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Study: Mini, Lexus offer best customer service
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The J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Index Study measures customer satisfaction with dealer service departments during the first three years of vehicle ownership. Key factors in determining service ratings are repair work, service advice and overall service quality. Luxury Brands The average score is 819 out of 1,000. Manufacturer Customer Service Rating (out of 1,000) Lexus 846 Jaguar...
Bed covers can improve fuel efficiency
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If you don't make a habit of hauling construction material, dirt bikes or other tall objects, a pickup truck bed cover makes a lot of sense.
It adds secure storage and is weatherproof if you seal factory holes; it may look better than your beat-up truck bed and typically helps fuel economy. The extra 90 pounds isn't felt much on a 5,000-pound truck, but better airflow helps on the highway....
Can Honda prevent traffic jams?
Photo credit: Jim Staubitser
Honda is developing technology to predict and prevent roadway congestion so that traffic jams become a thing of the past.
The automaker partnered with the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo to develop a system based on acceleration and deceleration behaviors in drivers, and Honda hopes to use the results to detect patterns that lead to traffic jams....
Toyota Highlander Limited offers best seating in class
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Q: Should I buy a Toyota Highlander Limited, Ford Edge Limited or Nissan Murano LE? Which do you recommend and why?
A: Of the three you listed, the Toyota Highlander strikes us as the best of the bunch, though it wouldn't be our first choice. The Highlander seats seven and has a flexible second row with a nifty design that lets you use it as a three-place bench seat or convert it to two captain's...
Land Rover brand not strong on reliability
Photo credit: PR NEWSWIRE/GLEN DAVIS
Does the Land Rover Range Rover Sport still have reliability concerns? I'm in the market for a midsize SUV. I've always had my eye on a Range Rover Sport (2008 and newer models). Are they still a reliability issue, or should I get something else (Acura MDX, BMW X5, Infiniti FX35)?
A: Land Rover was not ranked among brands in J.D. Power and Associates' 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study because...
Nissan teases 2013 Sentra at Beijing Auto Show
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At the Beijing auto show, Nissan revealed a new car (above) that will be the basis for the 2013 Sentra. Nissan's compact sedan was last updated for model-year 2010, when it got a light refresh.
The 2013 Sentra marks the car's 30th anniversary in the U.S. Details are slim, but the Sentra SR teaser image (below) shows a more prominent deck lid and LED-accented taillights. The video showcases a grille in line with the 2013 Altima's styling, new fog lights and LED-accented headlights.
The Sentra is the third of five new vehicles Nissan plans to debut over the next 15 months. The redesigned-for-2013 Altima sedan will go on sale this summer, followed by the updated Pathfinder SUV and the new Sentra this fall. The Versa compact hatchback and Rogue compact crossover are next.
More details about the Sentra will be released this summer. Watch the video teaser below.
Lamborghini SUV unveiled at China car show
Photo credit: Getty Images
Lamborghini unveiled its much anticipated SUV concept this week at the Beijing Auto Show. Dubbed Urus, the vehicle seats four and is likely to hit the market in the next few years.
Details have been scarce, but we do know that a 600-horspower engine lies beneath the hood; it has permanent all-wheel drive; it has 24-inch wheels; the body is made up extensively of carbon fiber; and Filippo...
$20,000 price range limiting for safe, efficient crossovers
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Q: Which $20,000 crossover is safe and fuel efficient and will fit my family? I am a soon-to-be father of twins, and I am looking for an SUV/crossover that will fit me (I am 6 feet, 3 inches) along with my wife and two rear-facing car seats. I am looking for something under $20,000 that is safe with decent fuel economy. What types of vehicles should I look at?
A: You deserve a gold star for...
Rolls-Royce Phantom wins largest sedan, inside and out
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Q: What is the biggest sedan currently in production?
A: Whether you're asking about the biggest on the outside or the inside, that honor goes to the Rolls-Royce Phantom extended-wheelbase sedan. The wheelbase -- the distance between the front and rear wheels -- of this behemoth measures 150.4 inches, and its overall length is 239.5 inches. That is within an inch of being twice as long as...
Redesigned 2013 Ford Escape starts at $22,470
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After going more than a decade without a full redesign, Ford's compact crossover gets completely updated for 2013, and base prices increase by around $1,000. Ford rep Angie Kozleski told Cars.com that the 2013 Escape starts at $22,470, compared with the 2012 base XLS's price of $21,440.
Changes for the new model year include all-new styling, the addition of EcoBoost turbocharged engines, an...
