2008 LA Auto Show: Doors open to somber event

Major auto shows are typically electric with energy. Manufacturers tout the brighter tomorrow just around the corner, providing ample proof in the form of MTV-grade videos and multi-million dollar concept vehicles. Not so with the 2008 LA Auto Show.

From the moment the doors opened for media days, there was a somber mood to the gathering. In an unprecedented move, major automakers Chrysler, General Motors, and Toyota chose not to have press conferences. Such micro-events are opportunities for companies to schedule a time when the automotive and business press gathers to give executives their undivided attention. The days are full of back-to-back press conferences, and the speakers relish their captive audience. Yet, some big players decided to simply park some cars on the floor and leave their management teams at home.

Nissan Motor President and CEO Carlos Ghosn, an international leader who has become a turn-around legend, kicked off day one with a keynote speech. He began addressing the context of a post-election America suffering amid tough economic times and the troubles faced by the automotive industry in particular. Ghosn pointed out that "October was the worst month for U.S. auto sales in 25 years."

Last year, the industry sold a little more than 16 million passenger vehicles, and last month, sales plunged to an annualized rate of 10.6 million.

As Ghosn said, "We are clearly in uncharted territory."

He did speak at length about the many global efforts by Nissan to develop and launch electrified cars, balancing his depressing preamble with hopeful messages. Still, the initial mood seemed to hold through the day.

Absent from the press conferences were the usual (and often dreadfully boring) graphs and figures that each company presents to show they are experiencing unparalleled growth. It used to amaze how year-on-year sales for the industry hovered between 16 and 17 million, yet every company was selling more than ever. Just as puzzling, every manufacturer focuses their new products on youthful, active lifestylers, leaving aging couch potatoes as a massive, untapped market.

Ultimately, the theme that emerged on the first day was "green." Being an LA show, green is a given. California has been a leader for reducing emissions, and environmental concern is downright fashionable in the image-conscious Los Angeles area. Some companies, such as Audi, BMW, and Hyundai, presented serious technology solutions to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Others, not so much.

While executives from the Big 3 automakers flew their corporate jets to Washington, D.C. to make their case for federal assistance, the presenters in LA avoided hyperbole and simply presented their company’s plans.

The automotive market is rapidly changing, and it is clear the industry is struggling to react. As automakers seek to trim budgets, it is expected that this will be a tame auto show season with fewer fanciful concept vehicles. And that means every speech and show car will carry greater importance.

—Jeff Bartlett

See our complete 2008 LA Auto Show coverage, and read other blogs about the LA Auto Show.

Preview: 2008 LA Auto Show

The 2008 LA Auto Show opens its doors to the automotive media and industry this week, on November 19. As the first major event of the new-car show season, LA provides a sneak-peek at 2010 models coming down the road as well as concepts for the cars of tomorrow.

Over two media days, there will be nearly 40 world and North American debuts from Buick, Cadillac, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lincoln, Lexus, Mazda, Mercury, Mini, Nissan, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Announced models include the 2010 Ford Mustang, electric-powered Mini E, Mazda3, Nissan 370Z, and Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid. We also think there will be some surprises.

We will be on hand to cover the event, sharing first impressions, insights, and photos of the most significant models in the Consumer Reports Cars blog and in the special 2008 LA Auto Show section. The show coverage will be updated continuously throughout the week as information and images become available, so check back regularly to catch the latest.

—Jeff Bartlett

Learn more about the LA Auto Show. See our 2008 LA Auto Show coverage.

2008 SEMA – Personal Picks

As we wind down our coverage of the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show car and component extravaganza in Las Vegas, CR’s attendees have been reflecting on the vehicles that made the greatest impression. It truly takes something special to stand out among the hundreds upon hundreds of vehicles on display. After all, these show vehicles have been specially prepared for this mega event, often built exclusively for showcasing the latest parts, trends, and building techniques. But, it isn’t always the fanciest car that fuels fantasies, nostalgia, or water-cooler discussions.

Between writing more than 20 blog posts about this year’s show, a few team members shared their personal picks. A couple others, overwhelmed by the selection, simply couldn’t decide.

John Galeotafiore: The 2009 Dodge Challenger was my clear favorite. In my early driving days, I was the proud owner of a beat-up 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T. It had a powerful 383 cubic-inch motor with a four-barrel carburetor and four-speed manual transmission.  It had the most unbridled power of any car I've driven to this day. 

The new Challenger pays homage to my old 1971 with all the technological advances that have come in the last 38 years.  While the old car had power, its handling, ride, and comfort all left much to be desired.  I'm sure Challenger purists would disagree, but I could see myself cruising to work every day in the '09 version, something that I wouldn't have wanted to do in my '71.

Gene Petersen: Domestic car makers draw on the past. You have to look back 40 years ago to what made Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors great and formidable car companies. All three automakers were not bashful at all in showing 1960s vintage Dodge Chargers, Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros, and Pontiac GTOs. These were and still are the cars that I dream of, and they were the cars that drew show goers like moths to a bright light.
 
Yet, when looking at the late-model offerings, the car that appealed to me the most was the Ford Flex fitted with oversized wheels and tires. There were numerous Flex concepts on display, and they all looked as cool as the first-generation Scion xB in custom gear.   

Mike DiLauro: Over the past seven or so SEMA shows that I’ve attended, my favorite vehicle has most often been an SUV. This standout vehicle is usually outfitted for some kind of adventure, whether off-road or for the urban jungle. This year, like the rest of America, I've been more interested in downsized vehicles. So although I'm going to go small this year, it still has to be tricked out to inspire me, since SEMA is all about tuning an OE vehicle and making it into something completely new.

I found the best expression of this from Scion. It is fitting that Scion would go to great lengths to live up to that intent. Within the line, the xB hits the sweet spot for tuning—it’s truly the tabula rasa of the auto industry. From the inexpensive entry point to the broad side panels, these cars become something otherworldly in the hands of a tuner. All this, while at the core, a practical, reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle...what more can you ask for?

See our picks from last year's  SEMA show. Read about more cars, gear, news, and views from SEMA.   

Videos: Sporty cars

For our October-issue road tests, we rounded up a group of nine small, sporty cars that are big on fun. In these videos, Consumer Reports auto experts walk (and drive!) you through the highs and lows of their tests of these sporty cars.

Here’s a brief snapshot of each:

BMW 135i: It is small inside and not cheap, but Consumer Reports found the 135i simply a joy to drive.

Chevrolet Cobalt SS: Chevy transformed its mediocre Cobalt into a sporty coupe, with a powerful turbocharged engine and very capable handling and braking.

Dodge Caliber SRT4: The SRT version adds lots of power and sporty cues to the unrefined Caliber, but that doesn’t make it much fun to drive.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: The Evolution is brilliant on our test track and a blast to drive on the street, but it’s not comfortable for a daily commute.

Nissan Sentra SE-R: The SE-R is an economy car with great fuel economy and sporty personality, but it falls short of being a true fun-to-drive sports sedan.

Subaru Impreza WRX: Redesigned for 2008, the WRX is still quick and now is roomier and more refined—but sadly some of the fun is gone.

Subaru Impreza WRX STi: The STi is very fast, has lots of grip, and the hatchback adds utility. Unfortunately the handling doesn’t live up to the car’s potential.

Volkswagen R32: The highest performance version of VW’s GTI, the all-wheel-drive R32 is luxurious and fast.

Volvo C30: The C30 is pleasant to drive with distinctive styling, but it is expensive compared to some other more entertaining hatchbacks.

A wide range of prices and driving characteristics are represented here. Between the videos and road tests, you may find a sporty car that matches your personality and budget. Read the full story on sporty cars. And for more insights, see the staff’s Personal Picks from this group in parts 1 and 2.

Nissan X-Trail demonstrates promise of fuel cells

Nissan’s X-Trail SUV was one of the few fuel-cell vehicles we hadn’t driven until the company brought one to the Future of the Car day at our test track last week. The X-Trail is a midsized, car-based SUV sold in Japan and other countries. The fuel-cell version we drove houses the polymer electrolyte fuel cell under the driver’s seat, and the very tall rear seat accommodates a 5,000 psi hydrogen storage tank. Sitting in back, this 6-foot writer had to tilt his head to keep from hitting the roof.

Nissan claims the fuel-cell X-Trail can go 230 miles on a tank of hydrogen. Later versions of the car use a 10,000 psi hydrogen storage tank and have a range of more than 310 miles. Cold starting has been an Achilles heel of early fuel cells, and Nissan claims theirs can start in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Cost and durability are the other two fuel-cell bugaboos: the lower the cost, the shorter the lifespan, says Brian Johnston, senior project engineer for fuel-cell and electric vehicles at Nissan. He says the company is still working on that challenge. Modern fuel-cell cars have been estimated to cost between $500,000 and $1.5 million to build. The good news is that hydrogen fuel cells are clean and efficient. The bad news is that no infrastructure exists to distribute hydrogen for cars, and some chemical companies are skeptical that such an infrastructure can ever be cost effective.

While the packaging in this converted production car seemed compromised compared with some other fuel-cell vehicles, the experience behind the wheel was seamless. It was quiet and had good acceleration. The brakes, which generate energy for the on-board lithium-ion battery, didn’t feel grabby as some regenerative brakes do.

In the end, all of the fuel-cell cars we have driven recently have been paragons of smoothness and refinement and offer decent performance. But it will still take a decade or longer to begin bringing the cost down to a reasonable level and to provide an infrastructure to refuel the cars.

—Eric Evarts

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.

Clocking the Murano - Nissan, do I have permission to continue?

Recently, on my way to work in our Nissan Murano, I realized the clock was off by 18 minutes. I could leave it alone, but I’d rather not do math to calculate my arrival time while driving in rush-hour traffic and monitoring traffic reports. Let’s see, 7:15 plus 18 minutes means… bumper to bumper traffic on the route I just took because I missed the radio report. Arrrgh!

So, just a simple adjustment and I’d be content in the knowledge that I am not significantly late for work. Based on recent experience driving our Infiniti EX35 and Murano, I know can adjust the radio, iPod controls, climate system, and even the trip computer when moving. Other than the integrated iPod controller, these functions don’t even require using the multifunction controller and its attendant bank of buttons. So far, so good.

But adjusting the clock? Not so fast—it’s buried deep within the vehicle settings menus, and the ability to adjust it is locked down when the vehicle is in motion. Hit “Settings” and… “Clock selection” is dim until you stop. Makes total sense.

Radio and iPod: Safe to adjust when moving. The clock: Not so much.

Nissan, why is it considered appropriate to navigate through the detailed iPod menu, browsing folders and songs, while driving at 65 mph, yet a simple clock adjustment is so convoluted that I’m not allowed to do it when driving? Sure, I change iPod tracks a whole lot more frequently than I adjust the clock’s time. (The need exists at least twice a year to adjust the clock and possibly more often, as I recently discovered.) You made redundant and simple hard keys for almost everything else, and our Murano doesn’t even have navigation, so why not just drop the mobile dashboard desktop look, sadly de rigueur for a luxury car, in favor of the luxury of simplicity? Or, just let me adjust the clock with the current, high-tech setup.

—Jon Linkov

Have you encountered a frustrating control or function with your car? Share your experience in the comments below.

First Drives of the latest vehicles to enter our test program

At Consumer Reports, we are constantly buying new vehicles to put through our exhaustive test program consisting of more than 50 tests. As vehicles start the evaluation process, we share our initial, raw impressions through the "Logbook" posts to the Cars blog. When vehicles are deeper into their test regimen, we provide First Drive reports on popular models on their way to a complete road test.

The most recent First Drives include the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Smart ForTwo, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Volvo C30. The full tests of all these vehicles will be published in the months to come.

Down the road, the Acura TSX and Ford Flex are likely candidates for First Drives.

The latest First Drives:

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid: The Tahoe Hybrid improves on gas mileage over the traditional Tahoe, but the increase in cost may not add up in the fuel savings. Read the complete First Drive.

2009 Honda Pilot: The redesigned Honda Pilot stays close to the original version, but toughens its appearance with an aggressive grille and slab sides. Read the complete First Drive.

2009 Nissan Murano: The redesigned Murano midsized SUV brings improvements such as an upgraded interior and more competitive price. It receives decent fuel economy, but it requires premium fuel. Read the complete First Drive.

2009 Smart ForTwo: The ForTwo minicar combines flashy styling and clever packaging, but it disappoints with dynamics and overall value. Gas mileage is good, but premium fuel eats up the savings. Read the complete First Drive.

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan: Volkswagen’s first small SUV is well crafted with a roomy interior, comfortable ride, and smooth powertrain, but buyers may be in for sticker shock. Read the complete First Drive.

2009 Volvo C30: This sporty small hatchback is very stylish and aims to compete with the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen GTI. However, its competitors are more entertaining and give you more for the money. Read the complete First Drive.

Every month, we add new First Drives to ConsumerReports.org. These can be found on our First Drives hub linked on the main Cars page and secondary New Cars page. First looks can also be found in the model overview pages (available to online subscribers) until they are replaced with a final road test.

We’re interested in knowing what new models you would most like to see covered in a future First Drive. Post your suggestions in the Comments below.

—Liza Barth

A leap ahead—Small SUVs road test and videos

For our test group in the August 2008 issue, we drove a half dozen small SUVs. "A leap ahead" features the Jeep Liberty, Kia Sorento, Nissan Rogue, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Subaru Forester. We also took a look at the Dodge Journey, Chrysler’s new midsized, car-based SUV.

As sales of large, gas-guzzling large SUVs have plummeted, interest in small SUVs has remained steady. They can be an appealing choice for families looking for utility, fuel economy, interior room, and all-wheel drive in an affordable package. However, they are not all created equal.

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.

Check out the video of the Subaru Forester, our new top-Rated small SUV, plus see the rest of our small SUV videos.

Ratings for all of the SUVs we have tested can be found with our dynamic New Car Selector tool.

—Liza Barth