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Posts Tagged ‘Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’

New vehicles with untouched powertrains, mint interiors and intact warranties can be easy purchases. Used vehicles? It’s a whole other process, one that’s more confusing altogether, with variables of mileage, reliability, quality, and satisfaction all coming into play.  No matter what data they have in hand, or reviews they’ve read, many new-car buyers go with their gut and their emotions when they buy a used vehicle. Choices center heavily on price and vehicle type, maybe even more so than with a new-vehicle purchase.  We think there’s other helpful information that should come into play when you’re shopping for a used vehicle–and that’s why we’re putting together a series of guides to help you narrow down the field of used cars, trucks, crossovers and minivans to a smaller set of best-in-class bets.  We’ve arrived at these groups of vehicles by comparing three sets of data. To make our Best Used lists, a vehicle must score:

At least an 8.0 rating on The Car Connection‘s full reviews from three years ago–in this case, the 2011 model year At least four circles on J.D. Power‘s predicted-dependability rankings, or at least average reliability on Consumer ReportsAt least four stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

In this list, we’ve examined the field of sport-utility vehicles–including crossovers–and come up with 18 of the best used SUVs on the road today, with the bottom line from our 2011 review:

2011 Acura MDX

With a few notable flaws in styling and features, the 2011 Acura MDX still impresses us with its friendly handling and gutsy power.

2011 Audi Q5

The 2011 Audi Q5 is one of the best upscale picks in a compact crossover, thanks to its sleek lines, practical interior, responsive feel, and city-savvy size.

2011 Cadillac Escalade

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade delivers solid, luxurious, and spacious accommodations with an advanced feature set. If you can live with the thirst of non-Hybrid models, it’s unbeatable.

2011 Cadillac SRX

The 2011 SRX has the comfort and refinement luxury crossovers expect—plus a little Cadillac attitude.

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

If you don’t need a third row, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is just right for small families; it’s refined, secure, and versatile, and gets very impressive fuel economy in four-cylinder form.

2011 Chevrolet Traverse

2011 Chevrolet TraverseThe 2011 Chevrolet Traverse isn’t fun to drive, but it’s one of the best large crossover wagons for transporting the family comfortably and safely.

2011 Dodge Durango

The 2011 Dodge Durango is the anti-crossover, especially with the HEMI and R/T trim, and if the world still sanctioned big SUVs for small families, the Durango would be elbowing its way to driveways everywhere.

2011 Ford Edge

Provided you don’t need a third-row seat, the 2011 Ford Edge is at last, at the leading edge of mid-size crossovers, with one of the best driver interfaces in the business.

2011 GMC Terrain

The 2011 GMC Terrain looks bold and edgy on the outside, but it’s a softy inside, with a comfortable, refined cabin and excellent fuel economy.

2011 Hyundai Tucson

Much better than its predecessor, the 2011 Hyundai Tucson needs a touch more power and steering feel to top carlike utes like the Nissan Rogue.

2011 Kia Sportage

Kia hits game reset, and gives the 2011 Sportage an appealing new look and feel.

2011 Lincoln MKT

The swinging style sets an audacious mood—and the 2011 Lincoln MKT backs it up with turbo V-6 thrust.

2011 Lincoln MKX

You won’t need any excuses to say you’ve chosen the 2011 Lincoln MKX; it delivers on the promise of the brand: top-notch American luxury, with some of the best luxury and tech features wrapped in.

2011 Mazda CX-9

The 2011 Mazda CX-9 can carry seven in comfort, but it loves curves more than almost any other roomy crossover.

2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class has the rugged look U.S. shoppers want, in a sensibly sized package. We only wish it were a little more fuel-efficient.

2011 Subaru Forester

The roomy, versatile 2011 Subaru Forester handles better than just about any other small crossover, though the need for a more modern transmission and a little more cabin refinement keep it from greatness.

2011 Toyota 4Runner

If off-road capability is a top requirement, the brawny 2011 Toyota 4Runner is a good choice—with surprisingly good road manners to boot.

2011 Volvo XC60

The 2011 Volvo XC60 offers top in-car tech and luxury features, in a secure package that’s big enough for small families.

And all of these vehicles would look great with tinted windows by Midwest Glass Tinters.  Call today for more information or to book an appointment. 847-452-4818.

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“Small cars being produced today are far more exciting, fun to drive and fuel-efficient,” according to Rick Wainschel, VP of Automotive Insights at AutoTrader.  In the past, Americans shunned small cars as being cheap and lacking in features, but not any more. 

Here are some of the 2012 small cars sparking consumer interest:

Chevy Sonic – The Sonic is Chevy’s lowest priced car and is a sportier, better-looking replacement for the Aveo.  Reviewers praised it as fun to drive and a worthy competitor to the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit. 

The Sonic is also a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and has the distinction of being the only subcompact made in the USA under an agreement with the United Auto Workers.   The base model starts at $13,735 and goes up to $18,495 for the top-end version.

Hyundai Veloster – The Veloster features two well-received attributes — eye-popping styling and high mileage.  Reviewers loved its quirky exterior design and comfortable upscale-appearing interior.  Although styled as a coupe, it has a third door on the passenger side for access to the back seat.  The only seemingly downside is that test drivers feel that there’s too much emphasis on high MPG, and that takes away from a peppy, fun-to-drive experience. 

The Veloster starts at $17,300.

Fiat 500 – Fiat, which now owns the majority of Chrysler, has brought in its popular 500 from Europe and is distributing it through some well-established Chrysler dealerships.  Reviewers found it fun to look at and fun to drive — especially around curvy back roads.  There is occasional bumpiness along with road noise with interstate driving, making the 500 a better choice for shorter-distance driving.  

It’s a Top Safety Pick of Insurance Institute for Highway Driving, and starts at $15,500 for the “Pop”.  Other models include the “Sport” starting at $17,500 and the “Lounge” starting at $19,500.

Volkswagen Beetle – The 2012 redesign gave the classic its first new look since 1998.  With a flatter top and a longer hood, plus a wider, lower and longer body, the 2012 VW targets mal buyers.  Previously, Beetle buyers were 60% women.  In another bid for male buyers, the 2012 VW upped the horsepower with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine.  Male reviewers praised the increased acceleration as well as the power and handling.  

The new Beetle starts at $18,995 for the base model and goes up to $23,395  for the turbo version.

READ MORE:    http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-40543703/hottest-new-small-cars-for-2012/?tag=contentMain;contentBody