As the North American economy slowly turns towards the better, automotive manufacturers with plants within the United States looks to make some big changes in order to meet their new increased levels of demand. Honda is now looking to spend $84 million towards hiring 100 more workers and expanding the production of their light trucks and engines at a plant in Alabama.

Currently the Lincoln, Alabama plant produces around 300,000 vehicles and engines yearly, but Honda anticipates by 2013 that its production will be increased to 340,000. Currently the plant employs 4,000 people to help meet demands that have increased 10-percent this year through October.

The plant is currently responsible for making Odyssey minivans, Pilot sport-utility vehicles and Ridgeline pickups along with the six-cylinder engines they utilize under the hood. Honda is also looking to shift production of their Acura MDX SUV to this factory.

[Source: Automotive News]

In the stretch for the 2011 minivan sales winner, it’s Dodge and Toyota out in front, and when the results are this close, it could still be anyone’s race.

The Toyota Sienna and the Dodge Grand Caravan are neck-in-neck to become the top selling minivan of 2011. What it will come down to will most likely be determined by parts availability and end-of-year consumer deals… and perhaps a fleet transaction could pull one automaker ahead of the rest?

Here’s what it looks like so far. As of the end of October, the Dodge Grand Caravan was in first place with 92,930 sales, followed closely by the Toyota Sienna with 91,955 sales. In third is the Honda Odyssey with 86,436 sales and in fourth is the Chrysler Town & Country with 78,255 sales.

There are a few factors that could make or break this race for the top spot. The first is parts availability, and with the earthquake and tsunami drastically affecting production, Japanese minivan sales could suffer. Another is end of year deals, and to really make a push for the close of 2011, both Toyota and Dodge could pull out some pretty sweet sale prices to give the automakers’ respective vehicles an edge in the competition. Finally, fleet sales could turn out to be the secret weapon that drives one competitor out above the rest. Dodge, Chrysler and Toyota sell minivans to fleets, but Honda doesn’t, so a final fleet push could be just what cinches the race.

What minivan do you think will win the race? And is Chrysler crazy for having announced it will discontinue the Grand Caravan?

[Source: Automotive News]

Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Review here and 2011 Toyota Sienna Review here

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the 2009 Honda Odyssey for a possible liftgate malfunction.

The Odyssey’s power liftgate is said to close unexpectedly, and NHTSA has received seven complaints so far, with two of the complaints resulting in injury after the owners were unexpectedly struck with the liftgate. An estimated 20,000 vehicles are affected. A recall may be initiated if NHTSA deems it necessary.

[Source: Automotive News]

Do people still buy minivans? That’s what Polk Research wants to find out.

With a common aversion to minivans that lies somewhere between stubbing a toe on furniture and ebola, it’s interesting to see that from last year, minivan sales have actually gone up. From a nice, even 3 percent of light vehicle sales in 2010, sales of the minivan increased .2%. But then again, this is the tail end of a trend from 2007 that saw a high of 4.3%, and slipped sharply last year.

Manufacturers are well aware of this too. Out of these minivan sales, a whopping 92% come from just four models: the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country, and Dodge Caravan. The other 8% consists of the Kia Sedona, Volkswagen Routan and the Nissan Quest.

Those, of course, are the only minivans sold on the market today. Gone are Ford and GM, for example, among others: manufacturers have known that consumers have avoided minivans for years now, and as a result are replacing them in their lineups with SUVs. Polk’s data supports this: last year, over 40% of customers who ditched a minivan replaced it with either a midsize or a compact SUV. 21% went with a midsize car, and given America’s aversion to small cars as well as minivans, only 16% bought one of those instead.

Since 2007, the number of minivans available on the market has dropped from 15 models to 7. Of course, all of this leads to a neat, tidy little Catch-22. If manufacturers decide that consumers aren’t buying minivans, they’ll stop making them. But if consumers can’t find the right minivan to choose from, they won’t buy one. So which came first: the manufacturers who won’t build minivans because nobody’s buying them, or the consumers who can’t find one to buy in the first place?

[Source: Polk]

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has bestowed their Top Safety Pick to the 2011 Honda Odyssey as well as the GM crossovers, which includes the Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse and GM Acadia.

The three GM vehicles all share the Lambda platform. The GMC Acadia was the guinea pig that ran the gamut of tests, and since the other two are built on the same platform, Buick and Chevrolet can also tout the award in their ad campaigns.

The Odyssey is only the second minivan to win the IIHS’s top award, next to the Toyota Sienna, and it did so by demonstrating great results during the new roof strength tests that were added to the criteria recently.

The GMC Acadia’s roof took four times its weight during testing, and the Odyssey five; the IIHS requires merely 1.5 times the roof’s own weight to pass.

[Source: Autoblog]

Soccer moms sometimes get a raw deal because of the vehicle of choice. But it’s not like they have much of a choice – a minivan is the best-equipped vehicle to haul their aspiring David Beckhams to games and practices. It’s time to stop mocking the soccer mom, and automakers are setting out to make the minivan cool… but will moms jump on the minivan band wagon?

At the recent Detroit Auto Show, a group of mothers from MomsLikeMe.com critiqued the latest wave of minivans. For the most part, they liked all the new creature comforts they came with, but when it came to the vehicle’s cool factor, they just couldn’t see it becoming any hipper than it already is (which means, not at all). They agreed that the minivan is all about practicality, not style sense.

“It is not worth the hassle to try and stuff everything and all your kids into a regular car,” said Patti Cleland, a 42-year-old mother of three from Grosse Pointe Woods.

The MomsLikeMe crew check gave critiques of the all-new Ford C-Max, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan and Volkswagen Routan. Even though it was smaller, the C-Max scored high marks, and so did the Sienna, thanks to its four up-front cupholders, the dual moonroofs and the reclining second-row seats with leg rests.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Few people pay attention to minivans, but an interesting sales war is heating up, with what could be Chrysler’s first major sales victory in their post-bailout era.

Chrysler‘s Town & Country minivan, which just underwent a pretty substantial refresh, is the leading minivan according to sales data, moving 102,495 units through November. The perennial leader, the Honda Odyssey, trailed by about 4500 units, amid a surging minivan market. Toyota’s Sienna is over 10,000 units behind the Chrysler.

It seems unlikely that the Odyssey will prevail, and 2011 is sure to be an interesting year if the upward sales of minivans continues, especially with a predicted rise in gas prices.

[Source: The Detroit News]

It doesn’t take a genius to know that Honda‘s Odyssey is destined to be a brisk seller. As the undisputed king of the minivan segment, the Odyssey is still popular even with an onslaught of new competitors from Chrysler, Dodge, Kia and Toyota.

The rest of the lineup isn’t so hot. The Insight is being outsold by an 8-1 margin by its arch rival, the Toyota Prius, while the Crosstour’s projected 40,000 sales aren’t materializing, with the car selling closer to 20,000 units. The CR-Z also appears to have slowed after a promising start, although sports car sales are always dismal in the colder months.

Honda faces a predicament, since the rest of their lineup, like the Civic, Accord and CR-V are all fairly old, and due for replacement. But with only stagnant or unappealing products in the showroom, 2010 will be a dismal year for the big H. Hopefully the company can pull out of their nosedive, but their legendary maverick attitude (and accompanying arrogance that their way is the right way, market desires be damned) may see a number of lean years before their once faithful customers return.

[Source: Autoblog]

Kia‘s Sedona minivan, an often ignored but solid bargain in the minivan segment, gets a new grille for 2011, along with an upgraded powertrain.

The Sedona’s new V6 puts out 271 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque with power being put down through a 6 speed manual transmission. This gives the Sedona a 27 horsepower gain over the old motor, but a 5 lb-ft loss…not that it matters.

With all new versions of the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country and Nissan Quest about the flood the market, the Sedona has a tough fight ahead. But with a low MSRP, it’s destined to achieve at least some success.

[Source: Kia]

2011 KIA SEDONA

Minivan’s New Engine and Transmission Offer Increased Power and Fuel Economy

- Sedona continues to offer an extensive list of comfort and convenience features
- 2011 Kia minivan offers an abundance of safety features

IRVINE, Calif., October 1, 2009 – A comfort and value staple in the minivan segment, the 2011 Kia Sedona returns to the Kia Motors America (KMA) lineup, stocked with a plethora of convenience amenities and safety features. A recipient of a “Top Safety Pick” recognition by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, multiple five-star crash safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for each seating position1 and a 2010 “Top Recommended Vehicle” award from Edmunds.com, Sedona offers the comfort, space, utility, safety features and peace of mind consumers have come to associate with the Kia minivan.

New for 2011, Sedona now comes with an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine able to produce up to 271 horsepower, 27 more than the previous version, and offer improved fuel economy over the previous year. Also new for the Sedona is a standard six-speed automatic transmission, standard exterior side mirror LED turn signal indicators and standard Bluetooth®2 wireless technology3 to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones, increasing Sedona’s convenience proposition further. The 2011 Sedona also displays the signature tabbed Kia grille, seen on all new Kia vehicles.

Available in LX and EX trim levels, pricing for the functional minivan begins at $24,5954 for the base trim, offering standard convenience features, including air conditioning, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service5, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Abundance of Standard Safety Features

An eight-time recipient of a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA for each seating position and a “Top Safety Pick” by IIHS for four years, Sedona offers consumers invaluable protection provided by an extensive list of standard safety features on the 2011 model, including six standard airbags (dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags for all three seating rows), active front headrests, a four-channel, four-sensor, Antilock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), which takes into account vehicle load and weight distribution and ensures the appropriate stopping force is used. The EBD adapts to individual wheel grip conditions, to help improve both control and stability. Additional standard safety equipment for Sedona includes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) while Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a Traction Control System (TCS) ensure a smoother and safer ride.

In conjunction with the ABS, the TCS uses brake and engine torque intervention to enhance traction during launch and acceleration on road surfaces. If the ABS system detects wheel slip, it signals the engine control unit to adjust engine torque output accordingly. TCS also senses when one or more wheels spin faster than the vehicle’s speed, and if this condition is present it applies the brakes to that wheel or wheels. Working together, the two systems limit wheel spin and help the driver maintain control.

Working with the standard ABS with EBD and TCS, the ESC system can apply individual brakes selectively to help control oversteer and understeer as needed to help the driver maintain control on slippery surfaces or during certain emergency maneuvers. Being able to control any or all of the brakes allows the ESC system to provide responsiveness, control and enhanced accident avoidance capabilities to help the driver, although ESC is not a substitute for safe driving procedures.

Increased Performance

Sedona’s all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine is standard on all models and produces up to an impressive 271 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque while offering improved fuel economy of 18/25 mpg city/highway. Sedona also features a new six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic™ clutchless shifting. The new transmission is standard for both LX and EX trims.

Sedona’s four-wheel independent suspension system is comprised of MacPherson struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the front, while the rear uses a multi-link design with coil springs and a stabilizer bar.

Stopping power comes from a power-assisted four-wheel-disc braking system with large-diameter vented front disc brakes (11.7 inches) and solid rear disc brakes (11.9 inches). Sedona models come standard with 16-inch steel wheels and 225/70R16 tires on LX models, with optional 16-inch alloy wheels, and 17-inch alloy wheels fitted to 235/60R17 tires are standard for EX models.

Spacious, Comfortable and Functional

Competitively sized, the seven-passenger Sedona’s generous dimensions and unibody construction offer impressive passenger and luggage space and sophisticated ride and handling. Adding to its space and versatility, flip-and-fold second row seats provide easy access to third row seating. A simple-to-operate 60/40-split folding-into-the-floor third row seat is standard on all models to create a larger flat cargo area, providing additional cargo space for all driver and passenger needs.

All Sedonas continue to maintain Kia’s tradition of high value by offering a generous list of standard features and amenities. Besides standard SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service, Bluetooth wireless technology, ABS, six airbags and a six-speed Sportmatic™ transmission, the LX trim also comes standard with air conditioning, sliding doors with power windows, power mirrors and door locks, cruise control, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system that includes an auxiliary and USB-MP3 input jack, captain’s chairs for the second row and keyless entry. The back-up warning system also comes standard and is used to alert the driver of an object in close proximity to the rear of the vehicle.

Moving to the EX trim adds fog lamps, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat, heated power mirrors, an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack, auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink®, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power rear quarter glass, trip computer with compass and a roof rack. The EX trim also offers a standard rear view mirror camera display in addition to the back-up warning system to help the driver better see surroundings and reverse more safely6.

In addition to the LX and EX model standard equipment, the 2011 Sedona offers several option packages for maximum convenience and entertainment. The Power Package, available only on LX models, offers the rear view mirror camera display, dual power sliding doors, automatic light controls, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome wheel garnish. The Luxury Package, available on EX models, combines leather seat trim, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, driver’s memory seat, mirrors and adjustable pedals, tri-zone automatic temperature control, four-way power front passenger seat and a sunroof. EX models also offer the Entertainment Package, which includes a six-disc in-dash CD changer and a 660-watt premium rear seat DVD entertainment system with an eight-inch monitor, wireless headphones, remote control and an Infinity® surround sound system. A navigation system also is available for the EX trim.

Industry-Leading Warranty

Like all Kia models, Sedona is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®7 in-car hands-free entertainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. later this year). The launches of the 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, the dynamic 2011 Sportage compact CUV, sophisticated 2011 Optima midsize sedan and versatile Forte 5-door hatchback further enhance the lineup.

Kia’s model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

Minivans are deeply uncool. For men especially, buying one carries the same emasculating stigma that wearing a pink shirt once held. But after a long period of poor sales (and having the segment ravaged by crossovers) minivan sales are on the rebound, thanks to some especially strong product.

On the other hand, right now isn’t a bad time to be selling Honda, Chrysler/Dodge or Toyota minivans, as those four minivans comprise 91 percent of the market; the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country. Kia’s Sedona and the Volkswagen Routan comprise the other 9 percent, while nameplates like the Nissan Quest, Plymouth Voyager, General Motors’ minivan family and the Hyundai Entourage have all fallen victim to slumping sales.

On the other hand, minivan sales are slowly rising, posting a 3.4% gain for 2010. Sienna sales are up 72%, and some analysts think they could be higher if not for Toyota’s quality problems. With new versions of the Odyssey and Nissan Quest slated to debut later this year, the segment could see a resurgence as consumers shy away from fuel-thirsty and overly-large crossovers and SUVs.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Hit the jump to see Toyota’s “Swagger Wagon” Sienna commercial

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Parents magazine has made the list (and assumedly checked it twice) to bring you their top 15 picks of family-friendly vehicles for 2010. Teaming up with Edmunds.com, Parents has only included models that come equipped with antilock brakes and front, side, and side-curtain air bags. These vehicles also come with family necessities such as sliding rear seats, smart storage for toys, and other amenities that make the drive that much smoother. You may be surprised to learn that not many minivans or SUVs made the list. The picks aren’t in any particular order and are broken down into categories such as sedans, hybrids and large vehicles.

They are listed after the jump, along with a few of their top selling points:

[Source: Parents]

Volkswagen Jetta TDI: Direct-injection engine and self-cleaning filter, turbocharged engine, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick.

Honda Accord: Big backseat, sliding center armrest, remote key entry.

Subaru Legacy: All-wheel drive, IIHS Top Safety Pick, large rear seats, wide, low opening trunk.

Mazda 5: Holds six passengers in three rows, cushy second-row captain’s chairs, third row folds down.

Kia Soul: IIHS Top Safety Pick, durable upholstery, command seating.

Honda Fit: Compact yet comfortable, lots of cargo space, easy to park.

Chevrolet Equinox: Great gas mileage, rear seats slide forward, remote start.

Honda CR-V: Easy handling, handy under-seat compartments, rear seats fold down in multiple configurations.

Toyota RAV4: Sleek styling, crisp handling, and an optional third row.

Ford Fusion Hybrid: Cushy power seats, soft ambient lighting, voice-activated Sync audio system, capless gas tank.

Toyota Prius: Great gas mileage, room for three in back, flat cargo area.

Honda Insight: Fuel efficient, quick, responsive ride.

Ford Flex: Each row has separate heat-AC vents, power fold button, lots of storage space.

Chevrolet Traverse: Seating for up to eight, second-row seats slide forward.

Honda Odyssey: Outstanding interior space, maneuverability, and flexibility, hidden storage bin, optional PlusOne seat.

Each year J.D. Power & Associates does a study that examines the most appealing cars to consumers and this year there is one big surprise. The Hyundai Genesis sedan topped the BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF in the mid-sized luxury segment for the 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

The APEAL Study is based off of owner evaluations of over 80,900 new car consumers from February to May 2009 and takes into account over 90 factors and generally evaluates how those buyers or leasers feel about their car new car.

Other winners include the VW Passat in the Mid-sized car segment, the Nissan Maxima in the Large Car segment, the Honda Odyssey in the Minivan Segment, a tie between the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Avalanche in the Pickup Truck segment and the Smart fortwo in the Sub-compact Car segment. And on that note, we urge you to take the list with a grain of salt, as the Smart beat out cars like the Honda Fit.

In terms of manufacturers, Porsche topped the list for the fifth consecutive year, while domestic brands like Dodge, Pontiac, Buick and Cadillac showed the most improvement. As a manufacturer Cadillac placed third overall.

Overall, scores for 2009 improved over 2008, due mostly to improvements in the fuel-economy segment. J.D. Power lists three contributing factors to this increase: improved fuel-economy of the vehicles; an increase in ownership of fuel-efficient cars, with over 50 percent (as compared to 39 percent in 2008) of the surveyed vehicles powered by four-cylinder engines; and a drop in fuel prices that has also meant consumers are less interested in fuel economy.

One other trend that has emerged is the increasing appeal of domestic brands, as they ranked, on average, just five points below import brands. This compares to a difference of 15 points last year and 27 points in 2007.

GALLERY: J.D. Power 2009 APEAL Study

Official release:

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: JULY 16, 2009 – The automotive industry achieves a three-year high in appeal for new and redesigned models, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released today. Seven of these models have received segment-level awards.

In 2009, the APEAL score for all-new and redesigned models averages 790 on a 1,000-point scale-11 points higher than in 2008 and 15 points higher than the 2009 score for carryover models. In addition, seven all-new and redesigned models rank highest in their respective segments, including the Dodge Challenger, Ford F-150 (in a tie), Ford Flex, Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Maxima, Volkswagen CC and Volkswagen Tiguan.

“Most automakers are on track in terms of designing new models that are highly appealing,” said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. “The greater challenge for manufacturers lies in creating models that launch with both strong appeal and high quality, which ultimately lead to improved sales through greater customer loyalty and advocacy.”

Throughout the years, vehicle models achieving high APEAL scores have been shown to benefit from faster sales, less need for cash incentives and higher profit margins on each vehicle sold.

The average APEAL score for all models in 2009 has improved considerably to 779 from 770 in 2008, driven primarily by increased owner satisfaction with fuel economy. This higher satisfaction comes from three main sources. First, fuel prices have decreased significantly during the past year, which has reduced owner concerns about gas mileage. Second, owners are switching to more fuel-efficient vehicles-in 2009, more than one-half of all vehicles included in the study are powered by four-cylinder engines, compared with just 39 percent in 2008. Third, automakers are designing models to be more fuel efficient than their predecessors.

“Although lower fuel prices and the switch to smaller vehicles have undoubtedly helped, there are also many individual vehicles that have made strong improvements in fuel economy ratings,” said Sargent. “For example, the Ford F-150, Cadillac Escalade, Volkswagen Jetta and redesigned Dodge Ram have all made major strides in owner satisfaction with fuel economy through the introduction of more efficient powertrains.”

In 2009, domestic brands comprise the four most-improved nameplates. Dodge posts the largest improvement, followed by Pontiac, Buick and Cadillac, respectively. In addition, the three most-improved models are from domestic manufacturers, including the Dodge Ram, Buick Lucerne and Ford F-150.

“Consumers have a great array of appealing vehicles to choose from by both domestic and import brands,” said Sargent.

The overall gap in APEAL scores between domestic and import models has narrowed considerably during the past several years and is just five index points in 2009, compared with 15 points in 2008 and 27 points in 2007. Among premium models, import nameplates retain a slight edge, while among non-premium models, domestic brands have a similar edge.

APEAL Model-Level and Nameplate Rankings
Volkswagen captures four segment-level awards-more than any other vehicle nameplate in 2009-for the CC, GTI, Passat and Tiguan. Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan each garner two awards. Ford receives model-level awards for the F-150 (in a tie) and Flex. Honda models receiving awards are the Odyssey (for a fifth consecutive year) and Ridgeline (for a fifth consecutive year). Mercedes-Benz earns awards for the S-Class (for a third consecutive year) and SLK-Class. The S-Class achieves the highest APEAL score of any model in the industry. Nissan receives awards for the Armada and Maxima.

Also receiving awards are the Chevrolet Avalanche (for a second consecutive year), in a tie; Dodge Challenger, Hyundai Genesis, MINI Cooper (for a second consecutive year); Porsche Cayenne (for a second consecutive year); and smart fortwo. The Ford F-150 and Honda Ridgeline are the only two models to rank highest in their respective segments in both the 2009 APEAL Study and 2009 Initial Quality Study (IQS) released in June.

Porsche is the highest-ranking nameplate in APEAL for a fifth consecutive year.

The APEAL Study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of more than 90 vehicle attributes. The 2009 APEAL Study is based on responses gathered between February and May 2009 from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership. The APEAL Study complements the recently released J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), which focuses on problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership.

Find more detailed findings on new-vehicle APEAL performance as well as model photos and specs by watching a video, reading an article and reviewing APEAL ratings at JDPower.com.