Americans are buying cars again in a big way, with new car sales expected to be up 30% year-over-year in May, continuing the trajectory of rising demand that’s been going strong all year. Given that most of us aren’t going to …
cars
The Blurring Line Between Cheap and Luxury Cars
Pickup trucks are being sold with heated steering wheels and snakeskin leather accented interiors. Middle-of-the-road cars like the Ford Fusion come with sport-stitched leather-trimmed 10-way power seats. Even Kia, which has won …
It Costs a Lot of Money to ‘Save’ on Gas with a 118-MPG Car
The electric version of the Honda Fit has been one of the most heavily anticipated little cars to hit the market. Considering that the regular Fit is a perennial “best value” award winner, the hope is that the Fit EV would help …
Once-Struggling Cars That Are Suddenly Hot Sellers
Fiat and Toyota, both of which had a rough sales year in 2011, can’t seem to produce cars fast enough for buyers lately. One much-hyped plug-in vehicle is also faring better in the marketplace in 2012. After struggling to attract …
Car Shoppers’ Decisions Most Influenced by … Person Trying to Sell Them Cars?
When figuring out which car to buy, consumers consult the advice of family and friends, as well as shopping guides from Consumer Reports and the like. But the info that’s most influential in the buying decision tends to come from an individual who has obvious self-interest in how that decision plays out.
Death of a Minivan: Sign of the Impending Doom of All Minivans?
Chrysler, which more or less invented the minivan and regularly accounts for half of all minivans sold in the U.S. annually, is killing off one of its best-selling family automobiles, the Town & Country. Why?
As Gas Prices Go, So Go Prices for Used Cars
What do prices at the pump have to do with prices at the used car lot? They actually tend to mimic each other. Higher gas prices tend to cause drivers to want to spend less out of pocket on their automobiles. That means rising …
Too Much to Drink? AAA’s ‘Tipsy Tow’ Offers Free Rides for You & Your Car This Weekend
To prevent drunk driving, AAA clubs around the country are offering free rides to folks who’ve celebrated too much to safely get behind the wheel over Memorial Day weekend. They’ll also tow your car home—again, free of charge. …
Memorial Day Car Deals: Are the ‘Deals’ Really Deals? Or Just Hype?
In recent years, Memorial Day weekend has become an especially big period for new car sales. The trend is expected to continue this weekend, and special promotions, rebates, and incentives—at least for certain vehicles—will …
Crafty Ways Car Dealerships Get You to Spend—When You’re Not Buying a Car
As the average car on the road has never been older, it’s come as no surprise that all of those old cars need service and repairs—and the auto repair business has never been better. With that in mind, car dealerships are …
Driving like a Jerk May Cost You an Extra $100 Per Month in Gas
How can one driver average 37 m.p.g. and get 575 miles per fill-up, while another driver — driving the same model car — tops out at 21 m.p.g. and 325 miles per tank? The answer is that these two drivers drive very differently.
How the Heck Are SUV Sales Hot Again?
The conventional thinking had it that rising gas prices would stifle the sales of SUVs. Lane-clogging Suburbans and Explorers would slowly disappear with loads of drivers turning to smaller, fuel-efficient cars. And yet, even as gas prices remain relatively high, SUV sales have never been better. What gives?
