Archives for July 2014

At a Glance: 2015 Ford Expedition

July 17, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Fourth generation model debuts this year.

The Ford Motor Company released updated information on Wednesday about its full-size sport-utility vehicle. The 2015 Ford Expedition is the latest version of this big body-on-frame SUV. Standard and stretched wheelbase versions are once again available; a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine is now standard.

2015 Ford Expedition

In the new Ford Expedition, the automaker claims that it is its most powerful as well as the most fuel-efficient model we have seen to date. The new engine replaces a 5.4-liter V-8 engine that had been used for many years. The V-6, outfitted with turbochargers and direct injection, makes 365 horsepower and 420 foot-pounds of torque. It is paired with a SelectShift six-speed transmission.

The latest iteration has three rows of seats with room for eight. It sits on a 119-inch wheelbase, coming in at six inches longer than the Ford Explorer, a crossover utility vehicle. A longer wheelbase version adds twelve inches to the wheelbase and raises cargo space capacity from 108.3 cubic feet to 130.8 cubic feet. Both 42 and 44 configurations return.

2015 Ford Expedition

Meeting Customer Demand

Neither Ford nor General Motors appears ready to abandon the full-size SUV market despite lower sales in recent years. Keith Wilson, Expedition marketing manager, explained why this SUV continues in the Ford product arsenal. “Customers still have a need for a traditional full-size utility vehicle and the new 2015 Expedition delivers what those customers are looking for.”

Indeed, no other vehicles can deliver the combination of space, performance and capability of the largest SUVs which is why the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon also remain in production. The luxury variants of these models are also still around with the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade receiving generational updates for 2015 as well.

The Ford Expedition showed up in 1996 and was joined for several years by the even larger Ford Excursion. The oversized Excursion was produced for six model years, then canceled in 2005. Despite declining demand for large SUVs, Ford Expedition sales were up by 0.8 percent in 2013 on 38,350 units sold. In contrast, Ford sells more than four times as many Explorers as they do Expeditions.

See Also — At a Glance: 2020 Ford Explorer

New Technologies

Besides the new engine, the 2015 Ford Expedition will be equipped with a number of new and advanced technologies. Electric power-assisted steering is standard. SYNC with available MyFord Touch, a blind spot information system with cross traffic alert and continuously controlled damping technology will provide a smoother ride. The new Expedition also has a 9,200-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.

Ford engineers also worked diligently to minimize noise. For starters, they included new body seals to reduce air leaks by 20 percent. Additional sound deadening materials were added to the door trim panels and to the headliner, along with acoustic glass, wheel well sound insulation, and new carpeting. Combined, these factors will greatly reduced noise intrusion.

A fresh center stack punctuates the interior, designed to accommodate new technologies such as the available 8-inch touch screen for SYNC with MyFord Touch. That feature displays driver information in the gauge cluster as shown on a pair of full-color 4.2-inch screens.

Other technologies available on the Ford Expedition range include: push button start, front and rear parking sensors, LED ambient lighting, a rear view camera, and truck apps to make trailering and off-roading easier.

Platinum Trim Level Added

Based on the platform underpinning the Ford F-150, the 2015 Ford Expedition will also take a trim level from its truck sibling and apply it to the line. Specifically, a Platinum trim series is a first time offering. That model will offer customers a choice of leather interiors featuring red wine or ebony color schemes. Customers can also choose XLT, Limited and King Ranch editions.

Other changes evident for 2015 are a revised front end design with available halogen projector beam headlights and LED fog lamps. Available 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, an updated rear hatch and a new chrome-tipped exhaust are offered.

Built in Louisville, Kentucky, the 2015 Ford Expedition will go on sale later this year. Pricing is to be announced separately.

See Also — On the Way: 2016 Ford Taurus

Photos courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.

Cars and Coffee in the Sandhills: July 2014

July 16, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Cars and Coffee in the Sandhills

Anyone that has followed Auto Trends for some time knows that we look backward as well as forward. Not just to the new, upcoming and futuristic models, but at the antiques and classics that have shaped the auto industry for more than a century.

Throw out information about a classic car show and this writer’s interest is piqued. Place that show within a few hours of his North Carolina address and he will seriously consider stopping by.

Cars and Coffee in the Sandhills

Just hours after learning that a new Cars and Coffee event was being held within an easy drive, your intrepid reporter decided to check it out. That event is officially known as “Cars and Coffee in the Sandhills,” an Aberdeen, North Carolina, meet up held on the second Saturdays of the month from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Check out the Facebook page here.)

As it turns out, the July 2014 gathering was its second one. The first meet up attracted about 20 vehicles and about 50 to 60 were expected for July. My count came in to around three dozen (before I left at 10:30 a.m.), including several classics from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Three motorcyclists showed up, including a 1940 Harley.

Bob Stearns, a local car enthusiast and horse farm builder, organized the event. It is held on the Leith Honda used car lot adjacent to a Sonic Drive-In at 11049 US 15/501 North in Aberdeen or about one-eighth of a mile north of the Route 1 interchange.

Stearns told Auto Trends that he worked for several months to get the Honda dealer (Leith Honda Aberdeen) to provide space. His Leith contacts agreed and have promised up to 350 spots, as needed. The allotted area runs along the Sonic property line, making it easy for people to stop in and get food and drinks as desired.

Cars and Coffee in the Sandhills

All Vehicles Are Welcome

Starting a Cars and Coffee event in the Sandhills was a sensible move noted Stearns, considering that the Cary gathering shut down and a Raleigh meet up took over. That Raleigh gathering is about 75 miles to the north; other gatherings can be found in Fayetteville, Greensboro and Charlotte, lengthy drives for people that call Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and other Moore County towns their home.

Stearns encourages everyone to come out and says that all vehicles are welcome. He said, “…it doesn’t have to be muscle cars, it doesn’t have to be old cars, it can be all of the above as well as new cars — anything that you are proud of you may bring, enjoy, come meet people, come talk to people, come look at cars. Spectators are absolutely welcome, you don’t need a car to be here, just show up and enjoy.”

Downtown Night Out and Cruise-In

Several of the attendees also planned to head out to St. Pauls, North Carolina, a small community on State Highway 20 just east of I-95. From March through October, the local chamber sponsors a “Downtown Night Out and Cruise-In” series — a classic car cruise-in that also welcomes pickup trucks, motorcyclists and others to stop by. Live music, local food and other special family-friendly events are held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on second Saturdays. Saint Pauls is approximately 40 miles southeast of Cars and Coffee in the Sandhills.

Additional Cars and Coffee News

Cars and Coffee Raleigh Holds First Meet

Cars and Coffee Fayetteville: March 2014

Cars and Coffee Cary: March 2014

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Volkswagen Expands Tennessee Investment, Adds New Model

July 15, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept to Become a Reality

Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept -- Tennessee

Concept vehicle to become a 2017 model year reality.

The Volkswagen Group announced on Monday a commitment to build a new midsize sport utility vehicle at its sole US manufacturing plant. The automaker said that it will invest $900 million to expand its Chattanooga, Tennessee, production facility and add up to 2,000 new jobs. The company has committed to take its Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept vehicle to production, although the model’s final name has yet to be determined.

Volkswagen announced its news from Wolfsburg early on Monday afternoon. However, the press conference was fairly muted even from German standards, likely the result of the country having won the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil late the night before local time. That victory was alluded to during the press conference.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, Wins Out

Word that Volkswagen would green light CrossBlue production had been expected for days, if not weeks. What wasn’t clear was where the SUV would be built. Mexico was under consideration, given its lower labor cost edge. The CrossBlue, like the Passat, was designed for the North American market and either location would have been suitable.

Alas, an important push by Tennessee officials including Chattanooga’s mayor, Hamilton County officials and its two US senators helped move the needle toward the Volunteer State. Not to mention various tax abatements and other incentives that were offered to entice Volkswagen.

Christian Koch, CEO and Chairman of Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, said: “We are proud to be making the new midsize SUV here. This is fantastic news for the plant and proof of the confidence placed in the workforce that does a great job here making high-quality cars every day.”

Late 2016 Production Plans

Production of the new model is expected to begin in late 2016, joining the US-specification Passat as the only two models that Volkswagen builds in the United States. Audi and Porsche, two other Volkswagen Group brands with an American presence, do not build their models stateside although an Audi plant is now under construction in Mexico.

Volkswagen’s decision followed a hard-fought unionization battle that ended in defeat for the United Auto Workers. Even so, the UAW took the unusual move last week to form a union local that is not recognized by Volkswagen.

Besides the plant expansion, what will be integrated into the plant’s existing structure, Volkswagen says that it will also invest in a new, independent National Research Development and Planning Center. The center will provide much-needed project coordination in the North American market.

The US market has been an especially tough one for the Volkswagen brand to crack. However, by building proprietary models such as the Passat and the CrossBlue, the company has shown much willingness to address local needs specifically.

From Concept to Reality

The Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept made its debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The concept was outfitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine and a hybrid drive system. It also featured a six-speed dual clutch transmission and two electric motors, one at each axle. Total power came in at an estimated at 305 horsepower with a whopping 516 foot-pounds of twist.

What the seven passenger SUV will bring to the US market may be different, however. Volkswagen could offer gas and diesel variant and provide a hybrid diesel as an option.

In whatever ways the new utility vehicle is served up, it could give Volkswagen much needed traction in a market where company sales are down 7 percent year to date.

Recent News

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Acura TLX Tasked With Replacing Two Models

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Photo courtesy of Volkswagen Group of America.

Versatile Crossover: 2014 Toyota Highlander XLE

July 14, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Toyota offers customers six utility vehicles — seven if you include the FJ Cruiser that is being retired this year. Half of the remaining six models are traditional body-on-frame sport utility vehicles; the other three are crossovers.

It is in the middle of the line up where customers are best served as the Venza, Highlander and 4Runner vie for sales. These three are distinctly different vehicles with the Highlander the best known and perhaps the most versatile one of the lot. A 2014 Toyota Highlander XLE edition equipped with a V-6 engine and front-wheel drive was a recent Auto Trends weekly driver.

2014 Toyota Highlander XLE

The 2014 Toyota Highlander begins the third generation for this popular crossover utility vehicle. It comes in slightly larger and longer than the previous edition and seats up to eight people. Toyota offers LE ($29,215), LE Plus ($32,740), XLE ($36,040) and Limited ($39,640) editions. A Highlander Hybrid Limited is also available, retailing for $47,300. As delivered, the test model was priced at $36,900.

Only the Highlander LE comes equipped with a 2.7-liter four cylinder engine. The other models come with a 3.5-liter V-6. That base engine makes 185 horsepower to the 270 horsepower produced by the V-6. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Although not having personally driven the LE, its more limited power and towing capabilities may have most people looking at the other editions. The four cylinder model has a 1,500-pound towing capacity; the other models tow 2,000 pounds to as much as 5,000 pounds with a tow prep package.

2014 Toyota Highlander XLE

Bold Exterior Styling

Perhaps the most striking change for the third generation Highlander has to do with its exterior styling. The curvaceous lines are still there, but the grille projects a more powerful if not tough look that keeps in line with Toyota’s other utility vehicles. The new look also provides better airflow; the overall stance of the Highlander is more athletic with its broad shoulders, body side creasings and sporty profile.

What Toyota did was move the Highlander closer to the 4Runner’s rugged persona, but I must admit that the off-road capabilities of the body-on-frame 4Runner is what attracts my attention. Even so, the Highlander is the better seller and a very good option to the traditional minivan. Yes, the Sienna represents Toyota well in that people-mover department.

2014 Toyota Highlander XLE

Redesigned and Sensible Interior

Where the Toyota Highlander shines brightest is with its interior. If offers a standard 2+3+3 seating layout or 2+2+3 seating in the Limited with its second row captain’s chairs. Fabric-trimmed seats are standard on the LE and SofTex seating is included with the LE Plus and XLE. Choose the Limited and leather-trimmed seats are used in the first two rows.

The SofTex seats have a look and feel of leather, but utilizes thermoplastic polyurethane for optimum breathability and surface cooling notes SAE. Its stitching and feel may fool you, but you should know that “no animals were harmed” in making this material. Toyota claims that SofTex absorbs moisture slower and releases it faster than natural leather. After enduring a week of 90-degree temperatures I can assure you that the material feels and looks great.

The Highlander XLE comes with a leather-trimmed, tilt and telescopic steering wheel column. The three-spoke design includes switches for Bluetooth, voice command, cruise and multimedia controls. The instrument panel features two large analog displays flanking a digital driver information center. The look is clear, clean and sensible. Most importantly, it is uncluttered and easy to configure.

2014 Toyota Highlander XLE

Nifty Dashboard Layout

Toyota put much thought into both its dashboard and center console layouts. The upper and lower portions of the dashboard are split by an open compartment that runs from the center to two inches from the right side of the Highlander. Nonskid material holds everything in place including your smartphone that will fit snuggly on the far left side nearest the console. The entire area holds whatever you do not want to place in the glove box, what might include anything you want to have access to while on the road.

The center console includes USB and auxiliary ports — a pass through from the open compartment to the console makes recharging a snap. Two oversized cup holders, driving mode switches, the transmission shifter and front seat heat warmers are also included. But, it is the oversized enclosed storage compartment between the seats that will have you wondering about its storage possibilities. Sure, it is large enough to hold dozens of cans, but it doesn’t have a cooling feature or a drain. It does include a 12v/120-watt outlet, so if you want to jerry-rig a refrigerator you probably can. Regardless of how it is used, the compartment may quickly become a family favorite.

2014 Toyota Highlander XLE

Storage and Climate Control

Speaking of families, there are a number of other features that make this crossover stand out. The front doors include a pair of bottle holders with additional storage room. The back doors have room for one oversized bottle plus storage. Fold down the middle seat section and two cup holders are present. The third seat compartment, easily accessible by moving and flipping the second seat forward, has four cup holders — two on each side of the vehicle.

With tri-zone climate control, second- and third-row occupants won’t feel cheated by the front-row settings. Heating and cooling controls face the second row from the base of the center console. Overhead vents for both back rows deliver ample amounts of air. A 120-volt outlet in the center console keeps gaming devices fully charged.

Access to the Highlander comes with a smart key, available only in the XLE and Limited editions. Approach the crossover and tug on the door handle and it automatically illuminates and unlocks the door. It does the same for the liftgate. Slip in behind the wheel, press the start button and you’re ready to get underway.

I’ve found that seating comfort for most utility vehicles is very good, if not excellent. In the Toyota Highlander, the seats are supportive, cushy and offer six-way driver support. Certainly not the type of bolstering you might find in a Lexus IS F sedan, for instance, but clearly what you would expect for the long road ahead. Sure, you can engage in more “spirited” driving by shutting off stability control and working the shiftable transmission, but most people simply won’t be bothered. After all, this is a family vehicle, not a performance coupe.

2014 Toyota Highlander XLE

View manufacturer details and pricing

Generous Power, Ample Performance

Turn on the engine and place the transmission in drive and the 3.5-liter V-6 responds with ample power. Not once did I find myself wishing that there was more power. Rather, this crossover delivers generous amounts of energy when needed. Because the test model was front-wheel drive, I also experienced a couple of things that would be absent or minimized with an all-wheel drive model.

For instance, one of the first times I pulled away from a stop light the wheels sent out a squeal. I had no idea that burning rubber with this model was possible and had a laugh when I considered what other drivers must have been thinking about the “crazy guy” in the SUV.

Also, when calling on so much power, expect that torque steer will be evident. The steering wheel may shift slightly from side to side, a feeling that is common to front-wheel drive vehicles, especially models with generous amounts of horsepower. Steering and handling are otherwise good and braking is sound with this model.

2014 Toyota Highlander XLE

Limited Standard Storage

The rear storage area is small, offering just 13.6 cubic feet of storage space. For large families requiring more room they can either tow their stuff or opt for the available roof rail cross bars to place cargo on top. You can also partially fold down a rear seat if all eight places are not needed to gain some additional space. Underneath the floor you won’t find a spare tire as it is located beneath the vehicle. The test model was equipped with Michelin Latitude Tour tires.

I have found that current generation Toyota models outfitted with Entune infotainment systems work quite well. Then again I have an advantage here: my wife’s 2013 Toyota RAV4 comes Entune-equipped, so I have had a lot of practice with the system. In the Highlander, you have an 8-inch color display to work with along with the usual apps. That layout includes the audio system that provides very good sound distribution.

If I were to make the Toyota Highlander my own, I would opt for all-wheel drive. I might also choose the available rear-seat Blue Ray DVD entertainment system and swap out the bench seat for two Captain’s chairs and a side table. That pushes the final price of this crossover to about $40,000, a price threshold common for well-equipped models in this class.

Toyota Highlander Competition

Besides the Toyota products, the midsize utility vehicle segment is loaded with competitors. These include: Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevrolet Traverse, Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Durango, Honda Pilot, Buick Enclave, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the GMC Acadia. The Highlander holds its own in this class and as one of the newest models on the market it delivers many of the amenities today’s families desire.

2014 Toyota Highlander XLE FWD V6

Sticker price from $36,040
Price as tested: $36,900
Seats 8 occupants
3.5-liter 24-valve V-6 engine
270 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
248 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,700 rpm
3.70 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 10:8-to-1
Six-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 109.8 inches
Length: 191.1 inches
Width: 75.8 inches
Height: 68.1 inches
Passenger volume: 140.4 cubic feet
Storage volume: 13.6/42/82.6 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
EPA: 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway
Regular grade gasoline
Fuel tank: 19.2 gallons
Curb weight: From 4,310 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 5 years/Unlimited miles
Vehicle assembly: Princeton, Indiana

More Car Reviews

Performance Luxury Sedan: 2014 Lexus IS

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Peak This: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

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Driven: 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T (FWD)

July 11, 2014 by admin 4 Comments

Behind the wheel of Hyundai’s larger, but not largest crossover.

Here a crossover, there a crossover. The market is flooded with car-based utility vehicles, offering excellent room, superior body rigidity and decent fuel mileage nearly across the board.

Hyundai has two offerings in the crossover department — a compact Tucson (reviewed here last month) and the Santa Fe. A third model, the larger Veracruz, was cancelled a few years back. To fill in the void created by the Veracruz’ demise, a stretched wheelbase version of the Santa Fe is now available. The standard version is called the Santa Fe Sport; the stretched model is simply known as the Santa Fe. Got it?

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T (FWD)

Hyundai has two things going for it when it takes on its competitors: value and excellent warranties. In value, Hyundai pricing is competitive and its products generally offer more equipment standard. Even so, the competition in the midsize utility vehicle segment is fierce with every manufacturer offering at least one model. With warranties, there is nothing that beats a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage.

Competing Hyundai Santa Fe models include: the Ford Edge and Flex, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Toyota Highlander and 4 Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Tribeca, Honda Pilot, Dodge Journey, and several others. Standard five-passenger seating gives way to room for six or seven when the stretched wheelbase model is selected.

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T

As for the model line at hand, the 2014 Santa Fe Sport is priced from $24,950 and comes equipped with a 2.4-liter, 16-valve four cylinder engine rated at 190 horsepower. That compares with the 2.0T priced from $30,650 and making 264 horsepower. Both models offer standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive and are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a shifting option. No paddle shifters, just a stick that can be moved like a manual gearbox.

For a $5,700 price premium, you better receive much more than a 74-horsepower boost. No worries: Hyundai delivers the goods and in spades.

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T (FWD)

The upgrade begins with the wheels as the standard 17-inch alloy wheels are replaced with 18-inch wheels. Because the test model had a navigation package ($1,750), top-of-the-line 19-inch wheels were present. Those wheels come encased in Continental ContiProContact tires, all-season tires that typically grace some of the finer European sedans. They are run-flat tires too — there is no spare tire with the Sport 2.0T.

Other exterior upgrades and embellishments for the Sonata 2.0T include: roof rack side rails, heated side mirrors with embedded turn signal indicators, a windshield wiper deicer, automatic headlights, fog lights and a proximity key with push button start.

Comfortable and Roomy Interior

Inside, the cabin is roomy, bright and comfortable. As I pulled myself behind the steering wheel I kept thinking “Azera” as in Hyundai’s larger sedan, what sits in the brand’s sedan product line between the midsize Sonata and the larger Genesis. Nicely bolstered and comfortable seats up front; comfortable seating to the rear.

The Sport 2.0T adds in several features not found or perhaps offered optionally in the base edition. This model provides an 8-way power driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar support; a 4-way power seat is for the front passenger. The front seats are heated; ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are optional. Leather seating is standard with the Sport 2.0T, replacing the stain-resistant cloth seating in the base model. Leather wraps the steering wheel which includes secondary driver controls and cruise control.

Standard air conditioning is upgraded to dual zone climate control in the Sport 2.0T. All models come equipped with second row HVAC vents, power windows and door locks, front seat back pockets, a split-folding rear seat, front and rear cup holders, in-door beverage holders and storage, illuminated vanity mirrors, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel column.

The Sport 2.0T also brings in rear side window sunshades, sliding and reclining second row seats, a rear view camera and an electroluminescent gauge cluster. Safety features include: blind spot detection, rear parking assist, hill start assist, downhill brake control and active front head restraints.

Nifty Smartphone Tray

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T (FWD) I gave the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T high marks in a few areas including its front storage tray, designed to hold your smart phone and places that compartment within easy reach. Located at the bottom of the center stack, that section also includes a pair of 12-volt outlets as well as USB and auxiliary ports. I find that this design is highly useful and trumps the covered center consoles often found elsewhere.

The Hyundai BlueLink infotainment system is another plus, one that offers touchscreen access along with accompanying switches and knobs. Directions are easy to enter and can be put in place while you are driving unlike some competitors — then again, that ability can be a huge distraction — it would be better to pull over first or have a passenger handle the input. The 8-inch screen, part of a navigation package, was clear and the voice commands pleasant as well as accurate.

On the road, the Santa Fe 2.0T provides generous amounts of power. So much so that you will feel a slight amount of torque steer as you step on the accelerator. All that power concentrated over the front wheels gives a familiar and expected tug — I am curious how that plays out in the all-wheel drive model.

That spirited drive comes in handy, especially on the highway. Not once was I left begging for more power. Instead, the Sport 2.0T enabled me to blow past slower vehicles and move away from stop lights with ease.

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T (FWD)

About That Suspension.

The one demerit I must give this model is for the front end — specifically, the front suspension is equipped with “compact and light MacPherson struts” according to Hyundai (multi-link to the rear). One problem became evident as I was driving along a familiar road and navigating an expected railroad crossing at 45 mph — I was greeted with a jarring and entirely unexpected clunk that shuddered through the crossover.

The reaction surprised me although it had no effect on my control of the vehicle. I thought it might have been an isolated incident, but a few days later on a different road and one with a pronounced dip, the sensation was repeated — although not to the extent of what I had experienced at the railroad crossing. Potential buyers living in areas where roads that are rough should keep this in mind when test driving the vehicle.

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport FWD 2.0T

View manufacturer details and pricing

Overall handling is average and braking is good. Even so, this crossover could live up to its Sport 2.0T name with a few improvements in both areas that would set this model apart from its competitors. Given that the segment is so tough, such changes might put the Santa Fe at the top of buyer’s lists.

The Santa Fe shines in another area: rear storage. That compartment offers 35 cubic feet of storage space or enough room to bring ample gear for a week on the road with your family of five. Underneath the floor is a compartmentalized storage area, an ideal place to keep your first-aid kit, hide your valuables or squirrel away anything else that you don’t want to have within easy view. The rear storage area size doubles when the back seats are folded, although they do not fold completely flat.

Hyundai Santa Fe

If you are considering the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, you get an additional four inches between the wheels and nearly nine inches in added length overall. You also get the Azera’s 3.3-liter V-6 engine making 290 horsepower. Available in GLS ($29,900) and Limited ($33,800) trim, the stretched model rivals vehicles like the Toyota Highlander in size while undercutting its price.

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport FWD 2.0T

Sticker price from $30,650
Price as tested: $33,385
Seats 5 occupants
2.0-liter 16-valve turbocharged four cylinder engine
264 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
269 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,750 to 3,000 rpm
86mm bore by 86mm stroke
Engine compression ratio: 9:5-to-1
Six-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length: 184.6 inches
Width: 74 inches
Height: 66.1 inches
Passenger volume: 108 cubic feet
Storage volume: 35.4/71.5 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 1,650 to 3,000 pounds
EPA: 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
Regular grade gasoline
Fuel tank: 19.2 gallons
Curb weight: From 3,569 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Good
Limited vehicle warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 7 years/Unlimited miles
Vehicle assembly: West Point, Georgia

More Car Reviews

Performance Luxury Sedan: 2014 Lexus IS

Bargain Hatch: 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV

Peak This: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Bavarian Fest: 2014 BMW 535d xDrive

See Also — Return of the Chevrolet Blazer

Nissan Charging: Free Electric for Leaf Owners

July 10, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Nissan program to cover up to 25 cities in 2015.

Nissan has been having moderate success with its Leaf electric vehicle. Those sales are not approaching the 150,000 annual unit capacity that its Tennessee plant provides, but it is making progress. To date, more than 120,000 Leafs have been sold worldwide.

Since its late 2010 roll out, Nissan has been touting the Leaf’s gas- and emissions-free attributes. As an owner, you not only avoid directly polluting the environment, but your days stopping by the service station for fueling are long gone. At least for this model.

Nissan Leaf

No Charge to Charge

To maintain interest in EVs and to give potential buyers another reason to consider one, Nissan has introduced a “No Charge to Charge” program by providing two years of free charging in select markets. Announced this week, the Nissan initiative will give Leaf owners free charging at eligible public stations in 10 markets across the United States.

The program will involve more than 2,600 public stations including more than 200 quick chargers. Quick chargers enable Leaf owners to achieve 80 percent battery capacity in about 30 minutes, allowing drivers to extend their range without further delay. That’s far better than the overnight charging the typical household outlet provides or the stepped up recharging times of the average recharging unit.

Free charging is a great way for Nissan and our charging partners to make LEAF an unbeatable value for the average American driver, said Brendan Jones, director, Nissan Electric Vehicle Sales and Infrastructure. The popularity of No Charge to Charge since our April announcement shows that public charging spurs range confidence and additional LEAF sales.

10 Markets Served

The “No Charge to Charge” program is in effect in the following US markets: Nashville, Phoenix, Houston, Washington, DC, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Dallas-Fort Worth, Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Another 15 top markets are expected to be added within the next year.

The Nissan program works with the new EZ-Charge card, a credit card type plastic card that gives Nissan Leaf owners access to five of the leading EV charging networks with just one card. That means affected owners can visit Blink, NRG eVgo, ChargePoint, AeroVironment and CarCharging locations, use the card and do so without cost.

Nissan Leaf owners can find the applicable stations by downloading a PlugShare app for Android or iOS. They can also visit EZ-Charge.com online to find eligible chargers.

2014 Nissan Leaf

The 2014 Nissan Leaf is priced from $28,980 and is available in three trim levels. For many customers, a $7,500 tax credit can be taken, effectively driving down the final price of this EV to $21,480.

Some states offer incentives as well; Nissan Leaf owners may also enjoy other perks including HOV access and local tax breaks.

Innovative Self-Cleaning Paint

In other Leaf news, Nissan is experimenting with special “self-cleaning paint” that repels water and oils. Called “Ultra-Ever Dry,” the paint stops standing water and road spray from creating dirty marks on the paint surface. Currently undergoing testing in Europe, the paint works well with spray, rain, sleet, frost and standing water.

At present, Nissan has no plans to make the paint technology, composed of specially engineered superhydrophobic and oleophobic paint, as standard equipment on any of its vehicles. Instead, the automaker is considering making it a future aftermarket option. Nissan chose the Leaf for the test paint to demonstrate that the “world’s cleanest car” in emissions control might someday extend that moniker to its exterior.

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Nissan Leaf photo courtesy of Nissan North America.

Summer Dreams and Your Cross-Country Adventure

July 9, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

I have never driven cross country, but would seriously consider doing so if I had the time and the right car to take me there and back. From coast-to-coast, your trip would easily add more than 5,000 miles to your car’s odometer and put it through a test it likely hasn’t been through before. If the appeal of the open road is a strong one for you, then consider the following points as you make your plans and head out.

From sea to shining sea.

Assuming that you’re starting your trip at the continent’s edge and continuing to the other side of the country, you will be spending about a week on the road just to make your way across America. If you plan to drive back, add another week of travel.

Likely, you will want to allow for up to a week of looking around, so plan on making it at least a three-week adventure. Piecing an extended amount of time off from work can be a challenge for most people — will your boss allow it? Thankfully, I work for myself and can take my work with me.

Your boss may have a thing or two to say about your extended vacation plans.

Your car, a rental or a friend’s vehicle.

You have several transportation choices for taking a coast-to-coast trip. Your own car is the logical first choice. You might also consider renting a vehicle. Or, if you are planning to head out with a friend, then your buddy’s car may do. There are advantages and disadvantages with all three points.

For instance, your car may not be able to handle the trip. Also, if you rent a vehicle, you will pay for the rental cost and for exceeding mileage limits. It is doubtful that any rental car company would be happy to have an additional 5,000 to 7,500 miles placed on the odometer without charging you handsomely for it.

Take a friend’s vehicle and you may be in the passenger seat more than behind the wheel. This is simply not an option for people that prefer to drive. Of course, you could volunteer to do the bulk of the driving.

Fast or slow or both.

America’s interstate highway system means that there are multiple highways that criss-cross the country and can get you where you are going fast. Speed, however, isn’t everything. If you want to take in all that America offers and enjoy the fabric of our country, then navigating what is left of the Mother Road, Route 66, may be the best plan for you.

If your trip includes secondary and tertiary roads it will take you longer to cross the country. Other factors to consider include how much time you want to devote to driving each day, the length of your stops and the ever changing weather conditions.

Americas interstate highway system is not the only way to see the country.

Eat and sleep your way there.

As you cross the country you will have the opportunity to sample a variety of fare. You will also find that accommodations can vary and your sleeping choices may be few and far between in some areas. This means you may need to consider various options including sleeping in a tent, in the back seat of your car or taking your chances at a motel court that time has forgotten. Much may depend on your budget as well as your personal tastes.

As you map out your route, locate the various places you can stay along the way including campgrounds, motels and bed and breakfast establishments. If you frequent a certain hotel chain, know where these are located too. You may tire of camping night after night and want to give yourself a comfortable break as well as a hot shower.

What to pack for your trip.

You will be gone for several weeks and that means bringing sufficient clothing with you along with plans to stop and clean as you go. Summer shorts and other lightweight clothing may be sufficient for much of your route, but you should keep in mind that as you make your way through higher elevations, temperatures can plunge especially at night.

It wouldn’t be wrong to bring winter gear with you in the event that you encounter a freak snow event as you cross the Rockies. Your gear should include comfortable footwear, boots, hats, gloves and long sleeved shirts and pants. A sweater, jacket and a coat can also come in handy. Besides camping gear you will want to bring a pillow, blankets, a sleeping bag and anything else to keep you warm.

Will your tires endure thousands of miles of tough travel?

Have your car serviced.

With thousands of miles of road ahead of you, the vehicle you drive will be put through a big test. If you own the vehicle you intend to take, there are several things you will want to do before hitting the road.

A trip to your mechanic to have him handle your service interval requirements may be necessary. Also, if you need to have something checked before you leave, then get that done now. That rattle or squeal underneath the hood could be warning you that you have a potential breakdown in your future. Have that problem fixed before you leave.

For a cross country trip you will want to have your oil changed, your air filter replaced, your battery cleaned or replaced, your fluids topped off, the transmission fluid changed, the radiator flushed and your tires rotated. If your tires are showing signs of wear, replace them before heading out. Don’t forget to check the spare tire too.

Inspect your brake and suspension system and verify that the exhaust system is in good working order. Replace your wiper blades, check all lights and bring with you an emergency kit. Duct tape and a first aid kit come in handy too.

It is also a good idea to ensure that your roadside assistance plan is current. Leave an itinerary behind with a family member or a friend and make sure that your cell phone coverage is sufficient. Bring a working backup battery and your charger with you.

Traveling Considerations

If you plan to bring a certified gas can with you as a precaution against running out of gas, fill it only 80 percent full as it will need room to expand as temperatures change. It should be placed securely in the car where it will not tip over and secured by a strap or a cord to prevent movement. If you store it inside of your car, a nearby window should be kept open slightly to allow fumes to escape.

Driving across the country can be taxing on both car and driver alike. Yet, the trip can be an immensely rewarding one, giving you a better appreciation for the land and the people that call America their home.

See Also — Getting There: Driving vs.Flying

Acura TLX Tasked With Replacing Two Models

July 8, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Incentives program announced in advance of sedan’s debut.

When the Acura TLX goes on sale next month, it will replace the current TL midsize sedan and the compact TSX. Sales of both models are off by at least one-third for the year, presenting a drag on Acura’s overall sales. Even so, Acura sales are up 1.3 percent for the first half of the year and the upscale brand from Honda is poised to once again sell more than 150,000 models in the US market this year.

In advance of the TLX’s August debut, Acura announced several special incentives to draw interest to the new vehicle and to bolster sales. The new model will offer a standard 2.4-liter four cylinder engine and be priced from $30,995. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available.

TLX Acura Advantage Program

The TLX Acura Advantage program was put in place on July 7, 2014, and will run through the end of August. For customers that order a 2015 Acura TLX by Sept. 2 and take delivery by Oct. 31, 2014, they will qualify for the following benefits:

Introductory pricing and accessories. Acura’s introductory pricing includes a $500 personalization allowance for Acura Genuine Accessories including those that are specific to the model. That $500 credit can also be applied to a special Acura Accessory Value Package.

Leasing and financing offers. With $2,499 down, lessees can get a 2.4-liter Acura TLX for $299 per month. Or, they can pay $349 per month to obtain a 3.5-liter model. Acura TLX leases run for 36 months. Consumers may also opt for low interest rate financing of 1.9 percent for 24 to 36 months or 2.9 percent for 37 to 60 months.

Lease extensions available. If your Acura lease is about to expire and you want the new model, Acura Financial Services will allow you to extend your lease by up to three months as you await your advanced purchased Acura TLX.

2015 Acura TLX

The 2015 Acura TLX has roughly the same dimensions as the departing TL. Its standard 16-valve 2.4-liter four cylinder engine is paired with an all-new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with torque converter and is rated at 206 horsepower. Add in the technology package, including four-wheel steering, and this model costs $35,025.

Buyers can choose a 3.5-liter 24-valve V-6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and making 290 horsepower. Four-wheel steering and super-handling all-wheel drive are available. The two-wheel drive edition is priced from $35,220 and reaches $39,250 with the technology package. An advance package lifts that price to $42,500.

Choose the all-wheel drive model with the V-6 engine and the available technology package and your price starts at $41,450. An advance package pushes that price to $44,700.

Jewel Eye LED Headlights

All 2015 Acura TLX models feature the brand’s Jewel Eye LED headlights and comes equipped with keyless entry, push button start, a rear view camera and hill start assist. Available or standard interior features include: heated and ventilated front seats, a 3D navigation system, a 7-inch color display, AcuraLink — a cloud-based connected car system, power accessories and LED accent lighting. The standard audio package can be upgraded to a 455-watt, 10-speaker Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio System designed expressly for this model.

Safety features are many and include collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane departure assist, blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control. Choose any technology package and the safety enhancements are included.

The fuel economy ratings will come in as high as 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the standard Acura TLX. Select V-6 models will return 21 mpg in the city and up to 34 mpg on the highway. Acura says that some models will receive a 5 mpg highway boost over comparable 2014 Acura TL models.

Made in America

Like many American Honda models, the Acura TLX is also built in America. Production at its Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant is underway with the first models expected to arrive in Acura dealerships this August.

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Acura TLX photo courtesy of American Honda.

Performance Luxury Sedan: 2014 Lexus IS F

July 7, 2014 by admin 7 Comments

Exploring the performance side of the Lexus house.

Think “Lexus” and the usual terms such as “luxury” and “quality” come to mind. “Fuel efficiency” and “value” are other hallmarks of Toyota’s 25-year-old luxury brand.

What does not come to mind all that often is “performance” or at least not to what some may think parallels the level of power ascribed to the top German makes, as well as to Jaguar and Cadillac. That should not be surprising given that Lexus is composed mostly of sedans, utility vehicles and hybrid models.

The performance side of the house is there — you just need to search for it. The stunningly beautiful LFA sports car is one example — at $375,000 this F1-inspired super car evokes passion like nothing else that comes out of Toyota City. Alas, its short run was ended in 2012. Even so, a follow up LF-LC model is expected in a few years and should cost about half as much as its predecessor.

2014 Lexus IS F

Both models represent an “F” line of performance vehicles that includes the current Lexus IS F and the upcoming RC F sport coupe arriving this fall. The 2014 Lexus IS F was a recent weekly drive, a model that affirms Lexus has a performance side rivaling that of its competitors.

The “F” should not be confused with “F Sport” — the tamer side of the performance line. In the IS sedan, Lexus offers both series, but only the “F” lives up to the “fantastic” or “fast” appellation that this specialty line deserves.

For one, the IS F is offered in rear-wheel drive only. More importantly, it is powered by a naturally-aspirated V-8 engine, making 416 horsepower. That amount of energy on a compact frame means this model has the street cred worthy of its name. Do not take that as a slight against the IS350 F-Sport — however, when you compare a 3.5-liter V-6 to the explosive power of the IS F, there is a vast chasm between the two.

The Lexus IS F sport rolled out for the 2008 model year, two years after the IS250/350 were introduced. For 2014, new IS sedans arrived on the scene, but the current IS F is still based on the previous generation model. The newest IS is slightly larger than the older model, with the extra room benefiting the rear seating passengers in particular. Some reports say that a new IS F is expected for the 2015 model year; others state that the model will be canceled in favor of the RC F. I am leaning toward the former reports.

2014 Lexus IS F.

Pricing and Available Packages

The 2014 Lexus IS F is priced from $63,600 and is available in one trim level. A hard disk drive navigation system ($2,490) and Park Assist ($500) were the two package options offered in my press fleet model. You can also choose a 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system package ($3,410) and individual options such as a pre-collision system ($1,500) and headlamp washers ($100). With all the bells and whistles included, your final price would top $70,000.

Saying that the IS F is an IS sedan on steroids seems trite. Instead, it can better be described as a naturally muscled version of Lexus’ compact sedan replete with BBS wheels, brake vents, high-performance Brembo brakes, sport skirting, a carbon fiber rear spoiler and quad exhaust pipes that produce a hardy note. A limited slip differential, a sport-tuned cockpit, aluminum and metal trim, and bolstered 2+2 seating further separates the F from the rest of the IS family.

I heard the rumble of the IS F a block from my home when it arrived one rapidly warming summer morning. That tune served as a clarion call, urging me to get behind the wheel of a model that competes with the BMW M3, the Audi 3.0T Premium Plus and the Mercedes-Benz C63 Sport Sedan among others. There is a certain anticipation, no expectation that drivers have with performance sport sedans and in the Lexus IS F I was not disappointed.

One Transmission Choice: But a Good One

Well, there is one area that I would like to see changed and that would be a choice in transmissions. You get an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission and nothing else. This sedan begs for stick shift, but it does not accommodate. Even so, popping the shifter into sport mode and playing with either the gear stick or the steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, puts a lot of control in your hands.

And that control translates into copious amounts of power especially noted by a lock-up clutch at work in gears two through eight. That arrangement provides a direct feel that the typical automatic transmission does not offer along with instant throttle response. Add in a firm, but not stiff suspension and excellent braking and you have a luxury performance sedan that rivals its competitors.

Without track access, the Lexus IS F cannot be pushed to its limits. Still, if you can get some seat time and take it to thinly-populated areas with circuitous roads plus some wide open expanses, you will get a good taste for what this sedan can do.

2014 Lexus IS-F

View manufacturer details and pricing

Let Me Speed…Please

The overarching impression I had with the IS F is that it not only is fast, but it begs to go fast. Indeed, you can expect many driving tickets to follow if you are not gentle with the accelerator. Lexus has a 4.6-second 0 to 60 time with this sedan — it seems faster than that and it does not take much effort to get your speed up without trying. In part, I blame the excellent bolstered seating that holds you firmly in place through the turns including the curvy highway access ramps in my area. “Gee, officer —was I really going 90?! I find that hard to believe.“

Open the driver’s door and slip behind the wheel and the seat will embrace you. Interior seating came in red leather with black Alcantara inserts and dark aluminized composite trim. 10-way power front seats with lumbar support, “F” embossed headrests, a perforated leather steering wheel and shifter knob, a black headliner, and aluminum sport pedals were included.

Lexus loads up the standard equipment to include dual zone climate control, heated front seats, Lexus Enform entertainment, a nifty audio system, cruise and secondary controls on the steering wheel, foldable front door pockets, keyless entry, push button start, illuminated entry and a pass through to the trunk.

The rear seat is fairly comfortable although the few extra inches provided in the new IS line would certainly have been welcomed. You taller passengers need to watch your head upon exiting the back seat —egress is tight.

The Future of F

Regardless of whether the IS F has a future or not, Lexus fans are waiting for the RC F and its fall introduction. That new F has several models in its crosshairs including the BMW M4 and the Audi RS5. It will be powered by an updated 5.0-liter V-8 engine making 450 horsepower.

Unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past Jan., the new model had everyone in attendance wagging their tongues over the radically fresh style, its big wheels and the sculpted interior. That future model and the Toyota FT-1 concept prove that performance, dashing good looks and Toyota do go together.

Like other “F” models, new and future coupes and sedans in this series will have the unmistakable imprint of Akio Toyoda on them. Toyoda is president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation, Boston College-educated and a race car driver. His aspirations are for Toyota to lead, not follow in all areas, including in style and in performance. That’s the kind of plan certain to be welcomed among Lexus enthusiasts everywhere.

2014 Lexus IS F

Sticker price from $63,550
Price as tested: $67,250
Seats 4 occupants
5.0-liter 32-valve V-8 engine
416 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm
371 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,200 rpm
3.70 inches bore by 3.52 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 11:8-to-1
Eight-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 107.5 inches
Length: 183.5 inches
Width: 66.7 inches
Height: 71.5 inches
Passenger volume: 85.7 cubic feet
Storage volume: 13.3 cubic feet
Towing capacity: Not Rated
EPA: 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway
Premium grade gasoline
Fuel tank: 16.9 gallons
Curb weight: From 3,780 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Not Yet Rated
Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 5 years/Unlimited miles
Vehicle assembly: Tahara, Japan

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GM Extends Supplier Discount to Educators

July 4, 2014 by admin 3 Comments

Big savings for teachers and their relatives.

2014 Buick LaCrosse

2014 Buick LaCrosse.

Last Tuesday, General Motors announced a “GM Educator Discount program” for public and private school educators. The new program is similar to the one that it offers to suppliers, by presenting deeper discounts to a select group of consumers. The new program runs through Jan. 2, 2015.

Eligible Makes and Models

The educator program is open to current employees of a public or private school, and includes college and university employees as well. All 2014 and 2015 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models are included except for the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 and the Chevrolet Spark EV. Cadillac is not participating.

“GM values the work our educators and support staff are doing across the county to create a strong, responsible workforce for the future,” said Linda Stouffer, manager, Vehicle Purchase Programs. “The GM Educator Discount is our way of showing our support and appreciation for everyone in the education community.”

The program’s launch comes as the automaker set an annual recall record despite six months remaining in the year. Still, GM’s US sales were up by 1 percent in June 2014 and are up 2.5 percent year to date.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado.

Discount Program for Educators

Under the program, consumers may buy or lease up to two discounted vehicles. Spouses and children under age 21 are eligible. Those children who are full-time students are eligible until they turn 25. Dealers have the right not to participate in the program.

The automaker also set up a website, Educator Discount to outline potential savings. A slide bar reveals the products available and the combined discounts. For instance, shoppers for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze may save as much as $2,597 on a their purchase.

Specifically, a fairly well equipped Cruze ECO Manual would retail for $20,760. The Educator Discount Price would drop that amount to $20,162. Additional purchase bonus cash ($500) and consumer purchase cash ($1,500) would drop the final price to $18,162. Savings vary based on trim level and packages selected.

Other discounts include $2,487 off the 2014 Buick Regal, $7,666 from the GMC Sierra regular cab two-wheel drive model, and $2,109 savings for the 2014 Chevrolet Impala 1LT. Customers can review prices by including their zip code, the model year, the make and model of their desired vehicle and then review the results online. GM is showing “supplier price” for the discount on some pages, not “educator price.” Those prices should be the same.

2014 GMC Sierra Denali

2014 GMC Sierra Denali.

NEA Tie In

GM announced the educator program during the two-day National Education Association’s conference in Denver, where the automaker was an exhibitor. Besides suppliers and educators, GM offers special discounts to employees and their family members as well as to military personnel and veterans.

Despite the very public battering the GM has sustained this year over its record recalls, the company has managed to keep its sales up. It has also garnered several important awards and other recognition along the way.

For instance, Chevrolet took the No. 32 spot in Interbrands’ “Best Global Green Brands 2014” awards. Three Chevrolet models have played an important part in that recognition including the Volt PHEV, the Cruze diesel and the Spark EV.

Brand and Company Recognition

Elsewhere, Chevrolet placed two models atop the Strategic Vision New Vehicle Experience Study while GMC finished first in the 2014 J.D. Power vehicle satisfaction awards. General Motors also fared well in the 2014 Polk Automotive Awards.