Car Dealer Daily

Just a couple years ago, sport utility vehicles dominated the shopping lists of new car buyers. Specifically, buyers wanted large SUVs, and sales of Tahoes, Expeditions, and even Hummers flourished. But times have changed, and the ‘bigger is better’ mantra is now a thing of the past.

But even despite a rapid change in consumer demand, the general love of the sport utility did not completely vanish. Instead, the feelings were simply redirected to a new form of SUV – the crossover. Consumers realized that the crossover vehicle had just about everything they wanted; the space and versatility of a SUV, with the car-like driving dynamics and fuel economy of a car. American drivers also came to realize that the crossover was designed for the urban driving, and not the Rubicon, which to the surprise of many former Tahoe owners, is actually a good thing.

Let’s take a look at some of these magical crossovers that truly offer the functionality, fun, and frugality that was never quite achieved with the larger sport utilities of recent years.

Volkswagen Tiguan

While it may still be a new comer to the segment, the Volkswagen Tiguan was worth the wait. Powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (the same engine in the sporty GTI), the Tiguan is plenty peppy, while delivering a commendable 24 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city. The turbo four is also mated to a smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, drivers from Dartmouth Volkswagen to Volkswagen Saint Louis have found a roomy, well-appointed interior with excellent quality materials throughout. There’s even an oversized panoramic sunroof that adds plenty of light to the interior. For those who want entry level luxuries and European styling, the VW Tiguan is worth a look.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester has remained a popular compact crossover since its inception, but the most recent model offers much more than previous generations. Perhaps the biggest difference between the current Forester and its predecessor is the styling. With more modern, yet conservative lines, more buyers at Massachusetts Subaru dealers and other locations are likely to notice the Forester. Plus, with an available turbocharged boxer engine, the Forester offers the performance to match its new-found good looks. With sportiness, versatility, and also safety, assured, the new Subaru Forester is quickly rising to the top of many crossover buyers’ shopping listings.

Nissan Rogue

Car-like driving dynamics is one of the major appeals of the crossover, and in those terms, the Nissan Rogue doesn’t disappoint. Hartford Nissan drivers have noted that the steering is quick, and the four cylinder engine never feels underpowered. The Rogue is offered with a continuously variable transmission as well, delivering power and efficiency. With all-wheel drive and excellent ground clearance, Tacoma Nissan dealers stress that the Rogue also offers excellent all-weather driving capabilities. Passengers in the rear quarter may find the Rogue to be a bit cramped, but up front there is plenty of room. The Nissan Rogue also gets 27 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.

Mazda CX-7

The Mazda CX-7 is the largest crossover of the group, and certainly shouldn’t go unnoticed. Although is offers ample room, the CX-7 is nimble and quite, and is among the sportiest compact crossovers available. The turbocharged engine offers ample power according to Pittsburgh Mazda car buyers, while also delivering 23 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg city. Mazda Sugarland drivers have also been attracted to the Mazda since it provides a very car-like demeanor in city and freeway driving. If you like the curvy, athletic looks of this Mazda, you’ll also like the interior which also offers distinctive style and excellent fit and finish.

Ford Escape

If you have more conservative tastes, and prefer a crossover that still has boxy, truck-like styling, you’re in the luck! The Ford Escape offers the styling that’s reminiscent of the larger Explorer or Expedition, while also providing excellent on road manners that one would expect from this segment. With a powerful four cylinder that delivers outstanding fuel economy (22 mpg city, 28 mpg hwy), the Ford Escape is also unique in that it also offers a powerful V6 option, and even a hybrid model which delivers the best fuel economy in its class and has excited eco-conscious consumers among Newark Ford dealers. With many reports claiming that Ford vehicles are on par with Toyota and Honda in terms of reliability, the latest Ford Escape promises to offer more practicality than you may think.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V may be a more familiar nameplate than others in this list, but it remains among the most competitive and most desirable compact crossovers available. Why? Well for starters, Birmingham Honda dealers say the Honda CR-V simply does everything well. Although it’s not the fastest, nor the largest, the CR-V offers strong mileage, decent performance, ample versatility, and incredible value and reliability. The CR-V is also a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which Honda Long Beach is proud to promote to potential CR-V shoppers. If you’re looking to get the most for your money, the Honda CR-V could be your best choice.

Toyota RAV4

Last, but certainly not least, the Toyota RAV4 was one of the first compact crossover vehicles available when it first debuted. Since then the RAV4 has become larger and more powerful, with available third row seating and an optional V6 engine. Although it offers loads of power, Long Beach Toyota dealers stress that the Toyota RAV4 still achieves competitive mileage, with 28 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. Despite plenty of newer models to choose from, such as the aforementioned Tiguan, many buyers at a Westminster Toyota dealer have still been drawn to all that the RAV4 offers. Continue reading ‘Top 7 Most Functional, Fun, and Frugal SUVs (Big Surprise They’re All Compacts)’

While the auto industry is still feeling the effects of rising living costs, not to mention a poor housing market and a shaky economy, more affluent car buyers are actually moving away from luxury brands to instead purchase more reasonably priced vehicles.

Over all, US auto sales have decreased recently, with many factors contributing to the slump. While the price of gasoline recently has also played a role in consumer spending habits, many potential luxury auto buyers are thinking twice about that pricey, German SUV that recommends premium fuel only or that big V8 Lexus sedan.

Most automakers that have luxury brands, such as Honda’s Acura brand or Toyota’s Lexus brand have seen dramatic drops in the percentage of sales when compared with their more mainstream auto brands. That being said, some luxury dealers have remained optimistic, such as Smail Acura that has seen growing demand for Pittsburgh used Acuras as more buyers are looking for low-cost, and high-value models.

Auto industry analysts say many buyers are considering a new Ford before a new Mercedes. With the economy still struggling and gas prices still rising, even affluent consumers are becoming more conservative when it comes to their new car purchases. Since the US market accounts for the majority of sales for many luxury brands according to Mercedes Benz Washington DC.

In 2008r, the price of gas more than 31 percent from the previous year, causing many to consumers to change their buying habits at Mercedes Benz Pittsburgh and other locations, opting for smaller engines and smaller vehicles. Many parts of the country faced $5 gas prices, making consumers well aware of how costly a gas-guzzling vehicle can be should prices spike again this summer. As the economy continues to suffer, all automakers are going to be affected, but those brands that have fuel efficient and economic vehicles are expected to be affected slightly less than luxury brands that have high sticker prices and low fuel economy ratings. But, Carlsbad BMW stresses that luxury brands aren’t all about low MPG and emissions. Increasingly luxury brands are also offering alternatives for the eco-conscoius, helping keep luxury cars and crossovers ahead of the curve. Continue reading ‘Affluent Buyers Abandoning Luxury Brands’

More bad news for the auto industry, as sales have been reported for the month of January. As expected, consumers were still skittish about venturing to car dealerships. Sales of cars and trucks in the U.S. plummeted 37% overall, creating a grim picture of the yeah ahead.

The economy is facing a long road ahead, and car dealers and the automakers are struggling to maintain momentum. Consumers don’t have the spare cash on hand to afford new cars. Meanwhile, Pontiac Pittsburgh know all too well that financial institutions are simply not eager to lend money, hampering car dealers’ ability to sell more cars.

General Motors sales fell 49% in the month of January, creating a terrible start for the embattled automaker as it’s busy reorganizing. Additionally, Chrysler, who also is undergoing organizational changes, saw sales fall to about half the amount from what they were last January.

Japanese automakers were a little more fortunate than domestic automakers, but certainly not immune to the dearth in consumer confidence, acknowledges one Pittsburgh Honda dealer. Toyota and Nissan sales dropped by about 30% in January.

To put these sale declines into perspective, in January 2008 the automotive industry sold a total of just over a million cars. January 2009 saw that number drop to 656,976. That’s a huge drop in new car sales, and as each month passes, those numbers seem to be on a slow yet steady decline. The total sales in January are the worst since June of 1982.

Although consumer spending is down, Westminster Toyota dealer says there are other areas that weighed heavily on the automotive industry. Specifically, fleet sales and rental car sales have plummeted, as businesses are cutting back, and consumers are traveling less. While fleet sales are typically low-profit, they make up a substantial chunk of overall sales. Declines in fleet purchases also means that more inventories may be sitting idle warns Orlando Chevrolet dealers. In fact General Motors saw a decline of about 80% in January – the lowest fleet sales level since the mid 1970s!

With numbers for January of 2009 already looking grim, many dealers and industry analysts are expecting it to be a bad omen, and a sign of a long and tough year ahead. Sales need to be improved to facilitate the success or reorganization plans underway at the Big Three automakers, but Newark Ford dealers and others wonder if that is possible in the near-term.

Despite the grim picture, there are plenty of dealers like Hartford Nissan dealers that remain optimistic. Regardless of low sales, January is normally a low sales month. Additionally, it is hoped by Louisville Chevy that the stimulus provided to the automakers by the federal government, and loosened credit, will give the Big Three in particular the ability to do business more effectively in the long run.

Among the ways the automakers and dealers are dealing with the sluggish sales is by offering incentives to car buyers. Specifially, car buyers can expect employee pricing at Hartford Chrysler dealers and other Chrysler stores, while dealers may be offering zero percent financing such as at Kingston Toyota dealers. Many buyers can also get their hands on cash back incentives. These are all efforts to entice consumers into showrooms, and thus far it has had a marginal effective overall.

Despite declines, there have been some automakers that have seen gains in January. Among these few instances is Hyundai, which posted a 14% sales increase. Hyundai is currently offering a unique incentive, providing new car buyers with the Hyundai Assurance Program, enabling consumers to return their vehicles should they lose their job or otherwise cannot make the payments. It is hoped that this program may help spur sales among frugal new car buyers at Hyundai Boston and elsewhere as the economy weighs heavily on consumers’ minds.

Another automaker that saw gains in January was Subaru. Driven largely by its recently redesigned 2009 Subaru Forester, which saw sales gains of about 115%, Subaru has seen its second straight month of sales gains.

Other sales numbers include a 32% dip for Toyota, a 30% decline for Nissan, and a 28% drop for Honda. Continue reading ‘Automakers See Bad Start to New Year’