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Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav4 and Toyota Highlander: Three of the more fuel-efficient compact SUVs on the market

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Posted in General Auto News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Toyota

In the current economic conditions, many consumers have decided that fuel economy is one of the more important factors involved in the car buying process. For those interested in purchasing a used SUV in New Jersey, there are several models that can offer you the benefits of a larger family vehicle that won’t hurt your wallet at the pump.

In 2005, several car manufactures began specializing in the compact sports utility vehicle. Three of the highest rated, most moderately priced SUVs that also have the best fuel economy include the Honda CR-V, the Toyota Rav4 and the Toyota Highlander.

The 2005 Honda CR-V is one of the more fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. It gets a respectable 23 miles per gallon in the city and a very solid 29 mpg on the highway, according to About.com.

The ’05 model is equipped with Honda’s four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine that is more than capable of competing with various sedans on the highway. With 160-horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, the CR-V is able to outperform most any compact SUV in its class, Edmunds.com reports.

Honda’s 2005 CRV comes standard with an “intelligent” variable valve timing system called i-VTEC, which allows the engine to generate plenty of power while maintaining an impressive fuel economy. It offers class-leading interior space, yet drives more like a sedan than a larger family car.

“If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, all-purpose vehicle with a sense of adventure and fine foul-weather capability, the CR-V is hard to beat,” says the news source.

Just behind the CR-V in terms of fuel economy for a compact SUV is the Toyota Rav4, which gets 23 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The two-wheel drive, manual transmission model is even more fuel-efficient.

In 2005, the Rav4 was reequipped with a more powerful engine and received significant safety improvements.

The ’05 model has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 161-horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. Similar to the CR-V, the Rav4 comes standard with a variable valve timing system that boosts torque at low- and mid-range engine speeds.

Outfitted with four-wheel anti-lock brakes and side airbags for front passengers, outshines its competition in terms of standard safety features. In government crash tests, the Rav4 earned four out of five stars for frontal impact protection and a perfect grade for side impacts, according to Edmunds.

The Rav4 is the first car to win the Best Pick designation for both front and side impact tests.

“Intended for a life on pavement, the RAV4 really shines in this environment, where its taut suspension, quick steering and tight turning radius come together to produce one of the best-handling SUVs we’ve ever driven,” says the news source.

For consumers interested in a mid-size SUV with a strong fuel economy, the 4-cylinder Toyota Highlander may be of interest.

Highlanders are available with a 230-horsepower V6, but the V4 model gets significantly more miles per gallon. City mileage ranges from 18-22 mpg, but the Highlander can get up to 27 mpg on the highway.

It is available with four-wheel-drive and can seat up to seven passengers. The ’05 Highlander sits much higher than the Rav4 of CR-V and has considerably more interior space. It costs a bit more than some compact SUVs, but is fairly priced for its size, strong fuel efficiency and smooth ride.

“The Highlander is so darn smooth it encourages the driver to make every trip a pleasure for his or her passengers,” says Phillip Powell from About.com.

CEO David Smith parts ways with Jaguar Land Rover

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Jaguar - DO NOT USE, Land Rover - DO NOT USE

Used Jaguar models in New Jersey may begin to attract additional attention following news that chief executive officer David Smith has resigned from Jaguar Land Rover, effective immediately.

A company spokesman declined comment on the reasons for Smith’s abrupt departure, stating that his resignation was “confidential between the company and Mr Smith.” Jaguar issued a brief statement thanking Smith “for his efforts in the role and for his services to Jaguar and Land Rover over many years.”

Smith was installed as CEO after Ford Motor Company sold the car manufacturer to India-based Tata, who purchased Jaguar Land Rover for $2.3 billion in 2008. Auto Week reports that the former CEO lacked industry experience in production, engineering and marketing.

In November of last year, Tata announced that Jaguar had lost nearly $100 million in the third quarter alone and subsequently cut almost 2,500 jobs, ABC News reports.

Former BMW and Opel head Carl-Peter Forster had been linked to the newly opened position, although Tata has dismissed the notion that they have a specific candidate in mind for the role.

GM names interim boss Ed Whitacre permanent CEO

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Posted in Auto Industry News, General Auto News

The popularity of American-made used cars in New Jersey may be on the rise following Monday’s announcement that General Motors has named current chairman and acting CEO Ed Whitacre its permanent chief operating officer.

Whitacre, who took over for former GM head Fritz Henderson two months ago on an interim basis, had been leading the search for the auto manufacturer’s new CEO when the board of directors asked him if he would stay on as a permanent replacement.

“I was both honored and pleased to accept this role,” said Whitacre, 68, “so I’m going to do it for a while.”

During the press conference, Whitacre promised that GM will repay all of its government loans by June 2010, totaling almost $6.7 billion. The former AT&T CEO also indicated that GM is aiming for an initial public offering of stock for the public, but did not set a timetable for that to happen, according to AutoWeek.com.

Meanwhile, Whitacre said that GM will continue to plan to wind down Saab, even though the automaker is negotiating with Dutch carmaker Spyker about a sale.

Study: Driving adversely affects ability to talk on the phone

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Posted in General Auto News

Owners of used cars in New York and New Jersey may want to think twice before conducting an important business call while driving. A new study has found that operating a vehicle can significantly impair one’s ability to speak and comprehend language.

Researchers at the University of Illinois tested participants’ ability to listen to and retell stories that they had never heard before as a passenger and as a driver. The study found that a participant’s ability to recall information declined significantly if he or she was also driving during the exercise.

The results suggest that a driver remembers 20 percent less of what is told to them while behind the wheel compared to times when they are simply sitting still. Researchers also found that drivers were least accurate in retelling stories that were communicated to them while navigating through intersections or demanding traffic conditions.

“This study shows that various aspects of language go to hell when you’re driving,” said psychology professor Art Kramer, who collaborated on the study.

Although older subjects performed more poorly on the control test than their younger peers, their ability to retain information while driving worsened at the same rate.

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Nissan Quest: Three of the top minivans of the decade

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Posted in General Auto News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Nissan, Toyota

Over the last few years, car manufacturers have begun concentrating on developing smaller sedans and have started producing fewer family-sized vehicles, meaning there are smaller quantities of new minivan models to choose from today than in the past. For consumers in the market for a used minivan in New Jersey, you are in luck. Many industry experts feel that the most popular vehicles of the genre were produced in 2006 and 2007.

The folks at MSN Autos have recently put together a list of the most sought after minivans on the road today. Topping that list are the 2006 Honda Odyssey, the 2007 Toyota Sienna and the 2007 Nissan Quest.

The ’06 Honda Odyssey, ranked the most popular minivan by the news source, was named Consumer Guide’s 2006 Best Buy, Money Magazine’s 2006 Best Minivan and Kelley Blue Book’s 2006 Best Resale Value.

The Odyssey has a powerful V6 engine, carlike handling and optional eight-passenger seating, according to Edmunds.com. If consumers purchase the EX or the Touring package, they will have access to Honda’s variable cylinder management system, which deactivates three of the six cylinders during cruising to maximize fuel efficiency.

“The [2006] Honda Odyssey is quieter, more spacious and offers even more innovative features than before, including increased seating configurations and unique storage solutions,” says the news source.

In 2007, the Toyota Sienna actually beat out the Honda Odyssey as Consumer Reports’ Top Pick of the Year and was recently named one of their best used cars.

The Sienna received a huge power upgrade in 2007 with the addition of a 266-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that replaced the 3.3 liter 2006 engine, making it the most powerful minivan in its class.

“Whether you’re a new parent, an empty nester or somewhere in between, [the 2007 Sienna] will almost certainly meet your needs,” says Edmunds.

It has a smooth ride, solid gas mileage and excellent safety features. Similar to the Odyssey, the Sienna has eight-passenger seating capacity and excellent handling. All ’07 models that have CD changers are satellite radio compliant.

The Nissan Quest, which finished 5th in MSN Auto’s popularity ratings, received a facelift in 2007 with a complete revamping of the vehicle’s interior.

Nissan expanded the Quest’s storage capacity, improved its center stack design and added a six-disc CD player with MP3 playback and Bluetooth connectivity, the news source reports. They also added a larger glovebox, a newly designed third row seat and revised climate controls.

Even with the new changes to the interior, the most impressive features of the 2007 Nissan Quest may be its handling and power.

“The 2007 Nissan Quest is an enthusiast-oriented option in the minivan category; the van is acquiescent around corners and offers sharp steering,” says Edmunds. “The V6 is eager off the line, accelerating with gusto. Overall, the large Quest feels more agile than its heft suggests.”

The Quest only seats seven, but offers much more interior room than other minivans in its class. It has flat folding seats in both the second and third row making it ideal for family travel.

If you are interested in a used minivan in New Jersey, you should certainly take a look at the 2006 Honda Odyssey, the 2007 Toyota Sienna and the 2007 Nissan Quest. They were all designed and produced during the peak of minivan ingenuity and are fairly priced.

2003 BMW X5: A ‘sports activity vehicle’

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Posted in BMW

Prospective car buyers interested in used BMW models in New Jersey may want to take a look at the 2003 BMW X5, a rare combination of power, luxury and dynamic handling.

The BMW X5 was introduced to consumers in 2000, creating a new mode of transport known as the “sports activity vehicle.” The X5 is stylish, sporty and extremely fast (capable of hitting speeds up to 150 mph).

It is, however, not a traditional off-road SUV. It drives and rides like a luxury sedan, has high-end cabin furnishings and a plethora of lavish options including a DVD-based navigation system.

The 2003 X5 is available with a variety of engine choices, including a 340-horsepower V8 that comes standard with every 4.6i model. Each X5 comes standard with all-wheel drive, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes as well as front and side airbags, according to Consumer Guide Auto.

The basic 3.0i model can be purchased with a 5-speed manual transmission or as an automatic. However, every X5 with a V8 engine is only available as an automatic.

New to the ’03 X5 is a safety feature called a brakeforce display, which is an emergency system that activates an extra set of lights during extreme braking situations, Edmunds.com reports.

Rapper Flavor Flav walks away after crashing his Cadillac Escalade

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Posted in Cadillac - DO NOT USE, Celebrity Auto News

Owners of used Cadillac models in New Jersey may be interested to know that rapper Flavor Flav was involved in a two-car accident in Las Vegas late Wednesday evening.

The celebrity gossip website TMZ.com has reported that the Public Enemy member and former VH1 reality television star was behind the wheel of his Cadillac Escalade when he collided with another vehicle.

Flav, whose real name is William Jonathan Drayton Jr, did not suffer any injuries and was pictured driving away in the cab of the truck that was towing his vehicle.

Police were called to the scene to investigate the crash, which severely damaged the other driver’s sedan. As of Thursday, no details on the accident or specifics on the other driver had been released.

According to Fox5Vegas.com, local police have said that there have been numerous accidents in the Las Vegas area over the past few days because of heavy rains.

Flav’s rap group is currently working on their 13th album, which is being financed through the support of fan contributions.

2005 STS brings Cadillac back to prominence

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Posted in Cadillac - DO NOT USE

If you are interested in a used car in New Jersey and are looking for luxury and affordability, you might want to check out the 2005 Cadillac STS.

“After struggling for years to keep up with the imports, Cadillac has finally hit its stride and the STS proves it,” says Edmunds.com, an automobile information website.

“Balanced driving dynamics and edgy-but-attractive styling should make this car a hit with buyers of all ages, especially those looking for a complete package of luxury and performance at a competitive price,” they add.

The STS comes with a 320-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8 engine that goes from 0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds, according to Inside Line. It has a 116.4 inch wheel base, making it one of the roomiest vehicles in its class.

The ’05 model is available with a Bose stereo system, all-wheel drive and an intelligent 5-speed automatic transmission. It has an optional magnetic ride suspension that comes in touring and performance modes.

The STS comes standard with heated and cooled seats, rainsense wipers and automatically dimming headlights.

UT athletic director: Kiffin crashed a Lexus leased through the school last summer

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News, Lexus - DO NOT USE

Used Lexus models in New Jersey may become more popular following the recent news that current University of Southern California (USC) head football coach Lane Kiffin was in a one-car accident last August while preparing for his one and only season as the top man at the University of Tennessee’s (UT) football program, according to ESPN.com.

Kiffen reportedly told UT athletic director Mike Hamilton that he was working late at the team’s complex and was headed home when he fell asleep behind the wheel and drove his Lexus off the road. The car was leased to Kiffin through the coach’s vehicle program for men’s and women’s athletic teams.

Hamilton said that the school had investigated internet rumors that Coach Kiffin had been drinking and was seen with female students the night of the accident, but “we were never able to substantiate any of that,” according to the Los Angeles Times.

Kiffin, who shocked and angered many UT fans with his abrupt resignation last week, declined comment through a USC athletic department spokesman.

2005 Chrysler 300: Motor Trend Car of the Year

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Posted in Chrysler - DO NOT USE

Five years ago, the 2005 Chrysler 300 “daringly re-invented the great American sedan” and won the prestigious Motor Trend Car of the Year award. Prospective car buyers in the market for used Chrysler models in New Jersey may be interested to learn why.

In 2005, the staff at Motor Trend tested 24 of the most highly acclaimed new vehicles from almost every genre. They searched for the car, truck or SUV that best represented superiority in its class, exceptional value and innovation.

“The Chrysler 300 is an extremely compelling combination of power, responsiveness, room and refinement,” said Angus MacKenzie, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend. “A home run on significance, a slam dunk on value and clearly superior to its rivals in every way.”

The Chrysler 300C is available with a 5.7-liter 340-horsepower Hemi engine that can go from 0-60 in 6.3 seconds while carrying over 4,000 pounds on its back, Automotive.com reports. The ride is smooth, comfortable and quiet.

In 2005, a brand new 300 cost anywhere from $23,595 to $33,000 depending upon engine size and additional features.