5 Cars: Born in the USA

We are still reveling in patriotic fervor following the Fourth of July birthday celebrations. As we muse on the blessings of this nation, we would be remiss not to think about the American car. What a wonder: The creation of Henry Ford back in the day gave birth to an industry that still brings forth technological wonders that save fuel, offer an increasing number of safety features and look sharp.

With that in mind, 5 Cars this week focuses on vehicles that come from the good old US of A—and are available for sale in and near Essex and Union counties.

Listings and photos come from Cars.com, AOL Autos and the individual dealers and sellers.


2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 - New - $48,005 What a gorgeous piece of automotive hardware: The Challenger  is a two-door coupe—this one comes in Bright White with a Grey Slate interior—that features cool racing stripes on the front hood, a 6.4 liter V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, ABS and Driveline traction control, AM/FM/satellite radio with an audio system memory card slot and DVD audio, bucket front seats, simulated suede/leather seat upholstery, automatic front air conditioning and a whole lot more. Ask for Stock# CH101230. Available at Autoland in Springfield.

2012 Ford Taurus SEL - Used - $19,995 This previously owned sedan, which has racked up only 17,782 miles, simply shimmers in Ingot Silver Metallic. The car features a Charcoal Black interior, a 6-speed automatic transmission, adjustable lumbar seats, digital keypad power door locks, an anti-lock braking system, an anti-theft security system, folding rear seats, a 3.5 liter V6 engine and more. Be an informed emptor: Check the CARFAX. Ask for Stock# S009. Available at Smythe Volvo in Summit.

2009 Pontiac G6 - Used - $10,500 This used silver G6 has 50,270 miles on the odometer and lots of features going for it. The front-wheel drive sedan offers an automatic transmission, front reclining 45/45 bucket seats, a front anti-roll bar, speed-sensitive variably intermittent wipers, AM/FM/satellite radio, a 2.4 liter I4 16V engine and more. Check out the CARFAX. Ask for Stock# MA3S220A. Available at DCH Montclair Acura in Montclair.

2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL - Used - $3,999  The ex calls really cheap cars more than a decade old "jalopies," and this 12-year-old ride with 110,124 qualifies. And good for jalopies: For some, these sorts of cars make it possible to have basic transportation and travel to a job. If that sounds like you, consider this blue Olds sedan. It features a 4-speed automatic transmission, a 3.5 liter V6 engine, an anti-lock braking system, leather seats, AM/FM radio with a cassette and CD player and lots of leg room for you and your passengers.  Absolutely, check the CARFAX first, and if you like what you see, contact the dealer and ask for Stock# 7272. Available at 103 Auto Sales in Bloomfield.

2013 Buick LaCrosse Base - New - $33,050  This sleek black sedan allows you to buy American and protect the planet. This LaCrosse boasts a 2.4 liter 16-volt hybrid engine and a lithium ion engine battery. But that's not all: The car features front wheel drive, a 6-speed automatic transmission, ABS and Driveline traction control, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, bucket front seats with cloth upholstery, interior air filtration and more. Ask for Stock# DF271187. Available at Union Buick GMC in Union.