All Entries in the "Auto News" Category

KBB Ranks Tundra Second To Last In 2010 Truck Comparison

While there are some caveats given, Kelly Blue Book’s 2010 truck comparison placed the Tundra 4th overall behind the F-150 (1st), Ram 1500 (2nd), and Chevy-GMC 1500 (3rd), with the Titan coming in last (5th). While it’s not very clear as to how the scoring system works or how exactly the Tundra comes in 4th, here are the criteria used by KBB and how each truck was ranked in their comparison:

The Tundra Is Now America’s “Most American” Pickup

Every year, Cars.com uses domestic content data from NHTSA and automaker-supplied data to pull together a list of the “10 Most American” vehicles. Over the last three years, the Tundra – with 80% domestic parts content – has been on this list.

* – The Ram 1500 ranking excludes regular cab trucks, which are assembled in Mexico.

On the Cars.com list, the Tundra is now the second-most American truck available…but only if the Ram 1500’s stats exclude regular cab models. If Ram’s “American made” numbers reflected the foreign-built reg cab’s it’s likely that the Tundra would be the only truck in the top 10 most American vehicles. For that reason, it seems clear to us that the Tundra is now officially the Most American truck you can buy.

What do you have to say about that, Ford, GM, and Chrysler-Fiat truck owners? 🙂

Should In-Car Alcohol Sensors Be Used To Prevent Drunk Driving?

Two years ago we ran a post about in-car alcohol detection systems, a technology that will enable a vehicle to detect when a driver is intoxicated.

New technologies could make DUI checkpoints a thing of the past

At that time, we asked the question Should in-car alcohol detection systems be mandatory?, and the response from our readers seemed to focus on three separate positions:

1. Those who were strongly in favor of this type of automotive technology, arguing that safety is paramount.
2. Those focused on the privacy issues surrounding alcohol detection systems, complaining that the idea was not only too intrusive into their personal lives but also in contravention of already-existing laws governing personal property and conduct.
3. Those who believe the technology is too flawed for it to ever make its way to dealer showrooms.

While all of these points have their merits, the last point about technological limitations is really the most critical. Until a workable technology can be found, weighing the merits of a mandatory drunk-driving prevention system is academic. However, it seems that the technical challenges are closer than ever to being solved.

GM’s Washer Fluid Heaters “Fire Waiting To Happen”

I found an interesting video today via TheTruthAboutCars that needs to be shared. According to Canadian Mark Whinton of CarQuestions.ca, GM’s recall of 1.5 million heated windshield washer units is URGENT.

[got a washer fluid heater unit] out of an 08′ Buick Enclave and took it apart…and discovered corrosion on the inside on that [power] contact. That’s incredible. These things are an accident waiting to happen. If that [corrosion] migrates over to the ground contact, you could have a 40-50 amp sustained draw while the car is off…that is incredible. Did they have fires? My guess – absolutely they did. General Motors better get those cars in quick.

Whatever you may think about Mark – who doesn’t seem to have anything at stake in this particular issue – you have to agree that what he says makes some sense while watching his videos (see below).

The question I have – did Toyota’s recall fiasco prompt GM to take action sooner than they would have otherwise? Obviously, no one can know the answer to that question, and my sincere hope is that the answer is “no.” Still, there is evidence of a conspiracy. The New York Times has found some emails that suggest GM knew this was a safety problem as early as 2007.

GMC Sierra Top Quality? JD Power Survey Inconsistent

Last week JD Power announced their 2010 Initial Quality Survey results, and top honors went to the Chevy Avalanche and the GMC Sierra (which were tied for first). Ford’s F150 and the Nissan Frontier were close behind, ranking 3rd and 4th respectively.

How can two trucks built at the same factory have two different quality ratings?

The trouble is, there’s no WAY that the GMC Sierra should have won anything.