Tag Archives: Ford

2013 in Review: Top Brands, Top Cars, and Lots of Growth

2013 was an exciting year for the auto industry. Repossessions and late payments were down, sales at individual franchises were up, and a third of auto loans approved are for subprime credit consumers. Dealerships are selling more cars, and more consumers can obtain an auto loan with low interest rates.

Of course, the million dollar question at the end of the year is which brand came out on top. Which models sold the most units in 2013, and which brands saw the most improvement? According to figures compiled by Autoblog.com, Ford was the best-selling brand of 2013, and General Motors was the best-selling car company of 2013. Jaguar as a brand and as a company had the biggest growth, 41.1 percent growth brand-wise and 20.2 percent growth as a company.

Unfortunately, Fiat could not hold onto the momentum from the end of 2012, where they saw a 121.4 percent volume growth. At the end of 2013, Fiat was one of the brands that ended the year below their previous year, a 1.2 percent drop in volume, though Volvo had the biggest sales volume drop of the year with a 10.1 percent dip. Overall, however, most brands performed very well, and the brands with volume sales decrease saw a relatively small drop in sales.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Did you purchase a new or used car in 2013? If the answer is yes, tell us about your new car in the comments section below! If the answer is no, tell us why in the comments section as well. With low interest rates (even for subprime credit buyers), there is no better time to buy than now!

Are you ready to get into a new or used vehicle? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you into a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and connect with Approved Loan Store online on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mazda6 Wins Popular Mechanics Car of the Year Award

Last year, Popular Mechanics awarded their first Car of the Year award to the Ford Escape, but in its second year, Mazda has taken the magazine’s top honor.

In a joint press release, Mazda and Popular Mechanics announced that the 2014 Mazda6 was named Car of the Year. Vehicles that were in consideration for Car of the Year were judged by editors and contributors to the magazine, and their final decision was based on affordability, utility, fuel efficiency, performance, innovation, and bold design. Popular Mechanics also wrote in the announcement on their website that the Mazda6 is an “underdog story” that won the award because Mazda made a “truly great car.”

The 2014 Mazda6 comes with impressive standard features on the 2014 Mazda6 include leather steering wheel and shift knob, six audio speakers, MP3 audio input, USB connection, and front reading lights. Safety-wise, it also comes with standard 4-wheel ABS, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, stability control, and tire pressure monitoring. In their review, Edmunds gave the Mazda6 a B rating, and at the time of publishing, it had earned a consumer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Readers, what do you think? Have you checked out the 2014 Mazda6, and did it deserve to win Popular Mechanics’ Car of the Year award? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Are you ready to get into a great new or used car, truck, or minivan? Now is the time to buy, and Approved Loan Store can help you find the car you want at terms you can afford, even if you have credit problems! 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!

October: Honda Civic Outsells the Competition

In 2012, the Ford Focus beat out the Toyota Corolla for the distinction of the world’s best-selling car. As numbers from October are released, however, another challenger has emerged and beat out the Focus for the month.

The Honda Civic sold 27,328 units in the United States in October, beating out the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, and Hyundai Elantra. Last year, the Toyota Corolla won the month of October with 20,949 units sold, followed by the Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, and Hyundai Elantra. The Honda Civic is also leading compact sales for 2013 so far with 280,889 units sold.

Interestingly enough, the Ford Focus was the world’s top seller of 2012, and currently it is in fourth place for U.S. year-to-date sales with 203,762 units sold, trailing the Civic by 77,127 units. The Focus didn’t even beat its previous year’s U.S. sales numbers. In 2012, the Ford Focus sold 18,320 units, and in 2013, it only sold 15,108 units.

At the time of publication, the starting MSRP for the 2014 Ford Focus is $16,310, and the starting MSRP for the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe is $17,965.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Which compact car do you think deserves to be the world’s best-seller? What about America’s best-seller? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Whether if you’re trading in, looking for a good deal on a used car, or ready to buy your first car, Approved Loan Store is here to help you! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you 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!

Ford Offers Drivers Affordability, Fuel Economy with 2014 Fiesta

With fuel economy continuing to improve across the board in the 2014 models, car buyers no longer have to choose between buying a green car and buying an inexpensive car.

This week, the 2014 Ford Fiesta’s fuel economy and starting prices were announced. According to Autoblog, the Fiesta can be paired with an optional SE Manual EcoBoost package starting at $16,445 for the four-door model and starting at $17,045 for the hatchback model. For that price, drivers will get 32 mpg city and 45 mpg highway, which is incredibly good fuel economy for an equally economically priced vehicle.

The 2014 Ford Fiesta will also come with a number of standard features including SYNC with SYNC AppLink, leather and metallic trim, power locks, message center with LCD screen, 4-way manual driver’s seat, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control.

Are you looking for a safer car or one with better fuel efficiency? No matter what you’re looking for, Approved Loan Store wants to help you get in a car you want at terms you can afford! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you! 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!

Edmunds’ Picks for Best Used Vehicles of 2013

While a lot of automotive press is dedicated to the newest models or what lies ahead for automotive brands, Edmunds took a break this week to compile their list of the best used cars of 2013.

There are a lot of good reasons to buy a used car. For one, buyers can end up saving a lot of money and still get a quality car. Second, the value of a new car will depreciate very quickly, so if the buyer plans on trading it in sometime in the next few years, they might be unpleasantly surprised when they go for a trade-in depending on the model. Just as it is with any major decision, an argument can be made either way for buying new or used, but for our customers looking for a great used car, here is Edmund’s list of their used car picks for 2013.

Subcompact – 2007-2011 Honda Fit
Compact Sedan – 2006-2011 Hyundai Elantra
Midsize Sedan – 2007-2011 Ford Fusion
Large Sedan – 2006-2011 Toyota Avalon
Coupe – 2006-2011 Honda Accord
Convertible – 2006-2011 Volvo C70
Wagon – 2006-2011 Subaru Outback
Compact SUV/Crossover – 2006-2011 Honda CR-V
Midsize SUV/Crossover – 2006-2011 Toyota Highlander
Large SUV/Crossover – 2007-2011 Mazda CX-9
Minivan/Van – 2006-2011 Honda Odyssey
Cargo Van – 2006-2011 Dodge/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Compact Truck – 2006-2011 Toyota Tacoma
Large Truck – 2006-2011 Ford F-150
Luxury – 2006-2011 Infiniti G35/G37/G25
Hybrid – 2006-2011 Toyota Prius
Two-Seat Sports Car – 2006-2011 Chevrolet Corvette
Performance Car – 2006-2011 Ford Mustang GT

Brand-wise, Honda and Toyota tied for the most vehicles on the list with 4 each, followed closely by Ford with 3 vehicles on the list. By choosing a vehicle for each category instead of top 10 or 20 used vehicles in general, there is a car on the list for every driver and every family’s needs.

From Hondas to Fords and Toyotas, 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!

Image courtesy of sixninepixels / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ford C-Max Sales Increase in August Despite Rating Downgrade

Ford C-Max drivers aren’t getting 47 miles per gallon, but they don’t seem to mind.

Recent negative press about the Ford C-Max and its fuel economy rating has surprisingly not affected the vehicle’s sales numbers. Back in August, its fuel economy rating was lowered from 47 mpg to 45 mpg highway and 40 mpg city, and Ford gave a rebate of $550 to C-Max buyers and $325 to lessees. Ford still managed to sell 3,000 units in August alone, more than they sold in July.

Reviews have been very positive for the 2013 Ford C-Max, which is perhaps why their sales have been unaffected by the fuel economy rating change. Car and Driver said the C-Max has “arrived just in the nick of time” and compared to other cars in its class, it is “not a robotic electropod but a hybrid fuel sipper that Europeans would consider worthy.” The C-Max also performed very well in government safety testing, earning a four-star rating on the frontal crash test, a five-star rating on the side crash, and a four-star rating on the rollover test. As if that weren’t praise enough, Edmunds wrote that finding a car like the C-Max was as likely as finding a unicorn.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Have you heard the news about the Ford C-Max’s fuel economy rating, and would you still want to take it for a test drive? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

From Fords to Mazdas, Kias, Chryslers, and more, Approved Loan Store wants to help you get into the car you want at terms you can afford, even if you have issues with credit! 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!

Summer Auto Sales Recap and Fall Preview

School is back in session, and the auto industry is taking stock of the summer’s sales. Who were the winners of 2013, and what will the fall and winter of 2013 bring? Read on to find out.

Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Group, and Toyota Motor Corp have already posted enormous gains in August, and as numbers are finalized, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. are expected to also have had a very successful August. Of the numbers known so far, Ford had 12 percent increase in sales in August, Chrysler also had 12 percent gains, and Toyota had a 20 percent gain in their U.S. retail sales.

These enormous sales increases can be attributed to end of summer sales, including Labor Day sales, as well as low interest rates, even for consumers with poor credit. Jesse Toprak, a senior analyst for TrueCar, observed that the “historically” low interest rates were giving consumers more of a choice, that they can “buy more expensive vehicles while keeping payments at affordable levels.”

The good news going into the fall is that many of the car manufacturers who were facing shortages on their more popular models are now catching up with production, so the availability of certain models is no longer an issue. For people walking into their local dealership, they might not see the same price cuts and sales like they did throughout the summer, but with Approved Loan Store, car buyers don’t have to shop around for the best rates and deals.

Step 1, go to ApprovedLoanStore.com and fill out the auto loan form.

Step 2, wait for a phone call from one of our representatives. You will hear back within 48 hours. Schedule an appointment with an Approved Loan Store location closest to you.

Step 3, meet with your special finance representative. They will go over all possible options for you and get you a 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!

Image courtesy of suwatpo / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

2014 Ford Fiesta Arrives in Dealerships, Wrapped in Bacon

As the 2014 Ford Fiesta rolls into dealerships this month, Ford has taken an interesting tactic to promote the Fiesta and celebrate International Bacon Day at the same time.

International Bacon Day isn’t until August 31, but this morning Ford announced that they will offer custom bacon graphics that bacon enthusiast can add on to their new 2014 Ford Fiesta. Additionally, Ford customers will be able to buy other bacon decals including dual bacon racing stripes and bacon strips over the rear wheels, nicknamed a “Side of Bacon.”

If bacon on a car isn’t appealing to you, Ford’s Custom Graphics program offers other decals and graphics for the Mustang, F-150, Fiesta, and Focus. Allan Benton of Benton’s Country Hams, who oversaw the bacon decal design, is confident that the bacon decals will be popular, especially with younger drivers. In the press release announcing the decals, Benton stated, “In the 40 years I’ve been in this business, I’ve never seen so much interest in bacon. It’s being used in bourbon, chocolate, ground beef, caramel corn, and whatever else you can think of. This car just makes so much sense.”

From Fords wrapped in bacon to Mazdas, Kias, Chryslers, and more, Approved Loan Store wants to help you get into the car you want at terms you can afford, even if you have issues with credit! 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!

July 2013 Marks New Light Vehicle Record

The summer of 2013 has been profitable for the auto industry with credit restrictions on auto loans loosening up and manufacturers keeping their plants open for more weeks to keep up with demand. Now that the summer is almost over, it can now be determined conclusively that July 2013 was a record-breaking month for North American auto makers.

During the month of July, 1,029,745 light vehicles were produced by North American auto makers which is the highest production ever recorded for that month. Broken down by auto maker, General Motors produced 211,946 light vehicles while Ford produced 185,774 units and Chrysler produced 151,051 units.

The auto industry will be eager to keep sales up going into the fall, so expect to see more specials and incentives in the coming months. The great news is, though, that Approved Loan Store is here every day and every month of every year to get customers the best prices and the best terms on their auto loan, even if the person has subprime or no credit. Whatever the make and model, we are here to get the car you want at rates you can afford.

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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!