The automobile industry is leading the way when it comes to job recovery in the U.S., with total jobs at all U.S. plant and parts factories set to rise ten percent–to about 650,000 this year, according to USA Today. The newspaper reports that total auto industry jobs is expected to hit 756,800 by 2015. Ford is set to add 5,500 workers this year, and GM slated to add over 7,000. Meanwhile, Chrysler is expecting to add new shifts of 1,100 each at two plants, and Nissan will add 2,750 this year. Stronger sales and greter acceptance of American made cars and trucks are among the reasons for the job increases.
By Don Hammonds
Automobile Journal Executive Editor
Used car buyers will now find a reason to read Automobile Journal, too.
Starting today, you’ll see a profile of a three to five year old used car on the AJ homepage three times a week, along with feature articles weekly on many aspects of buying used cars.
And we’re pleased to annouce that Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) has graciously consented to allow us to run news on the used car market as developments unfold, so …
By Don Hammonds
Buying a used car means more than just kicking the tires, that’s for darned sure–especially today.
Before you do anything, you need to do your homework, of course.
It won’t hurt you to check with friends and co-workers, especially if, after doing your homework, you discover that the car you’re interested in already is owned by one of them.
But they are surely not the only, or the best source of information.
Do as much research as you can. It pays to know as …
Looking for a reasonably reliable compact car?
The 2009 Ford Focus Sedan might be right for you.
An examination of data, records and ratings at www.mycarstats.com revealed that there were no recalls for the 2009 Ford Focus, and there were also no safety investigations either. The biggest area of reported problems were suspension and tire related (17 reports), and the next highest (8) were air bag, seat belt and set related issues.
Retail prices for 2009 Focus:
$11,925 for Focus S Sedan, $2,550 for …
By Don Hammonds
Looking for a tough handling little compact car that has outstanding mileage?
Look no further than Ford’s way cool 2012 Focus, a car that likely will have plenty of pleasant surprises for you, not the least of which will be its road handling and fun to drive factor.
If you’re looking for performance and sportiness, Focus will likely win you over hands down. The Focus SEL we tested drove like a baby BMW, with a taut, muscled feel as …
By Don Hammonds
It’s probably safe to say that Chevrolet’s Cruze has turned the image of a Chevy compact on its ear.
After years of moving from gawdawful (Chevy Vega) to Cavalier (we remember wanting to see a convertible at a dealership and the mortified salesman couldn’t even get it started to move it off the sales floor) to Cobalt (pleasant, a big improvement, but no game changer), Chevy’s finally introduced one that is hands-down terrific: the Cruze.
But changing an image is …
