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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Column: Is this the beginning of the end for Tesla?
It was always difficult to understand the odd-couple relationship of U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Trump has made it clear that he wants to cut support for electric vehicles, if not generally reduce environmental protections, and Musk owns a company that builds electric cars. Someday, those opposing forces would come to a head, and the only loser would be Tesla. Business and politics mix like oil and water. They eventually separate, and in the Trump-Musk scenario, rather dramatically. Sign up for Automotive News Canada's weekly podcast newsletter for a lively and in-depth discussion of the biggest stories. While Musk was busy angering his liberal customer base by aligning with Trump in the most visible manner possible as the chainsaw-wielding head of the Department of Government Efficiency, the leaders of other auto companies were largely out of the news and focused on battling Trump's tariffs. What they were not doing was making their brands unpopular. Tesla gained a cult-like following partly because Musk was seen as a rebel, but, as we've witnessed, the potential volatility cuts both ways. Interest in Tesla among Canadians with intentions of buying an electric vehicle has fallen to 13 per cent from 29 a year ago, according to the J.D. Power 2025 Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration Study, released May 29. The survey, detailed in a separate story, doesn't get into the reasons Canadians are turning their backs on Tesla, but Musk's politics — and saying Canada isn't a real country — are likely the key driver. In one fell swoop, Musk became a pariah, and Tesla is paying the price. Aside from public protests, several provinces removed Tesla from their EV rebate programs, and Ottawa froze Incentives for Zero Emission Vehicle (iZEV) payments as it investigated the validity of a large number of last-minute Tesla rebate claims. Before the Musk-Trump bromance, people would buy Teslas, seemingly no matter how good or bad the vehicle was, because of Musk. Now, no matter how good or bad the vehicle is, they're less likely to buy because of Musk. It's all so unnecessary. The lesson, which most people in business know, is don't mix in politics. Regardless of whether that's seen as commonplace or even expected in the Trump orbit, the obvious problem is that sharply divisive politics can make permanent enemies out of customers. Musk, in aligning with Trump, had everything to lose and little to gain. Trump for years has openly berated EVs, so it's not like his supporters would be suddenly swayed by the tacky and now-infamous Tesla sales pitch on the White House lawn. And since the Trump-Musk relationship has soured, reports that Trump will sell his Tesla are bound to undo any inroads made. (Not to mention Musk's vilification of Trump on X, formerly Twitter.) So all Musk managed to do was alienate droves of customers and potential customers who feel, well, wronged. The danger for Tesla is that customers don't need the drama or misery (what will Musk do next?) when there are excellent EV alternatives, whether the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5. According to the J.D. Power survey, Hyundai was the top brand, with 36 per cent of Canadian EV shoppers interested, while Kia, Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet rounded out the top five. It's hard to fathom how Musk, an intelligent individual, did not see this coming. Perhaps he was too disconnected from the car business or that, in his mind, he could do no wrong. Regardless, damage control seems impossible, raising the question of whether Tesla can be pulled from the fire. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Auto Blog
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
This Is The Most Reliable Honda CR-V Model Year
Most Reliable CR-V Comes From Solid Second Generation One of America's most popular crossovers behind the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V has established a generally positive reputation for reliability across six generations. It's also an efficient and versatile option in its segment, which is why it continues to sell so strongly. However, even Japanese automakers falter in terms of reliability at times, which is why not all CR-Vs can be considered equally dependable. We've looked through the data to establish which CR-V model year is the most reliable of all. How We Found The Most Reliable CR-V We used a combination of customer complaints and recall data from sources like J.D. Power, Car Complaints, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The number and severity of complaints/recalls were both considered. In looking for the most reliable Honda CR-V years, models from the 2021 model year and newer have been excluded, since they have not been on the road for long enough to get an accurate picture of reliability. 2006 Is The Most Reliable Honda CR-V Model Year Source: Honda The 2006 CR-V forms part of the crossover's second generation, which first arrived for the 2002 model year. Overall, this generation has strong four-cylinder engines, and they do without the potentially more complex turbos equipped to more modern CR-Vs. The 2006 model used a 2.4-liter engine from Honda's well-regarded K-Series engine family, but make sure you find one that has had its oil changed at the necessary intervals, as the VTEC system can fail if this hasn't been done. If well-maintained, though, this is easily one of the most reliable CR-V years. At this stage, Honda was also using a conventional five-speed automatic or a five-speed manual, instead of the newer CVTs – these conventional transmissions are generally considered more reliable than CVTs, but some owners reported shuddering or slipping, so look for a smooth-shifting transmission on a test drive. Source: Honda Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The 2006 model has a low overall number of complaints on Car Complaints and the NHTSA, but it does have 13 recalls to its name. However, most of these recalls relate to the Takata airbag saga, so as long as this CR-V has had its airbags checked, it should be very reliable. The most recent recall was five years ago, for a driver's side power window switch that could overheat and fail. Perhaps the biggest issue facing the 2006 CR-V is its age, as they're roughly 20 years old now. If you can find a low-mileage example with a full service history, we expect it will be very reliable. Inside, the 2006 CR-V preceded the touchscreen era, so you won't have issues with screens freezing or glitchy software. You won't get any of the modern driver-assistance features, though, but this simplicity is part of what makes it one of the best years for the Honda CR-V. Reasonable Repair And Maintenance Costs Source: Honda RepairPal states an annual repair cost of $407 for the CR-V, along with a low likelihood of severe repairs. It also gave the CR-V a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, another feather in the cap for the 2006 CR-V. It's not nearly as efficient as a modern CR-V, though, so you will have to factor in the 23 mpg combined rating for the automatic model. For the manual, expect 21 mpg combined. How Much Is A 2006 Honda CR-V Today? Source: Honda According to Kelley Blue Book, the price of a 2006 Honda CR-V is around the $5,000 mark today, rising to $5,500 or so for the range-topping SE. Originally, the 2006 CR-V started at just over $22,000. If you budget another couple of thousand bucks over that for potential repairs, you can still get a solid used SUV for under $10k. For an older vehicle, it's expected that some normal wear and tear items will need to be attended to. 'This car has been extremely reliable and never broken down in 313k miles with normal maintenance,' said one 2006 CR-V owner on KBB. 'It's held up extremely well considering that it's been around 2 decades.' Final Thoughts If you're after the best CR-V years for reliability, we'd also recommend other examples of the second generation and recent fifth-gen models. That's not to say all other CR-Vs should be avoided, but you should take greater care with other models, which have a higher risk of some serious issues plaguing your experience. If you're open to other used, reliable SUVs, consider the most reliable Toyota RAV4. FAQs What year of the Honda CR-V is most reliable? Our research shows the 2006 CR-V to be the best. However, Honda CR-V reliability is generally solid for the entire second generation. Which Honda CR-V is the most reliable? The 2006 model, along with most second-generation CR-Vs, are particularly reliable. What is the best Honda CR-V model to buy? If you're not looking for ultimate reliability, the newer CR-Vs are nicer vehicles with better comfort and performance. A CR-V Hybrid from the fifth or sixth generation is particularly appealing. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
New York Times
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- New York Times
Charging Electric Cars, a Bane of Their Owners, May Be Improving
Since Tesla installed its first Superchargers in 2012 for the exclusive use of its customers, owners of other electric cars have often felt like second-class citizens. They have wandered in search of electric oases in desolate parking lots, often making desperate calls to help centers after becoming stymied by balky or broken chargers. It's no surprise, then, that consumers rank problems with public electric vehicle charging and the time it takes to fuel up as their top two reasons for rejecting electric vehicles, according to J.D. Power. But help may finally be at hand. Automakers and charging companies are building new stations and updating their cars to allow drivers to more easily and quickly recharge their vehicles. They are also outfitting charging stations with more amenities like food and bathrooms while making the devices more reliable. And because chargers are only as fast as the cars they connect with, automakers are designing new cars to absorb electricity at Usain Bolt-level speeds. In addition, many automakers have cut deals with Tesla allowing owners of other cars access to the company's fast-charging network, the largest in the country and widely considered the most reliable. There is early evidence that efforts to improve electric vehicle charging are paying off. In recent years, J.D. Power surveys showed that about 20 percent of attempts to charge electric vehicles at all public stations ended in failure because of faulty chargers, long lines or payment glitches. But in the first three months of 2025, overall failure rates fell to 16 percent, the biggest improvement since the surveys began in 2021. 'The industry is finally elevating as a whole,' said Brent Gruber, an executive director at J.D. Power. The number of chargers has also increased. There were about 55,200 fast chargers in the United States in May, up from 42,200 a year earlier, according to federal data. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Auto Blog
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Nissan Rogue Reliability: This Is The Most Dependable Model Year
A Good SUV Let Down By An Infamous Transmission It may live in the shadow of its Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V rivals, but the Nissan Rogue is a capable compact crossover and one of the best-selling vehicles in America, with over 245,000 units finding homes in the country in 2024. A new one starts at under $29,000, but for a lot less, you can pick up a used Rogue. This is where the importance of reliability records come in, as nobody wants a used vehicle that will spend more time in the shop than on the road. We've trawled through the available data to find the best Nissan Rogue for reliability. 0:01 / 0:09 Thinking about buying a Toyota RAV4? These 5 rivals might change your mind Watch More How We Found The Most Reliable Rogue We combed through Nissan Rogue complaints and recalls by model year to determine which model year is the least troublesome. Sources like J.D. Power, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Car Complaints, and RepairPal were consulted. The total number of complaints, as well as the severity of those complaints, have been considered. In this way, we place greater importance on one major issue than a series of smaller issues that can be considered annoying, but not necessarily detrimental to overall dependability. Rogue models from the 2021 model year and newer have been excluded, as these are still too new to get a clear picture of how reliable they'll be. Source: Nissan 2020 Is The Most Reliable Nissan Rogue Model Year The final second-gen Nissan Rogue was produced for the 2020 model year, and this model is our pick for the most reliable Rogue model year. On Car Complaints, it received just 15 complaints so far, whereas a number of earlier Rogue models have amassed over 100 complaints each. The 2020 model has only one recall to its name, regarding an ignition key that could collapse and shut off the vehicle while driving. While this can be hazardous, the simple solution proposed was for dealers to insert a spacer into the key slot of models with a jackknife key, free of charge. Further solidifying our choice is the 2020 Nissan Rogue's J.D Power quality and reliability rating of 83 out of 100, a significant improvement over the 2019 model's score of 78/100. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. It's easy to see why this is the Nissan Rogue's best year to buy if you're looking for a used model. Source: Nissan A Solid Engine, But CVT Requires Proper Maintenance The 2020 Rogue was the last one to be offered with a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. The 2.5-liter mill produces only 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, so acceleration is not rapid. However, it's considered more reliable than the newer 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine equipped to newer Rogues. This 1.5L engine is already under investigation by the NHTSA, based on claims of engine failure/seizures and loss of power. Evidently, newer isn't always better. The 2.5L engine in the 2020 Rogue is quite efficient, returning 26/33/29 mpg city/highway combined with front-wheel drive, or 25/32/27 mpg with all-wheel drive. This comparatively simple engine is a big reason why the 2020 model is the best year for the Nissan Rogue. However, Nissan has persisted with a continuously variable transmission in the Rogue across all generations of the SUV. There were many complaints about the CVT in earlier Rogues, so much so that a class-action lawsuit was initiated, leading to Nissan extending its warranty on Rogues produced between the 2014 and 2018 model years. The 2020 Rogue seems less prone to CVT issues, which is just as well, since the average cost to replace a Nissan CVT transmission is between $3,500 and $8,000, according to Lemon Law Experts. Nissan Rogue Repair Costs CarEdge data indicates that the cost of maintenance and repairs for a Nissan Rogue over the first ten years of ownership will be $8,039, marginally below (by $169) the average for popular SUVs. Given that we're focusing on the 2020 model, you can expect to spend about $960 on annual repairs/maintenance in the crossover's sixth year, rising to $1,062 in the seventh year. How Much Is A 2020 Nissan Rogue Today? The major advantage to purchasing a 2020 Nissan Rogue, besides reliability, is how much you'll save compared to an all-new 2025 model. Kelley Blue Book indicates that the base S model has a fair purchase price of $14,977 today, which is $13,000 less than the original MSRP. Expect to pay around $16,000 for the mid-range SV and just under $18k for the range-topping SL. The SL adds amenities like a heated steering wheel, a Bose sound system, navigation, and an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror. Source: Nissan Other Reliable Rogue Model Years The Nissan Rogue doesn't have the same strong reliability reputation as the best-selling Toyota RAV4, but that doesn't mean there aren't other dependable Rogues to consider. In all cases, we advise to check that the CVT is operating smoothly, and that a proper maintenance schedule has been followed for the transmission, especially on older Rogues. 2019 Nissan Rogue One year older than the 2020 model, the 2019 Rogue has fewer overall complaints than the average Rogue. It does have two extra recalls, though: One involves a faulty backup camera and another is for engine harness damage that could result in a stall. In other respects, it appears to be roughly as reliable as the 2020 version. Final Thoughts Outside of the later second-generation Rogues, it's not easy to recommend many most reliable Nissan Rogue model years. Older Rogues have many CVT-related issues, while the third-gen model's more advanced three-cylinder engine is another potentially serious hurdle to reliable long-term ownership. If Nissan produced a manual Rogue or one with a conventional automatic, it would be an easier SUV to recommend. That's not the case, so we'd recommend sticking to low-mileage examples if you buy an older Rogue. FAQs Which is more reliable: The Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue? Across all generations of these models, the CR-V has a superior reputation for longevity. What's a common problem on a Nissan Rogue? The CVT transmission, especially on earlier Rogues, is the most significant issue experienced by owners. What is the most reliable Nissan SUV? For ultimate durability, it's hard to beat the previous-gen, V8-powered Nissan Armada. However, the 2020 Nissan Rogue featured here is a reliable option at the more affordable end of the price spectrum. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Advice emerges as a key aspect of bank customers' experience
This story was originally published on CX Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CX Dive newsletter. More consumers are looking to their banks for advice as their overall financial health deteriorates, according to a J.D. Power report released Thursday. More than one-quarter of bank customers are 'very interested' in bank advice or guidance. That number is particularly pronounced among younger generations. More than one-third of customers under the age of 40 are currently seeking advice. Customers are most interested in short-term solutions, according to Jennifer White, senior director for banking and payments intelligence at J.D. Power. 'We see a shift in consumer thirst for content that is around short-term solutions, things like, 'Ways to help pay my bills on time?'' As consumers become more anxious about the economy, they're looking to their financial institutions for guidance, creating an opportunity for banks to build lasting relationships. Providing financial advice drives trust and in turn satisfaction, according White. 'There's many factors that influence satisfaction, but the factor that has the highest weight in driving customer satisfaction is the level of trust that a customer has in their financial institution,' she told CX Dive. Trust is driven by several key factors, including a bank's ability to resolve a customer's problem, a customer's confidence they have the account right for their situation, and a bank providing a customer support and guidance during a challenging time. Customers' thirst for short-term solutions reflect that increase in vulnerable customers, White said. More than 2 in 5 bank customers are considered financially vulnerable, meaning they have trouble paying their bills on time, are unable to cover living expenses for a minimum of six months and are seeing their credit deteriorate. The best banks don't treat guidance as an afterthought and make it available beyond branch locations, according to J.D. Power. Customers are most satisfied with retail banking advice from Bank of America, followed by U.S. Bank and Chase. 'Most of the institutions that are at the top of the list have embedded advice or guidance throughout their ecosystem,' White said. 'They're combining in-person experiences with digital engagement.' Perhaps that's offering a personal financial management tool or even a banner interruption that educates customers on scams, White said. But even if customers don't follow bank advice, the act of offering it grows customer satisfaction. 'No advice results in the lowest overall customer satisfaction,' White said. 'Advice that isn't acted on is still higher than that, but advice that is acted on is the highest.' Recommended Reading Lyft boosts bottom line with premium rides, economy options Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
