Editorial archive

January 2016

Record new-car transaction prices reported in December

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(January 5, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com today report the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $34,428 in December. New-car prices have increased by $297 (up 0.9 percent) from December 2014, while climbing $248 (up 0.7 percent) from last month.

"Prices continue to climb, reaching record levels, with more new product on the market than ever before, and new product iterations tend to bring higher transaction prices, particularly among luxury models," said Akshay Anand, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

Honda leads Edmunds' 'Most Popular' awards

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(January 5, 2015) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Car shopping destination Edmunds.com has announced that Honda secured the most hardware in the 2016 "Most Popular on Edmunds.com" Awards. The brand won six awards, ranging from Most Popular Crossover Compact SUV (Honda CR-V) to Most Popular Subcompact Car (Honda Fit).

Chevrolet earned the second-most 2016 "Most Popular on Edmunds.com" Awards, with four. Its haul was led by the Chevrolet Corvette, which was named the Most Popular Midrange Sport Car. Ford was the only other automaker to win multiple awards, taking home two prizes.

How has the Ford F-150 changed since 1986?

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(January 4, 2016) Arguably Ford's most important vehicle, the F-150 has changed a lot over the last 30 years. According to a comparison created by BlueSpringsFordParts.com, the 2016 F-150 has nearly twice the horsepower and 50% more torque than the 1986 model. The 2016 F-150 also gets about 30% better fuel economy.

However, the 2016 F-150 is also hundreds of pounds heavier than the older model, despite Ford's use of aluminum in the newest truck. What's more, the 2016 F-150 is nearly 30% more expensive than the 1986 model, adjusted for inflation.

Kelley Blue Book offers tips for safer winter driving

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(January 4, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — According to the Federal Highway Administration, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, resulting in over 1,300 deaths and more than 116,800 injuries annually.  While no amount of technology can replace an alert and cautious driver, the experts at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com recommend some quick, simple tips to help you prepare for driving in inclement weather.

2015 gas prices second-cheapest in a decade, AAA reports

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(January 2, 2016) The national average price of gas in 2015 was $2.40 per gallon, which was the second cheapest annual average of the past 10 years, AAA said in its year-end gas price report.  Only 2009 was lower during that time. This year’s annual average was about 94 cents per gallon less than 2014.