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Mitsubishi

Ford to Unleash New Police Interceptor

There is no question that the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor occupies a unique niche in the automotive market. Although the vehicle’s platform, which dates back almost 30 years, has been deemed too archaic to remain a part of Ford’s consumer lineup, it still represents a strong income stream in the form of fleet sales – particularly to police departments. It turns out that the Ford Crown Victoria’s ancient body-on-frame design gives law enforcement the reliability and ease of repair they need from a vehicle that sees significant miles and abuse over the course of its service life.

All good things must come to an end, however, and every indication was given that when the Ford Crown Victoria rode off into the sunset in the near future, the company would no longer be in the position to accommodate police fleets. It was only after the announcement that General Motors, sensing an opportunity to leap back into a more significant law enforcement role, would release a fleet-only edition of its overseas market Chevrolet Caprice that decision-makers at Ford admitted that it too would produce a specialty police vehicle to replace its venerable warrior.

Slated for sale in 2011, details on the new Ford Police Interceptor are still vague, but it will follow a rear-wheel drive, V8 design along with many optional police upgrades including bullet-resistant door panels, heavy duty accessories and a fire suppression system. The company plans on the new Ford Police Interceptor helping it to maintain the nearly 75 percent market share it currently enjoys in terms of sales to police departments.

Jeep, Mitsubishi Issue Recalls

It seems that hardly a week has gone by this fall season without yet another sweeping recall being ordered by a beleaguered car company responding to a serious safety issue. Perhaps the only solace that automobile owners can take is that the blame has been spread around to so many different brands, making it hard for anyone to escape a dealership visit.

The latest vehicles to be affected by the recall bonanza include those manufactured by Jeep and Mitsubishi. Specifically, 161,000 Jeep Wranglers fitted with automatic transmissions are missing a system designed to monitor the temperature of transmission fluid, which could theoretically become hot enough to boil and eventually start a fire. Jeep’s solution is to have those vehicles fitted with a warning chime and gauge that indicates overheated fluid, giving Wrangler owners the chance to park and wait things out. The recall is targeted at vehicles built in the 2007-2008 model years.

Mitsubishi’s recall is slightly less dramatic, but could have equally hazardous effects on the health of drivers. 29,353 Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolutions built in 2008 and 2009 may have issues related to the corrosion of their front-impact sensors. The problem is restricted to vehicles which have been sold or are registered in the so-called “rust belt,” that unfortunate grouping of states which deal with serious winter conditions involving the use of road salt. The sensors are sensitive to becoming coated with salt and water and then corroding to the point where they are no longer capable of properly deploying airbags in time. Mitsubishi is installing upgraded impact sensors on all affected vehicles.

General Motors to Start Paying Back Government Loans

In an announcement sure to warm the hearts of taxpayers, General Motors softened the blow related to news that the company had lost $1.15 billion in the third quarter of 2009 by simultaneously stating that it will start the repayment process associated with the government bailout it received earlier in the year. Total federal investment in GM has reach $50 billion, with the loans themselves representing $6.7 billion of that total.

While the company’s reported losses might seem staggering, they are composed largely of payments related to restructuring costs and the cost Delphi’s bankruptcy. The bright side of the equation is an almost $5 billion revenue increase compared to the second quarter of 2009, along with a surge in global sales numbers. GM’s decision to begin making loan payments now is well ahead of the scheduled due date in 2015.

Nissan Doubles Warranty Coverage on Expensive-to-Repair CVTs

Continuously-variable automatic transmissions (CVTs) are an order of magnitude more expensive to repair than their traditional automatic cousins. This is due to the fact that the mechanical innards of these devices must replicate a theoretically infinite number of gear ratios, versus the simple four to seven found in most other autos.

Nissan is a brand which has been pushing the use of CVTs quite hard across almost its entire product lineup, and as a result it has recently made a fairly bold move to extend the warranties on all of its CVTs from five years / 60,000 miles to ten years / 120,000 miles. Not only that, but the company will actually reimburse any current Nissan owner for their documented repair expenses related to any CVT work performed out of warranty and prior to the extension. This act of good will should not only generate positive vibes for Nissan amongst its existing customer base, but it will most likely also encourage more than a few potential buyers to take a chance on a continuously-variable transmission in a future Nissan purchase.

HUMMER to Launch H4, H5 Models

Hummer’s sales are currently experiencing the full extent of the anti-SUV backlash, with 64 percent fewer vehicles sold thus far in 2009 compared to 2008. That hasn’t discouraged the off-road brand’s new ownership group, Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. Ltd. from forging ahead with plans to flesh out the current Hummer lineup with some fresh blood. The company hopes to more than triple sales in 2010 with the addition of a more compact, two-door H4 model intended to appeal to lone wolf outdoor adventure types currently served by the Jeep Wrangler, and another smaller model dubbed the H5, which would be positioned as the company’s fuel saver.

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2010 BMW 335i, 335xi
4.9% Interest or $2,500 Cash Back

The 2010 BMW 335i is the top trim level for the luxury brand’s best-selling entry-level vehicle. Available in both coupe and sedan body styles, the BMW 335i blends together the comfort features and high end gadgets that most buyers have come to expect from a German premium brand with a sporty driving experience. Automatic climate controls, a moonroof and vinyl seats are all standard equipment, as is dynamic cruise control which is designed to automatically preserve a safe distance between the 335i and any traffic on the road in front of it. If desired, options such as leather seats, a navigation system, a cold weather package and a sportier suspension can be added to the vehicle.

Powering the 2010 BMW 335i is a 3.0-liter inline six that makes use of twin turbochargers to produce a stout 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The BMW’s excellent drivetrain places it at the top of the food chain when it comes to first-time buyers looking to get a taste of the luxury car market. Fuel economy for this engine is rated at 17 miles per gallon in city driving and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission (standard) or an available six-speed automatic that offers a degree of driver control over gear changes. There is also an all-wheel drive edition of the vehicle available, the BMW 335xi.

There is a financing incentive of 4.9% interest or $2,500.00 cash back on the 2010 BMW 335i and BMW 335xi effective until 01/04/2010.

2010 Lincoln MKZ
0.0% Interest or $2,000 Cash Back

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ is a sedan that targets buyers looking for a mix of traditional luxury and technological innovation. The Lincoln MKZ does not present itself as a sports car, but rather as an entertaining to drive sedan that features excellent interior room and styling that sets it apart from other vehicles in its segment. Interestingly, the vehicle is only offered in a single trim level, and as such it includes a substantial raft of equipment in the base price: rear parking assist, heated and cooled leather seats, dual climate controls and the Ford SYNC entertainment and communications system are all present and accounted for. Individual options such as a hard drive navigation system, a backup camera and an even higher grade of leather seats can be specified to personalize the sedan to a greater degree.

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ is outfitted with a 263 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that also provides 249 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends all of that output to either the front or all four wheels if all-wheel drive is ordered as an option. From behind the wheel the Lincoln MKZ feels confident and substantial, which makes it ideally suited for long commutes or family road trips. Fuel mileage for the sedan shows as 18-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway for front-wheel drive editions of the vehicle.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $2,000.00 cash back, or $3,000 cash back on the 2010 Lincoln MKZ effective until 01/04/2010.

2009 Mazda CX-9
0.0% Interest and $1,500 Cash Back

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 is a seven-seater crossover that aims to please those interested in family transportation that doesn’t put drivers to sleep with the same boring vehicle dynamics typically associated with minivans and SUV’s. The Mazda CX-9’s exterior appearance transmits this message loud and clear, as the front fascia bears an impressively imposing grille and air vent treatment, and the overall muscular shape of the vehicle definitely sets it apart from the standard soccer practice parking lot lurkers. Inside, the Mazda CX-9 offers three rows of seating and a very useful 100.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough to infringe on the territory stake out by several full-size SUV’s. Cruise control, air conditioning and a trip computer all come standard, and higher trim levels offer heated leather seats, a keyless ignition and even wood trim throughout the cabin. A sunroof and rear seat entertainment system – including space for video game consoles – can be ordered as options.

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 backs up its sporty looks with a 3.7-liter V-6 that generates 273 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission works in tandem with a suspension that has been tuned to balance responsiveness with comfort to offer a ride that feels much crisper and more connected than many other vehicles in its class. Front-wheel drive is standard, but those living in northern climates will appreciate the availability of all-wheel drive. Fuel mileage for the Mazda CX-9 comes in at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest and $1,500.00 cash back on the 2009 Mazda CX-9 effective until 11/30/2009.

2009 Mitsubishi Raider
$4,000 Cash Back

The 2009 Mitsubishi Raider is a mid-size pickup truck that offers strong value for buyers interested in a basic work vehicle that is large enough to handle most of the jobs thrown at it, but not so big as to become unwieldy in an urban setting. The Mitsubishi Raider can be ordered as either an extended cab or a double cab vehicle, with the latter offering full-size doors to access the rear passenger compartment. A short bed (6-feet, 6-inches or 5-feet, 4-inches) graces the rear of each vehicle, helping to reign in its length. The only available trim level, the Mitsubishi Raider LS, is somewhat spartan in terms of features but it does provide air conditioning, a CD player and a front bench seat that pegs the seating capacity of the pickup at six.

Under the hood of the 2009 Mitsubishi Raider can be found a 3.7-liter V-6 engine. With 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque, the pickup has more than enough grunt to carry out a wide variety of tasks, although its towing capacity is limited to just over 3,000 lbs. Extended cab editions of the Mitsubishi Raider can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, while the double cab is automatic only. The six-speed provides the greatest acceleration and throttle response of the two, and rear-wheel drive versions of the Mitsubishi Raider matched with this transmission offer fuel mileage of 16 miles per gallon in stop and go driving and 20 miles per gallon during highway cruising. Four-wheel drive can be added to each body style.

There is an incentive of $4,000.00 cash back on the 2009 Mitsubishi Raider effective until 11/30/2009.

2010 Nissan Versa
0.0% Interest and $1,250 Cash Back

The 2010 Nissan Versa is an attractive alternative to some of the more boring subcompacts that populate the entry-level vehicle market. The Nissan Versa doesn’t overwhelm in terms of standard features, but it does offer the choice of a barebones base model or a more civilized and comfortable upper trim level without sacrificing fuel economy or practicality. Available as either a sedan or a hatchback, the 2010 Nissan Versa can be had with just the basics – steel wheels and title steering – or it can be upgraded with air conditioning, a folding rear seat, power windows and door locks and even cruise control. Big ticket options include iPod integration and a stereo system that offers a subwoofer. Not all options are available on both the sedan and the hatchback, so it pays to be cautious when talking with a sales person at the dealership to ensure that the vehicle can be ordered as desired.

The 2010 Nissan Versa comes with a choice of two four-cylinder engines. The 1.6-liter engine provides 107 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque, and is designed to appeal to those who favor fuel economy as it consumes gasoline at the gentle rate of 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. A five-speed manual transmission is standard equipment with this motor, while a four-speed automatic can also be fitted. Stepping up to the Nissan Versa’s 1.8-liter engine improves performance thanks to its 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle’s manual transmission gains an extra forward gear, while the automatic option remains the same – although the top of the line Nissan Versa SL hatchback is only available with a continuously-variable automatic unit. Fuel mileage for the larger engine shows as a still impressive 24 miles per gallon in city driving and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest and $1,250.00 cash back on the 2010 Nissan Versa effective until 11/30/2009.