GM's Buick brand became the first in more than a dozen years to tie Toyota's Lexus unit for top spot in J.D. Power's closely-watched study on vehicle durability.  Share your thoughts about Autos  Once criticized for badge-engineering, GM is focused on design-driven turnarounds. Chief designer, Ed Welburn, talks about the ups and downs of overhauling the company's Cadillac and Saturn brands.  Toyota is delaying the launches of new high-mileage hybrid cars using lithium-ion battery technology, a slowdown that could offer auto-making rivals a chance to close the gap in the race to define clean-vehicle technology.  Chrysler said it plans to build a diesel-powered version its light duty pickup trucks after 2009.  A car made by China's Chery received the lowest safety rating from a Russian magazine, in one of the few crash tests of a Chinese-made car conducted outside China.  Ford is recalling 3.6 million passenger cars, trucks and SUVs built from 1992-2007 to address concerns about a cruise-control switch that has led to previous recalls based on reports of fires.  GM and Ford posted double-digit declines in vehicle sales for July, as the housing slump and high gas prices hurt demand. Toyota's U.S. sales also slid, but the Japanese car maker outsold Ford. Chrysler's fell 8.4%.  Many drivers assume expensive luxury cars are better-built than lower-price models. But they may be surprised by how poorly bumpers protect the cars from damage in minor collisions. They may also be surprised by the cost.  Honda's minivan was one of the first to stow seating in the floor.   MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy   Cargo: 38.4 cu. ft.  The Sienna is among the top three vans on the U.S. market.   MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy   Cargo: 43.6 cu. ft.  The Town & Country could be considered Chrysler's flagship vehicle.   MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy   Cargo: 32.7 cu. ft.  A redesign of the once radical interior has helped improve sales.   MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy   Cargo: 25.3 cu. ft.  Korean manufacturers like Hyundai have been aggressive in the market.   MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy   Cargo: 32.2 cu. ft.  Mazda's hatchback packs impressive power for the price.   Engine: 2.3-liter, inline 4   Power: 263 hp, 280 lb-ft torque   MPG: 20 city / 28 hwy  Subaru's revision of the WRX carries over the previous engine.   Engine: 2.5-liter, flat 4   Power: 244 hp, 226 lb-feet torque   MPG: 20 city / 27 hwy (Est.)  The turbo version of the Jetta returns good fuel economy.   Engine: 2.0-liter, inline 4   Power: 200 hp, 200 lb-feet torque   MPG: 23 city / 32 hwy  This Swedish sedan balances economy with performance.   Power: 210 hp, 221 lb-feet torque   MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy  Audi's refined A3 combines stylish luxury and a perky engine.   Power: 200 hp, 207 lb-feet torque   MPG: 24 city / 32 hwy  The tiny two-seat Smart car final makes the jump to American next year.   Mileage: 40 mpg [Est.]  True to its name, the Mini was long the smallest car on the U.S. market.   Mileage: 32 / 40 mpg  The smallest Toyota also offers hybrid-like fuel economy numbers.   Mileage: 34 / 40 mpg  Chevy's rebranded Korean import is the least expensive new car in the U.S.   Mileage: 27 / 37 mpg  Scion's edgy xD is an all-new subcompact for the 2008 model year.   Mileage: 27 / 33 mpg  Jeep's Grand Cherokee is the Chrysler Group's U.S. diesel test run.  Once a diesel-leader, Volkswagen only offers the Touareg TDi -- for now.  Mercedes's ML pushes the boundaries of economy for a 5,000-pound SUV.  Ford is hedging against new competition with this diesel F-450 fro 2008.  Chevrolet's Silverado is available with a heavy-duty diesel engine.  Chevy's miniature Aveo is also sold in the Chinese market.  The emphasis of Hyundai's entry-level Accent is on price.  Kia's quirky Rio is available as a hatchback or sedan.  The hatchback version is cheaper, but a sedan is available.  This fall the Ion is being ousted for the pricier Astra.  Facing stiff competition from Toyota and Honda, the Sebring sedan packs a hard drive to differentiate.  Infiniti is cultivating its high-tech image in part with a Bose Audio-powered system that includes a hard drive.  Cadillac is targeting European luxury sedans the CTS, a hard drive is part of the package.  With the ground-up refresh of it's entry-level C-Class sedan, Mercedes is throwing in a hard drive.  In the crowded field of mid-size SUVs, the Dodge Nitro grabs the digital spotlight with a hard drive.  The recently revamped coupe packs in two tight back seats.  The 911's folding back bench is seating in name only.  Barebones back seats fit pickup truck's ruggedness.  A 2+2 in the mold of classic Jags of the late-'60s and '70s.  Nissan's affordable new coupe economizes rear space.  The wagon version of Audi's powerful S4 comes standard with all-wheel drive.   Power: V8, 340 horsepower  A twin-turbo engine and all-wheel-drive place enhance this BMW's emphasis on "sport."   Power: Inline-6, 300 horsepower  The Dodge Magnum is an American muscle wagon, complete with HEMI power.   Power: V8, 425 horsepower  Race-tuned by Mercedes' AMG division, the E63 is the fastest of the bunch.   Power: V8, 507 horsepower  A turbocharger added to the normal Volvo engine makes this a covert speedwagon.  Ford's crossover distinguishes itself from a crowded field with this two panel panoramic roof.  One of the many options that are available on the Lilliputian Mini is a big dual-pane glass roof.   Name: Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof  Audi was late to the SUV party, but innovative features like the Q7's panoramic roof have bolstered sales.  Toyota's youth-oriented brand offers premium features, like the tC's glass roof, at lower cost.  Four sliding panels make the Pontiac G6 sedan's glass roof unique, especially in the car's class.  The newest derivative of the firm's sports sedan has received major upgrades in power and handling.   Engine: Inline six cylinder   EPA Mileage: 20-30 mpg.   Trunk Space (Up/Down): 9 cu. ft./4.8 cu. ft. (est.)  VW hopes its latest foray into open-air driving will bring more women buyers to the brand.   Engine: Four-cylinder turbo, 200 hp   EPA Mileage: 23-32 mpg.   Trunk Space (Up/Down): 10.5 cu. ft./6.6 cu. ft.  This cabriolet goes a long way towards bucking Volvo's stodgy image. Safety features abound.   Engine: five-cylinder turbo, 218 hp   EPA Mileage: 20-29 mpg.   Trunk Space (Up/Down): 12.8 cu. ft./6 cu. ft.  The paragon of thrifty roadsters gets a quick-folding roof which doesn't cut into trunk room.   Engine: Four-cylinder, 166 hp   EPA Mileage: 25-30 mpg.   Trunk Space (Up/Down): 5.3 cu. ft.  The initials stand for sporty, light, and, in German, "compact," which apty describe this two-seater.   Engine: V6, 228 hp   EPA Mileage: 20-27 mpg.   Trunk Space (Up/Down): 9.8 cu. ft. /6.5 cu. ft.
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