Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GM recalls full-size truck, SUVs and vans over faulty shifter mechanism]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/gm-recalls-fullsize-truck-suvs-and-vans-over-faulty-shifter-mec/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/gm-recalls-fullsize-truck-suvs-and-vans-over-faulty-shifter-mec/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/gm-recalls-fullsize-truck-suvs-and-vans-over-faulty-shifter-mec/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Twelve different General Motors vehicles from the 2013 model year, up to 54,686 units in total, are being recalled over two potential issues with their steering columns. The models in question, all full-size trucks, SUVs or vans, are the: Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL.

The affected vehicles were built with a fractured parking lock cable or "a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly." As a consequence, they could shift out of park without the brake pedal being applied or with the key removed or in the off position.

A bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the recall should begin on January 17. GM will notify owners, at which time they can take their vehicles to their dealers for repair free of charge. Have a look at the bulletin below for more information.

Continue reading GM recalls full-size truck, SUVs and vans over faulty shifter mechanism

GM recalls full-size truck, SUVs and vans over faulty shifter mechanism originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AvalanchecadillacchevroletEscaladeEscalade ESVEscalade EXTExpressgeneral motorsgmgmcNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationnhtsarecallsafetySavanaSierraSilveradoSuburbanTahoeYukonYukon XLMon, 07 Jan 2013 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20417794/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/07/gm-recalls-fullsize-truck-suvs-and-vans-over-faulty-shifter-mec/20417794/article-detail.xml 20417794 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/silveradorecall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/silveradorecall.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana vans recalled due to fire risk]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/chevrolet-express-gmc-savana-vans-recalled-due-to-fire-risk/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/chevrolet-express-gmc-savana-vans-recalled-due-to-fire-risk/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/chevrolet-express-gmc-savana-vans-recalled-due-to-fire-risk/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2003 Chevrolet Express

Looks like the NHTSA investigation of the Chevrolet Express has turned into a full-blown recall. Some 9,000 of the full-size vans may have fuel filler pipes that are prone to excessive corrosion, which can lead to leaking. Fuel leaks, of course, lead to the possibility of fires.

The affected vehicles are all from the 2003 and 2004 model year, and include both the Chevy and its GMC Savana twin. But the catch is that the recall only applies to those vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the snow belt. General Motors will be notifying owners and dealers will replace those rusty fuel filler necks.

Scroll down to read the full recall report.

Continue reading Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana vans recalled due to fire risk

Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana vans recalled due to fire risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletexpressfuel fillerfuel filler recallgmcNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationnhtsasavanaWed, 15 Aug 2012 14:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20300367/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/15/chevrolet-express-gmc-savana-vans-recalled-due-to-fire-risk/20300367/article-detail.xml 20300367 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2003-chevrolet-express-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2003-chevrolet-express-opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM to recall select full-size SUVs and vans over steering issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/gm-to-recall-select-full-size-suvs-and-vans-over-steering-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/gm-to-recall-select-full-size-suvs-and-vans-over-steering-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/gm-to-recall-select-full-size-suvs-and-vans-over-steering-issue/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Suburban

Recalls have been issued for four 2012-model-year General Motors products over steering-gear issues. The Chevrolet Suburban and Express and GMC Savana and Yukon XL could suffer from pitman shafts that weren't hardened properly, potentially leading to a fracture and a loss of steering. There are 6,159 vehicles involved in the recall.

GM will begin notifying owners early next month, at which time they can take their SUVs and vans to the dealer to repair the problem free of charge. Follow the jump for the full notification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Continue reading GM to recall select full-size SUVs and vans over steering issue

GM to recall select full-size SUVs and vans over steering issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet suburban2012 gmc yukon xlchevroletexpressgmgmcNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsarecallsavanasuburbanyukon xlTue, 27 Mar 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20200626/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/27/gm-to-recall-select-full-size-suvs-and-vans-over-steering-issue/20200626/article-detail.xml 20200626 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-chevy-suburban_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-chevy-suburban.jpg <![CDATA[Feds open investigation into Chevy Express, Ford Freestar rust issues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/feds-open-investigation-into-chevy-express-ford-freestar-rust-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/feds-open-investigation-into-chevy-express-ford-freestar-rust-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/feds-open-investigation-into-chevy-express-ford-freestar-rust-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2003 Chevrolet Express

'Tis the season... for road salt. And with that, comes rust. And what does rust bring? Well, for Ford and General Motors, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation. According to The Detroit News, NHTSA is looking into potential recalls issues with Chevrolet Express vans and Ford Freestar minivans.

The feds have received five complaints that rust has caused leaking fuel filler pipes on 2003 Express vans. Separately, seven complaints have been filed over excessive rust in the rear wheel wells of 2004 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans. The Freestar and Monterey went out of production in 2007. Neither issue has resulted in any crashes or injuries, according to the report.

Feds open investigation into Chevy Express, Ford Freestar rust issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2003 chevrolet express2004 ford freestar2004 mercury montereychevroletchevyexpressfordfreestarmercurymontereynational highway trafiic safety administrationnhtsarustWed, 28 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20136381/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/28/feds-open-investigation-into-chevy-express-ford-freestar-rust-i/20136381/article-detail.xml 20136381 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2003-chevrolet-express-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2003-chevrolet-express-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ram unveils 1500 Tradesman HD, expanded Express lineup, bigger Rambox]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/ram-unveils-1500-tradesman-hd-expanded-express-lineup-bigger-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/ram-unveils-1500-tradesman-hd-expanded-express-lineup-bigger-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/ram-unveils-1500-tradesman-hd-expanded-express-lineup-bigger-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Ram 1500 Tradesman HD Cutaway

Ram has announced a slew of additions to its line of pickup trucks, starting with the 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty. The vehicle combines all of the excellent value of the standard Tradesman, but throws in the joy of three-quarter-ton towing and cargo capacity as well. Ram says that the vehicle now boasts the best-in-class title for both of those categories. With a maximum trailer weight of 11,500 pounds, the Tradesman HD tops the Ford F-150 by 200 pounds and the Chevrolet Silverado by 800 pounds. Meanwhile, Ram has also rolled in a 3,100-pound payload capacity, which exceeds the F-150 by 40 pounds and the Silverado by 1,235 pounds.

Things aren't all sunshine and rainbows, though. The Tradesman HD is only available as a two-wheel drive truck with a regular cab and an eight-foot bed.

In addition, Ram has broadened the model availability in the company's 1500 Express trim. Buyers can now opt for Crew Cab and Quad Cab configurations for the first time. The 1500 Express Crew Cab starts at $28,050 while the Quad Cab lands closer to $30,010, both without destination or handling charges. Both will still come with the company's 5.7-liter V8 as standard equipment.

Finally, Ram has grown the company's Rambox system to accommodate 6-foot, 4-inch bed lengths, which means that Quad Cab buyers can also enjoy the in-bed storage system. Check out our galleries then hit the jump to read up on Ram's press releases.

Continue reading Ram unveils 1500 Tradesman HD, expanded Express lineup, bigger Rambox

Ram unveils 1500 Tradesman HD, expanded Express lineup, bigger Rambox originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15001500 expresscommercialdodge ramexpressram 1500ram 1500 expressram 1500 tradesmanram 1500 tradesman heavy dutyram expressram pickupram tradesmanramboxtradesmanThu, 29 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20069769/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/29/ram-unveils-1500-tradesman-hd-expanded-express-lineup-bigger-r/20069769/article-detail.xml 20069769 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/ram-tradesman-hd-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/ram-tradesman-hd-628.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Airstream Avenue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/2011-airstream-avenue-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/2011-airstream-avenue-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/2011-airstream-avenue-review-road-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A Deluxe Apartment On The Move

2011 Airstream Avenue
2011 Airstream Avenue - Click above for high-res image gallery

This is the time of year when you can't help but realize that you've been tucked away in an office while the desk calendar has been the only one getting a workout. It's time to look at a map and pack a bag. Coincidentally, my friend Tom had the same thing in mind. He's about to have his first baby, doing work on his first home, and he's getting a look in his eye that suggests it's time for a breather. For me, the open road is always calling and, when a friend is ready to join in, it means the stars have aligned for a road trip.

Those two little words create all kinds of questions, the first of which centers upon what type of vehicle to use. We're both 30, so we'd like a little luxury but... we're both 30, so we'd like a little adventure too. Thankfully, a brief call from Airstream put my name on the keys of a 2011 Avenue slumbering in a Los Angeles parking lot.

Continue reading Review: 2011 Airstream Avenue...


Gallery: 2011 Airstream Avenue: Review

2011 Airstream Avenue2011 Airstream Avenue2011 Airstream Avenue2011 Airstream Avenue2011 Airstream Avenue

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeff Glucker / AOL

Continue reading 2011 Airstream Avenue

2011 Airstream Avenue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 airstream avenue2011 chevrolet expressairstreamairstream avenueavenuecamperchevroletexpressfeaturedmotorhomerecreational vehiclereviewreviewsrvMon, 04 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19894524/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/04/2011-airstream-avenue-review-road-test/19894524/article-detail.xml 19894524 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2011-airsteam-avenue-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2011-airsteam-avenue-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Dennis Publishing acquires Octane magazine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/dennis-publishing-acquires-octane-magazine/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/dennis-publishing-acquires-octane-magazine/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/dennis-publishing-acquires-octane-magazine/#commentsIn the ongoing struggle between magazines and websites, it should be immediately clear to anyone where we stand. With websites like ours getting constantly updated as the news emerges, magazines are increasingly becoming an outdated relic for delivering automotive news to enthusiasts (like yourself, reading this post).

There are, however, a few redeeming publications out there that deliver the kind of features that are best enjoyed in print, despite the stale news that precedes the juicy articles. Some of our favorite magazines come from across the pond, where members of the motoring press seem to have a better grasp of what makes for a quality publication. Among them are evo and Octane, two small-time magazines that consistently deliver quality content that rivals, if not exceeds, the offerings from the more established car mags on the news stand. (Check them out at your local magazine rack and you'll see what we mean.) evo consistently puts the most exciting cars through the paces while forgoing the boring minivan group tests, with a long-term test fleet that includes track cars and exotics. Octane, meanwhile, is a favorite of classic car enthusiasts and features regular columns from the likes of Jay Leno and Carroll Shelby alongside retrospectives and buying guides on the most iconic cars ever to grace asphalt.

Now these two quality publications will be coming under the same roof, as evo's parent Dennis Publishing has announced the acquisition of Octane Media. Dennis is an independent publishing house, where Octane joins its motoring division along with evo and Auto Express. The new synergy between these two top-drawer magazines should only help both continue to elevate the level of quality that will keep us reading even during those sad moments when we have to step away from our monitors.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Dennis Publishing]

Continue reading Dennis Publishing acquires Octane magazine

Dennis Publishing acquires Octane magazine originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquireacquisitionautodennisevoexpressmagazineoctaneoverpublicationpublishingpurchasetakeFri, 06 Apr 2007 17:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/868363/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/04/06/dennis-publishing-acquires-octane-magazine/868363/article-detail.xml 868363 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/evo-octane-sm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/evo-octane-sm.jpg <![CDATA[Quigley vans offer 4WD, diesel power, and more cargo room than a pair of Tahoes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/quigley-vans-offer-4wd-diesel-power-and-more-cargo-room-than-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/quigley-vans-offer-4wd-diesel-power-and-more-cargo-room-than-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/quigley-vans-offer-4wd-diesel-power-and-more-cargo-room-than-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Quiqley has performed aftermarket 4WD conversions for more than 25 years. Now that GM is offering its Duramax diesel in the full-size G-van platform, Bowtie (and GMC) fans looking to combine all-terrain capability, diesel fuel economy and towing power, and up to 260 cubic feet of cargo room have a place to turn.

The basis of the conversion is the substitution of a Dana 60 front axle for the GM van's stock dual control arms, which is driven by a manually-shifted New Venture 261 transfer case. The stock corporate 14-bolt rear axle is swapped out for a Dana 70 unit. This is some serious undercarriage. It's also possible to get a conversion built using an independent front suspension, if the goal is better on-road foul weather traction rather than maximum off-road performance.

The conversion isn't cheap - a bit over $10K, plus the price of the van itself - but the total cost can be significantly less expensive than a typical full-size SUV, and we promise that there won't be a soccer mom in your neighborhood with anything like it.

[Source: Quigley]

Quigley vans offer 4WD, diesel power, and more cargo room than a pair of Tahoes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jun 2006 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChevroletChevyExpressG10G20G30GMCSavannavanVanduraFri, 30 Jun 2006 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/638521/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/06/30/quigley-vans-offer-4wd-diesel-power-and-more-cargo-room-than-a/638521/article-detail.xml 638521 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/quigley-chevy-van_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/quigley-chevy-van.jpg <![CDATA[Vauxhall freights in reworked Vivaro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/05/vauxhall-freights-in-reworked-vivaro/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/05/vauxhall-freights-in-reworked-vivaro/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/05/vauxhall-freights-in-reworked-vivaro/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're by no means experts on European commercial vehicles, but it would seem that White Van Men on the continent are about to be inundated with new product choices, while their Stateside counterparts continue to make due largely by choosing between a Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter, Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana, or Ford's jurassic Econoline. In just the past month or so, we've seen a fresh-faced Volkswagen Crafter and Fiat's new Ducato (along with its Citroen Jumper and Peugeot Boxer twins), and now Vauxhall is set to market a revamped Vivaro.

The Vauxhauler receives an exterior once-over, keeping its distinctive bubble roofline, but adding new light fixtures front and rear and a new V-shaped grille.

Inside, upholstery and trim materials have been upgraded, with faux metal trim and chrome-ringed gauges, and a new range of infotainment options available.

Later in 2006, buyers will have their choice of a revamped engine range as well, including a pair of new 2.0-liter common rail turbodiesels or a tidied-up 2.5-liter CDTi, all yoked to six-speed manual gearboxes.

[Source: Transport News Network]

Vauxhall freights in reworked Vivaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevrolet ExpressChevroletExpressChevy ExpressChevyExpresscommercial truckcommercial vanCommercialTruckCommercialVancrafterDodge SprinterDodgeSprinterEconolineFreightliner SprinterFreightlinerSprinterVanVauxhallvivaroVolkswagen crafterVolkswagenCrafterVW CrafterVwCrafterwhite van manWhiteVanManMon, 05 Jun 2006 20:08:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/624843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/06/05/vauxhall-freights-in-reworked-vivaro/624843/article-detail.xml 624843 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/Vivaro-front-3-4-resized_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/Vivaro-front-3-4-resized.jpg -1 2