Category Archives: Auto Brands News

Subaru tops Consumer Reports’ list of best small used cars

Used cars are often the best choice for consumers looking to save some money, and with high gas prices prevalent across much of the country, downsizing is becoming especially important. Even still, there are some smaller models that are more fuel-efficient than others, and Consumer Reports recently unveiled its list of top deals on used small cars.

The vehicle that topped the list was the 2006 Subaru Impreza. Not only does this car offer strong fuel-efficiency, but it also is one of the most affordable automobiles out there. The organization reports that most dealers will sell it for around $11,300.

While having a car with high gas mileage is key, that doesn't mean that drivers have to sacrifice style. In fact, Consumer Reports listed the 2008 Honda Civic EX Coupe as one of the best deals as well. With an average price of $16,325, the ride is certainly an affordable way to drive in style.

Whether looking to get behind the wheel of a sensible Subaru or a speedy Honda Civic, drivers should check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of makes and models.

Chevy hopes to boost production of electric Volt

The Nissan Leaf has drawn a line in the sand when it comes to electric cars, and it looks like General Motors is doing what it can to catch up. Bloomberg reports that the manufacturer is boosting production of the Chevrolet Volt in an effort to jump ahead of Nissan.

It may be tough to do, though. Nissan has sold 3,875 of the fully-electric Leaf, while Chevy is a bit behind at 2,745 Volts sold. As part of its plan to eclipse Nissan, Chevrolet hopes to be building 5,000 Volts a month by January of next year.

Despite the apparent fledgling rivalry between the two electric cars, analysts say it might be too early in the process to tell which car, if any, is better and more popular among consumers.

"It’s too soon to tell any definite direction in the race between the two cars," analyst Ivan Drury told the news source. "Even next year it will be very limited. It’s going to take five to six more years before we see these cars selling over 100,000 a year."

Though such prevalence of electric cars is a few years away, drivers can still check out fuel-efficient options by visiting New Jersey Auto Auction.

Ford Explorer: The most fuel-efficient SUV

The Ford Explorer has long been one of the most popular SUVs on the road, and now it hopes to be among the most fuel-efficient as well. The manufacturer recently announced that its new turbocharged Explorer offers an impressive 28 miles per gallon.

Ford used its unique EcoBoost technology, which combines turbocharging and direct fuel injection to not only offer drivers with more power but better mileage as well. In fact, its improved efficiency is 20 percent better than the Honda Pilot and 12 percent better than the Toyota Highlander.

"Today's SUV buyers place a high priority on miles per gallon, so Explorer has expanded its portfolio of fuel-efficient engines with an all-new EcoBoost offering," said Ford group marketing manager Amy Marentic. "SUV buyers deserve economy with their capability, so Explorer now offers best-in-class V6 and four-cylinder fuel efficiency."

The Explorer is having an especially good 2011 (year). The company reported that in the first half of the year it sold nearly 66,000 vehicles, which already exceeds its 2010 total.

Driver looking to get behind the wheel of a used Ford may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers numerous models at affordable prices.

Nissan Cube, Inifiti EX good choice for bad parkers

As anybody who has driven through a crowded parking lot can attest, there are plenty of drivers out there who can't park very well. Whether it be parallel parking or simply backing in, the process can be difficult for some. However, there are certain models that make parking a little simpler, according to Automobile magazine.

Although small vehicles, like the Smart car or the Mini Cooper, are certainly a good choice, sometimes driving such a compact ride is not feasible. If that's the case, the publication suggests that less-than-perfect parkers might want to check out the Nissan Cube.

The Cube gets the nod because not only is it a few inches shorter than the compact Mazda MX-5 roadster, but it can also fit five people and offers plenty of storage room.

Those looking for a luxurious car that is easy to park will find it with the Infiniti EX. In addition to being an easily-manageable size, the car features the Around View Monitor, which offers a 360 degree view of the car's surroundings.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of an easy-to-park used car may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which has plenty of models at affordable prices.

Nissan Leaf earns five-star rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The accolades keep stacking up for the innovative Nissan Leaf. Theelectric car recently earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making it the first fully-electric car to earn the distinction.

The rating was part of the administration's New Car Safety Assessment Program (NCSAP) and was issued using its updated, stricter guidelines. However, it's no surprise the Leaf earned an excellent rating given the number of impressive safety features.

Among the fixtures are dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, a child seat upper tether anchor and a traction control system that comes standard in every model.

"The Nissan LEAF is the first all-electric vehicle to achieve 5-star overall for safety," Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America said. "Not only is the LEAF the most innovative car on the planet, it is also one of the safest."

Whether drivers are looking for fuel-efficiency or safety, New Jersey Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Honda CR-V gets sleek new look for 2012

The Honda CR-V has been one of the most popular SUVs over the last several years, but the manufacturer is set to unveil a new design. The fourth-generation CR-V is set to go on sale in the United States later this year and will feature a bold look.

Known as the CR-V Concept, the new model will focus more on deeper sculpting of the body lines, along with a bolder approach in the front fascia. Additionally, its front bumper will be complemented by a three-bar grille and deeply-set headlights.

"Long considered the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment, the all-new CR-V will offer an added dimension of style, amazing interior versatility and Honda's latest technologies for convenience and refinement," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

Of course it's not just all about aesthetic, either. The company announced that the 2012 model will also include a more fuel-efficient engine.

Drivers who are looking to get behind the wheel of a used Honda may want to look into New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers a variety of models at affordable prices.

Production start in Mexico on 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

When news broke about the sleek update that was being given to the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, many consumers were eagerly waiting to get behind the wheel of the sporty ride. They will not have to wait much longer, as the company recently announced large-scale production has begun at its Mexico-based plant.

The plant, located in Puebla, has been the leading producer of Beetles in the world. According to Volkswagen, the workers there built 1.15 million Beetles betwen 1997 and 2010. The redesigned Beetle will first be available in Germany, this fall.

"The Beetle is a strong symbol of our brand. It combines the emotional heritage of the original Beetle with the future of Volkswagen," said Board Member for Production Hubert Waltl.

The 2012 Beetle, which starts at under $19,000, will include a slew of impressive features. Among them is keyless access, a panoramic roof and push button start. Additionally, it will have a more powerful turbocharged engine.

Driver hoping to buy a used Volkswagen, whether Beetle or Jetta, should look to New Jersey Auto Auction for vehicles at affordable prices.

GM to release diesel powered Chevy Cruze in 2013

General Motors recently confirmed that it is set to release a diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze, marking the first such passenger car introduced by a Detroit manufacturer since the 1980s. USA Today reports that GM CEO Dan Akerson says the car will hit the market in 2013.

The Cruze will be only the second passenger car, to be offered with the diesel option in the United States the other being the Volkswagen Jetta . The new version will certainly be attractive to drivers looking to boost their fuel economy, as diesel engines get between 20 to 40 percent better mileage.

"I drove it the other day. It is great," Akerson told the publication. "These new diesels are quiet. Should make it in the low- to mid-40s, and that's with an automatic."

According to the news source, the Cruze was the top selling car in the U.S. last month, and was seventh overall throughout the first six months of the year.

Drivers who want to get behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient used car should check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Electric Toyota RAV4 to make its way to the general public

Ever since debuting the Prius, Toyota has been at the forefront of energy-efficient cars, and it looks like the company is set to expand the program into one of its most popular SUVs. Toyota announced that the new RAV4 will be available to the general public starting some time next year.

The announcement comes after there were rumors about whether or not the RAV4 would only be sold to fleet and car sharing programs – much like Toyota's other 2012 electric options the Scion iQ. Toyota made the declaration in an effort to clear up any misconceptions.

"We’d like to set the record straight," Toyota said on its website. "The 2012 RAV4 EV will definitely be sold to the general public. We anticipate robust public interest in the RAV4 EV and are keen to inform consumers that their future vehicle options include a battery electric Toyota."

Motorists looking to get behind the wheel of a used Toyota, whether it be a Prius or a Corolla, will want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.

American-made SUVs enjoy solid June

Although gas prices are still high, that hasn't deterred drivers from getting behind the wheel of a new American-made SUV. According to USA Today, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all saw strong June sales of their SUVs.

Surprisingly, the sales of SUVs even outpaced that of all U.S. automobiles. Specifically, the cars jumped 28 percen since 2010, compared to just a 7 percent rise in sales of other cars. Additionally, American-made utility vehicles sold better than international models as well, as Japanese-made cars actually had a 1 percent drop.

The best-selling model among SUVs in June was the Ford Escape. Thanks, in large part, to its smaller size, this compact vehicle enjoyed a 43 percent sales jump compared to June sales last year. The Ford Explorer and Ford Edge also performed reasonably well, the news source reports.

In addition to Ford, Chrysler group's Jeep Wrangler remained one of the most popular American sport utility vehicles.

Whether one is looking for a more compact Ford Escape or rugged Wranlger, New Jersey Auto Auction carries plenty of SUVs at affordable prices.