Archive for the ‘2009’ Category

Among mainstream brands, consumers still rate Honda and Toyota highest in quality—whether that is or isn't the case on actual quality surveys. But Ford is quickly gaining ground. That's according to the latest Perceived Quality Study (PQS), from residual values expert Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG).

Perceived quality sometimes fails to mirror actual quality. Here, there's no better example than Volkswagen, which ALG says has maintained a strong perceived level of quality even though the brand has placed low in actual metrics for quality.

"Volkswagen’s emotionally appealing designs have helped strengthen perceptions of its overall brand and...

You're well aware that Toyota is recalling the 2004-2009 Prius--among a list of vehicles--for an issue with floor mats. Here at High Gear Media, we have at least two vehicles affected by the recall, both 2004 Toyota Prius hatchbacks, both even the same shade of blue.

One of them's mine, and in the nearly six years we've owned our Prius, it's been relatively fault-free. Early on, we replaced the navigation screen under warranty. Two accidents cost about $3500 each, though they were parking-lot scrapes--the price of very light wheel spindles, suspension A-arms and lots front-end plastic.

Every car company has recalls, and Toyota is no...

If you drive a late-model rear-wheel-drive Chrysler or Dodge car—a 2010 Dodge Challenger, for instance—you'll want to take note of this one.

Chrysler has issued a recall of select 2009 and 2010 model-year rear-wheel-drive vehicles for a problem that might lead to the front wheels falling off. Apparently, some of these models left the Brampton, Ontario factory without a front spindle nut—a part that, to put it bluntly, keeps other parts in the front-wheel area from coming undone.

"While driving, a tire and wheel separation could occur increasing the risk of a crash," says National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Defects...