Glossary

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172 points

GM's rigorous, factory-specified inspection process for new and certified pre-owned vehicles. This process examines 172 different systems and components to ensure that a particular vehicle is in a safe, reliable operating condition.

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3-point, all positions safety belts (rear)

Safety restraints, each consisting of a single continuous length of webbing for each of the rear passengers.

3-point, driver and right-front passenger safety belts (front)

Safety restraints, each consisting of a single continuous length of webbing for the driver and right-front passenger.

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4x4

Stands for: four-wheel drive; usually refers to a truck or SUV that is capable of driving all four wheels at the same time.

4-wheel disc antilock brake system with Dynamic Rear Proportioning

Designed to help drivers maintain steering control by reducing wheel lockup during hard braking on most slippery or dry surfaces. Dynamic Rear Proportioning was developed to help distribute brake force between the front and rear wheels, depending on how the car is loaded. This also helps reduce stopping distances, particularly when carrying heavy loads.

4-wheel disc antilock brake system with Electronic Brake Force Distribution

Designed to help drivers maintain steering control by reducing wheel lockup during hard braking on most slippery or dry surfaces. Electronic Brake Force Distribution was developed to help distribute brake force between the front and rear wheels, depending on how the car is loaded. This also helps reduce stopping distances, particularly when carrying heavy loads.

4-wheel independent Performance-Tuned Suspension

Suspension distinguished by larger stabilizer bars, stiffer springs and shocks and sport-specific suspension tuning.

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60/40 split-folding rear seat

Seatbacks that fold down completely or split 60/40 to accommodate passengers or gear.

6-way power driver seat adjuster

Power driver seat (with a manual lumbar adjuster) that allows both the driver and passenger the option of six different seating positions for maximum driving comfort.

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Active Fuel Management™

Fuel-saving technology that enables an engine to seamlessly operate on only half its cylinders when full power is not needed, improving efficiency by as much as 12 percent (in some vehicles).

All-wheel drive (AWD)

Type of four-wheel drive system that continuously modulates torque distribution, allowing all four wheels to be powered at all times

Aluminum engine cradle

A lightweight, yet stiff, extruded-aluminum engine cradle helps to isolate road noise and powertrain vibration from the passenger compartment.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

The cost of credit expressed as a yearly rate.

AudioPilot^®

Bose^® sound system noise-compensation technology continually reads the sound levels and automatically adjusts sound quality to compensate for ambient noise. Listeners enjoy the entire performance with no change in the overall quality of the sound.

Automatic halogen headlamps

Headlamp system that senses natural lighting, and responds by illuminating or turning-off automatically.

Automatic level control

Type of dynamic suspension system incorporating bi-state variable shock dampening and rear air-assisted load-leveling springs with automatic air level control. This results in a smoother, more comfortable ride in all load conditions, more consistent handling, better appearance (no tail dragging) and consistent headlamp and rearview mirror aim.

Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror

Detects headlamp glare from the car behind you. The advanced electrochromic sensing technology dims the mirror to give you optimal rear vision.

Auto Ride Suspension

This automatic suspension system automatically varies the shock damping rate a continual 20-millisecond basis by monitoring road surface, speed, gas and brake pedals, steering angle, and wheel height conditions to maximize handling and comfort.

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Battery-Rundown Protection

A feature that remembers when you don't. Battery-rundown protection automatically shuts off interior lights after the vehicle has been sitting with the engine off for a preset amount of time.

Bed Extender

Provides additional length in an open tailgate or swings in to create a portioned cargo area. An extender also features a quick-release mechanism for easy removal.

Bed Rug

Carpet composed of gray fiber that is able to resist many solvents and chemicals and is both water and stain-resistant.

Bedliner

High-density, skid-resistant polyethylene cover that works to reduce load shifting.

Body Panels

Designed to enhance the vehicle's appearance by increasing exterior flushness and highlighting contour precision.

Brush Grille Guard

Provide on and off-road protection with mounting gaskets to eliminate metal-to-metal contact.

Budget

Tool commonly used to measure expenses against income. A written plan that helps people manage their money.

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Cargo Box

Refers to the inner sidewalls made from high-impact plastic that are durable enough to resist most scratches, dents and dings.

Cargo convenience net

Helps to secure smaller items in the rear compartment area.

Cash rebate

A special payment from the manufacturer to the customer towards the purchase or lease of a new vehicle. Also called an "Incentive."

Cat-back exhaust

Constructed of T-304 stainless steel with mandrel bent tubing, the exhaust system features a semi-polished muffler with two distinct sounds.

Console

Storage area positioned between the driver and passenger seats allowing for storage of large or small items.

Credit application

A written request for credit.

Credit report

A report about you and your payment history gathered by a credit reporting agency in an organized manner.

Credit score

A numerical score that sums up–at a point in time–what your past and current credit usage predicts about your future credit performance based on statistics. The better your history of credit, the higher your score.

Cruise Control

Factory-installed system that automatically monitors and maintains vehicle speed.

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Daytime Running Lamps

Reduced-intensity lamps on the front of vehicles that automatically illuminate when a vehicle is shifted into drive. They make the vehicle easier to see in a variety of daytime conditions including fog, rain, dusk, and bright sunlight.

Door sill plate

Stainless-steel step shields that help to protect the doorsill area from damage during entry and exit.

Down payment

In a financing transaction, the amount you put towards your vehicle purchase. Special low financing rates may require a minimum down payment.

Driver Information Center

An information display that includes: the outside temperature, an oil-life monitor system that indicates when to change your oil, and various vehicle warning messages such as "trunk ajar" and "low fuel."

Dual-stage driver and right-front passenger air bags² with Passenger Sensing System

Dual-stage frontal air bags utilize sensors to help detect the severity of a crash, then determine if the air bags should be deployed and whether a full or less-than-full amount of inflation is to be used. In less severe crashes or when the seats are in the full-forward position, the air bags will deploy at less than full level. The Passenger Sensing System automatically switches the right-front passenger frontal air bag on or off based on the passenger's weight and the type of pressure on the seat.

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Allows both the driver- and right-front passenger to set two independent temperature preferences. Once set at a specified temperature, the cabin is maintained at that temperature, making constant readjustment unnecessary.

DVD-based Navigation Radio with voice recognition

System that uses a navigation CD to provide you with step-by-step driving directions and information during your travels. The navigation radio lets you select between routes using either the shortest path or the one that utilizes major roads. Voice recognition builds on the functionality of the standard navigation system by adding the ability to respond to up to 26 spoken commands.

DVD Entertainment System

Includes a rear seat 8-inch LCD screen, wireless headsets with volume control, and auxiliary input jack for iPod/MP3 player.

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ECOTEC™ engine

Designed to efficiently combine fuel and air in the pistons, giving you a cleaner burn.

Electric Power Steering with Variable Assist

Power steering system that eliminates hydraulic fluid and the accompanying hardware, replacing it with an electric motor, torque sensor, electronic control unit and control/diagnostic software. This results in reduced weight and greater fuel economy. Variable assist allows for effortless steering while parking and better road feel at highway speeds.

Electric rear-window defogger

Rear-window defogger that uses an electrically heated grid to remove condensation from the glass.

Electronic throttle control

Replaces the mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and engine with drive-by-wire electronic control. This allows for remarkably smooth and precise acceleration.

Engine-immobilizing theft-deterrent feature

System that uses radio frequency technology to match the proper key to your car. This in turn disables the fuel pump, immobilizing the vehicle and deterring would-be thieves.

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Flangeless wheels

Wheels designed without a ridge along the outer perimeter of the wheel. This allows the spokes to go flush to the wheel and enables the wheel weights to be placed on the inside instead of the outside. Flangeless design also makes for a cleaner overall wheel appearance.

FlexFuel E85 ethanol engine

Engines capable of operating on either gasoline or E85–a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline–or a combination of both (E85 ethanol fuel is a cleaner-burning, renewable fuel source made primarily from U.S. grown biomaterial such as corn or other grain products).

Foglamps

Designed to provide enhanced forward illumination in foggy or low-visibility weather conditions.

Front and rear crumple zones

Crumple zones to help absorb and channel the energy caused by front- or rear-end collisions to help maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment.

Front brake cooling ducts

Hidden behind the front fascia, these ducts channel a cool air directly to your front brakes for more effective braking and longer brake life.

Front-molded carpet floor mats

Designed to provide an exact fit to the vehicle floor. The moisture-barrier carpet and raised edges keep mud, snow and other debris contained for easy cleaning.

Front safety belts with pretensioners and energy-absorbing retractors

When the front safety belt system detects a collision, the pretensioners trigger to tighten the belts in a fraction of a second, reducing safety belt slack to help keep both driver and passenger properly restrained.

Four-wheel independent suspension

Suspension system that allows each wheel to react independently from one another regardless of road types and conditions.

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GMAC Insurance

The GMAC Insurance Group is one of the largest property and casualty insurance companies in the United States and is part of GMAC Financial Services. The company provides a broad range of insurance and insurance-related products and services for individual consumers, as well as automotive dealerships and other businesses.

GMAC SmartEdge

An online financial education center available through GMAC that helps you manage your credit, live within your budget, and get SmartEdge certified.

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Head-curtain side air bags ³

Roof-mounted head curtain side air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of head and neck injuries to front and rear seat outboard occupants on the near-side of certain side-impact collisions.

Head Up Display

Holographic display which projects vital vehicle information onto the vehicle windshield, preventing drivers from having to take their eyes off the road to monitor gauges.

Hitch-mounted ski carrier

Type of carrier holds up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards depending on equipment style. Hand-operated tilt-down lever allows access to the cargo area without removing the carrier.

Hitch-Trailering Package

Standard two-inch receiver designed to fit most ball-mount assemblers. Includes a wiring harness.

Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission

Four-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with Dexron fluid that delivers more than twice the durability and stability of previous fluids. It also matches the performance of the Vortec engine, providing nearly seamless shifting.

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Incentive

A special payment from the manufacturer to the customer towards the purchase or lease of a new vehicle. Also called a "Cash rebate."

Interior ambient lighting

Warm, soft lighting from overhead and within the door pockets add a level of refinement to the vehicle's interior.

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Lease agreement

An agreement between the owner of the property (lessor) and the user (lessee) for the use of a leased vehicle subject to stated terms and conditions for a certain length of time and for an agreed upon payment.

Limited slip differential

Rear-wheel slippage detection system allowing for traction on snow, mud, wet boat ramps and ice. If one of the rear wheels has traction while the other does not, power is sent to the wheel with traction in order to move the vehicle.

Locking rear differential

Rear-wheel slippage detection system allowing for traction on snow, mud, wet boat ramps and ice. If one of the rear wheels has traction while the other does not, the locking rear axle automatically sends the locking rear axle power to both rear wheels in order to move the vehicle.

Lockout protection

Safety feature that prevents the vehicle from being locked when the keys are in the ignition.

Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren (LATCH) in second row seating positions

Engineered to secure today's child-safety seats, as well as next-generation child-restraint equipment.

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Magnetic Ride Control

A vehicle suspension control system that adjusts shock-absorber damping in real time by means of electromagnetically charged particles contained within the shock fluid. When exposed to a magnetic charge, the fluid properties change, forming a near-solid state. With wheel position sensors at each wheel, the system literally reads and responds to every inch of the road, immediately adjusts the damper force on each wheel and responds to changing road and driving conditions.

Midgate panel

Folding divider located between the cargo bed and the second row of seats.

Mileage limits

The number of miles per year agreed upon in the lease agreement - usually 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

Molded Assist Steps

Made of corrosion-resistant materials, these steps feature a traction-gripping step surface which prevents tire splash and road debris from harming a vehicle's exterior.

Molded Hood Protector

Designed to complement the vehicle's exterior design, the molded hood protector also protects a truck's interior from insects and road debris. Available in select body colors.

Molded Splash Guards

Black, molded splash guards fitting directly behind rear wheels.

MSRP

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Sometimes referred to as "sticker price," MSRP represents the manufacturer's recommended retail selling price for a particular vehicle at a particular trim level.

Multi-point vehicle inspection

A comprehensive vehicle inspection, performed by a qualified dealership, that evaluates multiple "points" on a particular vehicle such as: the engine, transmission, safety equipment, and tires

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Normal wear

Normal wear is the minor and reasonable wear a vehicle endures in everyday, ordinary operation. Normal wear can include removable stains, paint scratches that can be buffed out during reconditioning, or tire treads worn to 1/8" depth or more at the shallowest point.

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Oil Life Monitor System

Works to reduce the number of unnecessary oil changes–and extend oil life–by tracking key engine parameters such as temperature, driver use and total number of engine revolutions.

OnStar^{® 4}

OnStar is the in-vehicle safety and security system created to help protect you and your family on the road. OnStar's innovative three-button system offers 24-hour access to expertly trained, caring Advisors, connection to emergency assistance, and access to OnStar Hands-Free Calling⁵, among other features.

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Passenger Sensing System

System that automatically switches the right-front passenger air bag on or off based on the passenger's weight and the type of pressure on the seat. A lighted indicator is located on the instrument panel.

PASS-Key III Plus Theft Deterrent System

PASS-Key III Plus theft-deterrent system includes a special ignition key with millions of code variations. If any attempt is made to start your vehicle without the properly coded key, the starter and fuel injectors are temporarily disabled.

Performance-Tuned Suspension

Suspension distinguished by larger stabilizer bars, stiffer springs and shocks and sport-specific suspension tuning.

Power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals

System that allows you to automatically adjust your pedals through easily accessible switches that adapt to your height and comfort zone, and ensure greater driving control.

Power, programmable door locks with lockout protection

Door locks that can be programmed to lock and unlock depending on parameters set by the driver. Lockout protection prevents the vehicle from being locked while the keys are in the ignition.

Power, rack-and-pinion steering

Steering mechanism that consists of a gear linked to a rack that connects to the wheels. When the gear is rotated by the steering shaft, it moves the rack from side to side, turning the wheels. Rack-and-pinion steering generally improves handling and driver comfort and control.

Power, tilt-sliding, electric sunroof

Sunroof that either slides open and shut or tilts up via an electronic switch.

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Quiet Steel^® Technology

This advancement in sound damping utilizes two pieces of steel with a middle layer of visco-elastic material - a key component in minimizing exterior sounds from entering the passenger compartment.

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RainSense Wiper System

Electronic automatic windshield wiper system that activates the wipers when water is detected on the windshield glass, and turns them off when water is no longer present.

Rearview Camera System

System that allows the driver to see stationary objects on their navigation screen when they are approaching them while backing up at low speeds. The system requires available navigation radio.

Registration fees

Registration fees generally include any use taxes, license plate costs, and other vehicle fees assessed by your state government. Registration fees are determined by your state department of motor vehicles, not automakers or vehicle retailers.

Remote Keyless Entry

Allows for one-touch locking and unlocking of the vehicle. The system also features a panic button that activates the horn, a content theft alarm, activation verification and illuminated entry.

Remote Vehicle Starter System

Remote device capable of starting a vehicle from up to 200 feet away, allowing the interior to be warmed up or cooled down by the climate control system, prior to entering the vehicle.

Residual value

The end of term value of the vehicle established at the beginning of the lease and used in calculating your base monthly payment. This value may be determined, whole or in part, by using residual value guidebooks (independently published value guides).

Retained accessory power

Provides power to windows, sunroof and accessories for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off or until the driver door is opened.

Roof-mounted hard cargo carrier

Lockable carrier–resistant to impact and UV damage. It may also be painted to match any color vehicle. The long box opens at the side, while the short model opens at the back.

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Safety cage construction

Made of reinforced steel with vertical pillars, a roof, and side-door beams, the safety cage is designed to help preserve occupant space in a collision. In addition, front and rear "crush zones" which frame the trunk and engine are designed to compress in a controlled manner in a collision– helping absorb the energy of the crash.

Seat-mounted side-impact air bags ⁶

Mounted in the outer bolsters of the front seats, seat-mounted side-impact air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of head injuries to front-seat occupants on the near side of certain side-impact collisions.

Single-Lid Toolbox

Diamond-patterned, power-coated aluminum box able to carry 259 lbs. of storage. It features a removable, sliding tray with rubber mat, dual gas shocks for smooth opening and closing and a one-touch latching mechanism.

Sliding Toolbox

Constructed of diamond-patterned, powder-coated aluminum that accommodates up to 250 lbs. of stored equipment.

SmartBuy ^®

SmartBuy is a purchase transaction available through dealerships and GMAC that's like a lease because monthly payments can be lower than with traditional financing. However, with SmartBuy, you own your vehicle. A balloon payment is due at the end of a SmartBuy contract, but there are several options – including paying the final balloon payment or simply returning the vehicle and paying a disposal fee, plus any applicable excess wear/mileage charges. SmartBuy is available in a limited number of states. Check with your dealer for SmartBuy availability.

SmartLease ^®

SmartLease is a product available through dealerships and GMAC that allows you to pay only for the portion of the vehicle's value (depreciation) you expect to use over a period of time, plus a rent charge, taxes, and fees. You don't own the vehicle; you simply drive it for the term of your lease. At the end of your lease term, you may purchase the vehicle or return it.

StabiliTrak^® Electronic Stability Control System

Provides increased vehicle control by continuously monitoring the car's steering angle, individual wheel speed, brake pressure, lateral acceleration and yaw rate. The information is then used to compare the direction the driver is steering with the vehicle's actual path, so the system can make the necessary corrections to help the driver keep the vehicle on path.

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TAPshift with paddle-style driver shift controls

Advanced driving enhancement feature that allows the driver to sequentially shift gears manually via paddle-style shift controls on the steering wheel.

Tax

Depending upon where you live, one or more taxes may be levied on your vehicle purchase. Sales tax, use tax, property tax, and other government fees might be applicable, so be sure to talk to your local department of motor vehicles or vehicle retailer if you have tax questions.

Tilt and telescopic steering column

Mechanism that allows the driver to adjust the height and distance of the steering wheel for personal comfort and convenience.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Using a sensor inside each wheel, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System senses if a tire is losing air pressure and notifies the driver with a message in the Driver Information Center indicating when a tire is low. Tire Pressure Monitoring does not apply to spare tire.

Title

A legal document that shows ownership. Depending on your state of residency, the fee for the title and the time in which you must obtain title may vary.

Torque

Measure of the amount of twisting effort exerted at the crankshaft of the engine, generally expressed in foot-pounds. When comparing engines, the engine with a higher torque rating will generally be better for towing or carrying heavy loads.

Traction Control with Corner Brake Control

Applies brake pressure and decreases engine torque to help control wheel spin during acceleration on most types of road surfaces. During braking, especially in curves or while turning in low-traction situations, Corner Brake Control regulates all four wheels individually, versus front and back and side-to-side operation, to reduce wheel spin on most slippery surfaces.

Trade-in value

Your trade-in value is how much your current vehicle is worth. This value may be higher or lower depending on the condition of your vehicle,, equipment, and local market conditions.

Trim level

Manufacturers often offer several tiers of option packages on a particular vehicle line. These tiers, or "trim levels," allow customers to choose options that best suit their requirements and budgets.

TREMEC™ 6-speed manual transmission

One of the most durable manual transmissions in any car today; it can handle upwards of 600 hp in stock trim. It is used by many high performance vehicles, including the Chevy Corvette, and allows for quick, crisp gearbox shifts.

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Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist

System that uses ultrasonic sensors located in the rear bumper to detect certain stationary objects up to 8 feet behind the vehicle while traveling in reverse at low speed. The system then provides audio and visual warnings as you approach, providing greater control when backing up or parallel parking.

Universal Home Remote

Simple-to-use, three-channel programmable remote has the capacity to record transmitter codes for up to three remotely activated devices. It can also be programmed to operate a garage door opener.

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Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

Advanced engine technology that uses advanced electronics to constantly adjust the camshaft allowing the engine to operate at peak efficiency, maximizing horsepower and torque curves while helping to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

Vehicle type

The broad category into which a vehicle falls based on its physical and performance characteristics. Examples of vehicle types include sedans, SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks.

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Warranty

The guarantee extended to a vehicle owner from its manufacturer explaining what the owner can expect if a problem or defect should occur. Generally, a warranty document will explain the exact components covered and the duration of coverage in years and/or miles (usually whichever comes first).

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Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps

Xenon HID lighting systems use a special quartz bulb that is filled with xenon gas and produces three times the light output of standard halogen headlamps. The near-white light produced by HID headlamps improves visibility and makes it easier to see distant objects.

XM Radio^{® 7}

XM Radio is standard, including three trial months of service. XM turns your world on with commercial-free music channels from Rock to Jazz, Country to Classical, Latin Pop to Hip Hop, and virtually everything in between, all in amazing digital sound. Turn on your favorite Sports with every Major League Baseball^® game from Opening Day until the World Series^® NHL^® Hockey, the PGA Tour^® and college football and basketball. Plus, XM brings you the biggest names in news and talk, outrageous comedy, award winning family programming -- wherever you go from coast to coast. Exclusive live concerts, Oprah & Friends^®, Radio Disney, and so much more. Find what turns you on.