Tag Archives: Ford

CONSUMER ALERT: Recalls for 2013 Ford Focus, C-Max, and Escape

Edmunds is reporting a new recall on the 2013 Ford Focus, C-Max, and Escape, starting March 25.

Some of these new Ford vehicles have a faulty child lock mechanism installed on the left door of the backseat. Child locks are supposed to automatically lock the backseat doors from the inside while the engine is turned on so that children in the back seat cannot accidentally open the door.

Ford will replace the locks on all affected vehicles, and until then, it is recommended that any small children be seated in the middle or on the right side of the backseat. Fortunately, there have not been any reported injuries related to the faulty child locks, and with the recall, Ford hopes to keep it that way.

Keep up with the latest auto news, recalls, and other consumer alerts by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube! Are you ready to get into a new car today? 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.

Kia Hits 18 Consecutive Years of Market Gains

For a long time, Kia has been considered a scrappy underdog in the U.S. auto market. The brand is known for value rather than flashy designs, and looking over the top selling cars of the past few years, it would seem that flash is winning out. Kia didn’t break the top 10 best-selling cars for 2010, 2011, or 2012, and while Kia won a decent number of design awards in 2012, it isn’t a brand that typically makes headlines.

So why can’t the Kia leadership stop smiling?

Last week, Kia announced that the end of 2012 marked 18 consecutive years of market share growth in the United States. In 1994, Kia started selling in the United States, and they only sold 692 cars that year. Like the tortoise in the classic fable, though, Kia has slowly and steadily built their sales year after year. 100,000 units were sold in 1999, and by 2007, they had tripled that number. They shot past the 500,000 mark in 2012 with sales of 557,599, 15 percent higher sales than the year before.

Though Kia’s sales are impressive, they are still years away from competing with the big dogs. The Ford F-Series, the top selling vehicle of 2012, sold 645,316 units, more than Kia sold overall. Still, other automakers should take lessons from Kia such as their “flexible factories” and model redesigns that sparked a new interest in the brand. Hopefully Kia’s success will push other auto makers to step up their game and produce better and more affordable cars.

Are you ready to get into a 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!

Ford Aims to Reduce Production Waste by 41 Percent

In an effort to lessen their environmental impact, Ford has pledged to reduce the waste produced per vehicle by 41 percent by 2016.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally and Executive Chairman Bill Ford have made environmental awareness a priority for Ford in the coming years. In 2011, the average amount of waste per vehicle was 22.7 pounds. By 2016, they hope to cut it down to 13.4 pounds per vehicle. Ford has already made an effort to reduce their waste, cutting it from 37.9 pounds to 22.7 pounds between 2007 and 2011.

Most of the news revolving around the auto industry and the environment has involved reducing the weight of vehicles to make them more fuel efficient, but reducing the weight in auto production is important as well. If the automakers are producing a large amount of waste building electric cars, then they aren’t really helping the environment. They are green in name only. We commend Ford for their efforts in reducing waste and producing better cars in the process.

Are you looking to get into a new or used car today? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, 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 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!

Consumer Reports: Top 10 Cars We Would Buy Again

Repeat business and brand loyalty is extremely important in any industry, but it is especially important in the auto industry. Bad customer feedback can sink a model and cost an automaker greatly. Fortunately, there are plenty of vehicles on the market today that have repeat business, and Consumer Reports has compiled the top 10 cars that have customers coming back for more.

According to Consumer Reports, consumers said they would be most likely to buy the following cars again:

10/9. Toyota Camry hybrid and Ford Mustang V-8 (87 percent)
8/7. Dodge Charger V-8 and Audi A-6 (88 percent)
6. Lexus GS (89 percent)
5/4. Dodge Challenger V-8 and Audi A7 (90 percent)
3/2. Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette (91 percent)
1. Chevrolet Volt (92 percent)

With only a 5 point range between tenth and first place, competition was tough this year. There was a tie for ninth, seventh, fourth, and second places. All of these automakers should be proud of these numbers, especially that the top 5 were at 90 percent or above. These are customer satisfaction stats that every company dreams of and rarely achieve, so consumers that are in the market for a new car should consider taking at least one of these 10 vehicles for a test drive.

Are you ready to get into a new or used vehicle? Approved Loan Store can 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: EPA Promises More Fuel Economy Audits

In recent months, some automakers have been criticized for exaggerating the fuel economy of their newer models, and in response, the EPA will be auditing more fuel economy tests.

Ford, Hyundai, and Kia have been accused of overstating the fuel economy of their vehicles. As a result, Hyundai and Kia have had to adjust the ratings on some of their 2011, 2012, and 2013 models, and the EPA has promised to be more vigilant in checking these fuel economy claims.

At first glance, it doesn’t look too good for automakers. They said that their vehicles could achieve a fuel economy when it turned out that they could not. The truth of the matter, however, is much more complicated. Weather can affect the mpg of hybrid and electric cars, and different drivers can achieve different fuel economies. These automakers weren’t necessarily misrepresenting their fuel economy to the public but rather the average consumer misunderstood the mpg rating and thought it was a guarantee.

Even with the rating adjustments, the fuel economy on new vehicles is better than ever, and with gas prices today, consumers can save a lot of money on gas by trading in their older, less fuel-efficient model for a newer vehicle. Approved Loan Store can help you whether if you’re going for a trade in or just looking for a good deal on a new or used car. Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here.

Want more daily 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!

New Car Financing: 2013’s Cheapest Cars

As auto makers release their new models for 2013, car shoppers on a budget should be very pleased. Among the new 2013 models, there are a lot of great cars with top-of-the-line features now included with no extra cost. At the Approved Loan Store, we want you to get the best value for your dollar, so we’ve compiled a list of the least expensive 2013 vehicles and some of their standard features. These vehicles range in price from $12,780 up to $15,515.

Bottom line? If you thought you couldn’t afford a new car, you thought wrong.

Nissan Versa – $12,780
Features: 31 city/40 highway mpg, Push Button Ignition, hands-free cell phone calling, Nissan Navigation System with 5-inch touch-screen, USB iPod input, and rear-view camera

Chevrolet Spark LS – $12,995
Features: 32 city/38 highways mpg, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-speaker audio system, 4-wheel antilock front disc/rear drum brakes, and StabiliTrak stability control system

Smart ForTwo Pure – $13,240
Features: 34 city/38 highway mpg, 5-speed automated manual transmission, leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, electronic stability program (ESP) with hill start assist, aux audio input jack, and antilock braking system

Ford Fiesta S – $13,995
Features: 29 city/39 highway mpg, 1.6L Duratec I-4 engine, Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), AdvanceTrac Stability Control, six-speed automatic transmission, aux audio input jack, 4-inch LCD display screen, 4-wheel antilock brake system, and SecuriLock passive anti-theft ignition system

Kia Rio LX – $14,350
Features: 29 city/37 highway mpg, 1.6L I-4 engine, 4 speakers audio system, USB/aux audio input jack, antilock brakes, 15” tires with steel wheel covers, and electronic stability program (ESP) with hill start assist

Chevrolet Sonic LS – $14,995
Features: 26 city/35 highways mpg, 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, 4 speakers audio system, aux audio input jack, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, remote keyless entry, and engine immobilizer, theft-deterrent system

Toyota Yaris L – $15,130
Features: 30 city/37 highway mpg, 1.5L 4-cylinder engine,6 speakers audio system, CD player, aux audio input jack, on-board computer, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, 4-wheel antilock brakes, and stability control

Kia Soul Base – $15,175
Features: 25 city/30 highway mpg, 1.6L 4-cylinder engine, AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM audio system with 4 speakers, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, power door locks, and remote keyless entry with Folding Key

Hyundai Accent GLS – $15,320
Features: 28 city/37 highways mpg, 1.6L 4-cylinder engine, antilock braking system, 172-watt AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers, power door locks, and remote keyless entry with panic alert

Mazda2 Sport – $15,515
Features: 29 city/35 highway mpg, 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, antilock braking system, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with 4 speakers, remote keyless entry, and engine immobilizer, theft-deterrent system

Are you ready to get into a new or used car? Approved Loan Store can help you! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work hard to get you the 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!

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Consumer Reports: Ford’s EcoBoost Engines Disappoint in Testing

In the past year, Ford has been heavily promoting their EcoBoost engines as a more eco-friendly but still powerful option. A new series of tests by Consumer Reports, though, might poke some holes in their grand claims.

Consumer Reports ran a series of tests on the 2013 Ford Fusions with EcoBoost engines, and they found that the vehicle’s 0-60 acceleration speed lagged behind its competitors. This might be understandable and excusable if the engine delivered on fuel efficiency, but in the tests, it only got 25 mpg. To give some perspective, the Chevrolet Cruze Eco gets 28 city/42 highway mpg, the Honda Civic HF gets 29/41, and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI gets 30/42.

Fortunately, some of the new engines from Ford’s competitors did deliver on their promises. Consumer Reports highlighted BMW’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine which can keep pace on acceleration and still gets 28 mpg. Similarly, the Volkswagen’s 2-liter turbo engine performed well in testing, proving that this type of engine can be competitive if manufacturers work out the kinks.

Are you looking for a more fuel-efficient vehicle? Approved Loan Store can help! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want 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 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!

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

New Car Financing: Winter Deals Available on New and Used Convertibles

As cabin fever sets in, drivers are itching for spring and the freedom of the open road. For many drivers, the perfect car for a joy ride is a convertible, and now during the winter months, dealerships want to give car shoppers an incentive to spring for their dream convertible.

In a recent interview for Philly.com, Kerry Pacifico of Pacifico Ford in Philadelphia encouraged drivers shopping for a new convertible to buy now. He claims that buyers will get a better deal if they just order the car instead of purchasing it off the showroom floor since they avoid floor-plan expense. Besides that, there is less demand for convertibles in winter time, and dealerships will be more willing to strike a deal.

If a convertible seems out of your reach, here is a rundown of some of the more affordable convertibles on the market right now.

2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible – Starting at $27,100
Estimated MPG: 18 city, 29 highway
Standard Features: Air Conditioning with Automatic Temperature, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, 6-Speed Automatic Transmission, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, and more.

2014 Ford Mustang V6 Convertible – Starting at $26,995
Estimated MPG: 19 city, 29 highway
Standard Features: Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, MyKey, Auxiliary Audio Input Jack, Cloth Front Bucket Seats, Stainless Steel Dual Exhaust, and more.

2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata – Starting at $22,424
Standard Features: Black Z-Fold Vinyl Soft Top, 16-Inch Aluminum-Alloy Wheels, 5-Speed with Short-Throw Shifter, 6-Way Adjustable Driver’s Seat, 4-Way Adjustable Passenger Seat, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and more.

Are you ready to get into a new or used convertible today? Approved Loan Store wants to help you! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work hard to get you the 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 Twitter!

Image courtesy of M – Pics / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Detroit Auto Show: Hyundai Reveals Motion Sensor Technology

Distracted driving is a huge problem in this country. A driving distraction used to be squirming kids fighting over a Game Boy in the backseat, and now drivers have to block out smart phones, music, and even some of the technology built into the car like GPS and internet access. Every car company has an idea about how to curb distracted driving from hands-free calling to Ford’s driver stress test, and at the Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled their latest idea to keep drivers’ eyes on the road.

Motion sensor technology has come a long way in the past few years particularly with the Xbox Kinect. Hyundai is integrating motion sensor technology into its connected car technology. Other automakers have used touch screens, but this is the first time I have heard of a car company using motion sensor technology in this way. Unlike most connected systems, the screen is intentionally turned away from the driver and towards the passenger side, and it is meant to be controlled by the passenger, not the driver.

At the Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai showed off how to use the motion sensor technology to access apps, music, and other features. The demonstration also included playing a game of poker.

You can watch the video of Hyundai’s demonstration below.

While it certainly has a cool factor, I’m not convinced that Hyundai’s new system will do much to curb distracted driving. Besides that, the driver doesn’t have any way to check their car’s GPS since the screen is tilted towards the passenger side. I could see more cars integrating motion sensor technology, but otherwise I think Hyundai still has some kinks to work out.

Readers, what do you think? Do you want motion sensor technology in your car, or do you think these systems do more to cause distracted driving than deter it? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Are you ready to get into a 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 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!