Tag Archives: Cadillac

Cadillac CTS Named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for Cadillac, the reasons for celebration go beyond turkey and presents.

Last week, Motor Trend announced that the Cadillac CTS had beat out the Mazda3 and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray to win the Car of the Year award. The official announcement was made on Fox and Friends, Fox News’ morning show. The Cadillac CTS, which Motor Trend dubbed “a car for all seasons,” has been exceedingly well-reviewed. Jalopnik called it GM’s best sedan ever, and it earned top reviews from Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book, and Auto Guide.

Standard features on the Cadillac CTS 2.0L Standard include a 5.7” color display, Bose 11-speaker premium audio system, Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist, remote start, StabiliTrak, and OnStar services including emergency services and hands-free calling. Additionally, the CTS 2.0L Standard gets an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city in RWD, 19 mpg city in AWD, 30 mpg highway in RWD, and 28 mpg highway in AWD.

No matter what car you are looking for from the Cadillac CTS to favorite Chryslers, Fords, Kias, Mazdas, and more, Approved Loan Store is ready to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to work with you to find a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Cadillac Escalade Announces New York City Premiere Event

New York City is host to many high-profile events, and next month, Cadillac will premiere its next-generation Escalade in the city that doesn’t sleep.

The Escalade will be the only GM SUV that will not be premiering at the Texas State Fair which runs from Friday, September 27 through Friday, October 20. Instead, Cadillac will be hosting a premiere event Monday, October 7 at the Altman Building to show off the Escalade all on its own.

Celebrities and high-profile figures from Mark Wahlberg to Snookie love the Escalade, and with a solo event in New York, Cadillac is sending a clear message about the Escalade. This is a luxury car that is anything but stuffy. As Cadillac puts it, the new Escalade is more than a car; it is a “bold, evolutionary statement.”

In 2012, Cadillac sold 12,615 Escalades in the United States, and from January through July 2013, Cadillac sold 6,782 Escalades in the United States and an additional 252 in Canada.

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Image © General Motors

Nominees for North American Car and Truck of the Year Announced

It is that time of the year again. The long list for the 2014 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards have been released, and GM should be feeling pretty good right now.

29 cars and 18 truck/utility vehicles are being considered for the awards. At the end of the year, 50 automotive journalists will vote on 5 cars and 4 trucks to go on to the semi-finals, and the numbers will be trimmed down to 3 cars and trucks/utilities for the final round.

Winners won’t be announced until the 2014 North American International Auto Show next January, nearly half a year from now, which gives plenty of time for speculation. Last year, the Cadillac ATS and Ram 1500 took home the top prizes, and GM is looking pretty good this year with 2 Cadillacs, 5 Chevrolets, and 1 GMC on the list. Still, there are 29 cars and 18 truck/utility vehicles battling it out for the top honors, and the winners have to survive 3 rounds of voting. There is a definite possibility for a few surprises before next January.

Check out the full list below.

2014 Car of the Year

2014 Acura RLX
2014 BMW 4 Series
2014 Cadillac CTS
2014 Cadillac ELR
2014 Chevrolet Corvette
2014 Chevrolet Impala
2014 Chevrolet Spark EV
2014 Chevy SS
2014 Fiat 500L and E
2014 Honda Fit EV
2014 Infiniti Q50
2014 Jaguar F-Type
2014 Kia Cadenza
2014 Kia Forte, 5-door, Koup
2014 Kia Soul
2014 Lexus IS
2014 Maserati Ghibli
2014 Mazda3
2014 Mazda6
2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2014 Mini Paceman
2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
2014 Nissan Versa Note
2014 Porsche Cayman/Cayman S
2014 Smart fortwo electric
2014 Toyota Corolla

2014 Truck/Utility of the Year

2014 Acura MDX
2014 BMW X5
2014 Buick Encore
2014 Chevrolet Silverado
2014 Ford Transit Connect / Wagon
2014 GMC Sierra
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe LWB
2014 Jeep Cherokee
2014 Kia Sorento
2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
2014 Nissan Rogue
2014 Nissan NV200 Compact
2014 Ram 2500/3500
2014 Subaru Forester
2014 Toyota Tundra
2014 Toyota RAV4

From Toyotas to Kias, Chevys, and more, Approved Loan Store wants to find you the car you want at terms you can afford! Are you finally ready to get into a great new or used car? Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

GM Offers 2 Years Free Maintenance on All 2014 Models

Going into the summer, most automakers are offering incentives and discounts, hoping to sway car shoppers to walk into their dealership instead of a competitor’s showroom. General Motors might have come up with one of the better incentives this week, though, when they announced free maintenance on all 2014 Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC models for 2 years or 24,000 miles.

Before the announcement, free maintenance was only available to Cadillac owners for four years or 50,000 miles, and typically free maintenance is a service only available to customers buying high-end cars like BMWs or Jaguars. Additionally, the service is transferable if the car is resold to another owner.

In a press release, General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson observed that GM customers who went to a GM dealership to service their vehicle were “much more likely” to choose another GM vehicle in the future. “It’s all the more important to bring customers to our service facilities for routine maintenance to further enhance the quality and reliability of their GM vehicles.”

By offering free maintenance on all 2014 models, it sends a positive message to GM car buyers. No matter what their price point, GM wants to give all their customers the luxury of free maintenance for the first two years. In the same way, Approved Loan Store wants to give a better car buying experience for all of our customers, no matter what their credit situation.

Summer time is here! Are you finally ready to get into a great new or used car? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Auto Loan: January Auto Sales Surpass Expectations

We predicted it. With reports of lower interest rates and more flexible loan lengths, we predicted that January would be a good month for the auto industry, even coming off of such a strong year.

As it turned out, January was a great month.

January is done and the numbers are coming in, and U.S. auto sales were up 14 percent. It is much better than analysts were predicting, and these gains weren’t limited to one type or model of vehicle. Large pickups, small cars, and crossovers alike all saw increased sales in January.

Among the individual automakers, Toyota had a 27 percent increase. Ford’s U.S. sales had a 22 percent increase. GM had a 47 percent increase on Cadillac, and sales for their full-sized pickups increased 32 percent. Meanwhile, Chrysler’s car sales went up 50 percent with strong showings by the Dodge Avenger, Dodge Dart, and Fiat 500 line.

Automakers are ready to keep these sales numbers going with promotions and deals changing monthly. Now is a great time to get into a new or used vehicle. If you’re ready to get into that car today, Approved Loan Store is ready to help you. Good credit, bad credit, or no credit, we will work with you to get the car you want at terms you can afford.

Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and get more auto news and buying tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Image courtesy of renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

AOL Autos Announces Technology of the Year Award Winner

This year, AOL Autos gave out its first Technology of the Year Award, and the Chrysler Uconnect was victorious in a very competitive field of “connective” technology.

The other five finalists for the award included the MyFord Mobile app, the Audi connect with Google Maps, Cadillac’s CUE system, Honda’s LaneWatch, and Nissan’s Tire Pressure Alert and Refill System. These systems improved driver safety, made navigational systems more user-friendly, and allowed drivers to access the internet on the go.

Chrysler’s Uconnect won over both the judges and AOL Auto readers alike. AOL Autos Editor-in-Chief David Kiley praised the system, saying, “It was easy to use, it was intuitive. It worked perfectly with our phones. The voice control worked just right, and it had enough new features to qualify it as new among our nominees for 2012. Technology that works the way it’s supposed to? Well, that could be the new definition of state-of-the-art.”

The new Chrysler Uconnect is available in the 2013 Ram 1500 and Dodge Viper, and it will soon be available in all new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram models.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Does this award make you more likely to check out the Uconnect and the new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram line-up? Have you had the chance to try out the new Uconnect? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Want more auto news and buying tips? Be sure to like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube. Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Approved Loan Store wants to help you! Get started by filling out our secure online auto loan application here!

CONSUMER ALERT: GM Recalls Trucks, Vans for Roll-Away Problem

Over the weekend, GM announced a recall of approximately 69,000 2013-model full-size trucks and vans including the Cadillac Escalade and Chevy Silverado.

According to General Motors, there has been a problem with these vehicles shifting out of park and rolling away. They believe the problem could be defective transmission interlocks, but GM has also said that the problem could be due to a fractured park-lock cable or a deformed steering –column lock-actuator gear.

Recalled vehicles include:

Cadillac Escalade
Chevrolet Avalanche
Chevrolet Express
Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Savana
GMC Sierra
GMC Yukon

Fortunately, most of the vehicles affected by the recall are still on dealer lots since they are 2013 models, but any car owners affected by the recall will be contacted by GM about replacing the vehicle’s steering column for no charge. If you think your vehicle might be affected and have not heard from GM, you can call 1-800-630-2438 for Chevrolet vehicles, 1-866-982-2339 for Cadillacs, and 1-866-996-9463 for GMC vehicles.

For the latest consumer alerts, auto news, and car buying tips, be sure to like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube. Looking for a new or used car? Approved Loan Store can help! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to get you into a car you want at rates you can afford! Get started by filling out our secure online auto loan application here.

Consumer Reports: Best Value Cars of 2012

When shopping for a car, it is important to look at the long-term value of that car. As 2012 comes to an end, Consumer Reports has released its list of the top vehicles that will retain their original value, and they chose an overall best value from the wide range of vehicles on the market last year. Needless to say, Toyota was very happy with the results.

Here is a full rundown of the winners.

Overall Best Value – Toyota Prius
Small Hatchback – Toyota Prius Four
Small Sedan – Toyota Corolla LE
Family Sedan – Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE
Upscale Sedan – Acura TSX (I4)
Luxury Sedan – Cadillac CTS
Sports Car/Convertible – Mini Cooper
Wagon/Minivan – Toyota Prius V Three
Small SUV – Honda CR-V EX
Midsize SUV – Toyota Highlander Limited (V6)
Large/Luxury SUV – Lexus RX350

Across the board, Toyota Motor Company was the clear favorite taking 7 of the 11 categories with the Lexus RX350 included, and none of Toyota Motor Company’s vehicles made the Worst Value list. No other automaker even came close to that level of excellence. Better yet, many of the vehicles featured on the list are hybrid vehicles or have an extremely good fuel economy, so consumers are saving money at the pump.

Do you want to check out these cars for yourself? Approved Loan Store can help you! We have a huge range in our inventory whether if you are looking for more power, greater value, or just something reliable. Get started by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and get more auto news and buying tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Used Car Financing: ALG Announces Residual Value Award Winners

Earlier this week, ALG announced the winners of its 14^th Annual Residual Value Awards which honors vehicles that are projected to retain the highest percentage of MSRP after a three-year period. Top honors for Mainstream and Premium brands went to Honda and Acura, but the big winner of the year was Toyota with six awards.

Toyota took home six segment awards for the Toyota Prius c, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, and Toyota Land Cruiser. Interestingly enough, though, Toyota only ranked sixth on the Mainstream Brand rankings after Mazda, Subaru, Scion, Hyundai, and Honda.

Here is a complete breakdown of the awards results and the top 10 brand rankings for Mainstream and Premium Brands.

Segment Awards

Sub Compact Car – Honda Fit
Compact Car – Hyunda Elantra
Midsize Car – Honda Accord
Fullsize Car – Hyundai Azera
Sports Car – Scion FR-S
Alt-Fuel Vehicle – Toyota Prius c
Minivan – Honda Odyssey
Sub Compact Utility Vehicle – MINI Cooper Countryman
Compact Utility Vehicle – Toyota FJ Cruiser
Midsize Utility Vehicle – Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Fullsize Utility Vehicle – Toyota Sequoia
Midsize Pickup – Toyota Tacoma
Fullsize Pickup – Toyota Tundra
Premium Compact Car – MINI Cooper
Premium Midsize Car – Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Premium Fullsize Car – Lexus GS 350
Premium Executive – Lexus LS 460
Premium Sports Car – Porsche 911 Carrera
Premium Alt-Fuel Vehicle – Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC
Premium Compact Utility Vehicle – Acura RDX
Premium Midsize Utility Vehicle – Audi Q7
Premium Fullsize Utility Vehicle – Toyota Land Cruiser

Top 10 Mainstream Brands

Honda
Hyundai
Scion
Subaru
Mazda
Toyota
Nissan
Kia
Volkswagen
Mitsubishi

Top 10 Premium Brands

Acura
Infiniti
Audi
Lexus
Mercedes-Benz
BMW
Cadillac
Porsche
Volvo
Lincoln

Readers, we want to hear from you! Are you surprised by the awards and ranking results? Which cars would you have picked for the segment awards? Leave a comment below, and tell us what you think!

Are you looking to get into a reliable new or used car? Approved Loan Store can help! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you a car you want at terms you can afford! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and get more car news and buying tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

CBS News Picks 5 Best Cars Made in America

Yesterday, CBS News MoneyWatch named their 5 best American-built cars. With so many great American cars on the market today, we were curious as to what made the cut. The list is below along with our thoughts on each of their picks.

Cadillac CTS – Winner of Popular Mechanics’ Top 10 Car, Car and Driver’s 10Best, and Edmunds.com’s Best Retained Value Award, CBS couldn’t really make the list without the Cadillac CTS. The Cadillac CTS’s latest tagline is, “If you’re going to make a statement, don’t mumble,” and with its combination of power and luxury, a driver won’t be able to blend in driving the Cadillac CTS.

Buick LaCrosse – In the past, the Buick LaCrosse has had no trouble racking up stellar reviews and awards, and 2012 is no exception. Already, it has earned five-star safety ratings from the NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program as well as a Consumer Digest Best Buy. Kelley Blue Book reviewers also gave it a 4.5 out of 5 rating, making it popular with everyday drivers and car reviewers alike.

Ford Flex – The Ford Flex is probably the most underrated of the bunch here. It still isn’t a household name, but consumers and car reviewers who have driven it are hoping that changes soon. This cross-over is a seven-passenger family car with a completely different feel from the usual minivan or SUV.

Chrysler 300 – In 2012, the Chrysler 300 has already taken home some of the industry’s top awards. The 2012 Chrysler 300 was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines and Interiors as well as a Consumer Digest Best Buy. It was also ranked #1 in Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000 and made Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Best Family Cars list. Like the Cadillac CTS, it would be difficult to make a list of the best American-made cars without including the Chrysler 300.

Ford Focus – Edmunds claims that the Ford Focus the first American-made compact car to really give Japanese automakers a run for their money, and though that initial success might have gone to their head, Ford has made some big changes to the Focus that have made it a must-see American-made model. Edmunds specifically cited the 2012 Focus as a “monumental improvement,” calling it a “well-rounded, well-built car that is easy to recommend.”

We want to know what you think of CBS News’ list! Did your favorite car make the cut? What do you think got snubbed? Leave a comment below and tell us what you think!

Are you looking for a great new or used car? Approved Loan Store wants to help you get into the car you want at terms you can afford! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest auto news by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!