Taking charge: Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid

Several companies have begun converting Toyota Priuses and Ford Escape Hybrids to plug-in vehicles. Having watched this aftermarket industry develop, we have had our Prius Touring converted to a plug-in for evaluation, sacrificing a factory warranty for science. Toyota, too, has taken notice and developed its own plug-in Prius, which it showed at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November. The company plans to offer a production plug-in Prius based on the next-generation car by 2012.

Like today’s hybrids, plug-ins improve gas mileage by using both electricity and a gasoline engine to power the car. However, plug-ins have bigger batteries than ordinary hybrids, and the batteries can’t be recharged by the engine alone. They have to be recharged by being plugged in, much like a cell phone or laptop. Automakers and automotive engineering organizations say that electricity is a much more efficient power source for a car—as much as three times more efficient than a gas engine. So when the cars run on electricity, they can save money on operating costs compared with burning gasoline. To be truly green in terms of emissions, however, the source of your electricity also needs to be "clean" (that is, not from a coal-burning powerplant)

Most plug-in hybrids are rated according to how many miles they can drive on electric power without using the gas engine. Some future models, such as the Chevrolet Volt and the Fisker Karma, can drive up to 40 miles (according to the manufacturers) without ever using the gas engine. Chrysler has recently shown prototypes making similar claims.

Toyota says its factory Prius conversion has an electric range of just seven miles. It has an additional 6.5 amp/hour battery pack in the spare tire well. Unlike in our converted car, there is no spare tire.

I had a chance to drive the Toyota version of a current Prius (which is still not for sale) on a trip to Portland last week to attend the Toyota Sustainable Mobility Seminar. The iridescent green and gray version we drove in Portland wasn’t fully charged when we got in. (Charging takes three to four hours from a 110-volt household outlet.) With the EV-mode button switched on, we were able to drive all around downtown Portland on a trip of about four miles, and the gas engine never started during normal driving. It sparked to life only when I intentionally accelerated hard once to see what would happen. Even pulling out into traffic from an uphill ramp out of a parking garage, the engine didn’t turn on. Toyota claims their plug-in Prius will go 60 mph in EV mode before starting the engine. We didn’t have a chance to test that claim.

While Toyota’s plug-in Prius was impressive, and may represent the way many future cars will operate, don’t expect to find it at dealerships, ever. The real promised plug-in Prius will be a new, next-generation design, and it may be smaller than the current body-style Prius we drove.

—Eric Evarts

Read our "Green tour of the Detroit auto show" and "We plug in our Toyota Prius hybrid."

Happy 100th Ford Model T!

One hundred years ago today the first Model T was produced. The car and its mass production assembly line rapidly put Americans on the road and forever influenced how cars were built.

A humble machine by today’s standards, the rear-drive Model T had a 20-horsepower, four-cylinder engine capable of approximately 45 mph top speed. It had a 10 gallon fuel tank and returned from 13 to 21 mpg. The price tag for that 1909 model was $825. Because of new efficiencies like Ford’s moving assembly line (introduced in 1913) and sheer volume, by 1925 the price of a Model T had dropped to $260.

The list of innovations connected to the Model T is storied and long: it was the first automobile that had standard and interchangeable parts. It was easy to maintain and sturdy enough to navigate the less-than-perfect roads of its era. Perhaps most significantly, it was the first car that many Americans could afford and arguably created the car culture we continue to live in today. Henry Ford paid his production line workers higher than many competing factory jobs, and some social historians claim that he helped create the middle class. In fact, Ford factory salaries were high enough so that workers could buy the car themselves.

Fifteen million Model Ts later, production ceased in 1927. And for the record, only 12 million were black.

Happy 100th, Tin Lizzie.

—Desiree Calamari

Ford plugs in the Escape

The plug-in version of the Ford Escape looks and feels a lot like a regular Escape hybrid: the main difference being, you can’t buy one yet.

Using a 10 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, Ford claims the cars can go up to 30 miles on an electric charge and up to 40 mph on battery power only. We didn’t have a chance to drive 30 miles, but were easily able to hit 40 mph on our test-track ride evaluation loop.

As with any plug-in hybrid vehicle, fuel economy depends mostly on how you drive it. The more time you spend at lower speeds on electric power, the better mileage you’ll get. However, Ford says the batteries are so expensive that it is looking at alternative business models to sell the cars. One possibility is consumers may buy the car but lease the batteries, guaranteeing ready replacements, ensuring the batteries are reused (likely by a power company) and reducing the cost. The company claims it takes six to eight hours to fully charge the plug-in Escape from a 110-volt outlet.

In partnership with Quantum Technologies, Ford is building up to 100 plug-in hybrids for testing at Southern California Edison and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

—Eric Evarts

Best new car deals

Looking for a new car? Many dealers are looking to clear their lots to make way for the 2009 models, enabling car buyers to negotiate a favorable price during model-year-end clearance sales. We’ve listed vehicles with attractive incentives that meet Consumer Reports’ stringent criteria for being Recommended. Five top deals in different model categories are highlighted below, and on the Best New Car Deals main page with vehicle profiles. Most deals featured are good through September 30th and we will update the list as new deals become available.

                                                                                                                                               

Model	MSRP	Invoice Price	Rebates	Potential         negotiating        room
2009 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Coupe	$22,085	$20,357	$1,500	10%+
2008 Acura TL 3.2	$33,725	$30,991	$3,500	5%+
2008 Ford Fusion         2008 Mercury Milan	$22,900         $19,095	$21,050         $17,661	$1,500         $1,500	10%+         15%+
2008 Kia Optima EX	$19,895	$18,510	$2,000	15%+
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 4-cyl CVT         2008 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS V6	$23,970         $25,210	$22,502         $23,671	$1,500         $1,500	10%+         10%+

In our Best new car deals section, we maintain a list of CR-recommended vehicles that offer significant savings. The current list includes 2009 and 2008 models ranging from the BMW 7 Series to the Saturn Outlook. Detailed information is available on both Recommended and otherwise in the Consumer Reports Auto Price Reports.

—Desiree Calamari

Car, pickup truck, SUV, and tire recalls

Recently, there have been several recalls worth noting from Audi, Bridgestone Firestone, General Motors, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz. But first, a major one from Ford:

Ford, Lincoln, Mercury – Nearly five million unrepaired vehicles could pose serious fire hazard

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging owners of certain Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and passenger cars to take their vehicles to a local dealership immediately for a corrective repair. The vehicles contain a defective cruise control switch that could lead to a fire at any time, even while the vehicle is turned-off, parked and unattended. Repair parts are readily available.

NHTSA remains concerned that many owners have yet to respond to multiple safety defect recall notifications from Ford. Of the 12 million vehicles involved in the recall, nearly five million have not yet been brought to Ford for repair.

The involved vehicles are:

1993–2004 Ford F-150
1993–1999 Ford F-250 (gasoline engine)
1993–1996 Ford Bronco
1994–1996 Ford Econoline
1997–2002 Ford Expedition
1998–2002 Lincoln Navigator
1998–2002 Ford Ranger
1992–1998 Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car, and Mercury Grand Marquis
1993–1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
1993–1995 Ford Taurus SHO with automatic transmission
1994 Mercury Capri
1998–2001 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
2001–2002 Ford Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac
1992–1993 and 1997–2003 Ford E-150-350 gasoline or natural-gas vehicles
2002 Ford E-550 gasoline engine vehicles
1996–2003 Ford E-450 gasoline or natural gas vehicles
1994–2002 Ford F-250 through F-550 Super Duty trucks (gasoline engine)
2000–2002 Ford Excursion (gasoline engine)
2003 F-250 – F-550 Super Duty, Ford Excursion
1995–2002 Ford F53 Motor home chassis
2002–2003 Lincoln Blackwood

Consumers with questions should contact their local Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealer, or call 1-888-222-2751. Additional information is available at Ford.com.

Audi is recalling nearly 14,000 A8 vehicles equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may slide out of position over time, allowing the shifter to be moved out of the "Park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock. This could allow the vehicle to roll, risking a crash. Dealers will make the necessary modifications to secure the locking cable in place. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Bridgestone bias-ply motorcycle and scooter tires

Bridgestone Firestone (BFNT) is recalling over 4,000 Bridgestone bias-ply motorcycle and scooter tires that fail to conform to the labeling requirements of a federal safety standard. BFNT will notify owners and replace the noncompliant tires free of charge. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact BFNT at 1-615-937-3442.

2006-2008 Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS and Hummer H2; 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, Saturn Outlook; 2008 Buick Enclave – heated wiper washer fluid system

GM is recalling over 850,000 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer and Saturn vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system that could overheat. Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. GM has yet to announce when owners will be notified. In the meantime, owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608- 8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; Saturn at 1-800-972-8876; GMC at 1-866-996-9436; or Hummer at 1-800- 732-5493; or MyGMLink.

2008 Buick Enclave and 2007-2008 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook – windshield wipers

GM is recalling over 88,000 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook vehicles currently or previously registered in the following states: AK, CO, CT, DE, ID, IL, IN, IA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WV, WI, WY and DC. Snow and ice buildup on the windshield or wipers could cause the wipers to become inoperative. Dealers will install a new wiper mechanisms. The recall is expected to begin during October. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or at MyGMLink.

2008 Hyundai Elantra – fuel pump

Hyundai is recalling 65,000 Elantra vehicles with 2.0-liter “beta” engines. The fuel pump motor may produce less pressure than required to supply the fuel-injection system. Dealers will replace the fuel pump subassembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

2009 Jaguar XF – rear safety belt

Jaguar is recalling nearly 8,000 XF vehicles due to a problem with the rear safety belt. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury. Dealers will correct the condition. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.

2007-2008 Mazda6 – fuel tanks

Mazda is recalling 7,200 Mazda6 vehicles with California emission specifications. The metal fuel tanks on the affected vehicles may have been damaged during the assembly process, which could lead to a fuel leakage. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the fuel tank, if necessary. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500, Option 2.

2001-2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (Model 215), 2002-2006 S-Class (Model 220)
2003-2007 SL-Class (Model 230), 2007-2008 CL-Class (Model 216), 2007 S-Class (Model 221) – acceleration sensors

Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 4,500 CL-Class, S-Class and SL-Class vehicles equipped with Active Body Control (ABC) acceleration sensors on the front struts. The ABC sensors may have been installed improperly, which can adversely influence the vehicle's directional stability and could lead to a vehicle crash. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the front ABC sensors in all potentially affected vehicles. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

—Desiree Calamari

From the logbook: 2009 Ford Flex

If I was a product planner for a car company, I’d be chugging Pepto-Bismol by the caseload right now. A few months ago, gas prices were marching steadily toward $5 a gallon. Car companies cut production capability for large SUVs, trucks, and minivans as buyers flocked to small cars. But now, fuel is back under $4. Meanwhile, crossovers were selling strong a few months back, but now reports surface that their sales are slumping.

Of course, there are short-term adjustments and long-term trends in the automotive marketplace. Introduce into this whirlwind the Ford Flex. With Ford having dropped its mediocre Freestar minivan, and as sales of the aging truck-based Explorer shrink, the Flex offers an alternative family hauler in their line-up.

Funny thing is, Ford doesn’t lack a car-based people mover; they have the Taurus X, which is quite competent. But it’s a wallflower compared to the Flex, which is a combination of a 5/4ths scale Mini Clubman, a surfer wagon, and a hearse. This unique styling gets a lot of looks. I found myself in Syracuse, NY, during the Nationals classic car show. Even though the hotel parking lot was full of street rods and old muscle cars, a lot of people were staring at the Flex. (Their cars were likely faster, but they probably wouldn’t hold the two whitewater kayaks that were strapped inside the Flex.)

So, just how well does the Flex do its duty as family and vacation hauler? We’ll provide a full road test soon, but let's peek in the logbook for the staff’s raw, first impressions:

"Great vacation car. The 2nd row has loads of legroom, 3rd row is roomy enough for adults."

"Wide comfy couch-like front seats, but headrest is intrusive."

"Adjustable pedals are no substitute for a telescoping wheel—pedals too close, wheel too far."

"Polarizing looks. Some call it a Scion xB xL or Maxi Clubman."

"Wonderful access with large door openings and low step-in."

"Car swallows ten-foot-long lumber when folding front passenger and rear seats down."

"Automatic rear hatch is slow."

"No match for the agile Honda Odyssey but trumps the Ford Explorer."

"Car is large but height fools you into thinking it’s smaller."

"Drives well, but I still like the (Saturn) Outlook better."

"Nicest Ford product in a while."

"Rides well and is quite quiet."

"Lots of buttons on center stack, and I keep grabbing the temperature knob instead of volume."

"A nice car overall, but don’t confuse it for a minivan—it doesn’t have the cargo volume."

Overall, other than some detail complaints, our impressions of the Flex are pretty favorable. But this is a crowded segment, and as the above references to the Saturn Outlook and Honda Odyssey indicate, there are some really good family haulers out there. We’ll report on exactly how the Flex stacks up in the November issue, along with the redesigned Honda Pilot.

Read our First Drive report on the Ford Flex.

—Tom Mutchler

Small SUV crash tests - New Top Safety Picks

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named six small SUVs Top Safety Picks: the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, and Nissan Rogue.

To qualify for this accolade, the six got the Institute's top rating of Good in offset frontal and side crash tests, plus an evaluation of rear crash protection. They also all offer electronic stability control as standard equipment. The Mercury Mariner and the Mazda Tribute are twins to the Ford Escape; the test results also apply to the hybrid versions of these models.

The Honda CR-V, Honda Element, and Subaru Forester are also Top Picks in this class based on earlier tests.

IIHS rates cars in an offset frontal crash that is more severe than U.S. government crash test standards and more closely mimics real-world accidents. Side crash tests are conducted to simulate a vehicle being hit in the side by a tall, heavy SUV. Vehicles are rated on a scale of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. (Learn more in "Crash Test 101.")

Other small SUVs, including the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Jeep Patriot, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Jeep Patriot, and Jeep Wrangler received lower grades in one of the crash measures. The Wrangler offered Poor protection in a side crash when tested without its optional side air bags.

If you're in the market for a small SUV, we recommend you look for one that has Good crash scores from both the IIHS and the government, as well as one that performed well in our testing and has good predicted reliability.

Of the IIHS Top Picks, we recommend the Honda CR-V and Element, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Subaru Forester. The Forester is our Top Rated small SUV.

Read our recent Small SUV and Sporty SUV tests covering many of the models featured here, including the Tiguan featured in the embedded CR road test video. Crash test videos based on the latest tests will be posted next week.

View more than 250 crash test videos.

—Eric Evarts

New car preview--Sneak peek at the 2009 and 2010 cars

We’re nearing the end of the 2008 model year, and already several new vehicles have hit dealerships. The model-change over means dealers are anxious to make room for new models and advertising tempting incentives. Before choosing a current model, it is wise to consider what is coming down the road.

Here is a peak at the most new and notable models you’ll be seeing this fall or early 2009. For a sneak peek at more new vehicles, see our comprehensive New car preview with the photos and videos.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro
The all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is a modern interpretation of the classic original, built on a modern, rear-drive platform. Like the 1960s car, the new Camaro will be offered in coupe and convertible body styles, with 300-hp V6 and 400-plus-hp V8 engines. On sale: Winter 2009.
Read the complete Chevrolet Camaro preview.

2009 Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse is Chevrolet's version of the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook SUVs. The Traverse will have three rows of seating for 7 or 8 passengers. Based on our experience with the sibling vehicles, the third row is comfortable enough to fit adults and retain storage capacity behind it. On sale: Fall 2008.
Read the complete Chevrolet Traverse preview.

2010 Ford Fusion hybrid
Few details have been released, but we expect the Fusion hybrid (and Mercury Milan hybrid) to use a powertrain similar to the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids. A style freshening is also expected for all Fusion and Milan models. On sale: Winter 2009.
Read the complete Ford Fusion hybrid preview.

2009 Honda Fit
The redesigned Fit is longer and wider than the previous version. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side and curtain air bags, and active front head restraints. ESC will be available as an option. On sale: Fall 2008.
Read the complete Honda Fit preview.

2010 Kia Soul
This new front-wheel-drive, four-door hatchback is styled like a small SUV. Its boxy packaging also reminds of Scion xB, although it will be about five inches shorter than an xB. Similar to the Scion, Kia expects Soul owners to personalize this vehicle with extras. On sale: Spring 2009.
Read the complete Kia Soul preview.

2009 Mazda6
The Mazda6 is larger and roomier than the outgoing sedan. The four-door vehicle features two engine options--a 2.5-liter 4-cyl. and 3.7-liter V6—that are both larger than the previous version. ESC and curtain air bags are now standard. On sale: Late summer 2008.
Read the complete Mazda6 preview.

2010 Nissan Cube
On sale outside the U.S. since 2004, the next-generation Nissan Cube will be coming to the U.S. in 2009. This boxy vehicle is roomy for a small car, but with comfortable seating for four. The rear seats fold down to fit longer items and the large glass around the vehicle give it an airy feel with excellent visibility. On sale: Early 2009.
Read the complete Nissan Cube preview.

How to buy the best convertible for you

Buying a convertible is all about enjoying an open-air driving experience, and some drop-top models are truly fun to drive. On the downside, convertibles inherently require compromises, such as accepting cramped seats, limited cargo capability, and reduced (top up) visibility. Our latest video, ratings, and buying advice can help you to choose the best convertible for your needs and budget.

When looking for a convertible, there are a few things to consider—the type of driving you do, , how much power and sportiness you want, and how many people you will likely transport. Also, the choice between a soft or hard top might dictate the model you choose. Price and fuel economy are also important considerations, especially in this tough economy.

There are a number of convertible types to choose from—roadsters, luxury, and mainstream convertibles. Roadsters are two-seaters that tend to be small, fun and fast. Creature comforts aren’t a priority. Luxury convertibles offer a balance of performance, comfort, and a fun driving experience, but are quite expensive. If you want open-air driving at an affordable price, mainstream is the way to go. These  popular models, such as the Chrysler Sebring and Ford Mustang, can seat four people, though the rear seats aren’t the most comfortable. Cargo space is also compromised in convertibles, especially when the top is down. (For road tests and videos on some of the most recent convertibles, read our group test "Friendlier Skies" featuring the BMW 328i, Chrysler Sebring, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, Pontiac G6, Saab 9-3, Volkswagen Eos, and the Volvo C70.)

Summer and fall are perfect times to enjoy a top-down driving experience. If you’re feeling the itch, check out our convertible buying advice video for tips on how to choose a convertible, and what you should consider before you make a purchase.

For more details, visit our convertibles section with more buying advice and complete ratings, or browse our convertible personal picks parts 1 and 2.

—Liza Barth

                                                                                                           

                   

Car leasing - End of an era?

Desperate to cut their recent 10-figure quarterly losses, several companies announced this week that they are abandoning or partially withdrawing from the leasing market. Chrysler announced on July 29th that it was bailing out of leasing altogether. The same day, Ford told some dealers it would raise the prices on truck and SUV leases, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. And BMW announced it would tighten terms on its leases, which account for 60 percent of the company’s sales in the U.S., according to Bloomberg.

Lease contracts depend on forecasting the trade-in (aka residual) values of vehicles at the end of the lease term. And high gas prices have accelerated the depreciation on larger models in a way lessors could not have forecasted just a few years ago. Also, some models have had incentives packaged into their financing plan, known as subventing, artificially inflating residual values. As a result, many vehicles coming off lease are worth much less than the residual value resulting in massive losses for finance companies such as GMAC and Ford Motor Credit.

Chrysler notes that its dealers will still be able to offer leasing through other financial institutions. However, on the same day, JPMorgan Chase announced it would also no longer offer leases on any Chrysler models, according to the Detroit Free Press. These changes do not affect current lessees, and Chrysler says it will provide loyalty incentives to those customers who purchase a new Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep vehicle.

So, what does this mean?
For many customers, leasing has been a means to get lower payments and afford larger, more premium vehicles than they could otherwise. Lease payments cover only the predicted amount of depreciation on a car for the duration of the lease, plus a finance charge.

Consumers will have fewer finance options going forward. While leases will still exist in some form, they may not be as readily available or marketed with the incentives that have been common.

As a result, it will be more difficult for car shoppers to extend their reach to more expensive vehicles. This creates the temptation to take on loan terms of six or seven years to afford payments on a dream car. This shifts the depreciation risk from the automaker to the consumer. Today, 60-month loans are common, stretching longer than many warranties. Pushing loan terms out further increases the likelihood customers will want to trade-in before the loan is paid, and add the debt from one car into the next, essentially leaving them paying off two cars. They also risk that if the car is stolen or destroyed, their insurance payment won’t cover the amount they still owe.

Off-lease cars have also been a valued source for used car shoppers. Off-lease models are typically in excellent condition and are usually run through a detailed inspection process. The best part? A three-year-old vehicle has already taken its greatest depreciation hit. But with fewer leases, the cars that reach used-car lots will likely become older and arguably less desirable.

What to do?
Current lessees can celebrate that they may not be paying the full cost of their vehicle’s depreciation. But, when it comes time to acquire the next model, buyers should take care to understand the true financial implications. Very likely, people will have to keep their cars longer either to pay off a longer-term loan or to accumulate a larger down payment than they might have needed in the past. And they may have to look for a car that merely meets their needs, rather than one that satisfies their wants.

As before, it pays to select your next ride based on Consumer Reports testing, reliability, safety, fuel economy, and other key factors that can be readily researched at ConsumerReports.org. (And quickly, too, using the New Car Selector.) But we also encourage shoppers to carefully consider the owner cost data, available on the model pages, which reveal the complete economic forecast, including depreciation, fuel costs, loan interest, insurance, and other factors. Then, take the time to read through either our new- or used-car buying advice. Admittedly, this is a bit of homework, but with the changing economic environment and automotive market, the car-buying test has gotten harder.

Learn about the "Pros and cons of leasing."

—Jeff Bartlett and Eric Evarts

From guzzlers to sippers: The changing auto market

The rapid rise in gas prices has caused many consumers to shift from buying large gas-guzzling SUVs to more fuel-efficient small cars. And this shift in the marketplace has forced the auto industry to drastic changes in realigning their model mix, reallocating production capacity, and adjusting future model plans. While consumers want instant relief to the economic challenges they face, the auto industry is grappling with production cycles measured in years, not months.

Automakers are doing what they can, with many making bold moves to address the rapidly changing car market. Many companies are scrambling to move forward to create more compact cars, while others who already have a number of fuel-efficient vehicles are trying to keep up with the demand.

Below are some examples of how car manufacturers are adapting to this changing environment:

Ford recently announced a reduction in truck production and the new F-150 will be delayed two months due to the truck sales slow down. This will allow the current inventory to sell off and give Ford a chance to reorient the F-150 more toward commercial, rather than consumer use. Ford also is working to add more small cars to its lineup, including the European version of the Focus and Fiesta. Production will increase for the U.S.-made Focus, as well as the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small SUVs. Ford also can’t produce the hybrid versions of these SUVs fast enough.

Chrysler announced they will stop producing twins of similar vehicles for different models, such as the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty, and would cut back their product line. Chrysler is also forming strategic partnerships, including an alliance with GM on hybrid technology and teaming with Nissan to create a new small car.

GM announced a new compact Chevrolet model to begin production in mid-2010. The automaker is also racing ahead on the Chevrolet Volt plug-in car, which is expected to debut by the end of 2010. GM also announced truck plant cut backs due to the decrease in sales.

Even though Toyota offers many fuel-efficient vehicles in their lineup, its sales story is also mixed. Toyota has not been able to keep up with demand for the Toyota Prius—the most fuel-efficient car Consumer Reports has recently tested—due to limitations on battery availability. Also, the company will cut production on some of their larger vehicles like the Tundra and Sequoia, the latter a victim of launching at the wrong time.

Honda, on the other hand, is enjoying a sales surge. In the month of May, U.S. Honda sales were up over 11 percent due to a 23 percent increase in Civic sales. This fall, Honda will open another U.S. plant to produce more Civic sedans. It, too, has recently launched a redesign of its largest SUV (the Pilot), though it is too soon to interpret the sales data.

The state of the automotive market is a volatile one and the rapid shift to fuel-efficient cars and hybrids is causing all manufacturers to alter their plans. Those that can adapt quickly to the demand will enjoy success, but others may face difficulty.

—Liza Barth

For information on the most fuel-efficient cars and alternative fuels, see our guide to driving green.

 

Gas savers—Small sedans road test and videos

For our test group in the July 2008 issue, we drove small sedans. With record setting gas prices, more people are turning to these fuel efficient vehicles to ease the strain on their budgets. Even with prices below $20,000, the best of the small cars provide good fuel economy, convenience features, and a nice interior.

The full road tests from the magazine have been posted at ConsumerReports.org, along with videos from our staff of auto experts. These videos highlight our tests of each vehicle, plus they demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each model.

"Gas-saving sedans" features the Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota Corolla. Ratings for all small cars we have tested can be found with our dynamic New Car Selector tool.

Check out the video of the Hyundai Elantra SE, this year's Top Pick in the small sedans category, plus see the rest of our small sedan videos.

Vehicle recalls affect Ford, GM, Hyundai, & Toyota

There have been a few significant recalls announced in the past few weeks affecting Ford, GM, Hyundai, and Toyota. If you own any of the vehicles listed below, you will be contacted by the manufacturer with the information on what you need to do.

2005-2006 Ford F-150 & Lincoln Mark LT

Ford is recalling over 605,000 F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT pickups equipped with the 5.4-liter, 3-valve engines due to a problem with a hose in the braking system, which could swell over time and become detached. Once the hose is detached, the braking system will continue to work with power assist, but eventually the fluid reserve will be depleted.

Owners will be notified by mail or they may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Dealers will begin to replace the hose in early July.

2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai is recalling over 393,000 Hyundai Sonatas due to a defect in the passenger air bag. The system is supposed to disable the right-front passenger seat air bag when it detects the presence of a child restraint or child seated there, but a misclassification may cause the air bag to not inflate if a small adult is occupying the seat.

Dealers will verify the malfunction, then remove the right front seat cushion and send it out for evaluation and repair.

The recall will begin around May 26, 2008. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota Matrix

Toyota and GM are recalling over 660,000 Vibe, Corolla, and Matrix models due to a problem with the power windows. Bolts in the driver and front passenger-door may loosen and cause the glass to separate from the window and possibly shatter during operation.

Dealers will replace the door glass bolts with new ones free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371.

2008 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid

Toyota is recalling over 90,000 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs due to a problem with the seatbelt in the third-row seat. When using a rear-facing car seat, the seat belt cannot be properly secured and may spool out during normal driving.

Owners will be notified by mail or they may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Dealers will install a new seat belt component free of charge.

To see if your vehicle has been involved in a recall, check out the National Highway Traffic Safety database at www.safercar.gov.

—Liza Barth

Is the best-selling car the best car?

As expected, we received quite a few comments about our domestic-brand-only American Top Picks 2008 blog. Reading through the oft-feisty responses, I noted that two readers questioned why the Ford F-150 didn't make the cut—or even get mentioned—in the pickup truck category. One wrote:

Not only is it the best-selling full-sized truck for over 30 years...but when was it listed as the truck pick for a model year by CR? Not only does it outsell every truck in the U.S. but every CAR as well! Shouldn't it receive at least honorable mention every year? ...Why does that work for Camry every year and not the F-150?

Since the issue of vehicle sales vs. the ranking of a vehicle in CR's Ratings comes up on occasion, let's take a look.

No doubt, the F-150 has been the top-selling single vehicle nameplate for many years. Even with the recent drop in truck sales, Ford sold over 700,000 F-150s in 2007. Sales figures make great ad copy or fodder for Internet forum discussions. After all, people love to cheer (or boo) for a winner, and sales numbers set up clear winners and losers. But does that matter to the owner?

Topping the sales charts doesn't mean that a vehicle tops its class. After Ford redesigned the F-150 back in 2004, Toyota and GM completely redesigned their trucks and Dodge made substantial improvements to their Ram. As a result, in our last pickup truck test, the Tundra and Silverado handily outscored the F-150. The F-150's engine was strained; the seats uncomfortable; and stability control (a requirement for being a Top Pick) is unavailable. (A 2009 freshening aims to address these complaints.) The F-150 has been a Top Pick in pickups - but that was back in 1999. (See our video reviews of the current full-sized pickup trucks.)

Let's look at the car side of the market. For the last several years, the Toyota Camry has outsold all cars, selling about 470,000 cars a year. But despite what many people think, the Camry hasn't been a CR Top Pick since the 2000 V6 model. (That said, the Camry scores much closer to the top of the family sedan heap than the F-150 does in the pickup segment.) Sometimes the figures and our rankings line up; the Honda CR-V is the top-selling small SUV for 2007, and it ranks very close to the top of our ratings for four-cylinder SUVs.

It would be naive of us to think that all consumers bought products solely based on how they score in our tests. For example, we don't factor styling in to our scoring. The Ford Five Hundred (now Taurus) is a better all-around car than the Chrysler 300, but while one of them is flashy enough to star in rap videos, the other is more likely to be featured in insurance company ads with its badges removed as the amorphous Generic Car.

Brand image also plays a role in some buyer's minds. Sometimes when we're asked for buying advice (an occupational hazard), sometimes our more affordable suggestions are shunned for the sake of status. (Never mind what happens when we suggest buying a minivan or station wagon.)

There's more to it than that though. Typically domestic brands have many more dealers and are represented in more rural areas, easing sales and service for some buyers. Massive spending on commercials gets those vehicles into the public eye. Car companies have resorted to putting heavy end-of-year incentives on cars to "win" a sales race for bragging rights. Some companies spin their accounting, like Toyota's counting the Matrix in Corolla sales and including the Solara in Camry sales. And car companies can dump excess inventory into rental or other fleets to count as sales.

Motivation to sell a lot of cars runs deep in the industry. There is overhead—plants and labor—that is better utilized when kept busy. Selling more cars can translate into economy of scale of production, ideally increasing profits (unless you have to plunk heavy incentives on the cars to move them out of inventory.) While it might be hard to find parts for an esoteric car down the road, most mass-production cars sell in enough volume and have enough factory support to make this a non-issue.

But when it comes to spending your money, none of these issues has anything to do with how good a car is to drive, how it helps prevent (or protect you in) an accident, or how reliable the car is to own. As American Idol's Simon Cowell would say, this is a talent competition, not a popularity contest - and we're scoring cars based on talent.

See our true list of overall Top Picks for 2008. Watch the Top Picks videos.
Also, read "Who makes the best cars?"

—Tom Mutchler

Ford breaks out the stylus

Frequently, we have complained about radio and climate controls in recent vehicles we have tested being so small they need a stylus to operate. (Actually, we don't think it's a good idea to try to pick out buttons with a skinny stylus on the road, either.) Such controls are often mounted low on the dashboard, a long reach away, and so it is hard to see and pick out which button you want to hit. Clearly, we aren't fans of these tiny buttons.

Now it seems Ford has taken our snarky complaints literally. Looking at the radio, navigation, and inventory-tracking system in its Transit work van, what we found is a standard stylus slot in the upper right side of the unit. Just slide your fingernail down the side of the radio and pull it out.

The funny thing is, the Transit's simple, round climate-control knobs, as well as the "buttons" on its touch-screen system are all plenty large to hit with your finger. You still don't need a stylus. Go figure.

—Eric Evarts

See the 2008 New York auto show coverage.

Ford Transit - Taxi of tomorrow?

The Ford Transit is a neat idea. At the NY Auto Show, Ford has it decked out in taxicab yellow; I think it looks like a cross between a Ford Fusion, Taurus X, and previous Land Rover Discovery. Senior Director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Division David Champion likens it to a big Honda Element. Also, says Champion, it seemingly "could take the place of an SUV or pickup truck for companies that do deliveries and other light-duty trade work." Plus, he adds, it's very likely that this new Dodge Sprinter-like model could make a tradesperson rethink whether or not they really need the weight (and poor fuel economy) of a full-sized van.

And if Ford uses the diesel engine offered in Europe, it could further boost fuel economy gains, not to mention the urban potential for a hybrid system.

—Mike Quincy

See the 2008 New York auto show coverage.

American Top Picks 2008

It’s time again for the annual American Top Picks list. While we don’t consider country of origin as a factor in our Ratings for our primary Top Picks list, the piles of mail (snail and e-mail) we get leave us no doubt that many people factor “buying American” into their decision. So, for those folks, this list looks at what domestic-branded cars are the best choices out there.

It would be a relatively simple matter to compile this list if Top Picks were merely the highest-scoring car in each group. But to be a Top Pick, a car has to have performed well in our testing, be relatively trouble-free to own, and safe, too. Here are the other criteria to determining a Top Pick:

We need to have reliability data for the car, and that data must show at least average or better reliability.

Stability control must be readily available.

If crash tested, the results have to be decent.

These criteria wind up knocking some very good cars—particularly some recent GM products—out of contention from our American Top Picks list. To illustrate, here’s the list of the top-rated domestic-branded car in each class next to the one that meets all of the criteria:

Category

Top-scoring American car

American Top Pick

Small sedan	None recommended	None
Family sedan	Chevrolet Malibu LTZ V6	Ford Taurus
Upscale sedan	Cadillac CTS	Buick Lucerne CXS
Luxury sedan	Cadillac STS	Cadillac STS
Small SUV	Saturn Vue XR	None
Midsized SUV	Saturn Outlook XR GMC Acadia SLT2 Ford Taurus X	Saturn Outlook XR GMC Acadia SLT2 Ford Taurus X
Minivan	Chrysler Town and Country	None
Pickup truck	Chevrolet Avalanche	Chevrolet Silverado
Fun to drive	Chevrolet Corvette Z06	None
Green car	None tested	None

Let’s look at each class in detail, except luxury sedan, which doesn’t need further explanation:

Small sedan: Not many choices here. Although the Ford Focus has scored quite well in the past (it was a Top Pick as late as 2005), we haven’t tested the freshened 2008 model. The underwhelming Chevrolet Cobalt scores too low to be recommended.

Family sedan: The new Malibu is a very impressive car, but we don’t have reliability data on this redesign. (Data on other vehicles on its Epsilon platform ranges from below-average to above-average reliability.) The fun-to-drive Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan lacks ESC, so it’s out of the running—hence the Taurus.

Upscale sedan: The CTS is a very impressive car, but we don’t have reliability data yet for this version. The Lincoln MKZ lacks ESC. That takes us to the Buick Lucerne CXS V8.

Small SUV: The Saturn Vue XR isn’t a stand-out, but it does score the highest of any tested small domestic-branded SUV. However, we don’t have reliability data on the new Vue. Beyond that, no small domestic SUV—Chevrolet Equinox/Pontiac Torrent, Jeep Compass/Patriot, Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner—scores high enough to be recommended.

Midsized SUV: There isn’t a lack of good recommended vehicles in this category; it’s a matter of picking, literally, which one fits. The Outlook/Acadia straddle the midsized and large category. The Taurus X is also accommodating inside.

Minivan: There’s only really one game in the domestic town: the Chrysler Town and Country/Dodge Caravan. (The outdated Chevrolet Uplander goes away next year.) While the Chrysler minivans used to score near the top of their class, this redesign is mediocre. We don’t have reliability data for the redesign.

Pickup truck: The Avalanche outscores all pickups in our Ratings, including the Toyota Tundra. But it hasn’t been reliable. Unlike the Tundra, first year reliability of the Silverado has been average, so it made our Top Picks list.

Fun to drive: The Corvette Z06 is an awesome car, but Corvette reliability is well-below average. The CTS could also qualify here, but again, no reliability data. Going down the list, the Mustang GT lacks ESC; we don’t have reliability data on the Dodge Viper; and the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky have subpar reliability. The Dodge Charger R/T V8 is reliable and fast, but its overly light steering feel keeps it from being truly fun to drive.

Green car: Not many domestics qualify here. We haven’t tested the latest Ford Escape Hybrid, but since it lacks ESC, it wouldn’t qualify for the list anyhow. We also haven’t tested latecomers to the hybrid market like the Saturn Aura Greenline, the redesigned Saturn Vue Greenline, or the Chevrolet Malibu hybrid. GM’s “light-hybrid” system does improve mileage, but it’s not on par with full-hybrid systems found on the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid. Next year brings full-hybrid versions of the Vue and Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan.

To sum up:

Some recent GM models are extremely impressive, and they would make fine choices—if reliability works out.

Ford needs to get ESC on their mainstream family cars. (We’re told 2009 should bring increased ESC availability.)

Chrysler and Ford really aren’t competitive in the upscale and luxury sedan segments—especially against a resurgent Cadillac.

The domestics are lagging behind in the small sedan and minivan segments, fields where they used to be more competitive.

While the domestics are starting to roll out more hybrid sedans and SUVs, they still lack a high-mileage small “green” car.

See our true list of overall Top Picks for 2008. See the Top Picks videos.

—Tom Mutchler

Chrysler threatens to pull plastic plug on “Playskool” interiors

Last week, the bankruptcy news of an auto parts supplier in Dearborn, Michigan, may have a direct impact on consumers. And it reveals some insight into what goes into the parts of the car that owners see and touch every day.

Plastech Engineered Products makes interior components for Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors vehicles. About a week ago, Plastech declared bankruptcy amidst a dispute with Chrysler, as widely reported. As a result, Plastech stopped supplying Chrysler interior components, causing the automaker to run short of parts and shut down four factories temporarily, with the potential to close many more.

The standoff didn’t last for long before a temporary agreement could be reached and production resumed. According to the trade paper Automotive News, the new arrangement will “allow the automaker to resume production at four idled plants and avoid shutdown of all its assembly operations.” Plastech has secured a line of credit to keep operations running for the time being.

Chrysler’s initial announcement of the four plant closings gives us an idea what cars have critical interior parts built by Plastech:
• The Belvidere, Ill., factory builds the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot SUVs.
• Newark, Delaware builds the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs.
• Sterling Heights, Michigan, builds the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger.
• The Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty, and Jeep Wrangler are built in Toledo, Ohio.

Consumer Reports has tested the Caliber, Compass, Patriot, Durango, Sebring (three of them), Avenger, Nitro, and Wrangler, and we are currently testing a Jeep Liberty.

When we tested the Nitro, we said its interior “looks cheap, with hard plastics, rough-finished components, large gaps, and loose pieces.” Likewise the Patriot, we said, “is full of cheap plastics, some of which are poorly finished.” We said the Sebring’s interior, “looks cheap and insubstantial.”

All these vehicles came in for similar harsh criticism. (Of course, suppliers like Plastech build components to manufacturer specs.) Some automotive writers have referred to this generation of Chrysler interiors as looking like they come from Playskool toys. One of our engineers likened driving the Compass to “sitting in an Igloo ice chest.”

Last year Chrysler announced it would create a new “advanced” interior design studio to focus on building better interiors. The first product of that effort, according to the company, is the new Dodge Ram pickup displayed at the Detroit Auto Show. It certainly had the highest initial quality interior we’ve seen on a new Chrysler design in a long time.

The particulars in this dispute remain a bit unclear. If Plastech had collapsed, many people would have been in trouble. The same Automotive News article mentioned that the company “owns more than 35 plants in North America and generated $1.4 billion in sales last year, [and] employs 7,700 people.”

In the end, we hope future Chrysler products will offer consumers more comfortable, better-finished interiors. (In theory, that could be good for everyone’s business.) The 2009 Ram has us optimistic. Just hope more jobs aren’t lost, or threatened, in the process.

—Eric Evarts

Edited 2/12/08

Ford trucks redefine mobile office

A new competitor to the rugged Panasonic Toughbook laptop was introduced in Chicago—the Ford F-150. Ford unveiled an integrated, computerized office for commercial users, with more technical partners to thank than a NASCAR team. Together, Ford and this high-tech cabal have assembled a powerful suite of tools that can help manage businesses on the road.

Here’s a quick look:

Computer: An in-dash computer with high-speed Internet access via the Sprint mobile broadband network is integrated in the center console space used by typical double-DIN stereos. It uses a 6.5-inch, touch screen, and it includes a wireless keyboard and mouse. The computer has two gigabytes of memory, plus a slot to add a memory card and a USB port.

The computer works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, offering hands-free calling with push-to-talk voice recognition, access to user phonebooks, and the ability to receive text messages. More significantly, it allows access to a home or office computer from anywhere. Files can be transferred and even printed in the truck via Bluetooth.

Tool Link: Yes, even power tools are becoming computerized. By placing a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag on tools, or other equipment, the truck can inventory the equipment loaded in the bed. Conversely, the user can program lists of equipment needed for specific jobs, and the Works system can verify that everything needed is on board.

Crew Chief: Fleet owners and managers can use this telematics and diagnostic tool to monitor vehicle locations and condition. Using the integrated Garmin navigation system, drivers can see their fleet in real-time on the dash display. And they can confirm the tool inventory, to make sure they have the right equipment onboard. Because the computer is integrated into the vehicle electrical architecture, it can tap a wealth of information. It would know if a tire is low, or an oil change is due. Further, it can be programmed to alert if a vehicle is idling excessively. To aid the back office, it can deliver detailed fuel reporting to calculate consumption and taxes. All this information can also be accessed from a desktop computer.

Cable lock: Developed with Master Lock, the non-electronic Cable Lock system is essentially a recoiling cable in the bed that can be looped through tools to protect them from theft. Not high tech, but handy.

All four Ford Work “Solutions” will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty trucks, and 2009 E-Series vans. Several of the features will be available for dealer installation to upgrade Ford trucks model years 1997 to present, including the core computer system.

No pricing has been released, but a Ford representative said the aim is to keep the basic package within the pricing range of their current factory navigation systems. Translation: $1,500-$2,200. Of course, the customer will be responsible for monthly Sprint mobile fees. Each feature, like Tool Link or Crew Chief, will cost extra. In some cases, additional equipment will be needed, from RFID readers to transponders for other vehicles. The full Works computer is not necessary for the entire fleet to be linked.

To me, Ford Works is to Sync what the iPhone is to the iPod Shuffle. Cool stuff, indeed.

—Jeff Bartlett

Read our complete coverage of the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.

Marketing to the Weak: Me

I'm feeling a bit spooked right now. It's not the thousands of journalists fighting like piranha over scraps of free swag. It's not the chill blowing over the river as delightful "mixed precipitation" covers Detroit. No —it's because it feels like automakers at this show are marketing directly to ME.

Sure, almost every press conference mentions that the new 2009 TurboBlaster 2.8xi is for "active lifestyles." (Seldom is a car marketed to sedentary lifestyles—although I get a sinking feeling that the CouchMaster 5.0LTX would sell really, really well.) Today we heard Hyundai pitch the Genesis sedan this way: "Some companies build cars for people who have more money. At Hyundai we build cars for people who deserve more." Well, gee, I DO deserve more, thank you very much. (Not many car companies build cars for those who deserve just a bit less—or I sure hope they don't.)

No, today there were two particular press conference video segments that plucked my strings. (Automakers typically warm up the crowd with snappy videos on the giant screens that dominate the show floor.) The first was Ford's introduction of their freshened F-150. What better way to sell the towing capabilities (not yet announced) of an upscale truck (the Platinum edition!) than to show it towing the most upscale of travel trailers—a triple-axle Airstream. That gleaming trailer is a design icon, one that I yearn to own someday. Sadly, after going to the dealer to kick the Corian, it looks like I'll have to wait for some serious depreciation to afford the used 16-foot Bambi Quiksilver or DWR that I want. The only problem with Ford using a long Airstream to showcase the truck is that the camera spent more time sweeping over the trailer than the tow vehicle.

The second bit of video had yet another piece of designer appeal—a fabulous modern house straight out of the pages of Dwell magazine. Volkswagen used that setting in its video to introduce its swanky Passat CC. The house had it all—the horizontal wood siding (probably reclaimed), the Barcelona lounges, and a very expensive European kitchen. As I've mentioned before in this blog, I recently bought a fixer-upper mid-century modern. I spend my lunch hour Googling Craigslist for Eames chair replicas and have a pile of Dwell magazines at home. Trust me—my humble domicile is a far cry from the show house in the video (VW said they rented it), but just like IKEA is a bargain Design Within Reach for people like me, VW is trying to be a bargain Mercedes CLS. (That worked well with the Phaeton, right?)

Curiously, these videos shared a common thread. VW showed a bunch of "typical" Passat CC buyers in the video, including "Jeff in Texas." "He knows exactly what he wants," said the VW video, implying a Passat CC would be just the thing for oil-drilling Jeff. But I get the feeling that, as Ford also pointed out in its presentation, Jeff would really more likely be looking at an F-150 Platinum.

As for me, I'm pretty confident that I'll make it through the year without buying an F-150 or a Passat CC—but it's not for want of trying by the car companies here.

—Tom Mutchler

Update: It happened again. Toyota showed a video clip of its 2009 Venza crossover and—BANG!—there it was towing an Airstream. I'm not paranoid, I know they are out to get me.

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Detroit auto show. And discuss the event in our auto show forum.

Dodge and Ford pickup the pace

It used to be after a redesigned pickup truck was introduced, it would remain basically unchanged for years and years. (Well, there would be the occasional "Pace Truck" edition, or a new hubcap design or two.)

But the first two press conferences Sunday saw two major truck freshenings—the Ford F-150 (newly designed in 2004) and the Dodge Ram (new in 2002, mild update in 2006)—back-to-back. It's a much more dynamic and competitive market than it used to be, with Toyota now selling the finally-full-sized Tundra and Nissan's oft-overlooked Titan.

Competition in this segment is positive because it brings some great innovations and advancements. For example, Dodge is now moving to coil-spring rear suspensions. Both Ford and Dodge showed clever truck bed conveniences and their trucks will have standard stability control. We're also seeing improved fuel economy accompanying more power and diesel light-duty trucks, including an announcement from Toyota that the Tundra and Sequoia will get a diesel. That's the news.

But there was some humor in how Dodge and Ford introduced their trucks (if you exclude the plethora of broken press embargos). Dodge held its press conference for the freshened Ram 1500 outside. (The bleachers were, thankfully, heated.) To tempt journalists outside, they handed out beef jerky. Problem was, to get back inside the show hall, you needed to have your bag checked by sniffing police dogs the size of Mini Coopers. It's quite a challenge for those trained dogs to resist thousands of packets of jerky...

There was another good reason Dodge held its press conference outside: a herd of cattle arrived to play up the working side of the Ram. (No sheep though... you know, "Ram" tough?) Jim Press, Chrysler's new president, learned that one should never work with infants or animals since they are unpredictable and tend to steal the show. Proving that, the cows got, ah, a bit frisky. (Think Animal Planet.)

By comparison, the Ford press conference seemed pretty tame. A bunch of Ford truck celebrities—a NASCAR driver, a monster truck driver, the chief engineer (he was the one with the tie)—were there talking about the trucks. But the big time F-150 celebrity was country singer Toby Keith. He was chatting on stage with Mark Fields (making a rather disparate team) about how he wanted an F-150 Platinum for his ranch.

Fair enough—but I wonder: Ford also announced at the press conference that they would be putting its EcoBoost technology (direct injection and turbocharging) into the F-150 for 2010. Ford claims this will offer plenty of towing capability and torque—but somehow I don't see celebrity ranchers going for some turbocharged DI engine over a big ole' honkin' V8.

—Tom Mutchler

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Detroit auto show. And discuss the event in our auto show forum.

Ford offers a free alternative to OnStar

One of the most important features of General Motor's OnStar system is its emergency response: If your car's air bags deploy, the system will automatically call for help. And even if you're unconscious, the OnStar operator can locate your car through OnStar's GPS receiver and direct emergency responders to it.

Now, Ford will be offering a similar feature called 911 Assist. Like OnStar, this system automatically dials for help if the car's air bags deploy. But, unlike OnStar, you don't have to pay a subscription fee.

911 Assist, which will be available later this year, is an upgrade for Ford's new SYNC system. Developed with Microsoft, SYNC allows you to wirelessly connect a Bluetooth-enabled phone or other portable device, and control it through voice commands. SYNC is available on about a dozen models already and, according to the company, will be available on most new Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles by the end of 2008. For people that already own a car with SYNC, they will be able to get a free firmware upgrade through a dealership when 911 Assist becomes available.

How 911 Assist works
Once you have set up your cell phone with SYNC, the two will automatically link up through a Bluetooth connection every time you enter the car. If your car is involved in an accident that deploys the air bags, 911 Assist will first wait for 10 seconds to give the driver or a passenger time to manually cancel the call if desired. If not, SYNC will automatically dial 911 through the cell phone.

When the 911 operator answers the call, a pre-recorded message will tell the operator that a