GM Recalls Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 For Power Steering Problem
General Motors has issued a recall for the 2005 - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, the 2007 - 2010 Pontiac G5, the 2005 - 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada), and the 2005 - 2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico). GM cites a potential failure of the models' power steering motor as the cause for the recall. In all, 1.3 million vehicles are affected, making this GM's largest single recall in recent years.
The announcement comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a federal probe into the matter. The NHTSA received 1,132 complaints of power steering failures in the Cobalt, which allegedly resulted in 14 crashes and one injury.
According to Jamie Hresko, GM's vice president of quality, the problem develops over a number of years: "It tends to occur in older models out of warranty." GM has said that even in the event of a power steering failure, the cars would be safe to drive, and that warning lights would still come on. However, controlling the vehicles at speeds below 15 mph would take more effort than normal.
It's important to note that the NHTSA doesn't seem to have pressured GM to take action, and the recall appears voluntary. As Hresko said: "Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind." It sounds as if GM might've learned a thing or two by watching Toyota working damage control. Still, it's good to see General Motors getting in front of a potentially damaging event.
GM says that it is working on a fix for the problem, and that owners will be notified when a solution has been determined. We've pasted GM's complete press release below.
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GM Recalls Compact Cars to Fix Power Steering Assist
Safety Recall Covers 1.3 Million Chevrolet and Pontiac Models
·2005 - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
·2007 - 2010 Pontiac G5
·2005 - 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada)
·2005 - 2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico)
DETROIT -- General Motors will conduct a safety recall of 1.3 million compact cars to replace a motor in the power steering system. Vehicles affected are the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt; 2007-2010 Pontiac G5; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.
GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the voluntary recall on Monday after concluding an investigation that began in 2009. NHTSA opened an investigation Jan. 27 into approximately 905,000 Cobalt models in the United States after receiving more than 1,100 complaints of loss of power steering assist, 14 crashes and one injury.
"After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty," said Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President of Quality. "Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind.
"While greater steering effort under 15 mph may be required, if the customer experiences loss of power steering assist, it is important to note that the vehicle can still be safely controlled because the customer can still steer the vehicle," Hresko said. "When the condition occurs, both a chime will sound and a 'Power Steering' message will be displayed."
Plans for the remedy are being developed. Customers will be notified when the plan is finalized.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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IBM Is Working To Make Your Drive Faster & More Personalized
Traffic congestion isn't just annoying, it's wasteful. Every year, American drivers fritter away nearly a week of their lives and 26 gallons of gas while stuck on crowded roads. All told, that's enough fuel to fill 58 supertankers. Thankfully, IBM's industrious team of scientists are working on a system that will soon provide highly personalized transportation suggestions, allowing those who use it to travel more quickly and efficiently.
"But wait," you say, "doesn't my satnav already do that?" Well, it does and it doesn't. Most satellite navigation systems -- including advanced models like the one in the 2011 Jaguar XJ and even some found on the iPhone -- rely on a traffic data service like INRIX to generate driving suggestions or to give a rough idea of how long a commute might take.
The IBM system does that, too, but it relies on significantly more sources of data. In essence, it aggregates up-to-the-minute information on traffic, weather, police activity, and so on, then combines that data with factors like the time of day, the day of the week, and local traffic patterns to get drivers where they need to be as quickly as possible. If the system expects a commute to take too long, it can suggest alternate methods of transport, like buses and ferries. And if users opt for public transportation, it can even tell them whether the trains are running on time. In short, IBM has combined predictive modeling with real-time information to create something more than a just a driving tool: it's a travel tool.
IBM is planning a handful of pilot programs to test the system in markets around the U.S. The data will be available to program participants online (useful before commuters leave their homes) and on a range of mobile devices.
In conjunction with all this, IBM is launching something called the Travel and Transportation Center of Competency. (Sounds a little Stalin-esque, no?) The Center of Competency will use data from IBM's travel system to provide transport solutions for businesses. For example, folks from IBM used data modeling to help COSCO reduce shipping and logistics expenses by 23% and cut CO2 emissions by 15%. Properly deployed, IBM may have just found itself a very nice new profit center.
For full details, check the press release below or visit IBM's Smarter Planet site.
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IBM Scientists Use Analytics to Break Traffic Gridlock With Personalized Trip Information Opens New Center for Smarter Transportation Systems
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At a smarter transportation-focused event today in Washington, D.C., IBM ( IBM) announced a new research initiative to build personalized travel routes for commuters to avoid traffic gridlock. IBM researchers are using advanced analytics to develop adaptive traffic systems that will intuitively learn traveler patterns and behavior to provide more dynamic travel safety and route information to travelers than is available today.
IBM researchers are developing new models that will predict the outcomes of varying transportation routes to provide a personalized recommendation that get commuters where they need to go in the fastest time. This project intends to provide information that goes well beyond traditional traffic reports, after-the fact devices that only indicate where you are already located in a traffic jam, and web-based applications that give estimated travel time in traffic.
Using new mathematical models and IBM's predictive analytics technologies, the researchers will analyze and combine multiple possible scenarios that can affect commuters to deliver the best routes for daily travel, including many factors, such as traffic accidents, commuter's location, current and planned road construction, most traveled days of the week, expected work start times, local events that may impact traffic, alternate options of transportation such as rail or ferries, parking availability and weather.
Working with state and local transportation agencies, IBM plans to launch pilot projects for select sets of commuters to analyze, test and refine the new systems. IBM plans to provide program participants with the personalized commuting information via the web, through mobile voice interaction, combined with advanced mapping applications on mobile devices.
For example, combining predictive analytics with real-time information about current travel congestion from sensors and other data, the system could recommend better ways to get to a destination, such as how to get to a nearby mass transit hub, whether the train is predicted to be on time, and whether parking is predicted to be available at the train station. New systems can learn from regular travel patterns where you are likely to go and then integrate all available data and prediction models to pinpoint the best route.
Insight from IBM's analytics and pilot programs will help transportation agencies better understand and manage traffic, increasing safety on our roads and encouraging the use of efficient public transportation which will help reduce a commuter's overall carbon output.
"The data exists to give commuters and transportation agencies a better way to manage traffic but today it's not connected," said Gerry Mooney, General Manager, Public Sector, IBM. "IBM has the ability correlate all of this information to better predict demand, optimize capacity help improve traveler and highway safety as well as reduce our impact on the environment."
According to the Texas Transportation Institute, U.S. traffic congestion burns enough fuel every year to fill 58 supertankers and wastes enough time to consume 105 million weeks of vacation. Each one of us wastes nearly a week's worth of time and 26 gallons of ever-more-costly fuel.
Additionally, IBM is launching a new global virtual Travel and Transportation Center of Competency which will provide new solutions and deep industry expertise for air, rail, truck, and sea transportation.
IBM is assembling top consultants, software, and technology specialists on a new team who will work with clients and share the best solutions worldwide. The Center of Competency will work closely with IBM Research, one of the world's most recognized research organizations, with IBM's software labs and Business Analytics centers. The center's team will work directly with clients on ground-breaking projects to help them align capacity with demand, improve customer service, increase efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and assure safe transportation.
For example, IBM consultants helped shipping giant COSCO lower logistics cost by 23 percent and reduce CO2 emissions by 15 percent. The Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation uses IBM software to help achieve 99.15 percent on-time performance, and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport used IBM's RFID-based baggage handling system to reduce mishandled baggage by 60 percent, cut the time required to transfer bags between flights, and save operating cost. Air Canada's new smart phone application, developed by IBM, recently won the Canadian New Media Award for Best Mobile App of 2009. The application makes check-in, electronic boarding-passes, flight information, itinerary changes and other flight information available instantly for travelers on the go.
About IBM
For more information visit http://www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/traffic
Watch IBM's transportation forum this morning in Washington, D.C. in real time at www.livestream.com/newintelligence.
Follow the Twitter conversation at @smarterplanet using the #ibmtransport hashtag
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This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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U.S. Transportation Chief: Don’t Drive Recalled Toyotas
In a House Appropriations panel hearing this morning LaHood stated that his own advice to owners of the 2.3 million Toyota vehicles recalled due to potentially sticky accelerator pedals would be to not drive them at all.
Up until now, Toyota—and the official recall advisory—has only recommended that owners of affected vehicles should pay attention to the way in which the accelerator pedal operates.
"While we are aware of no deaths or injuries due to this condition, consumers should take the following steps prior to receiving the recall remedy," the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states in a consumer advisory released Monday. "Owners of these vehicles should pay attention to the operation of their accelerator pedals. If their accelerator pedal is harder to depress than normal or slower to return, it may be a precursor to a stuck pedal."
If the accelerator becomes sluggish to return or feels different, owners should park the vehicle and call the dealer immediately (shifting to neutral and coming to a safe stop prior to shutting off the engine).
Now, based on LaHood's statement, it might seem that the best thing to do is park the vehicle altogether.
But Toyota still maintains otherwise. Just before we posted this piece, Toyota released a counterstatement saying that "the situation is rare and generally does not occur suddenly." The company asserted, "In the rare instances where it does it occur, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes."
"If you are not experiencing any issues with your pedal, we are confident that your vehicle is safe to drive," declared Toyota.
UPDATE: Later in the day, LaHood has retracted his earlier comment, releasing the following official statement: "I want to encourage owners of any recalled Toyota models to contact their local dealer and get their vehicles fixed as soon as possible. NHTSA will continue to hold Toyota's feet to the fire to make sure that they are doing everything they have promised to make their vehicles safe. We will continue to investigate all possible causes of these safety issues."
Several sources have reported over the past several days that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reinvestigating the possibility that electromagnetic interference might cause such an issue. Toyota phased in electronic throttle systems (called ETCS-i in most cases), on most of its U.S. vehicles between 2002 and 2005
More details are also emerging about the days leading up to the recall. U.S. Department of Transportation officials reportedly flew to Japan to encourage the company to speed up its effort to recall and fix the issue. LaHood said that the administration is considering civil penalties against Toyota, and he is planning to call Toyota president Akio Toyota to assure that the company in Japan is doing everything it can to solve the issues in the U.S. A House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing will be held on the recalls February 10.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Toyota told its U.S. dealers that it will be sending payments of $7,500 to $75,000 to each dealership to help cover extended service hours as well as other customer services surrounding the recall.
2010 Kia Sportage Bottom Line
The editors of TheCarConnection.com have pulled together highlights from some of the Web's best review sources to help you get the best review information possible on the 2010 Kia Sportage. They have also driven the Sportage and bring you their expert opinion here in this Bottom Line.
Likes
Practicality
Carlike dynamics
Strong value
Comprehensive warranty
Dislikes
Weak V-6 engine
Old-tech four-speed automatic
Dated styling and design
Kia's compact Sportage SUV was first introduced back in 2005 and underwent a mild facelift just last year to improve its fuel economy, styling, and drivability.
With that in mind, there are no major changes to the 2010 lineup. For the latest model year, the Sportage comes in base LX or EX trim, along with optional all-wheel drive. The changes incorporated last year included body color-matching front and rear bumpers, a new grille design, new headlights and fog lights, and new alloy wheels. Overall, though, the Sportage keeps the same basic silhouette it's had for many years.
Under the hood, customers have a choice of either a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) technology and a respectable 140 horsepower on tap, or a 2.7-liter V-6 mill with 173 horses. Transmission options include a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The most fuel-efficient model is the base four-cylinder model with the five-speed manual, which returns an EPA-rated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. At the other end of the scale, the V-6 automatic model returns 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Between the two, neither engine will excite, and the extra oomph from the V-6 over the four-cylinder is hardly noticeable. Acceleration is a little bit better with the V-6, but the associated loss in fuel economy is hardly worth it. The Sportage rides on McPherson struts up front, with gas-filled shock absorbers at the rear, stabilizer bars at both ends, and 16-inch wheels and tires. Handling is secure and the ride smooth, but not inspiring.
The Sportage offers an interior that's just roomy enough for five adults, with reasonable seating comfort for all—provided those in back aren't wide-shouldered. Interior appointments are quite unremarkable; they aren't as delightful for the price as the new Forte and Soul small cars, but they're not disappointing either. The Sportage rides more like a car than a genuine SUV, but at the same time, its off-road prowess is lacking.
The 2010 Kia Sportage does quite nicely in federal government crash tests, although it doesn't fare as well in the insurance agency tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards the compact SUV with "acceptable" ratings for front and side impacts, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a little more generous, awarding the Sportage five out of five stars for front and side impact protection. Standard safety items include dual front, side, and curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction and stability control; and tire pressure monitors.
Standard features on all LX models include multi-reflector headlamps, roof rails, front and rear towing hooks, and a front-end skid plate. All 2010 Kia Sportage models also come with Sirius Satellite Radio and auxiliary and USB jacks with MP3 playback capabilities as standard. Upgrading to the EX model includes a power sunroof, fog lights, and heated side mirrors, while the Sport Package, available on LX V-6 models, includes fog lights, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, a rear spoiler, a rear cargo cover, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The warranty remains a good argument for the Sportage. It has some of the best coverage in the industry: a five-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, plus a ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Bottom Line: Value—not trend-setting design or class-leading performance—is the reason to keep the 2010 Kia Sportage on your list.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2010 Kia Sportage, also consider:
- Ford Escape
- Honda CR-V
- Nissan Rogue
- Chevrolet Equinox
Reason Why:
The Ford Escape was also updated last year and is an excellent choice if you're looking for more modern technology—just be prepared to pay a premium for it. A similar story can be told for the Chevrolet Equinox, which is much better-looking than the Sportage. Solidly built and well sorted, the Honda CR-V is similar in overall characteristics, but it also offers more cargo room than the 2010 Kia Sportage, if that's one of your concerns. The Nissan Rogue may only have a four-cylinder engine, but it matches the performance of the V-6 Sportage. The Rogue also comes close to matching the Sportage in value, and with its smooth CVT, this Nissan is certainly worth a closer look.
Buying Tip
The 2010 Kia Sportage is one of the older kids on the block in this segment, due to be replaced soon, so look for some bargains.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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Chrysler Recalls 24,177 Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler Models
Chrysler has announced a recall of 24,177 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles, mostly from the 2010 model year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, certain vehicles "may have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip", which could result in a brake failure and crash.The Detroit Free Press reports that Chrysler discovered the problem during routine quality checks; it has received no complaints from owners or word of injuries caused by poorly made or missing clips.
Affected vehicles include:
2010 Chrysler Sebring
2010 Dodge Avenger
2010 Dodge Nitro
2009 - 2010 Dodge Ram
2010 Jeep Commander
2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2010 Jeep Liberty
If you own a vehicle on the recall list, call 1-800-853-1403, and Chrysler will schedule a free replacement of the retaining clip. For further information, contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.
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2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid Bottom Line
Experts from TheCarConnection.com drove the GMC Yukon Hybrid to write this first-hand road test summary. TCC also has compared the 2010 Yukon Hybrid with other fuel-efficient large sport utilities to give you alternatives as you shop for your next vehicle. For the companion full review, TheCarConnection.com studied a range of expert-written reviews from other sources to bring you a comprehensive look at the Yukon Hybrid. High Gear Media drove a manufacturer-provided GMC Yukon Hybrid to produce this hands-on road test.
Likes
City gas mileage at sedan levels
Three-ton towing capability
Smooth, sophisticated hybrid system
Good power and acceleration
Dislikes
Huge cost differential versus standard Yukon
Third-row seats hard to reach, with little legroom
Aerodynamic modifications unique to hybrid model
The 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid lets buyers have their cake and eat it too. It's a large, roomy, and capable SUV that offers unmatched fuel efficiency for the class, albeit at a steep price premium over its nonhybrid counterpart. It's well equipped, and if you need even more accoutrements, you can now get the plusher Yukon Denali as a hybrid as well. Prices start at $50,920-a $13,000 jump over the base-level gas-only Yukon-and the competition includes the likes of the new BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class with clean BlueTEC diesel.
The GMC Yukon Hybrid doesn't fit into the traditional hybrid mold-like that quintessential hybrid, the Toyota Prius, for instance-in that it still looks like a standard GMC Yukon full-size sport utility vehicle. That means it's a tall, upright, and slab-sided vehicle based on a truck chassis. The GMC Yukon was last redesigned for 2008, and aside from its front-end styling, it is largely similar to the Chevrolet Tahoe, with which it shares its platform. But the Hybrid model has several subtle modifications that improve aerodynamics and reduce weight, along with a number of Hybrid badges. The top-of-the-line Denali model, reviewed separately, adds exclusive and more elegant interior and exterior touches to dress up the basic Yukon. Last year, a Yukon Denali Hybrid model was added to give the bucks-up version the option of better fuel efficiency. Even the standard Tahoe Hybrid, however, is trimmed somewhat better than its non-hybrid Tahoe counterpart.
Launched in 2008, the Yukon Hybrid enters its third year virtually unchanged. The Two-Mode Hybrid system combines a specially tuned 332-horsepower, 6.0-liter aluminum V-8 with an electrically operated continuously variable transmission jointly developed by General Motors, Chrysler, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. That transmission is an astoundingly complex mix of fixed gears, clutches, planetary gear sets, and two electric motor generators, all of which add up to a system that can run the 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid on electric power alone, supplement the gas engine with electric torque, and recharge the nickel-metal-hydride battery pack that powers the motors. The Yukon Hybrid will accelerate gently on electric power up to 27 mph, though top speed falls during cold weather. Both air conditioning and power steering run electrically, so they function whether the engine is on or off. When the gasoline engine does kick in, it's seamless and easy to miss. Under light loads, it runs on just four cylinders to save fuel, a feature GM calls Active Fuel Management.
Driving the 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid requires no special skills; you interact with the vehicle as you would a normal Yukon. The result of all the technology is a large, luxurious SUV with abundant torque that drives beautifully. It cruises quietly, and the low-speed electric mode is quiet enough to be almost eerie. As for fuel economy, the Yukon Hybrid delivers in spades. The EPA rates it at 21 mpg city, 22 mpg highway-a full 50 percent better in the city than the standard Yukon with a 5.3-liter V-8-while it maintains a respectable tow rating of 6,000 pounds. The Yukon Hybrid can be ordered with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. It holds the road fairly well, considering that it is a tall, heavy vehicle with a solid rear axle, though passengers will know when the rear wheels hit a rough patch. The Yukon Denali Hybrid features GM's MagnaRide suspension, which uses magnetic particles in the shock absorber fluid to adjust the damping rate electrically.
The 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid requires almost no compromises; it seats seven easily, eight adequately. Like the standard GMC Yukon, the 2010 suffers from a cramped third-row seat and limited cargo room behind the back row. The battery pack under the second-row seat also limits legroom in that third row. Lightweight leather-trimmed front seats are unique, as is the instrument panel, which includes an economy meter and a slew of information displays unique to the Hybrid. Flush controls and chrome instrument rings add to the impression of high quality. Interior materials are solid and beautifully assembled; the sole off note is the hard plastic dash top. The Yukon Hybrid's noise suppression is quite remarkable, especially considering the road noise you would expect from its bluff shape and large wheels and tires.
With front, front side, and side curtain airbags, the Yukon Hybrid adds front seat-mounted side airbags for 2010. Anti-lock brakes and the StabiliTrack stability control system are standard. The 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid is highly rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), earning a perfect five stars for occupant protection in the frontal and side impact category, though only three stars for rollover likelihood. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet had a chance to rate the Yukon Hybrid or the very similar Chevrolet Tahoe or Cadillac Escalade hybrids.
The 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid offers few options. On many other SUVs, its base equipment would be described as "fully loaded," including features that are optional on the nonhybrid Yukon. Six-way power-adjustable front seats with leather trim are standard, as are adjustable pedals. The AM/FM/XM audio and navigation system includes voice recognition and GM's OnStar system, as well as real-time traffic information. The premium Yukon Denali Hybrid ups the ante even more, ending up a notch short of the pricier (and even blingier) Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. It adds standard 12-way power, heated and cooled, leather-appointed perforated front seats, as well as heated second-row seats. The only three options on the Yukon Denali Hybrid are a sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment DVD system, and a blind-spot alerting system in the side mirrors. For 2010, GMC adds a standard USB port in the center console, making it easier to use personal music devices and to charge certain electronic gadgets.
The Bottom Line: If you don't mind the added cost, the 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy with few compromises.
Other Choices:
If you're interested in the 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid, also consider:
- Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC
- Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC
- Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
- BMW X6 ActiveHybrid
Reason Why:
If maximum fuel efficiency is your goal, you may want to consider one of the two new clean-diesel Mercedes-Benz SUV models. The ML350 BlueTEC has five seats, and the GL350 BlueTEC seven; both use a turbocharged diesel V-6 with loads of torque. If you want to stick to hybrids, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is nearly identical to the Yukon, but with even more bling in its style. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is the German automaker's first hybrid; it's well done, with a reasonable jump in fuel economy to accompany its slick roofline and compromised interior space.
Buying Tip
The payback on the price premium of more than $6,000 for the Yukon Hybrid over a similarly equipped nonhybrid can be hard to calculate unless you plan to put on a lot of miles. Depending on what you expect the price of gas to be, it may take more years to recoup your cost in gasoline savings than you're likely to own the vehicle.
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2010 Honda Civic Hybrid Bottom Line
TheCarConnection.com has driven the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid to bring you this hands-on review that covers styling, performance, safety, utility, and features from on-the-road observations. TheCarConnection.com's editors also researched reviews from other sources to give you a comprehensive range of opinions from around the Web-and to help you decide which ones to trust.High Gear Media drove a manufacturer-provided Honda Civic Hybrid to produce this hands-on road test.
Likes
Excellent fuel efficiency
"Regular car" handling
Spacious front seats
Dislikes
Limited rear access
Tight backseat space
Lack of trunk pass-through
Hard, jiggly ride
The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid does just what it's designed to do: carry you and yours all over town with superb fuel efficiency. The four-door 2010 Civic Hybrid uses a blend of gasoline and electric power to achieve a real-world 45 mpg, but hardly anyone will know you're driving a hybrid. It's the hybrid for people who don't need to show off their green credentials. At a base price of $23,800, the Civic Hybrid competes with the Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel sedan, the Honda Civic GX natural-gas vehicle, and the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid hatchback.
It takes a trained eye to tell the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid apart from other Civics. Along with the other Civic four-door sedans, it got a new grille and lights last year; otherwise, it's unchanged for 2010. The Hybrid's minor exterior tweaks include different wheels, clear turn-signal lenses, turn indicators built into the side-view mirror housings, and a small trunk-lid spoiler. Inside, it sports blue lighting and a wonderfully rich blue cloth interior and blue vinyl dash cap.
The system at work in the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid actually has five modes that let the electrics and gas engine work together in various ways. In theory, the Civic Hybrid can run on electric power alone, but we never experienced it for any noticeable duration. The powertrain consists of a 93-horsepower 1.3-liter four mated to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. The engine is assisted by a 20-horsepower electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission. The Civic Hybrid is rated by the EPA at 40 mpg city, 45 highway. This is marginally lower than the 2010 Toyota Prius, at 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway. After 10,000 miles, the difference in consumption between the two would be a mere 38 gallons.
As with most hybrid-electric cars, there's a learning curve to driving the 2010 Civic Hybrid. Like all Civics, it handles well and is easy to blast around town. But the cornering limits are low, the steering feels somewhat numb, and at times, the gasoline engine drones at high speed when asked for urgent performance. The ride can be jiggly and busy, too. But driving gently around town at low speeds, you can occasionally move in near silence on electric power alone.
The futuristic interior styling of the 2010 Honda Civic seems appropriate for the Civic Hybrid model. The front seats are comfortable, but the dash ahead of them has an unusual double-decker style that makes drivers feel like they're piloting a video game. Combined with a steeply raked windshield, that leaves a lot of wasted space above the dash. With relatively small door openings, it can be a challenge for backseat passengers to get in and out of the Hybrid. There's not a ton of headroom in back, either. Unlike other Civic sedans, the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid doesn't offer a folding rear seat-because the battery pack sits between the rear seatback and the trunk, which also reduces cargo space.
Despite a design that dates back to 2006, the 2010 Honda Civic line rates high for safety. Every 2010 Civic gets dual front airbags, side and side-curtain airbags, and anti-lock brakes. Electronic stability control is also standard on the Civic Hybrid. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid as "good." And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the 2010 Civic Hybrid five stars for front impact and side rear passenger impact, along with four stars for side driver impact.
Standard features on the well-equipped 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid include power locks and windows, along with automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, a tilt/telescope steering wheel, a 160-watt audio system with an auxiliary jack for your MP3 player, steering-wheel audio controls, and 15-inch wheels and tires. A short options list includes satellite radio and a navigation system, which now includes Bluetooth capabilities for hands-free calling. A leather-trimmed interior is also available.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid is a very livable way to save fuel without shouting your green credentials to the world.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid, also consider:
- Honda Civic GX
- Toyota Prius
- Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Reason Why:
The clean-diesel Volkswagen Jetta TDI delivers real-world highway fuel economy in the 40s (usually far in excess of its EPA ratings), with cleaner emissions than diesels of the past. It's a sportier choice for highway driving. The Civic Hybrid's stablemate, the Honda Civic GX, runs on natural gas rather than gasoline. Though it has a rather short range, it offers good power and fuel economy, and it's actually the cleanest Civic on the road. Plus, aside from the fueling process, you'd never know from behind the wheel that it's not a gas-engine car. Finally, the Civic Hybrid's main rival is probably the all-new Toyota Prius, the hybrid vehicle pioneer that's now in its third generation. The latest Prius has excellent interior room and even better fuel economy, along with hatchback utility, but its plus is the same as its minus: Everyone will know you're driving a hybrid.
Buying Tip
The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid sedan is unchanged from the 2009 version, so you may save money if you can find a new or lightly used model from the previous year.
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Hyundai Azera Recalled For Seatbelt/Airbag Malfunction
Over 65,000 Hyundai Azeras from model years 2006 - 2009 are being recalled due to a malfunction in the driver's-side seatbelt, which can affect deployment of the driver's airbag. In a nutshell: the wiring harness on the seatbelt's tension sensor may get damaged over time, and if the tension sensor doesn't work, the airbag won't fire in case of an accident. That's bad.
The recall affects Azeras manufactured between September 27, 2005 and October 1, 2008. If you own one of the 65,226 affected units, Hyundai should be in touch with you shortly, but if you're the proactive sort, you can call Hyundai Customer Assistance at 1-800-633-5151. You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236, or visit www.SafeCar.gov, using the recall campaign number 094.
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2010 Tesla Roadster
TheCarConnection.com's editors prepared this review from hands-on experience with the new 2010 Tesla Roadster. There are few competitors to the Tesla Roadster, but editors have pointed out some other sportscars that might be considered by green-minded enthusiasts along with the electric convertible. TheCarConnection.com's editors also researched reviews from other sources to give you a comprehensive range of opinions from around the Web-and to help you decide which ones to trust.
Likes
Acceleration as good as any supercar
Clean, green image and awareness
Smooth rush of power at any speed
Improved interior amenities
Dislikes
Range below 200 miles when driven hard
Little storage space in cockpit
Fees up to $3,000 for recharging cord
The 2010 Tesla Roadster delivers on its promise: It's the first green alternative to a century of gasoline sportscars. Its classic, primitive two-seat soft-top shape offers kick-ass electric performance: minimal eco impact for maximum driving pleasure. Just getting the car into production guarantees the Tesla Roadster its place in history.
The 2010 Tesla Roadster is the second model year for the two-seat sportscar powered only by electricity. Based on some components of the Lotus Elise, the all-electric Tesla Roadster was unveiled in 2006 and began volume deliveries early last year at a price of $109,000. For 2010, Tesla has modified the interior to address some criticisms of its first-year model.
Compared to the Lotus Elise, the 2010 Tesla Roadster is longer, has a sleeker snout, and sports smoother, more contoured sides-minus the prominent side air intakes found on the Elise-for a low-slung, racy, and revealing style. The look is part futurism, part work in progress-it's handsome, but there's not much brand character yet, and few details are as memorable as its battery-powered drivetrain. Inside, the instrument cluster of the 2010 Tesla lights up when the car is powered up, with a "bong" tone indicating the car is ready to roll. The driver now faces a combined 150-mph speedometer and rev counter for the electric motor (since the two move in sync) plus a slew of warning lights. A road speed of 70 mph corresponds to 8,000 rpm, and the motor turns slightly over 11,000 at 100 mph. The Roadster's electric motor is redlined at 13,000 to 15,000 rpm, for a quoted top speed of 125 mph. The center of the dash holds a small navigation screen and JVC stereo.
With the maker quoting 0-to-60-mph acceleration of just 3.9 seconds, the Tesla's awesome acceleration comes from a 185-kilowatt (248-horsepower) electric motor. It's powered by a 990-pound battery pack, housed behind the driver, that holds 53 kilowatt-hours of energy. It contains 6,831 lithium-ion "commodity" cells-the ones used in laptop computers-and sits just in front of the electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Electric motors deliver maximum torque at 0 rpm and give a very flat torque curve thereafter. In performance mode, the quoted 3.9-second time for 0 to 60 mph was entirely believable, though we couldn't conduct formal timing tests. But the 2010 Tesla Roadster has so much raw, relentless power that you have to make sure it's pointed where you want to go before you floor it. At full acceleration, it straightens abruptly and poses the risk of accelerating right through the outside of a curve. Tesla has also added an even higher-performance model, the Roadster Sport, starting at $125,500. Its 215-kilowatt (288-horsepower) motor rockets it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Drivers can specify one of 10 different suspension settings, and it includes forged wheels with higher-speed tires.
Drivers used to gasoline cars must reprogram their habits for the Tesla Roadster. The aggressive regenerative braking feathers in so well that you can drive it almost wholly by modulating the accelerator. Push for speed; lift off to slow the car. It's just like engine braking, only quieter. Drivers learn to plan ahead enough so they only use the Brembo brakes below about 5 mph, to counter the simulated "idle-creep". But the Tesla Roadster isn't silent. Behind the driver, the battery cooling system whirs, and on acceleration, the motor hums like a flying scooter from "Star Wars". Wind noise drowns out all other sound above 30 mph. As for range, TheCarConnection.com drove a 2010 Tesla Roadster deliver with an indicated range of 202 miles. After a drive covering 58 road miles, the Roadster's meters indicated the range had fallen to 110 miles. Aggressive driving drains the batteries far quicker than steady-speed cruising.
For 2010, the battery charge monitor, formerly above the driver's left knee, is now mounted atop the central spine just below the dash. Its touch screen lets the driver select among five modes of operation: Standard, Maximum Performance, Maximum Range, Valet, and Storage. Also for 2010, illuminated buttons on the tunnel replace the previous "gear lever" and offer five choices: neutral, drive, reverse, park, and traction control. It's easier to get in and out of the Roadster's larger passenger compartment than the Elise's, but don't expect spaciousness. The seating area is narrow, and the driver's right knee rests uncomfortably against the hard central spine. Most irritating, the Tesla Roadster has no storage space, save for one very slippery curved metal lip running along the underside of the dash above knee level. We don't expect cup holders, but a bin or door pockets for maps and sunglasses would help.
The rear decklid covers a wide, shallow storage space in the tail that holds two pieces of soft luggage. Inside sits the $600 charging cord for standard 110-Volt power, which can take up to 8 hours for a recharge. Owners who install the $3,000 high-voltage system in their garages can cut that to 3.5 hours, less for a partial "fill". But we think Tesla exploits its customers by making them pay for any type of recharging cord.
Tesla is now in the second year of a three-year waiver from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that lets it offer Roadsters without new occupant-sensing airbags. Instead, Tesla fits older, less expensive standard front airbags for driver and passenger; side airbags are not available. Standard equipment includes traction control, anti-lock brakes, tire-pressure monitors, and both airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners. And for owners willing to let others park their car, the Valet mode cuts acceleration in half and restricts range and speed.
For 2010, the base Tesla Roadster costs $109,000. The faster Sport model starts at $128,500. Either can be accessorized with forged wheels, leather interior, premium seats, a hardtop, metallic paint, and more. A heavy hand on the option list can add $25,000.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Tesla Roadster provides spectacular performance and handling in a classic open two-seater with a green tinge, but the speedy driving it elicits can cut range to well under 200 miles.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Tesla Roadster, also consider:
- Audi R8
- Ferrari F430 Spider
- Porsche 911 Turbo
Reason Why:
It may be all-electric, but the 2010 Tesla Roadster competes against some impressive high-performance sportscars. On the lower end of the scale, the Audi R8 carries a sticker price equal to the Tesla Roadster's, but with its standard V-8 engine, is more than a second slower to 60 mph. An R8 Spyder is on the way too. The closest comparable production car may be the Porsche 911 Turbo, which is faster to 60 mph by 0.2 seconds, but costs $25,000 more. You can get the Tesla's time down to 3.7 seconds as well by adding the Sport option, but that fifth of a second will cost you $19,500. The Porsche offers a much higher level of amenities, far more dealers and service points, plus more space for people, stuff, and luggage. It's also better built. And on the high end, the Ferrari F430 Spider costs $75,000 more for roughly equal performance.
Buying Tip
Want a Tesla Roadster-like, right now, today? Too bad. The company is working its way through a backlog of more than 1,000 orders. At the current delivery rate, signing up today will get you a Tesla within a few months. The occasional used Tesla has shown up on eBay, too. Caveat emptor.
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CR: 41 Percent Of Acceleration Complaints Involve Toyotas
Whether or not so-called "sudden acceleration" problems involve issues with floor mats, operator confusion over pedals, or actual vehicle defects, several automakers rank far above others in terms of complaints made to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Toyota has many more complaints racked up than other automakers, when looking at 2008 model-year vehicles, according to an analysis by Consumer Reports. As reported by the Consumer Reports car blog, Toyota had 41 percent of all unintended-acceleration complaints (52 in all) for 2008 model-year vehicles, while Ford has 28 percent of all complaints (36 in all). That's well above the 16-percent U.S. market share that each of the automakers held, averaging 2007 and 2008.
Chrysler was third, with 11 complaints determined by CR to be related to unintended acceleration; but that's relative to a 12-percent average market share.
Consumer Reports looked at 5,916 complaint reports and identified 166 cases of unintended acceleration in which the driver had trouble controlling the vehicle.
General Motors vehicles ranked especially low, according to CR, with a relative risk of just one in 500,000, while Honda and Nissan ranked even lower, with four and two percent of overall complaints, respectively. Based on the organization's analysis, the risk in Toyotas is about one in 50,000 of encountering the issue.
After a number of complaints of stuck accelerator pedals, along with one California crash, killing four, involving a 2009 Lexus ES 350, Toyota and the federal government had issued warnings to remove any driver's side floor mats to help prevent the throttle pedal from sticking or jamming. Most recently, Toyota announced that it would recall 3.8 million vehicles to replace the accelerator pedal with a shorter design that eliminates the possibility of becoming entrapped by the floor mat.
The vehicles affected are:
- 2004-2009 Toyota Prius (hatchback)
- 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon (sedan)
- 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma (pickup truck)
- 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350 (sedan)
- 2007-2010 Toyota Camry (sedan)
- 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra (pickup truck)
- 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 (sedan)
And what do you do if you find your accelerator pedal stuck? Consumer Reports also last month posted this useful video clip.
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