Check out the Kelley Blue Book review of the 2010 Acura TL 4-door sedan. You know you’ve been wondering how this new Acura is going to drive so when you are ready for a test drive stop by your Cincinnati Acura dealer and we’ll let you take it out for a spin.
KBB Editors’ Overview
Last year’s redesign gave the rather stoic Acura TL a fresh look that included substantially more attitude than its predecessor. Gone is the attractive yet sedate styling of previous TLs, replaced by a bolder sedan wearing a love-it-or-hate-it grille borrowed from other recent Acura models. In addition to six more inches of body length, the latest TL also features more powerful engine choices, an available sport-tuned SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive) variant, and a Technology Package that can blow out eardrums as easily as it guides drivers away from stressful traffic congestion. Though not as engaging as competitors such as the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37, the Acura TL continues to impress with its reasonable price, quality feel and all-around abilities.
You’ll Like This Car If…
The daring TL continues to be a bargain when compared to pricier models from BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lexus and others. There’s a bit more room for rear passengers, and the larger engine and all-wheel-drive make the new SH-AWD version very entertaining on twisty roads, as well as supremely confident on slick surfaces.
What’s Significant about this Car?
In a nod to enthusiast drivers, Acura offers a new six-speed manual transmission on all-wheel-drive models only. Manual models also receive retuned front coils and dampeners, stiffer engine and transmission mounts, unique electric power steering tuning, and heavy-duty front differential, CV joints and driveshafts.
Cincinnati is one of the newest cities in Ohio to officially ban texting while driving. This comes as no shock to me really as cities all across the United States are doing the same thing every day. It’s just a matter of time before the entire country has put a ban on texting and driving. I for one think it is a great thing. When you are driving in your car or truck you should be paying attention all the time. Sending a text can break your concentration for even a millisecond and you could be hurt. It’s just not smart at all.
The question is…… Are texting bans working?
The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has completed a study which they say proves that the texting while driving bans are NOT reducing crashes at this time. I read this article from Consumer Reports regarding the study and I just had to share it with you. Texting while driving is a big topic of conversation in this state and country and it’s only going to get louder and louder. Let me know what you think about it. The point is don’t do it. PERIOD!
A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) claims that while most states have texting bans, there have been no reductions in crashes after the laws took effect and instead the results show a slight increase in crashes, especially for young drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood were quick to respond, questioning the conclusions and citing success seen with test programs. Despite IIHS findings, it is clear that distracted driving is a growing problem, and one that warrants more attention.
Secretary LaHood responded to the study saying it was “completely misleading” and IIHS and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) “have been working to discredit national anti-distracting driving efforts over the last year.” He continued to say that “Tough laws are the first step and enforcement must be next.”
The IIHS/HLDI findings are based on comparisons of claims in four states (California, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Washington) before and after texting bans compared with claims in nearby states without bans. They found that three out of the four states had an increase in damage from crashes after the bans. Washington saw a 1 percent increase in crashes after the ban, Minnesota 9 percent and California 12 percent. Washington’s results weren’t significant.
This new study follows an earlier IIHS study that found that drivers continue to talk and text despite the dangers and bans.
One reason that IIHS claims could be the reason for an increase in crashes after the bans are that drivers moved their phones out of sight and on their lap to hide their illegal behavior, which might have kept their eyes off the road for longer and exacerbated the risk. IIHS and HLDI President Adrian Lund says, “The point of texting bans is to reduce motor vehicle crashes, and by this essential measure, the laws are ineffective.”
NHTSA’s research finds that in 2009 nearly 5,500 people died in distracted driving accidents and another half million more were injured. And the problem is likely larger than the fatalities show, especially since there isn’t a standard for reporting. Secretary LaHood’s response to the IIHS/HLDI study also states, “Today’s HLDI-IIHS report fails to reconcile with previous research supported by HLDI-IIHS showing that drivers are four times as likely to crash if using a handheld device while driving.”
So far, 30 states plus the District of Columbia ban texting, eight states have bans for specific drivers—mostly young people, and 12 states have no bans at all, but it is expected that those states will add bans within the next 2 years.
At the recent Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C., details were announced on the effectiveness ofpilot enforcement campaigns in Syracuse, NY, and Hartford, CT, called “Phone in One Hand, Ticket in Another.” After six months of stepped-up enforcement of each state’s texting and hand-held cell phone bans, texting while driving declined 68 percent in Hartford and 42 percent in Syracuse. Further, hand-held cell phone use was reduced by 56 percent in Hartford and 38 percent in Syracuse. A national campaign cannot yet exist until more states pass bans, but these pilots can serve as a model for other states who want to increase enforcement on their own.
The IIHS study didn’t address the enforcement aspect of the bans, nor the role of accompanying marketing and signage. It is clear that laws will not work without stepped up enforcement and visibility, which is what NHTSA sought to establish and document with the pilot enforcement campaigns in Connecticut and New York.
This isn’t the first time IIHS and NHTSA have disagreed on safety priorities. An earlier report from IIHS said that speeding and running red lights are more important traffic safety issues rather than unintended acceleration and distracted driving, which have been among the government’s recent safety priorities.
As studies and debate continue, it is clear that distracted driving is dangerous. Simply put, don’t do it.
What are your thoughts on the banning of texting and driving and do you think a $100 ticket will sway people from doing it?
As summer comes to a close you’re wondering why you didn’t purchase that convertible you wanted at the beginning of summer aren’t you? You had dreams of riding around with the top down, your hair blowing in the wind. It was just out of your price range and there was nothing you could do about it. So you thought….
A used convertible is what you are looking for and now is the time to start looking. Why? Well, when you are buying at “peak” times in the spring and summer you are going to be paying way more than you would if you were looking in the fall and winter. If you purchase your used convertible in Cincinnati in December chances are you won’t be able to take the top down and let your hair blow through the wind without catching frost bite. If you can hold steady through the winter then when summer comes around again you have your new convertible to cruise the streets in and you saved a ton of money!
Keep this in mind this winter when the demand for the convertible you wanted goes down…. So will the price!
The All-New 2011 Honda Odyssey is finally here and we could not be more excited! It comes with an improved interior, more space and high-end features, better mileage and all around more style and grace. As they begin arriving at your local Cincinnati Honda dealership make sure that you get out there for a test drive!
Here’s what World Car Fans have to say about the new Odyssey. Make sure you check out the video as well to see for yourself what the Odyssey looks like! It may be a long video but I think you will find all the information you are seeking if you watch it.
The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey seeks to redefine the concept of the minivan with its aggressive stance and sporty “lightning-bolt” beltline. The lightning bolt not only provides an exclusive appearance, but also adds increased visibility for third-row passengers. New interior features add more convenience for families, while available entertainment technology introduces high-definition connectivity and split-screen viewing. Currently the best-selling minivan in the U.S., the all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey is set to go on sale this fall. Compared to the current Odyssey, the 2011 model’s lower roofline (-1.6 inches versus 2010 Odyssey EX) and wider track (+1.4 inches) contribute to a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with improved aerodynamics that help increase fuel economy and also translate into more interior width.
Let us know what you think about the All-New 2011 Honda Odyssey!
This had me rolling out of my office chair in hysterics. People thought I was crying cause I was upset. Really though I was crying because I was laughing so hard.
Come on people…. Getting your car washed is not Quantum Physics. You pull into the bay, turn your car off, let the cycle begin and for goodness sake you ignore that stupid harmless flyer that was left on your windshield. You could seriously hurt yourself or worse!!! You could hurt your car!!
That’s right! The all new 2011 Hyundai Equus will come equipped with an Apple iPad. Who do we thank for this one? Steve Jobs or the President of Hyundai Motor America? Either way nerds world wide rejoice! I know I am excited! Check out this article from Motor Authority on the new Hyundai Equus.
We’ve driven the 2011 Hyundai Equus a few times, and have come away impressed with the Korean automaker’s first take on traditional, full-size luxury.
Since we’re poverty-stricken Apple fanboys, too, we geeked out over the announcement earlier this year that the Equus would come standard with a 16GB, WiFi-enabled Apple iPad, which houses the Equus’ owners’ manual and connects owners to schedule service appointments via the Web.
A few mixed messages later, we’re bringing you the first photos of the iPad at work in the Equus, courtesy Hyundai CEO John Krafcik. Krafcik saw our (now updated) Equus Third Drive story, where we’d reported the iPad would not fit in the glovebox or in some secret area inside the Equus’ cubby-filled cabin. Here’s Krafcik’s proof that it does, even when tucked inside a nifty iPad case. (Etsy? Coach? I need this.)
The iPad also fits in the Equus’ seatback pockets, which means it doubles as an entertainment device for backseat passengers not wowed by the sedan’s eight-inch flip-up LCD entertainment system. And it slides into the side bins in the front doors, though it’ll be plainly visible there.
There’s still the question of how the iPad will stay charged, if it’s sitting unused for weeks on end in the car, and how that will affect owners who need the manual sporadically. And will owners be able to swap the WiFi model out for a 3G version, to stay connected in the nearly-ubiquitous cellphone data band?
Last question: does Steve Jobs get a free Equus, since it is pretty much the nicest iPad case on the planet?
You know we have been waiting patiently for this Hyundai Equus to arrive ever since it spent a week at our lots last year. When this new Equus finally arrives at your local Cincinnati Hyundai dealership you better know you will be the first ones we tell!
To receive an award from IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) is a pretty big thing! So, when we at Superior Kia found out that the 2011 Kia Sportage received an award from IIHS for Top Safety pick we were ecstatic!! Check out the press release below from Kia World!
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Picks 2011 Kia Sportage crossover vehicle as the 2010 Top Safety Pick!
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS, has chosen the 2011 Kia Sportage crossover vehicle -CUV as the 2010 Top Safety Pick in the category of small crossover vehicles. The ratings were based on side, frontal, rear, and rollover-including roof strength, tests for safety in an impact crash. The rating of “Good” is the highest rating achievable and the 2011 Kia Sportage safety record proves this.
Ratings from the Institute are based on results from frontal, side and rear impact crash tests, and for 2010 a good performance in a roof strength test – to measure protection in a rollover – also was required to win. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation was based on various measurements specific to each crash angle, and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision. All vehicles must have electronic stability control available to be eligible.
The 2011 Kia Sportage has joined the Soul crossover, Forte compact sedan, 2011 Sorento compact crossover utility vehicle and Sedona minivan which have all been named a “Top Safety Pick” by the US-based IIHS before. Kia Sedona minivan was the very first Kia vehicle in the States that won prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick award. This was achieved back in 2006.
Like any other Kia car, the 2011 Sportage crossover is also equipped with a large number of standard safety features. Both trims () come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags.
The 2011 Sportage is also equipped with front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System ABS, ESC system, Electronic Brake Distribution -EBD, Tire Pressure Monitoring System -TPMS and Brake Assist System -BAS. There are also Downhill Brake Control -DBC and Hill Start Assist Control -HAC available on both Sportage trims.
Interested in taking a look at the new 2011 Kia Sportage? Head on over to your local Cincinnati new Kia dealer and we would be happy to take you for a test drive!
The video has not be released yet of them testing the new Sportage but check out the IIHS testing the latest Sorento!
Have you ever wondered if your tires could be affecting your fuel economy? I know i’ve written plenty of blogs before expressing the importance for tire inflation but this one is a tid bit different. I ran across this story from Consumer Reports and since I just adore them I thought that I should share this story with you. It’s important to remember that bad tires can affect your car in more than one way and you should take the very best care of them! If you ever have any questions regarding your tires feel free to call your local Cincinnati dealer and we’ll be happy to give you the right answers!
Your car’s tires can play an important role in helping you get the best gas mileage and save money at the pump. Checking tire pressure regularly is one step toward optimum fuel economy, but your choice of tires can also help.
Automakers often specify low-rolling-resistance tires as original equipment to enhance vehicle performance in government fuel-economy tests. But replacement tires are not limited by any vehicle manufacturer’s requirements, and attributes such as all-season grip and tread life are big selling points. In the past, consumers often had to weigh a trade-off between low rolling resistance and other performance capabilities, such as wet braking. But in recent years, tire manufacturers have been achieving a better balance of rolling resistance and all-weather grip.
Consumer Reports recently tested a few all-season tire models with low rolling resistance and found that those tires can improve fuel economy by an additional one or two mpg. The reward for replacing a less-optimum tire can be a payback covering most of the cost of the new tires over their lifetime in fuel savings. Moreover, you generally don’t have to pay more to get a tire with better rolling resistance.
Here are some additional tips for getting the most fuel economy from your tires:
Keep your tires properly inflated. (A label on the driver’s doorjamb tells you the correct pressures to use.)
Check inflation pressure at least monthly; do this when the tires are cool.
If you were happy with the tires that came with the car when it was new, consider replacing them with an identical set. Low rolling resistance is a common trait of original-equipment tires.
Before buying replacement tires, check Consumer Reports’ Ratings for tires that excel in overall performance and use rolling resistance as tie-breaker
Insurance for teenagers is and can be high. Did you know that there are a few tricks and tips that you could use to keep your teenagers insurance down? Check out this video and get a few of those tips and hints now. Teenagers can not wait until the day that they turn 16 and they can hit the open road on their next adventure. It’s freedom that they long for, but at what price does that freedom come? Well, insurance doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Take it from me! If you have any tips and hints you would like to share feel free to send them over to me.
Superior Kia in Cincinnati is very excited about the arrival of the all-new 2011 Kia Optima. So much in face that when I happened across this review by AutoBlog I knew I just had to share it with you. It’s not only funny but you can get a clear view that these guys are ready to see what the new Kia Optima is made of. When this car finally starts arriving in a Cincinnati Kia Dealership near you, you will most definitely want to take it for a test drive. Let us know what you think about the new design! I think it’s pretty stylish, sleek, and very easy on the eyes!
We admit it – we’re genetically preprogrammed to be shallow creatures. Despite our moms’ best efforts, recognizing inner beauty is all well and good, but it’s physical beauty that first puts both people and consumables on our radar.
Exhibit A? The 2011 Kia Optima. You see, while exactly nobody was paying attention, the outgoing Optima actually became a reasonably competitive mid-size sedan. But with the lackluster reputation of its predecessor compounded by styling so banal that it might as well have had “John Doe” as a model designation, the Optima was seemingly forgotten by everyone but fleet managers.
That’s not going to be a problem any more.
If someone had told us even five years ago that Kia would be brassy enough to provide any of its products to test at Road ‘Hallowed-Be-Thy-Name’ Atlanta, we’d have had a good laugh. If that same person told us we’d be looking at the segment’s style leader and possibly the best model in the sector, we’d take their temperature before damning them to a year behind the wheel of a marshmallow white Amanti. And yet, after an all-too-brief first taste, there’s good reason to believe the Optima may finally live up to its name.
The Superior Automotive Group and Mike Albert Direct have been serving Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky since 1928. We care about you, your cars, your safety, and our community.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask and any suggestions are always welcome at SuperiorAutomotiveGroup@gmail.com
Click To Subscribe In A Reader
Please Visit Us Online At Any Of Our Social Networks Anytime!!
