National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) Names 3 Kia Vehicles “2011 Best Car Buys”

The National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) names 3 Kia vehicles “2011 Best Car Buys.” The group’s annual NADAguides Best Car Buys Report analyzed criteria like price, depreciation, fuel efficiency, warranty coverage and safety ratings to determine which vehicles are the country’s true customer satisfiers, and among them were: Kia Soul—The funky-fresh urban passenger vehicle has become one of the most popular subcompacts on the road today, selling in record numbers in 2011 thanks to its unique mix of bold styling, notable fuel efficiency and starting price of just $13,300. The Soul also earned “Top Safety Pick” status from the Insurance...

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The Mazda Total Advantage Program

Exciting news! The company best known for its dynamic lineup of driver-friendly vehicles has now made owning one of those vehicles an even friendlier experience: Mazda recently introduced its first-ever pre-paid maintenance service—the Mazda Total Advantage Program—to provide owners with a more affordable way to ensure their vehicles get the factory-certified routine maintenance they deserve. The new program was designed specifically to meet customer needs, bundling together typical maintenance services at one low price that delivers a notable cost advantage as compared to paying for the services separately. Plans are available for...

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Hybrid Version Of Mazda6 Sedan Coming In 2013 or 2014

A hybrid version of the Mazda6 sedan will be out in 2013 or 2014. In March of last year, Mazda signed a deal to license Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, which Toyota is also licensing to Subaru. With access to this unique hybrid system, the automaker is expected to launch a hybrid version of its Mazda6 sedan as either a 2013 or 2014 model. Based on spy photos of a Mazda6 development mule from InsideLine and Car and Driver, the Mazda6 hybrid will feature driver-selectable Eco/Power/EV modes, similar to the Toyota Prius. And, mileage is expected to reach close to the Prius’  ratings of 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway. Mazda...

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Kia Sportage Named “2011 Northwest Affordable SUV of the Year”

The Kia Sportage was name the “2011 Northwest Affordable SUV of the Year” by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA). The award was given during the NWAPA’s annual “Mudfest,” a unique one-day event in which the year’s top SUVs and crossovers are gathered for a comprehensive, hands-on evaluation of their performance, both on and off the road. This includes off-road tests of low-range handling, ride comfort, and hill-climbing and descent abilities, as well as on-road comparisons of stability, handling, emergency-braking maneuvers, and more. In addition, versatility and overall value are scored separately to provide a comprehensive...

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2012 Mazda3 Expected To Get 40 MPG

The all-new 2012 Mazda3 is expected to get 40 mpg. It is expected to be available in October. The refreshed 2012 Mazda3 will arrive in showrooms this fall. With it will be the first application of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV powertrain technology in the United States. And, thanks to this new tech, the latest Mazda3 is expected to deliver dramatically better fuel economy compared to the outgoing model. The new SKYACTIV 2.0 direct-injection gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission is expected to help the 2012 Mazda3 achieved 40 miles per gallon on the highway. With a six-speed manual, it’s expected to achieve an impressive...

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Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips

10: Check Your Tires Tires are one of the most overlooked parts of a car. According the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), only one out of 10 drivers checks his or her tire pressure correctly, compared with almost seven out of 10 who wash their cars regularly [source: RMA]. But the truth is that an under-inflated, over-inflated, worn down or misaligned tire can be extremely dangerous, particularly in hot summer weather. 9: Change Oil and Oil Filter Oil is the lifeblood of your car. It keeps hardworking engine parts running clean, smooth and cool. Most owner's manuals suggest that you change your oil and oil filter every 7,500...

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Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator

While installing and using child safety seats may appear to be easy enough, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that close to 3 out of 4 parents do not properly use child restraints ... and if you are one of them, that child safety seat may not protect your child the way it should. Use this locator to find a child safety seat inspection station nearest you. Certified technicians will inspect your child safety seat and show you how to correctly install and use it. Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator You can filter results by State/Zip Code as well as with Spanish-speaking technicians, and/or having local...

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Kia Optima Beats Honda Accord in Consumer Reports Showdown

The new Kia Optima beat the Honda Accord in a recent series of tests conducted by a team of experts at Consumer Reports. The Kia won based on performance in five areas: Handling, Transmission, Controls, Fuel Economy, and Safety. For more information on the tests visit the Kia in the News artic...

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