2009
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Texas is pickup country, as a visit will confirm. It's one reason Toyota builds its full-size Tundra pickup truck there. But Texas governor Rick Perry overstepped last year when he sneered at the ability of the Toyota Prius hybrid to hold hay. Austin American-Statesman humor columnist John Kelso raised his eyebrows at a comment by Governor Perry in July that slammed the Prius while defending pickup trucks. While speaking to the Chamber of Commerce in San Antonio, Gov. Rick Perry made the point that Texans will continue to drive their pickups no matter what gas costs by saying: "You can't put...
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2009 Toyota Yaris: 41 MPG Without a Hybrid or Hypermiling!
Small, simple, inexpensive cars can return mileage almost as good as a hybrid--and may cost you less overall
John Voelcker -
$45K Coda Electric Sedan Will Beat Volt, Tesla, Etc, To Market
The Chinese-built Coda sedan will arrive in autumn 2010--ahead of the Chevrolet Volt
John Voelcker -
More Details on Tesla, Daimler EV Collaboration and the Future Roadster
Tesla Motors is collaborating with Daimler AG on two affordable EVs planned for production within the next few years. In an interview with Green Car Advisor Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, confirmed that in addition to the previously publicized Smart EV, the two companies have been working on another...
Robert Scardino -
First Drive: Mini E Electric Vehicle Is Far From Ready For Primetime
BMW rarely screws up, but the 450 Mini E test cars now going to eager US drivers are markedly worse than prototypes from other makers
John Voelcker -
It's official. Tesla is a legitimate automaker. The electric car company is recalling 345 Roadsters because of an under-torqued rear hub flange bolt, which could become loose, resulting in poor handling and a rubbing noise from the back of the vehicle. The other possible consequence of this loose bolt according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is loss of control of the vehicle, leading to a crash. Cue the dramatic music. The recall affects cars manufactured between March of 2008 and April 22, 2009. Before all 345 of you prepare to bring your car to the local Tesla...
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Ferrari To Go Hybrid, World Trembles On Its Axis
Ferrari is now testing prototypes of a hybrid-electric system in the fabulous 599 sports car
John Voelcker -
2009 Mazda Miata (MX-5) Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary Around the World
Here Is To Another 20 Years Of Sports Car Fun
Jonathan McGrew -
Spied: Dodge Ram Hybrid
The Hybrid HEMI is on the prowl again. The folks at Leftlane News got some new pictures of what will become Dodge's only hybrid model: the Ram pickup truck. This comes after Chrysler pulled the plug on hybrid versions of the full-size Aspen and Durango SUVs a short time ago. The Hybrid Ram uses...
Robert Scardino -
Mazda's Hydrogen Rotary Hybrid Van, A Different Approach to Green
Unlike all the other Asian automakers, Mazda's green strategy focuses on hydrogen fuel for its rotary engine--and now they've made it a hybrid
John Voelcker -
2009 Volkswagen New Beetle: Do You Still Have the Bug For a Bug?
After More Than Ten Years the Beetle Reincarnation Still Lives On
Jonathan McGrew -
Which Of These Two Bimmers Will Grab Your Attention?
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2009 Ford Focus Coupe: Sleek and Styled or Awkward and Gawky?
With Mixed Reviews We Take a Closer Look
Jonathan McGrew -
GM Recalls Escalade, Yukon and Tahoe Hybrids
In response to a faulty fuel sensor control module, GM is recalling 13 of its 2009 models. Among the 27,188 vehicles affected are the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the faulty module can...
Robert Scardino -
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid Goes NASCAR
NASCAR is expanding into non-Detroit brands with the selection of a Toyota Camry Hybrid as the pace car for several races this summer
John Voelcker -
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: The Only Hybrid That Seats Seven
If you need seven seats and want a hybrid, there's only a single choice: the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
John Voelcker -
Covering Your Car In Sharkskin Dimples Does Nothing For Fuel Economy
Another miracle mileage enhancer bites the dust: Fastskinz does nothing to improve mileage. Ah well.
John Voelcker -
Want a Hemi with that Hybrid? Look for one of the very rare discontinued 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrids or 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrids
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2009 Chevrolet Aveo: Small, Cheerful, Green
Four days with a rented 2009 Chevy Aveo led us to think it's adequate and gets the job done, but not top of the class
John Voelcker -
2009 Volkswagen Touareg TDI: VW Takes Its Diesels Upmarket
VW adds a third engine and its first diesel to its Touareg sport-utility, giving gobs of torque and EPA mileage of 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
John Voelcker -
2010 Lotus Evora: The New Porsche 911 Challenger in Super Car Style
Love the Elise But Need More Space? This Might Be the Car For You
Jonathan McGrew -
Dare To Be Diesel? Volkswagen Launches TDI Truths And Dares Site
With the 2010 VW Golf TDI on the way to join the Jetta TDI, Volkswagen kicks its clean-diesel marketing into high gear
John Voelcker -
Would You Like Cash-For-Clunkers Better If It Got You a Mini John Cooper Works?
With careful shopping, you may be able to score a fun car and still get a
John Voelcker