april 2011 auto

The Cadillac DTS is afull-size luxury sedan that

combines classic styling,impeccable road manners

and a spacious interior, allcontributing to its reputa-

tion as a comfortable longdistance cruiser.

The front-wheel driveDTS is powered by GM’sNorthstar 4.6-liter V8engine, available in both275-hp and 292-hp versionsand mated to a four-speedautomatic transmission. Itcan be configured to seat upto six people, with premi-um trim-dependent ameni-ties that include alloywheels, Xenon headlights, apower sunroof, suppleleather upholstery, heatedand cooled front seats,automatic climate control,satellite radio, Bluetoothwireless connectivity,

voice-activated navigationand a DVD player. Anexclusive PlatinumCollection trim is alsooffered, boasting an adap-tive suspension withMagnetic Ride Control,unique chrome wheels and

grille, upgraded interiortrim elements and exclu-sive wood accents.Standard safety equipmentincludes Stabilitrak elec-tronic stability control withtraction control, anti-lockdisc brakes with brakeassist, front side-impactairbags, overhead curtainairbags for front and rearpassengers, a tire pressuremonitor and OnStar serv-ice.

An available DriverAwareness Package offersenhanced safety with LaneDeparture Warning andSide Blind Zone Alert sys-tems.

The 2011 Lincoln MKS isblessed with smart per-formance, subdued goodlooks, and a roomy interior.

The Lincoln MKS hassome substantial charms ofits own that outweigh itscompetitors. For one, it’soffered with Ford’s tur-bocharged V-6 for swiftacceleration on par withthe M37, while it also hasthe well-damped ride totop the other Japanesecompetitors.

The MKS plays up a tra-ditional feel without thefloppy compromises of thepast intruding too much.The MKS steers andresponds to quick inputs

well enough to carve a dis-tinct niche out of the fieldof large luxury sedans.

Where does the MKSexcel? In features and cabinfeel.

The quiet, classy stylinginside and out is a markedcounterpoint to Cadillac’sbrash CTS—and the MKS’s

fit and interior finishes area step beyond the Caddy’spieces, too. The MKS’shandsome looks arematched with a very spa-cious cabin, particularly inthe rear seat, and a capa-cious trunk.

It’s also one of the IIHS’sTop Safety Picks. For gadg-et collectors, there’s all-wheel drive as well as first-rate audio and telematicssystems—not to mentionFord’s SYNC entertainmentand phone controller.

So why’s it still a sleeper?It’s probably the Lincolnbadges, but with well-exe-cuted cars like the MKS,that’s apt to change.

PAGE 2 | NORTHSHORE AUTOMOTIVE | SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011

See the classy LincolnMKS at Bill Hood Ford

The 2011 Lincoln MKScan be seen at: BillHood Ford1500 N. MorrisonBlvd., Hammond

Phone: 985-345-1590Visit www.billhood

ford.com

2011 LINCOLN MKS

The 2011 ChevroletAvalanche 1500 offers theflexibility of either carryingup to six passengers or pro-viding the hauling capacityof a long-bed pickup.

Available in LS, LT, andLTZ trims the ChevyAvalanche comes in oneconfiguration, a half-ton,full-size pickup with fourdoors, room for up to sixpassengers and outfittedwith a unique, fold-downrear bulkhead accessing anenclosed bed. All Avalanchemodels come with a stan-dard 320-hp 5.3-liter V8FlexFuel engine withActive Fuel Managementcoupled to a six-speed auto-matic transmission. Safetyfeatures that come stan-dard on all models includefront seat and side curtain

airbags; LATCH rear-seatchild safety seat anchors,Stabilitrak with ProactiveRoll Avoidance and theOnStar crash-notificationsystem.

For 2011, the ChevroletAvalanche carries over withsome standard and optionalequipment changes. Alltrims are now equippedwith roof rails, Bluetooth,and rear audio controls.

Levis Chevrolet-Cadillac is the placeto test drive the Chevy Avalanche

The 2011 ChevroletAvalanche can beseen at: LevisChevrolet Cadillac316 E. Howzee BeachRoad, Slidell

Phone: 985-643-1800Visit www.levischevy

cadillac.com

2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE

The Cadillac DTS now at Levis Chevrolet-CadillacThe Cadillac DTS can

be seen at: LevisChevrolet Cadillac316 E. Howzee BeachRoad, Slidell


cadillac.com

CADILLAC DTS

Breaking with the Chevytradition of offering a larg-er-than-average engine in asmall car, the Cruze offers apair of fuel-efficient yetpeppy small power plants.Whether you get the 1.8-liter non-turbochargedinline-4 or the 1.4-literturbo mill, you’ll get class-competitive performancealong with the promise ofhigh fuel economy.

The Cruze’s handling isalso notably sharp and itsinterior is light-years aheadin terms of quality andstyling. In terms of features,even the base Cruze LScomes pretty wellequipped, with 10 airbagsbeing one notable standardequipment highlight. TheCruze is also quite roomy(the EPA actually classifiesit as a midsize car), thoughrear seat comfort is only so-so for taller folks.

The 2011 ChevroletCruze is a small sedan thatcomes in four main trimlevels: LS, Eco, LT and LTZ.

The LS includes 16-inchsteel wheels, OnStar, a tilt-

and-telescoping steeringwheel, air-conditioning, aneight-way (manual)adjustable driver seat, a60/40-split rear seat, a tripcomputer, full power acces-sories and a six-speakerstereo with a CD/MP3 play-er, satellite radio and anauxiliary audio jack. TheEco is equipped similarly tothe LS but is optimized formaximum fuel efficiencywith aerodynamic improve-ments, lightweight alloywheels, low-rolling-resist-ance tires, a smaller fueltank and a few minor fea-ture deletions to furtherreduce weight.

The Cruze LS is poweredby a 1.8-liter inline-4 that

makes 136 horsepower and123 pound-feet of torque.The Eco, LT and LTZ comewith a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 that generates138 hp and 148 lb-ft oftorque.

The LS and Eco comewith a six-speed manualtransmission while theother trims come standardwith a six-speed automatic(optional on the LS andEco).

The fuel-economy-focused Cruze Eco earns alaudable 28 mpg city/42mpg highway and 33 mpgcombined with the manualtransmission and 26/37/30with the automatic.

SafetyAll 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

models come with stabilitycontrol, antilock brakes,full-length side curtainairbags, front knee airbagsand front and rear sideimpact airbags as standard.All trims save the LTZ havea front-disc/rear-drumbrake setup; the LTZupgrades to four-wheel discbrakes.

NORTHSHORE AUTOMOTIVE | SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 | PAGE 3

2011 CHEVY CRUZE

The economical Chevy Cruzeis now at Mossy of Picayune

The 2011 Chevy Cruzecan be seen at:Mossy of PicayuneHwy. 43 @ I-59, Exit4, Picayune, Miss.

Phone: 800-826-6562Visit www.mossy

superstore.com

This is one monstertruck, but with style andsubstance to boot. Thecabin is huge, as is thetruck’s bed and overallcapacity.

The truck does drivewell for its size, and it iseasy to keep in its own lane.The heavy-duty suspensiondoes make for some rock-ing-horse ride quality, butit’s relatively well managedfor such a big truck. Thepower from the Duramax isa blast to play around with,especially when the roadsget a little wet and the truckwants to cut loose.

This Silverado is a rollingfortress complete with acommanding view of theroad and a bulging hood.The diesel power is out-standing; anywhere from2,000 rpm to 3,500 rpm canset you sailing. Passing is noproblem, and there’s plentyof torque low in the band.It’s a truck that likes toshow off its power.

The square front endgives it a mean look, and thevents on the hood give anindustrial sort of feel. This

is a true work truck. Thegiant metal (instead ofpainted plastic) frontbumper looks as if it couldtake a couple of shots with-out showing much damage.It has the install setup for aplow, and all the electricalhook-ups are there.

The engine is fearsomewith 700-plus lb-ft oftorque. You could pull aLethal Weapon and yank ahouse off its stilts. It’s allthat power in a semi-incon-spicuous package that Ilike. The dual-rear-wheelversion just seems like afarm implement. I like thefact that you can pullstumps all day, then hit theexpressway and leaveeveryone else in the dust.

The Chevy Silverado Crew Cab is available at Mossy of Picayune

2011 CHEVY SILVERADO CREW CAB

The 2011 ChevySilverado Crew Cabcan be seen at:Mossy of PicayuneHwy. 43 @ I-59, Exit4, Picayune, Miss.

Phone: 800-826-6562Visit www.mossy

superstore.com

(ARA) - “If my van does-n’t start, I’m in trouble,”says Leanne Kocsis, a work-

ing mom whose family ofsix relies on having a vehi-cle. It must run reliably,

accommodate her family,keep them safe and be fuelefficient. And, the loan pay-

ments can’t rob their sav-ings.

Whether you’re a soccermom or a jet-setter, choos-ing the right vehicle isn’tsomething to take lightly.

“Do your research beforeyou buy,” advises Kocsis. Asa member of financial serv-ices provider USAA, sheused car-buying tools onUSAA.com to find her

match, a Toyota Sienna. “The car-buying experi-

ence is unique to each per-

In a sea of car-based,crossover sport-utility vehi-cles, it’s easy to overlookthe 2011 MitsubishiEndeavor. Although theEndeavor has been aroundfor a number of years, it isstill not on many con-sumers’ radar. For those notneeding rock-climbing off-road ability or the need totow a big boat, a vehicle likethe Mitsubishi Endeavormakes good, practicalsense. With room for fiveand available all-wheeldrive, the Endeavor com-petes with such venerablefavorites as the ToyotaHighlander, NissanMurano and GMC Terrain.However, it’s theMitsubishi Endeavor’s longlist of standard features andcompetitive price that will

probably motivate mostconsumers to give thissporty crossover a secondlook.

You’ll like this SUV ifyou’re looking for a car-likeride in a rugged-lookingcrossover that offers plentyof ground clearance and aplethora of standard fea-tures, the 2011 MitsubishiEndeavor is not to be over-looked.


The 2011 Hyundai SantaFe is a good, value-pricedvehicle for small families.The Santa Fe has impres-sive cabin comfort andstandard features—alongwith top-notch safety.

Last year, Hyundai rolledout all-new powertrains forthe Santa Fe. These newengines and transmissionsnot only give the Santa Febetter responsiveness andacceleration but alsoimproved fuel economy.The 2.4-liter Theta II four-cylinder engine in the SantaFe makes 175 horsepower,and it has enough power tomove this tall wagon rapid-ly. The 3.5-liter Lambda V-6engine makes 276 horse-power feels strong andsmooth. A new six-speedautomatic transmission

comes with either enginefor the Santa Fe. Front-wheel drive is standard,with an optional electroni-cally controlled all-wheel-drive system that can sendpower to whichever wheelshave the best traction orlocked 50/50 between frontand rear wheels for lightoff-road conditions.

Seating in the Santa Fe ispretty good all around; fivecan fit in a pinch in the

backseat, though they’lljostle shoulders.

Trim and interior mate-rials received an upgradelast year, though they’restill closer to par for theclass than representative ofwhat you see in Hyundai’sall-new vehicles. Ride qual-ity is well controlled, andthe cabin stays pretty quiet..

The entry Santa Fe GLSincludes a number of fea-tures that cost extra in thisclass—or at least aren’t typ-ically included in base mod-els—such as Bluetooth, key-less entry, cruise, and USBand iPod inputs. TopLimited models get fullleather upholstery, a sun-roof, and dual-zone climatecontrol, plus 605-wattInfinity surround-soundaudio.

Hyundai’s Santa Fe is ready for you at Bill Hood Hyundai in Hammond

2011 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

The 2011 Hyundai SantaFe can be seen at:Bill Hood Imports401 N. Morrison Blvd.,Hammond

Phone: 877-580-0677Visit www.hood

auto.com

Mitsubishi Endeavor available at Slidell MitsubishiThe 2011 Mitsubishi

Endeavor can beseen at: SlidellMitsubishi312 E. Howzee BeachRoad, Slidell


cadillac.com

2011 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR

Picking the perfect ride: Five tips to find the best car for you

SEE PICKING, PAGE 7


The 2011 Mazda 3 builtits reputation around beingfun to drive, and it looks thepart, with fit, flamboyantstyling in either sedan orhatchback models.

Key Takeaway The 2011Mazda3 provides moredriving enjoyment thanmost other small-car mod-els, along with a stylish,racy look. The entry-level2011 Mazda Mazda3 isequipped with a 148-horse-power, 2.0-liter four-cylin-der engine mated to eithera five-speed manual orautomatic transmission.The sportier ‘s’ modelscome with the 2.5-literfour-cylinder engine fromthe Mazda6 that pumps out167 horsepower. The largerengine gets a six-speedmanual transmission asstandard and the sameoptional five-speed auto-

matic as the base car. Thebase engine does a compe-tent job of producing com-mute-worthy power, andwith the five-speed auto-matic, it’s reasonably swiftfor lane changes and high-way passes.

No matter which model,handling is the Mazda3’skey to delivering ‘zoom-zoom’ behind the wheel;the suspension tuning isathletic and firm, but com-pliant enough not to com-promise ride comfort. The

interior is otherwise apleasant place, with gener-ous, supportive front seatsand a reasonably accommo-dating back seat—plus alow, flat cargo floor withthe seats folded down. Fueleconomy ratings of 25/33mpg for the smaller enginewith the manual gearbox to22/29 mpg for the largerengine with the automatic.

Mazda continues to setthe Mazda3 apart fromother affordable compactsby offering features that areotherwise seen only on lux-ury-brand vehicles. Thetop-of-the-line 2011 Maz-da3 Grand Touring in-cludes bi-xenon adaptivelighting; a three-positionmemory function has beenadded to cars equippedwith power seats; and fea-tures like rain-sensing wi-pers, a 10-speaker Bose sur-

round-sound system, Blue-tooth connectivity for cell

phones and portable mediaplayers, a dock for iPods,

and Sirius Satellite Radioare all on offer.

Get the zoom-zoom of the Mazda 3today at Bill Hood Mazda

The 2011 Mazda 3 canbe seen at: Bill HoodImports401 N. Morrison Blvd.,Hammond


auto.com

2011 MAZDA 3

The Nissan Altima is oneof just a few mid-sizesedans also to be offered ina Coupe variant. And likethe Toyota Camry, it’soffered in a Hybrid version.Factor in its sleek, cleanstyling and better handlingthan is typical in this class,and you get something toappeal to nearly everyonelooking for a mid-size car.

It remains one of thebetter-looking offerings inthis class.

A simple but racy profileand a lack of clutter arekeys to the Altima’slongevity and vigor. TheAltima doesn’t come acrossas overwrought. The sameholds true inside; theAltima’s instrument panelis straightforward and sim-ple, yet sophisticated and alittle sporty.

The 2011 Nissan Altimasedan and Altima Coupeare offered in four-cylinderand V-6 versions.

The Altima Hybrid gets

an advanced full-hybridsystem with the 2.5-literengine, tuned down to 162horsepower for improvedefficiency; altogether thehybrid system makes 198hp. That power reaches theroad through a continuous-ly variable transmission,also via the front wheels.Fuel economy ratings forthe Hybrid are excellent,especially if you plan todrive mostly in the city, at33 mpg city, 33 highway.The Hybrid looks almostindistinguishable from thesedan, aside from low-keybadging. But the Coupe isvery distinctive; it’s several

inches shorter, with a muchmore tapered roofline andsculpted rear flanks, plus analtogether different treat-ment in back. The onlymajor packaging differenceis that the back seat is fixedin Hybrids, whereas it foldsforward in other models.

The interior of the 2011Nissan Altima is positivelyfunctional and not at allgimmicky, with neat,attractive styling, plus goodpassenger space all around.

Altima S models includeNissan’s Intelligent Keysystem, six-speaker sound,air conditioning, rear seatheaters, a trip computer,dual power remote-con-trolled side-view mirrors,and speed-sensitive vari-able intermittent wind-shield wipers. Nissan’spush-button ignition sys-tem is included on allAltimas, whether you like itor not. Top SR models get apower driver’s seat, woodinterior trim, and a few

other extras, while optionsinclude a Sport Packagewith High IntensityDischarge (HID) head-lights, fog lights, a moon-roof, and a rear spoiler, or aTechnology Package with a

nav system, Music Box harddrive music system,Bluetooth streaming audio,and XM NavTraffic andNavWeather. A PremiumPackage wraps those audioupgrades with leather seats

(heated in front), plusmood lighting, rear A/Cvents, and a HomeLinkgarage-door opener. Whenfully loaded, an 2011 NissanAltima SR sedan can top$32k.

The sleek Nissan Altima is at Bill Hood NissanThe Nissan Altima can

be seen at: Bill HoodImports401 N. Morrison Blvd.,Hammond


auto.com

NISSAN ALTIMA

Its exterior is edgier andsportier than in previousgenerations.

The base model has exte-rior features like halogenheadlights and daytimerunning lights.

Upgraded trims andoptions include heated sidemirrors with integratedturn signals, foglamps, rearparking sensors, adaptivexenon headlights, andadjustable shock absorbers.

The interior of the 2011

Buick LaCrosse has OnStar,power accessories, and aCD player with mp3 com-patibility, satellite radio, anauxiliary audio input, andaudio controls integratedon the steering wheel.

Options and upgradedtrims include features likeBluetooth, two zones of cli-mate control, remote vehi-cle start, leather seats, driv-er seat memory, keylessignition, an upgradedstereo system, a navigation

system, a rearview camera,rear seat entertainment,and blind spot alerts.

Most people are likely tobe comfortable in the 2011Buick LaCrosse. There isadequate storage for smallitems in the cabin; the trunkhas a small opening, but canfit a good amount of lug-gage.

The 3.6-liter V6 that is acarryover from the previ-ous year has plenty ofpower. Both engines come

with a six-speed automatictransmission.


Brian Harris Autoplex hasthe 2011 Buick Lacrosse

The 2011 BuickLacrosse can be seenat: Brian HarrisAutoplex239 Howze BeachRd., Slidell

Phone: 985-643-2277Visit www.brian

harrisautoplex.com

2011 BUICK LACROSSE

The Outlander Sportboasts impressive gasmileage figures of up to25/31 mpg city/highway,but the pursuit of highmileage results in an enginethat’s a mighty loud miser.

The braking response,ride quality and handling ofthe little crossover are allpretty terrific.

The crossover’s nimblefeeling and commandingride height are the things alot of shoppers in this seg-ment really want.

The Outlander Sport isthe second Mitsubishidesigned with theautomaker’s new corporategrille in mind. On theOutlander Sport, the grillelooks natural and properlysized, and it complementsthe crossover’s masculinedesign — and masculinityisn’t typically seen in a seg-ment often referred to as

“cute-utes.” The SE hasstylish 18-inch alloy wheels,and even the rocker panelshad a curve to them.

IInntteerriioorrThe gauges are sporty,

like Mitsubishi aims for inother cars, and the nice,crisp digital readoutbetween the two analoggauges for speed and RPMis a nice touch.

Backseat space is verygood. In a vehicle this shortthere is plenty of legroombehind the driver’s seat.

The Outlander Sport isoffered in two trims: thebase ES and the higher SE.The ES starts at $18,495with a manual transmis-sion, making it one of themost affordable compactSUVs on the market. The2011 Kia Sportage starts at$18,295 and comes similar-ly equipped at that price.

The Outlander Sportcomes with standardBluetooth and USB inputs,16-inch steel wheels, atilt/telescoping steeringwheel and a trip computer.

The SE comes standardwith a CVT and starts at$21,695. It adds 18-inchalloy wheels, xenon head-lights and push-buttonstart. All Outlander Sportscome with standardantilock brakes, stabilitycontrol and seven airbags,including a driver’s kneeairbag.

The Outlander Sport is at Slidell MitsubishiThe Mitsubishi

Outlander Sport canbe seen at: SlidellMitsubishi312 E. Howzee BeachRoad, Slidell


cadillac.com

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT

son,” says Steve Thompson,assistant vice president incharge of USAA’s CarBuying Service. “We try tohelp people understand thecost and value of a vehicle -beyond the sticker price - sothey can get the right car fortheir needs.”

Savvy shoppers get themost for their money byweighing all options inadvance. Start your searchwith these factors in mind.

11.. FFuueell eeccoonnoommyy Soaring gas prices

increase demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. But, care-fully consider whether youdrive enough to make fueleconomy important.Double-check your mathfor hybrid vehicles. Unlessyou’re a road warrior, ahybrid’s fuel savings maynot offset the higher pur-chase price. What aboutelectric cars? The technolo-gy and infrastructure is stillin its infancy, and Thomp-son and Jesse Toprak, vicepresident of industry trendsfor TrueCar.com, agree thatbuying now is risky for cost-conscious consumers.

22.. SSaaffeettyy Safety should play a role

in every car-buying deci-sion. You can find mostcrash test ratings at theInsurance Institute forHighway Safety Website atwww.iihs.org. Most newcars come with extensivesafety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes andcrumple zones. You candecide whether additionalprecautions are worth theextra cost.

33.. RReelliiaabbiilliittyy Objective research tools

such as Consumer Reportsoffer predictions of reliabil-ity based on their own roadtests, consumer surveys andother data. Be sure to alsocheck used-car listings. Ifthe vehicle you’re consider-ing tends to sell for muchless than similar models,that might indicate poorperformance. For new cars,

reliability reports are gen-erally positive. If reliabilityis a concern, consider anextended warranty.Extended warranties comein all shapes and sizes, so doyour homework.

44.. IInnssuurraannccee ccoossttss Your age, where you live,

and how you drive affectyour insurance premiums.But your car makes a differ-ence too. You might paymore to insure a vehicle

that has been involved inmore accidents, causesmore damage, costs more torepair or is stolen more fre-quently than other models.

55.. FFiinnaanncciinngg Don’t wait until you’re at

the dealership to discussfinancing. A lower annualpercentage rate could savehundreds of dollars overthe life of the loan, even if itmeans passing up a dealer-ship cash rebate.


This 2011 DodgeDurango is the brand’s bestvehicle not called Charger.After a two-year hiatus, theDurango is back, with aunibody design based onthe same underpinningsthat spawned Jeep’s stellar2011 Grand Cherokee,which came in tops in itsfirst comparo. As handsomeas the last one was brash,the 2011 Durango offersrear- or all-wheel drive,standard seven-butt seating(the Jeep is shorter andseats only five), a swanksoft-touch and chrome-trimmed interior, andassembly quality that rivalsanything else in the seg-ment. Although the newDurango is heavy—ourrear-drive V-6 modelweighed in at 4955 pounds,and Chrysler quotes 5200to 5350 pounds for truckswith the Hemi V-8—Dodgeis nonetheless positioning itas a performance-oriented

alternative to the currentsegment offerings, a claimbacked up by the retentionof rear-wheel drive and theresurrection of theDurango R/T, which nabs astandard Hemi V-8, uniqueexhaust tuning, sportierstyling, and a lowered,tuned suspension.

The base 290-hp, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is quietand smooth

Thanks to its unibodyarchitecture, nearly 50/50weight distribution, andmore car-like driving posi-

tion, brisk runs alongmountain roads in aDurango are possible andeven enjoyable. The steer-ing provides actual roadfeel, and the brakes grabwith reassuring linearity,hauling the Crew downfrom 70 mph in 176 feet.Body motions are manner-ly, allowing us to take cor-ners at speeds we wouldnever have attempted in theold Durango, as well ascruise drama-free at triple-digit speeds up to the gov-ernor-limited 113 mph max-imum. Even more impres-sive is its ride smoothness,which is even better thanthe Grand Cherokee’s onaccount of the Dodge’s five-inch-longer wheelbase. Butwhen really going after cor-ners, the stability controlsteps in early and can’t bedisabled, limiting skidpadperformance to just 0.75 g.That’s probably not a deal-breaker for many people.

The tough Dodge Durango now at LakshoreChrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram in Slidell

The 2011 DodgeDurango can be seenat: LakeshoreChrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram330 E. Howzee BeachRoad, Slidell

Phone: 985-641-9595Visit www.lakeshore

kia.com

2011 DODGE DURANGO

PICKING: Find your perfect car» FROM PAGE 4

| NORTHSHORE AUTOMOTIVE | SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011

april 2011 auto

Documents

lincoln mkscan

lincoln mksthe

mks steers andresponds

automatic climate control

spacious interior

roomy interior

hp versionsand

longbed pickup