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
You may have seen all of the breathtaking reviews by car magazines, and heard all the stories about huge sales increases at Chrysler.
You probably thought, “Wait a minute. Is this the same company that built the Dodge or Chrysler that gave me so much trouble? The same company that was at death’s door a couple of years ago? I don’t believe it.”
All we will say is, “You better believe it.”
This is the turnaround story of the decade when …
By
JOHN HEILIG
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 20102 Nissan Frontier CC 4X4 SV
Engine: 4.0-liter V6
Horsepower/Torque: 261 hp @ 5,600 rpm/281 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 125.9 in.
Length/Width/Height: 205.5 x 72.8 x 70.1 in.
Tires: P265/70R16
Cargo volume: 27.1 cu. ft. (cargo bed)
Fuel economy: 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/13.5 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 21.1 gal
Curb weight: 4,431 lbs.
Sticker: $29,085 (includes $810 destination charge and $1,305 in options)
Five reasons to buy this car
1. Great off-road
2. Nice on-road performance
3. Comfortable
4. Roomy
5. Excellent pickup cargo capacity
The Bottom Line: The Nissan Frontier …
By
John Heilig
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 2012 Fiat 500 Gucci
Engine: 1.4-liter I4
Horsepower/Torque: 101 hp @ 6,500 rpm/98 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 90.6 in.
Length/Width/Height: 139.6 x 64.1 x 59.8 in.
Tires: P185/55R15
Cargo volume: 9.5 cu. ft.
Fuel economy: 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway/37.4 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 1035 gal.
Curb weight: 2,434 lbs.
Sticker: $24,400 (includes $500 destination charge and $4,400 in options ($4,000 for the Gucci package)
Five reasons to buy this car
1. You may want to drive a cousin to a Ferrari
2. Feel Italian like all …
By Don Hammonds
When it comes to subcompact cars, there’s “basic”—and there’s bare bones.
There’s no denying that you won’t find a lot of fancy gimmickry and gee-whiz features on the new 2012 Nissan Versa four door, more specifically known in our tester as tne 1.6 SV sedan. There’s no heated seats, no armrest for the driver’s right arm, no kick-ass audio system (though the one you get is just fine, thanks), etc.
But….just about all the creature comforts most people look …
Automobile Journal is working on a new section concerning used cars – how to buy them, reviews of popular models and listings of best and worst buys. Stay tuned.
