Quality on the Rise; GM is Surging, But Has Toyota Peaked?

DETROIT, June 3 -- Can the best get better? The latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey has some big surprises. There's General Motors scoring in the top three for the first time, while Nissan's numbers were the only ones to show a decline.

Toyota yet again topped the chart. But in this week's edition, TheCarConnection asks whether this traditional leader of the quality pack has peaked. No car company can stay at the top forever, and TCC takes a close look at the number one import's recent problems, including engine failures, to ask whether Toyota must obey a basic force of nature: what goes up must come down.

Big changes are coming at Chrysler. The first to make a big push to front-wheel-drive, Chrysler is now turning things around, and TCC's spies capture pictures of the new 300N rear-driver.

This week's reviews include the roomy and functional Honda Pilot, as well as Volkswagen's multi-purpose Jetta Wagon GLX VR6.

Get a good look at the future of automotive safety as TheCarConnection takes the Volvo Safety Concept Vehicle for a spin. It's sleek, sexy, and introduces an assortment of smart new features that could make your next car a good bit safer.

Looking for the nearest fast-food drive-through? Better think about what you're ordering. Some foods are not only sloppy to eat while driving, but they just might be downright dangerous. TCC's got some tips on the worst road food.

Then check out TheCarConnection's weekly tip for choosing the best car or truck to help you tow.

In business news, there are big changes coming at the United Autoworkers Union and TCC will introduce you to the new boss. But is Ron Gettlefinger just more of the same old boss? Then take a look at what Ford's got coming when it lifts the hood on a new generation of powertrains.

Have a flashback as TCC takes a trip back to the cars of the '60s.

Then check out this month's installment of News of the Weird.

And remember, you could win one of the great prizes in TheCarConnection's 3rd Annual Speeders' Excuses Contest!

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You'll find Kelley Blue Book pricing, TCC's helpful OnSite Mechanic and more -- on the Web's Automotive Authority, www.TheCarConnection.com

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