Compact Car

General Motors announced the Environmental Protection Agency's fuel economy numbers for the new Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan. In its most basic form, the Cruze LS is powered by a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated I-4 engine, making 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. A pair of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions ...    Read more

If your 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI seems to be stalling sporadically, get it over to your nearest dealership fast. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating 37,889 2009 Jetta TDIs for possible stalling problems. The government agency has received at least seven complaints, but members of numerous TDI forums ...    Read more

A U.S.-bound Suzuki Swift has been put on hold. Again. Sorry, Swift fans. The main reason for the delay, according to a Suzuki spokesman, is the rise of the yen against the dollar. "At the moment, if the exchange rate continues like it is, we couldn't expect very much profit," ...    Read more

Another one?Toyota has announced it is recalling approximately 1.13 million vehicles MY 2005-2008 Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks. According to the automaker, it has received reports that some Engine Control Modules (ECM) in the vehicles may have been "improperly manufactured". Such modules may cause the "Check Engine" light to be ...    Read more

The private Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently awarded its coveted Top Safety Pick award to the all-new Ford Fiesta compact. The Fiesta earned good ratings in the front, side, rear, and rollover tests, but also has stability control as standard equipment. So far, the Fiesta is the only "mini ...    Read more

The history of the automobile is littered with ideas and vehicles that seemed like a good idea at the time, but ultimately failed because of poor execution, especially in the demanding U.S. market. Some of these vehicles even experience a brief period of success driven by the novelty factor, then ...    Read more

The American Automobile Association, better known as AAA, has award the compact crossover Kia Soul as its "Top Vehicle Pick for Dog Owners". According to the well-known travel organization, the Kia Soul was selected due to its spacious interior and numerous accessories for pet owners and their furry companions. ...    Read more

I just returned from a six-day trip to Europe, specifically London and Paris. It was fun, but exhausting, and if I learned anything, three days in a country is not nearly enough time to take in all the sights, truly get a sense of the culture, and most importantly, relax. ...    Read more

Is the legendary RX-7 going to, finally, return to the waiting masses? We hear that the engine still being considered for the new RX-7 is a version of the 16X direct-injection rotary powerplant first unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo motor show. But according to a source close to Mazda, ...    Read more

Mazda has issued a formal recall that extends to 2007-09 Mazda3 and Mazda5 models due to a possible issue with the power steering system. The problem: Power steering failure, caused by rust contamination in pipes that connect the steering pump to the steering rack.According to Mazda, if power steering fails, ...    Read more

Nissan recently released details, including pricing, of its latest crossover, the boxy 2011 Juke. That $19,710 gets you a front-wheel-drive Juke S with a continuously variable transmission. Those who wish to shift for themselves can opt for a manual transmission, available on higher SV and SL trim levels. ...    Read more

Do you think you can put some more soul into the Kia Soul hamsters? Well, if you do, Kia is looking for you. The Korean automaker recently lauched its "Who's Next?" talent search to aspiring videographers out there."The Kia Soul has attracted a new audience to the Kia brand and ...    Read more

Talk about deja vu. Last month, Toyota issued a recall on its Lexus HS hybrids due to reports that it failed one of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests. Now Nissan is issuing a recall on the same issue.The test involves oil spilled from a vehicle ...    Read more

General Motors released more details on how the 2011 Chevy Cruze compact car, which goes on sale in the fourth quarter of this year, its stunning fuel economy. The Cruze chassis has been designed to maximize aerodynamics. The Cruze, for example, is built lower to the ground. Both the upper ...    Read more

Updated engines. Revised interiors. New exterior "bling". Those are the changes to be expected by MINI buyers looking at the 2011 models which go on sale later this year. 2011 Mini Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper Clubman, and Cooper S ClubmanFor 2011, the Mini Cooper and Cooper S receive ...    Read more

A smaller MINI? "The idea to create a highly compact Mini model is one that has been on the agenda for quite a while," an inside source told Autocar . "On the outside it would appear a natural fit for the brand, but profitability is a major concern at ...    Read more

Looks like Daimler may be moving into the two-wheel market. Rumors are circulating that the German company may be developing a scooter side for its diminutive smart vehicle. The scooter is billed as a complement to the fortwo, a foray into emerging markets, and a response to BMW's project to ...    Read more

Fans of the Fiat 500 got a special surprise at the Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited annual convention earlier this month: the Prima Edizione. The 500's Prima Edizione package was designed with collectors in mind. Each Prima Edizione will have special badges, VIN matched to its order in production, and a ...    Read more

There's been discussion that Americans, once seeing gas prices drop from the recent $4+ and stabilize at the new, lower rate, will shift back to their larger SUVs and pickups. Americans, however, apparently have either learned their lesson or have had enough.With June sales figures in, it has been revealed ...    Read more

Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler recently released details on the 2011 smart fortwo subcompact vehicle.Externally, the revised fortwo looks virtually identical to that of the outgoing car, which originally debuted in late 2007. The lower front fascia has been slightly refreshed to accommodate the optional LED daytime running lamps, but little else ...    Read more

Here's not so good news for the Detroit Three, or General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Women, who compose slightly over fifty percent of the U.S. population, prefer their foreign competitors makes and the nonprofitable compact vehicles. That's according to a study of new car registrants by Truecar.com reports the ...    Read more

Images of what may be the next Chevy Colorado have been circling around the autosphere. Per the images, the regular cab truck is completely lacking in details but could, more importantly, lay the groundwork for a fresh new offering in the U.S. small truck scene. Unfortunately, the patent filings ...    Read more

Never heard of the 0 Series? Not surprising. BMW’s competitor in the “microcompact” segment takes on European Mercedes-Benz A Class and Audi A1, vehicles considered too small for the American market. The 0 Series is not scheduled to debut until 2012. However, it made an unplanned appearance during a presentation ...    Read more

Reports are coming in that Chrysler, finally, has discontinued it venerable PT Cruiser crossover. Current sales so far this year are less than 5,500, a figure that most likely prompted Chrysler to cancel the vehicle. The PT Cruiser went into display rooms in 2000, surprising everyone not only with its ...    Read more

BMW recently released updates on the upcoming MINI Cooper. Up front, the family face on certain Cooper models have been fitted with integrated ducts on the front fascias. New wheel designs are being introduced, as are new paint colors and design schemes with a unique combination of color, wheels, roof ...    Read more