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.   

Small pickup truck crash tests - Some results are dismal

For the first time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested side-impact protection on small pickup trucks and the results are not favorable. (Learn about how the IIHS crash tests cars.) The Toyota Tacoma was the only pickup to earn the highest rating of good in the side test for occupant protection. The Dodge Dakota, Mitsubishi Raider, Ford Ranger, Mazda B Series, and Nissan Frontier all rated marginal; the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon rated poor in the side test, which simulates a side impact from an SUV or pickup.

The side-impact tests are important as it’s the second most common type of crash fatality. Side air bags are standard on more than 65 percent of new models and manufacturers are working to make them standard by the 2010 model year. A federal mandate on side air bags goes into effect for the 2015 model year.

Small pickups have the highest driver death rates of all vehicles and most occur in single-vehicle crashes and rollovers. Electronic stability control (ESC) is a key proven safety feature that can help prevent crashes and save lives, but the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are the only pickups in this group that offer optional ESC. The 2009 version of the Tacoma, Colorado, and Canyon will come with standard ESC.

Small pickups
The July crash-test group is listed below in rank order, with the specific air bag configuration tested and applicable model years listed.

Toyota Tacoma, crew cab models
Front - Good; Side - Good; Rear – Marginal
With front and rear head-curtain air bags and front torso air bags (optional in 2005-2008 models, standard in 2009 models).
Front, side, and rear: 2005-2008 models

Dodge Dakota/Mitsubishi Raider, crew cab models
Front – Good; Side – Marginal; Rear – Acceptable
Without optional side air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2005-2008 models

Nissan Frontier, crew cab models
Front – Good; Side – Marginal; Rear - Poor
Without optional side air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2005-2008 models

Ford Ranger/Mazda B Series, extended cab models
Front – Acceptable; Side – Marginal; Rear – Poor
No side air bags available.
Front and side: 1999-2008 models, rear: 2006-2008 models

Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, crew cab models
Front – Acceptable; Side – Poor; Rear – Marginal
Without optional side air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2004-2008 models

Check out our crash test videos on more than 250 vehicles. This latest pickup truck test will be available soon in our video player.

—Liza Barth

When considering a new vehicle, make sure to review the available safety features and safety Ratings.

Pickup trucks: Forget green… it’s harder to be yellow

My two boys love it when I bring home yellow test cars. Doesn’t matter how well they drive, whether or not the back seat fits their boosters. As long as it’s yellow, it’s cool.

The other day, after a session on WebKinz.com, my boys asked me to find them some pictures of yellow trucks on the computer. So we went to Chevrolet.com to configure a Silverado 1500 crew-cab. No yellow paint option. We also couldn’t find a yellow Ford F-150 on the company’s Web site. Nissan was a bust with its Titan. No yellow Honda Ridgelines, either. Yellow Toyota Tundra? Forget it.

Finally we went to Dodge. Lo and behold, we found a Quad Cab SLT 4x4 in "Detonator Yellow." Looked great. So, just for ha-has, I continued on and picked the options I’d like. Big Hemi V8? Check. Popular Equipment Group? Check. Top-level sound system? Check. Finally, being a good CR safety advocate, I clicked on Electronic Stability Program. I also chose the Supplemental Side Curtain Air Bags option. But, to my amazement, a pop-up surfaced with the message "Detonator Yellow Clear Coat Exterior Paint, Medium Slate Gray Interior Color will be replaced with Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat Interior Paint, Khaki Interior Color."

Huh? What does an exterior color have to do with an interior safety feature?

Curiosity got the best of me, so the next day I contacted Chrysler. The initial response was, "Weird; on the face of it, doesn't make sense. I'm checking with the Product Planning guys…" To the PR person’s credit, he got back to me fairly quickly and said, "The short story is that side air bags (which currently have a very low take rate) are installed at only one plant, and Detonator Yellow is painted at only one plant—not the same plant. The good news is that side air bags are standard on '09 Rams..."

So, if you’re currently shopping for a truck (and all the auto companies are hoping you are, since truck sales these days are taking a pounding) and want a yellow Dodge Ram with all the safety features, you’ll have to get one without the brightest paint scheme out there. But I guess there’s a reason most school buses are painted yellow: makes them pretty easy to see coming or going. In the end, when buying a new vehicle, make sure you get all the desirable safety features, even if you have to compromise on the color.

It may not be easy being green, but it’s even harder to be yellow.

—Mike Quincy

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

Inside scoop - Chrysler to focus on improving interiors

Chrysler recently invited members of the press to a Manhattan showing of the new 2009 Dodge Ram pickup and Journey crossover SUV, providing insight to the common company weakness--interiors--and what the future holds for its production cabins.

Chrysler executives speaking included Klauss Busse, Chief Designer for Jeep and Truck Interiors, and Mike Accavitti, Director of Global Marketing for Dodge and its SRT high-performance arm. The presentation began with Mr. Accavitti giving an overview of the new Ram. He then turned things over to Mr. Busse, who spent a good deal of time explaining improvements to the pickup's interior (left). The Ram is the first graduate of Chrysler's Advance Interior and Component Design studio, whose mission is to improve the look and feel of the company's interiors.

If production models remain true to the pre-release Ram we saw, the truck's interior could be a more pleasant place to spend time in than the inside of any Chrysler product in recent memory. Padded surfaces cover the door panels and dash, which also features stitching that is real rather than molded in. Rubberized switchgear feels and looks upscale, panel fits are improved, and all materials appear to be of a much higher quality than we've seen lately from Chrysler. The high-end model on display even had a heated steering wheel - said to be a segment first.

All this made the Journey presentation somewhat disappointing, especially when we peeked inside (left). And this time, a discussion of the quality of the interior was not part of the show. Having seen and sat in it, I can see why. While it looks like Chrysler spent a few more bucks on the inside of the top-of-the-line Journey R/T on display than on recent CR test models including the Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Nitro, and Jeep Patriot and Compass, it wasn't anywhere near as nice as the pickup —or as those found in some competing models. When we asked if some of the bits and design cues from the truck might find their way into Chrysler's car lineup soon, Accavatti assured us Chrysler management knows something needs to be done.

"The first step is realizing and admitting you have a problem," Accavatti said. He went on to say that specific complaints including hard plastics, and what he called a "stark" look, would be addressed across the board soon.

Let's hope he's right. While Chrysler vehicles have drawn criticism for their interiors of late, our testing has also revealed some other issues, including coarse powertrains and suspensions that seem noisy and not fully sorted out. Reliability has also been an issue. Among other things, we think the company should focus on the surfaces where people sit, and those that they touch and look at, is as good a place to start making improvements as any.

Plans call for redoing the Jeep Compass and Patriot first, with the updates due to showrooms by the end of calendar '08. New interiors for other models will follow. We look forward to seeing the results.

—Jim Travers

Also read: "Chrysler threatens to pull plastic plug on "Playskool" interiors." For insights on another Journey, view and listen to their discography.

Chicago - Show me the green

The Chicago Auto Show seems to fall in a tough place on the calendar, that is, after the Los Angeles and Detroit shows where combined 60-80 vehicles may have been unveiled. Each event has a typical theme: LA is usually on the leading-edge of the Green movement and high fashion; Detroit tends to combine American muscle, technology innovation, and memorable design; Chicago is often a blend of truck news and also-rans (minor updates and decidedly unsexy models).

Disappointingly, the pattern holds true this year. The show itself isn't to blame, being a hapless victim of timing and circumstance. I place the blame on the manufacturers. Hear me out...

Reflecting back on the announcements after one last tour of the show floor, there were more than a fair share of mild updates and rebadged models. These may be all important to their respective companies, but not fodder for fueling consumer (or diehard automotive) passions.

Trucks did rule here in Chicago, with several interesting announcements although little that rocked my automotive world. The Chevrolet Traverse looks great. The Ford Works computer system is quite impressive. The GMC Sierra is welcomed to the hybrid revolution. The GMC Denali XT concept is, well, different.

What I wanted to see was inventive, thrifty trucks and SUVs. Rather than just targeting full-throttle, off-road assault monsters, I was looking forward to more vehicles that could commune in nature in a reasonably environmentally responsible way.

Turns out Detroit was the show for that, with the Ford Escape Plug-in, Hummer HX, Jeep Renegade (shown above), Land Rover LRX, Saturn Vue Plug-in, and Toyota A-BAT concepts. No question the Hummer H3T rocks in its own conquer-the-Earth way, but the HX concept from Detroit alongside it rocks harder. Fit it with a clean diesel engine and consider it the brand's savior.

The show season isn't over until New York next month. Just hope we don't have to wait until the next Detroit show to be tantalized with vehicles that combine fun and "green" in the same exciting package.

Meanwhile, I need to reread the Suzuki Equator materials to learn more about how it has an "exclusive" grille.

—Jeff Bartlett

Read our complete coverage of the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.

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.

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 recalls over a million full-sized trucks, SUVs, and vans

Ford Motor Company is recalling 1.18 million 1997-2003 model year Ford F-Series Super-Duty trucks, E-Series vans, and Excursions currently registered in the U.S. due to a concern over the cam position (CMP) sensor that may result in degraded engine performance including hesitation, stumble, or stalling.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says an engine stall could result in a crash. Ford reports there have been 14 allegations of minor accidents or loss of control concerns, but no injuries due to this concern in over 10 years of vehicle service.

This recall involves older vehicles that are powered by 7.3-liter diesel engines manufactured by International. The 6.0- and 6.4-liter diesel engines on current models are not affected.

Owners will be notified by mail beginning mid-December and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer, who will then inspect the camshaft position sensor and replace it at no charge.

For more information:
Ford: 866-436-7332
NHTSA Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236

—Jeff Bartlett

Discuss Ford in the Cars forums.

From the logbook: Chevrolet Silverado

The GM full-sized pickup trucks among the best-selling vehicles in the United States year after year, with a large contingent of loyal and prospective buyers. In our latest pickup truck comparison test, the redesigned Silverado did quite well, finishing only four points behind the new Toyota Tundra. Both trucks trail the top-scoring Chevrolet Avalanche, tested previously. We now have sufficient reliability data to recommend the Silverado 1500 and 2500. (Learn more about our latest Reliability findings.)

However, because we don't recommend models with below-average reliability, the four-wheel-drive V8 Tundra no longer makes Consumer Reports' recommended list. (The two-wheel drive Tundra tops the list for full-sized pickups.)

With the publishing of the September road test, our formal testing and rating of the Silverado is complete, but we thought you might like a candid look at the CR auto engineer's logbook notes:

"The ride is a bit softer than the Ford [F-150] but has some structural jiggles."

"Much better steering and brake feel than before."

"...spunky powertrain and reasonably good ride and handling."

"Two of my biggest complaints about [past] Chevy trucks seem to be addressed here: light steering and a spongy brake pedal. Though not heavy, the steering is more direct and linear, and the brake has a firm feel."

"Access to the front seat is difficult [for shorter people]. Needs running boards or grab handles."

"First truck I drove this week (Ram, Tundra, Silverado) that has adequate lumbar support. Still hate the manual recline..."

"Truck bed height is good for loading."

"Handled 800 pounds of roofing material without wincing."

"Still cheap interior and hard-to-find door latch."

"Tiny climate control buttons."

"$37K seems like a lot of cash when you realize that you're not getting heated leather seats, adjustable pedals or a premium audio system. Where did the money go to? Everything looked better in the John Mellencamp ads..."

"More rattles than the first time I drove it...sounds like the whole back seat is falling apart."

"Most civilized truck of the bunch."

"Friendliest truck of the group...none of the others is as handy as a daily commuter and weekend warrior."

As you can see, we quite like the Silverado, although the team still has some criticisms.

--Mike Quincy

Discuss the Silverado and other pickup trucks in the Cars forums.