Super Moody Group

Check out this AutoTrader article that says vehicles like the 2011 Toyota Sienna and Acura TL are moving up on the list of considered new cars. The Ford Mustang is number one with AutoTrader users and the Sienna is now fifth.

As the reality of the all electric Nissan Leaf draws nearer, expect to see a lot more all-electric vehicles, concepts, drawings and promises. One is the Audi e-tron, and all electric, high performance coupe that looks like a smaller version of the R8 - it's a real car but just not for US buyers. Recently, Audi entered the car in a 100+ mile rally . A high performance electric car may seem silly but Mercedes Benz says a battery powered SLS could be a reality and the Tesla Roadster is fairly quick without the help of a gasoline engine. BMW is also working on an all-electric car based on what the company learned from the Mini-e. The luxury hybrid Fisker Karma is also on the way and Tesla promises a four-door, all electric performance sedan. Also look for Mitsubishi's electric i-Mieve and of course the Chevrolet Volt is on its way.

Say goodbye to the Chrysler PT Cruiser; production ends this week. The car has been around since 2000. Housewives over 40, retirees, Victrola collectors, and Dale Ernhardt t-shirt wearers will have to pick a different ride - Chevy HHR, anyone? The Jeep Compass is just as crappy as the PT Cruiser, so that's one you can consider, too. Actually, the PT Cruiser is nicer than the Compass. Truth is, the PT Cruiser was never a superstar - it's been primarily a value proposition. At one point, you could lease one for $99 per month. FIAT, Chrysler's new owners, has a lot of experience with small, affordable cars that are fun, so maybe they can come up with a non-retro replacement for the PT. MSN Autos has a much more in-depth article on the PT Cruiser and its long, slow demise. Soon, we'll be seeing fewer and fewer of those PT Cruisers with the wood paneling - now what will we make fun of? But we didn't always look at the retro PT with such contempt, according to the Detroit...

The 2010 Toyota Matrix is a lot like the 2009 Toyota Matrix. That's just as well since the Matrix was redesigned in 2009. Due to increased concerns about safety, the 2010 version of the Matrix does get stability and traction control added to the standard features list. The price also jumps up about $250. There's a lot to like about the Matrix, it's basically a Corolla wagon but with an extra dose of attitude. The mid-level Toyota Matrix S is likely the best seller as it combines value and desirable features. The standard engine is a 1.8 liter inline four cylinder but the S model comes with the more powerful 2.4 liter engine (158 hp). An eight speaker stereo with satellite radio, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power windows and keyless entry are all standard. Add a few extras like $880 alloy wheels, sport package (front and rear spoilers) and carpeted floor mats and cargo mat for an extra $200 and the price is just a hair over $22,000, base price is $19,650. The one fe...

The popular Honda Accord gets a few tweaks for 2011. Thanks to better areodynamics, revised gear ratios and improvements to engine and transmission friction the 2.4 liter version of the Accord now gets 34 mpg on the highway and 23 in the city. That puts it in better contention with Hyundia's new Sonata, a car that gets an EPA highway rating of 35 mpg. The Accord's look has been slightly redone for 2011 as well. The grille is the most noticable revision - it now has a slightly stronger look and borrows some styling cues from the Accord Crosstour. The front bumper cover has been redone as well. V6 models get new wheel choices for 2011 too. The pictured above is a 2011 Accord EX-L V6. The interior gets a mild makeover too with some primary controls being relocated to improve ergonomics. Newly available features include USB audio input, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for some models and a rear parking camera. Finally, there's a new Honda Accord SE for 2011. It basically...

It's clearly a stunt but Ford took the new 2011 Mustang and lapped Bristol Motor Speedway as many times as possible on just one tank of gas - the result: more than 1,450 laps or about 776 miles. Ford said they used special driving techniques to maximize fuel economy but other than that, the car is a stock 2011 Ford Mustang V6. The end result is an astonishing 48.5 miles per gallon. The Mustang's speed was kept at an average of 43.9 miles per hour. The drivers did not run the air-conditioning and avoided quick starts and stops. Keeping a steady speed also helps raise fuel economy - no matter what car you drive, these types of driving techniques can raise your mpg. The new all aluminum V6 displaces 3.7 liters and makes 305 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission helps keep rpms low and that contributes to the Mustang's high fuel economy. Clearly Ford was feeling the sting of GM's new V6 as found in the Camaro - it too is a 300+ hp engine that delivers decent fuel economy. ...

Let's face it, Mercury hasn't been a serious contender for years maybe even decades. Old S-55, Cougar Eliminator, 60s era Grand Marquis and others were certainly cool but like Janet Jackson said, "what have you done for me lately?" Well, nothing. And that's exactly why Oldsmobile is ready for it's big comeback. No, really. Oldsmobile has a rich performance history with cars like the 4-4-2, the 65 Starfire with a 425 cu in V8, Achieva SCX and the powerful Quad 4 engine. Oldsmobile also got the luxury side of things right - witness the 60s Olds 98, 80s era Olds Cutlass, Oldsmobile Silhouette and the last Olds Aurora. An American car that's equal parts performance and luxury is just what we need - but with a much lower price than brands like BMW and Cadillac. There, I said it. Oldsmobile in '13 - the company is tan, rested and ready. So long Mercury, hello Oldsmobile.