Lemon Information

The 2009 Scion XB

Component: Tires
Complaint: Tire placard indicates that tires should be inflated to 35 psi front and 32 psi rear. It should have shown 39 and 37 respectively. Customer drove nearly 18,000 miles on under-inflated tires.

Component: Air bags
Complaint: Air bags did not deploy in collision. Customer was driving approximately 15 mph.

Component: Air bags
Complaint: Air bags did not deploy in collision. Customer was driving approximately 10 mph.

Component: Brakes
Complaint: Customer’s anti-lock brakes did not engage when brakes were applied in snow or heavy rain.

Component: Brakes
Complaint: Brakes did not engage when applied at 35 mph. Customer needed to down shift in order to slow and eventually brake.

Component: Brakes
Complaint: Customer’s brakes froze (literally, during winter in Wisconsin). Problem was addressed by October 2009 brake intake manifold recall.

Component: Accelerator
Complaint: The customer’s accelerator occasionally stuck in the depressed position on a floor mat that had been installed by the customer on top of the manufacturer’s floor mat. The problem was resolved when the additional floor mat was removed.

Component: Electrical System
Complaint: Warning buzzer for key in ignition, lights on, seat belt unfastened, and door ajar states is inaudible. Customer told by manufacturer that the buzzer is just quiet: no electrical fix was available.

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February 2010 Recalls

BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 7-Series and model year 2010 550i Grand Turismo vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110 "Tire Selection and Rims." These vehicle's are equipped with a tire pressure label indicating that the vehicle's seating capacity is five (5) passengers. The actual seating capacity is four (4) passengers. The tire size, tire pressure, and vehicle capacity weight on the label are correct. The tire label does not conform to FMVSS 110. BMW has not yet provided a remedy or an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

Daimler Trucks is recalling certain model year 2010 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured May 20, 2009 through January 29, 2010 and equipped with optional Sheppard HD94 steering gears. Restraining washer locking tabs may not have been seated into the pitman arm retainer notches during assembly. Incomplete installation of the pitman arm retaining mechanism may allow unthreading of the retainer. Disengagement of the pitman arm from the steering box may result in loss of steering and crash could occur. Dealers will inspect to insure pitman arm retainer is properly torqued and restraining washer is properly installed with locking tabs seated in notches of the retainer. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 23, 2010. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks at 1-800-547-0712.

Entegra is recalling certain model year 2010 Aspire motor homes built on Freightliner chassis manufactured between October 2, 2009 and December 18, 2009 with Kongsberg Power Products Systems adjustable brake pedals. The drive pin which secures the brake pedal arm to the balance of the assembly may become disengaged, this may cause a reduction in vehicle braking and/or cause the brake pedal to move out of position and interfere with throttle pedal function. A reduction in braking or interference with the throttle pedal could result in a vehicle crash. Units are in dealers stock and none have been retail sold. Therefore, owner letters to customers will not take place. Dealers will receive kits and will inspect and install a C-clamp on the adjustable brake pedal.

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2004 SAAB 9-3 sedans. Some of these vehicles were produced with front seat belt retractors that, over time, could fail to retract. Using a seat belt that has not retracted, and in the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury. Dealers will replace the driver side retractor free of charge. If the front passenger retractor were to fail to retract, GM will replace the front passenger retractor free of charge under a special coverage that will be released for the same population for 10 years from new vehicle date of sale. The safety recall is expected to begin during March 2010. Owners may contact SAAB at 1-800-620-7668 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Honda is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Fit vehicles. Under severe condition, water may enter the driver's window and reach the master power window switch. If the master power window switch is damaged as a result of the water intrusion, overheating and failure of the switch may result. An overheating switch can cause smoke, melting and fire. Dealers will inspect the switch and install a cover around the switch housing to prevent water from entering the switch. If the switch is damaged, the switch will be replaced and a cover will be installed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during March 2010. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Honda is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Honda Accord and Civic, model year 2002 CR-V and Odyssey, model year 2002-2003 3.2TL and one vehicle for model year 2003 Honda Pilot, Civic and Acura 3.2CL passenger vehicles. The driver's airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants. Dealers will replace the airbag inflator free of charge. The safety recall began on February 26, 2010. Owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009.

Honda is conducting a safety improvement campaign involving certain model year 2005 Odyssey Touring vehicles equipped with power operated rear liftgate. The power liftgate gas struts may deteriorate unexpectedly early. Struts that have worn out prematurely may fail to hold the power liftgate in the fully open position, causing the power liftgate to close unexpectedly. Injury may result from a power liftgate closing unexpectedly when a person is within the closing path of the liftgate. Dealers will inspect the gas liftgate struts and replace if within the recall population. This service will be performed free of charge. The campaign is expected to begin during March 2010. Owners may contact Honda automobile customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2010 Tucson vehicles. Properly seated adult right front seat passengers weighing over approximately 240 pounds cause the passive occupant detection system (PODS) module program to illuminate the "air bag" warning lamp. If "air bag" warning lamp is illuminated, the passenger air bag will deploy if a crash of sufficient force to require front air bag deployment is experienced, and will not be deactivated if a child is seated in the right front seating position, which may increase the risk of injury to a child front passenger. Dealers will reprogram the pods module free of charge. Hyundai anticipates owners will be notified by telephone and/or by mail during March 2010. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-633-5151.

Jayco is recalling certain model year 2010 Insignia motor homes built on Freightliner chassis manufactured between October 14, 2009 and January 15, 2010 with Kongsberg Power Products Systems adjustable brake pedals. The drive pin which secures the brake pedal arm to the balance of the assembly may become disengaged, this may cause a reduction in vehicle braking and/or cause the brake pedal to move out of position and interfere with throttle pedal function. A reduction in braking or interference with the throttle pedal could result in a vehicle crash. Units are in dealers stock and none have been retail sold. Therefore, owner letters to customers will not take place. Dealers will receive kits and will inspect and install a C-clamp on the adjustable brake pedal. Jayco may be reached at 1-800-283-8267.

Keystone is recalling certain model year 2010 Fuzion travel trailers and fifth wheels with the Touring Edition II package. The rear ramp door cable support bracket bolts may fail when the door is used in the patio position. A falling door can lead to an increased risk of personal injury if a person is on the door in the patio position. Dealers will replace the ramp door cable hardware with the correct hardware free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during March 2010. Owners may contact Keystone Customer Service at 1-866-425-4369.

Keystone is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Cougar and Laredo trailers and fifth wheel vehicles. These vehicles have experienced a limited number of failures with its spare tire carriers in particular, the spare tire carriers, when combined with a 16' spare tire and when installed on the bumper of a slide out bike/storage rack, may break or crack after time causing the spare tire to fall off. If the tire carrier fails causing the tire to come loose, there is an increased risk of personal injury and property damage. The remedy is to replace the spare tire carrier with a new spare tire carrier free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before March 15, 2010. Owners may contact Keystone at 1-866-425-4369.

Mazda is recalling certain model year 2010 CX-9 vehicles equipped with electrically heated front seats. There is a possibility under extremely cold conditions for the seat heater control circuit to overheat and fail due to insufficient electrical grounding. This may cause burn damage of the seat cushion surface, or a risk of smoke/fire. Dealers will install an additional ground harness on the seat heater control system. The seat heater control circuit will be replaced if necessary and/or the seat will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before March 9, 2010. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Mitsubishi is recalling certain model year 2004 endeavor vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C. Cold states include North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Utah. Adjoining states include Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. In severe corrosive environments where road salts are frequently used in winter vehicles may be exposed to road debris (mud) mixed with road salt. This material can become trapped between a reinforcing bracket and the fuel filler pipe, potentially causing corrosion. Over time, corrosion could create a leak in the fuel filler pipe that could result in a fuel leakage when fueling the vehicle. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel filler pipe with a new improved part free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before July 5, 2010. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Mitsubishi is recalling certain model year 2010 Galant vehicles. The automatic transmission oil cooler pipe assembly on some vehicles may have insufficient plating to prevent corrosion, if the pipe should develop a hole due to corrosion, automatic transmission fluid leakage may occur. ATF in the presence of an ignition source may result in a potential fire hazard. Dealers will have the aft oil cooler pipe assembly inspected. If insufficient plating is found during inspection, the dealer will replace the aft oil cooler pipe assembly with new parts containing appropriate anti-corrosion plating. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during March 2010. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Navistar is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 International Prostar and Lonestar trucks equipped with feature code 04AZT roll stability control. The air line that supplies the traction solenoid valve of the roll stability control (RSC) system may have been connected to an incorrect port on the air tank. This condition will affect air modulation to the trailer brakes if RSC is activated during a roll stability event. This condition at no time affects the normal design function of the tractor and trailer service brakes when activated by the driver, or the function of the tractor RSC system. Less than optimal RSC control of the trailer brakes during a roll stability event may increase the risk of a crash which can result in property damage, personal injury, or death. Dealers will inspect and relocate the air line that supplies the RSC traction solenoid valve to the correct port on the air tank. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on February 19, 2010. Owners may contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825.

Peterbilt is recalling certain model year 2010 320 trucks equipped with Hendrickson HLR2 non-steering pusher axle for failing to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, "Air Brake Systems." The trucks were not manufactured with the required number of air tanks for proper operation of the vehicle's brake system. This situation may impact the operator's ability to stop the vehicle which may cause an accident involving death or personal injury. Dealers will install an additional air reservoir to the air system free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during March 2010. Owners may contact Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

Gulf States Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Sienna passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." These vehicles were sold between September 1, 2005 and June 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels. The manufacturer has not yet provided a consequence for this campaign. The manufacturer has not yet provided a remedy for this campaign. Owners may contact Gulf States Toyota at 1-713-580-3300.

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Sienna passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." These vehicles were sold between September 1, 2005 and June 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels. The manufacturer has not yet provided a consequence for this campaign. The manufacturer has not yet provided a remedy for this campaign. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-954-420-2000.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Toyota Prius and Lexus HS250H passenger vehicles. Customers have experienced inconsistent brake feel after ABS actuation during slow and steady application of the brakes on rough or slick road surfaces. Stopping distances may be increased compared with a customer's expectation for a given pedal force. Vehicle stopping distances may increase relative to a customer's expectation increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will rewrite the programming of the ABS control unit free of charge. The safety recall began on March 3, 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Camrys. The length of the power steering pressure hose on vehicles equipped with the 4-cylinder (2AR-FE) engine may be insufficient, such that the gap between the crimp on the pressure hose and the brake tube for the left rear brake may be insufficient. Under these circumstances the brake tube may interfere with the crimp and may wear and then perforate. A brake tube perforation may result in brake fluid leakage. A leak in brake fluid may impact braking performance increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota will notify owners and, if necessary, dealers will replace or adjust the brake tube free of charge. The safety recall began on March 4, 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks. The propeller shaft may develop cracks during the manufacturing process. Over time, the cracks may eventually lead to the separation of the propeller shaft. This may result in a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the front propeller shaft on affected vehicles free of charge. Owners will be notified in March and April 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

TrailManor is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 travel trailers manufactured between August 1, 2009, and October 31, 2009, equipped with Carrier AIRV ceiling units, model nos. 68RV0010BA, 68RV0012CA, and 68RV0010EA. The heater element in these assemblies may be defective which could cause the unit to create smoke or sparks. This defect could result in a fire. TrailManor will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired free of charge. The repairs will be performed by Carrier. Please see Carrier's defect report 09E-053. The safety recall began on December 15, 2009. Owners may contact Carrier at 1-877-584-7059.

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Unsafe at Any Unintended Speed

Washington Needs to Re-Evaluate the Relationship Between Automakers and the NHTSA

Do We Need a New Nader?

On March 5, a Congressional panel investigating the safety recall of millions of Toyota vehicles over problems with unexpected acceleration requested that Toyota submit more convincing documents to prove that electronics systems were not the source of acceleration problems. Toyota executives had appeared at Congressional hearings during the last week of February and testified that its recalls had effectively addressed the problem of unintended acceleration and that no flaws had been found with its electronic controls.

By March 4, however, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had received at least 60 complaints of unintended acceleration in vehicles that had supposedly undergone the Toyota fix. NHTSA officials were also scrutinized by Congress for their ability to properly assess the effectiveness of Toyota's recall measures.

Both Toyota and consumers should benefit from a quick resolution of Toyota's current safety problems. And, we can only hope that Toyota will be as transparent and cooperative with officials as is necessary to identify the root of its recall problem. But, the back and forth between Congress, Toyota, and the NHTSA over whether Toyota's safety issues stem from a mechanical failure or an electric one calls into question the effectiveness of the very relationship between automakers and safety regulators.

Automobile technology has improved drastically since the establishment of the NHTSA under the Highway Safety Act in 1970. And though NHTSA investigations have undoubtedly saved many lives in the time since then, it's not unreasonable to question whether the interplay between manufacturers and safety regulators has become outdated or, even worse, cozy. It shouldn't be surprising that, after 40 years, a regulatory entity like the NHTSA would develop relationships and techniques that prioritize expedience and efficiency (not necessarily over safety, but nonetheless). And perhaps that's the lesson we should learn from the recent Toyota recall.

Complicated computer systems demand that we have knowledgable and sophisticated inspectors to insist on their dependability and test their performance as it pertains to consumer safety. It's quite possible that technology has outpaced the ability of our regulators to regulate it.

At a recent hearing, Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia wondered whether "NHTSA investigators would rather focus on floor mats than microchips because they understand floor mats," as was reported in The New York Times on March 2. Now that it's known that in 2009 Toyota chalked up a win for itself after saving $100 million through a limited recall involving only floor mats, Senator Rockefeller's musings seem not very far off mark.

At a time when we're looking more and more to new forms of technology to help us address pollution and climate change -- and when brands like Toyota are staking their market shares on the introduction of those new technologies -- it's only right that we re-evaluate our regulatory infrastructure to make sure it's able to cope.

Strangely, no one individual or non-governmental organization has yet made it its mission to address this emerging problem. Where's Ralph Nader when we need him? Maybe he really is convinced that only the super rich can save us. Or maybe the whole Toyota thing will be just the impetus we needed to call a new champion from the wings. We've got our hands full here at the BWC offices, but we'll give a free renewal to the next of our members we see testifying at a Congressional hearing.

Short of that, if you have a Toyota acceleration story to tell, please share it with our other Kicking Asphalt readers.

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Too Lazy to March on Washington Yourself?

Good News! The Green Riders Are Taking the Fight for Sustainability to the White House For You

Better World Club member Oliver Bock (who is also a co-founder and board member of New Voice of Business) and his sister, Catherine, are traveling across the country on electric bicycles to discover and promote a sustainable future. Their two month adventure will depart from California on Earth Day, April 22, 2010 and continue until they reach the White House in Washington, DC.

The brother and sister team are explorers focused on discovering sustainability heroes all across the country, from the organic farmer in rural Kansas who has created a vibrant farmer’s market to the research project in Durango, Colorado where the waste stream from a natural gas power plant is growing algae that is being converted into a liquid fuel.

Upon arriving in Washington, the Green Riders will deliver a petition, The Declaration of Interdependence, to the White House. Care about sustainability but can't make it to DC? Sign the petition. People who want to follow Catherine and Oliver as virtual riders can also do so at their blog. Readers can help generate a wave of support to get the Green Riders a lunch meeting with President Obama by signing and circulating the DC Lunch Letter.

Go Catherine and Oliver!

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Menunkatuck Audubon Society

You'd Know That's an Osprey in the Picture if You Joined Your Local Chapter

Menunkatuck Audubon Society is the local chapter of the National Audubon Society that serves the towns of Madison, Guilford, Branford, East Haven, New Haven, and West Haven, Connecticut. Menunkatuck works locally to preserve natural ecosystems for the benefit of local communities and the earth's biodiversity. Through education and conservation programs, Menunkatuck raises public awareness of environmental issues and our connections to the natural world.

The society's current projects include opposing a gas pipeline through North Haven, North Branford, Branford and into and across Long Island Sound, and a drive to prevent the development of Griswold Airport in Madison and maintain the area as an open space.

Better World Club is excited to support Menunkatuck in its conservation and education efforts and hopes to develop partnerships with other Audubon chapters throughout the country. Find out more about Menunkatuck. Check out its archive of newsletters here.

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If the Shoe Fits, Take it For a Test Drive

After Three Years, We Can Still Get Into the Honda Fit

For the first time in Kicking Asphalt history we’re re-reviewing a high mileage car. Back in January, 2008 we covered the 2007 Honda Fit, which was released for the first time in the United States in 2006. A member got in touch and asked our opinion of the new model, so we thought we’d go ahead and take another close look. Three model years later, it’s still a good fit.

In addition to being inexpensive and fuel efficient (people considering buying an Insight should take a look), the Fit is the safest and roomiest car in the subcompact class. Responsive handling also makes it fun to drive and very well suited to city maneuverability.

And, while earlier Fit models were criticized for their cheap looking interiors, the 2010 redesign brought with it a higher quality interior styling that adds visual appeal to the Fit’s space efficiency (it has 20.6 cubic feet of cargo room and comfortably seats two adults in the back seat). The newest Fit also has a more detailed and aerodynamic exterior, although it’s still a taller hatchback, so it can’t help looking a little like a mini minivan.

We liked the 2007 Fit. And, with Honda’s design improvements, we can only say we like the 2010 Fit more. If you’re looking to purchase a subcompact, you should definitely try the 2010 Fit on for size.

Things People Like About The Fit (May not apply to all model years):

- Space efficient/high quality interior
- Responsive, nimble handling
- Safety (excellent crash test ratings for a compact car)

Things People Don’t Like About The Fit (May not apply to all model years):

- Not very sexy (looks like a scaled down minivan)
- Lots of road noise at high speeds
- Small gas tank limits convenience of fuel efficiency on long drives

MSRP:

MSRP: $14,900 - $19,110 (5-Spd AT reviewed here $15,700)

Fuel Economy Stats:

Estimated EPA MPG: 28 (city), 35 (hwy), 31 (combined)
Cost to Drive 25 Miles: $2.18
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles: 0.81 gal
Cost of a Fill-up: $25.76
Miles on a Tank: 296 miles
Tank Size: 10.6 gal
Annual Fuel Cost*: $1265
Annual Petroleum Consumption (1 barrel=42 gallons): 11 barrels/year

[*Based on 45% highway, 55% city driving, 15000 annual miles and a fuel price of $ 2.70 per gallon.]

Warranty:

Basic: 36,000 miles / 36 months
Powertrain: 60,000 / 60 months
Rust: Unimited miles / 60 months

Rust Perforation Limited Warranty covers repair/replacement of any body panel that rusts from inside out. Rust that does not perforate, but is caused by defect in material or workmanship is covered under Basic Warranty.

Tires: Covered by manufacturer
Original Battery: Unlimited miles / 36 months

Replacement Battery Limited Warranty covers 100% for the first 12 months, then is prorated thereafter for the remaining two years. Credit is given towards the purchase of a new battery.

Replacement Parts: 12,000 miles / 12 months

Replacement Parts Limited Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Parts purchased from but not installed by Honda dealer are covered for 12 months. Parts purchased from and installed by Honda dealer are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Frontal Crash, Side Crash, And Rollover Tests:

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars. A five-star rating indicates the most injury protection, while one star indicates the least protection.

Driver Front: 5 Stars
Passenger Front: 5 Stars
Front Side: 5 Stars
Rear Side: 4 Stars
Rollover: 4 Stars

Recalls:

To date there have been no recalls for the 2010 Honda Fit.

Standard Features:
- Power Door Locks
- Vehicle Anti-Lockout
- Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Engine Immobilizer
- Child Safety Door Locks Located on Rear Doors
- Front Power 262 mm Ventilated Disc and Rear Power 201 mm Drum Brakes
- 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution
- Drive-By-Wire ™ Throttle System Drive-By-Wire Control for Throttle
- Front Power Outlet
- Battery
- ULEV II Emissions
- 1.5-Liter i-VTEC(R), I4, 16-Valve, SOHC, MPFI Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 117@6600, Torque Of 106@4800, Alloy Block and Alloy Cylinder Head
- 100,000-Miles Extended Service Interval For Tune-Up
- Radio Antenna
- Radio Data System
- Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
- AM/FM Radio With 160-Watts, Speed Sensitive Volume and 4 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3/WMA Player
- Halogen Headlights
- Daytime Running Lights
- Metallic Paint (If Selected)
- Front Air Dam
- Front and Rear Body Color Impact-Absorbing Bumpers
- Manual Air Conditioning
- Interior Particle and Pollen Air Filter
- Audible Warnings Include Headlights-On
- Digital Clock
- Trip Computer With Instantaneous Fuel Consumption, Average Fuel Consumption and Trip Odometer
- Tachometer
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Warning Lights Include Brake System, Door Ajar, Low Fuel, Oil Low, Seatbelts Unfastened and Oil Pressure
- Maintenance Minder(TM) System Maintenance Interval Indicator For Oil Quality and Air Filter
- Interior Load Area Light
- Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Cargo Area
- Passenger Airbag With Dual Threshold, Dual Stage Deployment
- Front and Rear Crumple Zones
- L A T C H
- Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor
- Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags
- Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters
- Front Pretensioners
- Side Guard Door Beams
- Driver Airbag With Dual Threshold, Dual Stage Deployment
- Front Active Head Restraints
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering (Ace(TM)) Body Structure
- Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
- Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags Located In Headliner
- Magic Seat(R) Rear 60/40 Split Folding Reclining Bench Seat With Adjustable Headrests
- Front Dual Reclining Folding Bucket Seats With Adjustable Headrests
- Cloth Seats
- Tilt Steering Column
- Telescopic Steering Column
- Electric Power Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering
- Cargo Area Tiedown Hooks
- Front Dual Door Mounted Storage
- Glovebox
- Passenger Seatback Storage Pocket
- 10 Cupholders Total
- Front Open Lower Console Storage
- Cargo Storage Pocket
- Rear Underseat Storage
- 22-mm Front Stabilizer Bar
- Semi-Independent Torsion Beam Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
- Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
- Rear Stabilizer Bar
- 5-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission With Overdrive
- Compact Spare Tire
- Steel Wheels, 15-In.
- SBRP175/65R15 84S, All-Season Tires
- Driver and Passenger Vanity Mirrors
- Power Window Lockout
- Dual Black Folding Power Adjustable Exterior Rearview Mirrors
- Front Dual Sunvisors
- Rear Window Wiper/Washer
- Tinted Glass
- Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- Power Windows With Driver One-Touch Up and One-Touch Down
- Rear Window Defroster
Technical Specs:

Standard Engine: 1.5L I4
Standard Transmission: Manual 5 Speed
Cylinders: 4
Horsepower @ RPM: 109@5800
Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy: 28 / 34
Combined Fuel Economy: 31
EPA Class: Sub-Compact
Number of Valves: 16
Fuel Type: Gas Engine
Overdrive Transmission: Yes
Cruising Range: 328.6 miles
Cargo Volume: N/A
Fuel Capacity: 10.6
Brakes (Front): Disc
Brakes (Rear): Drum
Driveline: Front Wheel Drive
Steering: Rack & Pinion
Suspension (Front): Independent
Suspension (Rear): Semi-Independent
Tire Wheel Diameter: 15 in.
Seating: 5
Headroom (Front): 40.4
Headroom (Back): 39.0
Curb Weight: 2575
Height: 60.0
Length: 161.6
Wheelbase: 98.4
Width: 66.7
Doors: 4

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An Irishman Walks Into a Gas Station...

And Alternative Fuel Prices Are Up

At Least It's St. Patrick's Day! Go Ahead and Drown those Sorrows (Just Make Sure not to Drive!)

With the exception of B99 prices in the West, prices for both B20 and B99 rose in all regions since our last report, contributing to more than a $0.10 rise in the prices of both fuels nationally. CNG prices also rose in every region except the West and rose nationally by $0.22. On average, E85 prices changed little from our previous figures.

Gasoline and diesel prices rose in all regions and mirrored trends in alternative fuel prices nationally.

Do you have an unnatural interest in fuel prices? Are you a fan of tables filled with important looking numbers? If so, we recommend finding a healthier hobby (like following the swallows back to San Juan Capistrano). Or you can feed your fetish by checking out BWC's previous Alternative Fuel Report, "Prices Rise as Temperatures Fall," published in the December 23rd issue of Kicking Asphalt.

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We Couldn't Have Said It Better Ourselves. . .

Cyberpress.ca Reports That RentaBikeNow Customers "Will Not Have to Worry About Like Seeds"

Better World Club "to Repatriate Them Free to Shop or Hotel Within a Radius of 50 km"

And we're not joking: none of the staff was able to appropriately translate French, so we had to rely on Google's translator. But you should still check out the article on our partnership with RentaBikeNow from Quebec based Cyberpresse.ca. Read the translation here or in the original French here.

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The Dodge Ram Goes Green...er...That is, Green-er

Luxury Automakers Still Eschew Fuel Economy Gains

BWC Announces 2010 List of Worst Gas Guzzlers

Maybe we've finally made our mark on the auto industry and convinced automakers to consider fuel efficiency in the engineering of their new vehicles. Or, maybe automakers are just finally listening to consumers and delivering a wider range of vehicles with better gas mileage. Either way, the Dodge Ram, a longtime staple of our gas guzzlers list (sniff, sniff, we'll miss you Dodge Ram!), has gotten just a bit greener and moved out of surcharge territory. At 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, the 2010 Ram is now just about as fuel efficient as most other heavy duty pickups.

But don't worry, the other mainstays of our list came through for another year. We're honestly surprised that we're still able to fill our list with vehicles that all get less than 10 miles to the gallon in the city. Apparently luxury automakers haven't caught on to the trend. Or, after all of Toyota's trouble with its safety recalls, maybe they just think it's enough that their cars can stop.

This year's list includes the Lamborghini Murcielago (8 mpg city and 13 highway); the Bentley Azure (9/15); the Bentley Brooklans (9/15); and the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (9/16). New members who own any of the vehicles on BWC's gas guzzlers list are assessed a 20% surcharge on their enrollments. Any money we collect through the surcharge is given as part of BWC's annual donation. Since drivers of any of the vehicles on this year's list could probably afford to buy a flatbed tow truck load of new memberships, we're sure they'll join anyway.

Sadly, none of the vehicles from GM's Hummer brand made the list for what will probably be the brand's final year. A bittersweet end for the gas guzzling SUV that we all loved to hate.

Check our complete list of gas guzzlers from the last five model years at our join page. (And while you're there, you might as well just type in your credit card number and join if you aren't already a member.)

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