It’s original, it’s rusty, and to us this barn find 1947 Chevrolet Suburban is undeniably cool. After a few decades spent in a Virginia barn this weathered example of the original SUV has been unearthed and is currently for sale on Ebay. More » See the rest here: 1947 Chevrolet Suburban Is A Legitimate Barn Find [Found On EBay] See more here: 1947 Chevrolet Suburban Is A Legitimate Barn Find [Found On EBay]

More expensive and effectively multiplying the amount of vehicle maintenance for a single owner or household, owning more than one car is simply not a reality. In the recent state where economics have hit motorists and their family’s hard in the wallet, we are encouraged to live as small as possible. However, there are also many situations where a single car or truck simply cannot suffice in maintaining a proper living. Logistically, multiple car ownership can best serve the daily travels where two or more licensed motorists are present. For the weekend warrior or family armies trekking on vacation, a large vehicle could be an excellent buy. In the case of large families or for those bringing a trailer load of amenities on their venture, a large truck or sport utility vehicle may be appropriate. Ideal for certain times when towing and cargo capacity needs to be at a premium, the hulking mass of vehicle in more traditional everyday commuting is a plain, simple gas-guzzler. More vehicle than needed during the standard workweek but necessary for family adventure, the available opportunity to add a second vehicle to the driveway has one distinct advantage for economizing. It might make sense for some families to buy a second smaller vehicle either for regular commuting or single person travel. A possible savings of about 10 miles per gallon or more (depending on the variation of car and truck), the annual fuel economy savings would go a long way to affording family pleasure. Using the 2012 Chevrolet line-up as an example, multiple car household with an SUV and car can benefit substantially through smart driving. Using an average annual driving distance of 15,000 miles, the 2012 front-wheel driven Chevrolet Suburban achieves 17 mile per gallon in fuel consumption equating to a yearly gas cost of about $3,450. However, a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze with a 1.4 liter engine and 6-speed manual records fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon on average for an annual gasoline cost of $1,950. A $1,500 difference, the cost savings for using the Cruze for standard commuting can actually make a second-car household fairly economical. Apart from gasoline, the second largest annual expense incurred through vehicle ownership is insurance. Through multi-vehicle ownerships, several...

Taking on the competition While new to North America last year, the Mazda2 is in its second generation and has been an award winning car in both Europe and Asia. The front-wheel-drive subcompact was completely redesigned for the 2011 model year and was left untouched for 2012. The Mazda2 competes in the crowded subcompact segment and takes on the likes of Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Fiat 500, Hyundai Accent and Kia Soul. This week we’ll be test driving the Mazda2 Touring model ($15,855). Touring model gets extra upgrades Inside, Mazda2 Touring comes standard with reclining front bucket seats with six-way adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split folding rear seats, tilt steering column, remote keyless entry, and full power. It gets upgraded cloth upholstery with three-dimensional seat fabric with red piping, six-speaker sound system, and a multi-functional leather steering wheel. Outside it gets a rear roof spoiler, fog lamps, and 15-inch alloy wheels. The 2012 Mazda interior is about what you would expect from the segment. There‘s not a lot of flash, but it gets the job done. Hard plastics are used throughout the cabin which is typical for this class. There isn’t much legroom in the back, but the 60/40 split rear seats fold flat to allow for 27.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Small but potent The Mazda2 uses a proven 1.5-liter double-overhead-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine that produces 100 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque. While it doesn’t sound like much, the variable valve timing gives it more low-rpm torque and higher-rpm horsepower. The Mazda2 will run 75 mph in the fast lane all day long and is fun to drive. We test drove the Mazda2 with the four-speed automatic and felt it was a bit slow to respond pulling hills. The five-speed manual would offer a sportier driving experience.The automatic and the manual are rated the same with an EPA estimated 29 City/35 Highway mpg. The suspension uses MacPherson struts in front and a trailing-arm torsion beam in back which kept the 2 flat in the corners with very little body lean. The Mazda2 delivers on its zoom zoom promise The Mazda 2 is very competitive in the subcompact segment that offers so many choices. Its exterior styling is eye-catching and sporty and...

On the Passing of Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche The grandson of the founder of Porsche, Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche passed away this week at the relatively young age of 76. Among his contributions to Porsche was the gorgeous 911 coupe. Porsche had the old ‘bathtub’ 356 model (Porsche’s numbering scheme followed their internal development numbering for cars at the time) that was getting long in the tooth. While the basic configuration would remain unchanged in the follow on model, the appearance of the car needed a thorough redesign. And the young Butzi Porsche would pen the new design. [Photo by: Terabass via Wikipedia] The model that Butzi Porsche drew was a tightening of the old 356, sharper creases, and surfaces pulled tauter together. But the signature iconic design element of the model (and the subsequent 911 coupes) were the side lights – the quarter window and door window openings appeared in the mind’s eye as a drawn bow. It has a kinetic feel that many a designer would love to have penned and as good as any single design feature in automotive history. It was pure gold. Money, as they say. The working model designation of what was to become the 911 was the 901. And the car would have been known as the 901 if Peugeot hadn’t intervened and objected to the use of two numbers sandwiching an 0 (Peugeot had a number of models on the market at the time with three digit designations and the middle digit a zero – they still do). And that’s how the 911 came to be a 911 – and the basic form and feel has proven remarkably resilient. But truth be told, Butzi Porsche was prouder of another Porsche he penned, one that the was antecedent to a number of highly significant and tremendously successful endurance racers, the 904. Here was a mid-engined, closed body follow on to the 550 that would give rise to the 906, 908 and the all-conquering 917s (the incredible 917-30, which, in your humble scrivener’s opinion, killed the best racing format seen in North America, the Can-Am series, through it’s sheer dominance). What his grandfather had started, Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche enhanced. I will lift a glass in his honor. The i8 Spyder I realize that people are amped by the recent pic dump of the i8 Spyder, but seeing...

Chevrolet’s current Impala feels a bit like an afterthought in GM’s passenger-car lineup, but that’s soon due to change; the new 2014 Chevrolet Impala unveiled at the New York Auto Show The new sedan is officially the tenth generation of the Impala, although the nameplate has been applied to some very different products over many decades. What… Go here to read the rest: 2014 Chevrolet Impala Live Photos: 2012 New York Auto Show

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched official investigations into engine fires involving 2010 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sedans. The safety agency has received several reports of unexpected engine compartment fires completely destroying the vehicles made by Chrysler and General Motors, respectively. According to NHTSA, there have been two reported incidents in the last month of engine fires with the Chevrolet Cruze , one of the best-selling vehicles in GM’s line-up. No injuries or deaths have been reported, but both Chevy Cruze cars were totaled in the fires. In the case of Chrysler’s Jeep Wrangler SUVs, seven of the eight reported engine fire incidents allegedly occurred while being driven. NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigation has already received some preliminary data related to the Cruze fires. However, it will continue to investigate with the manufacturers to determine the causes of the engine fires in the Cruze and Jeep Wrangler SUVs. If a recall for either of the vehicles are required, the alerts will be issued by NHTSA. Consumers affected by these and any other vehicle issue can file a vehicle safety complaint on the NHTSA website, www.SaferCar.gov . For more information, see: How to write a NHTSA complaint – and make it useful Jeep Grand Cherokee fire investigation shows how accident statistics are open to interpretation Fire deaths in Jeep Grand Cherokees continue to mount, safety group reaches out to Chrysler 2011 Chevrolet Cruze – Engine and cooling    Action #: PE12010 [NHTSA] 2010 Jeep Wrangler – Engine and cooling     Action #:PE12009 [NHTSA] See more here: NHTSA probes engine fires in 2010 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and 2011 Chevorlet Cruze sedans

The product that has best bridged the qualities of the vintage and modern Chevrolet is most definitely the Camaro. While the Corvette is the oldest running car model in the Chevrolet line-up, the Chevrolet Camaro currently draws a more emotional connection thanks to higher availability. Immediately paying tribute to the first-generation General Motors pony car with styling, the Camaro returned in 2009 successfully transporting itself into a performance vehicle market during a harsh economy. Last year, Chevrolet took the wraps off a 580-horsepower super performance vehicle using the classic ZL1 nameplate. Resurrecting classics, could the El Camino be the next inspiration for a future Camaro model? What would be the chances for seeing an “El Camino Camaro” coupe utility on the roads? In a modern time where customers are explicitly requesting car-like utility, the Chevrolet Camaro would certainly provide the driving pleasure sought by the marketplace. Performance from a 323-horsepower, direct-injected V-6 and a fire-breathing 6.2 liter V-8 engine generating up to 426 horsepower would beat almost any full-sized pick-up off the starting line. With up to 30 miles per gallon highway possible from the V-6 powered 2012 Camaro, the fuel economy of an El Camino Camaro would better many popular utility vehicles (providing the truck bed does not drastically affect aerodynamics). Selling a car/truck design hybrid in for the first time in 1959, Chevrolet’s creation of the El Camino in the United States was a direct reaction to the Ford Ranchero introduced two years prior. Though the original El Camino lasted for only three consecutive years in the marketplace, Chevrolet would revive the model in 1964 for what would be a 23-year run. Through the Muscle Car era, the Chevrolet El Camino was entered an interesting subset of performance and utility with many of the high-powered small and big block engines installed in the Chevelle available. Surviving the oil crisis and the vehicle downsizing of the 1970s, the El Camino remained to be in the Chevrolet line-up until 1987. Ever since it‘s second demise, the prospect of a new Chevrolet El Camino has grown with even a concept based on a Chevy Lumina exhibited in the 1990s. Before the demise of Pontiac, General Motors was priming...

The Dodge Challenger is a two-door muscle car that started as Dodge’s answer to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Since its introduction, the Challenger has remained true to its roots, its two generations spanning a three-decade hiatus yet still looking, driving and performing much alike. As a muscle car, it’s still primarily up against the… Original post:  Dodge Challenger

Right now, Chevrolet is selling two very different cars with the same Malibu nameplate. Thing is, one of them is much nicer than the other. That one would be the model we just bought, a 2013 Malibu Eco . General Motors stepped up the hybrid Malibu Eco’s introduction date to better compete with the latest, more-efficient family sedans like the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry . Not all versions of the 2013 Malibu were ready to go at the same time, so the hybrid came first. Other versions will follow over the next few months. The Malibu Eco has a light hybrid system that is intended to give a mild boost to fuel economy and performance. GM tried this approach with previous Malibu and Saturn Aura hybrids, but that hybrid system wasn’t fully realized, providing little improvement in fuel economy and burdened by some battery problems. GM stuck to the idea, though, and this time around upgraded to a lithium-ion battery and improving overall refinement. We were quite impressed with this system in our tested 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist . The big Buick’s new base powertrain improved performance over the non-hybrid four-cylinder and returned an impressive 26 mpg overall. We expect better fuel economy from the Malibu. While this powertrain isn’t as efficient as the full hybrid system in the Toyota Camry or Ford Fusion , the Malibu Eco doesn’t cost as much as those cars either. Our Malibu is well-equipped, with an optional $1,000 sunroof and a $965 Convenience Package that added a full power driver seat and a backup camera. Crystal Red paint added another $325. Sticker price is $28,285, or about $1,000 less than a comparably equipped Toyota Camry XLE hybrid. But if hybrids aren’t your thing and if you want a regular, four-cylinder Malibu that competes right in the heart of the $22,000 family sedan segment, you’ll have to buy a 2012 Malibu for now. That car remains the older design. And if you want a V6, better get one now as the redesign drops the availability of those two extra cylinders. Based on our early drives of the 2013 Malibu, you might want to wait. The redesign brings considerable improvements in interior fit and finish, available electronic features, ride, and handling. The turbocharged four-cylinder that takes the place...

If you’re looking for a gas sipper to help save money at the pump, there are many used cars that make excellent choices. And if you do your research, you can buy one that is not only efficient, but safe and reliable, as well. To make it easier to find what you’re looking for, we have identified some of the best used deals on fuel-efficient small cars. Buying a used car has many benefits. Most importantly is that the original owner takes the initial depreciation hit, as new cars lose much more value in the first and second years than those that follow. Also, some used models may have the latest safety equipment (such as curtain air bags and stability control) and are still affordable. When shopping, look for cars that scored well in Consumer Reports’ tests when new, have proven to be reliable, and performed well in government and insurance industry crash tests. Before handing over the cash, have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic to make sure there are no hidden problems. Check out our top deals for recommended vehicles from the 2007-2008 model years. We placed the vehicles in order of the cheapest price you might be able to get when buying from the dealer. The models listed below are available for 13- and 40-percent less than the retail price when the vehicle was new. Plus, all of the models have at least average reliability, according to our latest subscriber survey. Make & model MSRP (new) Selling to dealer avg price Buying from dealer avg price Drop in private sale vs. MSRP Drop in retail value vs. MSRP 2008 Suzuki SX4 15,870 8,175 10,025 48% 37% 2007 Toyota Corolla LE 16,315 8,960 11,075 45% 32% 2007 Honda Fit Sport 15,970 9,330 11,350 42% 29% 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit 16,065 9,500 11,600 41% 28% 2008 Toyota Corolla LE 16,415 9,810 12,025 40% 27% 2007 Mazda3 i 14,795 10,010 12,100 32% 18% 2008 Honda Fit Sport 16,070 10,875 13,075 32% 19% 2007 Honda Civic EX 19,510 11,330 13,675 42% 30% 2008 Scion xD 17,349 11,950 14,150 31% 18% 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit 18,650 11,960 14,300 36% 23% 2008 Scion xB 16,600 12,185 14,400 27% 13% 2007 Toyota Prius 22,175 13,220 15,475 40% 30% 2008 Mazdaspeed3 22,440 14,800 17,175 34% 23% 2008 Toyota Prius 22,475 15,175 17,450 32% 22% 2008 Honda Civic Si 29,500 15,150 17,700 49% 40% 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX...

When the Chevrolet Traverse debuted in 2008, the large crossover vehicle filled a sizable gap in the Bowtie brand’s line-up. Ready to conclude what was always a ‘me-too’ presence in the minivan segment behind Chrysler, the rising price of gasoline was beginning to discourage potential buyers from the Tahoe sport utility vehicle. Steadily selling over 100,000 products in 2010 and 2011, the Chevrolet Traverse continues to win over families seeking a 7 or 8-passenger crossover vehicle. Finding few flaws in a formula that appears to be working, Chevrolet’s 2013 refresh of the Traverse crossover does not trek too far from the present path. The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse appears decisively more debonair employing the brand’s common design DNA. Integrating the styling worn on the upcoming Chevrolet Malibu, the new front end appearance found on the 2013 Traverse employs the three-piece lower air inlets. The redesigned main grille rests higher in relationship to the vehicle’s headlamps giving a more car-like look. The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse’s decoration of chrome around the grille and fog lamps leaves the impression of a mature but accustoming vehicle. The Chevy Traverse also receives a makeover that gives the liftgate a pair of new taillight housings. Aside from the front and rear restyling, the major change on the outer part of the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse revolves around the ride refinements. The addition of rebound springs in the front strut assemblies better regulates body roll. There is also an improvement to the shock valving that should provide occupants of the 2013 Traverse crossover with better comfort at low speeds. Continuing to be offered with front-wheel and all-wheel drivetrains for the 2013 model year, all 2013 Traverse crossover vehicles will be fitted with standard StabiliTrak, four-wheel anti-lock braking and hill start assist control for a secure, comfortable trip during short or long distances.     There will be no performance improvements on the refreshed 2013 Traverse. Connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, the all-aluminum 3.6 liter V-6 engine remains strong with 281 horsepower (288 horsepower when opted with a dual exhaust system). The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse’s average fuel economy will continue to hover around...

GM’s full-size crossover quadruplets— the Chevrolet Traverse , the GMC Acadia, the Buick Enclave, and the now-deceased Saturn Outlook—were fairly well received when they were first launched. GM’s three surviving eight-passenger utes are getting much-needed midcycle updates for 2013, and Chevrolet has now released details on its freshened Traverse. Keep Reading: 2013 Chevrolet Traverse – Official Photos and Info Originally posted here: 2013 Chevrolet Traverse: Hard Candy Shell, Soft Gooey Insides See more here:  2013 Chevrolet Traverse: Hard Candy Shell, Soft Gooey Insides

Despite seeming innovative in 2004 when it was launched, the Titan never really caught on with pickup truck buyers. The Titan brought a punchy and refined powertrain, large four-door cabin, relatively agile handling, a pre-sprayed bed, and a damped tailgate. But sales were lagging expectations and a host of reliability problems plagued it in the first few years. The Titan’s design dates to 2004, making it quite long in the tooth. And although it has received some updates through the years, it hasn’t been significantly changed since its introduction, with the exception of its reliability rising to average. Most competing models have newer designs, including the Chevrolet Silverado , Dodge Ram , Ford F-150 , and Toyota Tundra . It’s also been a while since we tested this Titan, and we felt was time revisit it. We didn’t load our 2012 four-wheel-drive SV crew cab with too many options (captain’s chairs, power driver seat, Bluetooth, trailer hitch and wiring), so the price only came to $36,905. While a fair chunk of change, that’s about $2,000-$3,000 less than most of our other recently tested pickups. So is the Titan still competitive? Here’s a look at some initial logbook comments: “Despite its size, the big Titan is easy to drive.” “Most agile among full-sized pickups.” “The ride is choppy, but, overall, not bad.” “Steering effort is a bit high.” “High bed makes reversing in parking lots difficult.” “I wish for some telescope to adjust this big steering wheel.” “High step-in. After a weekend of this, I’ll take some running boards.” “Driver’s seat gets soggy after an hour… the passenger seat is rattling.” “I like the driver’s seat fold-down arm rest.” “Controls are spread across the dash and hard to reach.” “$36K and no ‘auto’ headlights?” “Power rear window and damped tailgate are nice touches.” Looking at these logbook comments and our Ratings of full-sized trucks (available to online subscribers), the Titan draws a mixed bag of reactions. It competes in a very tightly clustered segment with few bad choices. But some of us think that despite...

If you’re considering the purchase of a 2013 Camaro SS coupe with a manual, you’re going to want to look at the 1LE package. And if you weren’t considering a new Camaro, you might be now. The option group is intended to transform The General’s affordable V-8 coupe into an affordable V-8 coupe that can stop and turn. Sort of sounds like a Mustang we know . Keep Reading: 2013 Chevrolet Camaro – Car News Original post: 2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE: The General’s Answer to Ford’s Boss Originally posted here: 2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE: The General’s Answer to Ford’s Boss

Ford has posted a video to YouTube, which you can watch below, that teases a new Explorer model. The company says it will make its official debut tomorrow, March 28. It’s clear from the clip that the new Explorer will be something sporty: The opening shot implies a race course—but probably is just Ford’s proving grounds—and the soundtrack is a rorty engine note. Further clues include a chrome tailpipe finisher, as well as a dark mesh grille and dark-finished wheels that bring to mind those found on the refreshed 2013 Taurus SHO . Is there an Explorer SHO in the pipe? If so, it likely would feature the Taurus’s 365-hp, 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6, which would join a naturally aspirated 290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and a 240-hp, 2.0-liter EcoBoost four on the Explorer’s engine menu. It’s also possible that this video is simply teasing a sporty appearance and exhaust package, although a more fully realized transformation could address the regular Explorer’s dull dynamics, which were one reason it finished in second place behind the Dodge Durango in a recent comparison test . While we won’t know the details until tomorrow, we’re assuming this model will make its first public appearance at the upcoming New York auto show . Read more from the original source: New, Ostensibly Sporty Ford Explorer Model Coming Tomorrow [Video, New York Auto Show] Original post:  New, Ostensibly Sporty Ford Explorer Model Coming Tomorrow [Video, New York Auto Show]