Fifty years of the Chevy Malibu

The Chevy Malibu is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014. What started as a “premium sedan for families” is now in its eighth generation and serves as, well, a sedan for families. But, there were some interesting turns along the way.

2014 Nissan Pathfinder pricing announced

Nissan has just announced pricing for the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, which appeared last year as an all-new model for 2013. In addition to a Pathfinder hybrid, the lineup grows by a few trim options with the two-wheel drive Pathfinder S now starting at $29,545 and the four-wheel drive Pathfinder S starting at $31,145. At the top of the range is the Pathfinder Platinum four-wheel drive, which is expected to retail for around $42,045.

Redesigned Ford Focus expected to get 40 mpg highway

The redesigned 2012 Ford Focus will get an estimated 40 mpg in highway driving with an all-aluminum 2.0-liter engine mated to a six-speed, dual dry-clutch automatic transmission. The normally aspirated engine combines variable camshaft timing and high-pressure direct fuel injection to crank out 160 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. That compares with 140 hp and 136 lb-ft from the aluminum 2.0-liter engine used in the current-generation Focus.