Houston Cars

There has been chatter on the interwebs about a possible Taurus SHO for the 2010 model year.  Rumors go anywhere from a 300 HP V8 to a full-fledged twin turbocharged 5.4 liter V8 pumping out over 400 HP.

I’m going out on a limb and calling these rumors false.  Even *if* Ford is considering a Taurus SHO, they will not bring one to market.  The current marketplace is not right for a high-powered, gas guzzling muscle sedan.  With gas at $3.60 per gallon and up, with no relief in sight - who would buy such a car?  Certainly folks who have enough money to not be bothered with the gas prices will buy German or Japanese. 

The current Taurus is far too big to really have the same soul as the SHO of yore.  Really what we need is an SVT Fusion or Fusion SHO.  That could be done - with a turbo 4 cylinder… and reasonable fuel economy.  Ford - you listening?

Cars.com reviews the 2009 Dodge Journey and has this to say - ‘The Journey is based on the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger platform. Neither one of those cars thrilled me in the performance department. I’m not talking smoky burnouts from stoplights, I’m talking going to the grocery store and dry cleaner. Even when equipped with the same 3.5-liter V-6 in the larger, heavier Journey I tested, those sedans seemed like they were rickety machines of a previous generation, not brand-spanking new. The Journey, however, feels quite solid when accelerating, and I didn’t mind having just 235 horsepower versus the more-powerful engines found in much of the competition.’

Read more about the 2009 Dodge Journey.

Here are the first spy shots of the 2010 Chevy Cobalt - GM’s next attempt at a competent compact car.  This time around, they’re turning to Daewoo to build it.  The new Cobalt will be based off the Daewoo Lacetti - though it will have some subtle differences.

Not much can really be discerned by the shots, because of the heavy camo.  I do have to say I’m very disappointed by GM’s decision to go to Korea for the hardware of the new Cobalt.  Daewoo was never a name that inspired any confidence in the automotive world.

Source.

While it’s not a factory job, it’s an interesting peice anyway.  An enterprising Prius owner decided that he really, really wanted some sun.  So he got to work and chopped off the roof of his blue Prius - spending quite some coin in the process.  The upgrade cost roughly $17,500.  That’s on top of the already steep $28,500 for the Package #6 Prius.  In case you’re not good at math, that works out to a mind-boggling $46,000 for a one-of-a-kind droptop Prius.

I guess it’s cool knowing that you have the world’s only hybrid convertible.  I guess.  But I shudder to think how much car that $46 grand can buy.  Sure, none of the other cars will get 50 MPG…. but still.  Congrats to the owner though, for doing something unique and daring.

Car dealer reviews are nothing new for Houston Cars - it’s something we do on a regular basis.  Normally the reviews are focused on Texas car dealers.  However, today we’ve decided to branch out and include the largest Seattle Ford dealer - Harris Ford.

New Cars - A different approach

Most new car dealers show every new car they have in inventory.  Harris Ford decided to go against the grain.  Rather than lose potential customers who are looking for a specific unit that Harris Ford might have, shoppers get to see every possible configuration.  With a vehicle configurator, online brochures, downloadable e-brochures, and 360 degree views, the options are nearly endless.  Quite frankly I prefer it this way as opposed to listing out the hundreds of in-stock vehicles.

When it comes to Ford Dealers, Seattle - Harris Ford is pretty much the one you want to see.  Their inventory is huge ( so huge they don’t show it online - good move ), and their reputation is pretty solid.  The new vehicle specials are pretty impressive too, by the looks of things.

Figure out your payment easily

One of the best additions to Harris Ford’s site is the Ford vehicles loan calculator.  Simply put in the basics of your purchase - months, rate, selling price, and down payment.  The calculator automatically figures out the monthly payment, as well as the total you’ll pay in interest.

On the cutting edge

With the fancy display on new vehicles, Harris Ford is really on the cutting edge when it comes to automobile dealers.  The best part looks to still be in the works.  There is a link for a Harris Ford blog - but it’s not quite active yet.  If these guys can get a blog up and running - wow.  Very few car dealers blog effectively, and it can have a great impact on the dealership’s success.  Good luck Harris Ford, you’re on the right track.