KickingTires: Looking Back at 2006

We’re feeling all contemplative as 2006 winds down and we gear up for the 2007 auto show season. In the spirit of the holidays, we bring you a look back at the news and cars that made 2006 one of the busiest years in recent memories. Since we only launched in June, that’s where we’ll start.

June

Toyota updates 2007 Solara, then recalls 170,000 Prius hybrids.

Jeep announces a diesel Grand Cherokee for 2007, but stops selling the diesel Liberty.

Cars.com launches Consumer Reviews, giving up its stranglehold on automotive journalism.

Audi debuts the new TT, which guys might actually get away with driving.

Ford taps “American Idol” winner for new ads, while the Pope’s new ride is a Volvo. That’s quite the broad spectrum of celebrity promoting Ford vehicles.

Mazda adds a retractable hardtop to the MX-5 Miata lineup, while BMW debuts its M6 convertible with 507 hp. Mercedes unveils the gorgeous new CL coupe, making us forget all about convertibles in the middle of summer.

Chrysler shows off the new Sebring and we run in fear. Maria Sharapova unveils the new Land Rover LR2 in England and we wish we were there.

Cars.com launches the American-Made Index. Appropriately enough, the Ford F-150 comes out on top.

VW’s Rabbit returns: The ads focus on reproductive humor, and we seem to be the only ones who get the multicolored doors.

Finally … we’re introduced to Dr. Z. Witty remark to come in September’s roundup.

Looking Back: July 2006
Looking Back: August 2006
Looking Back: September 2006

Related posts:

• UK police replace Imprezas with Lexus IS-F cruisers
• A Prius plug-in to be tested by Toyota in Japan
• NASA Reveals New Rover For Manned Extraterrestrial Missions [A Wagon For The Final Frontier]
• Prince Charles converts 38 year old Aston Martin to run on British wine
• Cars.comparison Pits Camry vs. Fusion vs. Optima

Related posts:

• Sometimes You Get the Drift…
• JBA Dominator Mustang on eBay
• Geiger Cars tunes the massive Ford F650
• 2008 Ford Mustang Convertible is the Safest Convertible Ever!
• Ford to double the use of fuel-efficient 6-speed automatics