Some vehicles simply feel higher in quality than others–even before you drive them. This was brought home to me today, though not for the first time, while going back and forth between a Mazda CX-9 and a Saturn Outlook. While I prefer the Saturn overall, the Mazda has more of a quality feel. Such impressions begin when you open the door. Does the outside… More →
Month: February 2007
GM wants to make my life harder
I usually update incentive information once a month, early in the month. Which is generally often enough, as most manufacturers update incentives on a monthly basis. But in the latter half of last month GM added $500 to $1,250 of “bonus cash” to some of its models. This money is in addition to the regular rebates, and unlike the regular rebates… More →
Who cares about reliability information?
If you look at TrueDelta’s list of the most popular price comparisons, you may notice a few things: –Hondas dominate, with at least one Honda or Acura in over half of the comparisons –there’s little interest in the domestics, with two Fords, one Chrysler, and no GM models I’ve found similar patterns in recruiting people for the panel. Honda owners… More →
Ode to black: a simple fix for cheap plastic
Both the press and consumers frequently criticize auto interiors for “looking cheap.” There are two reasons for this. First, manufacturers like Volkswagen and Lexus have raised expectations. Second, in an effort to cut costs manufacturers have been making increasing use of hard plastic. But all hard plastic is not created equal. Honda uses acres of the stuff in the Accord, but… More →