Ford Gaining On Honda And Toyota In Perceived Quality
Among mainstream brands, consumers still rate Honda and Toyota highest in quality--whether that is or isn't the case on actual quality surveys. But Ford is quickly gaining ground. That's according to the latest Perceived Quality Study (PQS), from residual values expert Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG).
Perceived quality sometimes fails to mirror actual quality. Here, there's no better example than Volkswagen, which ALG says has maintained a strong perceived level of quality even though the brand has placed low in actual metrics for quality.
"Volkswagen's emotionally appealing designs have helped strengthen perceptions of its overall brand and lift VW into third place," said ALG general manager James Clark, in a release accompanying the results. ALG points to the recently launched Volkswagen Tiguan and CC as image-boosters.
Honda's emphasis on engines and engineering might pay off in dividends with respect to perceived quality. ALG observes out that if a consumer thinks that a brand has reliable engines, they will rate other vehicle characteristics high as well. Both Honda and Toyota "consistently score high in perceived quality, actual quality, and residual values because they have maintained a long history of quality with specific focus on durable and reliable powertrains."
Another reason ALG attributes to the continued lofty perceptions of Toyota and Honda are consistent lifecycle management--meaning that major redesigns occur at regular intervals (typically five years) with enhancements in between. Minimized incentives and fleet sales have also helped boost residual value and bolster perceptions.
Over the past year, perhaps because of the failure of GM and Chrysler, there have been some pronounced changes in perceived quality. Ford has surged, with Ford Cars showing a 10.1 percent year-over-year boost in the PQS. ALG attributes the successful launches of the 2010 Ford F-150 and 2010 Ford Flex, plus the 2010 Taurus and the hype around the 2011 Ford Fiesta.
Hyundai also did well, rising 5.5 percent in the study versus a year ago, demonstrating that more shoppers perceive the once no-frills brand in a very positive way. ALG attributes the Hyundai Assurance Program and its strong performance in the Cash for Clunkers program, along with the new Genesis Coupe and sedan.
The Chrysler brand ranked at the bottom, with an 11.9-percent drop perceived quality. ALG says that some refreshed products like the redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 might help bridge the gap. "However, the uncertainty about the brand's future and the significant time lag between today and the arrival of new products are obvious concerns for Chrysler.
Saturn, Pontiac, and Chevrolet were also down significantly in perceived quality, likely due to GM's bankruptcy filing this year rather than any difference in real quality.
The results of this survey are important, as perceived quality is one of many factors used in assessing a vehicle's residual value, which affects resale value and predicts resale value.
The twice-yearly survey was conducted by Zogby International and based on between 3,000 and 4,000 responses.
[ALG]
| Permalink:Ford Gaining On Honda And Toyota In Perceived Quality |  |
2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Sedan / CTS Sport Wagon
TheCarConnection.com drove the Cadillac CTS Sport Sedan and CTS Sport Wagon to write this review from firsthand driving impressions. Editors compared the CTS to its European and Japanese competition to help you narrow your car-shopping choices. TheCarConnection.com also assembled a companion Full Review, to bring you a condensed look at the opinions and comments found on other respected car-review Web sites.
Likes
Distinctive styling, especially Sport Wagon
Excellent handling and braking
Top tech features, including Bluetooth
World-class quality levels
Dislikes
Class-topping weight impedes performance
Busy interior design
Notchy manual transmission
The 2010 Cadillac CTS is General Motors' entry-level luxury sedan in the U.S. market. Redesigned in 2008, the CTS lineup gets a new Sport Wagon model for 2010 (and a CTS Coupe is coming in 2011). With a base price of about $37,000, the CTS lineup can run up to $54,000 for the premium all-wheel-drive wagon-and the related CTS-V supersedan costs far more (it's reviewed separately). Though the CTS is a little longer and wider than its competitors, the Cadillac goes up against the BMW 3-Series, the Infiniti G37 / EX35, the Audi A4, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2010 CTS is, in some eyes, the most distinctive of all the vehicles in this set.
Sharply folded edges, a chunky stance, and lots of chrome details give the sedan a stubby, sporting look. The huge Cadillac wreath-and-crest logo in front isn't subtle, but then, not much about the CTS is. This latest version is less tall and awkward than the prior version, and it projects a uniquely American look that's appealing from most angles. The 2010 CTS Sport Wagon is a little visually kinkier; the rear end intentionally rises out of skew to the rear side windows, and the V-shaped tailgate narrows cargo room a little for a brand-underscoring styling moment. There's a subtle motion along the body that emphasizes, rather than subdues, the big rear end. If you're no fan of Cadillac's "Art & Science" styling theme, it doesn't get any softer with the added wagon back. The interior design is attractive, but it might not suit everyone's tastes, especially those used to the Teutonic design approach of less is more. It's smooth and flowing in its contours, but far glitzier than any Audi you may have sampled, and some plastic pieces seem to stand front and center for attention-a trend we're also noticing in other high-end brands.
Either body style in the 2010 CTS lineup can be ordered with a smaller or a larger V-6, with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. A manual transmission is of-fered on the sedan, but it's automatic-only for the CTS Sport Wagon. The base engine is a 3.0-liter V-6 with direct injection and 270 horsepower. Fuel economy hasn't been released, but it's not expected to be any more efficient than the larger V-6-just less expensive to order. For that reason alone, TheCarConnec-tion.com would recommend the larger 3.6-liter V-6. It's also the better choice be-cause of its zippy acceleration and ample power. With 304 hp on tap, Cadillac says the manual sedan will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds; the base auto-matic Sport Wagon, in 7.0 seconds. The manual shifter's fine, but GM six-speed automatic changes gears sweetly, and in the Sport Wagon it gets paddles for a more sporting flair. Cadillac tunes in great steering feel in the CTS, and with four different suspension choices, it can be suited to most drivers. TheCarConnection.com prefers the FE3 setup, which helps produce entertaining handling and a firm ride that's still smooth enough for everyday driving, even on the upgraded 19-inch wheels and summer tires.
The 2010 CTS is a snugly fitting machine, especially in sedan form. In front, firm sport seats give good support, with a little skimping of knee room where the elaborate center console flares. The sedan's shorter rear door openings and slighted legroom make the CTS Sport Wagon the clear choice for anyone trans-porting more than two adults at a time. The Sport Wagon's relatively easy to en-ter and exit, and that makes all the difference for those extra passengers. Their luggage can ride in back or maybe your pets or, possibly, the effects of a binge at Costco. It's useful in back, in that the CTS Sport Wagon adds 25 cubic feet to the passenger space, and lets owners flip down the rear seats for a total of 53.4 cu-bic feet of room. It's easily accessed, with a power tailgate as standard and a roof system that adds uncovered capacity to its cargo-hauling profile. Under the flat cargo floor and built into its sides are trays, hooks, and a little basement-style storage area, all of which give the Sport Wagon a definite advantage over the CTS Sport Sedan's decently roomy trunk and its relatively smaller cargo opening. Quality mavens may quibble over the CTS' liberal use of plastic, but the interior boasts high-quality upholstery and trim that's certainly the equal of the other ve-hicles in the class, if more attention-grabbing.
The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Sedan / Wagon earns four stars for driver-side front impacts from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and five stars in the front-passenger and in both side-impact tests. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gives the CTS "good" ratings for impacts front and side, and the CTS is on their Top Safety Pick list. Standard safety equipment in-cludes six airbags, as well as traction and stability control; all-wheel drive is an option on CTS Sport Sedans, standard on CTS Sport Wagons. OnStar is stan-dard; adaptive lighting and parking sensors are available.
With the addition of the CTS Sport Wagon, Cadillac's touched up the standard features on the lineup for 2010. The base sedan comes with power doors, locks, and mirrors; cruise control; automatic dual-zone climate control; a power driver seat; a tilt and telescoping steering wheel; an AM/FM/CD/XM audio system with auxiliary jack; an air filtration system; and automatic headlamps. The Sport Wagon adds a power tailgate to that list. The major options include a panoramic sunroof; Bluetooth connectivity; a particularly advanced, easy-to-use entertain-ment system with hard-drive music storage and memory to hold radio broad-casts; a navigation system with real-time traffic; ventilated seats; a pet cover for the wagon's cargo hold; and 18- or 19-inch wheels and tires, to go with different suspension packages and all-weather or summer tires.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Cadillac CTS takes an edgy, American approach to European performance-and style, with the stunning CTS Sport Wagon.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Cadillac CTS, also consider:
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- BMW 3-Series
- Audi A4
- Infiniti G37
- Lexus IS
Reason Why
The luxury brands have converged on a model for success, and for all the vehicles mentioned here, there's a choice of engines, transmissions, drivetrains, and body styles. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Lexus IS are the most conservatively styled in the group, with sedate, well-finished interiors-and a wild side in their respective C63 and IS-F forms. The BMW 3-Series is a perennial here, with everything from diesel power to ripping M3 acceleration in the cards. The Infiniti G37's not far off the BMW benchmark of ride and handling, and it looks better to many eyes, too. The Audi A4 has grown into a larger body, and spins off coupe and crossover versions as the A5 and Q5. Meanwhile, the sedan and wagon bring highly detailed cabins and all-wheel drive to the party, though Audi's fantastic S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox is nowhere to be found.
Buying Tip
The CTS Sport Wagon's a winner for a few reasons-the easier access to the rear seats renders it more useful than the sedan-but it's also fitted with lots of hooks and tiedowns, and GM offers pet accessories to give it even broader appeal.
| Permalink:2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Sedan / CTS Sport Wagon | |
2010 Ford Fusion
TheCarConnection.com has driven the sporty new 2010 Ford Fusion, the improved mid-size sedan. Our team of automotive experts has additionally reviewed competitive write-ups on the 2010 Fusion to develop this comprehensive review. Such focused research gives TheCarConnection.com the ability to deliver an expert review of this mid-size sedan and assist you in making a smart decision.
Likes
- More powerful AND more fuel-efficient
- SYNC audio/calling interface
- Improved interior quality and quietness
- Solid build quality
- New Sport and Hybrid models
Dislikes
- Rear seat-back release only in trunk
- Somewhat tight backseat
- Basic transmission has only "D" and "L" positions
- Sport model doesn't offer paddle shifters
The 2010 Ford Fusion is a mid-size four-door sedan that offers gasoline and hybrid power in either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.
In normal times, the Fusion, at only three model years old, would have been due for a minor refresh--some added features and a gussied-up nose and tail. Instead, Ford spent $650 million on a major overhaul affecting engines, transmissions, interiors, and styling. The result is a dramatically improved and refined mid-size sedan that comprises a full range of models, including a base gasoline four-cylinder model, a mid-level V-6, an exceptional hybrid, and a gutsy Sport model with a big-bore V-6.
The 2010 Fusion's new styling looks sharp, especially the aggressive front end that puts a new face on Ford's three-bar grille. The design requires a new hood and front fenders, and the result is as sculptural as it is contemporary. The changes at the rear are subtler and, along with updating the look, improve visibility because the third brake light is now mounted at the top of the trunk lid. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid model will appeal to those who don't want to flaunt their sensibilities; only the Hybrid badges give you obvious visual confirmation that you're looking at the most efficient mid-size sedan on the road.
Including the 2010 Fusion Hybrid, Ford now offers four individual powertrains: a 2.5-liter I-4 (175 horsepower), a 2.5-liter I-4 hybrid (192 hp), an E-85-capable 3.0-liter V-6 (240 hp), and a 3.5-liter V-6 (263 hp). Six-speed automatic transmissions are standard on the V-6 models and optional on the non-hybrid four-cylinder. The standard gearbox on the I-4 is a surprisingly nice six-speed manual.
Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive can be ordered on select 2010 Ford Fusion models. The Hybrid comes only with front-wheel drive.
While official EPA estimates were not available when this Bottom Line was uploaded, expect to see figures of 39 mpg city, 37 mpg highway. During several extensive test drives in California, pilots from TheCarConnection.com averaged over 42 mpg, so Ford's estimates may prove conservative.
This excellent fuel economy comes from a sophisticated hybrid powertrain, hooked to a quiet 155-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that runs using the ultra-efficient Atkinson cycle. The electric motor housed within the transmission unit adds 36 hp at full throttle, providing a total of 191 hp. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid can propel itself on electric power alone for short distances and at low speeds, and a lighter, more powerful battery pack allows the gasoline engine to shut off more often.
Perhaps the best compliment that one could bestow upon any hybrid is that it performs as well as a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid does. Acceleration is smooth and strong, much like a small V-6. Transitions between running all-electric (up to 47 mph) and gas and electric or just gas are barely perceptible.
While the current environment isn't quite perfect for the introduction of the Fusion line's first dedicated performance model, that doesn't stop the Sport from being truly entertaining. Power from its large V-6 comes on strong and smooth with refinement befitting a Lincoln--no surprise since this engine is used in Lincoln products. The Sport's handling is so tied down, thanks to unique suspension tuning, that Ford feels comfortable letting journalists autocross the car, something completely out of character with the sedan's purpose in life. However, flying around cones in a parking lot proves that the car has the chops to precisely clip apexes, delivering a feeling of control that eludes the mid-size market's mainstay, the less buttoned-down Toyota Camry.
For 2010, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder and both V-6 engines are quiet, smooth, and significantly more fuel-efficient. All 2010 Ford Fusion models are significantly more refined inside than the outgoing model thanks to more (and more efficiently applied) insulation, thicker glass, and additional seals on the doors. Furthermore, the entire instrument panel is new and made from a seamless, soft-to-the-touch material that fits with tight tolerances for a high-quality appearance.
The instruments sport a 3-D look that is easy to read even in direct sunlight. The middle area of the instrument panel (called the center stack) is also reconfigured to accommodate an eight-inch (that's big) LCD monitor included in vehicles ordered with the voice-activated navigation system. Hybrid models get their own interior upgrade, in the form of an Eco-Guide instrument cluster.
As as result, these interior changes yield a comfortable driving environment with a good seating position, improved visibility, and much less noise. The Ford Fusion's backseat still feels a bit more cramped than some other mid-size sedans, though, and the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid model lacks split-folding rear seats, which are sacrificed to accommodate the battery pack.
In terms of equipment, the 2010 Ford Fusion is well equipped even in its base "S" configuration. Standard features include a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, air conditioning with cabin filtration, a CD audio system that is MP3 compatible, split-folding rear seats, and power windows. Content builds up through the following trim levels: SE, Sport, and SEL. This last model includes the fully equipped SEL model with leather seats, power everything, SecurityCode keyless pad, SYNC, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The Hybrid model comes with features equivalent to the SEL trim.
On top of the dense standard feature list, the 2010 Fusion also offers the following as options (depending on model): a reverse camera with a screen embedded in the rearview mirror or the NAV unit (if equipped), Sirius Travel Link, a moonroof, and a Sony audio system.
Regarding safety, the 2010 Ford Fusion offers what has become the standard quiver of features: ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry, and six airbags. Extra safety-directed arrows include the Blind Spot Information System, rearview-sensing system with camera, and 911 Assist for vehicles with SYNC--all options on most models.
The Ford Fusion earns mostly five-star ratings from the federal government, along with only the best scores from the insurance-affiliated IIHS. The IIHS deems the 2010 Fusion a Top Safety Pick.
The Bottom Line: If you seek proof that Detroit in general, and Ford in particular, can build a comfortable, high-quality, fine-driving, and hyper-efficient sedan that is more than competitive, look to the 2010 Ford Fusion.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Ford Fusion, also consider:
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Honda Accord
- Mazda Mazda6
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Camry
- Saturn Aura
Reason Why
Optional all-wheel drive, SYNC, and Sirius Travel Link separate the nonhybrid Fusion from most of these competitors. If you favor ride quality over everything else, pick the Camry. But be aware of the quality of inside the Camry: Toyota has skimped on the quality and look of many interior bits and pieces, so it is no longer the nicest interior in the class. The sportier personality of the Accord more closely mirrors the 2010 Fusion, but so does the all-new Mazda6, a perennial favorite of TheCarConnection.com, and the Mazda should be considered for those who appreciate more of a performance feel; the new version is considerably more refined without giving up its sporty edge. Nissan's Altima is another good choice. The excellent 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura also face off against the 2010 Ford Fusion. The Malibu is our pick of the two; it's larger and delivers premium exterior style, plus a rich-looking interior. The Aura, Malibu, Camry, and Altima are also offered in hybrid versions, each with similar-sized four-cylinder engines, although not all hybrid systems are the same. General Motors uses a mild-hybrid system in its Aura and Malibu hybrids--they can't start up from a traffic light on electric power alone. Both are well equipped, handle nicely, and boast excellent quality. Some may like the Malibu's all-new style and larger interior, but neither of these mild hybrids can match the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid in fuel economy. The Fusion exceeds this pair by 13 mpg city and 3 mpg highway, although the step up in cost is less for the GM models. The Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima are full hybrids that get better mileage than GM's mild hybrids but still trail the Fusion Hybrid. The step up in cost from the GM mild hybrids to the full hybrids is significant (about $3,000 versus $1,500 for the GMs).
Buying Tip
The Ford Sirius Travel Link system is a powerful infotainment package that you will want--so don't look at it unless you plan to part with $1,995. Your subscription will be free for the first six months, then about $20 per month thereafter.
| Permalink:2010 Ford Fusion | |
