Auto Pacific Announces Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

AutoPacific announced its 13th Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). The top ranked auto manufacturer for the second year in a row is Cadillac. Cadillac was ranked highest among 25,000 new car owners for 2009. This proves that General Motors is building good cars...with satisfied owners. Much of the public is till under the assumption that American cars are not made as well as the Japanese vehicles. It is simply not true anymore!

This has been a turbulent year for GM with sales down substantialy, and the auto industry in such turmoil. This year has been one of the most dismal sales years for the automobile business in recent history.

The VSA award is coveted among auto manufacturers since earning this award will result in sales in the showroom. Also, friends will ask their friends and co-workers typically ask if they like their new car....the real test is if they would buy this car again.
The manufacturer that has increased their satisfaction with their vehicles the most for 2009 is Hyundai! They have come a long way since 1986 when they started selling cars here in the U.S. They moved up eleven spots in the Overall brand satisfaction ratings earning 2009 Rising Star Award. Outlined below are the passenger cars...if anyone is interested in the light truck category go to Auto Pacific.

• Premium Luxury Car - Lexus LS


• Aspirational Luxury Car - Hyundai Genesis


• Luxury Large Car - Lincoln Town Car


• Luxury Mid Size Car - Lexus ES


• Premium Mid Size Car - Hyundai Sonata


• Mid Size Car - Ford Fusion


• Image Compact Car - Toyota Prius


• Compact Car - Mitsubishi Lancer


• Economy Car - Honda Fit


• Sports Car - Porsche 911

Summary:

The VSA is a factor that everyone buying a new car should consider. If a car earns the top honor in the Auto Pacific VSA, then it should be put on your shopping list and worth a test drive. There are still a number of other factors to consider such as the styling, drive ability, price, deal, rebates etc.

Ford Mustang GT

The new and revised Mustang has to be one of the best new models that Ford will introduce for 2010. A really hot pick out of their offers is the Mustang GT. The automobile magazines think it is the best Mustang every, probably the best out of the new muscle cars Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The Mustang has been in production in various forms since 1964, that is one of the longest production runs of any model. Besides the coupe a convertible version is available also.

The chief designer of the 2010 Mustang is Doug Gaffka, who was responsible for the 2008-2009 Bullitt and other Ford vehicles. The new Mustang's exterior is an evolution of prior Mustang...sculpted for a leaner, more muscular look with better aerodynamic performance.

The Mustang's interior styling has improved with higher quality interior surfaces, available real aluminum trim, and improved fit and finish.

The 2010 Mustang GT's 4.6 liter V8, has been revised to the same specifications as the 2008-2009 Mustang Bullitt's 4.6 L V8, with 315 hp. The performance statistics are impressive the 0-60 mph is 5.1 seconds, braking is exceptional at 70-0 mph.- 164 ft and the skidpad is .92. Take the new Mustang GT for a spin!

Options for the 2010 Mustang include Ford SYNC, which is an incredible system, dual-zone automatic climate control, an updated navigation system with Sirius, a capless fuel filler, and a reverse camera system to aid in backing up.

The 2010 Mustang will be scheduled for a launch date during the Spring of 2009.

Information provided by Wikipedia!

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

My March 1st post on the Hyundai Genesis was did not appear to be popular based on the number of comments posted. The Koreans are here in the U.S., with some very impressive cars! In fact, the 2009 Hyundai Genesis won the 2009 Car of the Year Award at the North American Auto Show in Detroit.

OK, everyone thinks what is the big deal about Hyundai, a second tier automotive producer. My prediction is that Hyundai will become a major player on the world automotive stage. The big deal is that they are delivering highly competitive products at extremely competitive prices which are thousands less than the competition. They also are offering great build quality and a super 10 year warranty.

So, even in tough economic times like this their sales are relatively constant to last year, meanwhile most manufacturers are experiencing severe sales declines. Currently Hyundai is translating to exceptional value!

The Genesis Coupe arrived in U.S. dealerships in late February as a 2010 model. Hyundai USA acting President and CEO John Krafcik has described the Genesis Coupe as being designed "...to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37".

The Genesis Coupe will have two available engines. The base engine will be a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 210 hp. with an optional 3.8L Lambda V6 engine producing 306 hp. A 6-speed manual transmission will be standard equipment, with an optional 5- or ZF 6-speed automatic (depending on engine choice).

The gas mileage is for the 2.0 liter turbo is 30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway U.S. and the 3.8 liter rating of 25 mpg city and 30 mpg U.S. Pricing for the 2.0 liter turbo starts at $22,750 and the 3.8 liter at $25,000. Pricing for an Infinity G37 starts at $35,900.

Here is what some of the automotive journalists have to say! According to Edmunds.com G37 Comparison Test, "Hyundai Genesis Coupe V6 beats out Infinity G37 by overall score". Popular Mechanics had this to say about the G37 Comparison review, "..the extra $10,000 on the price tag of the Infiniti doesn’t seem quite worth it."

Car and Driver review, "..Then I drove the V-6 model, fast. Whoa, this thing is unexpectedly hard core. There’s vigorous throttle response, a husky V-6 exhaust note, and giddy acceleration. In the canyons, the steering turns in with a vengeance, the car tracks through corners like a race car, and the brakes are from Brembo."