Author Archive: George Peterson

First time out of the box, the funky cute Nissan cube (with a small "c") wins AutoPacific's 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Compact Cars. The cube is a tour de force in packaging winning its class in ease of getting in and out, seating capacity, flexible seating and, possibly most important in this class, cupholder design and size.

The Lexus LS460 premium luxury sedan won AutoPacific's 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) for its class. The Lexus LS has been a consistent winner in its class winning nine of the eleven possible awards since the 2000 model year.

AutoPacific today announced its 14th Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) to help consumers make informed vehicle purchase decisions.

The 4.2L V8 has that solid delivery of horsepower & torque, much like a punch delivered by John Wayne whereas the supercharged 3.0L V6 will probably deliver a punch more like that of Bruce Lee.

Lexus introduced their first hybrid-only model for 2010MY. From a company among the pioneers of hybrid technology, the HS 250h is a disappointment.

The Q7 TDi is a nicely styled, outstandingly crafted vehicle, powered by what we consider its best powertrain - the 3.0L V6 turbo diesel with 225-horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, in the Q7, this engine has to pull 5,512 pounds (5,512 !!!!!!!!!!!!!). Off the line at part throttle the Q7 TDi feels stuck in the sand. Once you are rolling, if you go pedal to the metal, the torque kicks in and the Q7 feels great.

Two-Year Purchase Intention Down
TUSTIN, Calif. (May 3, 2010) – AutoPacific, an authoritative automotive research and insight company, regularly tracks the impact of fuel prices on the type of vehicles Americans will consider buying. The results for the just completed Fuel Price Impact Survey show some surprising results, and are summarized below.
While there are many indications that the recession is ending, at least in terms of new vehicle sales it may be too early to declare victory, as expressed intent to purchase a new car or truck in the next two years has slightly declined over the January to March period.
Over 1,000 respondents completed AutoPacific’s March 2010 wave of its Fuel Price Impact Survey.

Ford launches a premium small car, and should handily take best-in-class honors for 2011MY.

The debate over the usefulness of traditional, capable SUVs in today’s world seems to be coming to a close, with the more efficient and car-based crossover winning the argument. Who really needs a rock-climbing 12-mpg mountain goat on four wheels when all it gets used for is to pick up the kids from school and get to the mall?
For mainstream customers, there is no doubt that a crossover is a far better and more rational choice. But at the upper echelons of the marketplace, it’s not about rationale. It’s about image. It’s about knowing that even though the most challenging incline you’ll ever encounter is the spiral ramp that goes up the Beverly Center parking structure, your vehicle could scale Everest. Think about it: why else are commercial grade Viking appliances and five-figure digital SLR cameras so [...]

GM and Carfax team up to provide recall information on used cars.