Like clockwork, from 2000 to 2007 U.S. consumers could be counted on to buy roughly 16 million new cars annually. The global recession put the brakes on that gravy train, though, and in 2009, only 10.4 million new cars were sold. …
Automobiles
5 Weirdest Hot-Selling Purchases of the 2011 Holiday Season
During the holidays, it’s expected that clothing, electronics, gift cards and, of course, toys will be hot sellers. But guns? I suppose many of them would fit nicely into a stocking. But still.
Battle for Title of ‘World’s Cheapest Car’ Heats Up
Got $3,000? With that sum in India, drivers will have a choice of not one but two brand-new cars.
Why the End of December Is a Great Time to Buy a Car
New or used? Economy, mid-level, or luxury? No matter what kind of vehicle you have in mind, the end of the year is when hardnosed bargain hunters head to the car dealership—for good reason.
2011 Is Priciest Year Ever for Gasoline: $3.53 Per Gallon, Over $4K Spent Per Household
By the time 2011 ends, the typical U.S. household will have spent $4,155 gassing up their vehicles. That’s one out of every $12 of median household income—the highest proportion for filling up in three decades.
Fewer Teenagers Have Driver’s Licenses … Because of Gas Prices and the Internet?
The number of teen drivers has dramatically decreased over the past couple of decades. In 1983, 69% of all 17-year-olds had driver’s licenses. By 2008, only half of 17-year-olds had licenses. What’s behind the big drop?
Prices for New Cars Are Cheaper. So Why Are Drivers Paying More?
Could new car prices mimic those of cell phones and other tech products—which get cheaper and cheaper with each passing day thanks to innovation and more efficient manufacturing techniques? On the surface, this looks to already …
In the Market for a Used Car? Then Be Ready to Act Soon
After used-vehicle prices reached a 16-year high last June, values for used cars have dropped by an average of 10%. Prices for fuel-efficient used automobiles, which were especially in demand while gas prices soared, have dipped …
Jennifer Lopez Drives Fiat on Stage: Most Brazen Product Placement Ever?
At the American Music Awards last night, Jennifer Lopez shed her clothes, strutted back and forth on stage in a nearly nude body suit, and simulated sex with the rapper Pitbull. But because the performance featured a Fiat 500 at center stage for no sensible reason, JLo probably won’t be remembered for being raunchy, but for being a sell-out.
Black Friday: Skip the Mall, Head to the Car Dealership?
Everybody knows that Black Friday (or perhaps Black Thursday, since sales now start on Thanksgiving) has a reputation for terrific deals on electronics, clothing, and other holiday gifts. Is next Friday also the best day of the …
A New Study for Drivers Who Hate the Check Engine Light
Every driver dreads the appearance of the Check Engine light. The foreboding glow next to the odometer means that a visit to the auto repair shop is needed, and that money will soon be leaving your possession. So which automakers …
The Car Starting at $12,445—Available Only for $14K+
The low base price of the Hyundai Accent helped the car get named to lists such as U.S. News’ top 10 Most Affordable Cars. But while the car’s MSRP starts at $12,445, buyers will find it all but impossible to locate an Accent …
