Volkswagen replaces Toyota's Crown as World's Largest Automaker

The people want an empire, apparently, with that unassuming little black VW bug at the head of it.

The U.K.’s Guardian explains, "Volkswagen-Porsche has overtaken Toyota to become the world's largest car manufacturer as the German group benefits from state-backed stimulus packages around the globe." VW has "produced 4.4 million vehicles so far this year, outstripping its Japanese rival which has seen four million cars roll off production lines since January."

Ironically, VW reached the milestone in part by taking over Porsche – which it was forced to do after Porsche failed in an attempt to take over VW earlier this year.

"Of course," Autoblog notes, there is "some number play involved" in the Guardian’s numbers. "We're talking about the combined entity VW-Porsche, which has built 4.4 million cars to date, which is roughly 400,000 beyond Toyota's mark. However, Toyota halved its production earlier this year and shut down all its plants in February." VW also "benefited much more than Toyota from the European cash-for-clunkers programs," though Toyota saw more sales than VW spurred by the U.S. version of the car-swap program.

The news doesn’t just push Toyota down a notch. Jalopnik notes that VW has "passed Toyota and GM at the top of the heap." America’s largest automaker – the world’s largest just three years ago – now sits in third globally.

The change may not be permanent. The Guardian notes that Toyota "has the capacity to make 10 million vehicles a year but it expects to make seven million vehicles in 2009" as production picks back up. VW, however, may see its production increase long-term enough to stay ahead, or at least to take the title again even if it loses it later this year.

After all, Autoblog notes, "VW's also got the edge on Toyota" in the huge Chinese market, "where it has spent years introducing models."

2009 Volkswagen CC "2009 CC is a 4-door, 4-passenger sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the Sport to the VR6 4Motion."

MSRP

$27,100 - $39,800

Invoice

$25,252 - $37,277

The 2009 CC is a 4-door, 4-passenger sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the Sport to the VR6 4Motion.

Upon introduction, the Sport is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The VR6 4Motion is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 280-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2009 CC is all-new for 2009.

Free 2009 Volkswagen Eos preview

MSRP

$31,615 - $35,200

Invoice

$29,433 - $32,832

The 2009 Eos is a 2-door, 4-passenger convertible, available in 4 trims, ranging from the Komfort to the Lux PZEV.

Upon introduction, the Komfort is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The Lux PZEV is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2009 Eos is a carryover from 2008.

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is another fresh statement from a company that is known for its strong styling.

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is "your typical sport-utility," according to Edmunds, and for 2009, the Tiguan VW is available in "three trim levels: S, SE and SEL." According to Cars.com, "the [VW] Tiguan looks like a smaller version of VW's Touareg 2 midsize SUV until you step around back, where it looks like the rear end of a Rabbit compact hatchback." Road & Track generally concurs, though it notes the VW Tiguan's exterior styling "is an interesting blend of Touareg and GTI." Autoblog says the VW Tiguan "looks pretty bitchin' to us," and they give it credit for not just being a "prettied-up tall Golf."

Edmunds reviewers report that the Tiguan VW "boasts a number of cues first established on the Concept A," a VW show car from several years ago, "including its bold chrome grille and swoopy headlamp treatment." However, the concept car had a more "sporting, coupe-like silhouette with a roof line that plunged to the rear," whereas the production Tiguan VW has a more upright roofline that's more practical, which should appeal to the masses. The Auto Channel says the VW Tiguan's styling is "clean, graceful, modern and attractive."

The exterior of the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is very well received by reviewers, and the interior doesn't disappoint either. For those who've spent some time in Europe, Edmunds says that "if the interior of the new Volkswagen looks familiar, it's no coincidence," adding that "in a bid to keep development costs down, Volkswagen has provided its new SUV with the same basic cabin architecture as the European-market Golf Plus." That interior is highly rated by The Auto Channel, which says the "interior is attractive as well" and the "gauges, controls, and everything we interact with are thoughtfully placed." Kelley Blue Book also appreciates the "thoughtful" layout of the interior controls.

2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 combines luxury, sophistication and good road manners with impressive off-road capability

MSRP: $39,300 - $48,900
Invoice: $36,203 - $44,997
Miles Per Gallon
City: 13 MPG - 17 MPG
Highway: 18 MPG - 25 MPG

Body Style: N/A
Engines: 3.6L V-6 280 HP, 3.0L V-6 225 HP, 4.2L V-8 350 HP

The Volkswagen Touareg combines luxury, sophistication and good road manners with impressive off-road capability. This SUV will deliver you anywhere you desire in smooth, luxurious comfort.

The Touareg is available with a 3.6-liter V6, a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel (TDI) V6, or 4.2-liter V8. All Touareg models have a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and are well-equipped. 4XMotion permanent four-wheel drive is standard. Safety features standard on all models include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags.

For 2009, the 5.0-liter V10 TDI version has been replaced by a new 3.0-liter TDI.

Intelligence on the Upcoming Volkswagen Touareg 2 Models For 2009, the 5.0-liter V10 TDI version has been replaced by a new 3.0-liter TDI.

Resale Value for the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2
When considering the purchase of a new vehicle, it's important to keep in mind what the eventual resale value will be. It is expected that the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 will have a good resale value. This assumes that after 3 to of 5 years of ownership the vehicle will be in good condition. Other factors include the optional equipment you choose and the total mileage on your vehicle.

Free reviews 2010 Cadillac SRX Premium Collection SUV

2010 Cadillac SRX Premium Collection SUV Shown

The Cadillac SRX is a luxury crossover SUV that has lived two lives. In its first incarnation, the SRX borrowed its rear-wheel-drive underpinnings from the original CTS sport sedan and boasted options like a third-row seat and a V8. In its current form, the SRX is smaller, limited to five seats and V6 power, and it rides on a front-wheel-drive platform distantly related to the Saturn Vue compact SUV.

Like all crossovers, the Cadillac SRX utilizes components and construction more often associated with cars than trucks like its Escalade brand mate. The result is a more comfortable ride and better handling, since many consumers don't need the tougher, truck-type construction that is advisable for heavy-duty chores such as towing or off-road travel. We're bigger fans of the first SRX than the second, but even the new one is worth a look if you're partial to America's foremost luxury brand.

Current Cadillac SRX

The Cadillac SRX small luxury crossover SUV has been redesigned for 2010. A 3.0-liter V6 is standard with 265 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can also opt for a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 with 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard for both engines. SRXs with the 3.0-liter V6 can be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Turbocharged models are AWD only.

One of the SRX's most appealing traits is its healthy roster of standard equipment. There are four available trim levels for the new SRX: base, Luxury Collection, Performance Collection and Premium Collection. Even the base model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seatbacks, dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.

Higher trim levels tack on almost every conceivable luxury, including a sunroof, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, xenon headlamps and a hard-drive-based navigation system with a back-up camera. High-end all-wheel-drive models (including all turbocharged SRXs) also receive a sport-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping.

In reviews, we've noted that the base SRX simply can't keep up with most competing crossovers in a straight line. It's heavy -- a front-wheel-drive SRX weighs as much as its all-wheel-drive rivals -- and the 3.0-liter V6 doesn't have enough juice to pull the SRX around with any authority. The turbocharged motor helps considerably, thanks in large part to its ample low-end torque. On the positive side, the SRX boasts confident and capable handling and a high-quality interior that's notably quiet at freeway speeds.

Used Cadillac SRX Models

The original Cadillac SRX was produced from 2004-'09. Its swept-back and angular styling suggested sporting intent, and it had the goods to back that up, thanks to mechanical underpinnings shared with the first-generation CTS sport sedan. For a driver whose priority is a responsive, luxurious people hauler, a used SRX of this vintage is one of our recommended choices.

First-generation SRX buyers had a choice of a 260-hp 3.6-liter V6 or a 320-hp 4.6-liter V8, with the latter providing downright spirited acceleration. Rear-wheel drive was standard, and all-wheel drive was optional.

With its roomy second row, this SRX could comfortably carry four 6-foot-tall adults. An optional fold-flat third-row seat was available, but the 24 inches of third-row legroom made it suitable for only the smallest of children. Plus, with that third row in use there was no meaningful cargo capacity. Nevertheless, the third row was ideal for families who occasionally needed to tote an extra child or two on short trips.

As one would expect from a luxury SUV, the first-generation SRX had a comprehensive collection of safety and luxury-themed equipment. For big-sky fans, an optional panoramic sunroof gave the SRX a more open feeling. One option that maximized the ride and handling was GM's Magnetic Ride Control, which automatically adjusted suspension settings depending on driving and road conditions.

In reviews, we found the first-generation Cadillac SRX enjoyable to drive. The combination of the V8 and six-speed automatic transmission provided strong acceleration. The V6 was the more popular choice, however, and it should be adequate for most buyers. It also returned better fuel economy than the V8.

Changes to this SRX were minimal. Used SRX buyers should be aware that Cadillac made significant interior updates for 2007, which greatly improved upon the cheap interior materials and bland design found in earlier SRXs. Also in 2007, V8-equipped models received a six-speed automatic in place of the previous five-speed.

Free Reviews 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV

The new and improved 2010 Ford Escape already is Ford's best-selling SUV of all time. Designed for the outdoors and adventure enthusiast, this vehicle captures the essence of all things daring and debonair. And with the 2010 Escape Hybrid Electric Vehicle on the way, the truck soon will go down in history as the most fuel- efficient SUV ever. This is the best place online for 2010 Ford Escape specs or 2010 Ford Escape info. On this Website, we offer information on all three Escape models - the Escape XLS, the Escape XLT, and the Escape Limited. Though these three cars are very similar, each is unique in its own way, and we'll explain how right here. If you have further questions, we encourage you to visit your Ford dealer today.

This year's Ford Escape models come with two basic engines. In the 2010 Ford Escape XLS, you'll find a 2.0- liter, 16-valve DOHC Zetec I-4 engine that delivers 127 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and produces 135 pounds-per-foot of torque at 4,500 rpm. Next, in the 2010 Ford Escape XLT and 2010 Ford Escape Limited, you'll find increased power with a 3.0-liter, 24-valve DOHC Duratec V-6 engine that delivers 201 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and produces 196 pounds-per- foot of torque at 4,700 rpm. The trucks come standard with sequential, multi-port electronic fuel injection, five-speed manual transmissions, single Catalyst exhaust, independent MacPherson struts, and antilock four-wheel disc brakes. The list goes on and on.

Of course we mustn't forget about exterior and interior features. On the outside, the new and improved 2010 Ford Escape models boast ergonomic door handles, black liftgate molding, three-color taillamps, aerodynamic hydrogen headlamps, fog lamps, liftgate with flip-up bars and multifunctional roof racks. The Escape Limited even comes available with the No Boundaries rack system, which can double the size of its roof-based storage space in a matter of minutes. Inside, these trucks are in a class by themselves as well. Some of the features inside the cabins include 60/40 split folding rear seats, removable rear seat cushions, available leather upholstery (on the Escape XLT and Escape Limited models), manual air conditioning, reverse sensing system, speed control, rear floor heat ducts, and I/P lower valance panel storage bins. On the 2010 Escape Limited model, drivers can even purchase a MP3 players and six-disc-in-dash CD changer.

But there's more. In an age where SUVs are notorious for rolling over at high speeds, the 2010 Ford Escape was just recently selected as the safest SUV for 2002. The vehicle preserves its safety by incorporating features such as: Second Generation driver and passenger airbags, LATCH child support tethers, side-impact door beams, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, perimeter alarm, and remote keyless entry.

For specs and Escape pictures that are right off the presses, visit our 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV review often for our monthly updates. What makes the Ford Escape special is its Electric Vehicle Hybrid technology which significantly enhances gas mileage. As this technology gains in popularity, owners will look for ways to personalize their vehicles. We offer links to retailers of 2010 Ford Escape accessories so you can get started making your Escape more exotic than ever.

Free reviews 2010 Lexus RX350

Euphemisms are our friends. If it weren’t for “calamari” my kids would have never tried squid. Similarly, the SUV became a more palatable version of the station wagon—although I am not sure how the wagon became an object of scorn by my generation. I have many happy memories slouched down in the third row, kissing girls. I suppose piloting one of those behemoths might have tempered my enthusiasm for the genre. The early SUVs were thinly disguised trucks and evolved to become more like tall wagons currently known as crossovers. If the designers over at BMW have their way, mutant ninja vehicles will soon replace the crossovers. In the meantime, we have the 2010 Lexus RX350.

The RX is the best selling Lexus model of all time. Clearly, understandably, the folks in Toyota City didn’t want to stray too far from a successful formula. (From baby Benz to proscription Benzos). Though appropriately soporific, the 2010 RX350 is not an improvement on gen 2, which had one or two good angles. The best I can say about the new RX’s exterior: the front looks slightly less goofy. The new exterior color choices are, however, goofier than Donald D.’s standing canine companion. I haven’t seen a color like “Golden Almond Metallic” since I last changed my daughter’s diapers.

The RX350’s interior is a horse [power] of a different color: cool, modern, contemporary and uncluttered. It’s the best Lexus interior since the recently lamented SC400. The RX350’s seats are plush and inviting, made more so by the new perforated leather. They won’t hold you in place during frisky driving maneuvers, but then you won’t be making any. Mark this part of the report card “comfortably numb.”

The seats’ heating and cooling controls are inconveniently hidden beneath the front part of the center armrest, which slides rearward to reveal twin rotary dials. When I pressed the start button, the seat and steering wheel moved into driving position, a first for the RX (only the steering wheel presents itself in the outgoing model). I did miss the old RX’s handy, albeit somewhat flimsy compartment in the center console, which held all manner of cell phones, Kleenex boxes and my wife’s not insubstantial purse. Fortunately, the new glove box is a gaping maw which looks capable of swallowing a medium sized dog.

The RX 350’s Mark Levinson sound system remains an aural delight but it’s no longer head of the class. The gizmo count is impressive but breaks little original ground: heads up displays, XM real-time traffic and weather, dynamic radar cruise, intuitive parking assist—all new to the RX but not to the world of luxury automobiles.

Typically, Japanese luxury vehicles telegraph their pretense of technical sophistication by haphazardly scattering various subsystem controls all about the dash, counterintuitive to ergonomics. In the previous model, I always struggled to change the settings for the heat or figure out which radio station I was listening to. Not so the 2010 RX, which assembles the major controls into one iDrive like unit.

I know what you are thinking, here comes the rant (again). But the RX 350’s multimedia controller is transparent in its operation. There was hardly any learning curve (or leaning curve, but we’ll get to that): the device operates pretty much like a computer mouse with a selector button on the side. One of my biggest complaints about my current RX: I can’t operate the navigation system while in motion. As I fiddled around and checked to see if the new model had changed this, I ran a red light. Which illustrated exactly why they set things up this way.

The RX 350’s driving experience is somewhat improved, mostly attributable to the addition of a few hundred pounds of needed ballast. The old RX always felt too light and uncontrolled. The 2010 model feels more buttoned down and even a bit Germanic. The optional sport package may prove as transformational as it is on the LS, or it may not. Meanwhile, I sampled an RX 350 with the nineteen inch wheels. They ruined the ride quality without a concomitant contribution to the driving fun quotient.

The RX 350’s acceleration is crisp and creamy. The seemingly step-less six-speed is nearly as seamless as a CVT. Performance is mid-pack for the crossover competition. She’ll waft from 0 to 60 in a respectable 7.5 seconds, consuming 20 miles per gallon on average. More to the point, at least for the RX 350’s core clientele, the sound insulation is improved largely via reduced wind noise.

There is little doubt that this is best RX yet, although perhaps not the best looking. The RX 350 offers more luxury, more features, more conveniences, more . . . where was I? Oh, yes. The 2010 RX will be heading to my garage soon. It’s not a wagon, not really an SUV, and CUV seems somehow . . . forced. Let’s just call it “perfect.”

2010 Jeep Patriot Free Overview

Introduction

The Patriot is a compact sport utility vehicle that features classic Jeep styling in an affordable package. While it will spend most of its life on city streets, the Patriot includes components that provide it with off-road capability unparalleled by other vehicles in its class.

The Jeep Patriot is available in two trims, Sport and Limited, which have a standard 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission; A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is optional. A 158-hp 2.0L engine, available with the CVT only, is available on the FWD Sport trim. The Patriot shares its small-SUV platform with the Jeep Compass but offers off-road capability its sibling does not. It is available in front-wheel drive or with a four-wheel-drive system which utilizes a "lock" mode to enhance traction in inclement weather. The optional Freedom Drive Off-Road Group includes a continuously variable transaxle with a low range that engages when the off-road mode is activated. The package also features hill-descent control, brake lock differential, and an extra inch of ground clearance. Standard safety features include front and side-curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program, and tire pressure monitoring. A power sunroof and a multimedia infotainment system with 30-gigabyte hard drive and navigation system are available.

The 2010 Patriot is carried over from 2009.

Suzuki Kizashi 2010 – The Most Relaxed and Economical

Suzuki’s brand-new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine offering a more potent standard engine than many competitive best-sellers. The engine employs both an aluminum block and cylinder heads, providing a lightweight installation; aluminum pistons with low tensile force rings deliver improved power and efficiency. Dropped-forged connecting rods, rotating on a forged steel crankshaft, contribute to the inline four’s durability, and a balancer shaft delivers improved engine balance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The responsive inline four is connected to a six-speed manual transmission, for heightened performance in the low gears, along with relaxed – and economical – cruising capability in the higher gears. Customers may opt for an available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers both the driving experience and fuel efficiency today’s consumers demand, while not compromising the character preferred by driving enthusiasts. That character is enhanced with paddle shifters, optimizing driver control regardless of speed or driving environment. With either transmission choice, the Kizashi is engineered to return competitive fuel economy numbers for fuel-conscious consumers.