Archive for the ‘Forte’ Category

It's not surprising at all that the smallest, least expensive vehicles typically get short shrift on features. You won't find power windows or mirrors, central locking, air conditioning, or even sound systems on some of the most affordable versions of the cheapest models. But while most automakers also skimp on safety features for these most frugal rides—either making them optional or not available at all on base models or so-called value-leaders—there are a couple of gems for 2010 that don’t make those compromises.

One of them is the Toyota Yaris. For 2010, Toyota has decided to phase in its so-called Star Safety System, which includes...

Fuel-sipping sedans are in vogue--and no, we don't mean that glossy magazine with 73 pages of ads for every real article with real words.

Fashionable, sure. And when it comes to compact sedans with a light touch at the gas pumps, a few labels stand out above all the rest. The all-time champion of cheap? The Honda Civic, which has grown from the teensy CVCC-engined hatchback of the 1970s to the adult-sized four-door that dominates other compact sedans on the sales charts. With hybrid and natural-gas-powered versions and a coupe to boot, the Civic is an everyday performer that can even be optioned up to 197-hp Si status.

At the other end of...

As other automakers agonize over idled plants and tough choices, things are looking good for Kia—both overseas and for its rapidly growing operations in the U.S.  Overall, Kia sales are down 6.8 percent versus last year; but that's one of the smallest drops in sales of any brand, second only to Subaru.

Since last year, sales have been quite steady for Kia, which boosted its market share by 47 percent versus last year, to 3.1 percent of the U.S. market. And there will probably be more of a spike from the stylish Soul, which was introduced earlier this spring, and the 2010 Kia Forte sedan that bows this month. Regionally, Kia is growing the...