pow

When waiting at traffic lights, they get pretty bad. I recall the LED brake lights in the old SRX and Infiniti FX being similarly blinding, too.

I don't like it - I'd much rather have a Fiesta, Fit, 208, 500, Polo, or MINI - but it's no worse than the current Cobalt, Aveo, etc., and those vehicles sell.

+1 They should save their energies and strategies for those kinds of problems...

TSX wagon coming soon, by the way...

Nice. I've driven an ex-rental Sebring 2.7 with 30,000 miles and didn't notice any rattles or anything. The V6 was strange, though... made random whines and accessory noises, as if the idle were permanently set too high.

The other "Euro" GM product to be made in North America is the VUE... and that's actually still somewhat Opel-feeling inside, compared to the cheapness of the N.A. AURA. Antara: The brushed metal trim remained, as did the lovely Opel turn signal stalks, window switches, headlight knob, and soft touch plastics.

The figures for the Escape Hybrid are completely achievable. And I can't see why you'd be skeptical - it has an EV speed of up to 40 mph, a proper 1.8 kWh battery, an actual electric motor, and Atkinson cycle engine. http://greenhybrid.com/discuss/garage.php?do=showmembervehicles&manufacturer=Ford&modelName=Escape%20Hybrid

Nice to see they haven't messed around. The Insignia is a deceptively stylish car in person.

It's nothing new. GM did the same with the light-hybrid VUE... which has THE BEST hwy FUEL ECONOMY OF ANY SUV!!! when in reality its real-world fuel economy was completely average and lagged behind the Escape's.

VW and Audi score higher than Opel/Vauxhall in practically every customer satisfaction, quality, and reliability survey conducted so far...

All three suck.

It's most certainly not like the regular flu, in that young people have absolutely no immunity to it. I'm thankful I got my vaccine shot...

I frequent Passat (and by extension, A6) and BMW forums, as we have both a 5-series and Passat. The key with any used European vehicle is finding a good independent mechanic who specializes in your car, and staying informed through owners' forums, which can save money and time. Basically you should be interested in your vehicle... an appliance it's not. Check out passatworld.com and bimmerfest.com. With that said, most of these vehicles go through the same problems, so there shouldn't be anything unexpected. Our E39 (1997-2003 5-series) had a few niggles during its warranty period, then suddenly nothing went wrong for 40K miles (post-warranty, you're nowhere as anal). At 90K miles, the radiator developed a small leak, and I went for a complete cooling system overhaul (thermostat, water pump, radiator, fan clutch, belts, etc), as is customary. At 110K miles, the straight-six is still great, the transmission (GM Europe) is strong, and it drives better than most new cars out there. The suspension could go for an overhaul (bushings, tie rod ends, shocks, etc), which again, is typical for cars with high mileage. My observations: '06 Passats - these are nice cars, still the best midsize family sedans out there, but '06 was its first year and both cars are out-of-warranty; the newer Passats are more complicated... I'd buy them only if they were cheap '03 530i - this is a very base model, with no leather, premium package, or sports package; $13K is too much '03 A6 3.0 - this is FWD only, meaning questionable CVT transmission I'd go for the Bimmer, but negotiate hard for discounts for future mods and maintenance.

Here's Edmunds full-test of the Equinox FCX... they chirp the tires as well. http://www.insideline.com/chevrolet/equinox/2008/2008-chevrolet-equinox-fcev-full-test-and-video.html 0-60 in 9.6 sec, not bad.

According to AutoBlaaaaague (John McElroy of Autoline Detroit voice), Russelsheim, Germany. I like this car infinitely more than the overdone LaCrosse. Ride height could be a bit lower, grill could be a bit more aggressive... but look, Ma, no fake wood!!!

VW is now the largest car maker in the world. They couldn't achieve that by making cars for 'social affirmation.' VWs usually have pretty good residuals, so while the MSRP might be slightly higher, lease payments aren't too bad.

With a battery that's 10 times larger, I'm guessing it'll be a bit more expensive than the HS. Probably in between the HS and the Fisker Karma.

Wait for the next-gen Focus. Jetta SportWagen? VW always has good leases going on - CC for $359/mo, Jetta for $259/mo, $0 down, maintenance included. Fusion SE is a good choice, too. Six-speed manual available. Be on the lookout for loss-leader Mazda6 sales, too... I've seen "one at this price!" 6 SV manual models for $15K. It's basically the Fusion, but the next generation of it and assembled in Michigan.

Ying lang translates into something bright and brave.

Absolutely. I had this default mechanic for the Passat. He's an award-winning Porsche and Audi-trained tech who opened his own shop, which I've only had good experiences with. Over time, however, he's gotten busier and busier, so much so you now need an appointment weeks in advance, and he's hired a service adviser to help out in the office, who I hear is somewhat disagreeable. I need a timing belt service done, and this time, with the economy the way it is, I'm willing to shop around. I posted on a popular VW forum and was bombarded by recommendations - including PMs from dealership techs looking for side jobs. Interesting...

Space-efficient family hatchbacks usually don't make good-looking sport sedans... see Jetta vs. Golf.

L.A. has better Asian and Mexican food for sure. The SGV probably has more people than the cities of SF and Berkeley combined.

This.

Wasn't there a HOA in Texas that banned trucks, like the F-150, but not the Mark LT?

Rofl - what is it with HOA presidents?