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Chevrolet

Car Reviews

Featured Favorite: Chevrolet Malibu

June 29, 2017
Did you know that the Chevy Malibu is manufactured locally, right here in Kansas City? That’s just one of the many reasons why I love this vehicle! If you’re looking for a stylish, affordable, midsize sedan, then the Chevy Malibu is for you! Read on to hear my musings on why I think this car is one of the best sedans on the market! The numerous awards the Malibu has won builds an impressive resume for this sedan. It is the 2017 winner of the best midsize car for families and is ranked as #1 in midsized cars by Car and Driver, awarded best buy for a midsized car by Consumer Guide Automotive, and more! Let’s unpack the details of this award-winning vehicle, though. (As if this wasn’t already enough to woo you.) To put it simply, the Malibu is safe and reliable. It gets a whopping five-star overall NHTSA safety rating along with a five-star rating in frontal and side crash tests! Its safety features that help contribute to these astounding ratings include forward collision alert, rearview camera, front and rear park assist, blind spot monitoring, front automatic braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, and more! If you have a teen driver in the family, you can also take advantage of Chevy’s available Teen Driver system that lets you set speed limits and radio volume in the vehicle. When it comes to reliability, the Malibu also earned high reliability ratings among midsize cars from J.D. Power: 4.5 out of five stars–which is way more than what the Malibu’s rivals can speak for! The 2017 Chevy Malibu is offered in four trim options: L, LS, LT, and Premier. Overall, this vehicle boasts a quiet, comfortable ride in whatever trim you choose. You’ll experience a smooth drive, even when you hit some occasional rough patches. The Malibu simply holds its composure well through different terrains. One of my favorite things about the Malibu is that you can customize it to your liking. If you go just one trim level up from the base model, there are many available packages and a la carte items for you to choose from, so your vehicle can be equipped just to your liking! If you are currently shopping for a sedan, the Chevrolet Malibu should be on your consideration list. Don’t just take my word for it, though. Go out and give the Malibu a test drive and I guarantee you’ll want to drive away in it!
Car Culture

History Lessons: Chevrolet Through The Ages

September 16, 2014
I thought it would be interesting to tell the story behind some of our country’s most famous car brands. It’s always cool to know where your products are coming from — especially the big ticket items like cars! So I did some research and found some fascinating things about the history of brands like Hyundai, Chevrolet, Toyota and more. First up: Chevrolet! Read on to learn more about this brand that is more than 100 years old! Chevrolet: an American brand Swiss immigrant, auto engineer and road racer Louis Chevrolet founded Chevrolet with Billy Durant (General Motors founder) in Detroit, Michigan in November 1911. Durant had been around the block in the automotive world, and had also previously worked with Buick Motor Company, where he’d hired Louis Chevrolet to drive Buicks in promotional races. Chevrolet’s reputation as a racer was what launched Chevrolet Motors to success. v3.1 Chevy Bowtie 18" CMYK Moving into production Louis Chevrolet designed the first model for the brand, the Series C Classic Six. In 1913, the car finally went into production and was introduced at the New York Auto show that year. However, the famous bow-tie Chevrolet logo didn’t show up until the 1914 models went into production. It’s argued that the emblem is designed after some French wallpaper, the Swiss cross or the “Coalettes” brand logo. Nobody knows, to this day! The company grows Durant sold his share in the company in 1915, but the company continued to flourish and they began competing with other famous American brands like Ford. The Corvette model was wildly successful in the 1950s, and remains so to this day! In 2011, Chevrolet hit a global sales record by selling 4.76 million vehicles worldwide. It’s consistently one of the top three automotive brands in the United States, bringing us models we have all come to know and love, like the Tahoe, Silverado, Camaro, and good ol’ family Suburban. Chevrolet is coming up with innovative technology for cars in the modern age…I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
Uncategorized

Why Won’t My Car Start?!

April 24, 2014

It’s a cool brisk Saturday morning and you’re excited to go shopping for yourself. You deserve it after a brutal week at work. Walking towards your car, you’re already thinking about all the stores you want to hit up.

“Maybe I’ll buy those cute strappy sandals from that boutique,” you think as you open the car door.

Hopping into the drivers seat you place the key into the ignition and… nothing! Thinking there might have been a fluke, you try it again. Dread washes over you when you realize that, yes, your car won’t start.

“I have to get those cute strappy sandals,” you yell out loud.

No worries, I’m here to help solve the mystery of why your car won’t start.

#1. Dead Battery- My first thought would be check to see if you left any lights on in your car. Even the smallest light can drain your battery if left on for too long. If you have a battery tester then that is great! If you do believe that your battery is dead then try jump starting your car. If your car starts right away, most likely the problem was just a dead battery. You can always get it replaced or have someone clean the connections. Over time battery connections can become dirty or corroded. Bad connections can make it difficult to start your car as well.

#2. Faulty Fuses- Hope that it is just a faulty fuse. It’s easy to get them replaced! You can tell when a fuse is blown, because the fine wires in the casing will be broken and there will be discoloring. (Few cars have faulty fuses related to starting systems, but your car might be one of them)

#3. Ignition Switch Problems- Your ignition switch could be the problem if it wasn’t your fuse or your battery. One sure sign that it could be the ignition switch is if you turn your key and the red warning lights on your dash don’t ever light up.

#4. Bad Starter- If you’re getting current to the starter but it just keeps spinning, it most likely needs to be replaced. I would recommend having someone help you test this, seeing as it could be slightly dangerous to do own your own.

There are some other reasons why your car won’t start, but hopefully this will help eliminate possibilities! So you can get back on the road and buy those cute strappy sandals!

Auto News, Behind the Wheel

2014 Chevrolet Malibu Offers Hands-Free Texting

October 9, 2013
Check out the latest news from our friends at Chevrolet!
  • Segment-first standard stop/start technology drives 14-percent improved city mileage
  • New variable intake valve actuation and transmission enhancements also contribute to greater efficiency
  • New Text-to-Voice feature ‘read’ text messages over the audio system; allow hands-free responses via MyLink
DETROIT  New technologies help the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu deliver greater efficiency and connectivity, two of the most important considerations for customers of midsize sedans. “The midsize sedan segment is one of the most competitive in the industry and by improving the Malibu so quickly, we’re proving to our customers that we’re listening and acting on their needs,” said Chevrolet Global Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney. “The new and enhanced features make the 2014 Malibu a smarter choice, putting it at the heart of the strongest Chevrolet passenger car lineup in our history.” A new Ecotec 2.5L four-cylinder engine is the first standard engine in the segment with stop/start technology. It helps owners conserve fuel by automatically shutting off the engine when the car comes to a stop, such as at stoplights, contributing to EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway – a 14-percent improvement in city mileage and 6 percent greater highway efficiency. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. It’s the industry’s most refined and simplest stop/start system, with no buttons to push or procedures to learn, for a seamless driving experience. Additionally, the 196-horsepower (146 kW) dual overhead cam, or DOHC, engine features variable intake valve lift control, or iVLC, which enhances fuel efficiency, while also enhancing low-rpm torque, for a greater feeling of power at lower speeds. It is matched with a six-speed transmission with improvements that enable additional fuel economy savings – and a more refined driving experience – compared to the previous model. New connectivity features support safer driving The available Chevrolet MyLink for the 2014 Malibu delivers enhanced connectivity and convenience, with the new Text-to-Voice feature for smartphone users and Siri for iPhone users. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity. Text-to-Voice converts incoming messages to speech, reads them over the audio system speakers and allows the driver to reply with preset messages such as, “I’m driving and will contact you later.” Users can create and save their own preset messages when the vehicle is in Park. The feature requires a compatible smartphone with Bluetooth profile and applicable text messaging features. Visit www.gmtotalconnect.comfor further information on phone and radio capability. Driver safety is General Motors’ first priority. A driver’s focus should remain on driving and texting can usually wait. So, only text and drive with this voice system and never text using a handheld device while driving. The 2014 Malibu is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with pricing starting at $22,965 including destination, but excluding tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional features. All models include a two-year/24-month scheduled maintenance program, which covers four oil changes, tire rotations and 27-point inspections. About Chevrolet Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
Dealership Events, Good Works

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

September 27, 2013
Happy Friday, everyone! Aren’t you so excited that it’s officially fall? October is hands down my favorite month, so there are absolutely zero complaints on my end right now. oct Also, isn’t this a fantastic quote!? ^^ *** Anyways, now on to much more important things.
Each year Chevrolet takes a Camaro Coupe and wraps it in pink to support the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” cause in October.
 
From there, the car then transitions to events across Kansas City and Chevrolet dealerships!
 
We JUST learned that McCarthy/Morse Chevrolet, one of our two Chevy stores in Overland Park, KS on Metcalf Avenue, will have the car on display beginning tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. through Monday morning, September 30th, at 10:00 a.m.!! Do us a favor and stop by this weekend to have your photo taken around or inside the car. Posting those photos to either my Facebook page or the McCarthy/Morse page will enlighten other people of the awesome cause!
Plus, if folks want to make a donation, all donations accepted will be given to the American Cancer Society to support those that are fighting the battle against breast cancer.
What do y’all think — can you help out with this awesome cause??
pink
Car Culture, Uncategorized

Trip to Fairfax

August 18, 2011
Ever wonder how cars are built and manufactured? If you’re one of those curious types who like to know the “how” behind every creation, pay attention! I followed my dad to the Fairfax Plant last week, and I experienced first-hand the building process for the Chevy Malibu. Super cool! A little history for you: The General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant is just down the street at Fairfax Trafficway, Kansas City, Kansas. This specific plant has been open since 1987 and currently produces two vehicles: the Chevrolet Malibu and the Buick LaCrosse. The operation runs 24 hours a day for 5 days straight and produces 1,300 cars a day! 1,300 cars day! Did you catch that? Check out a little sneak peek inside the GM Fairfax Assembly Plant … (on the down low) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNwHIPYw9co[/youtube] Just a heads up! September 23 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., the plant is open to the public … free of charge! More info to come.
Behind the Wheel, Money Matters

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

October 18, 2010
Chevrolets Mission is “to design, build and sell the best vehicles in the world”. Attempting to achieve that goal, Chevy created the Cruze; to become the best-selling compact in the segment. So, tell me what you think about the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?

Brings midsize presence and amenities to the compact market, with small car fuel economy

Eco Model-estimated 40 MPG highway

stylish interior, heated seats, Bluetooth, map-navigation, USB, Remote Start, 9-speaker Audio System

more passenger and trunk room than Civic, Corolla and Focus

10 standard airbags, OnStar, StabiliTrak, ABS, Tire Pressure Monitoring Sytem, Power Child Security Locks

Come check it out for yourself!
Dealership Events, Money Matters

NEW locally-owned business partners

September 22, 2010
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atBc1BBuJ4s[/youtube] Today’s the day! It’s the beginning of an ongoing relationship between the McCarthy Auto Group and Price Chopper. What does that mean for you? If you’re a current customer of Price Chopper, you have already passed the test! Flash us your Chopper Shopper Card and receive EXCLUSIVE VENDOR PRICING on all new McCarthy vehicles: Hyundai, Nissan and Chevrolet. No haggling! How about that? 🙂 Oh … I almost forgot! Thru September 30th, we will throw in $250 in groceries ON US!
Auto News, Behind the Wheel

Important safety features

September 8, 2010
Safety first! When purchasing a vehicle for you and your family, safety is a major concern. What are some of the standard safety features in the brands that McCarthy carries? Here’s a short list for you: Chevrolet
  • Six airbags – dual front & side impact airbags
  • 4-wheel anti-lock brakes – to keep you from sliding out of control
  • On-Star – if your airbags go off, emergency response is contacted immediately
  • Front & Rear crush zones – to absorb energy from the impact
  • Energy-absorbing steering column and laminated windshield safety glass
Hyundai
  • Electronic Stability Control – keep you on the intended path when in trouble
  • 5 years of Roadside Assistance – no need for AAA
  • Six airbags – two in front, two curtain, and two side
  • Anti-lock brakes
  • XM Navigation Traffic – let you know of any blocked or congested roads
Nissan
  • VDC – Vehicle Dynamic Control – can’t do a donut in the parking lot
  • Crumple Zone – absorbs energy from front & rear to reduce impact in cabin
  • Active Headrests – headrest will move with head to reduce whip lash
  • ABS – Anti-lock Brake System – helps control steering while stopping
Always remember to buckle up!