Car Features - North American Car of the Year Winners

Every January of the year, the North American Car of the Year acknowledges the best new or redesigned vehicles (both from car and truck categories) available in the continent. This Saturday, let us revisit the winners of the award from 1994.

1994 CAR OF THE YEAR

Mercedes Benz C Class

1994 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Dodge Ram

1995 CAR OF THE YEAR

Chrysler Cirrus

1995 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Chevrolet Blazer

1996 CAR OF THE YEAR

Chrysler Minivans

1996 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Ford F-150

1997 CAR OF THE YEAR

Mercedes Benz SLK Class

1997 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Ford Expedition

1998 CAR OF THE YEAR

Chevrolet Corvette

1998 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Mercedes Benz ML320

1999 CAR OF THE YEAR

Volkswagen New Beetle

1999 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Jeep Grand Cherokee

2000 CAR OF THE YEAR

Ford Focus

2000 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Nissan Xterra

2001 CAR OF THE YEAR

Chrysler PT Cruiser

2001 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Acura MDX

2002 CAR OF THE YEAR

Nissan Altima

2002 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Chevrolet Avalanche

2003 CAR OF THE YEAR

MINI Cooper/Cooper S

2003 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Volvo XC90

2004 CAR OF THE YEAR

Toyota Prius

2004 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Ford F-150

2005 CAR OF THE YEAR

Chrysler 300/300C

2005 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Ford Escape Hybrid

2006 CAR OF THE YEAR

Honda Civic

2006 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Honda Ridgeline

2007 CAR OF THE YEAR

Saturn Aura

2007 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Chevrolet Silverado

2008 CAR OF THE YEAR

Chevrolet Malibu

2008 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Mazda CX-9

2009 CAR OF THE YEAR

Hyundai Genesis

2009 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Ford F-150

2010 CAR OF THE YEAR

Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Ford Transit Connect

2011 CAR OF THE YEAR

Chevrolet Volt

2011 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Ford Explorer

2012 CAR OF THE YEAR

Hyundai Elantra

2012 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

2013 CAR OF THE YEAR

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2013 TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Chevrolet Silverado

Source: http://www.northamericancaroftheyear.org/index.html

Car Profiles - Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (1996-2003)

1996-2003 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The Good: Practical, off-road prowess, reliable

The Bad: Still expensive at second hand prices

The Say: Has the skills of its bigger brother at a smaller scale.

Go For: 3.0 GX diesel
Avoid: Any gasoline engine

Price Range: P370,000-P770,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: None as of the Moment
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

When cold, starts easily and immediately dies

1988 T'Bird, 3.8L. When cold, starts easily and immediately dies. Repeat 4 or 5 times, stays running but very rough idle. Wild (1-2000 RPM) fluctuations. Put it in gear, stalls. Repeat until finally under way. engine missing dramatically accompanied by wild fluctuations in RPMs. Top speed of maybe 50-55 MPH. Stop at red light, low swing of RPM fluctuation- dies. Starts right up, shift into neutral, feather the gas pedal to keep it running, light turns green drop into gear and sputter away. Problem came on rather suddenly. So far I have replaced dist cap and rotor and added injector cleaner to gas to no avail. Plugs and wires are suspect but it ran sweet right up 'til now.



Response:

The first step is to extract any check engine light codes. This can be done free and here is how to do it: Ford Trouble Codes



Once you have the codes, it may guide you to your issue. There are many things that can make this problem happen. A failing MAF Sensor, Vacuum leak, If you notice smoke.. an injector could be stuck open and giving the o2sensors false readings... the good news is that it restarts..... 

Where can I get FREE auto repair manual information ?

There are many sites that want to talk about the in ability to get free auto repair manuals or auto repair manual information. They just go on and on about how site advertise free auto repair manuals and can't deliver. You can do a Google search and read many not so useful articles about repair manuals and at what cost? or tell you some mystical way to search for the repair manual you want and that just takes you to some answer forum that doesn't get you what you really want. FREE Auto Repair Manual Information.

Well, there is such a place. All you have to do is read and follow the instructions carefully and fill out a simple request form, for ex. 1995 Ford Mustang Fuel Pump Replacement and leave an email address for the repair manual information to be sent. Its that easy and it is truly free.
It may not get sent to you right away as stated when you fill out the form but hey, for Free... even I can wait !

Anti-lock brake problem

Hopefully someone here can help me. I have a 2003 Chevy Astro Van and everytime I use my brakes my anti-lock brakes kick in with their grinding just as I am almost at a stop. It is really annoying. I had someone look at my brakes a few weeks ago. He told me there was nothing wrong that my brakes are all over 50% and that it's just the anti-locks working when it's slippery. Well, it happens ALL the time, even on dry blacktop. I hope this is nothing serious or expensive. Any help is greatly appreciated.





Thank you!



Response:

1) my 07 f550 does the same thing and ford dont know why but has been doing this for 170000 miles with no other problems



2) Number one cause of this issue is a failing Speed sensor. The speed sensors are located inside the front hub bearing assemblies. This means you have to replace the entire hub bearing......



Or, you can just remove the ABS fuse or Relay to deactivate the ABS system. The ABS will no longer work which means it will no longer give you a problem when it is dry out. Just won't work in the wet, icy roads either. Once you save up the money, you may want to have the ABS system fixed.

Car Profiles - Mercedes Benz M Class (2000-2005)

2000-2005 Mercedes Benz M Class

The Good: Car like driving characteristics, comfortable, Mercedes for all seasons

The Bad: Terrible and questionable build quality

The Say: The BMW X5 of the same period is much better.

Go For: ML270 CDI
Avoid: ML320

Price Range: Data Not Available
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: None as of the Moment

What type of motor oil is recommended for my car engine

Use the type of motor oil specified in your customer's owners manual. Most manuals say it's okay to use a variety of viscosity grades depending on temperature conditions. Generally speaking, the following holds true:

10W-30 is best for all engines for year-round driving. 10W-40 is more popular in the aftermarket, but 10W-30 is actually a better oil because the additive package in it holds up better over the long haul. This is why General Motors does not recommend 10W-40 motor oils for any of its cars.

5W-30 is approved for most late-model four-cylinder, V-6 and V-8 engines on a year-round basis. It is not approved for many turbocharged or diesel applications, some high output V-8s, or applications involving driving at sustained highway speeds or towing in hot weather. It may not be the best choice for older, high mileage engines.

5W-30 is used as the factory fill oil on most new cars because it pumps through the engine more quickly after start-up (important for keeping overhead cams properly lubed). It also makes cold weather starting easier and reduces fuel consumption.

Straight viscosity oils have limited temperature ranges and lack the versatility of multiviscosity oils. They can be safely used as long as their temperature limits are observed.
Straight 10W is okay for cold weather starting and driving, but too thin for warm weather driving.
Straight 20W is okay for all around driving, but doesn't provide the temperature protection of straight 30W (which gets too thick at low temperatures for easy cold starting).
Straight 40W and 50W oils are primarily for heavy-duty applications.

Special multiviscosity oils such as 2OW-50 are typically formulated for racing or severe duty applications such as towing.

Synthetics are a good alternative for any of the above because most provide extended temperature protection and service life.

1996 lincoln town car (help)

well the car has 118 thou on it. The rear end air bags where replaced with springs and struts but the check air suspension light stays on, washer fluid light came on and shorty after every once in a while a buzzing noise comes from under the dash. some where usually when i let off the gas peddle.  i was thinking it was becouse i needed to replace the washer fluid so i did and it stopped but outta the blue a couple hours later its doing it again and honestly its driving me crazy.  Any advice would be great. annoying ringing sound coming from under the dash sounds like a ringing the ear but louder, goes away when i accelerate this is driving nuts please help...



Response:

1) Sounds like a relay. Find it while it's making the noise and you will find a part nimber on it. Go to your local parts store and have them cross reference it or go to the dealership to find out what it controls.



2) What you are describing sounds like a vacuum leak. Check your heater control harness where it cinnects.

Car Profiles - Jeep Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)

2000-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Good: Off-road ready, spacious cabin

The Bad: Thirsty and unrefined V8, some reliability problems

The Say: Buy one if you want a true blooded American SUV, but rivals are better purchases which are more practical.

Go For: 4.7 V8
Avoid: 

Price Range: P300,000-P400,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: None as of the Moment
Latest vehicle profile: Jeep Grand Cherokee

1999 buick regal climate control problem - Air Conditioning Problem DTC B0361,B0441

1999 Buick Regal climate control problem . When I started, A/C unit hot air comes out on one side and cold on the other side and now 1 week later the heater or A/C are not working.

Answer:

2 things that can cause this problem. A low refrigerant level in the A/C system can make the passenger side colder than the drivers side. Until all the refrigerant leaked out and now the A/C isn't working at all. You will need to get the refrigerant level checked in the system to determine this.The other thing is the control head for the A/C unit. GM has a bulletin for this. # 02-01-39-001. I have added the TSB below. To tell if this is the problem, You would need to get the codes checked in the HVAC module. and see if the scan tool can control the temperature doors.

#02-01-39-001: HVAC Temperature Difference Side to Side and/or DTC B0361, B0441 Set (Replace
HVAC Controller, Splice into Backlighting Circuit) - (Feb 7, 2002)
Subject: HVAC Temperature Difference Side to Side and/or DTC B0361, B0441
Set (Replace HVAC Controller, Splice into Backlighting Circuit)
Models: 1997-99 Buick Century, Regal
1998-99 Oldsmobile Intrigue
with RPO CJ2
Condition
Some customers may comment on a temperature variation between the left and right hand ducts.
Typical concerns may include that the right side of the vehicle cools down but the left stays warm or
the opposite. This condition is sometimes associated by the customer with a recent service visit for
other non-related repairs. The codes, DTC B0361 or B0441, may be present but will not illuminate a
telltale lamp.
Cause
The HVAC controller unit and the TEMP door actuator motors rely on a feedback system that supplies
the controller with count values in order to accurately adjust the air temperature. When battery power is
interrupted to the HVAC controller, the current actuator position values are lost. When power is
restored, the controller will perform a "sweep test" of the doors from full cold to full hot and record the
end values for reference. Over time, the TEMP doors may develop some flexing when run to their
extremes. This flexing allows the count values to run out of range (beyond 0-255) and results in DTC
code B0361 or B0441 to set.
Correction
A revised HVAC controller has been released with new programming that allows for a wider tolerance
in the expected range of the TEMP door. Replace the controller using the procedure below:
Important: On the 1997 Buick Century and Regal, additional steps are required. You will have to run a
jumper wire to the new HVAC controller. Be sure to follow the additional 1997 model year steps below.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Important: On the Buick Regal, the console must first be removed to access the HVAC
controller. For Buick Century and Oldsmobile Intrigue, skip to Step 10.
2. Apply the parking brake and block wheels.
3. Shift the transmission to first gear.
4. Remove the console trim plate and disconnect the electrical harness.
5. Disconnect the cigarette lighter sockets.
6. Remove the console storage box.
7. Remove the console control plate and disconnect electrical harness for traction control and
heated seats, if equipped.
8. Remove the console retaining bolts.
9. Remove the console from the vehicle.
10.Remove the HVAC trim panel, if equipped.
11.Remove the HVAC controller retaining bolts.
12.Disconnect the electrical harness.
13.Discard the HVAC controller.
Important: At this point, you must refer to the 1997 Buick section below if working on that
model and year. The section below includes steps to revise vehicle wiring to enable HVAC
controller backlighting.
14.If the vehicle is a 1997 Buick Century or Regal, refer to the section below titled 1997 Buicks
(Enabling Backlighting Circuit).
15.Connect the HVAC controller electrical harness and install the controller retaining bolts.
16.Install the control module trim plate, if equipped. Skip to Step 23 for the Buick Century and
Oldsmobile Intrigue. Continue below for the Buick Regal.
17.Install the console to the vehicle.
18.Install the console retaining bolts.
19.Install the console control plate and connect the electrical harness for traction control and
heated seats, if equipped.
20.Install the console storage box.
21.Connect the cigarette lighter sockets.
22.Install the console trim plate and connect the electrical harness.
23.Shift the transmission to PARK and unblock the wheels.
24.Connect the negative battery cable.
Additional Steps for 1997 Buicks (Enabling Backlighting Circuit)
1. Remove the radio retaining bolts.
2. Remove the radio and disconnect the electrical harness.
3. Prepare an 457.2 mm (18 in) long, 18 gauge jumper wire. If multiple colors are available, it
would be the most convenient to use grey to continue the backlighting circuit in the same color.
4. Locate and splice one end of the jumper wire to the grey wire occupying pin location F4 at the
radio harness.
5. Position the radio back into the I/P and route the jumper wire down to the HVAC controller
harness location.
6. Using a new terminal (GM P/N 12146447 Micro-Pak .35-.50), attach and install the other end
of the jumper wire into cavity C16 of the HVAC controller harness. The row and column
position indications are molded into the body of the HVAC controller at the harness location.
7. Connect the electrical harness to the HVAC controller.
8. Connect the negative battery cable and test the HVAC backlighting by turning on the headlamps
and varying the backlighting intensity.
9. Install the radio retaining bolts.
10.Install the I/P upper trim panel.
11.Refer back to Step 15 of the Correction section to complete the procedure. (You will have
already connected the electrical harness).

Parts Information
Part Number Description
10435588 Controller, HVAC (Buick)
9388139 Controller, HVAC (Oldsmobile)
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

How YOU Can Save 70 Center Per Gallon of Gas....

Last week I wrote about keeping your tires properly inflated- generally 40 psi.  If you missed that article you can find it in my blog at Chicagoautorepair.blogspot.com

This week I have a system that will save you even more money, and you don’t have to buy any tools. 

How far would you drive to save 70 cents per gallon of gas?  How much time would you be willing give up to save 70 cents per gallon? 

If you are like most people, you’d be willing to spend a few minutes, at least, to save 70 cents per gallon of gasoline.

Here’s the trick…..  SLOW DOWN

When I drive to /from work, I set my cruise control to 55 mph, and it seems as if 99% of the other drivers pass me. 

Years ago my Plymouth Acclaim had a gas mileage gauge.  It proved what I have read for years.   Every 5 mph increase over 55 mph decreases gas mileage by 10%. 

If you decrease your speed from 70 mph to 60 mph you increase your gas mileage by 20%!  At $3.50 per gallon that translates into 70 cents savings per gallon of gas. 

I know what you are thinking.  Driving fast is fun, and you get home sooner.  All true. However, you may get home sooner if you drive fast, but you then spend more time (and money) filling up your car.  If you slow down, you save time by filling up less often, and you save money. 

Infiniti G37 - 2009

2009 Infiniti G37

MSRP: $33,250 - $38,700
Invoice: $30,727 - $35,747
MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy

Engine Gas V6, 3.7L

Horsepower 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm Torque 270 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm

Transmission :
Electronically controlled 7-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). Manual shift mode offers sequentially selectable manual gearshifts and Downshift Rev Matching (DRM)

The 2009 Infiniti G37 is a serious threat to the traditional favorite in the Upscale Midsize Car class - the BMW 3-Series. The Coupe version of the G37 hit showrooms last year, and was immediately hailed as one of the most spirited performers in a class full of great drivers' cars. For 2009, the G37 sedan arrives (replacing the old G35). Anyone considering a sport sedan should at least schedule a G37 test drive before buying something else.

Ford Escape Hybrid - 2009

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

MSRP : $29,645 - $33,725
Invoice : $27,422 - $31,135

Engine : 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Engine, Horsepower : 153 @ 6,000 rpm Torque : 136 @ 4,500

The 2009 Escape Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 4 trims, ranging from the FWD to the Limited 4WD.

Upon introduction, the FWD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4 , 153-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 34-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. The Limited 4WD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4 , 153-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 29-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2009 Escape Hybrid is a carryover from 2008.