Auto Trends

MSN Autos released some interesting statistic recently, looking at the most popular vehicles driven in the various areas around the US. Let’s breakdown these findings, and explain what makes these vehicles so popular in their areas.

Boulder, Colorado Loves their Subaru Outback
The Subaru is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll… a little bit Toyota Land Cruiser and a little cit Toyota Camry. The folks in Boulder Colorado aren’t exactly roughing it, but they do live around the mountains, and they do see their fair share of snow. Coloradoans in general like their SUV’s, with the Toyota Land Cruiser being one of the more popular in the mountain towns, but they also consider themselves pro-environment, which makes these big gas guzzlers a bit of a deterrent in some areas.

Henderson, Nevada Prefers their Toyota Camry LE
Toyota Camry’s are popular nearly everywhere in the US, but particularly in Henderson, Nevada, just a few hops away from Las Vegas. The Camry offers just the right amount of flash, with more importantly, an even greater amount of affordability, practicality, and dependability. Despite all the fancy vehicles you see in downtown Las Vegas, there are also a predominant amount of Toyota Camry’s, often taking the local folks to their favorite hot spots in the Sin City. While Vegas may exude money and flash, those in Henderson are the typical working folks, trying to keep it together one day at a time.

Glendale, Arizona Says they Need their Ford F-150 Platinum
The folks in Glendale are a down-home, all-American, country bunch, who also like to have a little comfort and class mixed in with their vehicles. The F-150 Platinum offers the typical functionality of moderate sized truck, with the extra touches of comfort that you would normally find in a mid-line luxury vehicle. In an area that is considered much more country than city, the folks around these parts occasionally need to  haul ranch supplies (farm, animals, etc.), toys (motorcycles, boats, etc.), and yard equipment (year-round growing season).

Santa Monica Prefers the Emission Conscious Toyota Prius
Santa Monica is a haven of environmentally friendly folks who recycle, reduce, and reuse, while driving their Toyota Prius in the process. It is not uncommon for resident consumers to wait on long lists before getting their Prius, especially considering its worldwide demand. Drivers of the Prius also receive a free car-pool-lane pass, which is reason enough for many long-distance daily commuters. Interestingly, 51 miles South, the residents of Newport Beach much prefer their Mercedes-Benz E350, which offers a more luxurious image for those who prefer to be seen, rather than drive efficiently.

Source: MSN Autos

[Photos via woodleywonderworks, PanMike1, Stradablog, Pete’s Photo Magic, and Kathleen_A]

originally uploaded by daniel.gene

Bob Lutz: “What’s that you say?”
Customer: “I would like to turn in this truck.”
Bob:  “No, no… we don’t sell any duck.”
Customer: “No, I don’t like this vehicle. I want to turn it in.”
Bob: “A pickle?”
Customer: “Nevermind… nevermind!”

Several weeks ago, we reported on the GM 60-Day Guarantee, which is their newest program guaranteeing customer satisfaction with their product. It basically states, anytime within the first 60 days of purchase, if a customer is not completely satisfied with their GM vehicle, they can return it for a full refund. Well, it has been over a month, and GM’s Vice Chairman, Bob Lutz, has already come out to gloat.

Out of 150,000 vehicles sold, only one has chosen to return the vehicle in exchange for a different one. The black sheep of the group was a guy who had purchased a manual transmission Corvette. He later discovered over the course of this month that he did not like the shifting. So… he simply turned it in for an automatic. Most customers thus far have chosen to taken the bribe, err I should rather say $500 cash-back incentive, instead of the 60-Day guarantee.

How GM is interpreting these results, is that consumers have absolute confidence in their vehicles, and therefore have no need for their guarantee. But before GM gets out their party hats and parties like it 2099, if I recall correctly, the program began on September 14^th. I also recall that in order to qualify for a return, a customer had to wait at least 30 days.

So, in other words, yesterday was the first day a customer was even eligible to make a return. I admit that GM has a good product, but let’s not jump the gun here. Let’s see where things are in November, and then we can celebrate.

No doubt you have heard about some of the tragedies that succumbed the fate of the Cash For Clunkers program. Of course I am speaking from the point of view of a true car enthusiasts. Other folks would probably say good ridden to just about anything on the road that can achieve a 35 mpg rating with both tires tied behind its trunk. Never-the-less, the Cars.gov website has released its official list of cars that were destroyed during the program, and Auto Blog was right on it, leaving a trail of tears as they read.

For those who are more of a glass is half full type of individual, Auto Blog reminds us that many of the most surprising vehicles on this list, just may be a typing or clerical error. None-the-less, not all of these can be a mistake, so I can assure you that at least a few tears should be in order. So without further adieu, let’s start the Cash for Clunker Trade-in Tragedy pictorial…

1987 Buick ASC GNX

Photo via Travis Isaacs
With its turbocharged 3.8-liter V6, this vehicle has become one of the most renowned 6-bangers in history.

1992 GMC Typhoon

Photo via em0erk
A 4.3 liter turbocharged V-6 SUV that could punch out 0-60 in under 5-seconds.

2008 Foose Ford F-150

Photo via josedesomb66
There were only 500 of these 450 horsepower monsters made, and considering two got clunked, I guess we’re down to 498.

1997 Aston Martin DB7 Volante

Photo via fly_on_the_wall
Too painful for me to even think about!

1987 Duntov GT

Photo via essichgurgn
Anything that is this exotic is bound to be worth more than $4,500… even with bullet holes in the trunk!

2005 Mazda RX-8

Photo via CarbonXRS
I kid you not!

2006 350Z Roadster

Photo via tadpole_x
Somebody must have really hated this car!

1985 TVR 280i Convertible

Photo via Matt-Hill
Ah, okay, well that’s enough tears for that one…

Here is the full list of surprises (Read ‘em and weep):

• 1987 Buick ASC GNX
• 1997 Aston Martin DB7 Volante
• 1997 Bentley Continental R
• 1989 20th Anniversary Pontiac Trans Am
• 1992 GMC Typhoon
• 1985 Audi Quattro
• 1992 BMW 850i
• 2006 Audi A4 Convertible
• 2006 Cadillac STS
• 2008 Foose F-150
• 2007 GMC Acadias
• 2008 Hyundai Accent
• 2006 Nissan 350Z Roadster
• 2006 Roush Stage 3 F-150
• 2006 Toyota Corolla
• 2005 Mazda RX-8
• 2002 Kia Spectra
• 1988 Aurora Cobra
• 1996 Buick Funeral Hearses
• 1987 Duntov GT
• 1987 Excalibur Autos Phaeton
• 1990 Honda CRX
• 1985 Maserati Quattroporte
• 1999 Mercedes C43 AMG
• 1985 TVR 280i Convertible

Source: AutoBlog