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The 2012 Dodge Durango looks to build on last year’s success. For the 2012 model year, the Durango added optional second-row captain’s chairs with a center console. For our Car Seat Check, we tested a Durango with a three-seat bench in the second row, making it a seven-seater. For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat. The front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position for a 6-foot driver and a 5-foot-8 passenger. The three child seats are installed in the second row. The booster seat sits behind the driver’s seat, and the infant seat and convertible seats are installed behind the passenger seat. We also install the infant seat in the second row’s middle seat with the booster and convertible in the outboard seats to see if three car seats will fit. If there’s a third row, we install the booster seat and a forward-facing convertible. Here’s how the 2012 Dodge Durango did in MotherProof.com’s Car Seat Check: Latch system: The Durango has two sets of lower Latch anchors in the second row’s outboard seats. The anchors are easy to find, but a little hard to use with traditional Latch connectors because the seat cushions around them are difficult to move out of the way. We found the anchors to be easier to use with our convertible car seat’s rigid Latch connectors. There are three tether anchors midway down the second row’s seatbacks. The third row doesn’t have any lower Latch anchors, but it does have two tether anchors about two-thirds of the way down the seatback. The anchors are partially covered by flaps that bridge the gap between the cargo floor and the seatbacks. Booster seat: Our high-back booster seat fit well in the Durango’s second row. We were able to work with the Durango’s fixed head restraints by reclining the seatback, so it wouldn’t interfere with our booster’s fit. The seat belt buckles are on stable bases, but they sit low in the seat cushion, making it easy for the booster to ride over the buckle. The third row’s seat belt buckles are on stable bases that sit much higher than those in the second row. The booster seat also fit well in this row. Convertible seat: In the second row, the forward- and rear-facing convertible fit well. This was surprising because the second-row seats don’t slide forward and back as they do in competing three-row SUVs. The forward-facing convertible (photo below) also fit well in the third row, where we used the seat belt to install it. Infant-safety seat: This rear-facing seat also fit well in the second row. How many car seats fit in the second row? Two. We were able to fit our three car seats in the third row, but they were tightly wedged against each other, making it difficult for a child in the booster seat to buckle independently. How many car seats fit in third row? Two Editor’s note: For three car seats — infant-safety seat, convertible and booster seats — to fit in a car, our criterion is that a child sitting in the booster seat must be able to reach the seat belt buckle. Parents should also remember that they can use the Latch system or a seat belt to install a car seat.
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Kia used its redesign of the 2011 Optima to start over with this family sedan. The result is a five-passenger car that is stylish both inside and out. Kia’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed — Cars.com named it the Best of 2011 in its Platinum Awards. For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat. The front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position for a 6-foot driver and a 5-foot-8 passenger. The three child seats are installed in the second row. The booster seat sits behind the driver’s seat, and the infant seat and convertible seats are installed behind the passenger seat. We also install the infant seat in the second row’s middle seat with the booster and convertible in the outboard seats to see if three car seats will fit. In the third row, we install the booster seat and a forward-facing convertible. Here’s how the 2011 Optima did in MotherProof.com’s Car Seat Check: Latch system: The Optima has two sets of lower Latch anchors in the second row’s outboard seats. While the anchors aren’t set too deeply into the seat bight, we did run into problems when trying to use them. The outboard anchors in each set, which are closer to the doors, have less clearance around them because of the stiff seat cushions, making them harder to use than the inboard anchors. There are three tether anchors in the Optima, and they sit under hinged covers on the rear shelf behind the head restraints. In our test car, the metal tether anchor was really sharp. Booster seat: After we raised the head restraint, which is removable, the booster seat fit well in the backseat. However, the seat belt buckle is set too close to the door, which meant our booster seat sat on top of the buckle. The buckle is floppy, which allowed us to pull it out from under the booster seat. Its floppiness could make it difficult for kids to use, though. Convertible seat: There’s a ton of legroom in the Optima’s backseat, and this allowed both the rear- and forward-facing convertible seat to fit well. Parents should note, however, that the second row’s seatbacks don’t recline. Infant-safety seat: This rear-facing seat also had plenty of room and fit well in the Optima. How many car seats fit in the second row? Two Editor’s note: For three car seats—infant-safety seat, convertible and booster seats—to fit in a car, our criteria is that a child sitting in the booster seat must be able to reach the seat belt buckle. Parents should also remember that they can use the Latch system or a seat belt to install a car seat.
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What is the Chevy Volt anyhow?  Is it a true electric vehicle, a hybrid or something in between? To find out, I decided to drive it for myself this weekend. The Volt was on a road trip from its home base in Detroit all the way to L.A. for this week’s 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.  It made an overnight stop in Denver and I jumped at the chance for a spin. The first thing I noticed, of course, when backing out of the parking space was how silent the Volt was in its electric mode. Getting up to speed in this mode on both side streets and the highway was a total breeze.  A misconception I had about the Volt was it would feel puny or sluggish, but that wasn’t the case at all. After reading the auto brochure I discovered it has a 350-volt, 16-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that provides 149 horsepower and 250 pounds-feet of torque. It also has an 84-horsepower, 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine that kicks in when the battery is depleted and drives an electric generator. To answer my earlier question, the Volt is a battery-powered electric car with a range-extending, gas-powered generator. It had plenty of torque. I found the drive to be quite zippy and smooth at the same time, amounting to a pleasant driving experience. The Volt’s interior is quite nice, as well.  I really loved the iPod-like center stack that operated everything from the nav system to the audio and climate controls with the mere touch of a finger on the touch panel.  However, I had to wonder about the longevity of the white-printed words on the controls. Would they rub off after years of use? The Volt seats four comfortably with two full-sized split seats in the back (similar to a Volvo C30).  The rear seats fold down and create a nearly flat load floor. Add to that the sizable amount of cargo room afforded by the hatchback design and a there’s plenty of flexibility for small families in the Volt.  As a matter of fact, Lane Rezek, a GM engineer (and my driving partner) has been driving the Volt with his family in tow since September.  According to him, his nearly 3-year-old daughter’s child-safety seat installs seamlessly in the back, and she gets excited to ride in “Daddy’s ’lectric car.” The Volt can drive up to 40 miles on electric power only (and up to 100 mph), according to GM.  On the very last part of my drive, the Volt switched into extended range mode by turning on the gas engine.  The switch was nearly imperceptible, minus for a slight vibration in the steering wheel and, of course, the sound of a gas engine that we all know. I loved my brief stint in the Volt and was excited to discover that it really could work quite nicely as a family hauler.  Leaving the Volt behind, however, something kept nagging at me and I couldn’t quite place a finger on it.  After reflecting upon it, I realized it was the Volt’s bland exterior styling.  Back in the days when new hybrid technology started entering the scene, you could easily distinguish a hybrid from any other car on the road.  The forward-thinking design let road warriors know that the driver was an early technology adopter who was concerned with energy conservation.  The Volt, in contrast, looks to me to blend in with every other car on the road.  The front end looks very Chevy Malibu-esque, with the rear end looking kind of Prius-like with the hatch design.  If I were to spend nearly $41,000 – not taking the $7,500 federal tax credit into account—on new technology like this, I want it to look modern and edgy, as well.  I want the innovative technology of the Volt wrapped up in the simplistic, style-conscious packaging of a Mac computer.  And, I’m prepared to wait for my cake and eat it, too. You can learn more by reading their online auto brochure.
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Hybrids are hot, so it’s no surprise when automakers add a hybrid option to their lineup. Volkswagen is here to please with the newly redesigned 2011 Touareg and Touareg Hybrid. While I was confused as to why VW would want to add a hybrid to compete with their clean-diesel Touareg TDI, I was curious to drive it. And drive it I did through California’s Santa Monica Mountains on a gorgeous fall day during a VW event. I also drove the TDI and gas-powered V-6 versions, which are no slouches in the efficiency department, either. The 2011 Touareg is completely new, from the platform on up. The exterior has been resculpted, resulting in a wider, longer Touareg that has more room in the backseat. There’s plenty of room for adults or child-safety seats in the second row. The front has been updated with a more delicate grille and the addition of LED daytime running lights surrounding the bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights. A new panoramic sunroof lets in the sunlight, while new soundproofing keeps out the noise. The power tailgate now opens and closes at the touch of a button, which can be found either on the tailgate or the key fob. Navigation is now standard on all trims. The 2011 Touareg is now easier to buy, with three engine options and three interior trim levels. The super-charged hybrid will only be available in the highest trim. It’s set to be a limited release. That’s probably wise since the integration of the two systems is far from seamless, as of yet. The hybrid drive seems twitchy, with super-sensitive steering and braking that has a surprising bite. After reading the auto brochure I discovered the Touareg Hybrid has a 3.0-liter V-6 that’s paired with an electric motor to make 375 horsepower. It gets an EPA-estimated 21/25 mpg city/highway and costs $60,565. With its 225-hp, turbo diesel V-6, the TDI version drives more smoothly than its hybrid counterpart It gets 19/28 mpg and starts at $47,950. The gas-powered V-6 Touareg is the sportiest of the bunch, with 280-hp V-6 and a not-awful 16/23 mpg. It starts at $44,450. I was really pleased with the Touareg during my short time driving it. It’s comfortable, quiet and handles beautifully, even in the twistiest turns or on the roughest roads. The power leather seats are soft, and both the front and rear seats are heated. I found cupholders, cubbies and bins enough to contain all of my clutter, and the cargo space is roomy enough for a serious run to Costco. I look forward to putting that into practice during a full test drive.  
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Did you ever wonder where the logos and symbols that adorn manufactures automobiles and their auto brochures originated? Below is a history of some of the most famous logos on the market.

Chevrolet- The legend behind the Chevy logo was that Louis Chevrolet saw the shape in a wallpaper pattern in his hotel room during a trip to Paris in 1908. His wife however later debunked that myth  when she said that her husband had actually  seen a similarly shaped logo in an add in a Sunday supplement and liked it so much he decided to expand on it.

Mercedes Benz- The Mercedes Benz logo “a three pointed star” first appeared in a letter written by Gottlieb Daimler to his wife in 1872. Daimler used a three pointed star to mark the location on a map of his family’s new home in Deutz, Germany. His sons later adopted the symbol as the Mercedes Benz logo starting in 1910. Today the Mercedes Benz logo is commonly known to symbolize the use of the company’s engines on land, air, and sea.

Maserati- This logo was derived from the statue of Neptune by the Maserati brothers. The statue was located in the central square of Bologna, Italy, where Maserati was originally headquartered. The actual logo was sketched by Mario Maserati, an artist, who also was the only brother never actively involved in the engineering and design of their cars.

Toyota- In 1936 company founder Kiichiro Toyoda ran a contest for ideas for a new Toyoda logo. Out of 20,000 entries the winner was a design of katakana characters that signified a sense of speed. Later the company changed the name from “Toyoda” to “Toyota”because it was more esthetically pleasing and because the number of strokes it took to write it was eight, which in Japan is a lucky number meaning increasing prosperity.

Ferrari- The prancing horse first appeared on airplanes flown by Francesco Baracca, a pilot and war hero in World War I. Baracca died before the war ended but in 1923 the company founder Enzo Ferrari met Francesco’s parents who suggested he use their sons prancing horse badge on his cars to pay homage to Francesco. Enzo later added a yellow background which is the official color of his home town of Modena Italy and redesigned the horse’s tail to point upward.

Smart Car-The name was actually two words combined. “Swatch” which is a Swiss watch company and partner in the early stages of the company. Mercedes which is the company’s current custodian picked the “art” portion of the name. Together the acronym “smart” was born. The logo “C” stands for compact and an arrow to signify forward thinking.

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“Toyota sympathizes with the individuals and families involved in any accident involving our vehicles. We are making an all-out effort to ensure our vehicles are safe and are making substantial progress towards completing our recalls with effective and durable solutions. We also remain committed to investigating reported incidents of unintended acceleration in our vehicles quickly, as in Harrison, New York, and we will continue to work in close partnership with law enforcement agencies and federal regulators with jurisdiction over accident scenes whenever requested. “As always, it is important to remember that many of the complaints in the NHTSA database, for any manufacturer, lack sufficient detail that could help identify the cause of an accident or, in some cases, even the specific vehicle involved. Furthermore, instances of unintended acceleration can be caused by many factors and they are not all sudden or sustained. The category is very broad, affects all major automakers, and can include issues involving pedal entrapment, pedal misapplication, transmission surges and driver reaction to normal engine speed control variations when cruise control or air conditioning systems are in use.”
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Now in its third year on the market the three row 2010 Buick Enclave is a great option for growing families. The quiet and smooth ride, ample space, and top crash test scores give you a combination of luxury and mini van functionality with peace of mind. The seven passenger with optional eight passenger seating is also a big plus. Please consult the online auto brochure for exact interior dimensions. New this year are standard 19 inch alloy wheels with a 20 inch chrome wheel option, optional Bose stereo with USB jack, and quicker downshifts for the updated automatic transmission. All models are available in front wheel or all wheel drive. The 2010 Enclave comes in three trim levels, the CX, CXL1, and CXL2. Below is an overview of options and specs.

CX-This base model comes nicely equipped with a power liftgate, foglamps, 19 inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, auto dimming rear view mirror, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, cloth interior, heated outside mirrors, tri zone climate control, Bluetooth and OnStar, power front seats, and a six speaker CD/MP3 stereo system with auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. Bose stereo and back up camera can be added to the CX model. The engine is a 3.6 liter V6 that produces 288 horsepower and 270 pound feet of torque. Mileage is rated at 17mpg city and 24mpg highway for the front wheel drive while the all wheel drive drops to 16mpg city and 22mpg highway. Standard safety features include stability control, full length side curtain airbags, and front seat side airbags.

CXL1-This model adds an eight way power driver seat, four way power passenger seat, driver seat memory, rear view mirror back up camera, leather interior, heated front seats, remote ignition, and rear parking sensors. All engine and standard safety features stay the same.

CXL2- This model adds a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, air cooled front seats, power folding heated outside mirrors, integrated turn signals, active headlamps, 10 speaker Bose surround sound stereo system with USB audio jack, and a 115 volt power outlet. All engine and standard safety features stay the same.

There are three big options that can be added to the CXL1 and CXL2 models only. A navigation package with in dash back up camera, rear entertainment package which includes a DVD and Bose sound system, and a dual pane “SkyScape” power sunroof.

In government crash tests, the Enclave scored a perfect five stars for both frontal and side impacts. The insurance Institute for Highway safety gave the Enclave their highest grade of “good” in frontal offset and side impact crash tests.

Click Here To View Or Download The Buick Enclave Online Auto Brochure pdf

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The 2010 Cadillac CTS defines what an American Luxury car can be this year. The roomy and elegant cabin, seemingly endless options, and available “all wheel drive” make this secure handling car a must see in the mid size luxury sedan category. All CTS models for 2010 are rear wheel drive and come standard with a six speed manual transmission. A six speed automatic and “all wheel drive” are optional drive trains. The CTS comes in five trim levels this year, below is a breakdown and specs on all of them.
 
 
3.0 Base-Comes with automatic headlights, dual zone climate control, 17 inch alloy wheels, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, vinyl “leatherette” interior, cruise control, eight way power driver seat, auto dimming rear view mirror, and an eight speaker CD stereo system with satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack. The engine is a 3.0 liter V6 produces 270 horsepower and 223 pound feet of torque, according to their online auto brochure. Mileage is rated at 18mpg city and 27mpg highway. Standard safety features include traction control, anti lock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, full length side curtain airbags, stability control, and OnStar emergency communications system.
 
3.0 Luxury-Adds leather interior, heated front seats, driver memory front seat, eight way power passenger seat, wood and leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, interior ambient lighting, and a six disc CD changer. The optional Eco Lux Collection alters the car’s aerodynamics and tires to achieve 30mpg highway and is only available on this trim level. All other engine and standard safety features are the same.
 
3.0 Performance- This model has all the Luxury trim level equipment plus performance brakes, FE2 sport tuned suspension, limited slip rear differential, 18 inch alloy wheels, and adaptive HID headlamps. All engine and standard safety features are the same.
 
3.6 Performance-This model adds a 10 speaker surround sound stereo with digital music storage and USB/IPod interface. The engine jumps up to the bigger 3.6 liter V6 that produces 304 horsepower and 273 pound feet of torque. Mileage is rated at 18mpg city and 27mpg highway.
 
3.6 Luxury- This model has two available packages. The luxury “level two” includes a split folding rear seat, heated and cooled front seats, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition, keyless entry, remote start, and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The luxury “premium” includes all the “level two” equipment plus a back up camera, hard drive based navigation system, and a panoramic sunroof. All engine and standard safety features are the same.
 
Notable options are the panoramic sunroof which is available on all CTS models. The back up camera and navigation system are available on all models except the Base CTS.
 
In government crash tests the 2010 Cadillac CTS sedan was awarded a perfect five stars for side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the CTS their best rating of “good” in frontal offset and side impact crash testing.

Click Here To View Or Download The 2010 Cadillac CTS Online Auto Brochure pdf

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