(AP Photo/General Motors)
Whether it's due to improved vehicle quality or the lousy economy, the U.S. Department of Transportation says we're keeping our rides longer than ever. These days, the average car lasts about 13 years and 145,000 miles.
Since many people haven't shopped for an automobile in a decade or more, they could be disoriented stepping into a showroom. Features exclusive to luxury brands in 2001 are now standard on entry-level vehicles. Midsize cars achieve better fuel efficiency than aging compacts. Sophisticated electronics read incoming text messages, and radios play in high definition.
Here's what to expect if you haven't wandered into a showroom in the past 10 years or so.
Life made easier
Keyless ignition allows drivers to simply touch the door handle to unlock the car and push a button to fire up the engine. It is activated via a transponder fob kept in a pocket or purse, and is available on affordable cars such as the Suzuki SX4, Hyundai Elantra and Kia Soul.
Rear-view cameras, practically necessities in larger SUVs and crossovers, are prevalent in today's sedans, too. The reason? Aerodynamic silhouettes that increase fuel economy result in raised back ends that block rear views.
Once exclusive to luxury brands, self-parking technology is now found on the Toyota Prius and Ford Focus. Electronics measure spaces while driving by, and signal when a suitable one is found. The car then (almost eerily) steers itself while the driver controls the throttle and brakes. A bonus: It's great fun to watch bystanders gawk.
Very entertaining
Expect to find iPod integration in most stereos, and Bluetooth integration for hands-free phone calls (as well as audio streaming from music players). Systems such as Ford's SYNC and Kia's UVO allow drivers to control electronics with voice commands so their eyes can remain on the road. In-vehicle apps allow access to Internet radio stations such as Pandora and Rhapsody.
Hyundai's Blue Link, a service similar to General Motors' OnStar, has the ability to send text messages by voice or inform you if the Veloster you loaned to your kids is somewhere you've told them not to go. BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota also have telemetric systems.
To keep kids occupied, integrated DVD players have become common, and Chrysler offers the Sirius Backseat TV satellite television system.
The Chevrolet Cruze is one of many affordable cars sporting turbocharged engines. (General Motors)
Small engines are big
The Buick Regal, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima are midsize sedans available exclusively with four-cylinder engines. V-8s are gone at Buick (the 2011 Lucerne was the last to get one). Why? Cars can now do more with less. Ten years ago, a V-8 Mustang made 260 horsepower; its current V-6 offers up 305 ponies, plus 31 mpg highway.
Turbochargers aren't just for performance cars anymore. Many carmakers are embracing them for their light weight, extra power and fuel-efficiency optimization. Installed in an F-150, Ford's EcoBoost V-6 provides stump-pulling torque that pickup owners crave -- which explains why 40 percent of buyers choose the option. Even Chevy's economical Cruze sports a turbo.
Safe choices
From the Nissan Versa to the Cadillac Escalade, all vehicles now come with an army of air bags, as well as federally mandated electronic stability control. High-strength steel used throughout the industry makes structures stronger and safer.
Active safety is a big development. Look for systems that detect cars or pedestrians and then automatically brake to avoid them. Blind-spot-detection systems warn of vehicles lurking where you can't see them. Infiniti's Blind Spot Intervention even nudges you back into your lane if the alert is missed.
The Toyota Prius, with its high-tech hybrid drivetrain, has an optional Lane Keeping Assist, which uses electric-powered steering to keep the car centered in its lane.
Leave a comment