Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[<i>Forbes</i> names 12 hardest new cars to find]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-forbes-i-names-12-hardest-new-cars-to-find/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-forbes-i-names-12-hardest-new-cars-to-find/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-forbes-i-names-12-hardest-new-cars-to-find/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


2010 Audi Q5 - click above for high-res gallery

With many automakers scaling back production to better balance supply with demand, it's not surprising there are several hard-to-find models right now. Forbes Magazine made some calls and did a little research and turned up what they say is the top 12 most difficult to find cars. After the run on high-mileage cars recently, you'd expect to see hybrid models like the Toyota Prius at No. 2 on the list. Tied for second is a car on the other extreme, the Chevrolet Camaro. Both model are spending an average of 18.5 days on dealer lots.

But Forbes says the hardest to find new car recently is actually the Audi Q5. The Four-Ringed crossover sat around in showrooms an average of only 16.8 days in June and July. Audi had another hit on the list with its S5, which tied for 12th place with the Mini Cooper.

Only one other American nameplate showed up as a hot seller, and that was Ford's Escape and Escape Hybrid, slipping in at No. 10. Toyota had a whopping five vehicles on the list, including the Prius and the Lexus RX 350/RX Hybrid. The Matrix was No. 4, the FJ Cruiser No. 8, and the RAV4 was No. 9. Said another way, "Thanks, Cash for Clunkers!"

Oddly, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI didn't show up on Forbes' list. From our personal experience and reports from readers, the car is almost impossible to find due to production issues and demand -presumably that's because the study calculated days on lots for the entire Jetta lineup, not just specific models therein.


Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5


[Source: Forbes]

Forbes names 12 hardest new cars to find originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi q5AudiQ5auto salesAutoSalesc4ccamarocash for clunkersCashForClunkerschevy camaroChevyCamarofj cruiserFjCruiserforbesforbes magazineforbes.comForbesMagazinematrixminipriusq5rav4rx 350rx 350 hybridRx350Rx350Hybrids5sportwagensportwagen dieselsportwagen tdiSportwagenDieselSportwagenTdiMon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes names Top 10 Guilt-Free Luxury Cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/forbes-names-top-10-guilt-free-luxury-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/forbes-names-top-10-guilt-free-luxury-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/forbes-names-top-10-guilt-free-luxury-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,



In today's economy of high gas prices, luxury automobiles get a bad rap. However, Forbes points out, some luxury sedans and SUVs are frugal in their fuel consumption, and even retain a healthy amount of their residual values. Based on those two main factors, Forbes.com has named their Top Ten list of "guilt-free luxury cars".

As you'd expect, the bulk of the list is constituted of German and Japanese luxury automobiles for their resale values, and hybrids for their fuel economy. But some of their selections may surprise you. While the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec, Lexus RX400h and LS460h seem like natural choices, other Mercedes SUVs - namely the M-Class and GL-Class - were also nominated. More surprisingly, the Jaguar XF is on there, as is the flame-snorting Lexus IS-F. The rest of the list is rounded out with the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Infiniti M35. Check out Forbes.com to find out what makes these ten vehicles so "guilt-free".

[Source: Forbes.com]

Forbes names Top 10 Guilt-Free Luxury Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forbesforbes guilt-freeforbes top 10forbes top tenForbesGuilt-freeForbesTop10ForbesTopTenguilt-freetop 10top tenTop10TopTenThu, 26 Jun 2008 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes lists the Top 10 Fastest Fictional Cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/forbes-lists-the-top-10-fastest-fictional-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/forbes-lists-the-top-10-fastest-fictional-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/forbes-lists-the-top-10-fastest-fictional-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Employing research that they certainly did not get from AOL Autos, Forbes is at it again with a list of the Top 10 Fastest Fictional Cars. One of the things we find odd about the list is that there are a number of cars included that you can actually buy or make pretty easily, like James Bond's Aston Martin DBS or the General Lee. That, and a lot of cars for sale today are as fast or faster than some fictional ones on the list.

Yet the strangest thing on the list has to be that Lightning McQueen, he of Cars fame, has a 750-horsepower V8 but takes 4.5 seconds to get from 0-to-60. Disney, come on. It's no wonder Lightning had self-esteem issues.

We won't tell you what No. 1 is, but it goes 800-MPH and runs on Energon, which, sadly, Chevron doesn't carry. Click the link for the full rundown, and check out the list of honorable mentions as well, which includes the Gran Torino from Starsky & Hutch and the G-6155 Interceptor from the Spy Hunter video game. Thanks for the tip, Benjamin!

[Source: Forbes]

Forbes lists the Top 10 Fastest Fictional Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 May 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fictional carsFictionalCarsforbesforbes.comforbesmagazinelistliststop tentop ten listtop ten listsTopTenTopTenListTopTenListsThu, 15 May 2008 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes comes up with top-ten most expensive luxury cars to repair]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/forbes-comes-up-with-top-ten-most-expensive-luxury-cars-to-repai/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/forbes-comes-up-with-top-ten-most-expensive-luxury-cars-to-repai/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/forbes-comes-up-with-top-ten-most-expensive-luxury-cars-to-repai/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Buying a luxury car or SUV is the dream of many readers, and while a BMW or Mercedes will buy you some instant street-cred, they'll also cost you an arm and a leg if it ever needs fixing. A repair that may be no big deal for a Chevy Cobalt can cost much more in a luxury vehicle due to high-tech gadgets and more expensive materials. Forbes put together lists of the ten most expensive to repair luxury and non-luxury vehicles over a five year period.

The most costly vehicle to fix overall was the Dodge Viper, which came in at $1,641, and the most expensive luxury vehicle was the Audi A8 at $1,640. On the luxury list, every vehicle came from Europe, with zero entries from Detroit or Japan. The story was much different for the non-luxury vehicles, with heavy-duty trucks and SUVs making up the lion's share of the list. The Subaru Impreza and Mini Cooper were the only imports to make Forbes' dubious top ten. Hit the jump to view the most expensive luxury cars to repair, and click on the link below to view the priciest non-luxury list.

[Source: Forbes]

Continue reading Forbes comes up with top-ten most expensive luxury cars to repair

Forbes comes up with top-ten most expensive luxury cars to repair originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 May 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ForbesLuxuryVehicle RepairVehicleRepairTue, 06 May 2008 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes lists the best and worst states to own a car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/forbes-lists-the-best-and-worst-states-to-own-a-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/forbes-lists-the-best-and-worst-states-to-own-a-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/forbes-lists-the-best-and-worst-states-to-own-a-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Forbes has a slideshow of the best and worst places to own a car, and you might be surprised at a few of the winners and losers. The rankings are based on the results of Edmunds.com's True Cost to Own (TCO) study. That study takes into account depreciation, financing, insurance, taxes and fees, fuel, maintenance, and repairs, and figures out how much those little costs you rarely consider as a lump sum will really subtract from your bank account over time. (Or pockets or shoeboxes, depending on where you keep your money.)

Depreciation and fuel are, of course, the biggest costs, and insurance can add a fair chunk over time. The difference between the last spot and the first spot on each list wasn't great -- about $4,000 in each case. But the difference between the best place (least expensive) to own a car and the worst place (most expensive) -- which wasn't New York City -- worked out to almost $12,000 over five years. Click the link to see if your state made either list. And if you want to get the TCO for your specific car, then check out the TCO calculator for yourself.

[Source: Forbes]

Forbes lists the best and worst states to own a car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmunds.comforbeslistsslideshowstcotop ten listsTopTenListstrue cost to ownTrueCostToOwnThu, 14 Feb 2008 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes picks top 15 most overpriced vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/03/forbes-picks-out-the-top-15-most-overpriced-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/03/forbes-picks-out-the-top-15-most-overpriced-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/03/forbes-picks-out-the-top-15-most-overpriced-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Using a formula that takes into account what a buyer actually pays for a vehicle, J.D. Power APEAL Survey results and the Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction Survey, Forbes has come up with the 15 vehicles for which you'll probably pay too. The most overpriced vehicle will cost you $7,158 more than it should. For some reason we couldn't see the 15th and final slide, so all we can tell you is that the 14th most overpriced vehicle will run you $2,447 extra.

The number one slot is held by the $37,105 Dodge Ram 2WD Laramie MegaCab, and the penultimate place was occupied by the $27,470 GMC Colorado. The list is dominated by domestic trucks and SUVs -- the only car on the list is the Mercury Grand Marquis (over by $6,480), and the only import is the Nissan Quest SE (over by $3,441). All of them are long in the tooth, on their way out, or about to be replaced. So if you're in the market for any of them, it's buyer beware time.

Since the Forbes equation factors after-purchase survey results that are of the touchy-feely subjective variety, the list is less a rundown of overpriced cars than it is of cars that have inflated purchase prices and with which buyers weren't totally happy. After all, is there anyone who doesn't think the Lamborghini Reventon is grossly overpriced? (But make no mistake, we'd buy all 20 of them if we had the money.)

[Source: Forbes]

Forbes picks top 15 most overpriced vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discountsforbesincentiveslistsmost overpriced carsMostOverpricedCarsmsrpoverpriced carsOverpricedCarsThu, 03 Jan 2008 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes reports UAW/Chrysler strike is over, but it's not]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/10/forbes-reports-uaw-chrysler-strike-is-over-but-its-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/10/forbes-reports-uaw-chrysler-strike-is-over-but-its-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/10/forbes-reports-uaw-chrysler-strike-is-over-but-its-not/#commentsFiled under: ,

UPDATE: A more fleshed out report from Forbes was published at 4:25 PM EST that still maintains the strike is over. The new report claims a tentative agreement was in UAW president Ron Gettelfinger's hands an hour after the strike started. This report has not been confirmed by other sources.

click above pic for more images from the UAW's strike against Chrysler

We're not sure how a mistake like this happens. Forbes published a report online at 1:45 PM EST claiming that "Chrysler and the United Auto Workers union have reached a tentative agreement on a new labor deal," even going so far as to state that the strike ending had been confirmed by both the company and union officials. Of course, Forbes was unable to provide any details as to what the agreement contained, most likely because such an agreement doesn't exist.

Neither Automotive News, The Detroit News nor the Detroit Free Press have reported that the strike has ended. Automotive News, in fact, reported at 3:42 PM EST that negotiators have left the table for the day and not even scheduled another sit down. The Detroit Free Press, meanwhile, has already published a counter-story denying Forbes' claim that the strike is over.

We're entirely puzzled as to where this bogus Forbes report came from. Our honest guess is that it was written in case the strike actually did end quickly today and was published on Forbes' servers where it was then found by an intrepid member of the GM Inside News forums. We'll never know for sure, though.

[Source: Forbes via GM Inside News]

Gallery: Images from UAW strike against Chrysler

Forbes reports UAW/Chrysler strike is over, but it's not originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler strikeChrysler strike endsChryslerStrikeChryslerStrikeEndsforbesstrike endStrikeEnduaw strikeuaw-chrysler stirkeuaw-chrysler strikeUaw-chryslerStirkeUaw-chryslerStrikeUawStrikeWed, 10 Oct 2007 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes lists 10 cars that require a passport to buy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/15/forbes-lists-10-cars-that-require-a-passport-to-buy/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/15/forbes-lists-10-cars-that-require-a-passport-to-buy/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/15/forbes-lists-10-cars-that-require-a-passport-to-buy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In Ten Cars You Can't Buy in the US, Forbes offers a sampling of tasty metal that US buyers just aren't good enough to put money down on. However, the real title should be Ten Cars You Can't Buy in the US Yet, or Any More, or That You Wouldn't Buy Even if You Could. The article focuses mainly on the Italians and the French, and reaffirms the French makers' intent not to return to the US any time soon. The slide show, though, includes the the Mitsubishi Evo (Forbes shows the Evo X, which we are getting), Smart (again, we're getting the new one), Vanquish S, and Skyline (available here as the G35). The article then goes on to suggest the Infiniti G35 as an alternative to the Skyline, its JDM twin. G35 coupes fully rebadged to replicate their JDM Skyline twins are nothing new, so Forbes isn't exactly offering revolutionary advice here.

[Source: Forbes.com]

Forbes lists 10 cars that require a passport to buy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jul 2007 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeanforbesSun, 15 Jul 2007 11:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes names "Most Affordable Luxury Cars"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/forbes-names-most-affordable-luxury-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/forbes-names-most-affordable-luxury-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/forbes-names-most-affordable-luxury-cars/#commentsFiled under:



One of our favorite non-auto-publications-laughably-doing-car-stories, Forbes has just issued its list of the most affordable luxury cars available today. Sound like an oxymoron? Well, it is, sort of, but their point is a logical one. Even the entry-level models from most luxury players are getting the toys from their bigger siblings. And even in cars that don't necessarily have more expensive siblings, they have had to adopt those features to stay competitive. The idea behind the article is to show us the most luxury you can get on a budget. And most of the choices are pretty sound. The trouble comes in where they start to make suggestions like, "Preparing to plunk down $61,715 on a brand-new Lexus LS460? Save your money. Instead, buy a $30,000 IS 250." The implication that the IS is somehow as good as the LS at a much lower price is ludicrous. They just tend to focus on features rather than performance or room or style, but it makes a decent buyers guide overall. These are solid choices in the near-luxury segment for the most part. Click through the read link to see photos of each along with some of the reasons it was selected.

[Source: Forbes via AIADA First Up]

Forbes names "Most Affordable Luxury Cars" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Forbesluxury carsLuxuryCarsThu, 12 Jul 2007 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 10 cities in which NOT to speed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/top-10-cities-in-which-not-to-speed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/top-10-cities-in-which-not-to-speed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/top-10-cities-in-which-not-to-speed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Few moments in life are less welcomed than when a sprightly sprint in your automobile is cut short by flashing red lights in your rearview mirror. In that moment, you know that you're out well over $100, you'll have to take time off work for court, and your insurance is likely to go up by 10 percent or more.

The Speed Trap Exchange was created to alert drivers of speed traps, and to tip off locations where traffic patrols are heaviest. The folks over at Speed Trap compiled a list of the 10 worst places in the US in which not to speed based on the input of over 10,000 site users. Lucky for me, my hometown is in the Detroit suburbs, which took the No. 1 spot. Hit the jump to view all top 10 sites, and let us know if you know of an area where speed traps run ramped.

[Source: Forbes]

Continue reading Top 10 cities in which NOT to speed

Top 10 cities in which NOT to speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitforbesspeed trapspeedingSpeedTrapWed, 30 May 2007 12:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes pairs the world's best roads to the world's best rides]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/05/forbes-pairs-the-worlds-best-roads-to-the-worlds-best-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/05/forbes-pairs-the-worlds-best-roads-to-the-worlds-best-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/05/forbes-pairs-the-worlds-best-roads-to-the-worlds-best-rides/#commentsFiled under: ,

Forbes and a few special guests play matchmaker, putting some magnificent stretches of blacktop together with some magnificent wheels. California is, of course, well represented among the entrants -- Danica Patrick likes Highway 1 around Monterey in a Bentley GTC, and Bob Bondurant likes Mulholland Drive in a 1965 'Stang. The rest of the country gets some love as well, though. A DB9 is best suited for the Las Vegas to Death Valley to Mammoth Lakes run (be sure to check out Dante's View in Death Valley). For the Easterners among you, the Tail of the Dragon in the Great Smoky Mountains, from Tennessee to North Carolina, is perfect for an '07 vintage Porsche Turbo. Being Forbes, all but one of the best rides are big money, but don't let that stop you -- the roads don't discriminate. Land Rover gets our vote for the best choice of best road: essentially, they chose Africa.

[Source: Forbes]

Forbes pairs the world's best roads to the world's best rides originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2007 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1bestforbeshighwaypchridesroadsSat, 05 May 2007 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes picks the 10 Sexiest Cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/forbes-picks-the-10-sexiest-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/forbes-picks-the-10-sexiest-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/forbes-picks-the-10-sexiest-cars/#comments

We thought it was getting to be a long time since Forbes had put together another Top Ten list, but this time the journal of choice for successful businessmen put a twist on the annual tradition: instead of simply picking ten cars and assigning ranks by degree of sexiness, Forbes picked the sexiest ride for each of ten categories of personalities, including ballers, mobsters, divorcés and talent agents. If you don't fit into any of the categories, chances are you probably don't have the cash to spend on any of these cars. But if you've got the greenbacks and don't match the list, you might have to figure it out for yourself.

It's all a matter of taste, but Chris Bangle fans will notice the conspicuous absence of any BMWs, while enthusiasts of Italian automobiles will take note of the the Maserati, the Lamborghini and the two Ferraris that made the cut.

Here's what Forbes has nominated for this year:

  • Sexiest Car for Hip-Hop Moguls: Rolls-Royce Phantom
  • Sexiest Car for Hollywood Agents: Lexus LS Hybrid
  • Sexiest Car for Miami Beach Plastic Surgeons: Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster
  • Sexiest Car for Mobsters: Cadillac Escalade & EXT
  • Sexiest Car for Newly Divorced Dads: Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
  • Sexiest Car for Newly Divorced Moms: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
  • Sexiest Car for Lobbyists: Cadillac CTS
  • Sexiest Car for Forbes Readers: Maserati Quattroporte
  • Sexiest Car for NBA Players: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
  • Sexiest Car for Driving Purists: Aston Martin DB9 and Ferrari F430 (tie)

We'll take one of each, please.

[Source: Forbes]

Forbes picks the 10 Sexiest Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carsforbeslistluxurysexiestsexytentopMon, 16 Apr 2007 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Spoiled Brats: Forbes makes teen-car wishlist]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/spoiled-brats-forbes-makes-teen-car-wishlist/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/spoiled-brats-forbes-makes-teen-car-wishlist/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/spoiled-brats-forbes-makes-teen-car-wishlist/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Fusion

No matter how dramatic your explanations of how you walked barefoot uphill in the snow both ways are, the fact remains that teenagers will at least need access to a car from time to time. Given that your youngun' will be talking on the phone, listening to the radio, text messaging, chewing gum and chatting with passengers (all while breaking graduated-licensing laws), you want to give him or her the best chances of surviving a possible crash. Better yet (especially for the passengers, who never seem to fare as luckily as the driver), a car that can handily avoid an accident is the safest of all. That's part of the reason why we Autobloggers like a little starch in the ride, swift action from the steering, good strong brakes and enough power to get the hell out of the way should the need arise.

Forbes Magazine also sees the need for kids to have cars that emphasize safety. They've compiled their list of Smart Cars for Teen Drivers, and that doesn't mean a bunch of those little bean-shaped things, either. Forbes picked 15 cars as good rides to put teenagers in. While they may not all generate a lot of excitement in the hearts of the kids they envision getting behind the wheel, we don't see a problem with them. After all, we sure didn't get new cars when we started driving. We delve into a few of the picks after the jump.

[Source: Forbes}

Continue reading Spoiled Brats: Forbes makes teen-car wishlist

Spoiled Brats: Forbes makes teen-car wishlist originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comparing inappropriate car naming to McDonald's practice of calling its cheeseburgers "Royal" in France, Forbes magazine has come up with a list of the best, worst and weirdest car monikers. The editors at Forbes combed through the automotive encyclopedias and picked out a couple dozen vehicles that are noteworthy for their names, both good, bad, and just plain weird. While we have mixed feelings about non-automotive publications stepping on our turf, the list is entertaining. The "best" list includes mostly American icons. The "worst" list is broken into fake names and misguided euphemisms like the McDonald's "Royals." Americans again dominate. For the "weird," they turned to Japan, naturally. While we didn't find any particularly offensive inclusions or exclusions, we just know that most of you will have some additional suggestions. Like immediately putting the Naked on the "best" list. Here are a few items from each list.

Check out the complete list after the jump if you don't like slide shows, and then please discuss.

[Source: Forbes]

Continue reading Forbes picks Best, Worst and Weirdest car names

Forbes picks Best, Worst and Weirdest car names originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ForbesTue, 19 Dec 2006 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[What do billionaires drive? Same cars as the rest of us...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/what-do-billionaires-drive-same-cars-as-the-rest-of-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/what-do-billionaires-drive-same-cars-as-the-rest-of-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/what-do-billionaires-drive-same-cars-as-the-rest-of-us/#commentsFiled under:

If you had a net worth in the billions of dollars, what would you drive? A bright red Ferrari? The million-dollar Bugatti Veyron? The super-luxurious Maybach 62? How about one of each? You may be surprised to find out what Forbes' Top Ten richest people in the world are driving. Not an exotic Italian supercar among them.

  • Bill Gates drives a '99 Porsche 911 cabrio. He's also got a rare Porsche 959, for which he got President Clinton to sign a law legalizing it for road use. Now that's some serious clout, but with $50 billion at his disposal and a taste for Stuttgart's finest, wouldn't a Carrera GT or a new 911 Turbo have found a way into his garage?
  • Billionaire investor Warren Buffett drives a Lincoln Town Car Signature Series, complete with landau roof.
  • IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad has a '93 Volvo 240 GL, but prefers taking the bus. Seriously. And he uses his senior-citizen's card, too.
  • Like his pal Bill, Mircosoft co-founder Paul Allen has a Porsche 959 (how original), but drives around Washington State mostly in an '88 Mazda B-Series pickup.
  • Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, meanwhile, has got the Infiniti FX45, Hummer H1, Volvo XC90, Rolls Royce Phantom and Daewoo Matiz in his garage. Two of each, so that his entourage can follow in identical wheels. (If the Daewoo seems out of place, it's because the prince is part owner of the company.)
  • Michael Dell (whose name is probably emblazoned on the computer you're using to read this) alternates between a 2004 Porsche Boxster and a 2005 Hummer H2.
  • Larry "the Oracle" Ellison has got wheels with some style: a pair of new Bentley Continentals, a GT coupe and a Flying Spur sedan. (They go well with his fighter jet and America's Cup racing yacht.)
  • Jim Walton, owner of Wal-Mart, has for a garage what you'll probably find at the local used car lot: a 2002 Dodge Dakota, '99 Chevy Silverado, '98 Mitsubishi Montero Sport and 2000 Acura Integra, all available at everyday low prices. (His '59 Cadillac is probably a sweet ride, though.)
  • Jim's sister Alice Walton walked after killing a woman in '89 behind the wheel of a Porsche. Now she drives an F-150 King Ranch pickup. (More carefuly, we hope.)
  • Like his colleagues Bill and Paul, Steven Ballmer made his billions at Microsoft, but he stays true to his motown roots at the wheel of a '98 Lincoln Continental.

We know what you're thinking. "If I had that kinda money...". But you don't. Neither do we. So we'll all just keep on dreaming. Follow the link to Forbes for pics of these millionaire-mobiles (not the actual ones owned by wealthy, just stock shots).

[Source: Forbes Auto]

Continue reading What do billionaires drive? Same cars as the rest of us...

What do billionaires drive? Same cars as the rest of us... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>959alwaleedballmerbillionairebuffettdellforbesgateskampradrichwaltonTue, 19 Sep 2006 20:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes' lists America's best driving roads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/forbes-lists-americas-best-driving-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/forbes-lists-americas-best-driving-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/forbes-lists-americas-best-driving-roads/#commentsFiled under:



We have to hand it to Forbes' on this one. This has been a feature that some of us have been mulling over for several months. The only thing that has caused us to hesitate is simply greed. We don't want everyone to know about our favorite roads. We've kept them hidden for so long that divulging their locations would be like revealing a dark secret that a friend had entrusted us with.

Thankfully, Forbes has brought some of the more popular roads to light, so we don't expect a serious influx of Harley riders and wannabe racers on our asphalt shod meccas anytime soon.

So who was chosen to give away their favorite drives? Some pretty big names of the motoring world. People like Danica Patrick, Chrysler's Tom LaSorda, John Walton of Aston Martin, Skip Barber and Bob Lutz, just to name a few.

No surprise to us west-coasters, but many of the roads highlighted are found in the Golden State. Some focus around the Pacific coastline, while others are further inland. Accompanying the article is a photo gallery that provides maps of the selected stretches of tarmac, all of which will bestow the consummate gearhead with the one thing that makes our lives that much more complete; speed, twists and that soothing shot of adrenalin that seems to make everything right in our world.

Damn we love driving.

We know you have your favorites too and that's why there's a 'comments' section.

[Source: Forbes]

Forbes' lists America's best driving roads originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzdanica patrickDanicaPatrickdriving roadsDrivingRoadsforbesjohn waltonJohnWaltonskip barberSkipBarbertom lasordaTomLasordaThu, 31 Aug 2006 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes Top Four best vehicles for college students]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/29/forbes-top-four-best-vehicles-for-college-students/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/29/forbes-top-four-best-vehicles-for-college-students/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/29/forbes-top-four-best-vehicles-for-college-students/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Talk about tough standards. When Forbes compiled vehicles for its annual "Best Cars for College Students" list, they found only four vehicles qualified to meet its criteria of being affordable, safe, and reliable. Interestingly, the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, which they deemed the "standard" by which similar vehicles are measured, failed to make the list. According to Forbes, both did poorly on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, with the Accord receiving the lowest rating of "poor" for rear-crash protection and the Camry receiving a "marginal" rating in the same test.

So who are the fortunate foursome? They are:
  • Chevrolet Cobalt - $13,590
  • Ford Escape - $19,780
  • Honda Civic - $14,560
  • Hyundai Sonata - $17,195
How each vehicle scored in the IIHS safety test, Consumer Reports, and J.D. Power can be found on each slide. What do you think? A+ to Forbes on their choices? Or back to school for them? Seems like no one at Forbes even considered keg capacity, the degree to which a car's stereo can annoy neighbors, or maximum number of friends that can be squeezed in for a trip to Windsor.

Related:
[Source: Forbes]

Forbes Top Four best vehicles for college students originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Aug 2006 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collegeForbesTue, 29 Aug 2006 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes digs on domestics with Worst American Cars of 2006]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/forbes-digs-on-domestics-with-worst-american-cars-of-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/forbes-digs-on-domestics-with-worst-american-cars-of-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/forbes-digs-on-domestics-with-worst-american-cars-of-2006/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



For all of the effort General Motors, Ford and the Chrysler Group are putting forth to improve their product lines, there are still a few models that lag far behind what's behind what's being sold by foreign competitors. Forbes has compiled a list that highlights these vehicles in specific categories: lowest gas mileage, lowest safety ratings, worst predicted resale value, worst predicted reliability, lowest percentage of satisfied owners and worst E.P.A. air pollution and greenhouse-gas scores.

All three manufacturers took issue with Forbes' methodology in preparing the list, which relied heavily on data culled from Consumer Reports for information on depreciation, reliability and owner satisfaction. Fuel efficiency information came from the E.P.A. and crash-test data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the rates of injury claims filed per vehicle.

You can check out the list in its entirety after the jump if you don't want to sit through the slideshow on Forbes.com. Be sure to let us know if you think the domestics deserved this beating or if Forbes is just kicking the American auto industry when it's down.

[Source: Forbes]

Continue reading Forbes digs on domestics with Worst American Cars of 2006

Forbes digs on domestics with Worst American Cars of 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forbesworst american carsworst carsWorstAmericanCarsWorstCarsFri, 21 Jul 2006 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes Best Pickups for 2006]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/21/forbes-best-pickups-for-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/21/forbes-best-pickups-for-2006/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/21/forbes-best-pickups-for-2006/#commentsFiled under: ,



While foreign manufacturers dominate the car and SUV vehicle segments, that quintessential American icon, the pickup truck, continues to be ruled by the domestic automakers. Forbes Dan Lienert wrote that Toyota Tundra engineers, while touring Texas Stadium during a Dallas Cowboys' football game, continued to be amazed how Americans loved their pickups even as personal transportation. We'll have to wait until next year after the new Tundra has debuted to see if Toyota's engineers have tapped the pulse of America's pickup purchasing public.

Without further adieu, Forbes top pick pickups for 2006:
  • Best Midsize Pickup: Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider
  • Best Pickup For Off-Roading: Dodge Ram Power Wagon
  • Best Pickup For Pulling Stumps: Ford F-Series Super Duty
  • Most Fuel-Efficient Pickup: Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series
  • Most Sinister Pickup: Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 (pictured)
  • Most Upscale Pickup: Cadillac Escalade EXT
  • Raciest Pickup: Dodge Ram SRT-10
  • Safest Pickup: Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra
Related:
Strategic Vision Top Quality Award winners for 2006 announced
Forbes picks hottest family trucksters
Consumer Reports' 2006 Top Picks? 100% Japanese

[Source: Forbes]

Forbes Best Pickups for 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forbeslistWed, 21 Jun 2006 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes picks 'Safest Cars' for 2006]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/02/forbes-picks-2006s-safest-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/02/forbes-picks-2006s-safest-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/02/forbes-picks-2006s-safest-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The list-meisters over at Forbes Magazine are at it again, this time short-listing what it says are the safest cars available in 2006. And it is indeed a short list-- just four cars:

  • Acura RL
  • Honda Civic
  • Saab 9-3
  • Volvo S80

Forbes based its results on vehicles posting high Consumer Reports accident avoidance findings, as well as perfect scorecards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and/or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Forbes admits that it excluded vehicles not long for this world, which makes their choice of the current Volvo S80 a little puzzling. Either way, we wouldn't exactly recommend playing chicken with private planes, as seen above.

Click on the link for a better explanation of their methodology, along with the magazine's standard slide-show treatment.

[Sources: Forbes; Volvo Canada]

Forbes picks 'Safest Cars' for 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 May 2006 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-3CivicForbesIIHSNHTSARLS-80S80SaabSafe CarSafeCarSafest AutoSafest CarSafestAutoSafestCarTue, 02 May 2006 19:01:00 EST