Strategic Vision has announced the winners of its 2013 Total Quality Index (TQI), with American automakers reinstating their position in some very competitive segments.

Measuring quality since 1994, Strategic Vision not only factors in counting problems but includes multiple aspects of influence and perception that customers use as a base for their purchasing decisions. This year’s Total Quality Index was calculated from 17,568 buyers who purchased 2013 model year vehicles from September to November 2012.

Topping the charts regardless of category was the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible with a TQI score of 959, while the Porsche Boxster was not far behind with 957. Both vehicles were in the Premium Convertible/Roadster category. Scoring a 955 was the Lexus LS which dominated the Luxury Car category.

Surprising winners include the Kia Soul (868) in the Small Multi-Function category, while the new Dodge Dart scored an 884 to claim the Small Car category. American automakers also took over the Mid-Size Car category with the Ford Fusion scoring a 908 and the Chevrolet Volt notching a 907.

Here are the winners of their respective categories:

Small Car: Dodge Dart (884)

Small Multi-Function: Kia Soul (868)

Mid-Size Car: Ford Fusion (908), Chevrolet Volt (907)

Mid-Size Multi-Function: Honda Accord Crosstour (877)

Large Car: Volkswagen CC (920)

Near-Luxury Car: Hyundai Genesis Sedan (922), Audi A4 Sedan (921)

Luxury Car: Lexus LS (955)

Specialty Coupe: MINI Cooper Hardtop (913)

Premium Coupe: Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (931)

Convertibles: Chrysler 200 Convertible (917)

Premium Convertible/Roadster: Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (959), Porsche Boxster (957)

Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country (850)

Entry Utility: Volkswagen Tiguan (885), Toyota FJ Cruiser (883)

Mid-Size Crossover Utility: Chevrolet Traverse (900)

Mid-Size Traditional Utilit: Dodge Durango (881)

Large Utility: GMC Yukon (893)

Near-Luxury Utility: Buick Enclave (928)

Luxury Utility: Porsche Cayenne (948)

Standard Pickup: Toyota Tacoma (847)

Full-Size Pickup: Chevrolet Avalanche (896)

Heavy-Duty Pickup: Ford F-250/350 (892)

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Two separate probes into Ford and Chrysler vehicles have been closed by U.S. auto safety regulators now that both automakers have conducted safety recalls.

Both investigations were closed earlier this month after Ford recalled 230,000 minivans and Chrysler recalled about 30,000 Jeep SUVs. In March, 2004-2007 model year Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey models were recalled to repair a problem that could prevent the third-row seat from folding down and locking in place. 230,000 minivans in total were recalled, 33,500 of them being outside the U.S.

SEE ALSO: Ford Recalling 230,000 Minivans

In a separate filing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) closed the probe on 115,000 Jeep Patriot SUVs after complaints of the engine stalling at high speeds were reported. In April, the American automaker recalled 2012 model year Patriot and Compass SUVs for the issue.

Discuss this story at JeepForum.com

Roughly 100,000 Ford and Mercury minivans might be added to a recall announced earlier this year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) is watching vehicles sold outside states included in the initial recall.

The campaign targeted about 230,000 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey North American minivans in March because rust in the wheel wells can let the third-row seats come loose. The affected vans range from the 2004 to 2007 model year and were sold in cold-weather states where road salt is used.

SEE ALSO: Ford Recalling 230,000 Minivans

NHTSA said problems are rare and is only aware of one problem reported by an owner outside the area affected by the recall. The investigation is closed, but owners not covered by the recall may still contact Ford for repairs if their van shows signs of rust.

The rusting area can weaken the mounting brackets that attach the seats to the floor. A new bracket will be installed away from the rusting area and a panel will be installed to prevent further water entry on affected units.

Last year, Kia announced that the Sedona minivan had reached the end of its lifecycle and would be getting the axe; then the Korean automaker did a flip-flop and said it would return, just at a later time.

Apparently that meant a one year break as the Korean automaker has revealed the 2014 Kia Sedona after the 2013 model year was absent from dealership lots. Oddly enough however, the Sedona didn’t undergo a huge makeover.

SEE ALSO: Kia Sedona Minivan Gets the Axe

The 2014 Sedona does get a redesign (however slight) with an updated front end featuring a redesigned grille, LED positioning lights and standard fog lights. In addition, it gets new 17-inch wheels and a few updates to its interior with more storage options.

But that’s the extent of its changes, which is surprising considering it would have been a perfect time for Kia to rework its magic on its minivan model. It will still be powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 found in the 2011 model year with 269 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Sedona is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Another sign that it’s severely outdated with mediocre fuel economy figures.

Pricing for the base-model LX will start at $25,900, excluding an $850 destination fee. Those wanting leather seats and the 17-inch wheels will have to shell out $30,900 (excluding $850).

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Honda has introduced a new concept multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show called the Concept M.

The Concept M is developed specifically for the local Chinese market and was designed by the Automobile R&D Center of Honda R&D in Japan. The Concept M features a radical design and the Japanese automaker hopes to “introduce a new-value vehicle that offers the attributes of a passenger car while adding new value through the realization of a comfortable and spacious cabin space made possible by Honda’s packaging technologies, and the fun of driving.”

Honda has confirmed that it’s making progress in the development of a mass-production vehicle based on the Concept M. It hopes to introduce it to the Chinese market next year, though don’t be surprised if much of the radical design has been subdued before then.

An undeniable unique vehicle could Honda use a mini-minivan like this in America?

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GALLERY: Honda Concept M

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Honda is issuing out a recall for its 2012-2013 CR-V and Odyssey models, along with the 2013 Acura RDX for a brake shift interlock issue.

The issue affects approximately 128,000 CR-Vs, 59,000 Odysseys, and 17,500 RDX vehicles. It may be possible to shift those vehicles out of the Park position without depressing the brake pedal when in sub-freezing temperatures.

Affected vehicles will have a component in their brake shift interlock system replaced. No complaints, crashes, or injuries related to the recall have been reported. The issue was discovered during an internal investigation.

The Japanese automaker will begin notifying affected owners in mid-May 2013.

Discuss this story at SuperHonda.com

Jonathan Browning, president of Volkswagen Group of America, has confirmed that the German automaker is phasing out production for its Routan minivan due to declining consumer demand.

Even more telling is that Volkswagen doesn’t believe the minivan is one of its core vehicles going forward. Browning mentioned that the minivan segment is contracting and that buyers opt for crossovers or SUVs to carry their family around rather than minivans.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Routan Axed After All

Last year, Volkswagen sold around 12,000 Routans but will likely only sell a few thousand this year according to Volkswagen Group of America’s vice president of communications, Scott Vazin.

The Routan minivans were built by Chrysler through a contract agreement and the contract was scheduled to end with the 2014 model year. Chrysler believes that the decision won’t have much of an impact on its minivan production, that is up to 1,400 minivans a day, five days a week, 24 hours a day.

[Source: Detroit News]

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Yes, you’re looking at the world’s first in-car vacuum cleaner, built-in to the rear cargo department of the updated 2014 Honda Odyssey.

How does it work? Does it reach to the front seats? How can you get one?

Find all the answers to your questions about this innovative new minivan feature in our first look video below.

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GALLERY: 2014 Honda Odyssey

The 2014 Honda Odyssey sucks… literally.

Arguably the best minivan on the market, it’s now even better for 2014 with a host of upgrades that includes the first time ever a built-in vacuum cleaner has been offered in a car.

Called the HondaVAC it was developed in partnership with Shop-Vac and includes the vacuum, as well as a replaceable filter and canister bag as well as several different nozzle sizes to help fit into all of the Odyssey’s many nooks and crannies. The entire vacuum is built in to the driver’s side of the rear cargo area.

Powered by an electric motor it requires no recharging and can run as long as the car is on. Plus, even when the car is off, it has enough power to operate for eight minutes.

The innovative HondaVAC will come as standard equipment on the top-level Odyssey Touring Elite trim.

In addition to this one feature, the Odyssey gets a mild restyle as well as new available safety features that include an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning. Plus, Honda has improved the Odyssey’s crash structure in anticipation of achieving a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Styling updates for 2014 include a more sculpted hood, new front fenders, a larger twin-bar grille and new front bumper with integrated fog lights, plus two-tone mirrors, LED taillights and darker-finish headlight housings. Inside there’s a new center stack incorporating the HondaLink telematics system that through a smartphone can provide access to everything from streaming radio stations to Facebook and Twitter updates.

On sale this summer, pricing will be released closer to the sale date.

GALLERY: 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite live photos

GALLERY: 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite

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Looking to make choosing a minivan an easier decision, Honda will debut a updated version of its Odyssey model at the New York Auto Show next week.

No concrete details about the vehicle have been provided, though Honda does say it will gain “innovative new features,” and that the 2014 model, “further strengthens the Honda minivan’s position as the segment’s most coveted family-friendly vehicle, and adds to its status as the strongest overall ownership value in its class.”

SEE ALSO: 2013 Honda Accord Video Review

As for what to expect, look for the optional six-speed automatic to now become standard equipment, while rumors have suggested the Odyssey could gain the 2013 Accord’s direct injection V6 to further boost fuel economy. There’s also the strong possibility that the 2014 model could gain the brand’s new LaneWatch feature, which uses a camera to display what’s in the car’s blindspot on an LCD screen in the dash.

SEE ALSO: 2013 NY Auto Show Preview

In addition to the 2014 Odyssey, Honda will showcase its Fit EV and Accord Plug-in Hybrid at the NY Auto Show, which starts Wednesday, March 27th.

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Ford has announced a recall affecting roughly 230,000 minivans dating back to 2004.

The issue surrounds a corrosion issue that could prevent the fold-down third-row seats from locking in place.

In total, 196,500 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey models are affected in the US, from model years 2004 to 2007. An additional 33,500 models were sold in Canada and select other countries.

The recall is limited to those vehicles sold in the 20 salt-belt states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as the District of Columbia.

According to Ford, the company is not aware of any injuries or accidents relating to the recall.

To fix the issue dealers will install a new seat mounting bracket to help secure the third-row seat.

Minivans are the most economical way to move lots of people and stuff. They’re spacious, comfortable and pretty carlike from a driving perspective. Good news for enthusiasts of the genre, Honda is updating its class-leading Odyssey for the 2014 model year.

Rumor has it this not-so-mini van will gain a host of meaningful improvements following a mid-cycle update. Undoubtedly the most significant change has to do with the vehicle’s drivetrain. A six-speed automatic transmission will supposedly be made standard across the board.

Today a functionally fine but outdated five-speed unit handles shifting duties on all but the highest-trim Odysseys. This cog-crate update is a welcome improvement and should help keep the van competitive in a market where six-, seven- and eight-speed units are rapidly becoming the norm.

SEE ALSO: 2011 Honda Odyssey Review

Other alleged upgrades to Honda’s handy hauler include the addition of an “EarthDreams” V6 engine that should offer better fuel economy, lane watch and lane departure warning, available LED headlamps and tail lights as well as adaptive cruise control, just to name a few.

Dealers could begin accepting orders for the 2014 Honda Odyssey as early as next month. This timing indicates the refreshed van should go on-sale sometime in the summer.

Discuss this story at OdysseyOwnersClub.com