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Chrysler Group said today that it is no longer trying to sell its Viper sports car business, which it put on the block last summer in an attempt to raise cash and stave off bankruptcy.
According to an article in Automotive News, the average wholesale price of a used vehicle in June was $10,167, which was the first time since 2008 that the monthly average price exceeded $10,000.
Turning around consumers' perception of the automaker as it emerges from bankruptcy protection poses a huge challenge.
The new General Motors arose today as lawyers finished an all-night paperwork session transferring the bulk of the automaker's assets to a company controlled by the U.S. government.
By Steven Mufson and Tomoeh Murakami Tse
The leaner automaker will seek to gain its footing after its emergence from bankruptcy. It will confront an old problem: building cars people want and selling them at a profit.
The city of Los Angeles, not known for its good drivers, placed a distant eighth among cities with more than 1 million drivers in the "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report."
Playing in theaters now: cars are playing lead roles -- and they are being put through their paces.
The new Porsche, the Panamera, a four-door Gran Turismo model, will make its North American public debut during Monterey's Classic Car Week.
By Susan Carpenter
The electronics chain starts selling scooters, bikes and Segways alongside refrigerators and video games, hoping to get in on the emerging technology.
AUTOS
By Ken Bensinger
Judge OKs a sale of the assets, clearing the way for troubled automaker's bankruptcy to end.
Dan Neil
The sports car certainly has some asphalt chops and a solid rear-wheel drive. That said, there's room for improvement. Let's start with its unattractive look, shall we?
For the first time in more than half a century, Canadians bought more Fords than GM vehicles last month.
AUTOS
By Ken Bensinger
Sales in the U.S. declined 28% last month compared with June 2008. But that's the smallest drop since September.
Volkswagen's version of the Apple iPhone 3GS -- the TDI turbo diesel line-up of cars.
For two hours of one day at one gas station in L.A., gas is pretty much half price.
AUTOS
By Ken Bensinger and Julie Strack
General Motors says it and Toyota can't agree on what vehicle to build at the NUMMI plant in Fremont. The move jeopardizes the future of the last vehicle assembly plant in California.
General Motors Corp. has agreed to take on responsibility for future product liability claims, removing what could have been a sizable roadblock on the automaker's path to a quick sale of its assets and emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a new company.
Dan Neil
The 2010 Panamera sedan is filled with luxury and speed. But compared with a 911, this thing handles like well-upholstered field artillery.
Parents magazine teamed with Edmunds.com, the leading online resource for car buyers, to pick the best family cars for 2009.
Ford's EcoBoost movement is unofficially in full swing. Basically, be prepared to hear a whole truckload of EcoBoost-centric news coming out of the Blue Oval's Dearborn, Mich., headquarters over the next few years.
Dan Neil
The modernized Westfalia camper is available -- in Europe.
Dan Neil
Several years ago, while on assignment for a magazine, I participated in an experiment with Mercedes-Benz that involved my being wired up like a lab monkey and driving across the Austrian Alps in an E500, some 10 hours of hellbent berggeblitzen (not officially a German word). These biometric readings were later plotted against the car's telemetry in an effort to measure the effects of fatigue on my driving. Given my superhuman talents and composure behind the wheel, naturally, the effects were negligible.
Dan Neil
The genius of this super-sedan lies in its sheer will to be different. What we have here is stagecraft.
Dan Neil
The Grand Touring package gives it the luxury of a Lexus without the snotty attitude.
Dan Neil
The minivan is a clone of the Chrysler Town & Country, with worse construction and no Stow 'n Go in the second row. Bring back the Microbus!
AUTOS
Dan Neil
Despite the brand's tagline of "inspired performance," there is nothing particularly inspired about this 2009 model.
Dan Neil
This systems-heavy executive saloon might just be the best luxury sedan in the world.
By Dan Neil
The 2009 model is vastly better than anything else in its class.
The L.A. Auto Show runs through Thanksgiving weekend, which seems appropriate, because there is a lot of turkey on the show's menu.
By DAN NEIL
The South Korean automaker's first full-size, rear-drive luxury car is a near-peer to Euro sport sedans -- but at a 20% discount.
By DAN NEIL
More is better, proves this elephant of a sedan. It reaches 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. It turns corners and changes direction with sheer crazy agility. It's laden with luxuries. What more could you want?
By Dan Neil
One of the best things about moving to Los Angeles from North Carolina was discovering the outrageous cadre of TV weathermen with vaguely meteorological-sounding names: Dallas Raines, Johnny Mountain, Fritz Coleman.
By DAN NEIL
The '09 Maxima veers closer to its upscale sibling but remains a conventional sedan.
By DAN NEIL
The Corvette ZR1 burns oil for a good cause: awesome power and agility
By DAN NEIL
This is a car, an engine, for fully grown adults whose idea of motoring pleasure is high fuel economy. Yes, it will go fast, but the real exaltation is in going far.
RUMBLE SEAT
By DAN NEIL
I find the 2009 VW Jetta TDI's lack of exceptionalism exceptional. This car is ordinary, routine, a mean of averages, a flat line on life's electroencephalogram. It is non-provocative right down to its brake shoes. Find the most common of gardens, and the Jetta is that garden's variety.
By DAN NEIL
Hybrids, plug-ins and pure electric vehicles arrive in force as manufacturers sort out battery woes.
By DAN NEIL
The 556-horsepower sedan is a speedster that provides superb cornering and control in a refined and seductive package.
Rumble Seat
By DAN NEIL
The novel method used to treat its exhaust makes this SUV a highway whiz.
By DAN NEIL
The best subcompact on the market is slightly larger, vastly stiffer, noticeably more quiet and comfortable, and every bit as dorky-looking as the previous edition. But what a view from the cockpit.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
Volkswagen often invokes the climes and cultures of North Africa for its products' names: Toureg -- the name of VW's goodly sized off-roader -- is borrowed from the aboriginal people of the Sahel. Scirocco is a withering desert wind. This is a curious practice since the Germans had a decidedly mixed record in North Africa.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
Europe's Car of the Year is fun to own and drive -- not least because of its fuel economy.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
Where are the hot-cool small cars, the drive-all-night cars, the panties-on-the-mirror cars? Where they've always been: In Europe. Here's a look at two of them: The Alfa Romeo MiTo and the Fiat 500.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
The total family package is high-functioning and deserves a good home.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
And it's solid and safe, with charisma to boot.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
Thanks to the A4, a troubled Audi was recharged in the '90s. This time the brand doesn't need saving, but the sedan comes back looking like a hero anyway.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
A rejiggered product from Down Under, the G8 tries hard to please. Just don't compare it to the BMW 5-series.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
The popular crossover has lost the boxiness and gained a few inches. In other words, there's more space for your legs, plus the skis, bikes or kids.
By Dan Neil
As a reborn pony car, the fuel-inefficient Challenger is a retro stallion
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
The GM import is as entertaining and nimble as its German cousin, the Opel Astra.
RUMBLE SEAT: ACURA TSX
By Dan Neil
The sedan has the requisite sparkle and performance, but feels like a luxury car wrapped around an economy powertrain.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
The best-selling small SUV in Europe vrooms to American shores.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
The new luxury sedan has all the sparkle and power you'd expect. If they could just do something about that grille.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
The 200-mph supercar, basically a Porsche Motorsport version of the 911 Turbo, is all the scarier for its effortless ways.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
The Murano's new front looks more aggressive, but not much has changed on the road.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
The 135i packs a lot of oomph into its little body, but those looks . . .
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
The little car that could grows out but, whew, not up with the Clubman.
RUMBLE SEAT
By Dan Neil
In looks, ride, even in sound, a Ford Mustang edition pays proper homage to a legend.
RUMBLE SEAT
By DAN NEIL
The eight-speed IS-F brings swift splendor to the high-performance luxury club.
RUMBLE SEAT
By DAN NEIL
The new Audi TT is a bolder, sleeker version of its old self. Yes, still the designer's dream car.
RUMBLE SEAT
By DAN NEIL
Computer-like precision kind of takes the fun out of it.
RUMBLE SEAT
By DAN NEIL
A sneak peek shows the truck-nugget tackles today's big issues: driveability, fuel efficiency, space.
RUMBLE SEAT
By DAN NEIL
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is still rowdy enough to delight true believers. Yet nuance is part of the story in '08.
RUMBLE SEAT
By DAN NEIL
Infiniti's feisty little hatchback protects car and driver with its lane sensors and AVM cameras.
A look at the 10 most-read (online) columns written by "Rumble Seat" automotive critic Dan Neil.
Ford has grabbed the fuel-economy crown in the nation’s largest car segment — just in time to see gasoline fall to its lowest price in five years.
Kelley Blue Book lists their favorite car updates for the coming model year.
FINANCE
By Jim Puzzanghera
Bush administration officials and auto executives worked Monday to try to seal a deal for a multibillion-dollar industry bailout, amid hopes that the money could be available this week.
Now more than ever, drivers are looking for the best bargain car -- something that drives well yet is affordable, gets good gas mileage and looks nice. We rounded up a few experts in the automotive field and asked them to share their favorite hidden gems.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its analysis of 2005-07 model cars that were most reported stolen during 2008. Large SUVs and trucks dominate the list, especially the high-end, loaded kind with plenty of bells and whistles.
Even in these budget-squeezing times, sometimes you just need to buy a new car. If so, it's always nice to start from the bottom of the price list.
Hot Property
By Ann Brenoff
Perhaps the key to true happiness is fast cars and fast sales? Andrew Fuzesi, general manager of the Los Angeles Auto Show, is the new owner of a Westwood-area home that was on the market for a mere 10 days and sold for above its listing price.
Global marketing service J.D. Power and Associates recently released its annual findings of consumers' favorite factory installed automotive navigation systems. Considering factors like ease of use, system routing, system appearance, voice directions, navigation display screen and speed of system, survey participants ranked the following vehicles and their systems the top 10 for 2008.
By Ken Bensinger and Jim Puzzanghera
'There is no Plan B,' an executive says. The Big Three automakers now seek as much as $34 billion in U.S. aid.
Opinion
By Dan Neil
The federal government should buy GM. We can run it, then sell it at a profit once it recovers.
Kelley Blue Book, the online and tangible guide to new and used-vehicle information and pricing, has released its annual list of Best Resale Value Awards to coincide with the L.A. Auto Show.
This year's finalists fall into at least one of three categories: compact, clean diesel or hybrid. Each has soaring MPG estimates.
A highlight of the L.A. Auto Show, happening Nov. 21-30, is the L.A. Design Challenge, in which competing car companies artistically render their most futuristic visions of what vehicles may be like 20 years hence. We check out the nine contenders.
From 1997 to 2007, SUV sales went on quite a roller-coaster ride. Here's a glance at the models that soared, then stumbled.
The current estimate is that the Insight -- powered by a 1.3-liter gas engine and Integrated Motor Assist, good for about 45 mpg, on average -- will cost about $20,000, though final pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date next spring.
According to J.D. Power and Associates, 80% of new car buyers don't buy the top car on their list because of a negative dealership experience.
AUTOS
By Ken Bensinger
The third-largest U.S. automaker unveils three battery-powered models, the first of which it would sell by late 2010.
By Ken Bensinger
GM executives acknowledge that the $25 billion the industry is seeking in federal loan guarantees would help subsidize the hybrid car's development and production.
General Motors Corp. lifted the cover off the production version of its Volt extended-range electric car today.
The latest supercar to hit American streets is the Gumpert Apollo, a genuine contender for one of the fastest cars in the world.
Hear that? It's the sound of an underwhelmed army of car geeks, trying to hide their disappointment about the looks of the long-awaited production Chevrolet Volt.
The car pictured here is still officially a concept vehicle and will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show next month. But with production happening so soon, the streetable model shouldn't differ that much, if at all.
AUTOS
By Ken Bensinger
Ford says August sales fell 26% from a year earlier. Toyota reports a 9.4% decline. Pickups and SUVs continue to depress results.
Raquel Welch, Barbara Eden and other beauties are honored in the "Trophy Queens" exhibit opening today at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.
Automotive information site Edmunds.com has compiled a list of what it considers the five best 3-year-old and 1-year-old small cars.
The good folks at KBB perform a regular survey, called Brand Watch, that measures consumer perception of exterior and interior designs. Here are the latest results.
Hyundai said this week that it would present a hybrid-electric version of its Sonata sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
The Down Under discovery was first reported by Sports Car Market magazine, though the location is being kept secret, as is the identity of the collector. But photos that accompanied the article documented a cache of cars that probably ranks as one of the bigger finds of vintage metal in recent years.
By DAN NEIL
Rare cars like the 1927 Bugatti Type 35B resurface as prized collections go to auction.
As gasoline prices were hitting record levels in June, Americans were hitting the brakes.
This fall, GM will introduce XFE versions (as in "xtra fuel economy") of its full-size Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks and the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon sport utility vehicles.
Tesla was on its way to New Mexico before state leaders brokered a deal.
PHOTO GALLERY
The real-life mom reviewers of MotherProof.com recently announced their preferred rides based on the cars they test-drove in the last year.
PHOTO GALLERY
A look at the 10 most-read (online) columns written by "Rumble Seat" automotive critic Dan Neil.
PHOTO GALLERY
Kelley Blue Book lists their favorite car updates for the coming model year.
PHOTO GALLERY
Now more than ever, drivers are looking for the best bargain car -- something that drives well yet is affordable, gets good gas mileage and looks nice. We rounded up a few experts in the automotive field and asked them to share their favorite hidden gems.
PHOTO GALLERY
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its analysis of 2005-07 model cars that were most reported stolen during 2008. Large SUVs and trucks dominate the list, especially the high-end, loaded kind with plenty of bells and whistles.
PHOTO GALLERY
Even in these budget-squeezing times, sometimes you just need to buy a new car. If so, it's always nice to start from the bottom of the price list.
PHOTO GALLERY
The latest Z car gives the few remaining practitioners of the downshifting maneuver nothing to dance to.
PHOTO GALLERY
Global marketing service J.D. Power and Associates recently released its annual findings of consumers' favorite factory installed automotive navigation systems. Considering factors like ease of use, system routing, system appearance, voice directions, navigation display screen and speed of system, survey participants ranked the following vehicles and their systems the top 10 for 2008.
PHOTO GALLERY
For '60s muscle-car fans and young tuners alike, there'll be four offerings by spring -- a Dodge Challenger (out now), a Ford Mustang, a Chevy Camaro and a Hyundai Genesis.
PHOTO GALLERY
The L.A. Auto Show runs through Thanksgiving weekend, which seems appropriate, because there is a lot of turkey on the show’s menu.
PHOTO GALLERY
The 2008 L.A. Auto Show is open to the public Nov. 21 to Nov. 30 at the L.A .Convention Center. Here's a taste of what's in store for visitors.
PHOTO GALLERY
Kelley Blue Book, the online and tangible guide to new and used-vehicle information and pricing, has released its annual list of Best Resale Value Awards to coincide with the L.A. Auto Show.
PHOTO GALLERY
This year's finalists fall into at least one of three categories: compact, clean diesel or hybrid. Each has soaring MPG estimates.
PHOTO GALLERY
The South Korean automaker's first full-size, rear-drive luxury car is a near-peer to Euro sport sedans -- but at a 20% discount.
PHOTO GALLERY
More is better, proves this elephant of a sedan. It reaches 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. It turns corners and changes direction with sheer crazy agility. It's laden with luxuries. What more could you want?
PHOTO GALLERY
With the help of Hagerty Insurance, an insurance agency specializing in collector vehicles, we took a look at some other noteworthy Commander in Chief vehicles -- as well as the "first cars" of the two presidential candidates.
PHOTO GALLERY
Cars.com, an online guide to new and used vehicles, is fed up with some frightening trends in the automotive world.
PHOTO GALLERY
A highlight of the L.A. Auto Show, happening Nov. 21-30, is the L.A. Design Challenge, in which competing car companies artistically render their most futuristic visions of what vehicles may be like 20 years hence. We check out the nine contenders.
PHOTO GALLERY
The '09 Maxima veers closer to its upscale sibling but remains a conventional sedan.
PHOTO GALLERY
From 1997 to 2007, SUV sales went on quite a roller-coaster ride. Here's a glance at the models that soared, then stumbled.
PHOTO GALLERY
Burning the world’s oil for a good cause: the rapture of the hypercar
PHOTO GALLERY
With auto show season upon us, another model year of new cars will soon hit the streets. Will they be uniquely “classic” or a well-executed variation?
PHOTO GALLERY
The first auto show of the season will not include world debuts, but the show's organizers have planned an entertainment-packed calendar to attract car-minded show-goers.
PHOTO GALLERY
Paris stands alone this year as Europe's biggest auto show -- or "Motor show" as they call it -- and the world's stage for auto debuts this week.
PHOTO GALLERY
It's time for the Paris Motor Show -- it’s been the event that kicks off the auto show season and gets the automotive rumor mill grinding from China to Detroit.
PHOTO GALLERY
Highly competitive, Paul Newman was drawn to the track, he told reporters, because in racing, unlike acting, the definition of "good" is not a murky matter of opinion.
PHOTO GALLERY
This car is ordinary, routine, a mean of averages, a flat line on life's electroencephalogram. It is non-provocative right down to its brake shoes. Find the most common of gardens, and the Jetta is that garden's variety. And that's amazing.
PHOTO GALLERY
Though KITT may be the most recognizable name and grill from TV's recent past, he's not alone. They may not ever grab the cover of Rolling Stone or TV Guide, but these TV star cars have charisma to spare.
PHOTO GALLERY
The third-largest U.S. automaker unveils three battery-powered models, the first of which it will sell by late 2010.
PHOTO GALLERY
Tight credit and costly gas are driving sales down for the big-bike maker. Hogs now share space with scooters.
PHOTO GALLERY
AltCar Expo, the Woodstock of green wheels heads to Santa Monica September 26 and 27.
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The 556-horsepower sedan is a speedster that provides superb cornering and control in a refined and seductive package.
PHOTO GALLERY
Just in time for back-to-school, car dealers are offering national cash-back deals on cars, minivans and SUVs both big and small. Here's a look at the 2008 models that help pay for themselves with cash rebates.
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GM's Motorama exhibit at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance included some of the company's historic show cars and one "Parade of Progress" Futurliner, one of the big red buses that carried GM's science and technology shows to small-town America in the 1950s.
PHOTO GALLERY
The 2009 Honda Fit is so wanted that it's showing up at dealerships now, a month ahead of schedule. Here's a look at five other cars to watch out for in the '09 model year.
PHOTO GALLERY
The best subcompact on the market is slightly larger, vastly stiffer, noticeably more quiet and comfortable, and every bit as dorky-looking as the previous edition. But what a view from the cockpit.
PHOTO GALLERY
If you're shopping for a vehicle with a big rebate in this summer of astronomical gas prices, check out a gas-guzzling car, truck or SUV. But if you're looking for smaller car with a decent MPG rating, rebates are hard to find. But here are some gas-efficient cars available with national cash-back deals.
PHOTO GALLERY
On a weekend when dozens of extraordinary cars will change hands for tens of millions of dollars at five major auctions, the Williamson auction is the marquee event.
PHOTO GALLERY
Fractionally smaller than the Honda CR-V, the Saturn Vue and Toyota RAV4, the Tiguan is an urban-friendly, ski resort-capable wee truck with optional all-wheel drive, backed up by VW's great 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
PHOTO GALLERY
By Joni Gray
Teens in the L.A. area like older car models, particularly when cash is tight. This informal survey of local teens reflects the taste of a new generation of drivers -- and possibly the next generation of classic cars.
Teens in the L.A. area like older car models, particularly when cash is tight. This informal survey of local teens reflects the taste of a new generation of drivers -- and possibly the next generation of classic cars.
PHOTO GALLERY
The luxury behemoth is beautifully constructed, exquisitely appointed, heroically engineered — and drives like an excellent BMW sedan with an elephant on its back.
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The BMW X6 rates the lowest score on Dan Neil's Index of Usefulness in recent memory. What else made the list?
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Low mileage, high incentives. Chrysler and cash rule through July.
Just in time for back to school, Chrysler dominates in cash-back deals on minivans, trucks, SUVs (and one sedan!) through July 31.
Just in time for back to school, Chrysler dominates in cash-back deals on minivans, trucks, SUVs (and one sedan!) through July 31.
PHOTO GALLERY
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The National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NICB) annual report of the top 10 reported stolen cars in the country and the state was just released. Here's a look at the top 10 vehicles reported stolen from California neighborhoods in 2007.
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If you are planning a new car purchase and aren't in a big hurry, this gallery of new fuel-friendly cars can help. Most haven't been formally "announced," but we have it good authority that they are on their way within a year's time.
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Europe's Car of the Year is fun to own and drive -- not least because of its fuel economy.
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The Alfa Romeo MiTo is a gorgeous, fun, fuel-efficient $22,000 import, packaged in Italian style and grace.
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The Vespa-like Genuine Scooter's light, nimble Buddy is a cute crowd-pleaser.
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Shelling out for a hybrid isn't the only solution to saving money at the pump and helping the environment. J.D. Power and Associates have analyzed the estimated EPA fuel economy along with the EPA SmartWay scores, which calculates air pollution and greenhouse gas, to find the most fuel-efficient (non-hybrid) small cars with automatic transmission.
PHOTO GALLERY
California’s two new wireless telephone laws take effect on July 1. Are you and your vehicle ready?
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Norway-based Think plans to sell its City electric car in the U.S. in 2009 and has an eye toward the Southern California market.
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Since its arrival in May, the VW Tiguan has taken over the No. 1 position usually dominated by the company's popular Beetle, making the compact crossover the ultimate in estrogen-based car buying.
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Thanks to the A4, a troubled Audi was recharged in the '90s. This time the brand doesn't need saving, but the sedan comes back looking like a hero anyway.
PHOTO GALLERY
A rejiggered product from Down Under, the G8 tries hard to please. Just don't compare it to the BMW 5-series.
PHOTO GALLERY
The popular crossover has lost the boxiness and gained a few inches. In other words, there's more space for your legs, plus the skis, bikes or kids.
PHOTO GALLERY
As gasoline prices soar, scooter sales are booming. From mini to maxi, they'll take you from the corner grocery to the freeway (and some of these cycles get more than 100 miles per gallon).
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Just in time for summer travel, Kelley Blue Book has provided a list of the top 10 new vehicles best suited for road trips.
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Crazy-high cash rebates for May -- $4,000 to $5,500
To help L.A. area dealerships clear the way for their summer sales events, manufacturers are slapping huge cash incentives on some 2007 models still in inventory. Most of these models have higher gas mileage ratings or simply don’t sell well in Southern California. These offers expire June 2, 2008.
To help L.A. area dealerships clear the way for their summer sales events, manufacturers are slapping huge cash incentives on some 2007 models still in inventory. Most of these models have higher gas mileage ratings or simply don’t sell well in Southern California. These offers expire June 2, 2008.
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This week’s Wednesday night program will feature a Ford first – the reveal of a new model via the "American Idol" contestants.
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As a reborn pony car, the fuel-inefficient Challenger is a retro stallion.
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The new Indian is in its last phase of testing for the new Chief, which will be made in four different versions -- Standard, Deluxe, Roadmaster and Vintage -- and range in price from $30,999 to $35,499.
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So ahead of its time, the New Beetle hit the streets in 1998 -- ushering in an era of retro-themed heritage designs like what's now found on the Dodge Challenger and the Mini Cooper.
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It's been in the works for years, but the Harley-Davidson Museum is finally set to throw its doors open to the public with a grand opening celebration July 12.
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The GM import is as entertaining and nimble as its German cousin, the Opel Astra.
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Toyota has just launched the 2009 Corolla, the 10th generation of what has become the all-time bestselling car in the world. More than 7 million have been sold in the U.S., and total worldwide sales have surpassed 30 million.
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Truck and SUV purchases plummet 17.4% in April, compared with April 2007, while passenger autos -- which cost less to fuel -- post a 5.2% gain.
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Judging sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs based on things like fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology and, of course, the “cool factor,” the editors at Kelley Blue Book have released their top 10 list of low-cost, high-mileage rides that won't get you laughed out of the valet line.
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The Acura TSX is packed with all the expected power and sparkle, but it lacks charisma.
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The May 3 event spotlights the sport's history and, yes, some of its legends.
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A hit list of this year's summer movies with cars, bikes and other imagined vehicles in the supporting cast.
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The best-selling small SUV in Europe vrooms to American shores.
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A marvel of power and speed, the all-wheel-drive Nissan GT-R coupe is so safe and serene that it's curiously lacking in thrills.
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Phil Skinner, editor of Kelley Blue Book's "Early Model Values Guide" and a classic car expert, identifies a category on the rise: 1970s muscle cars.
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The new luxury sedan has all the sparkle and power you'd expect. If they could just do something about that grille.
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California companies like Tesla Motors Inc. and Fisker Automotive have big plans for the electric car -- despite the many potholes that lie ahead.
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The 200-mph supercar, basically a Porsche Motorsport version of the 911 Turbo, is all the scarier for its effortless ways.
PHOTO GALLERY
What do thieves steal? Probably not what we'd steal if we were forced to. According to the NICB, the average value of each stolen car is $6,649. Rather than looking for luxury, thieves are looking for practicality. They want cars they can strip easily to sell for parts. Which is why many of the cars on this list are more than 10 years old.
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The last U.S. automotive press debut of the year showcased sporty rides like Maserati's GranTurismo S and redesigned versions of established cars, including the Nissan Maxima and Honda Fit.
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Concept cars that promised better things to come from lesser-brand players, such as Kia's Koup, seemed to dominate the New York stage.
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The Murano's new front looks more aggressive, but not much has changed on the road.
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GM brings a retro 'coupe utility' vehicle to the New York auto show that looks a lot like a long-lost classic.
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The 135i packs a lot of oomph into its little body, but those looks . . .
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A small California company is bringing back a bike popular a century ago.
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Italian job: Fiat Group's Alfa Romeo company plans to sell the Alfa 8C Competizione in the United States, before eventually adding in new models such as the Spider and Brera. Alfa Romeo ceased U.S. sales in 1995.
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From Chrysler's PT Cruiser and 300 to the Dodge Durango and Jeep Wrangler, here's a look at some of Chrysler LLC's more popular models.
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Beau Boeckmann of Galpin Auto Sports in Van Nuys and one of the stars of MTV's "Pimp My Ride" knows a few things about tricking out cars.
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Taking the Mini Cooper to the max: The little car that could grows out but, whew, not up with the Clubman.
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O'Gara Coach Co. of Beverly Hills gets kid-glove treatment from the home office.
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Fiat to Koenigsegg: Which of these European cars would you like to see on Los Angeles streets?
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Not too big, not too small, Hyundai's Elantra finds its spot as a fairly guilt-free economy ride.
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The single-cylinder, street-specific Duke was born to accelerate and brake hard. But is it an aristocrat through and through?
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From a sporty 2005 MINI Cooper to a family-friendly 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV, here's a list of the best bets on the used car lots.
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From Steve McQueen and James Dean to McDreamy, these actors all enjoy the thrill of the road.
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In looks, ride, even in sound, a Ford Mustang edition pays proper homage to a legend.
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Aside from a remake of Steve McQueen’s Bullitt, Ford will also release this Shelby GT500KR and several other limited-editions for 2008.
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General Motors Corp. expects to have the new Camaro in dealer showrooms during the first quarter of 2009.
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The Chevy Camaro concepts seen so far have strong echoes of the 1969 model. Here's a look at that version, plus other variations of the car.
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The eight-speed IS-F brings swift splendor to the high-performance luxury club.
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Crossovers are popular for the after-school crowd, but SUVs, minivans and sedans are still an option.
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The new Audi TT is a bolder, sleeker version of its old self. Yes, still the designer's dream car.
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Movie stars, cars -- two of SoCal's favorite things. Take a look at who has driven what over the years.
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The 411 on the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, which debuted at the Chicago Auto Show.
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The Chicago auto show bills itself as the “largest auto show in the country” primarily based on the square footage of its car exhibits. Traditionally, auto makers use the show to announce trucks, SUVs and muscle cars to the automotive press, capitalizing on the show's “Heartland” location. Now, more than ever, selling these vehicles is tough in a nation struggling with rising gasoline prices.
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Computer-like precision kind of takes the fun out of it.
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Roland Sands' La Palma design studio turns 450-cc dirt bikes like the Honda CRF into his new Super Singles.
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George Clooney takes a spin on a replica 1918 Indian, Tom Cruise buys a special Ducati, and Jesse James just builds his own.
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Exotic cars rentals, bike tours and more that will get your blood boiling over the long weekend.
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The Japanese company, which announced it will cease U.S. production, helped the SUV gain traction.
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A sneak peek shows the truck-nugget tackles today's big issues: driveability, fuel efficiency, space.
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They're coming back, but despite their practicality, carmakers are avoiding the stigma the W-word carries.
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Harley's 2008 softail merges post-war nostalgia with ultra-modern cool.
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The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is still rowdy enough to delight true believers. Yet nuance is part of the story in '08.
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Detroit’s yearly auto extravaganza provides the ideal backdrop for the major car companies to show off their most innovative new design concepts. Although these showpieces may never actually see an assembly line, their form and function reflect things to come in the automaker’s product plans.
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When a model debut is deemed a “production” car, this means the vehicle will be manufactured and sold in the U.S. within the next year or two. You can look for most of these cars and trucks on the street between March and September of this year, though many will be badged as 2009 models.
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Popular singers like Mary J. Blige, along with big-name fashion designers and actors, provide a glamorous backdrop for auto makers' best new product offerings.
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This feisty little hatchback brings futuristic technology to a small, luxurious package.
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Three-wheelers draw more and more interest. These new models demonstrate why.
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Smart Fortwo tops the high-tech and high-end autos Times readers liked the best.