo has mounted an ambitious program to raise its profile among the world's premium automakers. The S80 typifies the scope of that ongoing effort. The flagship of Volvo's sedan fleet embodies a Swedish approach to style, creature comforts and leading-edge safety features while offering multiple powertrain configurations and solid value pricing. The 2009 lineup includes the front-drive S80 3.2, the turbocharged S80 T6 AWD and the S80 V8 AWD. While the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Saab 9-5 are the S80's closest rivals, potential buyers also might consider up-line mid-size sedans like the Acura TL, Lincoln MKS and Lexus GS series…
The 2009 Volvo V50 is a compact premium wagon derived from the same chassis as the sporty S40 sedan. Although not large enough to provide a third-row seat, the V50's enclosed cargo area offers easy access when loading or retrieving items, as well as additional roof space on which to stow gear. With the rear seats folded down, the V50 can carry a fair bit of cargo or make room for the family dog. The V50 is far more fun to drive than a compact SUV, offers the added traction and stability provided by available all-wheel drive and is loaded with the latest Volvo safety and security technologies…
A cornerstone of Volvo's lineup, the mid-size V70 wagon arrives little changed after a complete makeover in 2008. In addition to gaining a more contemporary appearance, the third generation of this popular hauler has transitioned onto upgraded platform architecture that it now shares with the firm's flagship S80 sedan and the XC70 all-wheel-drive crossover utility vehicle. Available in just one trim, the V70 3.2 boasts a powerful and refined six-cylinder engine, a broad range of standard and available features and a stellar array of advanced safety systems. As always, this competent Swedish family wagon faces off against a formidable field of mostly European rivals, headed by the Audi A6 Avant quattro, BMW 535xi Sport Wagon, Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC Wagon and Saab 9-5 SportCombi…
Volvo's XC70 wagon, the descendent of the cult-classic Cross Country Wagon, occupies a big place in a very small field. Rugged wagons capable of off-road ventures are few and far between, and with the Audi A6 entrant long gone, Subaru's Outback becomes the closest rival. Good as it is, the Outback can't match the Volvo's luxurious premium-brand panache, nor can it equal the XC70's long list of standard and optional features. If a crossover SUV is more car than you care for, and you don't require three-row seating, the all-new XC70's artful blend of beauty and brawn (not to mention safety) make it ideal for the active family's lifestyle…
With the increasing movement to smaller, more efficient vehicles, the 2009 Volvo XC90 strikes an acceptable balance between car and SUV. Riding atop the previous-generation S80 chassis, the roomy and safe XC90 comes wrapped in a manageable size and equipped with a choice of a V6 or V8 engine. Although more expensive than similarly-sized vehicles from Nissan and Honda, many consider Volvo's more luxurious SUV as something of a status symbol. Regardless of how you view the XC90, there is no arguing with the vehicle's rugged construction, all-weather capability, exemplary safety rating and strong resale value…
WEEKLY VALUES NOW AVAILABLE IN KELLEY BLUE BOOK’S KARPOWER ONLINE
IRVINE, Calif., January 23, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, is now publishing its trusted used-vehicle values weekly via its Web-based product KARPOWER Online®. KARPOWER Online can be accessed across an organization, offering dealer management system (DMS) polling, automated Web export capabilities, and necessary information and tools to value, manage, and market used vehicle inventory more efficiently and effectively.
KARPOWER Online’s DMS integration allows dealerships to easily input, manage and market their used vehicle inventory. Additionally KARPOWER Online offers a built-in VIN decoder in which dealers can quickly input and evaluate vehicles rather than individually keying in vehicle details. KARPOWER Online also provides access to 21 years of regionally adjusted Kelley Blue Book Retail, Wholesale Lending and Trade-In Values. These two features allow inventory to be captured and more easily managed through KARPOWER Online and as an add-on feature offers new-vehicle pricing to assist in the marketing on new-car inventory online and on the lot.
Through KARPOWER Online, Kelley Blue Book is now providing more frequent updates of used-vehicles values, to more closely reflect current market conditions. Kelley Blue Book has also added an ‘Auction Value,’ which is what a used vehicle is expected to sell for at a wholesale auction. Kelley Blue Book Auction Values are condition-based, which means the company offer several different Auction Values based on the condition of the vehicle. An additional change includes a name change for the company’s Wholesale Value, a long-standing benchmark for automotive lending, which is now the ‘Wholesale Lending Value.’ The Wholesale Lending Value will be updated weekly reflecting the value of a vehicle that has been fully reconditioned, inspected and is frontline ready. Finance companies can now use Kelley Blue Book’s Wholesale Lending Value without any additional calculation to mitigate risk and better manage lending portfolios.
“KARPOWER Online is an all encompassing vehicle inventory marketing and management system,” said Nikos Ioannou, director of industry products, Kelley Blue Book. “By understanding the local market and the change in vehicle values each week from Kelley Blue Book, dealers can better manage and market their inventory for financial success.”
Dealers, manufacturers, finance companies and others in the automotive industry can access all of Kelley Blue Book’s weekly values through a paid subscription to the company’s Internet-based valuation system, KARPOWER Online (www.karpower.com), through syndication or other service providers. Kelley Blue Book Values are also available on handheld devices.
For more information, visit www.1800bluebook.com or Kelley Blue Book’s NADA booth #5329.
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KBB.COM REPORTS RISE IN NEW-CAR TRAFFIC, LEADS
Automakers and Dealers Can Capture More Lead Information with Kbb.com’s Integrated LeadDriver Product
IRVINE, Calif., January 23, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today reports an increase in new-car shopper activity on its top-rated Web site. After a period of consumer cautiousness, which led to lower shopping activity and lower sales in recent months, the average daily new-car traffic on www.kbb.com has increased 20 percent in January 2009 compared to the previous month. This reveals higher traffic levels than any time during the fourth quarter of 2008.
Support for the domestic manufacturers is up during this time as well, with traffic to General Motors reports up 19 percent from December 2008. Ford has 9 percent, and Chrysler has 20 percent more activity on kbb.com compared to the previous month.
“Based on the climb in new-car traffic and dealer leads generated on kbb.com in December and early January, we expect to see a lift in auto sales versus the last quarter of 2008,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “Consumers are recognizing great deals are available now, many based on generous manufacturer incentives, making this a great time to buy or lease a new vehicle.”
As a further indication that the recent sales freeze may be thawing, dealer leads generated on kbb.com were up 19 percent in the week ending December 28, 2008, compared to the previous week. In the following week ending January 4, 2009, the number of leads jumped an additional18 percent, creating an overall leads increase of 40 percent compared to two weeks prior.
Automakers and dealers can take advantage of this increasing activity on their own Web sites. Kelley Blue Book’s comprehensive LeadDriver product integrates Kelley Blue Book Trade-In Values into a manufacturer or dealership’s Web site while capturing high-quality leads. With this product, dealers can generate high-quality leads, convert more leads into sales, benefit from Kelley Blue Book brand recognition and retain visitors on their own Web site.
“As consumers return to the marketplace, it becomes exceedingly important for dealers to create a positive, confident online experience,” said Brad Prickett, director of industry products for Kelley Blue Book. “LeadDriver allows dealers to provide trusted information from Kelley Blue Book, while simultaneously accessing in-market shoppers outside the dealership’s lot, resulting in additional sales.”
For more information about Kelley Blue Book’s dealer products, services and solutions, please visit www.800bluebook.com.
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KBB.COM’S ‘5 GREAT DEALS’ PROGRAM CONNECTS SHOPPERS TO NEW CAR DEALS EACH WEEK
Kbb.com Devotes Majority of House Ad Space to Promoting Top New Car Deals, Spurring Car Sales
IRVINE, Calif., January 21, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announces the ‘5 Great Deals’ program on kbb.com, which reveals to consumers five noteworthy deals on new cars available each week and illustrates the amazing deals carmakers are making available to consumers.. The kbb.com editors cull through the latest pricing and car incentives information every week to hand-pick the top five bargains for new cars, and then present the information to car shoppers on kbb.com. Kbb.com began the “5 Great Deals” program in mid-December to point out special values available in today’s challenging economic environment, which has spurred unusually attractive opportunities for consumers.
Initially launched in December 2008 as a ‘Deal of the Day’ feature in the Latest News section, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com recently devoted the majority of its house ad space throughout the site to the now-weekly “5 Great Deals” list to maximize consumer exposure to the abundance of unprecedented new-car offers currently available and demonstrate to consumers that now, more than ever, it’s a great time to buy a new car.
In addition to listing the models and incentives information for each week’s top “5 Great Deals” and linking to further information about the vehicles on kbb.com, the editors also lend shoppers their expertise by providing helpful details such as a brief synopsis of each vehicle’s features, aiding consumers to better understand at-a-glance why a great deal on this particular new car should be worthy of their attention. Shoppers then can easily locate local car dealers in their area, request specific price quotes and get pre-approved for a car loan and more, all from the convenience of their computer while on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.
“There are an unprecedented amount of money-saving offers on new cars right now, and kbb.com’s “5 Great Deals” is a consumer service created for busy shoppers who want to know the specifics on which new models have the most noteworthy deals and why these cars should be on their consideration list,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “With the abundance of new-vehicle incentives available, now is a great time to buy a car, not just for the consumer who can get a compelling deal, but also to support the industry and help Americans keep their jobs. The ‘5 Great Deals’ program is a win/win for the consumer and the auto industry at large.”
Auto manufacturers featured in kbb.com’s “5 Great Deals” are seeing increased interest in their models as a result of the program. For example, on January 8, 2009, kbb.com featured a deal offered on the 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe, resulting in a spike in traffic to G37 pricing reports on kbb.com that day.
“We were thrilled when we heard about all of the people visiting the Infiniti G Coupe on kbb.com after it was featured as one of the 5 Great Deals,” said Jon Brancheau, director, Infiniti marketing communications and media. “We certainly welcome the additional exposure that will increase awareness for our models and hopefully lead to more sales.”
New car shoppers can easily access each week’s ‘5 Great Deals’ on kbb.com by visiting http://www.kbb.com/5_great_car_deals.
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NEARLY THREE-QUARTERS OF NEW CAR SHOPPERS PREFER TO BUY AMERICAN-MADE PRODUCTS
Shoppers Overwhelmingly Plan to Buy Versus Lease; Look to Purchase New Cars Versus Used
IRVINE, Calif., January 8, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announces the latest Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research data indicating that nearly three-quarters of car shoppers say they prefer to buy American-made products. More than half (51 percent) of the survey respondents say they try to buy American-made products if they are readily available and price-competitive, and 14 percent say they will go out of their way to buy American. Six percent say they will only buy American-made products, and they will do without if an American-made product is not available.
The penchant for buying American-made products also has made its mark in the automotive marketplace, even amidst the recent turmoil of the domestic manufacturers. One-third of new-vehicle shoppers say they would only consider cars from United States-based manufacturers, such as vehicles made by General Motors, Ford or Chrysler, and that they would not consider any vehicles from other countries.
At 33 percent, exclusive interest – shoppers saying they would only buy cars from a particular country – was far higher for vehicles from the United States than for any other country. Exclusive interest in Japanese vehicles, in comparison, was only 12 percent and five percent for vehicles manufactured in Germany. Furthermore, vehicles from the United States are on the vast majority of shoppers’ consideration lists, with more than 90 percent saying they would consider buying a vehicle from a domestic manufacturer, compared to 74 percent for Japanese vehicles, 57 percent for German vehicles and 38 percent for Korean vehicles.
In addition, an overwhelming majority (97 percent) of vehicle shoppers plan to buy rather than lease their next vehicle, and nearly 70 percent say they will purchase new cars rather than used.
“Seeing the domestic automakers’ recent struggle has ignited a heightened sense of patriotism among some American car shoppers, and the latest Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research indicates that people are pulling for the Big Three to survive and thrive,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “The overwhelming inclination to buy versus lease is a sign of the current economic climate. People feel that leases are both less available and not as financially advantageous as they previously were. In addition, consumers are being more fiscally conservative in the midst of the recession, opting to buy a car they can afford versus leasing a car that may realistically be out of their budget.”
More than half of the survey respondents plan to purchase their next vehicle in the next three months, and say they could be motivated to purchase even sooner if good auto financing offers are available, citing cash rebates and incentive offers as most popular, followed by financing offers and then overall improved economic and personal financial stability.
The latest Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research survey was conducted on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com among 537 qualified respondents from December 8-14, 2008.
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KELLEY BLUE BOOK’S KBB.COM NAMES MOST-RESEARCHED NEW VEHICLES 0F 2008
Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Volkswagen Jetta Make Impressive Jumps into Top 20 for 2008
IRVINE, Calif., December 29, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announces the most-researched new cars of 2008 on the company’s top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com. The year 2008 marks the third consecutive year that Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com saw greater than 140 million unique visitors, with more than half of all online vehicle shoppers visiting kbb.com. Because kbb.com is one of the most trafficked automotive research sites, visitation to specific vehicles has become a leading indicator of sales patterns for manufacturers.
Kbb.com’s Most-Researched New Vehicles of 2008
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1. Honda Civic |
6. Honda CR-V |
11. Toyota Yaris |
16. Ford Mustang |
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2. Honda Accord |
7. Toyota Prius |
12. Ford Escape |
17. Chevrolet Malibu |
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3. Toyota Camry |
13. Honda Odyssey |
18. Toyota Sienna |
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9. Toyota RAV4 |
14. Honda Pilot |
19. MINI Cooper |
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10. Mazda3 |
15. Honda Fit |
20. Volkswagen Jetta |
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“The site traffic on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com demonstrates what is on the minds of today’s new-car shoppers, especially when examining the most-researched new-vehicles of 2008,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “Continued interest in Honda and Toyota, Chevrolet’s home-run Malibu redesign and an increase in visits to more fuel-efficient, economical vehicles is an accurate reflection of the marketplace in 2008.”
Import manufacturers Honda and Toyota frequently dominate the kbb.com most-researched lists, and while they still have a major turnout for 2008 (nabbing 13 of the top 20 spots), this year’s list demonstrates that other manufacturers and vehicles also have now made their mark in the minds of consumers in 2008.
Many vehicles made noteworthy jumps into the top 20 most-researched new vehicles for 2008 that were not on the list in 2007. Chevrolet’s all-new redesigned Malibu made the most impressive leap, jumping 55 places from last year’s rank at 72 to this year’s rank at 17. Also new to this year’s top 20 are the Honda Fit (last year ranked 35, this year 15), the Toyota Yaris (last year ranked 23, this year 11) and the Volkswagen Jetta (last year ranked 25, this year 20).
The year’s roller-coaster fuel prices reflect many shifts in the 2008 list versus last year’s list in 2007, with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles seeing more traffic than in years past. In addition to the inclusion of subcompacts such as the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris on this year’s list, other fuel-efficient vehicles gaining positions in the top 20 include this year’s number-one vehicle the Honda Civic, as well as the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius, Mazda3 and Ford Escape. Toyota’s Camry and Honda’s Civic switched places in 2008 from last year, when Camry ranked No. 1 and Civic No. 3. The Toyota Corolla also switched places with the Honda CR-V when compared to last year, when Corolla was No. 6 and CR-V was No. 4, further indicating a shift toward more fuel-efficient vehicles.
When examining the data from a regional and state-by-state standpoint, domestic vehicles such as the Ford Escape and Chevrolet Malibu are much more popular in their home-state of Michigan, ranking at No. 4 and 5, respectively.
The Honda Civic, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry (in varying orders each year) have been the top three most-researched new-vehicles on kbb.com each year since 2004.
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KELLEY BLUE BOOK PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACTS:
Robyn Eckard
Director of Public Relations
949-268-3049
Joanna McNally
Senior Public Relations Manager
949-268-3079
Brenna Robinson
Public Relations Manager
949-267-4781
About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company’s top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book® Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book® Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. – 2008 Spring Automotive Web Site Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, car reviews and news, used car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.
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