GM Adding Production Jobs

General Motors has announced that it will create 2,500 jobs at a Detroit-area plant that produces electric cars, an investment that will total $69 million and enable production of two new Chevrolet sedans.

The plant makes the Chevy Volt and its European counterpart, the Opel Ampera.

But GM says it will give the plant the ability to make the new Malibu midsize car and a revamped Impala.

About 1,200 of the jobs will be new hires, as GM will recall about 1,300 laid-off workers in the U.S.

GM said this month that it would create or keep about 4,000 jobs by investing $2 billion in 17 factories in eight states.

Three the Easy Way: Cars that are Inexpensive to Own, Operate

Hyundai Accent GL 2dr hatch

Market price: $9,677
5-Year fuel cost: $8,085
5-Year insurance cost: $5,134
Total 5-Year ownership cost: $26,715

 For under $11,000, the Accent gets great fuel economy of 34 mpg on the highway and 28 in the city. Even on the base model, optional equipment includes an iPod hookup ($35) and Bluetooth ($325). Six airbags are standard, but there’s no option for ABS.

Depreciation: $7,748 Fees & taxes: $822 Financing 5-year loan at 5.95%: $1,207 Opportunity cost of a 15% down payment: $423 Maintenance: $1,795 Repairs: $1,500

Ford Fiesta S 4dr

Market price: $13,212
5-Year fuel cost: $7,576
5-Year insurance cost: $5,623
Total 5-Year ownership cost: $28,402

 The return of the Fiesta to Ford’s lineup brings serious value -- and premium-car amenities -- to the compact category. A low price meets a peppy engine, an ultra-smooth manual transmission, and terrific handling. The SE trim offers Ford’s SYNC system (to connect phones and music players) as a $665 option. Even the entry-level Fiesta boasts a full complement of safety equipment: seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag), ABS, stability control and traction control. Mileage is 28 city, 37 highway.

Depreciation: $8,919 Fees & taxes: $1,063 Financing 5-year loan at 5.95%: $1,690 Opportunity cost of a 15% down payment: $467 Maintenance: $1,564 Repairs: $1,500

Mazda2 Sport 4dr hatch

Market price: $14,625
5-Year fuel cost: $7,825
5-Year insurance cost: $5,630
Total 5-Year ownership cost: $28,593

 Its design is unmistakably Mazda, but the Mazda2 isn’t just a downsizedMazda3. Built on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta, this sporty hatch handles wonderfully and has a full line of standard safety equipment-- ABS, stability and traction control, and six airbags. Mileage is 29 city, 35 highway.

Depreciation: $8,405 Fees & taxes: $1,139 Financing 5-year loan at 5.95%: $1,864 Opportunity cost of a 15% down payment: $490 Maintenance: $1,613 Repairs: $1,627

Style and Substance: The Infiniti FX 35

Sportscar-like driving combines with SUV-like versatility in the 2011 Infiniti FX35.

The FX35 has a 303-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission with auto-manual mode.  Standard rear-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive are available. The FX35 gets 16 mpg in the city and 21-23 mpg on the highway. Infiniti says the all-wheel-drive version tows up to 2,000 pounds. 

The FX35's sweeping exterior styling is distinctive, with its elongated narrow hood, bi-xenon headlights and functional side air vents.  The FX35 has 18-inch alloy wheels standard, with 20-inchers are optional.  Infiniti says a key addition for 2011 is a power liftgate for added convenience. 

The interior is quite refined, with its power leather front seats, a reclining rear seat, dual-zone climate control and optional heated/cooled front seats.  Infiniti says maximum cargo capacity is 62 cubic feet with rear seats stowed.  Other features include Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port with an MP3 interface that are standard, while a hard drive navigation system with voice recognition, XM NavTraffic, a Bose audio system with 11 speakers, and a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive are optional.

For safety, there's an around-view monitor system, which utilizes several cameras for an overhead view of the SUV's perimeter, and a lane departure prevention system.  Infiniti says its Distance Control Technology helps keep an adequate distance between you and the car in front of you while in cruise control.  There is also adaptive cruise control and a forward-warning system, which applies the brakes in the event of an impending collision, which are optional.  Active head restraints, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side-curtain airbags for both rows, traction control, an electronic stability system, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes are each standard.


Priced from $43,000 to around $49,000, the FX is competitive with the sticker prices of other luxury SUVs.

With its sportiness and versatility, the FX 35 offers plenty of style and substance.

GM Sees Highest Earnings in More Than 10 Years

General Motors posted its largest quarterly profit in more than 10 years, thanks to fuel-efficient cars and smaller SUVs that have become more popular as gas prices have risen steadily. 

GM said Thursday its earnings were $3.2 billion, or $1.77 per share, in the first quarter. 

GM's Detroit rivals, Ford and Chrysler, also have posted strong earnings as the U.S. auto industry is recovering from its near-death experience of a few years ago.  

GM got a lift from its new small car, the Chevrolet Cruze, and from crossover SUVs such as the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain, which offer better fuel economy than traditional large SUVs. Revenue was up 15 percent to $36.2 billion, thanks to a 25 percent gain in U.S. sales and a 10 percent hike in China, GM's biggest market. Experts say GM's sales are likely to carry it back to the top of the world auto industry, a position it lost to Toyota. 

The funny thing about this is the U.S. automakers used to claim that there is no way they could be profitable making fuel-efficient vehicles. Never mind the fact that their Japanese rivals were kicking their rear ends by doing just that. 

Now, it seems, the U.S. companies finally get it. If you want to have success in the auto industry, give customers reliable cars that are fuel-efficient and suit their lifestyle needs.

2011 Dodge Ram is Rugged and Comfortable

The 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck is tough yet refined, allowing you to handle all of your blue-collar duties in executive comfort.  

This full-size truck offers three engines: a 215-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6, a 310-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8, or an unmatched 390-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi.  Three transmissions are also offered: a four-speed automatic with a manual mode, a  five-speed automatic with manual mode and a regular five-speed automatic.  


Dodge says the Ram can haul up to 1,900 pounds of payload and tows a hearty 10,450 pounds.

The Ram is available with four-wheel drive, and Dodge says it uses a standard coil-spring rear suspension to make for a smoother ride.  


The Ram's fuel economy is rated at 13-14 mpg in the city and 18-20 on the highway.


There are a number of nice standard features on the Ram, including cruise control, Sirius Satellite Radio and a CD player, for those who still use them. And the SLT trim level offers options such as a sunroof, heated and adjustable front seats, backup camera and navigation.
The top-line Laramie trim level offers dual-zone climate control and an optional satellite TV with DVD entertainment system.


But possibly the best feature is the optional RamBox, which is an integrated, lockable storage box on either side of the bed and around the wheels. You can store things inside or use them as coolers by putting some ice in there along with your favorite beverages and food. Dodge said it designed the boxes to fill the space around the wheel wells, giving the bed a rectangular appearance.  


Also offered is a new factory spray-in bedliner, available on all models.  




The Ram's technology offerings feature the Uconnect multimedia system, which gives real-time traffic and navigation, phone connectivity and multiple ways to connect and store music files.  New for this model year is the optional Garmin navigation system. 


For your comfort and convenience, you may select among three bed lengths (five-foot-seven, six-foot-four, and eight feet) and three cab sizes (two door, Quad Cab and crew cab).

A pair of new trim levels add to the packages previously offered. The Ram Outdoorsman (which the test drive model was) and Laramie Longhorn let you experience nature from a little more of an up-close perspective. The Outdoorsman replaces the TRX model and is good for hunters, fishermen and campers.  There is an optional fishing rod and rifle rack, trailer-towing upgrades, a giant fuel tank, an enhanced lighting package, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and super comfortable seats.  Dodge says the Laramie Longhorn is its most luxurious Ram to date.  On the inside,  there is a classic western look with stitched leather saddle-bag upholstery, walnut trim and all-weather rubber mats with removable Berber inserts. 

With its many offerings and trim levels, the Ram ranges in price from around $21,000 to $46,000.

The Ram is rugged and versatile, while also being luxurious, making it a comfortable and capable work truck.

High Gas Prices Got You Down? Heed These Tips for Saving Fuel

1. Go for the shade. The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna also zaps fuel from your gas tank.
2. Use your garage for your car. Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.
3. Pump up your tires. Don't get caught driving on underinflated tires. Underinflated tires wear down more quickly and they also lower your car's gas mileage.

"Tires that have low pressure offer more resistance so the engine is going to work harder to keep the car at 60," says Brian Moody, road test editor at Edmunds.com.

Your car's gas mileage may plummet by as much as 15 percent. Driving on underinflated tires may also reduce the life of your tires by 15 percent or more.

4. Check your tire pressure once a month. Buy a digital gauge and keep it in your glove box. Compare the pressure in your tires with the recommended pressure listed in your owner's manual and on the placard in your car door. Then inflate your tires as needed. Be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time is early in the morning after your car's been idle overnight.
5. Keep your engine in tune. Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You'll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car's fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
6. Replace air filters. Keep a close eye on your engine's air filter. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car's air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.
7. Use the right oil. You can improve your car's gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with the words "energy conserving" on the API performance label. This oil contains friction-reducing additives.
8. Don't skimp on maintenance. Be serious about auto care. Your car's performance depends on it.

Smooth Stylishness in an SUV: Toyota 4Runner

Versatility, one of the key characteristics that made SUVs so popular, is found in abundance in the 2011 Toyota 4Runner. This SUV has long been one of the best on the market, and its latest version is no departure. 
It is comfortable, durable, powerful and nice looking. 

The 4Runner was redesigned in 2010, and we can honestly say that with this vehicle, each new design seems to be a little more appealing than the last. That's certainly not the case with all vehicles. 


The 4Runner's style is bolstered by its 17- or 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels, skid plates, heated outside mirrors with turn indicators, fog lights, black fender flares and sunroof. 


Toyota has dropped its experiment of equipping some 4Runners with four-cylinder engines. Now the only power plant is a  270-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 with 278 pounds-feet of torque.  The engine is linked to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift mode.

The 4Runner shares its platform with Toyota's FJ Cruiser off-road vehicle. Its trim levels remain Limited, SR5 and Trail.  You can select rear-wheel or four-wheel drive with the Limited and SR5, and the Trail has part-time dual-range 4WD.  The Trail also has the Crawl Control feature that helps maintain control when ascending or descending hills. On the Limited, there is an X-REAS adaptive suspension damper feature designed to smooth out the ride. 


Toyota says the 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds.


Fuel economy is adequate for an SUV this size, at 17 mpg in the city and 22-23 mpg on the highway.  

Interior creature comforts are numerous and include XM Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, JBL six-disc CD changer with 15 speakers and subwoofer, voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with integrated backup camera, water-resistant fabric- or leather-trimmed and heated eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a refreshed tachometer featuring an ECO driving indicator and average fuel consumption gauge.  


The 4Runner offers an optional third-row seat, allowing you to haul seven passengers.  For more cargo space, take advantage of the fold-flat second-row rear seats and an available pullout cargo deck that can support up to 440 pounds.

Toyota says its Star Safety System, found on the 4Runner, consists of vehicle stability control with traction control and an antilock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.  There is also hill start assist control and front, side-mounted and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, and side curtain airbags for the second and third row.


The 4Runner ranges in price from around $30,000 to about $40,000.

The 4Runner remains an outstanding SUV, thanks to its size, styling, smooth ride and versatility.

Ford F-150 Recall Expands

Ford is expanding a recall of its F-150 pickup trucks to about 1.2 million vehicles. The Transportation Department says it has 269 reports of airbags suddenly deploying in the vehicles produced in the 2004-2006 model years. Ford's move came after mounting pressure from federal authorities, news reports said. 

Ford previously said it would repair airbags in about 150,000 affected trucks, news services said, but the company said there were no reports of crashes caused by the problem. But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said there were 98 injuries, including some  serious cases. 

All-electric Nissan Leaf Deserves Some Props

The 2011 Nissan Leaf was rolled out earlier this year as an affordable all-electric, no gasoline car designed to be green and useable. 

Another new electric vehicle that has made a splash, the Chevrolet Volt, has a supplemental gasoline power source. The Leaf is powered solely by grid electricity, which charges its 24-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

The Leaf is an attractive four-door hatchback, as opposed to some funky, far-out looking thing that screams "I'm green, but I'm also a geek."

The design language is, thankfully, not much of a departure from other Nissan models.  

 The Leaf has proprietary batteries developed by Nissan and NEC mounted between the wheels and under the floor. They generate more than 90 kilowatts of power, and the electric motor turns out 80 kilowatts— giving the Leaf a 0-60 mph time of less than 10 seconds. To conserve its battery, the Leaf has a top speed of 90 mph.

If you have an iPhone, Nissan is offering an app that will allow drivers to check on remaining mileage, set timers for charging or to set the timer to activate climate controls.

The big issue with the Leaf is its limited range. Nissan says you can go 60 to 120 miles on a full charge. That's not bad, but many drivers will not feel comfortable with that kind of limitation. 

Therefore at this point, it's probably best to view the Leaf as a niche vehicle, for those who live perhaps in urban areas and limit their driving to spots within their city. Or suburbanites who are only running errands nearby. If you are a commuter logging 20-30 miles or more one way, this vehicle would cut it a little too close for comfort for you. 

It's unlikely that you'll want a car that can't take you from Atlanta to Macon and back without recharging for a few hours.

That said, Nissan still deserves props for coming up with some technology that moves the needle when it comes to developing transportation that gets us off our gasoline dependency. Let's hope they continue to hone that technology so that it can hold broader market appeal.

Because by pretty much every other measure, this is a very good car. 

It seats five fairly comfortably, rides smoothly and has all other creature comforts that you would expect in a nice mid-market car. 

The Leaf is priced at $32,780 2011, but qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit and a Georgia tax break of $5,000.

The car takes electricity from either a 110-volt, a 240-volt or a 440-volt plug—but the 110 is the only one you probably have at your home or can find on the road conveniently.

But buy a Leaf and Nissan contractors will come to your home to set you up with a 240-volt charging station. Nissan also hopes that up to 10,000 240-volt charging points and up to 250 440-volt quick-charge points will be built across the country over the next year or two. Seems a bit unlikely. 

The Leaf gets excellent fuel economy, with EPA ratings of ... ha! just checking to see if you were still awake.

Buick Regal is Sleek and Luxurious

Buick seems to have made all the right moves over the past few years. 

First of all, it has focused on making quality products.

Its most recent lineup addition, the 2011 Regal, is no exception. This midsize sedan offers luxury and performance.

It follows the Enclave crossover and the LaCrosse sedan, vehicles that have banished the old notion of Buick being the brand of the old geezers.

That notion is now as outdated as typewriters.

Another good move was resisting the temptation to change the Regal's name. It had been on hiatus for six years, and while maybe not everyone loved the previous Regal, enough people knew it and liked it to justify sticking with that moniker.

Whatever your opinion of the last version of the Regal was, it's a safe bet that you'll like this one much better.

It's built on the platform of the Insignia sedan, which is made by Opel, a General Motors European brand.

Yet another good move by Buick: it offers Regal with one trim level, CXL. Keep it simple. 

There is a base 2.4-liter, 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine, but you can also get a turbocharged 2.0-liter, 220-horsepower four-cylinder, which the test drive model was.  Both are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, but you can choose a six-speed manual with the turbo if you prefer. 

The turbo also offers the Interactive Drive Control System, which lets you choose from three driving modes: Sport, for the most performance; Tour, for driving long trips; and Standard, the ordinary mode.

The Regal's fuel economy numbers are 18 mpg city, 28 highway for the automatic six-speed to 20 and 32 for the manual. 

The Regal offers a solid package of safety features, including dual stage front airbags, front seat side impact airbags and head curtain side airbags standard. Also standard are antilock brakes and electronic stability control. 

  

 For comfort and convenience, there are keyless entry, foglamps, seven-speaker stereo and leather interior among the standard features.     

The design is where the Regal scores a lot of its points. It's sleek and sculpted - a friend even commented that it looked something like a BMW. Perhaps that's owed to its roots in Germany, where some of the key work on the Regal was done. Features like the signature taillamps and integral rear lip spoiler just add to its good looks.  The 18-inch aluminum wheels are standard, but 19-inch rims are available.

The Regal ranges in price from around $27,000 to around $34,000.

Add the Regal to the recent Buick winning streak. 

 

VW Touareg has Improved Fuel Efficiency

The Volkswagen Touareg has been redesigned for 2011, and the result is better fuel efficiency and improved handling.

This luxury SUV has an eight-speed automatic transmission and, according to VW, is 450 pounds lighter than the first-generation model.

The Touareg offers  a 225-horsepower turbo-diesel V-6 and a 280-horsepower V-6, with each linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.  All-wheel drive is standard.

Fuel economy now ranges from 16-19 mpg in the city and 23-28 mpg on the highway.  Give credit to VW for recognizing that this is an important factor in buyers' decisions these days, even those who are looking at SUV.

Additionally, VW now offers a Touareg Hybrid with 375 horsepower.

VW says one of the most noticeable changes to the exterior of the Touareg is the clear division between the grille and front air dam.  The Touareg now also has LED headlights and taillights, just like those found in its Audi luxury brand. 

Chrome accents highlight the length of the doors.  

On the interior, there is now more room in the backseat, about five inches more. It also reclines easier now.

Unfortunately, that ease of operation is not found throughout the Touareg, as you'll still see a few things where it looks like an engineer said "yes, someone could do this with the touch of one button, but instead, let's make them go through three steps."

The standard 6.5-inch touchscreen DVD navigation system shows 3-D images with major landmarks, and there's a seven-inch multifunction display that synchs with a 60 GB hard drive. 

 The interior is, as usual with VW, finely crafted, with its leather accents.  VW says the start-stop button, electronic tailgate, ambiance lighting, panorama sunroof, and bi-xenon headlights are available features.  VW also says the park distance control and Area View system, which employs four cameras to provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle, is also available and keeps the Touareg safe from scrapes and dents.  A rearview camera, 12-way power seats, and 18-inch wheels are standard.  Optional are 19- and 20-inch wheels, Vienna Leather, wood trim, and a 12-speaker, 620-watt Dynaudio system.

The Touareg's safety mix includes rollover sensors that trigger side curtain airbags when needed and antilock brakes as well as an electronic stability system with traction control.  The Intelligent Crash Response System unlocks all doors, disconnects the battery terminal, shuts off the fuel supply and turns on the warning hazards and interior lights when the airbags have been deployed.

The Touareg ranges in price from around $45,000 to about $58,000.

With its improved efficiency and good looks, the Touareg presents a fine choice among luxury SUVs. 

Infiniti G37 is Heavenly to Drive

 

 
With the 2011 Infiniti G37, scintillating driving performance comes standard.
It features three body styles: sedan, convertible and coupe, which the test drive model was. There's also an all-wheel drive version, the G37x, which has enhanced handling.
 
The coupe is powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that makes 330 horsepower and 270 pounds-feet of torque. The powerplant is linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual is optional.
The G37 coupe has new front styling, in which the fog lights have been moved from inside the headlights to the lower fascia and there's a Limited Edition trim that's new for this model year.

On the inside, the G37 coupe seats four and comes with standard leather seats with eight-way power adjustments in the front, single-zone automatic climate control, and a six-speaker stereo system with MP3 jack. There's an iPod-compatible 11-speaker Bose stereo, Bluetooth streaming audio, and moonroof that are optional. Infiniti says the available 2.0 or 9.3 GB Music Box hard drive can be accessed by a USB port in the center armrest, and it helps organize your audio files internally, and a seven-inch LCD touch-screen navigation system with Infiniti Voice Recognition is also optional.
The coupe's styling is dynamic without being overly dramatic. On one test drive session, another motorist actually pulled out a camera at a stop light to snap a picture of the G37.

The interior design is equally attractive, a mix of high tech and classic luxury.
Fuel economy is very good, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg city and 27 highway. In a week of combined driving, we got 28 mpg, which was very pleasing.
For driving pleasure, it's hard to beat the G37. It takes curves exceptionally well, accelerates sharply and brakes precisely.

The test drive model was priced at $46,975; G37s range from $36,000 to $58,000.

The G37 coupe is an outstanding value for those seeking luxury and brilliant driving dynamics.

Ford Tells Customers to get Personal with Their Fiestas

Ford, which has been among the leaders in the automotive industry in emphasizing fuel economy over the past few years, is now saying that good gas mileage doesn't have to be boring.

The Blue Oval is now touting its new customization options for its Fiesta subcompact. Ford says the  three new packages aim to give customers more ways to personalize their fuel sippers.

 "We're trying to make fuel economy fun," said Lew Echlin, Ford's global car marketing manager, in an interview with The Beat. "This package will have the richest personalization options of any of our vehicles. We realized that we should allow more customization choices to more of our buyers."

Ford says the new packages build on the success of the current personalization choices Fiesta customers have today, with nearly 40 percent purchasing at least one accessory. More than 26,000 Ford Custom Accessories items have been purchased by Fiesta owners.

 In relaunching the Fiesta last year, Ford started the Fiesta Movement, in which a group of selected drivers got to drive, and pretty much live with, a Fiesta and share their impressions with the company.

One key finding that Ford gleaned from that experiment is the level of connection people have with their subcompacts.

Fiesta drivers, Echlin said, often live out of their vehicles, so it was important to give them options that would fit their lifestyles.

“The Fiesta customer loves accessories and personalization. These packages help the customer make the car more tailored to his or her tastes,”  he said. 

In a news release, Ford cited a recent study by the Specialty Equipment Market Association which found that accessories drive sales, with the availability of accessories influencing more than 1 million new vehicle sales each year.

So what's in the Fiesta packages?

 Ford says the new premium sport appearance package takes cues from the European Focus RS with several blacked-out components that feature Tuxedo Black paint, including:

     ·         Side mirrors

·         Headlamps

·         Grille surround

·         License plate header

·         Upper rear hatch spoiler

Ford also says the package also offers 16-inch polished alloy wheels along with improved performance when ordered with a manual transmission. 

On the inside, Fiesta SEL and SES models feature high-contrasting interior accent colors in Oxford White or Race Red strategically placed throughout the interior of the vehicle, which Ford says reflects trends in fashion and home design.

 Ford Custom Accessories gives owners additional ways to add their own flair to their Fiesta or to enhance functionality. 

So while many buyers might be drawn initially to the outstanding fuel economy the Fiesta offers, they can also take heart in the notion of making it a little more reflective of their own personality and style. 

Chevy Back in the Compact Mix with the Cruze

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is the bow tie marque's latest entry in the compact market, and it is a solid one.
Replacing the Cobalt, which wasn't all that impressive, the Cruze has better styling and a higher quality of materials.

The Cruze features a pair of four-cylinder engines, a 1.8-liter that makes 136 horsepower and a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that makes 138 ponies. The latter offers 148 pounds-feet of torque.
The Cruze comes with a six-speed transmission, both automatic and manual are available.
There are four trim levels from which to choose: LS, LT, LTZ and Eco, which the test drive model was.
The styling of each is better than that found in its predecessor, the Cobalt, with a sleeker exterior and an improved interior.

On the inside, you get eight-way manual adjustable driver seat, 60/40 split rear seat, six-speaker stereo with CD player and satellite radio and OnStar.

Options include remote vehicle start, leather seating, power driver seat, heated front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB/iPod port, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, automatic climate control, navigation system and sunroof.


For safety, the Cruze offers 10 airbags, antilock brakes and an electric stability system with traction control, all standard.


You'll find plenty of storage space - 15 cubic feet - in the Cruze's trunk.
The test drive model had the manual transmission, which probably won't be a big seller because many of today's drivers don't know how to drive a stick, and even those who do often don't want the hassle of doing it.
The tester was an Eco, as mentioned above, which was touted as being extra fuel efficient. Its EPA ratings are 28 mpg city, 42 highway.
In a week of combined driving, though, we were only able to get 26 mpg, which was somewhat disappointing.

The Cruze ranges in price from around $16,500 to around $23,000. The tester had a sticker price of $19,750.

The Cruze is a solid entry in the compact market, with many upgrades from its predecessor vehicle.