Wikicars - User contributions [en]

User:Tianyahaige

2007-07-05T23:09:25Z

Rfujitani:

Tianyahaige

Main Page

2007-06-25T21:52:13Z

Rfujitani: updating featured member

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__

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<div><div style="font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000">Welcome to [[Wikicars:about|Wikicars]]</div> A collaborative guide about cars and all things [[automobile|automotive]]. We're growing very fast and so far we have {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles. [[Wikicars:about|Learn more]].</div>
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#eeeed1;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #ddddc0;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[User:Invader Car|Wikicars Featured Contributor: Invader Car]]</h2>
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[[Image:2009 ford escort.PNG|none|250px]]
'''''<font color="green">Congrats Invader Car!</font>'''''
</div>
Unparalleled in enthusiasm, [[User:Invader Car|Invader Car]] began contributing to WikiCars in February of this year, experimenting with scripts and templates, reverting vandalism and spam, and generally working on truck pages. He has worked on several potential administrative tools and his devotion to curbing spammers and vandals has not gone unnoticed.
*'''''Contributions:''''' Over 250 edits since becoming a member. Way to go, [[User:Invader Car|Invader Car]]! <small>([[User talk:Invader Car|Talk to '''Invader Car''']])</small>
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#bae8bc;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #779979;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Porsche Carrera GT|Featured Article]]: [[Porsche Carrera GT]]</h2>

<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em">
[[Image:Porsche20carrera20gt.jpg|250px|left|Porsche Carrera GT]]
</div>[[Porsche]] began developing this car in 2000 as a successor to the [[Porsche 911|911 GT1]] car they had discontinued in late 1998, but the project was abandoned. Originally, a production run of 1,500 cars was slated. But [[Porsche]] announced in August, 2005 that it would not continue production of the [[Porsche Carrera GT|Carrera GT]] throughout 2006, reducing the total production estimate to 1,250 units. 340 Carrera GTs were sold in the United States in 2005. Production of the [[Porsche Carrera GT|Carrera GT]] stopped on May 6, 2006 after more than 1270 units had been manufactured. <small>([[Porsche Carrera GT|more...]])</small>
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #8597ab;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Mazda Mazda6 Review|Featured Review]]: [[Mazda Mazda6 Review|Mazda Mazda6]]</h2>

<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em">
[[Image:Greyonwhite.jpg|left|250px|Mazda Mazda6]]
</div>The Mazda Atenza or [[Mazda Mazda6|Mazda6]] is a midsize car from the Japanese carmaker [[Mazda]]. Replacing the Capella/626, the Atenza/Mazda6 has sold over one million units worldwide since its introduction, making it the fastest Mazda vehicle to reach the one million mark. By far the best sport enthusiast’s car in its mid-sized sedan class, the [[Mazda Mazda6 Review|Mazda6]] offers stiff handling and performance tuned power delivery to the road. With a variety of body styles and trims, the [[Mazda Mazda6|Mazda6]] can provide enjoyable sporty performance to many different lifestyles from thrill seekers to grocery haulers.<small>([[Mazda Mazda6 Review|more...]])</small>
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F2E6CE;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #D9CEB8;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[:Category:Model Reviews|Model Reviews]]</h2>
Your automotive opinion matters! Share your car knowledge with others and help build the most comprehensive archive of model reviews on the web today. Here are some of the latest reviews from the Wikicars Community:
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* [[Lexus GS Review|Lexus GS]]
* [[BMW X5 Review|BMW X5]]
* [[Jeep Grand Cherokee Review|Jeep Grand Cherokee]]
* [[Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review|Toyota Highlander Hybrid]]
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* [[Volkswagen Passat Review|Volkswagen Passat]]
* [[Hyundai Sonata Review|Hyundai Sonata]]
* [[Audi A4 Review|Audi A4]]
* [[Honda Odyssey Review|Honda Odyssey]] <small>([[:Category:Model Reviews|more...]])</small>
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#d0e5f5;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #abd5f5;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[ Hybrid Cars | Spotlight On: Hybrids]] and [[High Mileage Vehicles]]</h2>
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[[Image:Felix-car.jpg|none|225px|[[Plug-in_Hybrids|100+ mpg Toyota Prius Plug-in]]]]
</div>
Driven by gas prices and growing social awareness, [[Hybrid Cars | '''hybrid cars''']] are becoming attractive options.
* [[Top Reasons to Buy a Hybrid Car]]
* [[Reasons Not to Buy a Hybrid Car (yet)]]
* [[Tips for Buying a Hybrid Car|Tips for Buying]]
* Non-hybrid [[High Mileage Vehicles]] that get over 30 mpg<br>
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#dfcef2;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a48bbf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Car Buying Tips]]</h2>
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* How to [[negotiate for a lower car price]]
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* How to obtain a [[Used Car History Report]]
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* What is the [[Difference Between CPO and Used Vehicles]]?
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#f7d4e0;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #de8ca7;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Living on the Automotive Edge]]</h2>
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[[image:Bugatti_Veyron-2.jpg|thumb|175px|[[Bugatti Veyron]]]]
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* [[World's fastest street legal cars]]
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* [[Star Cars|What the Stars Drive]]
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* [[Concept Cars|Concept cars]]
* [[Auto Shows|Auto Shows]]
* [[State Limousines|Rides of Heads of State]]
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Garage Talk]]</h2>
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[[Wikicars' experts]] invite you to discuss the site [[Garage Talk|here]], and nominate articles and members to be featured on the homepage!
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[[AC]]'''<br />
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<small>([[List of Manufacturers|more...]])</small><br />
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{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:5px;" width="100%"
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Wikicars' Picks]]</h2>
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'''[[Cars under 10k]]'''<br>
'''[[Passenger Cars]]'''<br>
'''[[Luxury Cars]]'''<br>
'''[[Trucks]]'''<br>
'''[[SUVs]]'''<br>
'''[[Hybrids]]'''<br> <small>([[Wikicars' Picks|more...]])</small>
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[:Category:Car designers|Famous Car Designers]]</h2>
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'''[[Nuccio Bertone]]'''<br>
'''[[Franco Scaglione]]'''<br>
'''[[Giacinto Ghia]]'''<br>
'''[[Pietro Frua]]'''<br>
'''[[Giorgetto Giugiaro]]'''<br>
'''[[Marcello Gandini]]'''<br>
'''[[Alejandro de Tomaso]]'''<br> <small>([[:Category:Car designers|more...]])</small>
|}
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Chevrolet S-10

2007-05-16T16:50:07Z

Rfujitani: Reverted edits by 146.164.35.131 (146.164.35.131); changed back to last version by MQuan

Car handling

2007-05-14T19:30:45Z

Rfujitani: /* Cars with unusual handling problems */

<br>
'''Car handling''' and '''vehicle handling''' is a description of the way wheeled vehicles perform transverse to their direction of motion, particularly during cornering and swerving. It also includes their stability when moving in a straight line. Handling and braking are the major components of a vehicle's "active" safety. The maximum lateral acceleration is sometimes discussed separately as "road holding". Handling is an esoteric performance area because rapid and violent manoeuvres are often only used in unforeseen circumstances. (This discussion is directed at road vehicles with at least three wheels, but some of it may apply to other ground vehicles.)

Cars, for use on public roads, whose engineering requirements emphasise handling above passenger space and comfort, are called [[sports car]]s.

== Factors that affect a car's handling ==

=== Driver ===
Handling is a property of the car, but different characteristics will work well with different drivers.

=== Familiarity ===
A person learns to control a car much as he learns to control his body, so the more he has driven a car or type of car the better it will handle for him. One needs to take extra care for the first few thousand miles after buying a car, especially if it differs in design from those he is used to. Other things that a driver must adjust to include changes in tyres, tyre pressures and load. That is, handling is not just good or bad; it is also the same or different.

=== Weather ===
Weather affects handling by making the road slippery. Different [[tire|tyres]] do best in different weather. Deep water is an exception to the rule that wider tyres improve road holding. (See aquaplaning under tyres, below.)

=== Road condition ===
Cars with relatively soft suspension and with low unsprung weight are least affected by uneven surfaces, while on flat smooth surfaces the stiffer the better. Unexpected water, ice, oil, etc. are hazards.

=== Weight distribution ===
==== Center of gravity height ====

The center (centre) of gravity height, relative to the track, determines [[load transfer]], also called [[weight transfer]], from side to side and causes body lean. Centrifugal force acts at the center of gravity to lean the car toward the outside of the curve, increasing downward force on the outside tyres.

The centre of gravity height, relative to the wheelbase, determines load transfer between front and rear. The car's momentum acts at its center of gravity to twist the car forward or backward, respectively during braking and acceleration. Since it is only the downward force that changes and not the location of the center of gravity, the effect on over/under steer is ''opposite'' to that of an actual change in the center of gravity. When a car is braking, the downward load on the front tyres increases and that on the rear decreases, with corresponding change in their ability to take sideways load, causing oversteer.

Lower center of gravity is the principle performance advantage of [[sports car]]s, compared to sedans and (especially) SUVs.

Body lean can also be controlled by the springs, anti-roll bars or the roll center heights.

==== Roll angular inertia ====
This increases the time it takes to settle down and follow the steering. It depends on the (square of) the height and width.

Greater width, then, though it counteracts center of gravity hight, hurts handling by increasing angular inertia.

====Center of gravity forward or back ====
In steady-state cornering, front heavy cars tend to understeer and rear heavy cars to oversteer, all other things being equal. This can be compensated, at least mostly, by using wheels and tyres with size (width times diameter) proportional to the weight carried by each end.

When all four wheels and tyres are of equal size, as is most often the case with passenger cars, a weight distribution close to "50/50" (i.e. the [[Center of mass|centre of mass]] is mid-way between the front and rear axles) produces the preferred handling compromise. However, if unequal size tyres are acceptable, better handling is achieved by a rearward weight bias, using larger rear tyres to keep the steady-state cornering balance near neutral.

The rearward weight bias preferred by sports and racing cars results from handling effects during the transition from straight-ahead to cornering. During corner entry the front tyres, in addition to generating part of the lateral force required to accelerate the car's [[centre of mass]] into the turn, also generate a torque about the car's vertical axis that starts the car rotating into the turn. However, the lateral force being generated by the rear tyres is acting in the opposite torsional sense, trying to rotate the car out of the turn. For this reason, a car with "50/50" weight distribution will understeer on initial corner entry. To avoid this problem, sports and racing cars often have a more rearward weight distribution. In the case of pure racing cars, this is typically between "45/55" and "40/60." This gives the front tyres an advantage in overcoming the car's [[moment of inertia]] (yaw angular inertia), thus reducing corner-entry understeer.

Once a car is designed, weight distribution can be changed by using different diameter tyres or jacking the car up higher or lower at the suspension springs. Jacking is frequently done with screws or shims at the springs.

==== Yaw and pitch [[Moment of inertia|angular inertia]] (polar moment) ====
Unless the vehicle is very short, compared to its height or width, these are about equal. Angular inertia determines the [[rotational inertia]] of an object for a given rate of rotation.

The [[yaw]] angular inertia tends to keep the direction the car is pointing changing at a constant rate. This makes it slower to swerve or go into a tight curve, and it also makes it slower to turn straight again.
The pitch angular inertia detracts from the ability of the suspension to keep front and back tyre loadings constant on uneven surfaces and therefore contributes to bump steer.

Angular inertia is an integral over the ''square'' of the distance from the centre of gravity, so it favors small cars even though the lever arms (wheelbase and track) also increase with scale. (Since cars have reasonable symmetrical shapes, the off-diagonal terms of the angular inertia [[tensor]] can usually be ignored.)

=== Suspension ===
Automobile [[suspension (vehicle)|suspension]]s have many variable characteristics, which are generally different in the front and rear and all of which affect handling. Some of these are: [[spring rate]], damping, straight ahead [[camber angle]], camber change with wheel travel, roll centre height and the flexibility and vibration modes of the suspension elements. Suspension also affects unsprung weight.

Many cars have suspension that connects the wheels on the two sides, either by a [[sway bar]] and/or by a solid axle. The [[Citroën 2CV]] has interaction between the front and rear suspension.

The flexing of the frame interacts with the suspension. (See below.)

=== Tyres and wheels ===
In general, larger [[tire|tyres]], softer [[rubber]], higher [[hysteresis]] rubber and stiffer cord configurations increase road holding and improve handling. On most types of poor surfaces, large diameter [[wheel]]s perform better than lower wider wheels. The fact that larger tyres, relative to weight, stick better is the main reason that front heavy cars tend to understeer and rear heavy to oversteer. The depth of tread remaining greatly affects aquaplaning (riding over deep water without reaching the road surface). Increasing tyre pressures reduces their slip angle, but (for given road conditions and loading) there is an optimum pressure for road holding.

=== Track and wheelbase ===
The track provides the resistance to sideways weight transfer and body lean.
The wheelbase provides resistance to front/back weight transfer and provides the torque lever arm to rotate the car when swerving. The wheelbase, however, is less important than angular inertia (polar moment) to the vehicle's ability to swerve quickly.

=== Unsprung weight ===
[[Image:Car diagram.jpg|right]]
Ignoring the flexing of other components, a car can be modelled as the sprung weight, carried by the springs, carried by the [[unsprung weight]], carried by the tyres, carried by the road. Without the unsprung weight, the force of a tyre on the road would come from the vehicle weight and motion, transmitted by the spring. But the unsprung weight is cushioned from uneven road surfaces only by the springiness of the tyres (and wire wheels if fitted). To aggravate this (for [[fuel economy]] and to avoid overheating at high speed) tyres have limited internal damping. So the "wheel bounce" or resonant motion of the unsprung weight moving up and down on the springiness of the tyre is only poorly damped, mainly by the dampers or [[Shock absorber]]s of the suspension. For these reasons, high unsprung weight reduces road holding and increases unpredictable changes in direction on rough surfaces (as well as degrading ride comfort and increasing mechanical loads).

This unsprung weight includes the wheels and tyres, usually the [[brake]]s, plus some percentage of the suspension, depending on how much of the suspension moves with the body and how much with the wheels; for instance a solid axle is completely unsprung. The main factors that improve unsprung weight are a sprung differential (as opposed to [[live axle]]) and [[inboard brake]]s. (The [[De Dion tube]] suspension operates much as a live axle does, but represents an improvement because it is lighter, thereby reducing the unsprung weight.) [[Aluminium]] wheels also help. [[Magnesium]] wheels are even lighter but corrode easily.

Since only the brakes on the driving wheels can easily be inboard, the [[Citroën 2CV]] had additional dampers on its rear wheel hubs to damp only wheel bounce.

=== Aerodynamics===
[[Aerodynamic]] forces are generally proportional to the square of the air speed, therefore car aerodynamics become rapidly more important as speed increases. Like darts, aeroplanes, etc., cars can be stabilised by fins and other rear aerodynamic devices. However, in addition to this cars also use downforce or "negative lift" to improve road holding. This is prominent on many types of racing cars, but is also used on most passenger cars to some degree, if only to counteract the tendency for the car to otherwise produce positive lift.

In addition to providing increased adhesion, car aerodynamics are frequently designed to compensate for the inherent increase in [[oversteer]] as cornering speed increases. When a car corners, it must rotate about its vertical axis as well as translate its [[centre of mass]] in an arch. However, in a tight-radius (lower speed) corner the [[angular velocity]] of the car is high, while in a longer-radius (higher speed) corner the [[angular velocity]] is much lower. Therefore, the front tyres have a more difficult time overcoming the car's [[moment of inertia]] during corner entry at low speed, and much less difficulty as the cornering speed increases. So the natural tendency of any car is to understeer on entry to low-speed corners and oversteer on entry to high-speed corners. To compensate for this unavoidable effect, car designers often bias the car's handling toward less corner-entry understeer (such as by lowering the front [[roll center]]), and add rearward bias to the aerodynamic downforce to compensate in higher-speed corners. The rearward aerodynamic bias may be achieved by an airfoil or "spoiler" mounted near the rear of the car, but a useful effect can also be achieved by careful shaping of the body as a whole, particularly the aft areas.

=== Delivery of power to the wheels and brakes ===
The coefficient of friction of rubber on the road limits the magnitude of the vector sum of the transverse and longitudinal force. So the driven wheels or those supplying the most [[brake|braking]] tend to slip sideways. This phenomenon is often explained by use of the [[circle of forces]] model.

One reason that sports cars are usually rear wheel drive is that power induced oversteer is useful, to a skilled driver, for tight curves. The weight transfer under acceleration has the opposite effect and either may dominate, depending on the conditions. Inducing understeer by applying power in a front wheel drive car is less useful. In any case, this is not an important safety issue, because power is not normally used in emergency situations. Using low gears down steep hills may cause some oversteer.

The effect of braking on handling is complicated by [[load transfer]], which is proportional to the (negative) acceleration times the ratio of the centre of gravity height to the wheelbase. The difficulty is that the acceleration at the limit of adhesion depends on the road surface, so with the same ratio of front to back braking force, a car will understeer under braking on slick surfaces and oversteer under hard braking on solid surfaces. Most modern cars combat this by varying the distribution of braking in some way. This is important with a high centre of gravity, but it is also done on low centre of gravity cars, from which a higher level of performance is expected.

=== Position and support for the driver ===
Having to take up "g forces" in his/her arms interferes with a driver's precise steering. In a similar manner, a lack of support for the seating position of the driver may cause them to move around as the car undergoes rapid acceleration (through cornering, taking off or braking). This interferes with precise control inputs, making the car more difficult to control.

Being able to reach the controls easily is also an important consideration, especially if a car is being driven hard.

Driver position and support is also an important safety consideration, as during an accident considerable forces are applied to the driver, who must be restrained as much as possible from hitting hard objects (such as the steering wheel, windscreen, side windows or B-pillar). A supportive seat and good seat belt contibute to holding the driver in place, although these may be augmented with further active safety devices.

=== Steering ===
Depending on the driver, [[steering]] force and transmission of road forces back to the steering wheel and the steering ratio of turns of the steering wheel to tuns of the road wheels affect control and awareness. Play — free rotation of the steering wheel before the wheels rotate — is a common problem, especially in older model and worn cars. Another is friction. [[Rack and pinion]] steering is generally considered the best type of mechanism for control effectiveness. The linkage also contributes play and friction. Caster — offset of the steering axis from the contact patch — provides some of the self centring tendency.

Precision of the steering is particularly important on ice or hard packed snow where the slip angle at the limit of adhesion is smaller than on dry roads.

The steering effort depends on the downward force on the steering tyres and on the radius of the contact patch. So for constant tyre pressure, it goes like the 1.5 power of the vehicle's weight. The driver's ability to exert torque on the wheel scales similarly with her size. The wheels must be rotated farther on a longer car to turn with a given radius. [[Power steering]] reduces the required force at the expense of feel. It is useful, mostly in parking, when the weight of a front-heavy vehicle exceeds about ten or fifteen times the driver's weight, for physically impaired drivers and when there is much friction in the steering mechanism.

[[Steering#Four-wheel steering|Four-wheel steering]] has begun to be used on road cars (Some WW II reconnaissance vehicles had it). It relieves the effect of angular inertia by starting the whole car moving before it rotates toward the desired direction. It can also be used, in the other direction, to reduce the turning radius. Some cars will do one or the other, depending on the speed.

Steering geometry changes due to bumps in the road may cause the front wheels to steer in a different directions together or independent of each other. The steering linkage should be designed to minimise this effect.

=== Suspension travel ===
The severe handling vice of the [[Triumph TR3B|TR3]] and related cars was caused by running out of suspension travel. (See below.)
Other vehicles will run out of suspension travel with some combination of bumps and turns, with similarly catastrophic effect. Excessively modified cars also may encounter this problem.

=== [[Electronic stability control]] ===
Since automobile safety is mainly a control issue, one should expect a largely electronic solution. Apparently there has already been some advance in this direction.

On the other hand, since stability control works by reducing sudden manoeuvres, until the electronics helps to detect the danger sooner, it can never take the place of a low centre of gravity, which provides both stability and fast avoidance. (See [[Wireless vehicle safety communications]].)

The stability control of some cars may not be compatible with some driving techniques, such as power induced over-steer. It is therefore, at least from a sporting point of view, preferable that it can be disabled.

=== Alignment of the wheels ===
Of course things should be the same, left and right.
Toe in affects steering because a tyre tends to move in the direction the top of it is leaning.

=== Rigidity of the frame ===
The frame may flex with load, especially twisting on bumps.
Rigidity is considered to help handling. At least it simplifies the suspension engineers work.
Some cars, such as the [[Mercedes-Benz 300SL]] have had high doors to allow a stiffer frame.

== Common handling problems ==
When any wheel leaves contact with the road there is a change in handling, so the suspension should keep all four (or three) wheels on the road in spite of hard cornering, swerving and bumps in the road. It is very important for handling, as well as other reasons, not to run out of suspension travel and "bottom" or "top".

It is usually most desirable to have the car adjusted for neutral steer, so that it responds predictably to a turn of the steering wheel and the rear wheels have the same slip angle as the front wheels. However this may not be achievable for all loading, road and weather conditions, speed ranges, or while turning under acceleration or braking. Ideally, a car should carry passengers and baggage near its centre of gravity and have similar tyre loading, [[camber angle]] and roll stiffness in front and back to minimise the variation in handling characteristics. A driver can learn to deal with oversteer or understeer, but not if it varies greatly.

The most important common handling failings are;

*[[Understeer]] - the front wheels tend to crawl slightly or even slip and drift towards the outside of the turn. The driver can compensate by turning a little more tightly, but road-holding is reduced, the car's behaviour is less predictable and the tyres are liable to wear more quickly.

*[[Oversteer]] - the rear wheels tend to crawl or slip towards the outside of the turn more than the front. The driver must correct by steering away from the corner, otherwise the car is liable to spin, if pushed to its limit. Oversteer is sometimes useful, to assist in steering, especially if it occurs only when the driver chooses it by applying power.

*[[Bump steer]] – is the tendency for unevenness of a road surface to affect the yaw angle (heading) of the car. This will always happen under some conditions but depends on suspension, steering linkage, unsprung weight, angular inertia, differential type, frame rigidity, tyres and tyre pressures. Extreme bump steer may results when a vehicle's suspension travel is exhausted so that a wheel either bottoms or leaves the road. As with hard turning on flat roads, it is better if the wheel picks up by the spring reaching its neutral shape, rather than by suddenly contacting a limiting structure of the suspension.

*[[Body roll]] - the car leans towards the outside of the curve. This interferes with the driver's control, because he must wait for the car to finish leaning before he can fully judge the effect of his steering change. It also adds to the delay before the car moves in the desired direction.

*[[Weight transfer]] - the wheels on the outside of a curve are more heavily loaded than those on the inside. This tends to overload the tyres on the outside and therefore reduce road holding. Weight transfer (sum of front and back), in steady cornering, is determined by the ratio of the height of a car's centre of gravity to its track. Differences between the weight transfer in front and back are determined by the relative roll stiffness and contribute to the over or under-steer characteristics.
**When the weight transfer equals half the vehicle's loaded weight, it will start to [[Rollover|roll over]]. This can be avoided by manually or automatically reducing the turn rate, but this causes further reduction in road-holding. (A collision may be preferable to a rollover.)

*'''Slow response''' - sideways acceleration does not start immediately when the steering is turned and may not stop immediately when it is returned to centre. This is partly caused by body roll. Other causes include tyres with high slip angle, and yaw and roll angular inertia. Roll angular inertia aggravates body roll by delaying it. Soft tyres aggravate yaw angular inertia by waiting for the car to reach their slip angle before turning the car.

== Compromises ==
For ordinary production cars, manufactures err towards deliberate understeer as this is safer for inexperienced or inattentive drivers than is oversteer. Other compromises involve comfort and utility, such as preference for a softer smoother ride or more seating capacity. High levels of comfort are incompatible with a low centre of gravity, body roll resistance, low angular inertia, support for the driver, steering feel and other characteristics that make a car handle well.
Inboard brakes improve both handling and comfort but take up space and are harder to cool. Large engines, tend to make cars front or rear heavy. In tyres, fuel economy, staying cool at high speeds, ride comfort and long wear all tend to conflict with road holding, while wet, dry, deep water and snow road holding are not exactly compatible. A-arm or [[wishbone]] front suspension tends to give better handling, because it provides the engineers more freedom to choose the geometry, and more road holding, because the camber is better suited to radial tyres, than [[MacPherson strut]], but it takes more space.
Live solid axle rear suspension is mainly used to reduce cost, but, in general, cost is a relatively less important factor.

In fact, cost may sometimes be ''negatively'' correlated with handling, because small size, though it makes little difference in the cost of the car itself, improves both handling and fuel economy (as well as braking, parking, etc.). This may have been true in the US in the late 1950s when many of the European imports undersold the Detroit "dinosaurs". It may again be true in the 2000s, now that large cars, called SUVs or styled as pickups, have regained popularity.

== [[Aftermarket (automotive)|Aftermarket]] modifications and adjustments to affect handling ==
{| border="1" style="width:600px; border-collapse:collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"
!bgcolor="#ccccee"| Component
!bgcolor="#ccccee"| Reduce Under-steer
!bgcolor="#ccccee"| Reduce Over-steer
|-
| Weight distribution || [[center of gravity|centre of gravity]] towards rear || centre of gravity towards front
|-
| Front [[shock absorber]] || softer || stiffer
|-
| Rear shock absorber || stiffer || softer
|-
| Front [[sway bar]] || softer || stiffer
|-
| Rear sway bar || stiffer || softer
|-
| Front [[tire|tyre]] selection<sup>1</sup> || larger [[Contact patch|contact area]]<sup>2</sup> || smaller contact area
|-
| Rear tyre selection || smaller contact area || larger contact area<sup>2</sup>
|-
| Front wheel rim width or diameter || larger<sup>2</sup> || smaller
|-
| Rear wheel rim width or diameter || smaller || larger<sup>2</sup>
|-
| Front tyre pressure || higher pressure || lower pressure
|-
| Rear tyre pressure || lower pressure || higher pressure
|-
| Front wheel [[Camber angle|camber]] || increase negative camber || reduce negative camber
|-
| Rear wheel camber || reduce negative camber || increase negative camber
|-
| Rear [[Spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]] || smaller || larger
|-
| Front height (because these usually <br />   affect camber and roll resistance) || lower front end || raise front end
|-
| Rear height || raise rear end || lower rear end
|-
| Front [[toe (automotive)|toe]] in || increase || decrease
|-
| Rear toe in || decrease || increase
|-
|colspan=3 bgcolor="#eeeeee"| 1) tyre contact area can be increased by using wider tyres, or tyres with fewer grooves in the tread pattern. Of course fewer grooves has the opposite effect in wet weather or other poor road conditions.

2) These also improve road holding, under most conditions.
|}

In addition, lowering the centre of gravity will always help the handling (as well as reduce the chance of roll-over). This can be done to some extent by using plastic windows (or none) and light roof, hood (bonnet) and boot (trunk) lid materials, by reducing the ground clearance, etc. Increasing the track with "reversed" wheels will have a similar effect, but remember that the wider the car the less spare room it has on the road and the farther you may have to swerve to miss an obstacle.
Stiffer springs and/or shocks, both front and rear, will generally improve handling, at the expense of comfort on small bumps. Performance suspension kits are available.
Light alloy (mostly aluminium or magnesium) wheels improve handling and ride as well as appearance.

Moment of inertia can be reduced by using lighter bumpers and wings (fenders), or none at all.

== Cars with unusual handling problems ==
* [[Porsche 911]] — the inside front wheel leaves the road during hard cornering on dry pavement. This causes increasing understeer, but it is still considered to have acceptable handling, even for a sports car. The roll bar stiffness at the front is set to compensate for the rear-heaviness and gives neutral handling in ordinary driving. This compensation starts to give out when the wheel lifts. Later model 911s have had increasingly sophisticated rear suspensions and larger rear tyres.
* Triumph TR2, [[Triumph TR3B|TR3]] and [[Triumph TR4|TR4]] — began to oversteer more suddenly when their inside rear wheel lifted.
* [[Mercedes-Benz A-Class]] — early models showed excessive body roll during sharp swerving manoeuvres, most particularly during the Swedish [[moose test]]. This was later corrected using [[Electronic Stability Control]] and retrofitted at great expense to earlier cars.
* [[Volkswagen Beetle]] — (original Beetle, for young people) The limitations of the Beetle's handling and roll stability were blamed, by [[Ralph Nader]], on the swing axle suspension. Its design was based closely on Porsche's Auto Union grand prix car in the 1930s, it is surprising for many to hear that it was neither top heavy (as its appearance would suggest) nor particularly rear-heavy (in fact a well ballanced 42/58). Since they were produced for so long, with stickier tyres and more powerful engines, people who drove them hard fitted reversed wheels and bigger rear tyres and rims.
* The gaudy 1950s American "full size" "dinosaurs" — responded very slowly to steering changes, because of their very large angular inertia, soft but simple suspension and comfort oriented cross bias tyres. ''Auto Motor und Sport'' reported on one of these that they lacked the courage to test it for top speed. Contact with Europe and the 1970s energy crisis have gradually relieved this problem. (Large trucks, also, cannot be made to respond quickly because of their angular inertia.)
* [[Dodge Omni]] and [[Plymouth Horizon]] — these early American responses to the [[Volkswagen Rabbit]] were found "Unacceptable" in their initi

Infiniti G35 Review

2007-05-11T16:23:16Z

Rfujitani: Reverted edits by 12.152.253.18 (12.152.253.18); changed back to last version by Red marquis

[[image:g35_quarter.jpg|thumb|350px|'''2007 [[Infiniti]] G35 sedan''']]
[[image:g35_rear.jpg|thumb|350px|'''2007 [[Infiniti]] G35 coupe''']]
The [[Infiniti G35]] was introduced in 2003 as the successor to the Infiniti G20. It makes use of a 6-cylinder [[V6]] engine that pumps out 280[[hp]] (298[[hp]] in [[manual transmission]] models) and incorporates an element of luxury that some upscale Japanese models in its class lack. The coupe is a little shorter, a little wider, and a little lower to the ground than the sedan, and many laud the G35 as a fine intermingling of luxury and sport, with positive results.

See also the main fact sheets for the '''[[Infiniti G35]]'''.

==High Points==
*Powerful engine
*Moderately priced compared to main competitors
*Wide array of standard features
*High performance ride

==Low Points==
*Not the best fuel efficiency
*Rear seat in coupe too small for tall adults
*Brakes sometimes feel too sensitive
*Illuminated guages difficult to read
*Small storage compartments
*Navigation system has annoying lawyer screen & disables many functions when moving.
*Sun roof leaks when going through a car wash.
*Trunk lid pours water into compartment when opened.

The lawyer screen at the navigation system startup is really annoying.
The nav system functionality is significantly reduced when you are moving.
When you are on the interstate & want to find out if a particular restaurant is coming up at the next exit you are only allowed to look at 4 choices.
If you are stopped there may be as many as 100 choices but the manufacurer has decided to treat us like children.
I find this odd since there is no problem with browsing the 150 + CD's I've recorded onto the vehicles hard drive yet it is deemed unsafe to use the nav system in full function when moving.
Next; let's talk about the fact that water literally pours into the trunk at 2 points when it is opened (it doesn't have to be raining for this to happen; a covering of morning dew is enough to soak a laptop or a travel bag.)
The seat & steering column does not move out of the way automatically (as it did in my previous I35) when you open the door with the auto running. Instead the car has to be turned off for this to occur. How unthoughtful...
There is no option to allow the stereo to remain on after turning the car off.
Most of these problems could probably be solved with a software upgrade.

==Performance and Handling==
[[image:2006_G35_bluedriveleft.jpg|right|350px]]
The engine that sits inside the [[Infiniti G35|G35]] has been named to Ward's ''Ten Best Engines'' for 12 straight years, and with good reason. The 3.5L [[V6]] pumps out 298[[hp]] (with a [[manual transmission]]), better than others in its class. It'll take you from 0-60 in about 6 seconds, which is better than both the [[Acura TL]] and the [[BMW 3 Series|BMW 330i]].

A sport-tuned suspension package is available for standard models and comes automatically equipped on the G35 6MT trims (coupe and sedan), which also feature larger wheels and [[manual transmission]]s. The G35 generally hums along, and the sports suspension and larger wheels, while offering improved handling, only slightly detract from the smoothness of the ride.

==Gas Mileage==
Having an engine as powerful as the G35's does have its drawbacks. According to [http://wikicars.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Infiniti_G35_Review&action=edit&section=4 Autos.com], the [[Infiniti G35|G35]] ranks 18th out of 33 cars in the Near-Luxury category for fuel efficiency. The city/highway ratings for the G35 are as follows:
* [[V6]] [[manual transmission|manual]] - 19/26
* [[V6]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]] - 18/25
* [[V6]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]] [[4WD]]- 17/24

==Safety==
The [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA] currently has no safety information on the [[Infiniti G35|G35]], but [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_safety?cat=luxury_cars&segment=near-luxury_cars&rank=safety&year=2006 Autos.com] rates it 3rd safest in the near-luxury category. This honor is somewhat diminished, however, by the fact that the G35 shares the 3rd place standing with eleven other cars and the fact that it achieved this with a mere 3.2/5 star rating.

==Reliability and Maintenance==
As it is a relatively young model, reliability ratings are only available for the 2003 G35. Luckily, however, according to Automotive Information Systems, it appears that it had very few problems and required minimal maintenance, and this should continue for the few models that followed it.

==Interior and Comforts==
[[image:2006_G35_interior.jpg|right|350px]]
The [[Infiniti G35|G35]]'s interior is focused on luxury for its passengers. The seats are comfortable, controls easily accessible, and a nice touch is that the instrument panel moves with the tilt steering wheel so that the view of the guages remain unobscured by the wheel at most angles. Standard features for all models of the G35 include such amenities as leather appointed seats, automatic temperature control, 8-way power seat adjustments, and a multi-information display for climate control, outside temperature and digital compass. In addition, premium packages add options like a Bose stereo system, seat memory, and navigation system.

As far as interior space is concerned, the G35 focuses more on the comfort of front passengers than those seated in the rear. The driver's seat, of course, is given utmost priority with regards to accessibility of controls, but the front passenger seat is just as comfy as the driver's. Space in the rear, however, is somewhat limited. Because of the G35's sloping rear windshield, passengers taller than six feet may find the headroom to be insufficient. This is even moreso the case with the coupe, which, although wider than the sedan, is smaller and shorter overall.

==Exterior==
[[image:2006_G35_bluecouperight.jpg|right|350px]]
The G35 comes in two forms: the sedan and the coupe. While the sedan maintains a modern yet elegant feel, the coupe manages to capture that essence and make it sleek and sporty. Some of the exterior features that may be found on both sedan and coupe models of the G35 include integrated fog lights, dual heated power mirrors, aluminum door-sill plates, and dual chrome exhaust finishers.

The sedan is approximately 3 inches taller and 4 inches longer than the coupe, though the coupe is almost 3 inches wider. And though they do share the same front grille and taillight design, Infiniti has gone out of its way to set them apart from each other. Whereas the sedan sits a little higher and projects an air of sophistication, the coupe slopes the rear windshield more and rounds off the edges, creating a smoother, more aerodynamic look. They clearly belong to the same family, but their personalities differ distinctively.

==Styles and Options==
The [[Infiniti G35|G35]] is available in both a sedan and a coupe. The coupe features two trims: the base model and the 6MT. The sedan also comes in a base model and a 6MT version, but a [[four wheel drive]] trim, the G35x, is available as well.

One of the major differences between trims is that the base models are equipped with [[automatic transmission]]s and a 280[[hp]] [[V6]] engine, whereas the 6MTs operate on a [[manual transmission]] and a 298[[hp]] [[V6]]. In addition, the 6MT models are equipped with more sporty options, such as a sport-tuned suspension and a dual mass flywheel. Besides its drivetrain, the G35x [[AWD]] is very similar to the base model sedan.

Several optional packages are available, all of which include various combinations of options. The Sport-Tuned Suspension package is intended to increase performance, for example; Premium Package A includes several upgrades like a Bose stereo system, a sunroof, and rear reclining seatbacks; and the Aero Package includes a rear spoiler and underbody diffusers. Other packages are available as well.

==Main Competitors==
*[[Acura TSX]]
*[[BMW 3 Series]]
*[[Lexus IS 350]]
*[[Audi A4]]
*[[Volvo S60]]

==External Links==
'''''WikiCars Contributor Favorites'''''

'''''Community Sites'''''

[[Category: Model Reviews]]

User:Mac

2007-05-04T16:59:17Z

Rfujitani: Reverted edits by 170.211.97.189 (170.211.97.189); changed back to last version by Red marquis

OK. The most important: I love alternative vehicles (hybrid, electric... cars, buses and trucks) and the Green vehicles´ show ([[auto show]]s). I have to replace my car, and I am thinking about a [[microhybrid]] car (hybrid [[urban car]]).

Scion

2007-05-04T16:56:55Z

Rfujitani: Reverted edits by 170.211.97.189 (170.211.97.189); changed back to last version by 134.186.227.222

{{List Of Scion Models}}
'''Scion''' is a United States-only division of [[Toyota|Toyota Motor Corporation]] founded in 2003. It is also a brand of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. It currently has three models: the [[Scion xA]] and [[Scion xB|xB]] (both rebadged Japanese market cars, named [[Toyota ist|ist]] and [[Toyota bB|bB]], respectively) and the [[Scion tC|tC]] (a new design based on the European-market [[Toyota Avensis]]). Scion's long-term goal is to appeal to Generation Y consumers, expected to dwarf the market size of Generation X by 2020. Scion grew from Toyota Project Genesis, a failed effort to bring younger buyers to the Toyota marque in the United States. Scion is Toyota's entry-level brand, slotting below Toyota in the lineup.

== Marketing ==

Scion uses sales tools such as '''''Pure Price''''', innovative Internet advertisements, and '''''monospec''''' trim levels with a wide selection of aftermarket accessories. Extensive market research and testing with Generation Y consumers formed the basis of the Scion badge.

'''''Pure Price''''' means the price posted, whether on the vehicle, in an advertisement, or on a menu display board in the dealership, is the price customers will pay. This includes vehicles, accessories, finance and insurance products. Pure price is designed to ensure a shorter and simpler process, eliminating all negotiation. The concept aims to be open and consistent. The concept is not new to the American market, having been introduced in the early 1990s by the [[Geo (automobile)|Geo]] and [[Saturn]] marques of [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]].

Scion's sales approach thus differs greatly from that of the larger Toyota entity. In the United States, for instance, the [[Toyota Camry]] offers several trim levels: the standard [[sedan]] (for budget-conscious drivers), the LE (popularly equipped), SE (for sporty drivers), and XLE (for luxury-minded drivers). In contrast, all Scions have one standard trim level ('''''monospec''''') and are designed to be uniquely customized for the driver. The '''only options''' available when ordering a Scion are model, color, transmission, and optional Side-Curtain [[Airbags]].

== Post Production accessories ==

Scion offers about 40 different accessories; other after-market companies are adding new accessories, as well. For example, one can add a subwoofer, different types of decals, canvas roofs, and other accessories. The tC now offers an optional [[supercharger]] to increase power from 160 to 200 [[HP|hp]] (120 to 150 kW). All accessories are sold individually, and do not require special packages. However some options, such as Ground Effects, do prevent other accessories (such as mud flaps) from being installed.

== Target Buyers ==

[[Image:800px-Toyota_Scion.jpg|left|thumb|[[Scion xB]]/Toyota bB]]Scion's first two cars (the xA and xB), while unusual for American roads, have been well received among consumers uninterested in current standard entry-level vehicles. An episode of MTV's ''Pimp My Ride'' featured the Scion xB, which is the top-selling Scion with about 40% of the market share. The tC has been very well received with brisk sales. CNW Marketing research concluded in a long-term study of “dust to dust” energy costs for passenger vehicles that the Scion xB was the most energy efficient car of 2005. According to the site, "The research tracked and calculated the energy cost of each model sold in the U.S. in 2005 from initial concept to the projected time it is scrapped." The xB costs $.48 per mile to drive over its lifetime, whereas in comparison the Toyota Prius costs $3.25 per mile.

== Advertising disclaimer ==

Scion advertising includes the disclaimer "Some vehicles featured are modified with non-Genuine Scion parts. Check with your local Scion dealer as some accessories may void warranty, negatively impact vehicle performance and may not be street legal." This is due to ads featuring modified or completely remade Scion vehicles. Most notable are conversions by the 5-Axis team, which include an xB with a rear-sliding DJ mix board, a tC with a hidden widescreen plasma screen, and (most recently) an xA roadster with under-hood video projectors. These and many other advertised vehicles cannot be purchased/created at official Scion dealerships and, as stated, may not even be legally driven.

==External links==
*[http://www.scion.com/ Scion]
*[http://www.scionwiki.com/ Scion Wiki]
*[http://www.scionlife.com/ ScionLife-- Largest enthusiasts' forum, gallery and tech reference]
*[http://www.scionevolution.com/ US Scion club]
*[http://www.teamscionrg.com/ ScioNRG - National Scion Car Club]
*[http://www.kadevelopment.com/ Kaizen Automotive Development - A Club of Scion Enthusiasts]
*[http://www.theautoclub.com/warranty/plans/Toyota/Scion.jsp Toyota Scion Warranty]

{{Scion}}

[[Category:Scion]]
[[Category:Toyota]]
[[Category:2000s Automobiles]]
[[Category:Makes]]

Nissan Sport Concept

2007-05-02T21:07:10Z

Rfujitani: Reverted edits by 68.157.16.125 (68.157.16.125); changed back to last version by 0-172

{{stub}}

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Nissan Sport Concept.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Nissan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| {{{aka (Type here, not up there)}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| {{{produced from when to when+total units made (optional)}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| {{{Class}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| {{{Body-Style}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| {{{length - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| {{{Width - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| {{{Height - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| {{{wheelbase - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| {{{Weight - you get the point}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| {{{transmission + drive}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| {{{engine}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| {{{Horsepower and Torque rating}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| {{{similar (competition)}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}}
|}

{{Nissan}}
[[Category:Concept automobiles]]

Talk:Toyota Prius

2007-05-02T21:06:05Z

Rfujitani:

I would strongly suggest to remove the CNW Marketing/Research link.
The claims in that document rely on a bogus methodology which is not backed
by any serious research. It has been widely criticized and is exclusively
cited by people who do not take the time to actually read it and do a few
trivial consistency checks - none of which the document survives.

:Can you provide some links to information in support of these ideas? I'm not disputing your claims, but it helps to have a point of reference, especially for those of us who are not familiar with what you're describing. - [[User:Rfujitani|Pastrami on Ry]] 21:06, 2 May 2007 (UTC)

Mazda Familia

2007-04-18T22:02:35Z

Rfujitani: reverting vandalism

[[Image:800px-Mazda_323_III_Silver.jpg|right|250px|BJ Mazda Familia wagon]]
The '''[[Mazda]] Familia''' is Mazda's [[compact car]] family, also known as the '''Mazda 323''' in Europe and North America and later known as the '''Mazda Protegé''' in North America, produced in Japan between 1976 and 2003. The first Familias were styled by Italy's Giugiaro and shown in 1963 as the Mazda 1000 Berlina. The next generation (joined by the Wankel-powered [[Mazda R100|R100]] version) were among the first Mazda cars sold in the United States. 10,589,052 examples of this car were sold worldwide since introduction.

Later Familias appeared with a succession of names around the world, including '''1000''', '''1200''', and '''1300''', '''800''', '''808''', and '''818''', '''Mizer''', '''GLC''', '''323''', '''Protegé''' ''(sic)'' and '''Astina'''.

In the United States it was originally known as the '''GLC''', then the '''323''', then finally from 1990 on as the '''Protegé'''. In South Africa it was known as the '''Etude'''. The Ford Focus-based '''Mazda 3''' replaced this platform for 2004, though Mazda still contributed much to the project.

Famous owners of the Mazda 323 includes Christopher Dickson, who recently wrote off his Mazda 323 and now drives Mark IV [[Volkswagen Golf]] 1.4S.

323s were built in Hiroshima, Japan, although they were also assembled in Taiwan, Malaysia, South Africa, Colombia and New Zealand.

In North America the 323/Protegé was always more expensive than its entry-level competitors such as the [[Toyota Corolla]] and [[Honda Civic]], partly due to its manufacture in Japan, and therefore is not as ubiquitous. A perennial favorite of US car magazines, the model is well regarded for its spirited handling. It was also the first small Japanese car to cross over to the EPA "compact" class in 1990 when the 4-door started going by the name Protegé.

It formed the basis of the [[Ford Laser]] and [[Ford Meteor|Meteor]]
in Asia, Australia and other markets, (known as the [[Mercury Tracer]] in the United States) and from 1991, the [[Ford Escort]] in North America.

''(This vehicle will be referred to as the “Familia” throughout this article for consistency.)''

==1964==

The first production Familia appeared in October, 1963, and was a commercial two-door wagon called the '''Familia Van'''. It was joined in 1964 with a sedan, and was later sold in other markets as the '''800'''. Both were powered by a 782 cc aluminum inline 4 engine.

The familia received a larger 985 cc engine for 1965, and a coupe variant was introduced as well.

See also:
* [http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia/1964_0/ '64 Familia]
* [http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia/1965_0/ '65 Familia]

==1967==

The new Familia appeared in 1967 with a 987 cc engine. It was sold as the '''Mazda 1000''' in some markets. It also formed the basis for the Mazda R100 rotary car. A larger 1169 cc [[Straight-4|I4]] engine came along later, becoming the '''Mazda 1200''' for export.

The 1970 Familia featured a 1.3 L [[Mazda C engine#TC|TC engine]] and new styling. It was exported as the '''Mazda 1300''' and '''Mazda 818'''.

* Wheelbase: 2286 mm
* Length: 3962 mm
* Width: 1600 mm
* Weight: 810 kg

Engines:
* 1968-1973 - 987 cc [[Straight-4|I4]], 50 hp (37 kW)/56 ft·lbf (77 N·m)
* 1968-1970 - 1.2 L (1169 cc) [[Straight-4|I4]], 58 hp (43 kW)/69 ft·lbf (94 N·m)
* 1970-1973 - 1.3 L (1272 cc) ''[[Mazda C engine#TC|TC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], [[carburetor|2 barrel]], 69 hp (51 kW)/67 ft·lbf (92 N·m)

See also:
* [http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia/1967_0/ '67 Familia]
* [http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia/1970_0/ '70 Familia]

===1200 (USA)===

The "1200" was offered in the United States in 1971 and again in 1973. The 1971 version was the first piston-powered Familia sold in the United States and arrived alongside its rotary R100 in 2- and 4-door forms. It was replaced by the 808 the next year. The name returned for 1973 as the base-model economy Mazda. The company focused on performance for two more years, dropping the economy car, then returned with the Mizer in 1976.
Engines:
* 1971, 1973 - 1.2 L (1169 cc) [[Straight-4|I4]], 58 hp (43 kW)/69 ft·lbf (94 N·m)

==1973==
[[image:800px-1975-mazda-818.jpg|right|250px|1975 Mazda 818]]
The 1973 Familia '''Preso''' featured a 1272 cc engine. It was sold as the '''Mazda 808''' in some export markets such as [[New Zealand]] and '''Mazda 818''' in many others (presumably due to the usage of numbers with a middle zero by [[Peugeot]] for its automotive models).

This generation was available in coupe, sedan, and station wagon forms. Engines were inline 4 cylinders and included a 1272cc, a 1490cc, and a 1586 cc option.

Engines:
* 1973-1976 - 987 cc [[Straight-4|I4]], 50 hp (37 kW)/56 ft·lbf (77 N·m)
* 1970-1973 - 1.3 L (1272 cc) ''[[Mazda C engine#TC|TC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], 2 barrel, 69 hp (51 kW)/67 ft·lbf (92 N·m)
* 1973-1976 - 1.6 L (1586 cc) [[Straight-4|I4]], 80 hp (60 kW)/91 ft·lbf (124 N·m)

See also:
* [http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia/1973_0/ '73 Familia]

===Mizer (USA)===

For 1976 and 1977, the 1.3 L version was sold as the '''Mazda Mizer''' in the United States.

Engines:
* 1976-1977 - 1.3 L (1272 cc) ''[[Mazda C engine#TC|TC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], 2 barrel, 69 hp (51 kW)/67 ft·lbf (92 N·m)

===808 (USA)===

The '''Mazda 808''' was sold in 1972 and 1973 (on the previous platform), then updated and sold through 1977. This name was given only to the 1.6 L version of the Familia.

The 808 cost $2997, which was some $200 above the [[Honda Civic]] and [[Toyota Corolla]]. The car came with a "pleasant" 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.

Engines:
* 1972-1977 - 1.6 L (1590 cc) ''[[Mazda C engine#1600|1600]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], [[carburetor|1-barrel]], 70 hp (52 kW)/82 ft·lbf (111 N·m)

==1977==

The '''Great Little Car''' or '''GLC''' debuted for 1977 as a standout in the [[rear wheel drive]] subcompact crowd, replacing the 818/Mizer. This generation GLC was dubbed as a "Japanese [[Chevrolet Chevette]]", due to their nearly-identical similarities. There was a hatchback, sedan, and wagon, all with a choice of three [[Mazda engines]], the 985 cc [[Mazda C engine#PC|PC]], 1272 cc [[Mazda C engine#TC|TC]], or 1416 cc [[Mazda C engine#UC|UC]]. It shared many parts with the older '''[[Mazda RX-3]]'''. The car was replaced after 1980, but the rear-wheel drive wagon version remained in production until 1983.

The '''Mazda 323''' name appeared for the first time on export models.

Dimensions:
* Wheelbase: 2311 mm
* Front Track: 1295 mm
* Rear Track: 1311 mm
* Length: 3820 mm
* Width: 1595 mm
* Weight: 812 kg

Engines:
* 1977-1980 - 1.0 L (985 cc) ''[[Mazda C engine#PC|PC]]'', 45 hp (33 kW)/51 ft·lbf (69 N·m)
* 1977-1980 - 1.3 L (1272 cc) ''[[Mazda C engine#TC|TC]]'', 60 hp (44 kW)
* 1977-1980 - 1.4 L (1415 cc) ''[[Mazda C engine#UC|UC]]'', 70 hp (52 kW)

See also:
* [http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia/1977_0/ '77 Familia]

===GLC (USA)===

For the United States, the GLC was only offered with one engine at a time. The new GLC overlapped with the old-style Mizer for part of 1977 and was produced through 1980 before being replaced by the next-generation GLC.

The first '''Mazda GLC''' (which stood for 'Great Little Car') and was a version of the fourth-generation Japan-market Mazda Familia.

It was available in several body variants:

*Five-door four-seat hatch.
*Three-door four-seat hatch.
*Five-door four-seat station wagon.
*Three-door four-seat station wagon.
*Three-door two-seat van with an extended roof profile.

Several of these were available in several trim levels.

Engines:
* 1.0 L [[Mazda C engine#PC|PC]], 45 hp (33.6 kW)/51 ft·lbf (69 N·m)
* 1.3 L [[Mazda C engine#TC|TC]] (1977-1978)
* 1.4 L [[Mazda C engine#UC|UC]] (1979-1980)

Still later, a five-speed manual gearbox was introduced as an alternative to the original four-speed manual gearbox, and at the same time the original 7 in (17.8 cm) round sealed beam headlights were replaced with square sealed beam units on all models except the van, together with a general styling and mechanical upgrade. A three-speed automatic gearbox was also available throughout the model run.

Production of the van variant only continued after 1980 (still with round headlights), as there was no front wheel drive replacement.

* Wheelbase: 2311 mm (91 in)
* Front Track: 1295 mm (51 in)
* Rear Track: 1311 mm (51.6 in)
* Length: 3820 mm (150.4 in)
* Width: 1595 mm (62.8 in)
* Weight: 812 kg (1790 lb)

==1980==

The 1980 Familia was entirely new - it was Mazda's first [[FF layout|front-engine]], [[front wheel drive]] subcompact car. It had been developed with some input from [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]], and had a twin called the [[Ford Laser]] (and [[Ford Meteor]], for its four-door model in Australia). It carried over the 1.4 L [[Mazda C engine#UC|UC]] engine, and offered the newer 1.3 L [[Mazda E engine#E3|E3]] and 1.5 L [[Mazda E engine#E5|E5]] as options.

Engines:
* 1980-1985 - 1.1 L (1071 cc) ''[[Mazda E engine#E1|E1]]'', [[carburetor|1 barrel]], 55 hp (40 kW)/58 ft·lbf (79 N·m)
* 1980-1985 - 1.3 L (1296 cc) ''[[Mazda E engine#E3|E3]]'', 2 barrel, 68 hp (50 kW)/70 ft·lbf (95 N·m)
* 1980-1985 - 1.5 L (1490 cc) ''[[Mazda E engine#E5|E5]]'', 2 barrel, 75 hp (55 kW)/85 ft·lbf (116 N·m)
* 1980-1985 - 1.5 L (1490 cc) ''[[Mazda E engine#E5|E5S]]'', 2x2 barrel, 85 hp (63 kW)/88 ft·lbf (120 N·m)

See also:
* [http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia/1980_0/ '80 Familia]

===GLC (USA)===

The second-generation American GLC appeared in 1981. It was only offered with a single engine (the 2 barrel 1.5 L) and lasted through 1985, after which it was replaced by the next-generation Mazda 323.

The 1980 323 featured a 1.5 L engine, and was [[front wheel drive]]. It was available as a hatchback and sedan. The 1980 Carol/323 was the first front-engine, front-wheel drive vehicle from Mazda since the rare [[Mazda R130|R130]]. A wagon version, which was simply a facelifted version of the previous rear-drive model, was also sold. The 323 was ''Wheels'' magazine's Car of the Year for 1980.

Engine options:
* 1980-1987 - 1.1 L ''[[Mazda B engine#E1|E1]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], 55 hp (41 kW) and 79 N·m (58 ft·lbf)
* 1980-1987 - 1.3 L ''[[Mazda B engine#E3|E3]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], 60 hp (44 kW) and 95 N·m (70 ft·lbf)
* 1980-1987 - 1.5 L ''[[Mazda B engine#E5|E5]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], 75 hp (56 kW) and 116 N·m (86 ft·lbf)
* 1981-1985 - 1.5 L (1490 cc) ''[[Mazda E engine#E5|E5]]'', 2 barrel, 75 hp (55 kW)/85 ft·lbf (116 N·m)

==1985==
[[Image:800px-Mazda_323_Turbo.jpg|right|250px|Mazda 323 GLX]]
The 1985 Familia featured many updates. It was available as a hatchback or sedan only for the first two years and then also as a wagon for 1987. As before, it spawned a [[Ford Laser]] twin sold in the Asia-Pacific. The Laser sedan and wagon were nearly identical to the Familia but with a Ford grille. It formed the basis of the 1991 [[Ford Escort|Ford Escort]] and [[Mercury Tracer]] and was known as the Mazda 323 in many markets. In 1991, the South African-made model was exported to the United Kingdom as the Sao Penza. For many years, it continued in South Africa in hatchback and pickup truck forms under the Mazda and [[Ford]] brands as entry-level models. This generation was sold through the 1989 model year in the United States. The wagon continued until 1995.

The model remained in production in South Africa until 2003, as an entry level model, also being sold as the Ford Tonic, and was briefly sold in the UK as the Sao Penza. A locally designed pick-up called the Hustler was also produced, and sold as the Ford Bantam.

A rare cabriolet version was also produced in both Mazda 323 and [[Ford Laser]] (323 panels from firewall back) forms.

Engines:
* 1985-1986 - 1.1 L (1071 cc) ''[[Mazda E engine#E1|E1]]'', 2 barrel, 8-valve, 55 hp (40 kW)/59 ft·lbf (80 N·m)
* 1985-1986 - 1.3 L (1296 cc) ''[[Mazda E engine#E3|E3]]'', 2 barrel, 8-valve, 68 hp (50 kW)/71 ft·lbf (97 N·m)
* 1987-1989 - 1.3 L (1324 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#B3|B3]]'', 2 barrel, 66 hp (49 kW)/74 ft·lbf (101 N·m)
* 1985-1989 - 1.5 L (1498 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#B5|B5]]'', 2 barrel, 12-valve, 73 hp (54 kW)/81 ft·lbf (110 N·m)
* 1985-1989 - 1.6 L (1597 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#B6|B6]]'', 8-valve, 103 hp (76 kW)/98 ft·lbf (133 N·m)
* 1985-1989 - 1.6 L (1597 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#B6T|B6T]]'', [[turbo]], 16-valve, 143 hp (105 kW)/138 ft·lbf (187 N·m)
* 1985-1989 - 1.7 L (1720 cc) ''[[Mazda Diesel engine#PN|PN]]'', Diesel, 8-valve, 57 hp (42 kW)/79 ft·lbf (107 N·m)

Dimensions:
* Wheelbase: 2400 mm (94.5 in)
* Length: 4194 mm (165.1 in)
* Width: 1643 mm (64.7 in)
* Weight: 936 kg (2060 lb)

See also:
* [http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia/1985_0/ '85 Familia]

==1989==

This generation of Familia had hatchback, sedan and wagon (carried over from 1985) variants, which shared no body panels — a policy that may have led to Mazda's financial difficulties in the 1990s. The Familia Astina was a 5-door fastback version of this Familia, sold as the 323F elsewhere.

The 1989/1990 '''BG''' Familia was available in hatchback or sedan formats, with front- or all-wheel drive and a 1.3 L, 1.5 L, 1.6 L, or 1.8 L gas or 1.7 L [[Diesel]] engine. In North America, the 323 sedan became the Protege, while the 323 hatchback remained the same name. The Protege was in competition with the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, while the 323 hatchback was in competition with the [[Geo Metro]] and [[Toyota Tercel]].

The '''GT''' model, only sold in Canada in 1990, 1991 and 1993, came with the 1.8 L [[Mazda B engine#BP|BP]] engine also found on the 1994-97 [[Mazda Miata]]. Ford also had a twin called the Laser in the Asian Pacific in this generation, styled in the United States and sold there as the Escort. It no longer resembled the Mazda versions externally.

The '''JDM GTX''' model featured [[all wheel drive ]] and a [[turbocharged]] 1.8 L [[Mazda B engine#BPT|BP]] engine. In the U.S. it came with a 1.6L turbo, with the AWD. In 1992, the rare '''GT-R''' version was added (ALSO JDM), featuring a number of performance enhancements over the GTX model. These included a stronger gearbox, sodium filled valve stems, an aggressive front bumper and bonnet vents, an up-graded turbo. It is difficult to find a Familia GTR that has not been thrashed to death by a low budget rally team.

In Japan, the 5-door hatchback, featuring a distinct front end with pop-up headlights, was sold as the '''Mazda Familia Astina''' and '''Eunos 100'''. Trim lines in Japan included ''Clair'', ''Interplay'', ''Supreme'', and ''GT-X''.

The car donated its mechanicals/Unibody to the 1991-1996 [[Ford Escort]] and [[Mercury Tracer]] and 1994-1997 [[Kia Sephia]] in North America, as well as the [[Ford Laser]] in Australia.

In America, the LX version of the Protegé became known for its vast interior room (for its class), sporty handling, and revvy 125-horsepower engine. LX models also had 14-inch wheels, all-disc brakes, and dual stabilizer bars.

Production of the 1994 model ended on May 24, 1994.

Engines:
* 1989-1991 - 1.6 L (1598 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#B6|B6]]'', 1 barrel, 16-valve, 87 hp (64 kW)/92 ft·lbf (125 N·m)
* 1989-1991 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#BP|BP]]'', [[fuel injection|FI]], 16-valve DOHC, 131 hp (96 kW)/118 ft·lbf (160 N·m)
* 1989-1991 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#BPT|BPT]]'', [[fuel injection|FI]], 16-valve DOHC, [[turbo]], 163 hp (120 kW)/159 ft·lbf (216 N·m)
* 1992-1993 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#BPT|BPD]]'', [[fuel injection|FI]], 16-valve DOHC, [[turbo]], 210 hp (156 kW)/173 ft·lbf (235 N·m). Powered the Familia GT-R
* 1990-1993 - 1.3 L (1324 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#B3|B3]]'', 1 barrel, 75 hp (55 kW)/76 ft·lbf (104 N·m)
* 1990-1993 - 1.7 L (1720 cc) ''[[Mazda Diesel engine#PN|PN]]'', Diesel, 8-valve, 57 hp (42 kW)/79 ft·lbf (107 N·m)

Dimensions:
* Wheelbase: 2450 mm (96.5 in)
* Front Track: 1430 mm (56.3 in)
* Rear Track: 1435 mm (56.5 in)
* Length: 3995 mm (157.3 in)
* Width: 1675 mm (65.9 in)
* Weight: 955 kg (2105 lb)

See also:
* [http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia/1989_2/ '89 Familia]

==1994==
The 1995 '''BH''' model was available internationally (The '''BH''' model was released for the Japanese domestic market the previous year, in 1994) with both [[front wheel drive]] and [[all wheel drive]]. Production of this generation started on August 8, 1994, and ceased on June 18, 1998. The 323 hatchback of this generation was sold only in 1995 for North America.

However, Japan did see an unusual model with this generation after 1995, with the cancellation of the 1985-generation station wagon. The '''Mazda Familia Van''' offered after this year was a rebadged [[Nissan Sunny|Nissan Wingroad]], which was essentially the station wagon version of the [[Nissan Sunny]].

This generation of Familia grew considerably, with the four-door sedan's wheelbase only a few millimetres short of the then-current [[Toyota Camry]], a mid-size car.

The rare North American ES model is the only Protegé that came with the Miata's 1.8-liter twin-cam engine, 4-wheel disc brakes, and dual stabilizer bars.

Engines:
* 1994-1998 - 1.5 L (1489 cc) ''[[Mazda Z engine#Z5|Z5]]'', [[fuel injection|FI]], 16-valve DOHC, 89 hp (66 kW)/97 ft·lbf (132 N·m)
* 1994-1996 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#B8|B8]]'', 114 hp (84 kW)/115 ft·lbf (157 N·m)
* 1994-1996 - 2.0 L (1995 cc) ''[[Mazda K engine#KF|KF]]'' [[V6]], [[fuel injection|FI]], 24-valve DOHC, 144 hp (106 kW)/132 ft·lbf (180 N·m)
* 1995-1999 - 1.3 L (1324 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#B3|B3]]'', 1 barrel, 74 hp (54 kW)/77 ft·lbf (105 N·m)
* 1995-1999 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) ''[[Mazda B engine#BP|BP]]'', [[fuel injection|FI]], 16-valve DOHC, 131 hp (96 kW)/118 ft·lbf (160 N·m)
* 1995-1999 - 2.0 L (1998 cc) ''[[Mazda Diesel engine#RF|RF]]'', Diesel, 8-valve, 71 hp (52 kW)/94 ft·lbf (128 N·m)

Models:
* 4-door sedan (called the Protegé in the US)
* 3-door hatchback ('''Familia Neo''' in Japan, '''323c''' in Europe '''Laser lynx''')
* A tall wagon, called the '''Familia Van''', was also available in Japan. In [[South Africa]], this model was known as the '''Mazda Etude'''.

See also:
* [http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia/1994_6/ '94 Familia]

===323F/Astina===
[[image:800px-Mazda_323_II_V6_Red.jpg|right|250px|Mazda Protege]]
A five door hatchback and four door sedan, both featuring pillarless doors and distinct sheetmetal from other 323s was sold in Japan as the '''Mazda Lantis''', in Australia and South Africa as the '''Mazda 323 Astina''', and in Europe as the '''Mazda 323f'''. They were built on platforms distinct from the other '''323'''s. The bodyshape was designed by former [[Porsche]] designers. The '''Lantis''' was on the [[Mazda C platform#CB|CB]], a minor update of the [[Mazda C platform#CA|CA]] that underpinned the luxury [[Mazda Xedos 6]] and [[Eunos 500]]. The European '''323f''' was designated [[Mazda B platform#BA|BA]], but was actually almost identical to the [[Mazda C platform#CB|CB]], and had little to do with other [[Mazda B platform|B platforms]]. These models were sold with the 1.5 L and 1.8 L engines seen in the rest of the 323 range, as well as a 2.0 L [[V6]] shared with the [[Eunos 500]].

[[Image:800px-Neo_front.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Mazda Familia Neo]]
[[Image:800px-Neo_rear.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Mazda Familia Neo]]

===Familia Neo/323c/Laser Lynx===
The Familia neo started production for the Japanese domestic market in 1994. Ford released a rebadged version which was mechanicly the same although different bumpers, headlights and bonnet were fitted. This was released new in New Zealand. It featured a glass rear hatch, much like Honda's CRX. Aesthetically the Familia Neo was very close in looks to a mazda Lantis/323F and equated to a 2 door version and also shared the Lantis suspension. The top spec Mazda Neo was fitted with a DOCH 1800cc BP engine which produced around 100kw, this was the same engine fitted to the base model Mazda Lantis. It was also sold for a single year (1995) in Canada as '''323 Neo GS'''. In Europe it was named Mazda 323 C (stand for coupe) and it was equipped with 1.3 SOHC (75PS), 1.5 DOHC 16V (88PS), and 1.8 DOHC 16V (115PS) engine.

==1999==

[[Image:800px-Mazda_familia_s-wagon_104036_0.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Mazda Familia S-Wagon(2000) manufactured for japanese market]]
A redesigned [[Mazda B platform#BJ|ninth-generation ''BJ'']] Familia was introduced on June 9, 1998 as a 1999 model. Body styles were the sedan, 5-door '''S-Wagon''' (sold as the '''Protegé5''' in the United States), 3-door hatchback, and traditional 5-door ''[[station wagon|Wagon]]''. A ''4EC'' [[automatic transmission]] and two 5-speed [[manual transmission]]s are available. [[All wheel drive]] is optional.

The 1999 [[Mazda B platform#BJ|BJ platform]] was updated with a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback chassis based on the larger [[Mazda 626]] and more engine choices. The Japanese Mazda Familia again got [[all wheel drive]] as an option. In America, the ES's engine was still 1.8 liters large but was a shrunken version of the 626's engine rather than the Miata's more exciting motor. Disc brakes on the ES were also lost.

The '''Familia Van''' and '''Familia Business Wagon''' were introduced for 2000, and continued to be supplied by [[Nissan]] under an [[Original equipment manufacturer|OEM]] deal.

The entire line was updated for 2001 with sharper styling, a revised suspension, and a new audio system.

A 2.0 L (FS-series) gas engine appeared in 2001 on the Japanese market Sport 20. An tall wagon version of the Familia called the '''[[Mazda Premacy]]''' was also available, and which was sold in Japan as the '''Ford Ixion'''. In 1999, Ford of Japan ceased to market Mazda-based models, and the [[Ford Laser]], along with the Ixion, [[Ford Telstar|Telstar]] and [[Ford Festiva|Festiva]], was dropped.

For the 2001 model year in North America, Mazda introduced the limited-edition '''Protegé MP3''' featuring a new sport-tuned suspension, 17 in Racing Hart branded (made by Enkei) wheels, 10 hp (7.5 kW) extra for a total of 140 hp (104 kW), and a 450-watt Kenwood MP3 stereo. Only 1500 were produced. 2001 also saw Protegés getting a sharper face lift, the ES getting its rear disc brakes back and a stiffer suspension, and the 1.8 L engine growing to 2.0 L.

2002 saw the introduction of a station wagon version (Familia S-Wagon) to North America called Protegé5.

In 2003, Mazdaspeed introduced the '''Mazdaspeed Protegé''', an update to the Protegé MP3 that had a 170 hp (127 kW)/160 ft·lbf (217 N·m) [[turbocharged]] engine, new 17 in 5-spoke Racing Hart wheels, larger four-wheel [[disc brake]]s, a limited-slip differential and a Kenwood stereo system that included an amplifier, and 8 inch sub. Mazda then followed with a mid year change dubbed the "2003.5." This model included a different aero-kit, darker painted wheels, and custom interior pieces. In total, there were only 4,750 Mazdaspeed Protegé models produced. ES and Protegé5 models got a manumatic transmission. This was the last year for the production of the Protegé.

This generation went into production on September 29, 1998, and the very last model rolled off the assembly line on October 2, 2003. It remains in production in Taiwan as the Mazda Isamu Genki, where it is also badged as the '''Ford Activa''', which, unlike the '''Ford Laser''', has no styling changes from the 323, except for the badges. (In Southeast Asia, a version of the last Laser is still assembled in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines as the '''Ford Lynx'''.)

In Colombia, production of the Mazda 323 continued well until 2003, built by its local subsidiary, the Compañía Colombiana Automotriz. The 323 remains to this day one of the most successful cars made in the country and many models made across the years can still be seen in the streets of most Colombian and Andean cities. Oddly enough, the "boxy" look that characterized the vehicle during the early 1990s and the 1980s remained until production's end due to the demand of the local market for the car's lines.

Engines:
* 1.3 L [[Mazda B engine#B3|B3-ME]] SOHC [[Straight-4|I4]]
* 1.5 L [[Mazda Z engine#ZL|ZL-DE]] DOHC [[Straight-4|I4]]
* 1.5 L [[Mazda Z engine#ZL|ZL-VE]] [[S-VT]] [[Straight-4|I4]]
* 1.8 L [[Mazda F engine#FP|FP-DE]] DOHC [[Straight-4|I4]]
* 2.0 L [[Mazda F engine#FS|FS-DE]], 130 hp (97 kW) and 135 ft·lbf (183 N·m)
* 2.0 L [[Mazda F engine#FS|FS-ZE]] (2001 ''Sport 20'')
* 2.0 L [[Mazda Diesel engine#RF|RF]] [[Diesel]]

See also:
* [http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia/1999_8/ '98 Familia]

==2003==
Last year for the Protege. A special edition MazdaSpeed turbocharged Protege is produced in limited numbers.

==2004==

The Familia was replaced by the new [[Mazda Axela|Axela/Mazda3]] for 2004, sharing a platform with the current generation [[Volvo S40]] and the new generation of [[Ford Focus]] not sold in North America. The Axela/Mazda3 comes in both 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback varieties, with a 2.0 litre engine on the 3i sedan and a 2.3 litre engine on the 3s sedan and the hatchback.

==Racing==

Like many other Mazdas, the Familia, 323, and Protegé are frequent entrants in the world of amateur and touring car auto racing. The Familia 4WD/323 GTX won World Rally Championship's Swedish Rally in 1987 and 1989, and the 323 GTR placed second there in 1994.

Results:
* 1986 RAC Rally - 1st (Group A)
* 1987 Swedish Rally - 1st
* 1989 Swedish Rally - 1st
* 1989 1000 Lakes Rally - 2nd
* 1988 RAC Rally - 2nd
* 1989 Rally New Zealand - 1st, 2nd
* 1990 Rally New Zealand - 2nd

==See Also==

{{Mazda}}

==External Links==
*[http://specs.amayama.com/mazda/familia_s-wagon Mazda Familia S-Wagon]
*[http://www.skysedan.com 1979-80 Mazda 323]

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_Familia Mazda Familia], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mazda_Familia&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Mazda Vehicles|Familia]]
[[Category:Compact Cars]]
[[Category:Front Wheel Drive Vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles]]
[[Category:1960s Automobiles]]
[[Category:1970s Automobiles]]
[[Category:1980s Automobiles]]
[[Category:1990s Automobiles]]
[[Category:2000s Automobiles]]

File:Explorer Sport Trac silver.jpg

2007-04-17T16:31:36Z

Rfujitani:

Wikicars:Requests for adminship

2007-04-03T17:07:04Z

Rfujitani: /* Invader Car */

*[[Wikicars:Administrators|Current Administrators]]
*[[Wikicars:Successful adminship nominations|Successful adminship nominations]]
*[[Wikicars:Unsuccessful adminship nominations|Unsuccessful adminship nominations]]
==Nominating==
Nominations must be accepted by the user in question. If you wish to nominate a user, contact them first before making the nomination page.
==Current Nominations==
===[[User:Invader Car|Invader Car]]===
'''Support'''
#

'''Oppose'''
# Sorry, but I am going to have to oppose this one for now. Right now we have alot of Administrators, but not much to alot to watch over.At the time being we have all the admins we need, as the site grows and we gain more contributors, maybe then you could join our ranks. I am sure you would make a good admin, but at the moment we are full. (Though we might as well count inactive administrators out) [[User:0-172|Enzo Worshipper]] <sup>([[User talk:0-172|Talk to me]] + [[Special:Contributions/0-172|Contribs]])</sup> 13:51, 31 March 2007 (UTC)

#I'm also going to have to oppose this nomination. We do have plenty of admins for our current community's size, and with less than 100 edits, I don't know that you've been an active enough member for us to see the true quality of your work. Keep it up, though, and we will keep your name in mind the next time we see the need for an admin role to be filled. - [[User:Rfujitani|Pastrami on Ry]] 17:07, 3 April 2007 (UTC)

'''Neutral'''
#Not Really Sure-[[User:Mugen Power|Mugen Power]] 18:46, 31 March 2007 (UTC)

'''Comments'''
*So it appears Invader Car wants adminship as well. [[User:0-172|Enzo Worshipper]] <sup>([[User talk:0-172|Talk to me]] + [[Special:Contributions/0-172|Contribs]])</sup> 13:51, 31 March 2007 (UTC)

==Bureaucratic Nominations==

===[[User:0-172|Enzo Worshipper]]===
'''Support'''
#

'''Oppose'''
#

'''Neutral'''
#

'''Comments'''
* I would like to nominate myself to become a bureaucrat. I feel that I am a big part of the site, and at the moment we have only one active bureaucrat. [[User:0-172|Enzo Worshipper]] <sup>([[User talk:0-172|Talk to me]] + [[Special:Contributions/0-172|Contribs]])</sup> 14:04, 31 March 2007 (UTC)
:*Whats the difference between a sysop and a Bureaucrat?
::Bureaucrats have the power to create sysops and have other different powers. [[User:0-172|Enzo Worshipper]] <sup>([[User talk:0-172|Talk to me]] + [[Special:Contributions/0-172|Contribs]])</sup> 15:32, 31 March 2007 (UTC)

Talk:User=frich107

2007-03-27T21:01:09Z

Rfujitani:

===Rover 75 Table Issue===
Hi there frich107,
I saw your note to Red Marquis and decided to take a look at the code. What actually happened was that you left out one of the </td> tags as well as the final </table> tag. I put them in, and the table is in fine working order now. You can see the changes I made by looking at the history of the Rover 75 page. Keep up the good work! - [[User:Rfujitani|Pastrami on Ry]] 21:01, 27 March 2007 (UTC)

Rover 75

2007-03-27T20:58:51Z

Rfujitani: fixed table

Wikicars:Administrators

2007-03-27T17:59:54Z

Rfujitani: /* Administrators */ adding mugen power to list

Administrators are users with more power than the ordinary user. Known as Sysops they have the ability to protect a page or delete a page. Sysops also have the ability to block users. As sysops we watch over the site and use our powers when necessary and with discretion. We do not condone spamming or vandalism-- spammers and vandals alike risk being blocked from the site indefinitely.

==Administrators==
*[[User:Red marquis|Red marquis]] (sysop)
*[[User:0-172|0-172]] (Sysop)
*[[User:Admin|Admin]] (Bureaucrat) (Sysop)
*[[User:Carguy|Carguy]] (Bureaucrat) (Sysop)
*[[User:Hypermiler|Hypermiler]] (Sysop)
*[[User:LuvWikis|LuvWikis]] (Sysop)
*[[User:MQuan|MQuan]] (Sysop)
*[[User:PNiddy|PNiddy]] (Bureaucrat) (Sysop)
*[[User:Rfujitani|Rfujitani]] (Sysop)
*[[User:Mugen_Power|Mugen Power]] (Sysop)

==Administrator Qualifications==

Site administrators should have as many of these qualifications as possible:
* '''Good faith''' dealing on all community issues; someone who never flames; is always moderate in tone; is always welcoming to new members. (This qualification is absolute and a 'golden rule'.)
* '''Expertise'''; someone who has expertise to lend to the site; it could be automotive expertise of any sort-- or specialized editing or technical skills.
* '''Sustained Contribution'''; someone who has made siginficant contributions to the community over time; someone who plans to stay involved.
* '''Leadership and Mentoring'''; someone who proactively helps other community members.
* '''Varied Participation'''; someone who helps with site building and maintenance projects; someone who fights vandalism; who participates in areas other than their own projects.
* '''Wiki markup skills'''; It' helpful for admins to be skilled in building pages and helping other users.
* '''Transparency and Interactivity'''; As leaders, administrators need to be transparent to and accountable to the community; they share their real names (at least first names) on their user pages; they describe their interests; they answer questions promptly.

Wikicars:Successful adminship nominations

2007-03-27T17:58:54Z

Rfujitani: database changes no longer pending

===[[User:Mugen Power|Mugen Power]]===
'''Support'''
# [[User:0-172|Enzo Worshipper]] <sup>([[User talk:0-172|Talk to me]] + [[Special:Contributions/0-172|Contribs]])</sup> 15:31, 24 March 2007 (UTC)
# I'm in. [[User:LuvWikis|LuvWikis]] 19:04, 24 March 2007 (UTC)
# He has my complete support. [[User:Red marquis|Red marquis]] 06:17, 25 March 2007 (UTC)
# Mine too. -[[User:PNiddy|Nidhi]] 12:53, 26 March 2007 (UTC)
# He will be a good addition. -[[User:MQuan|MQuan]] 15:35, 26 March 2007 (UTC)

'''Oppose'''
#I oppose the idea of him not becoming one. So, yes, count me in too. - [[User:Rfujitani|Pastrami on Ry]] 16:51, 26 March 2007 (UTC)

'''Neutral'''
#

Looks like we have a clear vote.....let's do it! [[User:LuvWikis|LuvWikis]] 19:29, 26 March 2007 (UTC)

<u>Status:</u><font color="green"> Approved.</font>

Wikicars:Requests for adminship

2007-03-27T17:58:03Z

Rfujitani: /* Current Nominations */

Wikicars:Requests for adminship

2007-03-27T17:57:39Z

Rfujitani: /* Current Nominations */ removing mugen power from list

Main Page

2007-03-27T17:46:12Z

Rfujitani: rotating featured member

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__

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<div><div style="font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000">Welcome to [[Wikicars:about|Wikicars]]</div> A collaborative guide about cars and all things [[automobile|automotive]]. We're growing very fast and so far we have {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles. [[Wikicars:about|Learn more]].
</div>
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{|cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" width="100%" style="padding-top:0px;"
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#eeeed1;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #ddddc0;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[User:Mugen_Power|Wikicars Featured Contributor: Mugen Power]]</h2>
<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em;">
[[Image:Cbmugen.JPG|none|190px]]
</div>
[[User:Mugen_Power| Mugen Power]] is a Japanese car enthusiast who has made significant contributions to several [[Honda]] and [[Acura]] model pages, as well as some work on exotic marques like [[Lamborghini]] and [[Pagani]]. Most recently, Mugen Power was approved for [[Wikicars:Requests_for_adminship|adminship]], due to his quality edits, sheer passion for automobiles, and enthusiastic participation in Wikicars issues.
* '''''Member since:''''' March 7, 2007 - <small>([[User talk:Mugen_Power|Talk to '''Mugen Power''']])</small>
'''''<font color="green">Congrats!</font>'''''
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{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:7px;" width="100%"
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#bae8bc;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #779979;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Toyota RAV4|Featured Article]]: [[Toyota RAV4]]</h2>

<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em">
[[Image:Grayrav4.jpg|250px|left|Toyota RAV4]]
</div>The early success of the [[Toyota RAV4|RAV4]] paved the way for other compact [[SUV]]s such as the [[Honda CR-V]], the [[Ford Escape]]/[[Mazda Tribute]], and the [[Subaru Forester]]. Its name stands for "''Recreational Activity Vehicle, [[4WD|4-wheel drive]]''," although not all models have [[four-wheel drive]] as this is optional in some countries . The [[Toyota RAV4]] underwent a redesign for the 2006 model year. It still has a 2.4L four-cylinder [[engine]], which now produces 166-[[hp]], instead of 161-[[hp]], like last year's model. Unique to North America, the new [[Toyota RAV4|RAV4]] also includes a new 3.5L [[V6]] [[engine]] from the [[Toyota Avalon]], boosting its power to 269-[[hp]].<small>([[Toyota RAV4|more...]])</small>
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{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:7px;" width="100%"
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #8597ab;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Toyota Highlander Review|Featured Review]]: [[Toyota Highlander Review|Toyota Highlander]]</h2>

<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em">
[[Image:2008 Toyota Highlander.jpg|left|250px|2007 Toyota Highlander]]
</div> The [[Toyota Highlander]] debuted in 2001 as a mid-sized [[SUV]] between the [[Toyota RAV4|RAV4]] and the [[Toyota 4Runner|4Runner]]. Based on the same platform used to build the [[Toyota Camry]], it made the most of its combination of carlike handling and utilitarian cargo space to achieve popularity and success. Although it is somewhat lacking in power and a little short on cosmetic flair, the Highlander has managed to overcome these minor flaws and has become [[Toyota]]'s best-selling [[SUV]]. <small>([[Toyota Highlander Review|more...]])</small>
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F2E6CE;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #D9CEB8;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[:Category:Model Reviews|Model Reviews]]</h2>
Your automotive opinion matters! Share your car knowledge with others and help build the most comprehensive archive of model reviews on the web today. Here are some of the latest reviews from the Wikicars Community:
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* [[Lexus GS Review|Lexus GS]]
* [[BMW X5 Review|BMW X5]]
* [[Jeep Grand Cherokee Review|Jeep Grand Cherokee]]
* [[Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review|Toyota Highlander Hybrid]]
|width="50%"|
* [[Volkswagen Passat Review|Volkswagen Passat]]
* [[Hyundai Sonata Review|Hyundai Sonata]]
* [[Audi A4 Review|Audi A4]]
* [[Honda Odyssey Review|Honda Odyssey]] <small>([[:Category:Model Reviews|more...]])</small>
|}
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{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:7px;" width="100%"
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#d0e5f5;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #abd5f5;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[ Hybrid Cars | Spotlight On: Hybrids]] and [[High Mileage Vehicles]]</h2>
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<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em;">
[[Image:Felix-car.jpg|none|225px|[[Plug-in_Hybrids|100+ mpg Toyota Prius Plug-in]]]]
</div>
Driven by gas prices and growing social awareness, [[Hybrid Cars | '''hybrid cars''']] are becoming attractive options.
* [[Top Reasons to Buy a Hybrid Car]]
* [[Reasons Not to Buy a Hybrid Car (yet)]]
* [[Tips for Buying a Hybrid Car|Tips for Buying]]
* Non-hybrid [[High Mileage Vehicles]] that get over 30 mpg<br>
|}
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#dfcef2;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a48bbf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Car Buying Tips]]</h2>
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* How to [[negotiate for a lower car price]]
* How to [[buy a car on the internet]]
* How to get low cost financing: see our [[Car Loan Guide]]
* How to insure your vehicle: see our [[Car Insurance|Car Insurance Guide]]
|width="50%" valign="top"|
* How to obtain a [[Used Car History Report]]
* What to do [[car accidents|in case of an accident]]
* What is the [[Difference Between CPO and Used Vehicles]]?
|}
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{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" width="100%" border="0px" style="padding-top:7px;"
|style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #de8ca7; border-left:1px solid #de8ca7; border-right:1px solid #de8ca7; border-bottom:1px solid #de8ca7;padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:0px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#f7d4e0;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #de8ca7;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Living on the Automotive Edge]]</h2>
<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em;">
[[image:Bugatti_Veyron-2.jpg|thumb|left|175px| [[Bugatti Veyron]]]]
</div>
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* [[World's fastest street legal cars]]
* [[World's most expensive new cars]]
* Most [[Famous Cars]]
* [[Highest miles per gallon]] cars
* Places to [[Blessing of the Cars|have your car blessed]]
|valign="top"|
* [[Star Cars|What the Stars Drive]]
* [[Classic car|Classic Cars]]
* [[Concept Cars|Concept cars]]
* [[Auto Shows|Auto Shows]]
* [[State Limousines|Rides of Heads of State]]
|}
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{|width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="vertical-align:top;
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{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px; padding-bottom:5px" width=250px
|align="center" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:0px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Garage Talk]]</h2>
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[[Wikicars' experts]] invite you to discuss the site [[Garage Talk|here]], and nominate articles and members to be featured on the homepage!
|}

{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px;" width="250"
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:2px;">[[List of Manufacturers|Search By Make]]</h2>
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[[AC]]'''<br />
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[[Koenigsegg]]'''<br />
[[Lamborghini]]'''<br />
<small>([[List of Manufacturers|more...]])</small><br />
|align="left" width=50% NOWRAP style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; padding-top:0px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:2px;" valign="top"|
[[Lancia]]'''<br />
[[Land Rover]]'''<br />
[[Lexus]]'''<br />
[[Lincoln]]'''<br />
[[Lotus]]'''<br />
[[MINI]]'''<br />
[[Maserati]]'''<br />
[[Maybach]]'''<br />
[[Mazda]]'''<br />
[[Mercedes-Benz]]'''<br />
[[Mercury]]'''<br />
[[MG]]'''<br />
[[Mitsubishi]]'''<br />
[[Morgan]]'''<br />
[[Noble]]'''<br />
[[Nissan]]'''<br />
[[Opel]]'''<br />
[[Oldsmobile]]'''<br />
[[Packard]]'''<br />
[[Pagani]]'''<br />
[[Plymouth]]'''<br />
[[Peugeot]]'''<br />
[[Pontiac]]'''<br />
[[Porsche]]'''<br />
[[Renault]]'''<br />
[[Rolls-Royce]]'''<br />
[[Saab]]'''<br />
[[Saturn]]'''<br />
[[Scion]]'''<br />
[[Seat]]'''<br />
[[Smart]]'''<br />
[[Spyker]]'''<br />
[[Studebaker]]'''<br />
[[Subaru]]'''<br />
[[Suzuki]]'''<br />
[[Tesla]]'''<br />
[[Toyota]]'''<br />
[[Triumph]]'''<br />
[[TVR]]'''<br />
[[Venturi]]'''<br />
[[Volkswagen]]'''<br />
[[Volvo]]'''<br />
|}
|}
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:5px;" width="100%"
|align="center" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:0px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Wikicars' Picks]]</h2>
|-
|align="left" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-bottom:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding-top:5px; padding-right:1px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:2px;" valign="top"|
'''[[Cars under 10k]]'''<br>
'''[[Passenger Cars]]'''<br>
'''[[Luxury Cars]]'''<br>
'''[[Trucks]]'''<br>
'''[[SUVs]]'''<br>
'''[[Hybrids]]'''<br> <small>([[Wikicars' Picks|more...]])</small>
|}
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:5px;" width="100%"
|align="center" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:0px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[:Category:Car designers|Famous Car Designers]]</h2>
|-
|align="left" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-bottom:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding-top:5px; padding-right:1px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:2px;" valign="top"|
'''[[Nuccio Bertone]]'''<br>
'''[[Franco Scaglione]]'''<br>
'''[[Giacinto Ghia]]'''<br>
'''[[Pietro Frua]]'''<br>
'''[[Giorgetto Giugiaro]]'''<br>
'''[[Marcello Gandini]]'''<br>
'''[[Alejandro de Tomaso]]'''<br> <small>([[:Category:Car designers|more...]])</small>
|}
|}

Wikicars:Requests for adminship

2007-03-26T16:51:50Z

Rfujitani: /* Mugen Power */

Nash-Kelvinator Corporation

2007-03-15T13:42:15Z

Rfujitani: blanking irrelevant content

Seatbelt Pretensioners

2007-03-01T16:28:07Z

Rfujitani: Reverted edits by 165.139.22.134 (165.139.22.134); changed back to last version by Red marquis

[[Image:Seatbelt.png|right|frame|A three-point seat belt.]]
A '''seat belt''', sometimes called a '''safety belt''', is a harness designed to hold the occupant of a car or other vehicle in place if a collision occurs or, more commonly, if it stops suddenly. Seat belts are intended to reduce injuries by stopping the wearer from hitting hard interior elements of the vehicle or from being thrown from the vehicle. In cars seat belts also prevent rear-seat passengers from crashing into those in the front seats.

==Types of seat belts==

''Lap'': Adjustable strap that goes over the waist. Used frequently in older cars, now uncommon except in some rear middle seats.

[[Image:Seat belt BX.jpg|thumb|Seat belt]]
''Two-point'': A restraint system with two attachment points. A lap belt.

''[[Automatic transmission|Automatic]]'': Any seatbelt that closes itself automatically. Used mainly in older luxury models.

''Sash'': Adjustable strap that goes over the shoulder. Used mainly in the 1960s, but of limited benefit because it is very easy to slip out of in a collision.

''Lap and Sash'': Combination of the two above (two separate belts). Mainly used in the 1960s and 1970s, usually in the rear. Generally superseded by three-point design.

''Three-point'': Similar to the lap and sash, but one single continuous length of webbing. Both three-point and lap-and-sash belts help spread out the energy of the moving body in a collision over the chest, pelvis, and shoulders. Until the 1970s three-point belts were commonly available only in the front seats of cars, the back seats having only lap belts. Evidence of the potential for lap belts to cause separation of the lumbar vertebrae and the sometimes associated paralysis, or "seat belt syndrome", has led to a revision of safety regulations in nearly all of the developed world requiring that all seats in a vehicle be equipped with three-point belts. By September 1, 2007, all new cars sold in the US will require a lap and shoulder belt in the center rear. ([http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/Anton_FRNov16.html])

''Five-point harnesses'' are safer but more restrictive seat belts. They are typically found in child safety seats and in racing cars. The lap portion is connected to a belt between the legs and there are two shoulder belts, making a total of five points of attachment to the seat.

''Six-point harnesses'' became popular after Dale Earnhardt died during a NASCAR race. Earnhardt was wearing a five-point harness when he crashed and died. Because it was thought at first that his belt had broken, some teams ordered a six-point harness. The sixth point has two belts between the legs, which is seen by some to be a weaker point than the other parts.

''Inertia reel'': Used almost universally today, inertia reel belts are effectively self-adjusting, which improves effectiveness. They also retract when not in use, reducing the chances of damage to the belts. A retractor reel lets out the strap or pulls it back as needed, and in the event of an accident the reel locks, preventing any more strap to come out and holding the passenger in the car. This may be augmented by '''''[[Seatbelt Pretensioners|pretensioners]]''''' (see below). Most three-point belts are of inertia-reel construction, and some lap-and-sash and lap belts.

==History==

Seat belts were first invented by george w bush in the 1800s. Seat belts were introduced in aircraft for the first time in 1913 and became common in the 1930s. The automotive seat belt was introduced into the United States by Kenneth Ligon and his brother, Bob Ligon, whose patented quick release seat belt, the AutoCrat Safety Belt, was the first seat belt installed as original equipment in the US by Ford in its 1956 model year. The first seatbelt to be included as standard was on the 1959 [[Volvo]]. However, they were not required by law in the US on passenger vehicles until the 1968 model year.

Three point harnesses were first made readily available in mass-produced vehicles by [[Volvo]]. It was Swedish engineer, [[Nils Bohlin]], who patented the modern three-point belt design and gave it to Volvo.

==Mechanism==

Most seat belts are equipped with locking mechanisms that tighten the belt when pulled hard (e.g. by the force of a passenger's body during a crash) but do not tighten when pulled slowly. Many are also equipped with '''''[[Seatbelt Pretensioners|pretensioners]]''''', which preemptively tighten the belt to prevent the passenger from jerking forward in a crash.

Mercedes-Benz first introduced [[Seatbelt Pretensioners|pretensioners]] on the 1981 S-Class. In the event of a crash, a pretensioner will tighten the belt almost instantaneously. This reduces the load on the occupant in a violent crash. Like airbags, [[Seatbelt Pretensioners|pretensioners]] are triggered by sensors in the car's body, and most [[Seatbelt Pretensioners|pretensioners]] use explosively expanding gas to drive a piston that retracts the belt. '''''Seatbelt [[Seatbelt Pretensioners|pretensioners]]''''' also lower the risk of "submarining", which is when a passenger slides forward under a loosely worn seat belt.

See the [http://auto.howstuffworks.com/seatbelt.htm "How Seatbelts Work"] page for more.

==Legislation and Risk Compensation==

The issue of seat belt legislation has been a source of some controversy. Hospital based studies of car accident victims, experiments using both crash test dummies and actual human cadavers have indicated that wearing seat belts should provide a reduced risk of death and injury in many types of car crash. This has led many countries to adopt mandatory seat belt wearing laws. It is generally accepted that, in comparing like-for-like accidents, a vehicle occupant wearing a properly fitted seatbelt has a significantly lower chance of death or serious injury. Within the USA, 49 states now require adults to wear seat-belts; New Hampshire has no such law.

The effects of such laws are disputed, stemming from the observed fact that no country is able to demonstrate a reduction in road fatalities due to passage of a seat belt law, though deaths have in some cases been migrated from drivers to other road users. This has influenced the development of risk compensation theory, which says that drivers adjust their behaviour in response to the increased sense of personal safety wearing a seat belt provides. In one trial habitual wearers and non-wearers were asked to drive round a course a number of times under the pretence of testing different seat belt materials for comfort. It was found that non-wearers drove consistently faster when belted than when unbelted (similar responses have been shown in respect of [[Anti-Lock Brakes ABS|ABS braking]] and, more recently, airbags). It is also possible that the types of injury modelled in the trials were only a subset of potential serious injuries — for example, oblique impacts may produce twisting forces on the head leading to diffuse axonal injury, a particularly serious type of brain injury.

Put simply, then: if one is involved in a crash, one is almost always better off wearing a seat belt. However, the probability of being in a crash in the first place may be affected by the fact that the person feels safer, so the overall safety benefit may be offset to some unspecified degree.

==External Links==
* [http://www.buckleupamerica.org BuckleUpAmerica.org]
* [http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Dodge Ram 1500

2007-02-26T22:31:58Z

Rfujitani: removing spam

[[image:2006_Ram1500_blueleft.jpg|right|450px]]
The '''Ram''' is a fullsize pickup truck from [[DaimlerChrysler]]'s [[Dodge]] brand. The name was first used in 1981 on the redesigned D Series, though it came from the hood ornament used in the 1930s and 1940s trucks.

The Ram was ''Motor Trend'' magazine's Truck of the Year for 1994, and the Ram ''Heavy Duty'' won that award for 2003.

The Ram is built at Saltillo Truck Assembly in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, Saint Louis Assembly North in Fenton, Missouri, and Warren Truck Assembly in Warren, Michigan.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Dodge Ram 1500 Review]]'''.
===Recent Changes===
The 2006 Dodge Ram is an updated version of the previous generation, the most obvious being a restyled front end which some have derided as being too Dakota-like. One notable version is the '''Mega Cab''', featuring a 6-foot cargo box and 20 inches of extra cab space, allowing seating for six with rear recliners. Also, a full screen mapping in-dash [[Navigation System|navigation system]] in a restyled dashboard is now an option.

Another change for 2006 is Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System on the Hemi V8 engine in the Ram. A new center console with built-in cup holders and side pockets is a new option on Quad Cabs. Inferno Red became a new extra-cost color.

The standard cab SRT-10 received an all new center console that contained a shorter, more direct 6-speed shifter. Also Inferno Red and Mineral Gray became available on the SRT-10 in addition to Black, replacing Flame Red and Bright Silver.

===Styles and Major Options===
There are an overwhelming number of decisions to make when purchasing a Dodge Ram. [[Dodge]] has seemingly left no possibile combination of features unexplored, so if you're considering one of these, plan on spending some quality time with the brochure.

The Dodge Ram 1500 comes in three different body styles: the Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and new Mega Cab. The difference between the body styles has mostly to do with cabin space and truckbed length. The Regular Cab has only a front bench seat, the Quad Cab has a back seat with independent doors, and the Mega Cab boasts the largest back seat of any pickup.

Each of the styles is then available in a number of different trims. The Regular Cab is available in ST, SLT, Sport, or TRX Off-Road trims, and the Quad Cab is available in all of those as well as a Laramie trim. The Mega Cab, however, is only available in SLT and Laramie trims.

Some of the features on the ST, the most basic trim, include rear wheel [[anti-lock brakes]], 17" steel wheels, AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD, air conditioning, and front [[airbag]]s. With the SLT, you get a more powerful engine, front-seat center armrest/console, 17" cast aluminum or chrome wheels, remote keyless entry, and floor mats. The Laramie gets a 5.7L 345[[hp]] engine, five-speed [[automatic transmission]], leather trimmed seating, dual zone temperature control, and power adjustable pedals. The Sport has body-colored grille with chrome accents, a body-colored rear bumper, fog lamps, 20" chrome clad wheels, and SIRIUS satellite radio. Lastly, the TRX Off-Road version comes with unique color shocks, a body-colored grille, TRX4 Off-Road decals, fog lamps, and also SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

===Pricing===
Today's actual prices for the [[Dodge]] Ram 1500 can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/dodge/ram_1500/prices CarsDirect].

{| class="wikitable" style="float:left; margin:1em 0 1em 1em" style="border:2px solid #AAAAAA"
!2006 [[Dodge]] Ram 1500 Trim
!MSRP
!Invoice
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 ST 4x2 Regular Cab 120.5 in. WB||align="center"|$21,150||align="center"|$18,769
|-
|1500 ST 4x2 Regular Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$21,435||align="center"|$19,014
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 SLT 4x2 Regular Cab 120.5 in. WB||align="center"|$24,250||align="center"|$21,435
|-
|1500 SLT 4x2 Regular Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$24,535||align="center"|$21,680
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 Laramie 4x2 Regular Cab 120.5 in. WB||align="center"|$29,320||align="center"|$25,795
|-
|1500 Laramie 4x2 Regular Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$29,605||align="center"|$26,040
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 ST 4x2 Quad Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$25,220||align="center"|$22,319
|-
|1500 ST 4x2 Quad Cab 160.5 in. WB||align="center"|$26,285||align="center"|$23,235
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 SLT 4x2 Quad Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$27,740||align="center"|$24,486
|-
|1500 SLT 4x2 Quad Cab 160.5 in. WB||align="center"|$28,020||align="center"|$24,727
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 Laramie 4x2 Quad Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$31,720||align="center"|$27,889
|-
|1500 Laramie 4x2 Quad Cab 160.5 in. WB||align="center"|$31,800||align="center"|$27,958
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 SLT 4x2 Mega Cab 160.5 in. WB||align="center"|$32,060||align="center"|$28,337
|-
|1500 Laramie 4x2 Mega Cab 160.5 in. WB||align="center"|$37,155||align="center"|$32,718
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 ST 4x4 Regular Cab 120.5 in. WB||align="center"|$25,405||align="center"|$22,478
|-
|1500 ST 4x4 Regular Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$25,745||align="center"|$22,771
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 SLT/TRX4 Off Road/Sport 4x4 Regular Cab 120.5 in. WB||align="center"|$27,820||align="center"|$24,555
|-
|1500 SLT/TRX4 Off Road 4x4 Regular Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$28,160||align="center"|$24,848
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 Laramie 4x4 Regular Cab 120.5 in. WB||align="center"|$32,890||align="center"|$28,915
|-
|1500 Laramie 4x4 Regular Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$33,230||align="center"|$29,208
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 ST 4x4 Quad Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$29,355||align="center"|$25,900
|-
|1500 ST 4x4 Quad Cab 160.5 in. WB||align="center"|$29,685||align="center"|$26,184
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 SLT/TRX4 Off Road/Sport 4x4 Quad Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$30,960||align="center"|$27,281
|-
|1500 SLT 4x4 Quad Cab 160.5 in. WB||align="center"|$31,290||align="center"|$27,564
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 Laramie 4x4 Quad Cab 140.5 in. WB||align="center"|$34,940||align="center"|$30,683
|-
|1500 Laramie 4x4 Quad Cab 160.5 in. WB||align="center"|$35,070||align="center"|$30,795
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|1500 SLT 4x4 Mega Cab 160.5 in. WB||align="center"|$35,280||align="center"|$31,141
|-
|1500 Laramie 4x4 Mega Cab 160.5 in. WB||align="center"|$40,375||align="center"|$35,523
|- bgcolor="#F2F2F2"
|}

===Gas Mileage===
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td>
</td>
<td>
[[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
[[4WD]]
</td>
</tr>

<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
3.7L [[V6]] [[manual transmission|manual]]
</td>
<td>
16/21
</td>
<td>
N/A
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
3.7L [[V6]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
</td>
<td>
16/21
5.9L [[I6 Cummins]] [[manual transmission|manual]]
</td>
<td>
20/26
</td>
<td>
N/A
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
5.7L [[V8]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
</td>
<td>
15/19
</td>
<td>
14/18
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]] [[manual transmission|manual]]
</td>
<td>
14/19
</td>
<td>
14/18
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
</td>
<td>
14/19
</td>
<td>
14/18
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
<br>
[[Flexible Fuel Vehicles|flex-fuel]] gas
</td>
<td>
12/15
</td>
<td>
12/15
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
<br>
[[Flexible Fuel Vehicles|flex-fuel]] E85
</td>
<td>
9/11
</td>
<td>
9/11
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
8.3L [[V10]] [[manual transmission|manual]]
</td>
<td>
9/15
</td>
<td>
N/A
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
8.3L [[V10]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
</td>
<td>
9/12
</td>
<td>
N/A
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Reliability===
The major recent model available for reliability ratings, the 2003 version, was given a Green rating in all major categories by Automotive Information Systems. A Green rating signifies "Minimal Problems," and the categories inspected include Engine, Transmission, and Accessories, among others.

===Safety===
In safety tests performed by the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA,] the Ram 1500 performed extremely well. Front-Impact tests for both the driver and passenger sides yielded 5-star ratings, while tests for rollover earned the Ram 4-star ratings for both its [[2WD]] and [[4WD]] models.

Some of the standard safety features are:
*Rear/four wheel [[anti-lock brakes]]
*Front-impact [[airbag]]s
*Side impact bars

In addition, overhead curtain airbags are available on all trims, and the availability of items such as a security system and ignition disable are standard for most trims and only optional for the rest. yea right my ass all dodges have transmission problems

===Photos===
<gallery>
image:2006_Ram1500_5.7hemi.jpg
image:2006_Ram1500_blackright.jpg
image:2006_Ram1500_interior.jpg
image:2006_Ram1500_dashboard.jpg
</gallery>

===Colors===
Colors will vary according to trim, and a full list can be viewed at [http://www.carsdirect.com/dodge/ram_1500/colors CarsDirect.com.] Here are some of the available colors:

'''Exterior'''
*Black Clearcoat
*Flame Red/Bright Silver Metallic
*Light Khaki Metallic
*Mineral Gray/Bright Silver Metallic
*Patriot Blue Pearlcoat/Bright Silver Metallic

'''Interior'''
*Khaki
*Medium Slate Gray

===Main Competitors===
*[[Ford F-150]]
*[[Nissan Titan]]
*[[GMC Sierra 1500]]
*[[Honda Ridgeline]]
*[[Lincoln Mark LT]]
*[[Toyota Tundra]]
*[[Chevrolet Silverado 1500]]

==Hybrid Models==
Dodge announced a [[hybrid car|mild hybrid]] version of the Ram, dubbed the '''Contractor's Special''', in 2003. However, the schedule for delivery slipped as Dodge backed away from the vehicle. The press currently reports that the [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] Ram will be available only for fleet purchasers and will not enter mass production. It offered an AC electrical outlet panel for running an entire jobsite worth of power tools.

==Unique Attributes==

==Resale Values==
[http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_resale?cat=trucks&segment=fullsize_trucks&rank=resale&year=2006 Autos.com] has the Ram 1500 tied for 2nd in its Resale category for Full-Size Trucks. This ranking is a bit misleading, however, as the Ram 1500 shares this honor with 9 other trucks, while 1st place itself is shared by 6 trucks. As reported by [http://www.kbb.com Kelley Blue Book,] "the Dodge Ram 1500 holds its value just slightly better than average, with HEMI-powered short-bed models at the top of the projected residual values list. The Ram is expected to hold its value better than the [[Chevrolet Silverado]] by a few percentage points, but not as well as the [[Nissan Titan]]."

==Criticisms==
*"Frame's stiffness makes the ride quality limitations of rear leaf springs more obvious." — The Car Connection
*"Engines could be better. The big 5.9-liter V-8 is crude." — USA Today
*"Needs lots of room to park." — Carpoint.com
*"Those who like the idea of a big truck but commute through the suburbs on a daily basis may want to try something a bit smaller, such as the mid-size Dodge Dakota. Unlike Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan, the Dodge Ram does not offer an extended cab model." - Kelley Blue Book

==Current Generation: (2002–present)==
[[Image:800px-2005_Dodge_Ram_Rumble_Bee.jpg|right|350px|2005 Dodge Ram Rumble Bee]]
The third-generation Ram 1500 debuted for 2002 (the 2500 and 3500 versions would carry on for one more year with the previous bodystyle). This represented a major update including all new frame, suspension, power teams, interiors, and sheetmetal. It included an even larger grille, and special models kept interest up as most competitors had adopted the Ram's separate-fender look. The Cummins ''ISB'' [[Diesel]] was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2004. The four wheel drive light duty trucks (1500 series) lost their live axles in trade for an [[independent suspension|independent front suspension]], but the heavy duty (2500 and 3500 series) retained the live axles for maximum durability and load capacity.

The redesigned DR trucks reignited sales, with 400,000 sold in 2002 and nearly 450,000 sold in 2003, a new high point for the Ram name. At the same time, both Ford and GM trucks were declining from a 2001 peak over 900,000 to the 850,000 area. But the Ram's sales could not keep up with the eleventh-generation [[Ford F-Series|F-150]] and the strong [[Nissan Titan]] in 2004 and 2005, with 400,543 Rams sold that year. The [[Toyota Tundra]] had never posed much of a threat, but a much larger 2007 model may erode Dodge sales further.

=====Special Rams=====
[[Image:800px-2005_Dodge_Ram_SRT-10.jpg|right|thumb|350px|2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10]]
* '''SRT-10''' This version is a regular or quad-cab body with the [[Dodge Viper]]'s [[Chrysler LA engine#Viper V10|V10 engine]], massive Pirelli 22" rimmed tires, custom lowered suspension, unique bucket seats, full body kit, and a spoiler. The 2004 version was available only in a single cab with a 6 speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter. For 2005, Dodge debuted a Quad Cab version of the Viper V10 powered truck. It now has a 48RE four speed auto transmission that was taken from the Heavy Duty Rams with the Cummins engine. In 2004, the truck won the Guinness record of "World's Fastest Production Pickup Truck" of 154.587mph (247,3 km/h).
* '''Power Wagon''' - Introduced for 2005 on the 2500 series, the Power Wagon comes with the 5.7 L new Hemi engine, locking differentials, disconnecting anti-roll bars, oversized off-road tires and a winch.
* '''Daytona''' - Introduced for 2005, the Ram Daytona features 20 in chrome wheels, custom paint, the ''Hemi'' engine, and a tall rear spoiler reminescent of the famous Dodge Charger Daytona from the late 1960s.
* '''Rumble Bee''' - The Rumble Bee edition was mainly a trim package on the Hemi Ram. It was only available on regular cab/short-box pickups and included lower body cladding, a hood scoop, and a specially-trimmed interior. On the rear of the box was a stripe with a "Rumble Bee" picture, meant to be reminiscent of the Super Bee.
* '''GTX''' - In 2004-2005, this package was very similar to the Rumble Bee in that it shared the Hemi engine, 20" wheels, hood scoop and specially-trimmed interior, but didn't have the lower body cladding and the stripes were different. These were available in Mango Green, Hemi Orange and Plum Crazy Purple, all with black tonneau cover and unique black-accented stripes and decals. In 2004 this was available only in a standard cab but a Quad Cab version became available in 2005.

=====Engines=====
{| class=wikitable
!Model
!Years
!Engine
!Power
!Torque
|-
|rowspan=4|1500||2002-2005||3.7 L ''[[Chrysler PowerTech engine#3.7|PowerTech]]'' [[V6]]||215 [[HP|hp]] (160 kW) at 5200 rpm||235 ft·lbf (319 N·m) at 4000 rpm
|-
|2002-2005||4.7 L ''[[Chrysler Magnum engine#4.7|Magnum]]'' [[V8]]||235 [[HP|hp]] (175.2 kW) at 4400 rpm||300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) at 3500 rpm
|-
|2002||5.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.9|Magnum]]'' [[V8]]||245 [[HP|hp]] (183 kW)||
|-
|rowspan=2|2003-2005||rowspan=2|5.7 L (346 in³) ''[[Chrysler Hemi engine#New Hemi|Hemi]]'' [[V8]]||rowspan=2|345 [[HP|hp]] (257 kW) at 5400 rpm||rowspan=2|375 ft·lbf (508 N·m) at 4200 rpm
|-
|rowspan=2|2500/3500
|-
|2002-2005||5.9 L ''[[Cummins B Series engine#ISB|Cummins ISB]]'' [[Diesel]] [[Straight-6|I6]]||325 [[HP|hp]] (242 kW) at 2900 rpm||610 ft·lbf (827 N·m) at 1600 rpm
|-
|SRT-10||2004-2005||8.3 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Viper V10|Viper V10]]'' [[V10 engine|V10]]||500 [[HP|hp]] (373 kW)||525 ft·lbf (712 N·m)
|}

==Previous Generations==
===Second generation (1994-2001)===
[[Image:DODGE_RAM.jpg|right|350px|1994 Dodge Ram]]
The Ram line was redesigned for 1994 and was an instant hit. It featured a semi truck-look front end with separate fenders and an oversized grille; but it was the 8.0 L [[V10 engine]] and its 450 ft.lbf (610 Nm) of torque that was noticed by serious users. Models were now the 1500 (half-ton), 2500 (¾-ton), and 3500 (one-ton).

A natural gas version of the 5.2 L engine debuted for 1995, as well as an extended-cab version. In 1998, Dodge introduced the "Quad-Cab", which used rear-hinged pillarless doors in the back for a wide cab opening on its extended-cab. The Cummins ''ISB'' engine, introduced in 1999, was an unusual multi-valve pushrod engine.

The redesigned 1994 Ram was a tremendous sales success, with sales rocketing from only 70,000 units in 1993 to 240,000 in 1994, 280,000 in 1995, and nearly 400,000 in 1996. Sales of this generation peaked at just over 400,000 in 1999 before declining against the redesigned [[Ford]] and [[General Motors Corporation|GM]] trucks. By 2001, the Ram was back to 350,000 sales.

=====Engines=====
{| class=wikitable
!Years
!Engine
!Power
!Torque
|-
|1994-2001||3.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9|Magnum]]'' [[V6]]||175 [[HP|hp]] (131 kW)||
|-
|1994-2001||5.2 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2|Magnum]]'' [[V8]]||220 [[HP|hp]] (164 kW)||
|-
|1994-1997||5.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.9|Magnum]]'' [[V8]]||230 [[HP|hp]] (172 kW)||
|-
|1994-1995||5.9 L ''[[Cummins B Series engine#B5.9|Cummins B5.9]]'' 12-valve [[Diesel]] [[Straight-6|I6]]||175 [[HP|hp]] (131 kW)||
|-
|1994-2001||8.0 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Ram Tough V10|Ram Tough]]'' [[V10 engine|V10]]||300 [[HP|hp]] (224 kW)||
|-
|1996-1998||5.9 L ''[[Cummins B Series engine#B5.9|Cummins B5.9]]'' 12-valve [[Diesel]] [[Straight-6|I6]]||215 [[HP|hp]] (160 kW)||
|-
|1998-2001||5.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.9|Magnum]]'' [[V8]]||250 [[HP|hp]] (186 kW)||
|-
|1999-2001||5.9 L ''[[Cummins B Series engine#ISB|Cummins ISB]]'' 24-valve [[Diesel]] [[Straight-6|I6]]||230 [[HP|hp]] (172 kW)||
|}

===First Generation/Origins (1981-1993)===
[[Image:1990Ram.jpg|right|350px|1990 Dodge Ram D150]]
The first-generation Ram trucks, introduced for 1981, kept the previous generation's model designations: "D" meant [[rear wheel drive]] while the "W" '''Power Ram''' meant [[four wheel drive]]. Like other domestic makers, Dodge used 150 to mean a half-ton truck, 250 to indicate a ¾-ton, and 350 for one-tons. Standard cab, "Club" extended cab, and crew cab versions were offered along with 6.5 ft and 8 ft bed lengths and "Utiline" and "Sweptline" styled boxes. Externally, the first-generation Rams were facelifted versions of the previous generation Dodge D Series pickups (known as the Adventurer) dating back to 1972 with wraparound taillights and square headlights.

'''100''' models were added for 1984, replacing the previous "Miser" trim on low-output [[manual transmission]] Slant-6 trucks. A "Ram-Trac" shift-on-the-fly transfer case was added for 1985, and both the crew cab and Utiline flared bed were dropped for 1986. Also for 1986, a new crosshair grille appeared. The 5.2 L engine received [[electronic fuel injection]] for 1988.

The engines were updated for 1989. The Slant-6 was dropped in favor of a 3.9 L [[fuel injected]] [[V6]] with 25% more power. The 5.9 L V8 also received fuel injection that year for 20 [[HP|hp]] (15 kW) more power. Rear [[anti-lock brake]]s were also made standard.

The Ram 100 models were renamed "150S" for 1990, and the exterior was redesigned the next year. The engines wore the "Magnum" name for 1992 and 1993 with much higher output.

The D Series trucks sold poorly compared to the [[Ford F-Series]] and the General Motors C/K trucks, with just under 100,000 units sold most years of their production.

=====B-Series Cummins arrives=====
A [[Cummins]] [[turbo]][[diesel]] option was added for big (400 ft.lbf / 542 Nm) torque needs. This engine, part of the Cummins ''[[Cummins B Series engine|B Series]]'', is [[list of automotive superlatives|the largest]] straight-6 engine ever produced for a passenger vehicle. These early B Series engines have been known to go 350,000 miles before their first [[overhaul]].

=====Engines=====
{| class=wikitable
!Years
!Engine
!Power
!Torque
|-
|1981-1988||3.7 L (225 in³) ''[[Chrysler Slant 6 engine#225|Slant-6]]'' [[Straight-6|I6]]||95 [[HP|hp]] (71 kW)||
|-
|1981-1987||5.2 L (318 in³) ''[[Chrysler LA engine#318|LA]]'' [[V8]]||125 [[HP|hp]] (104 kW)||
|-
|1981-1988||5.9 L (360 in³) ''[[Chrysler LA engine#318|LA]]'' [[V8]]||170 [[HP|hp]] (127 kW)||
|-
|1988-1991||5.2 L (318 in³) ''[[Chrysler LA engine#318|LA]]'' [[V8]]||140 [[HP|hp]] (104 kW)||
|-
|1989-1991||3.9 L (238 in³) ''[[Chrysler LA engine#238|LA]]'' [[V6]]||125 [[HP|hp]] (93 kW)
|-
|1989-1992||5.9 L (360 in³) ''[[Chrysler LA engine#360|LA]]'' [[V8]]||190 [[HP|hp]] (142 kW)||
|-
|1989-1993||5.9 L (360 in³) ''[[Cummins B Series engine#B5.9|Cummins B5.9]]'' [[diesel]] [[Straight-6|I6]]||160 [[HP|hp]] (119 kW)||
|-
|1992-1993||5.2 L (318 in³) ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2|Magnum]]'' [[V8]]||230 [[HP|hp]] (172 kW)||
|-
|1992-1993||3.9 L (238 in³) ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9|Magnum]]'' [[V6]]||180 [[HP|hp]] (134 kW)||
|-
|1993||5.9 L (360 in³) ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.9|Magnum]]'' [[V8]]||230 [[HP|hp]] (172 kW)||
|}

==Worldwide==

==Design quirks and oddities==

==Awards==
*''Truck Of The Year'' - '''Truckin''''
*''2006 4x4 Of The Year'' - '''4-Wheel and Off-Road'''
*''2006 Pickup Truck of the Year'' - '''Four Wheeler''' (RAM SLT TRX4)

{{Dodge}}

==External Links==
*[http://www.dodge.com Dodge.com] Official Dodge Website
*[http://www.srt10forum.com Dodge Ram SRT10 Forum] Forums dedicated to the discussion of the Dodge Ram SRT-10 variant.
*[http://www.BigBoys-CustomToys.com/Daytona Dodge Ram Daytona Parts and Accessories] Parts for 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Ram Dodge Ram], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dodge_Ram&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Dodge vehicles|Ram]]
[[Category:Flexible-fuel vehicles]]
[[Category:Pickup trucks]]
[[Category:All wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]]

Chevrolet Nova

2007-02-21T23:05:08Z

Rfujitani: Reverted edits by 4.156.63.192 (4.156.63.192); changed back to last version by Argen

The '''Chevrolet Nova''' or '''Chevy II''' was an American compact car introduced by the [[Chevrolet]] division of [[General Motors]] in 1962. The original Chevy II was of unibody construction, powered by an OHV inline four or six-cylinder engine, and available in two-door and four-door sedan configurations as well as convertible and station wagon versions. After the rear-engine [[Chevrolet Corvair]] was handily outsold by the conventional [[Ford Falcon]] in 1960, Chevrolet began work on a more conventional compact car that would eventually become the Chevy II.

===First Generation 1962-1965===

Available powerplants included a four-cylinder and an inline six. The Chevrolet Straight-6 was actually the third-generation powerplant, replacing the second-generation Stovebolt. Rival manufacturer [[Chrysler]] introduced the Slant 6 engine in their [[Plymouth Valiant]], a Chevy II competitor.

Although the Nova was not originally available with a V8 option, the engine bay was perfectly proportioned for one. It wasn't long before Chevrolet V8s were offered as dealer-installed options (between 1962 and 1963), up to and including the fuel injected version available in the [[Chevrolet Corvette]]. The combination of readily available V8 power and light weight made the Nova a popular choice of drag racers.

For 1963, the Chevy II Nova Super Sport was released. As mentioned above, Novas could not "officially" have V8 engines at this time — the standard SS engine was the six-cylinder — but many ended up with a small-block V8 under the hood. For 1964, the Chevy II's first factory V8 option was introduced - a 195 horsepower 283 cubic-inch V8. In 1965, the 327 cubic-inch V8 was also available with up to 300 horsepower.

In 1962 and 1963 the Nova was available in a convertible body style, and a two-door hardtop was available from 1962-1965.

===Second generation: 1966–1967===

1966 Novas saw a significant restyling, based in part on the Super Nova concept car. In general, proportions were squared up but dimensions and features changed little. Engine options still included the basic inline four- and six-cylinder engines and V8s of 283 and 327 in (4.6 and 5.4L), the latter offering now offering up to 350 horsepower, making the Nova so-equipped quite a pocket rocket during the musclecar era. During this time, the 90-horsepower 153 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine was only offered in the base Chevy II 100 series models with the 120-horsepower 194 cubic-inch six standard on the Nova and Nova SS lines. In addition to the V8s, other optional engines included a 140-horsepower 230 cubic-inch six and a 155-horsepower 250 cubic-inch six, the latter a new offering for 1967.

===Third generation: 1968–1974===

An extensive redesign came in 1968, when the station wagon and two door hardtop were discontinued. This body style continued (with minor revisions) through 1974. One notable change was the front subframe assembly — as compared with [[Ford]], [[Chrysler]] and [[AMC]], in whose cars the entire front suspension was integrated with the bodyshell, a separate subframe housing the powertrain and front suspension (similar to the front part of the frame of GM's full-size, full-framed vehicles) replaced the earlier style. Although the front subframe design was a Chevy II-exclusive design, the [[Chevrolet Camaro|Camaro]] introduced a year earlier was the first to incorporate such a design; the redesigned Chevy II was pushed a year back to 1968 instead of 1967. 1968 was the final year that the Chevy II nameplate was used, although all 1968 models were "Chevy II Novas" with one single trim line.

The 153 four-cylinder option was offered between 1968-1970, then was dropped due to lack of interest. Far more popular were the 250 cubic-inch six-cylinder and the base 307 cubic-inch V8, which replaced the 283 offered in previous years. At mid-year a semi-automatic transmission based on the Powerglide called Torque-Drive was introduced as a low-cost option for shiftless motoring for both the four and six-cylinder engines. The two-speed Powerglide was still the only fully-automatic gearbox available with most engines as the more desirable three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic was only available with the largest V8 engines.

The SS was transformed from a trim package to a performance option for 1968 and now included a 295 horsepower 350 cubic-inch V8 engine along with front disc brakes, heavy-duty suspension and other performance hardware. Optional engines included two versions of the big-block 396 cubic-inch V8 rated at 350 and 375 horsepower. Both 396 engines were offered with a choice of transmissions including the M-21 close-ratio four-speed manual, the M-22 heavy-duty "Rock Crusher" four-speed manual, or the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 for those who preferred automatic shifting.

;1969

The Chevy II nameplate was retired and the car became the "Chevy Nova" for this year (some sources referred to it as the Chevrolet Chevy Nova - perhaps the decision to drop the Chevy II moniker was a last-minute decision for 1969). Like other 1969 GM vehicles, locking steering columns were incorporated. Simulated vents were added below the Nova script, which was relocated to the front fender instead of the rear quarter panel. The 350 cubic-inch V8 with four-barrel carburetor that came standard with the SS option was revised with a five-horsepower increase to 300 while a two-barrel carbureted version of the 350 V8 rated at 255 horsepower was a new option on non-SS models. A new Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 three-speed automatic was made available for non-SS Novas with six-cylinder and V8 engines.

;1970

Basically a carryover from 1969; the side markers and taillight lenses were wider and positioned slightly differently. This was the final year for the SS396. All other engines were carried over including the seldom-ordered four-cylinder which was in its final year. The car finally became simply the Chevrolet Nova this year after two years of transitional nameplates (Chevy II Nova in 1968 and Chevrolet Chevy Nova in 1969).

Approximately 177 COPO Novas were ordered, with 175 converted by Yenko Chevrolet. (The other two were sold in Canada.)

A beater coupe is seen in the movie ''Beverly Hills Cop''.

;1971

1971 Novas were similar to the previous year but with the loss of the simulated fender vents and the discontinuation of the 396 motor for the SS with the L48 350 taking its place. 1971 also saw the introduction of the Rally Nova, a trim level that only lasted two years (until it resurfaced in 1977). The Rally kit included black or white stripes that ran the length of the car and around the back, a Rally Nova sticker on the driver's side of the hood, and Rally wheels.

The 250 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine was now the standard Nova powerplant with the demise of the 153 cubic-inch four-cylinder and 230 inch six-cylinder engines. The 307 and 350 V8s were carried over from 1970 and all engines featured lowered compression ratios to enable the use of unleaded gasoline as a result of a GM corporate mandate that took effect with the 1971 model year.

After 1971, other GM divisions began rebadging the Nova as their new entry-level vehicle, such as the [[Pontiac Ventura]] II (once a trim option for full-size Pontiacs to 1970), [[Oldsmobile Omega]] (1973) and the [[Buick Apollo]] (mid-1973). Interestingly, the intials of the four model names spelled out the acronym ''NOVA'' (Nova, Omega, Ventura, Apollo.)

;1972

A virtual rerun of 1971, the 1972 Nova received only minor trim changes and both the Rally Nova and SS options carried over. At mid-year a sunroof option became available on two-door models. Also, the optional Strato bucket seats available on coupes switched from the previous low-back design with adjustable headrests to the high back units with built-in headrests introduced the previous year on Camaros and Vegas.

;1973-74

The 1973 model year introduced a hatchback bodystyle based on the 2-door coupe, as well as a front and rear restyling and a modified rear side window shape, plus a revised rear suspension adapted from the second-generation Camaro with multi-leaf springs replacing the mono-leaf springs used on Novas since the original 1966 model. By this time, six-cylinder and V8 engines were ''de rigeur'' for American compact cars, with the 307 and 350 (5.0 and 5.7L) V8s becoming fairly common. Nova SS models offered a higher-performance 350 (5.7L) V8. The 1973 Nova with a six-cylinder engine or 307 V8 were among the last Chevrolets to be offered with the now-outdated two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, which was in its final year. For 1974, it was replaced by a lightweight version of the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 already offered with the 350 V8, which was the only V8 offered for 1974.

A luxury-themed Nova Custom became part of the model lineup which included upgraded upholstery, full carpeting and more exterior trim. The SS option was still available but became more of a sporty trim package than a performance offering and now offered with any Nova engine, much like the 1963-67 Nova SS.

[[Buick]] and [[Oldsmobile]] entered the compact car market; both the [[Apollo]] and [[Omega]] debuted, using the same bodystyles from the Nova lineup. Pontiac's final [[Pontiac GTO|GTO]] of this era was based on a facelifted 1974 [[Ventura]] coupe fitted with a shaker hoodscoop similar to the one on the [[Pontiac Trans Am|Trans Am]] of that year.

===Fourth generation: 1975–1979===

A completely restyled Nova was introduced in 1975 and continued through 1979. Base coupes, including the hatchback, had fixed side windows (or optional flip-out windows) and vertical vents on the B-pillar. (For the Pontiac Ventura, the side vents were horizontal.)

Six-cylinder and V8 engines remained the norm through the end of the decade (and the end of the rear-wheel drive GM X-body platform.)

The front suspension and subframe assembly was similar to the one used in the second-generation GM F-body ([[Chevrolet Camaro|Camaro]], [[Pontiac Firebird|Firebird]]), whereas the rear axle and suspension were carried over from the 1968-74 generation.

The Nova lineup ranged from the stripped-down "S" model, base, Custom (1975 and 1978/1979, which in later years became the LN and Nova Concours replacement), and the luxury-themed LN (the LN was the first to sport metric displacement badges — either "4.3 LITRE" or "5.7 LITRE"). The LN was replaced with the Nova Concours (1976 and 1977; 1977s had a 3-taillight lens scheme much similar to the [[Chevrolet Impala|Impala]] with a [[Cadillac]]-esque front clip). All were intended as competion for the recently introduced [[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]] and [[Ford Granada]]/[[Mercury Monarch]]. From 1977-1978, there was also the Nova Rally (not to be confused with the Rally Nova of the early 1970s). These came with the 305 engine, and some with the 4-speed Saginaw transmission.

The Apollo was replaced by the sportier [[Buick Skylark]] after 1975 (during the 1975 model year, the Apollo nameplate was used for the 4-door sedan, while the coupe was badged as the Skylark), while Pontiac's Ventura became the more luxurious [[Pontiac Phoenix|Phoenix]] for 1978 (the Phoenix was the first X-body fitted with square headlights). BOP versions of the Nova had either a Chevrolet inline six or [[GM 3800 engine|Buick V6]] as the base powerplant.

During the 1977 model year for the Ventura, the GM Iron Duke was the base motor (in response to the Arab Oil Embargo) coupled to a Borg-Warner T-50 transmission (it has no relationship to the T5 found in third-generation GM F-bodies); this is a rare find these days although the motor differed from the six-cylinder based 153 last offered as an option in 1970.) The Ventura was replaced by the Phoenix in the middle of the 1977 model year.

Base V8 motors included a Chevrolet 262 (and 305) and [[Oldsmobile]] 260; Pontiac Venturas were not fitted with a Pontiac V8 from the factory after 1975, when Oldsmobile 260s and Buick 350s were installed as optional equipment. This led to civil action against GM.

The Nova SS continued for 1975 and 1976; when the SS was discontinued, the option code for the SS — RPO Z26 — continued as the Nova Rally until 1979.

Even [[Cadillac]] got into the act. The Nova's X-body was stretched by several inches and fitted with an Oldsmobile fuel-injected V8 to become the [[Cadillac Seville|Seville]] for 1975.

A high-performance 9C1 police version of the Nova was introduced for the 1975 model year, making it the first compact car certified for police duty in the U.S. Most were initially purchased by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 1976.

The Nova's final model year, 1979, saw few changes. The front end was revised with square headlights and a new grille for the short run. Production ended on December 22, 1978.

From 1980 onwards, the Nova's original niche in the Chevrolet lineup was filled by front-wheel drive compacts including the [[Chevrolet Citation|Citation]] (1980-1985), and [[Chevrolet Corsica|Corsica]] (1988-1996). Upon introduction of the downsized GM A platform (RWD)|A-body (later GM G platform|G-body) mid-size cars in 1978, the X-body and downsized A-platform had similar dimensions, and the more modern downsized A-bodies outsold their X-body counterparts.

===The Nova Returns... Briefly===

In 1985 the Nova name was applied to a rebadged Toyota Sprinter, an upmarket version of the [[Toyota Corolla]] that replaced the Citation and was produced at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, California, as an historic first joint venture between [[General Motors]] and [[Toyota]]. It shared the Corolla's drivetrain and running gear, and was available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback (just like the Corolla). It differed from the Corolla mainly with slightly different front and rear styling. It also shared many interior parts, such as audio systems, with other GM's offerings whereas the Corolla did not. 1988 was the last year for the Nova nameplate on this (or any) platform, which arrived in showrooms as the [[Geo Prizm]] the following year.

==Novas abroad==
===Argentina===
The early third-generation (1968-74 body style) Nova was marketed in Argentina as the Chevrolet Chevy from late 1969 through 1978. The first- and second-generation (U.S. 1962-1967) body styles were sold as the Chevrolet 400; the second-generation body style was produced until 1974.

Their SS counterparts were both coupes and 4-door sedans, the latter of which was unheard of in the U.S. prior to the introduction of the 1994 Impala SS. In fact, a majority were fitted with inline sixes coupled to a ZF manual transmission.

==Main Competitors 1962-1979==
*[[Studebaker Lark]]
*[[Dodge Dart]]/[[Dodge Aspen|Aspen]]
*[[Ford Falcon]]/[[Ford Maverick|Maverick]]/[[Ford Fairmont|Fairmont]]
*[[Mercury Comet]]/[[Mercury Zephyr|Zephyr]]
*[[Plymouth Valiant]]/[[Plymouth Volare|Volare]]

==Main Competitors 1985-1988==

*[[Dodge Omni]]
*[[Ford Escort]]
*[[Honda Civic]]
*[[Isuzu I-Mark]]
*[[Mazda 323]]
*[[Mercury Lynx]]
*[[Nissan Sentra]]
*[[Plymouth Horizon]]
*[[Volkswagen Golf]]

==Novas in popular culture==
* In the 1973 James Bond film ''Live and Let Die'', several Novas are seen being used as police cars - years before the U.S. police forces actually put Novas onto their fleets.
* The popular TV series ''CHiPs'' would occasionaly show a 1975-78 Nova sedan outfitted in 9C1 California Highway Patrol trim.
* Aforementioned Eddie Murphy character Axel Foley in the 1984 hit movie ''Beverly Hills Cop'' drove an early 70's "crappy blue Chevy Nova".
* The 1985 Steven Spielberg movie ''Back to the Future'' briefly showed a badly wrecked 1975-78 Nova coupe, crashed by obnoxious bully Biff.
* The 1990 movie ''The Adventures of Ford Fairlane'' starring comedian Andrew Dice Clay had a scene where Gilbert Gottfried's character calls Ford Fairlane on the phone and jokingly asks "who is this, Chevy NOVA? Is this the CAR I'm talking to?"
* The 1994 Quentin Tarantino movie ''Pulp Fiction'', hitmen Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta drove around in a yellow 1974 Nova that meets an interesting fate.
* Also in the 2006 Disney film ''Invincible'' several Novas are seen including the car that Mark Wahlberg drives as Vince Papale.

==The urban legend==
A popular urban legend asserts that the Nova sold poorly in Mexico and other Latin American countries because the phrase ''no va'' means "does not go" in Spanish. In reality, the Spanish language ''no va'' and ''nova'' are as different as the English ''no table'' and ''notable''. [http://www.snopes.com/business/misxlate/nova.asp] The word ''nova'' exists in [http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nova Spanish] with the same meaning as in English. Also, the Spanish word for 'new' (nuevo or nueva) is cognate to ''nova'', which originally meant "new" in Latin. Finally, as NOVA was a brand of gasoline sold for many years by PEMEX in Mexico, the largest of all Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, it is clear that this urban legend, while perhaps entertaining, is utterly baseless.

==See also==
*[[Chevrolet Camaro]]
*[[GM X platform]]

==External links==
*[http://people.smu.edu/acambre/nova/ Chevrolet Nova Internet Source] — The second known Nova site on the Internet
*[http://people.smu.edu/acambre/novaList.html Nova listserv] — The first and only known public [[Electronic mailing list|mailing list]] dedicated to Chevrolet Novas and other X-bodies; in continuous existence since January 1998
*[http://automotivehistoryonline.com/Chevrolet1960m.htm Automotive History Online] - Chevrolet Nova History & Photos
*[http://www.novaresource.org/ NovaResource.com] — Excellent source of history, production numbers, and option code information for 1962-79 Novas
*[http://www.stevesnovasite.com/ Steve's Nova Site] - Includes Q&A discussion board; another excellent resource for Nova owners
*[http://www.musclecarfacts.com/mcf/nova/nova.asp Chevy Nova SS at Muscle Car Facts] — A year-by-year history.
*[http://www.gen4novas.com/ Gen4Novas.com] — Source for the 'stepchild' Disco-era X-car.

{{Chevrolet Vehicles}}
[[Category:Classic cars]]

User talk:Yankee

2007-02-21T23:02:39Z

Rfujitani: /* Questions and observations for all */

== Welcome to Wikicars! ==
Hi! Nice to see you with us again!

[[User:LuvWikis|LuvWikis]] 16:18, 27 January 2007 (UTC)

Hi there, '''Yankee''', and welcome to '''[[Main Page|Wikicars]]'''! I'm a regular moderator and contributor here, and when I notice on the recent changes log that a new editor has registered, I like to send them a welcome message - that's how I ended up on your talk page.

There are a few useful links that you might want to look at, designed to help newcomers to Wikicars learn the ropes:
:* '''''[[Wikicars:About|About Wikicars]]'''''
:* '''''[[Wikicars FAQ|Wikicars FAQs]]'''''

Here are a few templates on Wikicars that I find particularly helpful when I start a new page:
:* '''''[[Wikicars:Make Template|Make Template]]'''''
:* '''''[[Wikicars:Model Template|Model Template]]'''''
:* '''''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template|Model Review Template]]'''''

Here are a few features of Wikicars that I find particularly helpful:
:* If you leave a message on a talk page, you can sign it with four tildes (~), which will automatically produce your name and a date stamp when you save the page.

:* The "Show preview" button allows you to look at what your post will look like before you save it - that way, you can proofread what you've written and not have to back and correct spelling mistakes, failed links, etc.

:* You can create a watchlist for yourself that will keep a record of any changes made to a page that interests you.

There are plenty of other features and facets of Wikicars, many of which I probably haven't even discovered myself, so have fun looking around and finding them.

If you need help, ask me on [[User Talk:MQuan|my talk page]].

Again, welcome and thanks for adding to our community! -[[User:MQuan|MQuan]] 19:37, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

== Infoboxes ==

Been noticing your work. Really appreciate it, however, the next time please follow these guidelines when filling out an infobox. there is a space provided underneath each category which is where you fill out the information. Like so:

{{Infobox}}

[[User:Red_marquis|Red_marquis]] 10:19 pm, 28 January 2007 (UTC)
{{-}}

:Much better edits on the [[Chrysler LeBaron Coupe|LeBaron Coupe]] and [[Chrysler LeBaron GTS|LeBaron GTS]] pages. I believe these are more in stream with the infoboxes that [[User:Red_marquis|Red_marquis]] had in mind. Thanks for the contributions, and don't forget to create your user page! -[[User:PNiddy|Nidhi]] 00:41, 6 February 2007 (UTC)

==Great to have you here==
Hi Yankee,
That's a great introduction about yourself! We're very appreciative to have your expertise here! [[User:LuvWikis|LuvWikis]] 22:59, 11 February 2007 (UTC)
:Awesome info box, LOL! [[User:LuvWikis|LuvWikis]] 23:14, 11 February 2007 (UTC)

== Featured Member Nomination! ==

Hi there '''Yankee'''. I just wanted to let you know that we've nominated you for our ''Featured Member'' section on our homepage. We've seen you really step up your efforts on the site and since you're becomming more of an active member, we thought it was time that your accomplishments be celebrated. Please visit '''[[Garage Talk]]''' for more info regarding your nomination. If you're not familiar with [[Garage Talk]], it's a place where Wikicars contributors gather to discuss the site. Feel free to chime in! Congrats and keep up the good work! -[[User:PNiddy|Nidhi]] 01:49, 16 February 2007 (UTC)

== Infobox ==

Hey Yankee, have you noticed how when you fill up infoboxes there seems to be a white border on the right hand side of the box that makes the infobox appear to be "breaking"? I've figured out what you were doing wrong. It's pretty simple really. Just refrain from putting this symbol, "|", below where you write down the vehicle's marque (between that and "aka"). Also, dont add the symbol in a category that already has one. Like for example, check out "designer" on the errant infobox ive put on display. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask me on [[User talk:Red_marquis|my talk page]].

[[User:Red_marquis|Red_marquis]] 11:36, 17 January 2007 (UTC)

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | {{{Image}}}
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Your Infoboxes'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | {{{Manufacturer}}}
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| {{{aka (Type here, not up there)}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| {{{produced from when to when+total units made (optional)}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| {{{Class}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| {{{Body-Style}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| {{{length - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| {{{Width - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| {{{Height - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| {{{wheelbase - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| {{{Weight - you get the point}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| {{{transmission + drive}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| {{{engine}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| {{{Horsepower and Torque rating}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| {{{similar (competition)}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}}
|
|}

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | {{{Image}}}
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Normal Ones'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | {{{Manufacturer}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| {{{aka (Type here, not up there)}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| {{{produced from when to when+total units made (optional)}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| {{{Class}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| {{{Body-Style}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| {{{length - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| {{{Width - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| {{{Height - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| {{{wheelbase - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| {{{Weight - you get the point}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| {{{transmission + drive}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| {{{engine}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| {{{Horsepower and Torque rating}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| {{{similar (competition)}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}}
|}

{{-}}

==Other Codes==
Also, to help you out a bit further with codes. when you dont want infoboxes to intrude on each other's space because the accompanying article is too short (like say in an article where there are several generations of one model) simply type this code down <nowiki>{{-}}</nowiki>. That will leave a the space needed so you wouldnt have to repeatedly press enter to create a wide enough gap in the article.

We'd also like it if you included a nav box underneath each article. a nav box is simply a box dedicated to specific marques and includes a listing of thier models. What that does is make it easier to find other cars made by the same marque w/o typing it in search. For example, to put up the nav box for vehicles made by Dodge simply type <nowiki>{{Dodge}}</nowiki>. This is what will show up:

{{Dodge}}

[[User:Red_marquis|Red_marquis]] 12:04, 17 January 2007 (UTC)

== Infobox images ==

When you use an image in an infobox, please do not thumbnail the image. [[User:0-172|Enzo Worshipper]] 20:52, 17 February 2007 (UTC)

== Questions and observations for all ==

Greetings all, I was going to put this in the Garage Talk section, but it looks like that's getting pretty full, hence inviting you all to my talk page.

OK...

I have a few questions and observations for you administrators and anyone else who wishes to chime in - please don't be shy.

In the infoboxes, in the "similar" box... I personally think that they should only consist of similar models within the same company. For example, a modern-day Chevy Impala is similar to a Buick LaCrosse, Pontiac Grand Prix - a Dodge Caravan is similar to the Chrysler Town & Country, etc. I've noticed some have put their competitors in the same box... which to me is redundant since most pages already have a "Main Competitors" section. I know all of us being individuals with different writing styles won't all do the same thing, which is understandable, but I think we should try to achieve at least ''some'' consistency and perhaps reach a general consensus. I of course have my personal opinions, but I will follow whatever general consensus ultimately dictates.

I have noticed some of you have added pictures to my pages. Whomever has done so, thank you, I hope that continues. I've looked at a few other sites for pictures, such as conceptcarz and such (that is one annoying site, popups galore...) but still haven't had much luck. I'd rather not lift them from Wikipedia if possible, I'd kinda like us to have our own pictures different from theirs, but I guess if you can't beat 'em...

I'd like permission to scrap the [[Chevrolet Camaro]] and [[Pontiac Firebird]] pages altogether and start from scratch. What's already there isn't sufficient, if no one has any heartburn with it I'd like to start them all over. If I do this, of course if anyone has anything to add, like all the rest of my pages I certainly welcome it. But I noticed another editor (can't remember who) had on his "list of things to do" was to clean up those pages. If you still plan to do so, by all means go ahead... but if you decide you'd rather delegate that detail to someone else, I'd be happy to make my contribution to both.

OK, your turn. Thoughts? Comments?

"In the infoboxes, in the "similar" box... I personally think that they should only consist of similar models within the same company. For example, a modern-day Chevy Impala is similar to a Buick LaCrosse, Pontiac Grand Prix - a Dodge Caravan is similar to the Chrysler Town & Country, etc.... "

I think you're referring to a "Related" box and, go ahead, clean up those pages at will.
[[User:Red_marquis|Red_marquis]] 11:10, 19 February 2007 (UTC)

''I'm sorry, I'm not following. I'm referring to the "similar" part in the infobox, 2nd line from the bottom. I don't know what "related" boxes you're referring to... - Yankee''

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "scraping" the Camaro and Firebird pages. You can edit anything, so there's no need to delete the pages if that is what you are thinking. If you need the model template (which those pages don't have now) it's here [[Model_Template]]. I'm working on the Cougar page now, so I'd be glad to help with those after I'm done with it.
I also agree with you about lifting stuff from wikipedia. Unfortunately, for some vehicles (namely older ones) it is hard to come by info and even harder to come by good pics. [http://www.conceptcarz.com Conceptcarz] is a good site, but try oly to use the ones that don't have the watermark in the upper left corner. [http://www.seriouswheels.com Serious Wheels] is also good, but the sizes are a bit large.
[[User:Argen|Argen]] 11:41, 19 February 2007 (UTC)

''I'm sorry, I'm not following. I'm referring to the "similar" part in the infobox, 2nd line from the bottom. I don't know what "related" boxes you're referring to... - Yankee''

Yes I know. "Similar" refers to competition while "Related" refers to relatives in the same family of cars. wikipedia has that kind of a system in their infoboxes. -Red_marquis

''I took look at Wikipedia's infoboxes, I like ours better. Personally, I think we should have the "similar" box refer to related models since many entries already have a "main competitor" section in the text that already lists the competition. Having our "similar" box have the competition would result in an awful lot of redundancy, unless we scrap the "main competitor" section in the texts. I say let's be different from Wikipedia. Let's be BETTER. Then, WE will be the example to follow, not the other way around. ;-)''

''Also, I can't seem to post a picture without having a brown border on the left side of the pic. For the life of me I can't seem to correct it - I've looked at other examples but still can't figure it out. I'm sure it's something very easy that I'm overlooking. Can anyone help me out on that one? Thanks, Yankee 20 February 1505''
:I'd be willing to help you out with the picture problem, if you can point out an example of what you're talking about. Also, I just wanted to add that I love the "infobox" on your user page. It's hilarious! - [[User:Rfujitani|Pastrami on Ry]] 23:02, 21 February 2007 (UTC)

Main Page

2007-02-13T23:20:18Z

Rfujitani: rotating featured article and review

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__

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<div><div style="font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000">Welcome to [[Wikicars:about|Wikicars]]</div> A collaborative guide about cars and all things [[automobile|automotive]]. We're growing very fast and so far we have {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles. [[Wikicars:about|Learn more]].
:[[Garage Talk|Your opinion matters!]] Nominate members and articles to be featured on the home page.</div>
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{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px;" width="100%"
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|align="left" width="50%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #abd5f5; border-left:1px solid #abd5f5; border-right:1px solid #abd5f5; border-bottom:1px solid #abd5f5; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:3px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#d0e5f5;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #abd5f5;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[ Hybrid Cars | Spotlight On: Hybrids]] and [[High Mileage Vehicles]]</h2>
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<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em;">
[[Image:GS450h.jpg|none|225px|2007 Lexus GS450h]]
</div>
Driven by gas prices and growing social awareness, [[Hybrid Cars | '''hybrid cars''']] are becoming attractive options.
* [[Top Reasons to Buy a Hybrid Car]]
* [[Reasons Not to Buy a Hybrid Car (yet)]]
* [[Tips for Buying a Hybrid Car|Tips for Buying]]
* Non-hybrid [[High Mileage Vehicles]] that get over 30 mpg<br>
|}
{| cellpadding="1px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px;" width="100%"
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|align="left" valign="middle" width="130"|[[Image:Felix-car.jpg|thumb|left|135px|[[Plug-in_Hybrids|100+ mpg Toyota Prius Plug-in]]]]
|align="left" valign="top" width="70%"|
'''High Mileage Driving Tips'''

See how to save hundreds; improve fuel economy 15% or more

* [[Tips for all drivers]]
* [[Hypermiler|Tips for Hybrid Drivers, including Hypermilers]]
* [http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage/ See how your hybrid mileage compares]
|}
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{|cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" width="100%" style="padding-top:7px;"
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#eeeed1;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #ddddc0;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[User:Stevolutionary7|Wikicars Featured Contributor: Stevolutionary7]]</h2>
<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em;">
[[Image:2005_passat_sedan.jpg|none|190px]]
</div>
Whether it's a [[Porsche Boxster|Boxster]], a [[Jaguar XF]], a [[Mercury Mountaineer]], or a [[Saturn Relay]], Steve loves cars, and it shows throughout his contributions on Wikicars!
* '''''Key contributions:''''' [[Mercury Grand Marquis]], [[Saturn Sky]], [[Saturn Relay]], [[Mercury Mariner]], and [[Infiniti FX]].
* '''''Member since:''''' September 11, 2006 - <small>([[User talk:Stevolutionary7|Talk to '''Stevolutionary7''']])</small>
* Over [[Special:Contributions/Stevolutionary7|600+ edits]] since joining! '''''<font color="green">Congrats!</font>'''''
|}
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:7px;" width="100%"
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#bae8bc;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #779979;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Honda Civic|Featured Article]]: [[Honda Civic]]</h2>

<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em">
[[Image:Civic.jpg|250px|left|2007 Honda Civic]]
</div>The '''[[Honda]] Civic''' is a perennial top ten best-seller. Recognized for its rock-solid reliability and value for the money, the compact car appeals across a wide demographic spectrum, from the young, tuner crowd to the average family. It has picked up numerous automotive awards, including the ''North American Car of the Year'' award as well as the '''Motor Trend''' ''Car of the Year'' honor. <small>([[Honda Civic|more...]])</small>
|}
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:7px;" width="100%"
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|align="left" width="50%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #8597ab; border-left:1px solid #8597ab; border-right:1px solid #8597ab; border-bottom:1px solid #8597ab; padding-top:5px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:5px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #8597ab;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Nissan Altima Review|Featured Review]]: [[Nissan Altima Review|Nissan Altima]]</h2>

<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em">
[[Image:Altima quarter.jpg|left|250px|2007 Nissan Altima]]
</div>The fourth best-selling car in North America, the [[Nissan Altima]] is the sport competitor to the other better-selling midsize sedans in its class, the [[Honda Accord]] and the [[Toyota Camry]]. Descended from the Nissan Bluebird and Nissan Stanza, the Altima is postioned between the smaller [[Nissan Sentra]] and the more powerful [[Nissan Maxima]]. <small>([[Nissan Altima Review|more...]])</small>
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F2E6CE;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #D9CEB8;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[:Category:Model Reviews|Model Reviews]]</h2>
Your automotive opinion matters! Share your car knowledge with others and help build the most comprehensive archive of model reviews on the web today. Here are some of the latest reviews from the Wikicars Community:
{| cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:100%;"
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* [[Lexus GS Review|Lexus GS]]
* [[BMW X5 Review|BMW X5]]
* [[Jeep Grand Cherokee Review|Jeep Grand Cherokee]]
* [[Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review|Toyota Highlander Hybrid]]
|width="50%"|
* [[Volkswagen Passat Review|Volkswagen Passat]]
* [[Hyundai Sonata Review|Hyundai Sonata]]
* [[Audi A4 Review|Audi A4]]
* [[Honda Odyssey Review|Honda Odyssey]] <small>([[:Category:Model Reviews|more...]])</small>
|}
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|align="left" width="50%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #abd5f5; border-left:1px solid #abd5f5; border-right:1px solid #abd5f5; border-bottom:1px solid #abd5f5; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:10px;" valign="top"|

<h2 style="margin:0;background:#d0e5f5;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #abd5f5;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Car Buying Tips]]</h2>
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* How to [[negotiate for a lower car price]]
* How to [[buy a car on the internet]]
* How to get low cost financing: see our [[Car Loan Guide]]
* How to insure your vehicle: see our [[Car Insurance|Car Insurance Guide]]
|width="50%" valign="top"|
* How to obtain a [[Used Car History Report]]
* What to do [[car accidents|in case of an accident]]
* What is the [[Difference Between CPO and Used Vehicles]]?
|}
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{|width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="vertical-align:top;
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{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px;" width="200"
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:2px;">[[List of Manufacturers|Search By Make]]</h2>
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[[AC]]'''<br />
[[Acura]]'''<br />
[[Alfa Romeo]]'''<br />
[[AMC]]'''<br />
[[Ascari]]'''<br />
[[Aston Martin]]'''<br />
[[Audi]]'''<br />
[[BMW]]'''<br />
[[Bentley]]'''<br />
[[Bugatti]]'''<br />
[[Buick]]'''<br />
[[Cadillac]]'''<br />
[[Callaway]]'''<br />
[[Chevrolet]]'''<br />
[[Chrysler]]'''<br />
[[Citroën]]'''<br />
[[Continental]]'''<br />
[[Daewoo]]'''<br />
[[Daihatsu]]'''<br />
[[DeSoto]]'''<br />
[[Delorean]]'''<br />
[[De Tomaso]]'''<br />
[[Dodge]]'''<br />
[[Eagle]]'''<br />
[[Ferrari]]'''<br />
[[Fiat]]'''<br />
[[Ford]]'''<br />
[[GMC]]'''<br />
[[Geo]]'''<br />
[[Holden]]'''<br />
[[Honda]]'''<br />
[[Hummer]]'''<br />
[[Hyundai]]'''<br />
[[Imperial]]'''<br />
[[Infiniti]]'''<br />
[[Isuzu]]'''<br />
[[Jaguar]]'''<br />
[[Jeep]]'''<br />
[[Kaiser]]'''<br />
[[Kia]]'''<br />
[[Koenigsegg]]'''<br />
|align="left" width="100px" NOWRAP style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; padding-top:0px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:2px;" valign="top"|
[[Lamborghini]]'''<br />
[[Lancia]]'''<br />
[[Land Rover]]'''<br />
[[Lexus]]'''<br />
[[Lincoln]]'''<br />
[[Lotus]]'''<br />
[[MINI]]'''<br />
[[Maserati]]'''<br />
[[Maybach]]'''<br />
[[Mazda]]'''<br />
[[Mercedes-Benz]]'''<br />
[[Mercury]]'''<br />
[[MG]]'''<br />
[[Mitsubishi]]'''<br />
[[Morgan]]'''<br />
[[Noble]]'''<br />
[[Nissan]]'''<br />
[[Opel]]'''<br />
[[Oldsmobile]]'''<br />
[[Packard]]'''<br />
[[Pagani]]'''<br />
[[Plymouth]]'''<br />
[[Peugeot]]'''<br />
[[Pontiac]]'''<br />
[[Porsche]]'''<br />
[[Renault]]'''<br />
[[Rolls-Royce]]'''<br />
[[Saab]]'''<br />
[[Saturn]]'''<br />
[[Scion]]'''<br />
[[Seat]]'''<br />
[[Smart]]'''<br />
[[Spyker]]'''<br />
[[Studebaker]]'''<br />
[[Subaru]]'''<br />
[[Suzuki]]'''<br />
[[Tesla]]'''<br />
[[Toyota]]'''<br />
[[Triumph]]'''<br />
[[TVR]]'''<br />
[[Venturi]]'''<br />
[[Volkswagen]]'''<br />
[[Volvo]]'''<br />
<br />
<small>([[List of Manufacturers|more...]])</small><br />
|}
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{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:5px;" width="100%"
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Wikicars' Picks]]</h2>
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'''[[Cars under 10k]]'''<br>
'''[[Passenger Cars]]'''<br>
'''[[Luxury Cars]]'''<br>
'''[[Trucks]]'''<br>
'''[[SUVs]]'''<br>
'''[[Hybrids]]'''<br> <small>([[Wikicars' Picks|more...]])</small>
|}
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:5px;" width="100%"
|align="center" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:0px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[:Category:Car designers|Famous Car Designers]]</h2>
|-
|align="left" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-bottom:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding-top:5px; padding-right:1px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:2px;" valign="top"|
'''[[Nuccio Bertone]]'''<br>
'''[[Franco Scaglione]]'''<br>
'''[[Giacinto Ghia]]'''<br>
'''[[Pietro Frua]]'''<br>
'''[[Giorgetto Giugiaro]]'''<br>
'''[[Marcello Gandini]]'''<br>
'''[[Alejandro de Tomaso]]'''<br> <small>([[:Category:Car designers|more...]])</small>
|}
|-
|colspan="2"|
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" width="100%" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px;"
|style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #de8ca7; border-left:1px solid #de8ca7; border-right:1px solid #de8ca7; border-bottom:1px solid #de8ca7;padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:0px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#f7d4e0;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #de8ca7;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Living on the Automotive Edge]]</h2>
{| width="100%" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2"
|-
| width="33%|
[[Image:Wiener.jpg|left|thumb|200px|[[Famous Cars|Oscar Mayer Wienermobile]]]]
| width="33%"|
* [[World's fastest street legal cars]]
* [[World's most expensive new cars]]
* Most [[Famous Cars]]
* [[Star Cars|What the Stars Drive]]
* [[Highest miles per gallon]] cars
* Places to [[Blessing of the Cars|have your car blessed]]
* [[Classic car|Classic Cars]]
* [[Concept Cars|Concept cars]]
* [[Auto Shows|Auto Shows]]
* [[State Limousines|Rides of Heads of State]]
| width="33%" |
[[image:Bugatti_Veyron-2.jpg|left|thumb|200px| [[Bugatti Veyron]], 253 mph]]
|}
|}
|}

Main Page

2007-02-02T20:58:24Z

Rfujitani: rotating featured article (Porsche Boxster) and review (Toyota Prius)

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__

{| cellpadding="0px" cellspacing="5px" border="0px" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" width="100%" colspan="2"|

{| cellpadding="10px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" width="95%" style="background-color:#F3F3F3; border:1px solid #808080"|
<div><div style="font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000">Welcome to [[Wikicars:about|Wikicars]]</div> A collaborative guide about cars and all things [[automobile|automotive]]. We're growing very fast and so far we have {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles. [[Wikicars:about|Learn more]].
:[[Garage Talk|Your opinion matters!]] Nominate members and articles to be featured on the home page.</div>
|}
|-

|align="left" width="*" valign="top"|

{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px;" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" width="50%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #abd5f5; border-left:1px solid #abd5f5; border-right:1px solid #abd5f5; border-bottom:1px solid #abd5f5; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:3px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#d0e5f5;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #abd5f5;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[ Hybrid Cars | Spotlight On: Hybrids]] and [[High Mileage Vehicles]]</h2>
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding:5px;" width="100%"
|-
|valign="top" width="100%"|
<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em;">
[[Image:GS450h.jpg|none|225px|2007 Lexus GS450h]]
</div>
Driven by gas prices and growing social awareness, [[Hybrid Cars | '''hybrid cars''']] are becoming attractive options.
* [[Top Reasons to Buy a Hybrid Car]]
* [[Reasons Not to Buy a Hybrid Car (yet)]]
* [[Tips for Buying a Hybrid Car|Tips for Buying]]
* Non-hybrid [[High Mileage Vehicles]] that get over 30 mpg<br>
|}
{| cellpadding="1px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px;" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" valign="middle" width="130"|[[Image:Felix-car.jpg|thumb|left|135px|[[Plug-in_Hybrids|100+ mpg Toyota Prius Plug-in]]]]
|align="left" valign="top" width="70%"|
'''High Mileage Driving Tips'''

See how to save hundreds; improve fuel economy 15% or more

* [[Tips for all drivers]]
* [[Hypermiler|Tips for Hybrid Drivers, including Hypermilers]]
* [http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage/ See how your hybrid mileage compares]
|}
|}
{|cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" width="100%" style="padding-top:7px;"
| style="background:#fffff3; border:1px solid #eeeed1;"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#eeeed1;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #ddddc0;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[User:Stevolutionary7|Wikicars Featured Contributor: Stevolutionary7]]</h2>
<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em;">
[[Image:2005_passat_sedan.jpg|none|190px]]
</div>
Whether it's a [[Porsche Boxster|Boxster]], a [[Jaguar XF]], a [[Mercury Mountaineer]], or a [[Saturn Relay]], Steve loves cars, and it shows throughout his contributions on Wikicars!
* '''''Key contributions:''''' [[Mercury Grand Marquis]], [[Saturn Sky]], [[Saturn Relay]], [[Mercury Mariner]], and [[Infiniti FX]].
* '''''Member since:''''' September 11, 2006 - <small>([[User talk:Stevolutionary7|Talk to '''Stevolutionary7''']])</small>
* Over [[Special:Contributions/Stevolutionary7|600+ edits]] since joining! '''''<font color="green">Congrats!</font>'''''
|}
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:7px;" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #8AAA88; border-left:1px solid #8AAA88; border-right:1px solid #8AAA88; border-bottom:1px solid #8AAA88; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:5px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#bae8bc;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #779979;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Porsche Boxster|Featured Article]]: [[Porsche Boxster]]</h2>

<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em">
[[Image:Boxster.jpg|250px|left|2007 Porsche Boxster]]
</div>The '''[[Porsche]] [[Porsche Boxster|Boxster]] Speedster''' is a [[convertible]] [[sports car]] released in late 1996. The Boxster has a [[MR layout|mid-mounted]] [[internal combustion engine|engine]], two doors, two seats, and a folding cloth roof. Boxster production began at the former [[Porsche 928]] facility at Stuttgart after the 928 was discontinued due to poor sales. Throughout its production it has been Porsche's smallest and least expensive sports car model.<small> ([[Porsche Boxster|more...]])</small>
|}
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:7px;" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" width="50%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #8597ab; border-left:1px solid #8597ab; border-right:1px solid #8597ab; border-bottom:1px solid #8597ab; padding-top:5px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:5px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #8597ab;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Toyota Prius Review|Featured Review]]: [[Toyota Prius Review|Toyota Prius]]</h2>

<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em">
[[Image:06prius.jpg|left|250px|2007 Toyota Prius]]
</div>
The Toyota Prius is the first mass-produced [[hybrid]] automobile. The G21 team of 1,000 engineers threw out 80 designs to get to the first prototype that doubled fuel efficiency and later became the Prius Concept. It was first sold exclusively in Japan starting in 1997, and entered the worldwide market in 2001. By the end of 2003, nearly 160,000 units had been produced for sale in Japan, Europe, and North America, and as of April 2006, Toyota had sold [http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/08/prius-hits-500-000-mark/ 504,700] Prius models. <small>([[Toyota Prius Review|more...]])</small>
|}
{| cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:100%;padding-top:7px;"
|-
| align="left" style="background-color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #D9CEB8;padding:7px;" |
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F2E6CE;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #D9CEB8;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[:Category:Model Reviews|Model Reviews]]</h2>
Your automotive opinion matters! Share your car knowledge with others and help build the most comprehensive archive of model reviews on the web today. Here are some of the latest reviews from the Wikicars Community:
{| cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:100%;"
|-
|width="50%"|
* [[Lexus GS Review|Lexus GS]]
* [[BMW X5 Review|BMW X5]]
* [[Jeep Grand Cherokee Review|Jeep Grand Cherokee]]
* [[Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review|Toyota Highlander Hybrid]]
|width="50%"|
* [[Volkswagen Passat Review|Volkswagen Passat]]
* [[Hyundai Sonata Review|Hyundai Sonata]]
* [[Audi A4 Review|Audi A4]]
* [[Honda Odyssey Review|Honda Odyssey]] <small>([[:Category:Model Reviews|more...]])</small>
|}
|}
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:7px;" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" width="50%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #abd5f5; border-left:1px solid #abd5f5; border-right:1px solid #abd5f5; border-bottom:1px solid #abd5f5; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:10px;" valign="top"|

<h2 style="margin:0;background:#d0e5f5;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #abd5f5;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Car Buying Tips]]</h2>
{| cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:100%;"
|-
|width="50%"|
* How to [[negotiate for a lower car price]]
* How to [[buy a car on the internet]]
* How to get low cost financing: see our [[Car Loan Guide]]
* How to insure your vehicle: see our [[Car Insurance|Car Insurance Guide]]
|width="50%" valign="top"|
* How to obtain a [[Used Car History Report]]
* What to do [[car accidents|in case of an accident]]
* What is the [[Difference Between CPO and Used Vehicles]]?
|}
|}
|align="left" valign="top" |

{|width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="vertical-align:top;
|-
|
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px;" width="200"
|align="center" colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:5px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:2px;">[[List of Manufacturers|Search By Make]]</h2>
|-
|align="left" NOWRAP style="background-color:#ffffff; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-bottom:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding-top:0px; padding-right:3px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:0px;" valign="top"|
[[AC]]'''<br />
[[Acura]]'''<br />
[[Alfa Romeo]]'''<br />
[[AMC]]'''<br />
[[Ascari]]'''<br />
[[Aston Martin]]'''<br />
[[Audi]]'''<br />
[[Avanti]]'''<br />
[[BMW]]'''<br />
[[Bentley]]'''<br />
[[Bugatti]]'''<br />
[[Buick]]'''<br />
[[Cadillac]]'''<br />
[[Callaway]]'''<br />
[[Chaparral]]'''<br />
[[Chevrolet]]'''<br />
[[Chrysler]]'''<br />
[[Citroën]]'''<br />
[[Clipper]]'''<br />
[[Continental]]'''<br />
[[Crosley]]'''<br />
[[Daewoo]]'''<br />
[[Daihatsu]]'''<br />
[[DeSoto]]'''<br />
[[Delorean]]'''<br />
[[De Tomaso]]'''<br />
[[Detroit Motor Company]]'''<br />
[[Dodge]]'''<br />
[[Eagle]]'''<br />
[[Edsel]]'''<br />
[[Ferrari]]'''<br />
[[Fiat]]'''<br />
[[Fisker]]'''<br />
[[Ford]]'''<br />
[[Frazer]]'''<br />
[[GMC]]'''<br />
[[Geo]]'''<br />
[[Holden]]'''<br />
[[Honda]]'''<br />
[[Hudson]]'''<br />
[[Hummer]]'''<br />
[[Hyundai]]'''<br />
[[Imperial]]'''<br />
[[Infiniti]]'''<br />
[[Iran Khodro]]'''<br />
[[Isuzu]]'''<br />
[[Jaguar]]'''<br />
[[Jeep]]'''<br />
[[Kaiser]]'''<br />
[[Kia]]'''<br />
[[Koenigsegg]]'''<br />
|align="left" width="100px" NOWRAP style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; padding-top:0px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:2px;" valign="top"|
[[Lamborghini]]'''<br />
[[Lancia]]'''<br />
[[Land Rover]]'''<br />
[[Lexus]]'''<br />
[[Lincoln]]'''<br />
[[Lotus]]'''<br />
[[MINI]]'''<br />
[[Maserati]]'''<br />
[[Maybach]]'''<br />
[[Mazda]]'''<br />
[[Mercedes-Benz]]'''<br />
[[Mercury]]'''<br />
[[MG]]'''<br />
[[Mitsubishi]]'''<br />
[[Morgan]]'''<br />
[[Nash]]'''<br />
[[Noble]]'''<br />
[[Nissan]]'''<br />
[[Opel]]'''<br />
[[Oldsmobile]]'''<br />
[[Packard]]'''<br />
[[Pagani]]'''<br />
[[Plymouth]]'''<br />
[[Peugeot]]'''<br />
[[Pontiac]]'''<br />
[[Porsche]]'''<br />
[[Qvale]]'''<br />
[[Rambler]]'''<br />
[[Renault]]'''<br />
[[Rolls-Royce]]'''<br />
[[Saab]]'''<br />
[[Saturn]]'''<br />
[[Scion]]'''<br />
[[Seat]]'''<br />
[[Smart]]'''<br />
[[Spyker]]'''<br />
[[Studebaker]]'''<br />
[[Subaru]]'''<br />
[[Suzuki]]'''<br />
[[Tesla]]'''<br />
[[Toyota]]'''<br />
[[Triumph]]'''<br />
[[Tucker]]'''<br />
[[TVR]]'''<br />
[[Vector]]'''<br />
[[Venturi]]'''<br />
[[Volkswagen]]'''<br />
[[Volvo]]'''<br />
<br />
<small>([[List of Manufacturers|more...]])</small><br />
|}
|}
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:5px;" width="100%"
|align="center" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:0px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Wikicars' Picks]]</h2>
|-
|align="left" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-bottom:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding-top:5px; padding-right:1px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:2px;" valign="top"|
'''[[Cars under 10k]]'''<br>
'''[[Passenger Cars]]'''<br>
'''[[Luxury Cars]]'''<br>
'''[[Trucks]]'''<br>
'''[[SUVs]]'''<br>
'''[[Hybrids]]'''<br> <small>([[Wikicars' Picks|more...]])</small>
|}
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:5px;" width="100%"
|align="center" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:0px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#F3F3F3;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[:Category:Car designers|Famous Car Designers]]</h2>
|-
|align="left" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-left:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-right:1px solid #aaaaaa; border-bottom:1px solid #aaaaaa;padding-top:5px; padding-right:1px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:2px;" valign="top"|
'''[[Nuccio Bertone]]'''<br>
'''[[Franco Scaglione]]'''<br>
'''[[Giacinto Ghia]]'''<br>
'''[[Pietro Frua]]'''<br>
'''[[Giorgetto Giugiaro]]'''<br>
'''[[Marcello Gandini]]'''<br>
'''[[Alejandro de Tomaso]]'''<br> <small>([[:Category:Car designers|more...]])</small>
|}
|-
|colspan="2"|
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" width="100%" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px;"
|style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #de8ca7; border-left:1px solid #de8ca7; border-right:1px solid #de8ca7; border-bottom:1px solid #de8ca7;padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:0px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#f7d4e0;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #de8ca7;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Living on the Automotive Edge]]</h2>
{| width="100%" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2"
|-
| width="33%|
[[Image:Wiener.jpg|left|thumb|200px|[[Famous Cars|Oscar Mayer Wienermobile]]]]
| width="33%"|
* [[World's fastest street legal cars]]
* [[World's most expensive new cars]]
* Most [[Famous Cars]]
* [[Star Cars|What the Stars Drive]]
* [[Highest miles per gallon]] cars
* Places to [[Blessing of the Cars|have your car blessed]]
* [[Classic car|Classic Cars]]
* [[Concept Cars|Concept cars]]
* [[Auto Shows|Auto Shows]]
* [[State Limousines|Rides of Heads of State]]
| width="33%" |
[[image:Bugatti_Veyron-2.jpg|left|thumb|200px| [[Bugatti Veyron]], 253 mph]]
|}
|}
|}

Pontiac Vibe

2007-01-23T21:12:46Z

Rfujitani: implementing infobox

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Pontiac-vibe-2006-silver.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Pontiac Vibe'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Pontiac]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 2007
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Compact Car
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-door [[hatchback]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 171.9 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 69.9 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 62.2 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 102 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 2,700 lbs.
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 5-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 1.8L [[I-4]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 126[[hp]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Toyota Matrix]]<br>[[Mazda Mazda3]]<br>[[Ford Focus]]<br>[[Honda Fit]]<br>[[Nissan Versa]]<br>[[Chevrolet HHR]]<br>[[Dodge Caliber]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}

The '''[[Pontiac]] Vibe''' is a car produced in Fremont, California, in the United States by NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc), a shared endeavor between [[GMC|General Motors]] and [[Toyota]]. Prototypes were shown at the [[North American International Auto Show]] in Detroit in January 2000 and production vehicles came on the market in 2002 for the 2003 model year.

It is a short and tall [[station wagon]] that is being marketed as a trendy, quasi-SUV vehicle for younger buyers. [[Toyota]] calls their North American version the [[Toyota Matrix|Matrix]], although lack of capacity at the NUMMI plant means that the Matrix is produced in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Pontiac Vibe Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===

===Styles and Major Options===
The 2007 Vibe comes in one trim, the Base model. It is equipped with a 1.8L 126[[hp]] [[I-4]] engine, a 5-speed [[manual transmission]], and [[front wheel drive]]. Although there are no alternate trims available, several features are optional, including [[electronic stability control]],
a 4-speed [[automatic transmission]], [[traction control]], leather seating, an upgraded audio system, and [[cruise control]], among others. For a list of standard safety features, see the Safety section below. Some of the other standout features include:
[[image:2007_Vibe_silverleft.jpg|right|325px|thumb]]
*16" steel wheels
*6-way driver (4-way passenger) front bucket seats
*Cloth seating and door trim
*Front and rear cup holders
*Manual front air conditioning
*4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
*Manual locks/windows, power mirrors
*Tilt steering wheel
*Exterior temp. monitor and trip odometer
*Black grille moldings with chrome surround

===Pricing===
Today's actual prices for the [[Pontiac]] Vibe can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/pontiac/vibe/prices CarsDirect].

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=1>
'''Vibe Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Base
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=1>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$16,710
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=1>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$15,791
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Gas Mileage===
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
'''Trim'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Vibe [[manual transmission|manual]]
</td>
<td>
Vibe [[automatic transmission|auto]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
30/36
</td>
<td>
29/34
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Reliability===
For the 2003 and 2004 model years, which were the most recent to provide long-term reliability information, the Vibe received all around Green ratings in every category examined by Automtive Information Systems. This indicates that the Vibe experienced minimal problems.

===Safety===
The 2007 Vibe earned mixed results from safety tests carried out by the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA.] Its only 5-Star rating was awarded for driver's side front-impact crash tests. Tests for passenger side front-impact, rear side-impact, and rollover yielded 4-Star ratings, and front side-impact crash tests earned it an average 3-Star rating. Some of the safety features found standard on the Vibe include:
*Front and rear anti-roll bars
*Driver/passenger front impact [[airbag]]s
*Occupancy sensors
*Side impact bars
*Available ABS and driveline [[traction control]]
*Available StabiliTrak [[electronic stability control]]
*Available side impact [[airbag]]s

===Photos===
<gallery>
image:2007_Vibe_silverright.jpg
image:2007_Vibe_engine.jpg
image:2007_Vibe_dashboardinstrument.jpg
image:2007_Vibe_frontinterior.jpg
image:2007_vibe_frontinterior2.jpg
image:2007_Vibe_rearinterior.jpg
</gallery>

===Colors===
A complete list of colors for the Vibe is available at [http://www.carsdirect.com/pontiac/vibe/colors CarsDirect.com.] Some of the possible combinations include:

'''Exterior'''
*Abyss (Black)
*Frosty (White)
*Neptune (Blue)
*Salsa (Red)
*Stealth (Gray Metallic)

'''Interior'''
*Graphite
*Slate

===Main Competitors===
*[[Mazda Mazda3]]
*[[Toyota Prius]]
*[[Honda Civic]]
*[[Toyota Corolla]]
*[[Scion tC]]
*[[Toyota Matrix]]
*[[Subaru Impreza]]
*[[Nissan Sentra]]

==Hybrid Models==
There are currently no [[hybrid]] models of the Vibe in production.

==Unique Attributes==

==Resale Values==
According to [http://www.kbb.com Kelley Blue Book,] "the Vibe is expected to post a lower-than-average residual value after 24-, 36-, 48- and 60-months. Ironically the Vibe's sister vehicle, the [[Toyota Matrix]], holds better-than-average value over the same time periods."

==Criticisms==
*"Little can be done to remedy the limited functionality of the Vibe?s roof rack. Place-ment of the antenna precludes using it for anything larger than a snowboard or bike; a kayak is out of the question." - '''AutoWeek'''
*"The Toyota 1.8-liter engine does not have much low-end torque, and all-wheel drive models are available only with the base engine and an automatic transmission." - '''Kelley Blue Book'''

==Current Generation: (2003–Present)==
The car features a standard household-style 115 volt AC electrical outlet so that common electrical devices can be used inside the car without a separate inverter.

The Vibe is available in an economical base model, in "sporty" GT trim with more power, or also in an [[Four Wheel Drive|all-wheel drive]] model.

Powertrains available for this car are a 1.8 L [[Straight-4|I4]] [[Multi-valve|16-valve]] engine producing 126 [[HP|hp]] on the base model ([[Manual transmission|manual]] or [[automatic transmission]]), 118 [[HP|hp]] on the [[Four Wheel Drive|all-wheel drive]] model ([[Automatic transmission|automatic]] only), or a version with [[VVT-i|VVTL-i]] producing 164 [[HP|hp]] for the GT (manual 6-speed only). The Vibe is currently the most fuel efficient vehicle sold by GM in North America.

There have been some minor changes between model years. The Vibe was first officially produced in 2002 as a 2003 model. Originally the [[HP|HP]] ratings of the 2003 model year were much higher, with the GT claiming to possess 180 [[HP|hp]], the base model rated at 130 [[HP|hp]], and the all-wheel drive model rated at 126 [[HP|hp]]. The 2004 saw a slight drop in [[HP|HP]] reported, and additional 'smog' filters were added to the engine.

The first major change in the Vibe line was the change of the front fascia starting in the 2005 model year. In an attempt to 'converge' the Pontiac look, the front grills were rounded out to more closely match the look of the other vehicles in the Pontiac line.

The all-wheel drive and GT versions will be dropped after 2006 due to poor sales, leaving only the base 1.8 Vibe on the market.

==Worldwide==

==Design quirks and oddities==

==Awards==

==See also==

{{Pontiac}}

==External links==
*[http://www.pontiac.com/vibe Official site]
*[http://www.genvibe.com/ Generation Vibe], a Pontiac Vibe enthusiast site

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Vibe Pontiac Vibe], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pontiac_Vibe&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Current Models]]
[[Category:All wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Front wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:Pontiac vehicles|Vibe]]
[[Category:Compact cars]]

Pontiac Vibe

2007-01-23T20:52:57Z

Rfujitani: filling in template

[[Image:Pontiac-vibe-2006-silver.jpg|thumb|250px|right|2006 Pontiac Vibe]]

The '''[[Pontiac]] Vibe''' is a car produced in Fremont, California, in the United States by NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc), a shared endeavor between [[GMC|General Motors]] and [[Toyota]]. Prototypes were shown at the [[North American International Auto Show]] in Detroit in January 2000 and production vehicles came on the market in 2002 for the 2003 model year.

It is a short and tall [[station wagon]] that is being marketed as a trendy, quasi-SUV vehicle for younger buyers. [[Toyota]] calls their North American version the [[Toyota Matrix|Matrix]], although lack of capacity at the NUMMI plant means that the Matrix is produced in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Pontiac Vibe Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===

===Styles and Major Options===
The 2007 Vibe comes in one trim, the Base model. It is equipped with a 1.8L 126[[hp]] [[I-4]] engine, a 5-speed [[manual transmission]], and [[front wheel drive]]. Although there are no alternate trims available, several features are optional, including [[electronic stability control]],
a 4-speed [[automatic transmission]], [[traction control]], leather seating, an upgraded audio system, and [[cruise control]], among others. For a list of standard safety features, see the Safety section below. Some of the other standout features include:
[[image:2007_Vibe_silverleft.jpg|right|325px|thumb]]
*16" steel wheels
*6-way driver (4-way passenger) front bucket seats
*Cloth seating and door trim
*Front and rear cup holders
*Manual front air conditioning
*4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
*Manual locks/windows, power mirrors
*Tilt steering wheel
*Exterior temp. monitor and trip odometer
*Black grille moldings with chrome surround

===Pricing===
Today's actual prices for the [[Pontiac]] Vibe can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/pontiac/vibe/prices CarsDirect].

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=1>
'''Vibe Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Base
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=1>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$16,710
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=1>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$15,791
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Gas Mileage===
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
'''Trim'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Vibe [[manual transmission|manual]]
</td>
<td>
Vibe [[automatic transmission|auto]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
30/36
</td>
<td>
29/34
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Reliability===
For the 2003 and 2004 model years, which were the most recent to provide long-term reliability information, the Vibe received all around Green ratings in every category examined by Automtive Information Systems. This indicates that the Vibe experienced minimal problems.

===Safety===
The 2007 Vibe earned mixed results from safety tests carried out by the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA.] Its only 5-Star rating was awarded for driver's side front-impact crash tests. Tests for passenger side front-impact, rear side-impact, and rollover yielded 4-Star ratings, and front side-impact crash tests earned it an average 3-Star rating. Some of the safety features found standard on the Vibe include:
*Front and rear anti-roll bars
*Driver/passenger front impact [[airbag]]s
*Occupancy sensors
*Side impact bars
*Available ABS and driveline [[traction control]]
*Available StabiliTrak [[electronic stability control]]
*Available side impact [[airbag]]s

===Photos===
<gallery>
image:2007_Vibe_silverright.jpg
image:2007_Vibe_engine.jpg
image:2007_Vibe_dashboardinstrument.jpg
image:2007_Vibe_frontinterior.jpg
image:2007_vibe_frontinterior2.jpg
image:2007_Vibe_rearinterior.jpg
</gallery>

===Colors===
A complete list of colors for the Vibe is available at [http://www.carsdirect.com/pontiac/vibe/colors CarsDirect.com.] Some of the possible combinations include:

'''Exterior'''
*Abyss (Black)
*Frosty (White)
*Neptune (Blue)
*Salsa (Red)
*Stealth (Gray Metallic)

'''Interior'''
*Graphite
*Slate

===Main Competitors===
*[[Mazda Mazda3]]
*[[Toyota Prius]]
*[[Honda Civic]]
*[[Toyota Corolla]]
*[[Scion tC]]
*[[Toyota Matrix]]
*[[Subaru Impreza]]
*[[Nissan Sentra]]

==Hybrid Models==
There are currently no [[hybrid]] models of the Vibe in production.

==Unique Attributes==

==Resale Values==
According to [http://www.kbb.com Kelley Blue Book,] "the Vibe is expected to post a lower-than-average residual value after 24-, 36-, 48- and 60-months. Ironically the Vibe's sister vehicle, the [[Toyota Matrix]], holds better-than-average value over the same time periods."

==Criticisms==
*"Little can be done to remedy the limited functionality of the Vibe?s roof rack. Place-ment of the antenna precludes using it for anything larger than a snowboard or bike; a kayak is out of the question." - '''AutoWeek'''
*"The Toyota 1.8-liter engine does not have much low-end torque, and all-wheel drive models are available only with the base engine and an automatic transmission." - '''Kelley Blue Book'''

==Current Generation: (2003–Present)==
The car features a standard household-style 115 volt AC electrical outlet so that common electrical devices can be used inside the car without a separate inverter.

The Vibe is available in an economical base model, in "sporty" GT trim with more power, or also in an [[Four Wheel Drive|all-wheel drive]] model.

Powertrains available for this car are a 1.8 L [[Straight-4|I4]] [[Multi-valve|16-valve]] engine producing 126 [[HP|hp]] on the base model ([[Manual transmission|manual]] or [[automatic transmission]]), 118 [[HP|hp]] on the [[Four Wheel Drive|all-wheel drive]] model ([[Automatic transmission|automatic]] only), or a version with [[VVT-i|VVTL-i]] producing 164 [[HP|hp]] for the GT (manual 6-speed only). The Vibe is currently the most fuel efficient vehicle sold by GM in North America.

There have been some minor changes between model years. The Vibe was first officially produced in 2002 as a 2003 model. Originally the [[HP|HP]] ratings of the 2003 model year were much higher, with the GT claiming to possess 180 [[HP|hp]], the base model rated at 130 [[HP|hp]], and the all-wheel drive model rated at 126 [[HP|hp]]. The 2004 saw a slight drop in [[HP|HP]] reported, and additional 'smog' filters were added to the engine.

The first major change in the Vibe line was the change of the front fascia starting in the 2005 model year. In an attempt to 'converge' the Pontiac look, the front grills were rounded out to more closely match the look of the other vehicles in the Pontiac line.

The all-wheel drive and GT versions will be dropped after 2006 due to poor sales, leaving only the base 1.8 Vibe on the market.

==Worldwide==

==Design quirks and oddities==

==Awards==

==See also==

{{Pontiac}}

==External links==
*[http://www.pontiac.com/vibe Official site]
*[http://www.genvibe.com/ Generation Vibe], a Pontiac Vibe enthusiast site

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Vibe Pontiac Vibe], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pontiac_Vibe&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Current Models]]
[[Category:All wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Front wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:Pontiac vehicles|Vibe]]
[[Category:Compact cars]]

File:2007 Vibe rearinterior.jpg

2007-01-23T20:51:35Z

Rfujitani:

File:2007 vibe frontinterior2.jpg

2007-01-23T20:51:21Z

Rfujitani:

File:2007 Vibe frontinterior.jpg

2007-01-23T20:51:08Z

Rfujitani:

File:2007 Vibe dashboardinstrument.jpg

2007-01-23T20:50:56Z

Rfujitani:

File:2007 Vibe engine.jpg

2007-01-23T20:50:38Z

Rfujitani:

File:2007 Vibe silverright.jpg

2007-01-23T20:50:21Z

Rfujitani:

File:2007 Vibe silverleft.jpg

2007-01-23T20:49:51Z

Rfujitani:

Pontiac Vibe

2007-01-22T21:38:54Z

Rfujitani: implementing template

[[Image:Pontiac-vibe-2006-silver.jpg|thumb|250px|right|2006 Pontiac Vibe]]

The '''[[Pontiac]] Vibe''' is a car produced in Fremont, California, in the United States by NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc), a shared endeavor between [[GMC|General Motors]] and [[Toyota]]. Prototypes were shown at the [[North American International Auto Show]] in Detroit in January 2000 and production vehicles came on the market in 2002 for the 2003 model year.

It is a short and tall [[station wagon]] that is being marketed as a trendy, quasi-SUV vehicle for younger buyers. [[Toyota]] calls their North American version the [[Toyota Matrix|Matrix]], although lack of capacity at the NUMMI plant means that the Matrix is produced in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Pontiac Vibe Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===

===Styles and Major Options===

===Pricing===
Today's actual prices for the [[Pontiac]] Vibe can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/pontiac/vibe/prices CarsDirect].

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=1>
'''Vibe Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Base
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=1>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$16,710
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=1>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$15,791
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Gas Mileage===
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
'''Trim'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Vibe [[manual transmission|manual]]
</td>
<td>
Vibe [[automatic transmission|auto]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
30/36
</td>
<td>
29/34
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Reliability===
For the 2003 and 2004 model years, which were the most recent to provide long-term reliability information, the Vibe received all around Green ratings in every category examined by Automtive Information Systems. This indicates that the Vibe experienced minimal problems.

===Safety===
The 2007 Vibe earned mixed results from safety tests carried out by the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA.] Its only 5-Star rating was awarded for driver's side front-impact crash tests. Tests for passenger side front-impact, rear side-impact, and rollover yielded 4-Star ratings, and front side-impact crash tests earned it an average 3-Star rating. Some of the safety features found standard on the Vibe include:
*Front and rear anti-roll bars
*Driver/passenger front impact [[airbag]]s
*Occupancy sensors
*Side impact bars
*Available ABS and driveline [[traction control]]
*Available StabiliTrak [[electronic stability control]]
*Available side impact [[airbag]]s

===Photos===

===Colors===
A complete list of colors for the Vibe is available at [http://www.carsdirect.com/pontiac/vibe/colors CarsDirect.com.] Some of the possible combinations include:

'''Exterior'''
*Abyss (Black)
*Frosty (White)
*Neptune (Blue)
*Salsa (Red)
*Stealth (Gray Metallic)

'''Interior'''
*Graphite
*Slate

===Main Competitors===
*[[Mazda Mazda3]]
*[[Toyota Prius]]
*[[Honda Civic]]
*[[Toyota Corolla]]
*[[Scion tC]]
*[[Toyota Matrix]]
*[[Subaru Impreza]]
*[[Nissan Sentra]]

==Hybrid Models==
There are currently no [[hybrid]] models of the Vibe in production.

==Unique Attributes==

==Resale Values==
According to [http://www.kbb.com Kelley Blue Book,] "the Vibe is expected to post a lower-than-average residual value after 24-, 36-, 48- and 60-months. Ironically the Vibe's sister vehicle, the [[Toyota Matrix]], holds better-than-average value over the same time periods."

==Criticisms==
*"Little can be done to remedy the limited functionality of the Vibe?s roof rack. Place-ment of the antenna precludes using it for anything larger than a snowboard or bike; a kayak is out of the question." - '''AutoWeek'''
*"The Toyota 1.8-liter engine does not have much low-end torque, and all-wheel drive models are available only with the base engine and an automatic transmission." - '''Kelley Blue Book'''

==Current Generation: (2003–Present)==
The car features a standard household-style 115 volt AC electrical outlet so that common electrical devices can be used inside the car without a separate inverter.

The Vibe is available in an economical base model, in "sporty" GT trim with more power, or also in an [[Four Wheel Drive|all-wheel drive]] model.

Powertrains available for this car are a 1.8 L [[Straight-4|I4]] [[Multi-valve|16-valve]] engine producing 126 [[HP|hp]] on the base model ([[Manual transmission|manual]] or [[automatic transmission]]), 118 [[HP|hp]] on the [[Four Wheel Drive|all-wheel drive]] model ([[Automatic transmission|automatic]] only), or a version with [[VVT-i|VVTL-i]] producing 164 [[HP|hp]] for the GT (manual 6-speed only). The Vibe is currently the most fuel efficient vehicle sold by GM in North America.

There have been some minor changes between model years. The Vibe was first officially produced in 2002 as a 2003 model. Originally the [[HP|HP]] ratings of the 2003 model year were much higher, with the GT claiming to possess 180 [[HP|hp]], the base model rated at 130 [[HP|hp]], and the all-wheel drive model rated at 126 [[HP|hp]]. The 2004 saw a slight drop in [[HP|HP]] reported, and additional 'smog' filters were added to the engine.

The first major change in the Vibe line was the change of the front fascia starting in the 2005 model year. In an attempt to 'converge' the Pontiac look, the front grills were rounded out to more closely match the look of the other vehicles in the Pontiac line.

The all-wheel drive and GT versions will be dropped after 2006 due to poor sales, leaving only the base 1.8 Vibe on the market.

==Worldwide==

==Design quirks and oddities==

==Awards==

==See also==

==External links==
*[http://www.pontiac.com/vibe Official site]
*[http://www.genvibe.com/ Generation Vibe], a Pontiac Vibe enthusiast site

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Vibe Pontiac Vibe], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pontiac_Vibe&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Current Models]]
[[Category:All wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Front wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:Pontiac vehicles|Vibe]]
[[Category:Compact cars]]

Main Page

2007-01-19T21:32:40Z

Rfujitani: rotating featured article

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__

{| cellpadding="0px" cellspacing="5px" border="0px" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" width="100%" colspan="2"|

{| cellpadding="10px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" width="95%" style="background-color:#F3F3F3; border:1px solid #808080"|
'''''<font color="red">Important News!</font>''''' <font color="red">Wikicars will be down for a couple of hours this Friday night, 01/19/07, for some scheduled maintainence, that will improve performance and scalability. Please fulfill all your Wikicars' related needs beforehand. Thank you!</font>
<div><div style="font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000">Welcome to [[Wikicars:about|Wikicars]]</div> A collaborative guide about cars and all things [[automobile|automotive]]. We're growing very fast and so far we have {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles. [[Wikicars:about|Learn more]].
:[[Garage Talk|Your opinion matters!]] Nominate members and articles to be featured on the home page.</div>
|}
|-

|align="left" width="*" valign="top"|

{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px;" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" width="50%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #abd5f5; border-left:1px solid #abd5f5; border-right:1px solid #abd5f5; border-bottom:1px solid #abd5f5; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:3px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#d0e5f5;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #abd5f5;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[ Hybrid Cars | Spotlight On: Hybrids]] and [[High Mileage Vehicles]]</h2>
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding:5px;" width="100%"
|-
|valign="top" width="100%"|
<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em;">
[[Image:GS450h.jpg|none|225px|2007 Lexus GS450h]]
</div>
Driven by gas prices and growing social awareness, [[Hybrid Cars | '''hybrid cars''']] are becoming attractive options.
* [[Top Reasons to Buy a Hybrid Car]]
* [[Reasons Not to Buy a Hybrid Car (yet)]]
* [[Tips for Buying a Hybrid Car|Tips for Buying]]
* Non-hybrid [[High Mileage Vehicles]] that get over 30 mpg<br>
|}
{| cellpadding="1px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:0px;" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" valign="middle" width="130"|[[Image:Felix-car.jpg|thumb|left|135px|[[Plug-in_Hybrids|100+ mpg Toyota Prius Plug-in]]]]
|align="left" valign="top" width="70%"|
'''High Mileage Driving Tips'''

See how to save hundreds; improve fuel economy 15% or more

* [[Tips for all drivers]]
* [[Hypermiler|Tips for Hybrid Drivers, including Hypermilers]]
* [http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage/ See how your hybrid mileage compares]
|}
|}
{|cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" width="100%" style="padding-top:7px;"
| style="background:#fffff3; border:1px solid #eeeed1;"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#eeeed1;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #ddddc0;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[User:Red marquis|Wikicars Featured Contributor: Red marquis]]</h2>
<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em;">
[[Image:15107.jpg|none|190px|Maserati Tipo 151]]
</div>
He is an aspiring designer and car enthusiast. He has been an avid creator of exotic foreign car pages and is currently streamlining the car mainpage [[Garage Talk|infobox]].
* '''''Key contributions:''''' [[Maserati Tipo 151]], [[De Tomaso Vallelunga]], [[Lamborghini Countach]], [[Ford Interceptor]], and [[Lamborghini Cheetah]].
* '''''Member since:''''' December 5, 2006 - <small>([[User talk:Red marquis|Talk to '''Red marquis''']])</small>
* Over [[Special:Contributions/Red marquis|1,100 edits]] this week! '''''<font color="green">Congrats!</font>'''''
|}
{| cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="0px" border="0px" style="padding-top:7px;" width="100%"
|-
|align="left" width="100%" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:1px solid #8AAA88; border-left:1px solid #8AAA88; border-right:1px solid #8AAA88; border-bottom:1px solid #8AAA88; padding-top:10px; padding-right:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-bottom:5px;" valign="top"|
<h2 style="margin:0;background:#bae8bc;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #779979;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top: 0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[Dodge Charger|Featured Article]]: [[Dodge Charger]]</h2>

<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em">
[[Image:2006 Dodge Charger facing left.jpg|250px|left]]
</div>In February 2005, '''[[Dodge]]''' introduced a new full-sized [[rear wheel drive]] Charger on the Chrysler LX platform also used by the [[Chrysler 300]] and [[Dodge Magnum]]. The 1999 Charger concept borrowed a number of classic muscle car design cues, but the final version delivered to the public appeared vastly different from the concept version. The redesigned Charger was never intended as competition to the Ford Mustang, but rather as a replacement for the outgoing [[Dodge Intrepid]] sedan which had been waning in popularity for several years.<small> ([[Dodge Charger|more...]])</small>
|}
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<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em">
[[Image:Crv_quarter.jpg|left|250px|'''2007 [[Honda]] CR-V''']]
</div>
The [[Honda]] CR-V is roomy, convenient and easy to drive. You can put lots of stuff in it and the back seats are quite comfortable. It rides smoothly, more so than most [[SUV]]s. It's surprisingly maneuverable in tight quarters and handles well on winding roads yet it's stable at freeway speeds, even in stiff crosswinds. <small>([[Honda CR-V Review|more...]])</small>
|}
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[[Image:Wiener.jpg|left|thumb|200px|[[Famous Cars|Oscar Mayer Wienermobile]]]]
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| width="33%" |
[[image:Bugatti_Veyron-2.jpg|left|thumb|200px| [[Bugatti Veyron]], 253 mph]]
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|}

Dodge Dakota

2007-01-16T21:13:11Z

Rfujitani: filling in template

[[image:2007_Dakota_blackquadcabright.jpg|right|400px|thumb|'''The 2007 [[Dodge]] Dakota Quad Cab''']]
The '''Dakota''' is a midsize pickup truck from [[DaimlerChrysler]]'s [[Dodge]] brand. It was introduced in 1987 alongside the redesigned [[Dodge Ram 50]]. The Dakota was nominated for the ''North American Truck of the Year'' award for 2000.

The Dakota has always been sized above the compact ([[Ford Ranger]], [[Chevrolet S-10]]) and below the full-sized ([[Ford F-150]], [[Chevrolet Silverado]]) pickups and Dodge's own [[Dodge Ram|Ram]]. It is a conventional design with body-on-frame construction and [[leaf spring]]/[[live axle]] rear end. The Dakota has also long been the only midsize pickup with an optional [[V8]] engine. One notable feature was the Dakota's [[rack and pinion]] [[steering]], a first in work trucks.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Dodge Dakota Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
After being redesigned for 2005, the Dakota has received only minor updates, and this holds true for the 2007 model year. While remaining cosmetically unchanged, the latest Dakota offers new standard features for certain trims, like stain-resistant cloth seating trim on the SLT, and the engines have been upgraded. An E85 version of the 4.7L [[V8]] engine is now also offered.

===Styles and Major Options===
The 2007 Dakota comes in three trims (ST, SLT, and Laramie) and two cab styles (Club Cab and Quad Cab). All three trims are available in either of the cab styles and either [[2WD]] or [[4WD]]. The standard engine is a 3.7L 210[[hp]] [[V6]] engine, but a 4.7L [[V8]] and a [[flex-fuel]] version are also available. For a list of standard safety features, see the Safety section below. Some of the standout features for each trim include:
[[image:2007_Dakota_silverleft.jpg|right|325px|thumb|The 2007 [[Dodge]] Dakota Club Cab]]
'''ST'''
*Heavy duty ride
*16" silver styled wheels
*4-way front bucket seats
*Cloth seating and vinyl door trim
*Manual front air conditioning
*4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
*Manual windows, locks, and mirrors

'''SLT'''

Adds to or replaces ST features with:
*16" silver alloy wheels
*8-way (6-way power) driver's seat
*YES Essentials premium cloth seating trim
*4-speaker AM/FM/SIRIUS/CD audio system
*Cruise Control
*HomeLink wireless control system
*Compass, exterior temp monitor, trip computer
*Tilt steering wheel
*Power windows, locks, mirrors

'''Laramie'''

Adds to or replaces SLT features with:
*Leather seating and vinyl door trim
*6-speaker Alpine AM/FM/SIRIUS/6CD-changer audio system
*Leather steering wheel
*Chrome rear bumper and bodyside moldings

===Pricing===
Today's actual prices for the [[Dodge]] Dakota can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/dodge/dakota/prices CarsDirect].

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=12>
'''Dakota Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
ST Club Cab [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
SLT Club Cab [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
Laramie Club Cab [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
ST Quad Cab [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
SLT Quad Cab [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
Laramie Quad Cab [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
ST Club Cab [[4WD]]
</td>
<td>
SLT Club Cab [[4WD]]
</td>
<td>
Laramie Club Cab [[4WD]]
</td>
<td>
ST Quad Cab [[4WD]]
</td>
<td>
SLT Quad Cab [[4WD]]
</td>
<td>
Laramie Quad Cab [[4WD]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=12>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$19,135
</td>
<td>
$22,850
</td>
<td>
$24,950
</td>
<td>
$21,835
</td>
<td>
$24,180
</td>
<td>
$26,250
</td>
<td>
$23,285
</td>
<td>
$25,700
</td>
<td>
$27,905
</td>
<td>
$24,685
</td>
<td>
$27,030
</td>
<td>
$29,205
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=12>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$17,565
</td>
<td>
$20,872
</td>
<td>
$22,741
</td>
<td>
$19,998
</td>
<td>
$22,085
</td>
<td>
$23,928
</td>
<td>
$21,289
</td>
<td>
$23,438
</td>
<td>
$25,400
</td>
<td>
$22,555
</td>
<td>
$24,642
</td>
<td>
$26,577
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Gas Mileage===
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=8>
'''Trim'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
3.7L [[V6]]
<br>
[[manual transmission|manual]] [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
3.7L [[V6]]
<br>
[[automatic transmission|auto]] [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]]
<br>
[[manual transmission|manual]] [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]]
<br>
[[automatic transmission|auto]] [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
3.7L [[V6]]
<br>
[[manual transmission|manual]] [[4WD]]
</td>
<td>
3.7L [[V6]]
<br>
[[automatic transmission|auto]] [[4WD]]
</td>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]]
<br>
[[manual transmission|manual]] [[4WD]]
</td>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]]
<br>
[[automatic transmission|auto]] [[4WD]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=8 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
16/22
</td>
<td>
16/22
</td>
<td>
15/20
</td>
<td>
15/20
</td>
<td>
16/20
</td>
<td>
15/19
</td>
<td>
15/19
</td>
<td>
15/20
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Reliability===
Although the latest generation of the Dakota, which was introduced in 2005, is still too new to provide accurate long-term reliability information, Consumer Reports states that the 2007 model's "reliability has been below average."

===Safety===
Both the Club Cab and Quad Cab versions of the Dakota received high marks from the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA]. In tests for rollver and in passenger side front-impact crash tests, the Club Cab received 4-Star ratings, while driver front-impact and both side-impact crash tests earned it 5-Star ratings. The Quad Cab, however, earned 5-Star ratings in all crash tests and 4-Star ratings in tests for rollover. Standard safety equipment on the Dakota includes:
*Front and rear anti-roll bars
*Rear wheel [[anti-lock brakes]]
*Driver/passenger front-impact [[airbag]]s
*Occupancy sensors
*Side impact bars
*Front seatbelt pretensioners

===Photos===
<gallery>
image:2007_Dakota_redfrontright.jpg
image:2007_Dakota_redrighttrees.jpg
image:2007_Dakota_doorsopen.jpg
image:2007_Dakota_engine.jpg
image:2007_Dakota_dashinstruments.jpg
image:2007_Dakota_frontinterior.jpg
image:2007_Dakota_rearinterior.jpg
</gallery>

===Colors===
Colors will vary by trim, and a complete list is viewable at [http://www.carsdirect.com/dodge/dakota/colors CarsDirect.com.] Some of the possible combinations include:

'''Exterior'''
*Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat
*Bright White Clearcoat
*Electric Blue Pearlcoat
*Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat
*Light Khaki Metallic Clearcoat
*Patriot Blue Pearlcoat

'''Interior'''
*Khaki
*Medium Slate Gray

===Main Competitors===
*[[Chevrolet Colorado]]
*[[GMC Canyon]]
*[[Honda Ridgeline]]
*[[Toyota Tacoma]]
*[[Nissan Frontier]]
*[[Ford Ranger]]

==Hybrid Models==
There are currently no [[hybrid]] models of the Dakota in production.

==Unique Attributes==

==Resale Values==
According to [http://www.kbb.com Kelley Blue Book], "the Dakota pickup maintains a slightly better-than-average projected residual value, better than the [[Chevrolet Colorado]] and [[Ford Ranger]], but not yet at the high mark set by the [[Nissan Frontier]] Crew Cab, [[Honda Ridgeline]] and [[Toyota Tacoma]] Double Cab."

==Criticisms==
*"The new rack-and-pinion power steering is a bit over-assisted for our tastes but will probably be okay for most customers." - '''New Car Test Drive'''
*"...club cab's backseat offers barely passable comfort for adults." - '''Edmunds.com'''
*"While the Dakota is definitely a solid truck, it doesn't offer the powertrain refinement and smoothness of the Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier. Also, there is no Regular Cab model available." - '''Kelley Blue Book'''
*"[the interior] suffers from drab colors and too much hard shiny plastic." - '''MSN Autos'''

==Generations==
===Third Generation (2005-present)===
[[Image:2006-Dodge-Dakota.jpg|right|250px|2006 Dodge Dakota]]
The redesigned 2005 Dakota shares its platform with the new [[Dodge Durango]] [[SUV]]. This model is 3.7 in longer and 2.7 in wider, and features a new front and rear suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. There are one [[V6]] and two [[V8]] engines available: The standard engine is a 3.7 L PowerTech [[V6|V6]]. Two 4.7 L V8 engines are available as well. The Dakota is built at Warren Truck Assembly in Warren, Michigan.

===Second Generation (1997-2004)===
[[Image:Gen2Dakota.jpg|right|250px|2004 Dodge Dakota]]
The second-generation Dakota was built from 1997 through 2004. It inherited the semi truck look of the larger Ram but remained largely the same underneath. 1998 saw the introduction of the ''R/T'' model with the big 5.9 L 250 [[HP|hp]] (186 kW) ''Magnum'' V8.

Four-door "Quad-Cab" models were added for 2000 with a slightly shorter bed, 63.1 in (160.2 cm), but riding on the Club Cab's 130.9 in (332.5 cm) wheelbase. The smaller V8 was replaced by a new high-tech V8 as well.

2002 was the final year for the four-cylinder engine in the Dakota, as Chrysler was ending production of the former AMC design. Most buyers ordered the [[V6|V6]] or V8 engines, which were considerably more powerful and, in the case of the [[V6|V6]], which was made standard for 2003, nearly as fuel-efficient with a manual transmission.

2004 was the end of the old OHV [[V6|V6]] and the big R/T V8.

====Engines====
* 1997-2002 - 2.5 L ''[[AMC Straight-6 engine#2.5|AMC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], 120 [[HP|hp]] (90 kW)
* 1997-2003 - 3.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9|Magnum]]'' [[V6]], 175 [[HP|hp]] (131 kW)
* 1997-1999 - 5.2 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2|Magnum]]'' [[V8]], 230 [[HP|hp]] (172 kW)
* 1998-2003 - 5.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.9|Magnum]]'' [[V8]], 250 [[HP|hp]] (186 kW)
* 2000-2004 - 4.7 L ''[[Chrysler PowerTech engine#4.7|PowerTech]]'' [[V8]], 230 [[HP|hp]] (175 kW)
* 2004 - 3.7 L ''[[Chrysler PowerTech engine#3.7|PowerTech]]'' [[V6]], 210 [[HP|hp]] (157 kW)

===First Generation/Origins (1987–1989)===
[[Image:1988Dakota.jpg|right|250px|1988 '''[[Dodge]] Dakota''']]
The first generation of the Dakota was produced from 1987 through 1996. Straight-4 and [[V6]] engines were offered along with either a 5-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] or 4-speed [[automatic transmission]]. [[Four wheel drive]] was available only with the [[V6|V6]]. Both 6.5 ft (2 m) and 8 ft (2.4 m) beds were offered. [[Fuel injection]] was added to the 3.9 L [[V6|V6]] for 1988 but the output remained the same.

<p>In 1988, the Sport package was added as a mid-year release. Available in both 2wd and [[Four Wheel Drive|4x4]], the Sport included:</p>
<ul>
<li>AM Stereo / FM Stereo radio with cassette player</li>
<li>Carpeted logo floor mats</li>
<li>Center armrest bench seat</li>
<li>Charcoal/Silver Deluxe Cloth interior with fold-down arm rest</li>
<li>Color-keyed leather-wrapped sport steering wheel</li>
<li>Deluxe wipers</li>
<li>Dual remote control outside mirrors</li>
<li>Floor Carpet</li>
<li>Gauge Package</li>
<li>Mopar Air Dam with BOSCH Fog Lamps</li>
<li>Mopar Light Bar with BOSCH Off-Road lamps ([[Four Wheel Drive|4x4]] only)</li>
<li>Unique bodyside tape stripes</li>
<li>Euro-style black out grill and bumpers</li>
<li>Sliding rear window</li>
<li>3.9 [[V6|V6]] Engine </li>
<li>15" Aluminum Wheels</li>
</ul>The Sport was only available in only in Black, Bright White and Graphic Red.

1989 saw the unusual Dakota [[convertible]]. The first convertible pickup since the [[Ford Model T]], it featured a fixed roll bar and complicated manual top. Just 2,482 were sold that first year. Another important addition that year was Carroll Shelby's [[V8]]-powered [[Shelby Dakota]], his first [[rear wheel drive]] vehicle in two decades.

An extended "Club Cab" model was added for 1990, still with two doors. This model allowed the Dakota to boast capacity for six passengers, although the rear seat was best suited for children and shorter adults. However, taller adults who had higher tolerance for the crampy backseat could even fit in easily.

For 1991, the front of the Dakota received a more aerodynamic grille and hood, and Dodge added the 5.2 L V8 as an option, inspired by the earlier [[Shelby Dakota]] option. This engine produced 170 [[HP|hp]] (127 kW). Both of the V-configuration engines were updated to Magnum specs the next year, providing a tremendous power boost.

In 1996, the first generation's final year, the K-based 2.5 L I4 engine was out of production and had been considered vastly underpowered compared to the competition, so Dodge borrowed the Jeep 2.5 L I4 (rated at 120 [[HP|hp]]) and installed it as the base engine in the Dakota. It was the only major change for 1996, and would be carried over as the base engine in the new, larger 1997 model.

====Engines====
* 1987-1988 - 2.2 L ''[[Chrysler K engine#2.2|K]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], [[SOHC]], 96 [[HP|hp]] (72 kW)
* 1987-1991 - 3.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9|LA]]'' [[V6]], 125 [[HP|hp]] (93 kW)
* 1989-1995 - 2.5 L ''[[Chrysler K engine#2.5|K]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], 99 [[HP|hp]] (74 kW)
* 1991 - 5.2 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#360|LA]]'' [[V8]], 170 [[HP|hp]] (127 kW)
* 1992-1993 - 3.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9|Magnum]]'' [[V6]], 180 [[HP|hp]] (134 kW)
* 1991-1993 - 5.2 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2|Magnum]]'' [[V8]], 230 [[HP|hp]] (172 kW)
* 1994-1996 - 3.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9|Magnum]]'' [[V6]], 175 [[HP|hp]] (131 kW)
* 1994-1996 - 5.2 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2|Magnum]]'' [[V8]], 220 [[HP|hp]] (164 kW)
* 1996 - 2.5 L ''[[AMC Straight-6 engine#2.5|AMC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], 120 [[HP|hp]] (90 kW)

==Worldwide==

==Design quirks and oddities==

==Awards==

==See also==

==External Links==
*[http://www.cardomain.com/MakeModel/Dodge/Dakota Custom Dodge Dakota cars on CarDomain]

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Dakota Dodge Dakota], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dodge_Dakota&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Current Models]]
[[Category:Dodge vehicles|Dakota]]
[[Category:Pickup trucks]]
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:All wheel drive vehicles]]

File:2007 Dakota dashinstruments.jpg

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File:2007 Dakota engine.jpg

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File:2007 Dakota doorsopen.jpg

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Main Page

2007-01-12T18:27:16Z

Rfujitani: rotating feature article

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__

{| cellpadding="0px" cellspacing="5px" border="0px" width="100%"
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<div><div style="font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000">Welcome to [[Wikicars:about|Wikicars]]</div> A collaborative guide about cars and all things [[automobile|automotive]]. We're growing very fast and so far we have {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles. [[Wikicars:about|Learn more]].
:[[Garage Talk|Your opinion matters!]] Nominate members and articles to be featured on the home page.</div>
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#d0e5f5;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #abd5f5;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[ Hybrid Cars | Spotlight On: Hybrids]] and [[High Mileage Vehicles]]</h2>
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<div style="float:right;margin-left:0.5em;margin-top:0.5em;">
[[Image:GS450h.jpg|none|225px|2007 Lexus GS450h]]
</div>
Driven by gas prices and growing social awareness, [[Hybrid Cars | '''hybrid cars''']] are becoming attractive options.
* [[Top Reasons to Buy a Hybrid Car]]
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|}
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|align="left" valign="middle" width="130"|[[Image:Felix-car.jpg|thumb|left|135px|[[Plug-in_Hybrids|100+ mpg Toyota Prius Plug-in]]]]
|align="left" valign="top" width="70%"|
'''High Mileage Driving Tips'''

See how to save hundreds; improve fuel economy 15% or more

* [[Tips for all drivers]]
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* [http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage/ See how your hybrid mileage compares]
|}
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<h2 style="margin:0;background:#eeeed1;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #ddddc0;text-align:left;color:#000;padding-left:0.4em;padding-top:0.2em;padding-bottom:0.2em;">[[User:Red marquis|Wikicars Featured Contributor: Red marquis]]</h2>
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[[Image:15107.jpg|none|190px|Maserati Tipo 151]]
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He is an aspiring designer and car enthusiast. He has been an avid creator of exotic foreign car pages and is currently streamlining the car mainpage [[Garage Talk|infobox]].
* '''''Key contributions:''''' [[Maserati Tipo 151]], [[De Tomaso Vallelunga]], [[Lamborghini Countach]], [[Ford Interceptor]], and [[Lamborghini Cheetah]].
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[[Image:bluetsx.jpg|250px|left]]
</div>The '''[[Acura]] TSX''' is a mid-size near-luxury car manufactured by [[Honda]], introduced in 2004 to compete with the [[Volvo S40]] and [[Lexus IS]]. It is exclusively sold in North America under the [[Acura]] brand name. It fills the gap in the [[Acura]] lineup created by the cancellation of the Acura Integra, and replaces the Acura CL coupe. As of 2006, the TSX is the smallest sedan in the [[Acura]] model line.<small> ([[Acura TSX|more...]])</small>
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[[Image:F150_rocks.jpg|left|250px|'''2007 [[Ford]] F-150''']]
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The [[Ford]] F-series has been one of Ford’s most popular car models for many years. Fully redesigned in 2004, the current rendition of the [[Ford F-150|F-150]] continues to improve on Ford’s long experience with full-sized trucks. Available in a multitude of trims and styles to accommodate many different purposes, the F-150 appeals to an diverse group of buyers. <small>([[Ford F-150 Review|more...]])</small>
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Dodge Dakota

2007-01-08T20:47:30Z

Rfujitani: filling in template

The '''Dakota''' is a midsize pickup truck from [[DaimlerChrysler]]'s [[Dodge]] brand. It was introduced in 1987 alongside the redesigned [[Dodge Ram 50]]. The Dakota was nominated for the ''North American Truck of the Year'' award for 2000.

The Dakota has always been sized above the compact ([[Ford Ranger]], [[Chevrolet S-10]]) and below the full-sized ([[Ford F-150]], [[Chevrolet Silverado]]) pickups and Dodge's own [[Dodge Ram|Ram]]. It is a conventional design with body-on-frame construction and [[leaf spring]]/[[live axle]] rear end. The Dakota has also long been the only midsize pickup with an optional [[V8]] engine. One notable feature was the Dakota's [[rack and pinion]] [[steering]], a first in work trucks.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Dodge Dakota Review]]'''.

===Recent Changes===

===Styles and Major Options===

===Pricing===
Today's actual prices for the [[Dodge]] Dakota can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/dodge/dakota/prices CarsDirect].

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''Dakota Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Trim1
</td>
<td>
Trim2
</td>
<td>
Trim3
</td>
<td>
Trim4
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$Price1
</td>
<td>
$Price2
</td>
<td>
$Price3
</td>
<td>
$Price4
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$Price1
</td>
<td>
$Price2
</td>
<td>
$Price3
</td>
<td>
$Price4
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Gas Mileage===
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=8>
'''Trim'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
3.7L [[V6]]
<br>
[[manual transmission|manual]] [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
3.7L [[V6]]
<br>
[[automatic transmission|auto]] [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]]
<br>
[[manual transmission|manual]] [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]]
<br>
[[automatic transmission|auto]] [[2WD]]
</td>
<td>
3.7L [[V6]]
<br>
[[manual transmission|manual]] [[4WD]]
</td>
<td>
3.7L [[V6]]
<br>
[[automatic transmission|auto]] [[4WD]]
</td>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]]
<br>
[[manual transmission|manual]] [[4WD]]
</td>
<td>
4.7L [[V8]]
<br>
[[automatic transmission|auto]] [[4WD]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=8 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
16/22
</td>
<td>
16/22
</td>
<td>
15/20
</td>
<td>
15/20
</td>
<td>
16/20
</td>
<td>
15/19
</td>
<td>
15/19
</td>
<td>
15/20
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Reliability===
Although the latest generation of the Dakota, which was introduced in 2005, is still too new to provide accurate long-term reliability information, Consumer Reports states that the 2007 model's "reliability has been below average."

===Safety===
Both the Club Cab and Quad Cab versions of the Dakota received high marks from the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA]. In tests for rollver and in passenger side front-impact crash tests, the Club Cab received 4-Star ratings, while driver front-impact and both side-impact crash tests earned it 5-Star ratings. The Quad Cab, however, earned 5-Star ratings in all crash tests and 4-Star ratings in tests for rollover. Standard safety equipment on the Dakota includes:
*Front and rear anti-roll bars
*Rear wheel [[anti-lock brakes]]
*Driver/passenger front-impact [[airbag]]s
*Occupancy sensors
*Side impact bars
*Front seatbelt pretensioners

===Photos===

===Colors===
Colors will vary by trim, and a complete list is viewable at [http://www.carsdirect.com/dodge/dakota/colors CarsDirect.com.] Some of the possible combinations include:

'''Exterior'''
*Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat
*Bright White Clearcoat
*Electric Blue Pearlcoat
*Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat
*Light Khaki Metallic Clearcoat
*Patriot Blue Pearlcoat

'''Interior'''
*Khaki
*Medium Slate Gray

===Main Competitors===
*[[Chevrolet Colorado]]
*[[GMC Canyon]]
*[[Honda Ridgeline]]
*[[Toyota Tacoma]]
*[[Nissan Frontier]]
*[[Ford Ranger]]

==Hybrid Models==
There are currently no [[hybrid]] models of the Dakota in production.

==Unique Attributes==

==Resale Values==
According to [http://www.kbb.com Kelley Blue Book], "the Dakota pickup maintains a slightly better-than-average projected residual value, better than the [[Chevrolet Colorado]] and [[Ford Ranger]], but not yet at the high mark set by the [[Nissan Frontier]] Crew Cab, [[Honda Ridgeline]] and [[Toyota Tacoma]] Double Cab."

==Criticisms==
*"The new rack-and-pinion power steering is a bit over-assisted for our tastes but will probably be okay for most customers." - '''New Car Test Drive'''
*"...club cab's backseat offers barely passable comfort for adults." - '''Edmunds.com'''
*"While the Dakota is definitely a solid truck, it doesn't offer the powertrain refinement and smoothness of the Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier. Also, there is no Regular Cab model available." - '''Kelley Blue Book'''
*"[the interior] suffers from drab colors and too much hard shiny plastic." - '''MSN Autos'''

==Generations==
===Third Generation (2005-present)===
[[Image:2006-Dodge-Dakota.jpg|right|250px|2006 Dodge Dakota]]
The redesigned 2005 Dakota shares its platform with the new [[Dodge Durango]] [[SUV]]. This model is 3.7 in longer and 2.7 in wider, and features a new front and rear suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. There are one [[V6]] and two [[V8]] engines available: The standard engine is a 3.7 L PowerTech [[V6|V6]]. Two 4.7 L V8 engines are available as well. The Dakota is built at Warren Truck Assembly in Warren, Michigan.

===Second Generation (1997-2004)===
[[Image:Gen2Dakota.jpg|right|250px|2004 Dodge Dakota]]
The second-generation Dakota was built from 1997 through 2004. It inherited the semi truck look of the larger Ram but remained largely the same underneath. 1998 saw the introduction of the ''R/T'' model with the big 5.9 L 250 [[HP|hp]] (186 kW) ''Magnum'' V8.

Four-door "Quad-Cab" models were added for 2000 with a slightly shorter bed, 63.1 in (160.2 cm), but riding on the Club Cab's 130.9 in (332.5 cm) wheelbase. The smaller V8 was replaced by a new high-tech V8 as well.

2002 was the final year for the four-cylinder engine in the Dakota, as Chrysler was ending production of the former AMC design. Most buyers ordered the [[V6|V6]] or V8 engines, which were considerably more powerful and, in the case of the [[V6|V6]], which was made standard for 2003, nearly as fuel-efficient with a manual transmission.

2004 was the end of the old OHV [[V6|V6]] and the big R/T V8.

====Engines====
* 1997-2002 - 2.5 L ''[[AMC Straight-6 engine#2.5|AMC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], 120 [[HP|hp]] (90 kW)
* 1997-2003 - 3.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9|Magnum]]'' [[V6]], 175 [[HP|hp]] (131 kW)
* 1997-1999 - 5.2 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2|Magnum]]'' [[V8]], 230 [[HP|hp]] (172 kW)
* 1998-2003 - 5.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.9|Magnum]]'' [[V8]], 250 [[HP|hp]] (186 kW)
* 2000-2004 - 4.7 L ''[[Chrysler PowerTech engine#4.7|PowerTech]]'' [[V8]], 230 [[HP|hp]] (175 kW)
* 2004 - 3.7 L ''[[Chrysler PowerTech engine#3.7|PowerTech]]'' [[V6]], 210 [[HP|hp]] (157 kW)

===First Generation/Origins (1987–1989)===
[[Image:1988Dakota.jpg|right|250px|1988 '''[[Dodge]] Dakota''']]
The first generation of the Dakota was produced from 1987 through 1996. Straight-4 and [[V6]] engines were offered along with either a 5-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] or 4-speed [[automatic transmission]]. [[Four wheel drive]] was available only with the [[V6|V6]]. Both 6.5 ft (2 m) and 8 ft (2.4 m) beds were offered. [[Fuel injection]] was added to the 3.9 L [[V6|V6]] for 1988 but the output remained the same.

<p>In 1988, the Sport package was added as a mid-year release. Available in both 2wd and [[Four Wheel Drive|4x4]], the Sport included:</p>
<ul>
<li>AM Stereo / FM Stereo radio with cassette player</li>
<li>Carpeted logo floor mats</li>
<li>Center armrest bench seat</li>
<li>Charcoal/Silver Deluxe Cloth interior with fold-down arm rest</li>
<li>Color-keyed leather-wrapped sport steering wheel</li>
<li>Deluxe wipers</li>
<li>Dual remote control outside mirrors</li>
<li>Floor Carpet</li>
<li>Gauge Package</li>
<li>Mopar Air Dam with BOSCH Fog Lamps</li>
<li>Mopar Light Bar with BOSCH Off-Road lamps ([[Four Wheel Drive|4x4]] only)</li>
<li>Unique bodyside tape stripes</li>
<li>Euro-style black out grill and bumpers</li>
<li>Sliding rear window</li>
<li>3.9 [[V6|V6]] Engine </li>
<li>15" Aluminum Wheels</li>
</ul>The Sport was only available in only in Black, Bright White and Graphic Red.

1989 saw the unusual Dakota [[convertible]]. The first convertible pickup since the [[Ford Model T]], it featured a fixed roll bar and complicated manual top. Just 2,482 were sold that first year. Another important addition that year was Carroll Shelby's [[V8]]-powered [[Shelby Dakota]], his first [[rear wheel drive]] vehicle in two decades.

An extended "Club Cab" model was added for 1990, still with two doors. This model allowed the Dakota to boast capacity for six passengers, although the rear seat was best suited for children and shorter adults. However, taller adults who had higher tolerance for the crampy backseat could even fit in easily.

For 1991, the front of the Dakota received a more aerodynamic grille and hood, and Dodge added the 5.2 L V8 as an option, inspired by the earlier [[Shelby Dakota]] option. This engine produced 170 [[HP|hp]] (127 kW). Both of the V-configuration engines were updated to Magnum specs the next year, providing a tremendous power boost.

In 1996, the first generation's final year, the K-based 2.5 L I4 engine was out of production and had been considered vastly underpowered compared to the competition, so Dodge borrowed the Jeep 2.5 L I4 (rated at 120 [[HP|hp]]) and installed it as the base engine in the Dakota. It was the only major change for 1996, and would be carried over as the base engine in the new, larger 1997 model.

====Engines====
* 1987-1988 - 2.2 L ''[[Chrysler K engine#2.2|K]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], [[SOHC]], 96 [[HP|hp]] (72 kW)
* 1987-1991 - 3.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9|LA]]'' [[V6]], 125 [[HP|hp]] (93 kW)
* 1989-1995 - 2.5 L ''[[Chrysler K engine#2.5|K]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], 99 [[HP|hp]] (74 kW)
* 1991 - 5.2 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#360|LA]]'' [[V8]], 170 [[HP|hp]] (127 kW)
* 1992-1993 - 3.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9|Magnum]]'' [[V6]], 180 [[HP|hp]] (134 kW)
* 1991-1993 - 5.2 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2|Magnum]]'' [[V8]], 230 [[HP|hp]] (172 kW)
* 1994-1996 - 3.9 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 3.9|Magnum]]'' [[V6]], 175 [[HP|hp]] (131 kW)
* 1994-1996 - 5.2 L ''[[Chrysler LA engine#Magnum 5.2|Magnum]]'' [[V8]], 220 [[HP|hp]] (164 kW)
* 1996 - 2.5 L ''[[AMC Straight-6 engine#2.5|AMC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], 120 [[HP|hp]] (90 kW)

==Worldwide==

==Design quirks and oddities==

==Awards==

==See also==

==External Links==
*[http://www.cardomain.com/MakeModel/Dodge/Dakota Custom Dodge Dakota cars on CarDomain]

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Dakota Dodge Dakota], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dodge_Dakota&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Current Models]]
[[Category:Dodge vehicles|Dakota]]
[[Category:Pickup trucks]]
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:All wheel drive vehicles]]