Automobile Magazine names 2011 All-Stars

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Automobile has compiled a list of the 2011 model year vehicles deserving of all-star recognition. To show off each choice, the buff book has enlisted illustrator Daniel Stolle to turn each vehicle into a child's toy. The list of 2011 Automobile All-Stars features:
It's hard to argue with that rundown and you can head over to Automobile for more insight into how and why the pub's editors picked this group to be honored.



[Source: Automobile]

Automobile Magazine names 2011 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports: 2010 Reliability scores as predictable as Asian cars are… reliable

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Consumer Reports reliability report 2010

Consumer Reports has released its annual reliability scores for the automotive industry. The 2010 edition reads like the 2009 report... which reads like the 2008 publication, which reminds us of the 2007 version that was similar to the 2006 release. Asia is once again at the head of the class while America has reportedly made great strides and Germany is a mixed bag.

Even with a recent rash of recalls, Toyota (along with Scion and Lexus) is still near near the top of CR's reliability chart. Honda and Acura are also listed as producing highly reliable vehicles, with only the four-cylinder Accord and TSX receiving average ratings. Nissan had a strong showing despite the fact that its Cube, in the first year it has appeared in this report, received a below average score. The Nissan Titan was also hit as being below average. The rest of the lineup however, was rated average or better, including the entire Infiniti model line. Subaru, Hyundai and Kia all had good scores as well, with only Subie's WRX falling below average.

The U.S. automakers made major improvements for 2010. Eighty-three percent of the Chevrolet lineup received scores of average or better. In total, nearly 70 percent of the entire General Motors family is rated at average or better. Ford is the top domestic manufacturer on the list though, with 90 percent of its lineup being given ratings of at least average. That figure is inclusive of the Lincoln brand. It's not all good news in the states unfortunately as none of the Chrysler products were able to receive a rating higher than average.

Reliability for European cars has always been an journey filled with ups and downs. The 2010 reliability scores are no exception. Porsche and Volvo are near the top of the industry while Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi are among the worst. BMW was certainly not helped by its N54 engine, Mercedes has six of 13 models receiving below average ratings and Audi got the same ratings for 75 percent of its lineup. On the flip side, the Porsche Boxster has the highest rated reliability in the entirety of the report.

Check out the full press release after the jump.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports: 2010 Reliability scores as predictable as Asian cars are... reliable

Consumer Reports: 2010 Reliability scores as predictable as Asian cars are... reliable originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #188 – with Mike Spinelli of 0-60 magazine

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Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez and Dan Roth are joined this week by Mike Spinelli, editor-in-chief of 0-60 magazine. Topics for Episode #188 of the Autoblog Podcast are the 2011 Ford Explorer, Audi's A7 Sportback, the announcement of the Hyundai Equus coming to the U.S. market, hybrid/electric Porsches and zombie-like rumors of a new Ford Ranger for North American showrooms. We also pepper poor Mike with our impressions of his fine publication. It's an hour-and-ten of stellar repartee this week, thanks for listening, see you next time!

Autoblog Podcast #188 - with Mike Spinelli from 0-60 magazine



In the Autoblog Garage:

Dodge Challenger R/T
Toyota Avalon
Toyota Sienna Limited AWD

News:
Hosts:
Dan Roth, Alex Nunez, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 86:17


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Autoblog Podcast #188 - with Mike Spinelli of 0-60 magazine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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