Ford, GM improve in survey
Ford Motor Co. and General Motors made gains in J.D. Power and Associates' influential survey of initial vehicle quality, the Detroit News recently reported. Ford has shown consistent improvement for the past five years, a J.D. Power spokesman said, and GM's Chevrolet Malibu was singled out in the survey as one of the best new vehicles of the year.
Viper endangered?
Recently, Motor Trend speculated about the pending death of Chrysler's unique Dodge Viper. So is this indeed the case? No, Motor Trend admits, "but it most certainly isn't breathing much." The magazine points out that Chrysler doesn't have a next-generation Dodge Viper in its product plans and that the automaker's new owners have little interest in upgrading the model.
New Sonata now available
Auto Week calls it "the Americanization of the Sonata." For its 2009 Sonata model, Hyundai has given the midsize sedan a "moderate freshening." This includes bolstering the engine and refining the Sonata's interior "to adapt to the tastes of U.S. drivers." The car also now has a more aggressive-looking front end, with a deeper grille and larger headlights. The 2009 Sonata is now on sale at dealerships. EPA fuel economy is 26 miles per gallon. Base price is $18,795.
Taurus remains a front-drive model
Early concepts of a 2010 Ford Taurus, with a new design, are floating around the automotive industry, says Motor Trend. The magazine says the new Taurus incorporates design elements from Ford of Europe to create a tasteful new look. And, though talk exists about changing Taurus to a rear-wheel drive sedan, Motor Trend says Ford is likely to keep it as a front-wheel drive vehicle.
