2004 Volvo V70r - Awd Turbo Wagon on 2040-cars

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Ford tumbles to second worst in Consumer Reports reliability survey, list dominated by Japanese [w/video]

It's no secret that MyFord Touch has had its share of problems since being introduced, but the most recent reliability survey from Consumer Reports shows just how much this infotainment system has affected Ford. Just two years ago, the automaker was in the top 10 for the institute's reliability rankings, but since then, it has tumbled to the second-lowest rung just above dead-last Jaguar. In addition to MyFord Touch, CR also attributes a handful of new products that have had issues right out of the gate.
Compiled from 1.2 million subscriber surveys, this year's auto reliability survey heavily favors Japanese automakers, with eight of the 10 spots hailing from Japan. Toyota brands grabbed the top three spots (Scion, Toyota and Lexus - in that order) with Mazda, Subaru, Honda and Acura filling the next four spots. The only non-Asian automaker cracking the top 10 was Audi at number eight.
Audi climbed a total of 18 spots from last year, and Cadillac and GMC round out this year's top gainers breaking into the top 15. Helping Cadillac's upward movement, the CTS Coupe was named the most reliable domestic car. Lincoln, Volvo and Chrysler join Ford on this year's biggest loser list.

Volvo XC40 gets the merest hint of a mid-cycle update

Scandinavian design is known for its subtlety and minimalism, but even by Nordic standards the Volvo XC40 lineup has received the tiniest wisp of change. Volvo Germany uploaded the new crossover a little early by the looks of it. In front, a slightly reshaped bumper frames Volvo's new Pixel headlights and some T-shaped fog light housings. The grille remains on the mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid XC40 models, but the XC40 Recharge gets the same solid faceplate as on the C40 Recharge. We can't see a difference anywhere else outside save for the wheels; the updated XC40 Recharge sits on the 20-inch aero wheels that debuted on the C40 Recharge, while the hybrid models get a selection of new wheel designs. Looks like Volvo's reworked exterior pacakges, dropping Inscription and R-Design (at least in the UK and French markets that still show the non-facelifted car) for Essential, Core, Plus, and Ultimate packages, the number of choices depending on the model. After that, Bright and Dark trim molding treatments add flair or shadow to the exterior. The battery-electric XC40 Recharge in the U.S. presents the choice of Plus and Ultimate.   The Sage Green and Fjord Blue hues from the C40 make their way to the XC40 Recharge paint palette as well. Inside, tailored wool joins the Microtech and leather dressing options, and high-zoot configuring can get the Orrefors gear selector. The Android-based operating system has been ported to the nine-inch infotainment screen, too.  Since Volvo hasn't finished rolling out this vehicle in Europe, it's likely we're not going to see it until sometime next year, perhaps as a 2023 model. We expect it will be joined by the refreshed XC60 with the larger battery and extended all-electric driving range. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

10 most memorable cars and SUVs of 2019

It's no surprise that a car reviewer will drive a large number of cars over the course of a year. Indeed, when the clock strikes midnight on Dec 31, I will have driven 75 new cars, trucks and SUV this year (and one old Peugeot) over the course of weekly evaluation loans and first drive events. That sure seems like a lot. Some definitely got more attention than others, and some came and went without leaving much of an impression – I completely forgot I drove a Kia Forte. Yet in the spirit of this day, I thought I'd pick the 10 that I would love to see under the Christmas tree tomorrow morning. You know, just in case you were looking to get me something. I'll also throw in a couple disappointments that were memorable for the wrong reasons. They'd get sent back to the store on Boxing Day. Lexus LC 500 Pictured below and resplendent in its Flare Yellow metallic paint, the car that would reach highest on my list is the divine Lexus LC 500. As a devout lover of GT cars, the LC ticks all the boxes. Muscular and characterful engine? V8, check. Beautifully made and memorable interior? It's gorgeous, to hell with Remote Touch. Check. Comfortable and reasonably practical? Superb seats and, uh, yeah. Makes me want to stand there and stare at it? You bet. Though I long figured my heart would say LC but my head "Porsche 911," after this go-around, that's no longer the case. LC, pretty please. 2020-lexus-lc500-f34-2 View 19 Photos Polestar 1 I actually feel lucky that I got to drive the Polestar 1. Only 150 will be produced each year, and it's a far more special thing than it would initially appear. And that's despite initially appearing to be a beautiful, classic two-door GT car with a roof so rakish it's only possible because it's made of carbon fiber. That itÂ’s a massively powerful plug-in hybrid with more all-electric range than any other PHEV is a thick dollop of whipped cream on a slice of Toscakaka. You know, Swedish dessert, Swedish car. Fine, I'll stick to Ikea references.  Polestar1_Launch_SanFrancisco-0014 View 44 Photos Volvo V60 Cross Country Speaking of Sweden, did I drive this car off the road there? Sure did! And despite this, the V60 Cross Country scratches that certain wagon itch and looks sensational to boot. I wish it were available with the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it's best not to get greedy at Christmas.