Lincoln is tops in dependability, electric cars go slow in Hawaii

The 2011 Lincoln MKS is among the Lincoln offerings that rank No. 1 in a dependability study. (Ford)

Lincoln ranks No. 1 in dependability study
Lincoln took the top spot for the first time in a survey of long-term quality among vehicle brands, J.D. Power and Associates said recently. Lexus came in as No. 2 in the dependability study, followed by Jaguar, Porsche and Toyota. The study measures problems experienced by the original owners of vehicles after three years. MINI, Jeep and Land Rover owners reported the most problems after three years among the 34 brands surveyed.

-- The Associated Press

(Stock)

Even electric cars relax their pace in Hawaii
Figures from Hawaii's energy office show that although only a handful of highway-capable electric vehicles are on island roads, there are many more small, low-speed electric cars in the state. About 18 highway-capable electric vehicles -- including the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Roadster -- were being driven in Hawaii as of mid-March, although that number is expected to grow into the hundreds over the next few months. But overall, there were 268 registered taxable electric passenger vehicles in Hawaii, most of them neighborhood electric vehicles that are legally limited to roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.

--The Associated Press