Category Archives: Auto Brands News

General Motors Halts Production of Chevrolet Cruze

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Chevrolet

Despite being the second-best selling car for General Motors this year, production of the Chevrolet Cruze was halted on Monday due to a supplier issue. The company has not specified what the exact nature of the problem is, the Youngstown Vindicator reports, but it could mean consumers will have to opt for used cars.

Some have speculated that the suspension arose from a quality control issue that Tom Mock, the spokesperson for the Lordstown, Ohio, plant where the Cruze is made, said might impact customer satisfaction. He added that there is no word as to when production will resume but that the situation will be assessed on a day-to-day basis, the newspaper reports.

The delay could be a significant bump in the road for Chevrolet since the Cruze was threatening to dethrone the Toyota Corolla as the number-one selling small car by the end of the year. As it stands, the Cruze still outsold a longtime favorite in the Honda Civic as well as the Ford Focus, which landed in fourth, according to USA Today.

With no new Cruzes being produced, anybody who may have been considering purchasing a new one may now have to turn to New Jersey State Auto Auction to buy a similar used car instead. However, pre-owned vehicles are often just as reliable as new ones and experts say that the end of the year is the best time to make a purchase.

In addition to a wide variety of affordable makes and models, New Jersey Auto is also a good bet because it has aligned itself with AutoTrader.com to provide consumers an easy to way to trade-in their current car.  

Toyota Camry among three cars safest cars according to NHTSA

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

For years, the Toyota Camry has not only been among the most popular cars on the road but also one of the safest. The recent release of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2012 model-year ratings indicate that not much has changed. The Camry is one of three models that still managed to earn a five-star rating despite the organization's stricter guidelines, USA Today reports.

Along with the Camry, the 2012 Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Camaro also earned an overall five-star rating. However, it was the Camaro that came away with the highest honor, being the only car that managed to get a five-star rating in every single category.

The findings are good news for Camry, which recently underwent a redesign to improve its safety features. As a result, it scored exceptionally well on the administration's side-crash test while also managing to get four-star ratings on the frontal and roll-over tests, the publication reports.

What's especially impressive about the scores of the Camry, Camaro and CTS is that the NHTSA recently revamped its criteria to make it more stringent, Cars.com reports. Among the changes that were made was a new side pole test that simulates a car or truck crashing into a pole or tree. The NHTSA also implemented new dummies to test for a wider variety of passenger sizes.

Along with making the right decisions when it comes to purchasing a small car, regular auto maintenance can also go a long way to helping improve its safety. New Jersey State Auto Auction makes this easy for drivers thanks to its Total Car Car Center which provides both repairs and tune-ups to the public.  

2013 Dodge Dart to become company’s first compact car since 2005

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Posted in Auto Brands News

It may conjure up images of the '60s and '70s, but one of the most iconic cars of the period is heading back to dealerships. The 2013 Dodge Dart will be the first compact car released by the manufacturer since 2005 and will be unveiled to the public at the January 9 Detroit auto show, Cars.com reports.

Although it shares a name with the car that was a staple on roads from 1960 to 1976, the new car will bear little resemblance to the original model. In fact, this ride will be much more closely related to the Fiat Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It will also have the same 1.4 liter turbocharged engine that's in the Fiat 500.

The move comes as the manufacturer plans to end production on the Dodge Caliber. The hatchback will be discontinued after the the 2012 model year. The change could be big news for drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a compact sedan. In fact, it will be the company's first such car since the Dodge Neon was discontinued in 2005.

According to Cars.com's Kicking Tires blog, the inaugural model of the car has not been officially revealed, but early details point to an impressive-looking body. Specifically, it will include features that are present on both the Charger and Challenger including similar tail lamps and grille.

Though it may be some time until the 2013 Dodge Dart reaches dealer lots, there are plenty of other options for drivers looking to downsize to a more fuel-efficient car. Those choosing to do so may want to turn to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers customers with a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.
 

Toyota tops Kelley Blue Book’s list of cars with the best resale value

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

For many car owners, making sure that their vehicle retains its value is of the utmost importance. Not only will it likely run better, but when it comes time to trade in your car you can get a much better price for it. Regardless of how well vehicles are maintained, some makes and models simply hold their value better than others. Kelley Blue Book's website kbb.com recently revealed its list of cars that are expected to have the best resale value for 2012.

Toyota has earned considerable praise for being among the most reliable cars on the road and its cars also retain their value exceptionally well. Toyota earned the website's Best Brand award because its vehicles keep about 40.5 percent of their original value five years after rolling off the lot, marking the second time in three years that Toyota has come away with the distinction.

According to the website, one of the company's best models is the FJ Cruiser, which gained eight points compared to last year and keeps about 50 percent of its value after five years. The Camry also improved its rating, moving up to 36.8 percent and the Tacoma moved up to 49 percent.

Although Toyota bested all the other brands, it was a different manufacturer that had the best car overall. The Jeep Wrangler came out on top with a 55 percent retention rate, and Jeep as a brand was slightly behind Toyota at 40.4 percent. Scion, Honda and Lexus rounded out the top five.

In addition to buying the right car, part of making sure it has a high resale value is keeping up on maintenance. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center is open to the public, which makes it easy to ensure your car is running smoothly and can be traded in for a good price when the time comes.  

L.A. Auto Show features practical cars

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

Though often regarded as a showcase for some of the world's most luxurious cars, this year's Los Angeles Auto Show was a little different than in years past. Although there was still a fair amount of impressive vehicles, the larger focus was on consumer-friends sedans and crossover SUVs, the Los Angeles Times reports.

One of the highlights of the show was the debut of the 2013 Ford Escape, which has earned its place among the most popular SUVs on the road. Though its been around for more than a decade, the latest model of the Escape was so eagerly awaited due to the fact that it has a redesigned cabin, which offers more space, as well as a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The Escape's main competitor, the Honda CR-V, also debuted its latest model, the L.A. Times reports. It may not have a new look like the Escape, but it includes several new features such as in-car audio streaming and a new 185-horsepower engine.

Although SUVs made a big splash in the show, practical sedans also garnered their fair share of attention, most notably the 2012 Hyundai Azera. The model enjoys a new, sleeker look and is expected to compete with industry standards such as the Ford Taurus and Volkswagen Passat, according to the newspaper.

Though not everyone can make their way to the L.A. Auto Show, consumers can certainly take a few hints on what the best used cars to buy are. New Jersey Auto Auction offers drivers with a wide variety of makes and models and they're all at affordable prices. Additionally, ever product is Carfax Certified so you know you're getting a good deal. 

Volkswagen Passat named Motor Trend Car of the Year

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Posted in Auto Brands News

The Motor Trend Car of the Year award has been one of the most coveted distinctions in the auto industry for more than 60 years, and the publication recently added the latest name to its list. The Volkswagen Passat was named the 2012 Car of the Year on Wednesday, edging out a record 34-car field in the process.

It's not hard to see why the Passat earned the title. Experts lauded the model's sleek design that manages to blend both a simple and elegant look reminiscent of luxury cars. The interior was equally impressive and roomy, making for an excellent drive.

Of course, it was much more than looks that set the Passat apart from the field. The car was among the most fuel-efficient in the field and came in at an impressive 26.5 miles per gallon in the standard 2.5 liter, five-cylinder model and 34.3 miles per gallon for the diesel model.

Safety was another chief concern for the judges and the Passat excels in that as well. In particular, the car was one of the best in helping drivers avoid getting into crashes at all thanks in large part to its maneuverability and safety warnings.

"It has one of the roomiest interiors in its class, a wide choice of powertrains and a well-tuned chassis," said Angus MacKenzie, the Motor Trend editor-in-chief. "A compelling new entry in the toughest, most competitive vehicle segment in the U.S. today, it's a terrific all-around family sedan."

Although the Passat was recognized by the publication as the standout car of the year, there are plenty of other models that offer excellent efficiency and safety as well, and they're all at New Jersey State Auto Auction. In addition to a large inventory, New Jersey Auto also ensures each car is Carfax-certified so you know you're getting a reliable product.  

Ford unveils redesigned Escape

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

Ford recently unveiled the 2013 version of its popular Escape, and consumers may be surprised to see a much different look for the SUV. The revamped look includes a curvier frame, and Ford believes the Escape will be among the most fuel-efficient cars of its kind, USA Today reports.

The latest model has a number of other impressive features as well. In addition to a rear tailgate that can be operated remotely by the driver simply waving his or her foot under the bumper, the Escape will also get about five more miles to the gallon than in previous years due to a new engine.

The redesign comes as the Ford Escape is challenging some of the most popular SUVs in the industry. Analysts say that the new look was unveiled in the hopes of competing with the Honda CR-V, which has long been one of the most-driven vehicles of its kind.

"We wanted to create the impression of an athlete, like a runner or a swimmer, in the new body," Ford's European design director Martin Smith said in a statement.

According to Bloomberg, both the CR-V and Escape have been enjoying a resurgence as of late as consumers are beginning to value fuel-efficiency above most other characteristics. In particular, smaller SUVs have accounted for 11 percent of all auto sales in the United States so far this year.

Whether you're looking for a Ford Escape or a smaller fuel-efficient sedan, New Jersey State Auto Auction has what you're looking for. In addition to having a wide variety of makes and models, New Jersey Auto ensures that all of its used cars are Carfax-certified so you know you're getting a reliable vehicle. 

Latest Toyota Prius may get 50 miles per gallon

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

The Toyota Prius has long been regarded as one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the road, but for some consumers its relatively high price tag has made it inaccessible. However, the next incarnation of the mode, the Prius c will not only offer drivers with an impressive 50 miles per gallon around the city but is also expected to be much more affordable.

The Prius c is going to make its United States debut in January when it comes to the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In addition to its exceptionally high fuel economy, the new model will also feature a smaller, more youthful body and sportier appearance. Also slated to make its debut next spring is the plug-in version of the Prius.

It may be nearly impossible for the average driver to get 50 miles per gallon, but there are certainly common practices that can help them come close. According to Popular Mechanics, one of the most often-overlooked ways to save on gas is to only use the break when you have to. For example, rather than speeding up and breaking during stop and go traffic, slowly accelerating and coasting may be a better bet.

Along with how you drive your car, you can try to approach Prius-level gas mileage by making sure your tires are properly inflated. The publication reports that under-inflated tires can cost you miles, and checking the pressure each time you get gas can be a good habit to get into.

Regular maintenance can ensure that your car is running smoothly and identify any problems that could have a negative impact on fuel-efficiency. New Jersey State Auto Auction provides consumers with its total care center that offers both repairs and regular inspections. 

Toyota offers least expensive repairs

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

As the country still tries to pull its way out of the recession, many drivers have taken to getting their car repaired rather than purchasing a new ride. While the practice may save drivers money, there are certain cars that will save them more than others, and a recent report from CarMD pointed out exactly which models offer the most affordable repairs, according to CBS MoneyWatch.

At the top of the list was Toyota. The study, which was conducted by surveying 3,000 mechanics in the United States, took a number of different things into consideration including frequency of repairs as well as how expensive the repairs actually are. The 2009 Toyota Corrolla proved to be the best in both categories with an average cost of just $45.84.

In second place behind Toyota was Hyundai, which has enjoyed a significant sales boom in the United States over the last year. The good placing bodes well for the company's 10-year 100,000-mile warranty, and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata was the sixth-best model, according to the website.

As for American-made brands, Ford placed fourth behind Honda thanks to a strong performance from its crossover SUV, the Edge, and was followed by General Motors. Chrysler was behind by a little bit, coming in at 10th place.

The report may be helpful to consumers who want to keep their cars on the road as long as possible. Rebecca Lindland, the director of strategic review at IHS Automotive, recently spoke with Bloomberg Radio on the topic and revealed that the average car on the road is 10.7 years old.

Motorists looking to keep their car working smoothly can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's total car care center, which can help you out with any auto repair need.

Ford F-150 tops list of best selling cars for 2011

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

Though the year is not yet over, the early results are in and car manufacturers have seen their best year in terms of sales since 2008. There were a few models that stood out above the rest and according to Forbes, American-made cars had a great deal of success in 2011. In fact, six of the 10 most popular models this year were made by either General Motors, Ford or Chrysler, a stark difference to last year when American-made cars represented just three of the top 10.

For the second year in a row, the best selling car of 2011 so far has been the Ford F-150. Though it has always been popular, the F-150 may have benefited in recent years thanks to Ford's push to make it more fuel-efficient. Coming in at number two behind Ford was the Chevrolet Silverado, which also had the same standing last year.

Though American-made cars took the top two spots, the Toyota Camry landed in third, making it the most popular passenger car. A longstanding favorite among American consumers, the Camry remained in the top five despite sliding numbers and having to contend with the devastating earthquake that rocked Japan and slowed production. With a redesign coming in 2012, it is likely to retain its spot for the time being.
The Ford Escape also made an appearance on the list at number five, signaling the American driver's need to find a more fuel-efficient SUV. The mid-size favorite is also in line for a redesign in 2012, the publication reports. Other highlights on the list were Ford Fusion (number six) and the Chevrolet Cruze at number nine.

Whether you're looking for a truck, a fuel-efficient SUV or a family car, New Jersey State Auto Auction has everything you need. All makes and models are Carfax certified so you know you will be driving away with a reliable vehicle.