Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced!

Dan Roth — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

The usual suspects of Chris, Sam, and Dan are joined this week by Autoblog Editor Extraordinaire Chris Paukert. It's a packed 'cast, starting with the apparent go-ahead of the Cadillac Converj. The future of the Dodge Viper figures in to a few minutes of debate, as does Chrysler's marathon presentation about the company's plans going forward. Moving from Chrysler to the company's former overlords at Daimler, we talk about Mr. Paukert's Wild Ride in the AMG SLS, and take a complete left turn into Ford Ranger land and talk about the one we won't be getting. Toyota's floor mat/throttle controversy finishes up the topics before we take a couple questions and call it a night. A good, solid hour and a half for your enjoyment.

Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Gallery: Podcast listener pictures

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced!

Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mullaly says global Ranger and Ka won't be offered in Ford's U.S. showrooms

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Hatchback, Ford

Global Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res gallery

Ford has been working hard to integrate its product lineup on a global scale, but it appears that some models available overseas may never make it to U.S. shores. Ford CEO Alan Mulally has apparently told Automotive News that the Thai-built global Ranger and the A-Segment Ka likely won't be going on sale here in the States. Mulally had previously stated that both vehicles were under consideration for U.S. sale, but now the prognosis appears to be far more dire.

The global Ford Ranger is a far more modern entry-level pickup than its U.S. counterpart which is scheduled to cease production in 2011. While the future of the Ranger is looking pretty bleak here in the States, it appears there is some hope that the shelved F-100 project could once again be in Dearborn's plans. Pickuptrucks.com is reporting that its sources indicate that the F-100, which is a lighter, shorter version of the popular F-150, is still being considered. The F-100 is said to be bigger in all dimensions than the global Ranger.

While there is still hope for a smaller truck in the Blue Oval's arsenal of products, there doesn't appear to be any pulse at all for an A-Segment hatch. Mulally reportedly told AN that the Ka is just too small to be successful in America, adding "Fiesta is about the smallest vehicle that we think will be a real success in the United States." The tiny Ka, which shares hardware with the soon-to-be-sold in the U.S. Fiat 500, is a full 25 inches shorter than the Fiesta.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Ford Ranger (EU)

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Sources: Automotive News - subs req'd; Pickuptrucks.com]

REPORT: Mullaly says global Ranger and Ka won't be offered in Ford's U.S. showrooms originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chrysler retiree saves two men in fiery pickup crash with his power washer

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Safety, Ford, Canada

Retired Chrysler worker Stipe Botica is a hero today after putting out an engine fire after a single-vehicle accident, likely saving the life of the passenger. The accident occurred at 4 am when two men in a Ford Ranger crashed into a vacant house next door to Botica's residence at Forest Glade in Windsor, Ontario.

When Botica went outside, he found the two men crying for help, so he helped pull the driver out of the vehicle. He then discovered that the passenger was wedged against the dashboard and unable to move while a fire was brewing in the Ranger's engine compartment. Botica ran into his backyard and grabbed a power washer that he'd been using to clean his pool and returned to the wreck, where he doused the engine bay and the passenger. Botica claims it took about five minutes to extinguish the fire, and it later took about an hour to remove the passenger from the wrecked Ranger. Botica told the Windsor Star that the area around the vehicle smelled of alcohol and there were no obvious signs of braking in the area around the incident.

We weren't at the scene of the accident, but we're thinking that two young men were mighty lucky Botica was home, alert and had a power washer handy when they crashed in the middle of the night. Who knows, perhaps Chrysler could fly Botica and his power washer to Auburn Hills to put out some fires at his former employer!

[Source: Windsor Star | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler retiree saves two men in fiery pickup crash with his power washer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford Ranger mule caught testing in Dearborn

John Neff — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

Ford Ranger mule - Click above for high-res image gallery of spy shots

As we've previously reported, Ford engineers in Australia are hard at work on the next-generation Ranger pickup, reportedly codenamed T6. While the Ranger name is used on various Ford pickups sold around the world that are different from our long-in-the-tooth U.S. model, word has it that Ford may be leveraging this new global pickup platform to replace the latter truck here in the States when it goes away after the 2011 model year. These new spy shots lend some serious credence to those rumors, as this Ranger mule wasn't snapped in Australia... it was caught in Dearborn, MI near the headquarters of Ford Motor Company.

Never mind the Mazda-looking front end, which likely just hides the bones of this next-gen global Ranger. And while details are scare, talk of a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 175 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque refuses to go away. Check out the rest of the high-res spy shots in our gallery below and let us know if a new, more economical Ranger is just what the doctor for Ford in the States.

Gallery: Ford Ranger - spy shots

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Ford Ranger mule caught testing in Dearborn originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Aussie-market 2012 Ford Ranger spotted?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford, Australia

As previously reported, Ford's Australian arm is currently developing a new global small truck platform that will underpin the next Ford Ranger here in the United States. Codenamed T6, the truck is likely to be offered in both standard and extended cab configurations and offer various gas and diesel powerplants depending on the country it's sold in.

An eagle-eyed spy shooter in Australia managed to snap off a series of photos of the T6 Ranger out and about in the land of Oz being tested in predictably camouflaged form. Although it may look like a mangled Mazda BT-50, those body panels have only been fitted to mask the pickup's true identity. Previous reports suggest that a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder powerplant with roughly 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque will be offered here in the States. Assuming the new truck does in fact make the trip to America, expect it to show up in 2012.

[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

Spy Shots: Aussie-market 2012 Ford Ranger spotted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Is this the next-generation Ford Ranger? And if so, will we get it?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

Ford's recent strategy of combining all of its vehicles from around the world on a single set of platforms may finally bring a new Ranger small pickup truck to the United States once the current model loses its long-running lease on life after the 2011 model year. Spy shooters from the other side of the world have snapped off a series of photos of Ford engineers out testing what appears to be the Blue Oval's next-gen small truck platform in both right- and left-hand-drive configurations.

The new platform is apparently codenamed T6 and it is being developed in Australia. Here in the States, the next Ranger (if we get one) is likely to be offered with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine fortified with Ford's EcoBoost technology. Expect around 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque from the turbocharged and direct injected mill. Unfortunately, we're not likely to see Ford's 3.0-liter Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in the U.S., though we'd love to have access to its 280 lb-ft of twist. Ah well, can't win 'em all.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Spy Shots: Is this the next-generation Ford Ranger? And if so, will we get it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Euro Ford Ranger taunts American light-truck buyers

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Geneva Motor Show, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the Euro Ford Ranger

The U.S. edition of the Ford Ranger has gotten by with little more than cosmetic changes and minor mechanical upgrades since its last redesign in 1993. In Europe, there is another Ford Ranger all together with four full-sized doors, a choice of 2.5L or 3.0L Duratorq diesel engines and styling that comes from the 21st century. We caught a glimpse of the Winning Blue Ranger four-door at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're guessing this mid-size pickup would look much better in a Ford showroom than what we have today. Fortunately, Ford is looking to introduce an all-new U.S. market Ford Ranger in 2011 and the Euro model could be an indicator of things to come.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Ford Ranger (EU)

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ford Ranger (Euro)

Geneva 2009: Euro Ford Ranger taunts American light-truck buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Ford Ranger gets European makeover

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Euro Ford Ranger

While those of us in the States have to make due with the mildly reworked 2010 Ford Ranger until its replacement arrives in 2011, the rest of the world gets to enjoy the thoroughly updated version you see here. The new Ford Ranger will bow at next month's Geneva Motor Show and once sales begin in April, owners will be able to choose from three body styles: the standard single cab, a double cab or the RAP (Rear Access Panel) variant, which features a set of rear-hinged panels aft of the front doors.

Ten colors will be available including five new hues - Copper Red, Desert Bronze, Highland Green, Lagoon Blue and Wining Blue - with power provided by either a 2.5- or 3.0-liter Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel. Either oilburner will be available in either 4x2 or 4x4 configurations and mated to a choice of a five-speed automatic or manual gearboxes, and both engines are able to tow 6,600 pounds, with the 2.5-liter unit putting out 145 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter mill delivering 156 hp and ~~180~~ 280 lb-ft of torque. The interior gets all the usual amenities, including air conditioning, power windows and a MP3-compatible stereo. Production will begin in Thailand in March and there's chance this is the best preview yet of what the U.S. will get in 2011. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ford Ranger (Euro)

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Ford Ranger gets European makeover

Geneva Preview: Ford Ranger gets European makeover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford goes after Ranger fan site for trademark violation

John Neff — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Ford

As if Ford didn't have enough bad PR today after a South Carolinian dealer shout his mouth off on the radio. Now comes word that fan site TheRangerStation.com (TRS) has been contacted by the automaker's lawyers and told to cough up $5,000 and the rights to the website's domain name as a result of copyright infringement. First of all, we're just as surprised as you that there's a fan site devoted to the Ford Ranger and that the Blue Oval even remembered it still sold the Ranger.

This isn't the first time that Ford has sought to protect its trademarked names. Earlier this year it sent out lawyers to confront enthusiast magazines, websites and even parts suppliers using the Mustang name. We're not sure how those cases ended, but we can understand the Blue Oval getting antsy over unapproved use of its most famous brand. But the Ranger? We suspect that TRS ran afoul when Ford's lawyers noticed the online store at which people can buy decals and apparels bearing the website's name.

Despite what you may think of Ford's actions here, TheRangerStation.com has little wiggle room. The 10-year-old website can either pay Ford the licensing fee and seek approval for all material on its website bearing the Ranger name, or it can erase all mention of the truck's moniker from the website, including the URL. Members are currently emailing Ford to petition against these two options, so we'll see what happens. Thanks to everyone for the tip!

[Source: TheRangerStation.com]

Continue reading Ford goes after Ranger fan site for trademark violation

Ford goes after Ranger fan site for trademark violation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Ranger Max concept debuts at Thailand Motor Show (w/VIDEO)

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:19:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Truck, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Ford Ranger Max Concept

At the Thailand Motor Expo this week, Ford's rolling out a show truck based on the locally-produced Ford Ranger. Dubbed the Ranger Max, it's a styling exercise designed to infuse the compact pickup with some visual muscle and toughness. According to Ford, power tools were among the inspirations for the project, hence the blend of matte accents and this OSHA-friendly orange paint job. Anyway, it's pretty cool, what with the embossed "RANGER" logos on the grille and tailgate; vented, domed hood; chunky wheel/tire package; flared fenders and integrated step rails. If Ford were to (finally) replace the U.S.-market Ranger with something incorporating the main cues from this (especially the overall grille/front-end treatment), you wouldn't hear a peep of complaint from us -- we'd be too busy listening to "One Night in Bangkok" on the stereo while we cruised down that street from the Ford Flex ads. PR from Ford Asia-Pacific follows the jump.

UPDATE: Video added after the jump. (Thanks, Mike.)

Gallery: Ford Ranger Max Concept

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Ranger Max concept debuts at Thailand Motor Show (w/VIDEO)

Ford Ranger Max concept debuts at Thailand Motor Show (w/VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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St. Paul Ford Ranger plant to shut down for December

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

For the entire month of December, Ford's plant in St. Paul, Minnesota, where about 1,000 workers assemble the Ford Ranger, will shut down. According to reports, it is normal for the plant to be closed for the week of Christmas, but an additional three weeks of downtime is necessary to "align production with demand."

The plant had initially been scheduled to be shuttered sometime in 2008, but the recent upwards trend in small pickup sales prompted the Blue Oval to keep it open a bit longer and it currently has no specific date set for closure, though it's demise is currently rumored for sometime in 2011. Perhaps if Ford would actually do something to update its long-in-the-tooth Ranger truck, it wouldn't need to consider its death at all, but that's another story entirely.

[Source: Reuters]

St. Paul Ford Ranger plant to shut down for December originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #96

Dan Roth — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Truck, Wagon, Crossover, Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Mercury, Saab

For three weeks in a row, now, we've brought you a new Autoblog Podcast courtesy of the B-Team. Here's episode #96 of the Autoblog Podcast, where Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth kibbitz over some morsels of recent news. There's the requisite trip to the Autoblog Garage to start things off, then we move into actual discussion points like the CTS Wagon, a gasp of life on the Ford Ranger front, the massive confusion around Cerberus and Chrysler, and Hyundai's nose-thumbing at Toyota's hybrid technology. Remember to send in questions, comments, and suggestions for ways to mark the passing of upcoming episode #100 to podcast at autoblog dawt com. See you next week!

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Autoblog Podcast #96 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ranger: Built Ford Tough... with stripes

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Ford, UK

Click above to view in hi-res

While we wait for the F-150 SVT Raptor to be unveiled, Ford is offering European customers a sporty truck of its own: a Ranger with stripes! Although some media are labeling this the Le Mans edition, Ford's own release (which you can see after the jump) doesn't mention the name of the race anywhere. Nor should it, because a compact truck has about as little to do with endurance sports-car racing as a lampshade, except maybe if you're trying chart your own path out of town when the 24 hours are up and the roads are closed.

We use the term "iconic" a lot here, but the Performance Blue with twin white stripes running up the hood, over the roof and down the tail has become an icon for Ford performance vehicles, particularly on the other side of the pond. And that's pretty much all that sets this special edition Ranger Wildtrack apart from the standard production version, aside from some optional equipment - like ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, air-con and an off-road data pack - bundled in as standard. However, the stripy Ranger will only be offered in limited numbers, so European customers had better either act quick or get out the whitewash and paint roller.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ranger: Built Ford Tough... with stripes

Ranger: Built Ford Tough... with stripes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontoon Boat burning a hole in your pocket? Trade it for a JaguaRanger

Dan Roth — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Etc., Ford, Jaguar

Boats are typically thought of as a hole in the water into which you hurl money. It looks like this Craigslist seller realized that he was really after a boat only after sinking considerable time and money into an extensive automotive gene-splicing experiment gone horribly wrong. Take one Jaguar XJ, add half a Ford Ranger Splash, season with a carbureted 305 and stir in a steering wheel cover that's vaguely reminiscent of calimari. Bake only halfway, frost with black, and serve. In all fairness, the small, limited resolution shots on the listing show a vehicle that actually looks better turned out than the recipe for confusion stew might suggest. Whether it's truly nice, or just another 50/50 curiosity would be interesting to find out. At least you won't have to pay to dock it - and with the GM powertrain, it'll likely be far cheaper to maintain than the Evinrude on your pontoon boat.

[Source: Craigslist]

Pontoon Boat burning a hole in your pocket? Trade it for a JaguaRanger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's (apparently) official: The Ford Ranger is dead come 2009

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Ford

One little fact buried in the linked piece about Ford's $2 billion UAW savings is this: the Ranger is dead come 2009. It has been known for a while that the Twin Cities Plant in St. Paul, MN that makes the Ranger would close, and the closure date has been pushed back one year, to 2009. The Cleveland plant that casts engine blocks will also close that year. Credit goes to Automotive News for teasing out these new nuggets of info.

We wrote earlier about possible rescue scenarios for the Ranger, but it looks like the Ranger mine has been shut down and sealed off. Mulally has said that Ford will be more forthcoming about its plans at the Detroit show, so anything is still possible. However, after 26 years, it looks like the compact pickup truck thrill is gone. For you Ranger fans out there, the tune you're looking for is "Taps."

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

It's (apparently) official: The Ford Ranger is dead come 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Scion xP - the 'P' stands for Pickup

John Neff — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 14:37:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Scion, Toyota

Though the launch of Toyota's new full-size Tundra pickup has been a rocky one, the Japanese juggernaut is taking notes, learning on the fly and will undoubtedly not make the same mistakes twice. Perhaps after studying its domestic competition in the full-size truck market, Toyota noticed an untapped strategy that the Big 3 have allowed to languish - the entry-level pickup. Mike Levine from Pickuptruck.com is reporting that Toyota is seriously considering adding a two-door unibody pickup to its Scion lineup with a design inspired by the Fuse Concept that debuted at the New York Auto Show last year.

More details after the jump.

Thanks for the tip, Judd!

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]

Continue reading 2010 Scion xP - the 'P' stands for Pickup

2010 Scion xP - the 'P' stands for Pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Ranger wears pink for UK city

Chris Tutor — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Green, Ford

There's a theory that only men comfortable with their manliness can get away with wearing pink. Whether you buy that or not, Ford's tough little Ranger pickup is trading its plaid shirt image for the pink livery of Salford, UK.

The city just purchased a fleet of six pink Ranger 2.5 TDCi Regular Cab 4x2s fitted with tipper beds for their street-cleaning department.

Salford's Public Relations Officer Ian Andrew tells us, "Yes, magenta is our colour! We want our city to stand out and for people to recognise when the city council is providing them with services."

Situated about 200 miles north of London, Salford prides itself on having an eco-friendly image, with 60% green space, 30 miles of rivers and canals and 112 ponds and lakes. And that's why the six pink Rangers will be burning biodiesel for their five years of service.

"The Rangers are superb," said Salford City Council's Transport Manager Terry Dixie. "Our concern is with paper bulk, rather than weight. This provides an opportunity to reduce vehicle size. The Ranger is less expensive than a conventional 3.5-tonne tipper vehicle, provides superior fuel economy and its robust design promises a long life."

Read Ford's press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford Ranger wears pink for UK city

Ford Ranger wears pink for UK city originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today

Chris Tutor — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Voting is open for The Truth About Cars' first ever Ten Worst Automobiles Today (or TWAT) award that we told you about earlier in the month. The initial list of more than 120 reader nominations contained predictable TWAT-eligible autos like GM's ancient minivans, uh, sorry, Crossover Sport Van, a couple of Saturns, several DaimlerChryslers, and a few Korean models. Some vehicles that were nominated but didn't make the list included highly-respected vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Pontiac Solstice, Ford Focus and Honda Fit.

Using a highly refined proprietary system, TTAC staffers trimmed the candidates to 20. Voting for the Ten Worst Automobiles Today is now open until Wednesday. See the 20 TWAT candidates after the jump.

Continue reading Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today

Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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