Archive for January, 2014
Test Drive: 2014 Toyota Venza XLE

Our test AWD Venza XLE came to $37,790 as tested, including a $860 destination charge.
2014 Toyota Venza XLE AWD
Dates tested: 1/06/2014-1/20/2014
Miles driven: 979
Fuel used: 48.4
Real-world fuel economy: 20.2 mpg

Journey Crossroad starts at $25,990 (including $995 destination charge).
Dodge today announced availability of the Crossroad model of its midsize Journey crossover. Presented here is the press release that accompanied that announcement.

2014 Toyota Sienna
Toyota has halted the sale of eight models to address possibility of heated-seat fire. Below is the text of a press release issued by Toyota today.

Sergio Machionne
DETROIT – Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne met with the press at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Presented here are highlights of that conversation.

Up here in Chicago, the frigid temps have caused many to suffer from frozen washers of late. This, combined with all the snow we’ve gotten — and the road salt to combat it — can lead to some dangerous driving.
Actually, the following is just a theory. But it’s based on information that at least makes it feasible.
Meet the new Fiat Chrysler Logo

Fiat and Chrysler combine to form the world’s seventh-largest automobile manufacturer.
The text below is taken from a Chrysler press release dated today.
Fiat and Chrysler Adopt a New Logo
January 29, 2014 , Turin, Italy – Following an initial phase with the two corporate logos appearing side-by-side – symbolizing the desire to respect the history, culture and industrial roots of the two groups – both Fiat and Chrysler now require a new corporate identity representative of an organization that is much more than the sum of its two component parts, based on strong core values that represents a unique corporate culture, a common vision and a Group with an international reach.

Turbocharging is a great way to get more power out of an engine. But, just throwing a turbo on an engine doesn’t get you better mileage.
Below is a letter sent by Tom to an an automotive trade publication.
To the editor:
I’ve noticed that in your publication and a number of others, turbocharging is generally lumped in with direct injection and cylinder deactivation as being a fuel-saving technology.

Expect Genesis prices to start under $40,000 for V6 models, and under $50,000 for V8-powered versions.
DETROIT — Hyundai introduced the Genesis full-size, rear-drive luxury sedan in 2009, when it won the coveted North American Car of the Year award. Since then, however, it’s been a decided “also ran” in the full-size segment.

Rick sneaks into a consumer event to drive BMW’s new electric i3. Seems regular buyers are treated a lot like members of the media.
Technically, I wasn’t invited. But a (much more affluent) friend was offered the chance to drive a 2014 BMW i3 at a local BMW dealer and was told a guest was welcome. So I was essentially there “incognito,” courtesy of the good graces of another.

Chrysler-brand CEO Al Gardner introduces the 2015 200 at this year’s Detroit Auto Show.
Chrysler-brand CEO Al Gardner took a few moments to chat with Consumer Guide during the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.