Thursday, April 27, 2006

Minivan Must Haves


Edmunds.com’s editors have come up with a list of features that minivans should have. Well, of course, these are of great importance since minivans really do so much for families. Imagine driving in a coupe or a sedan with your kids. It would be like one crowded company. Of course, with minivans, they do provide you ample space and room for passengers as well as for other activities.

The following is the list of the features that minivans should have, according to the mentioned site. The list underneath each one is composed of those minivans that have those features. Well, just in case you would like to own one.

1. adjustable panels / telescoping steering wheel
* Chrysler Town & Country
* Dodge Caravan
* Dodge Grand Caravan
* Ford Freestar
* Mercury Monterey
* Nissan Quest
* Toyota Sienna

2. center folding storage tray
* Honda Odyssey
* Kia Sedona
* Toyota Sienna

3. conversation mirror
* Ford Freestar
* Mercury Monterey
* Toyota Sienna

4. fold-flat third-row seat
* Ford Freestar
* Honda Odyssey
* Mazda MPV
* Mercury Monterey
* Nissan Quest
* Oldsmobile Silhouette
* Chevrolet Venture (long wheelbase version)
* Pontiac Montana (long wheelbase version)
* Toyota Sienna
* Chrysler Town & Country
* Dodge Grand Caravan

5. low tire pressure warning system
* Chrysler Town & Country
* Dodge Grand Caravan
* Ford Freestar
* Mercury Monterey
* Nissan Quest
* Toyota Sienna

6. reconfigurable second-row seats
* Honda Odyssey
* Mazda MPV
* Toyota Sienna
* Kia Sedona
* Nissan Quest

7. reverse sensing system / rearview camera
* Chevrolet Venture
* Chrysler Town & Country
* Dodge Grand Caravan
* Ford Freestar
* Mercury Monterey
* Nissan Quest
* Oldsmobile Silhouette
* Pontiac Montana
* Toyota Sienna

8. side curtain airbags for all three rows
* Chrysler Town & Country
* Dodge Grand Caravan
* Ford Freestar
* Mercury Monterey
* Nissan Quest
* Toyota Sienna

9. traction and stability control
* Ford Freestar
* Mercury Monterey
* Nissan Quest
* Toyota Sienna

10. trip computer with compass and external temperature display
* all offer such except for the Honda Odyssey

Now, this is something that I did so as to see which one could out-do everybody else when it comes to these must have features. After all, you would like to know which minivan would have the most features once you purchase it. That is, if you do want to have one. Anyways, here is the list. The vehicle at the top would be the one with the most number of the mentioned features.

1. Toyota Sienna
2. Ford Freestar / Mercury Monterey / Nissan Quest
3. Dodge Grand Caravan / Chrysler Town & Country
4. Honda Odyssey
5. Pontiac Montana / Oldsmobile Silhouette / Mazda MPV, Kia Sedona / Chevrolet Venture

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Consumer Guide's Most Popular

Consumer Guide has given its readers and visitors a view on what are the most popular vehicles when it comes to their website. Here are the results.

2006 Honda Accord
Midsize car. $18,225 - $32,290

2007 Toyota Camry
Midsize car. $18,270 - $27,520

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Midsize sport utility vehicle. $24,430 - $30,230

2006 Land Rover LR3
Premium midsize sport utility vehicle. $38,285 - $52,985

2007 Dodge Caliber
Compact car. $13,425 - $19,425

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Midsize sport utility vehicle. $21,710 - $23,300

2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Sporty/Performance car. $19,399 - $24,599

2006 Ford Fusion
Midsize car. $17,145 - $21,710

2006 Nissan Altima
Midsize car. $17,750 - $29,650

2006 Scion tC
Sporty/Performance car. $16,300 - $17,100

Audi Q7


What is it? It could be considered as another version of the Volkswagen Touareg. Yet, the Audi Q7 is more elongated and more dressed up. However, you can say that the Audi Q7 has got more style, more appeal, more equipment, and yes, a higher tag price.

This vehicle can actually seat six or seven passengers inside. Its powertrain is a 350 horsepower V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission system to match. Features include antilock brake system, and a traction/antiskid control system with rollover sensors. These two mentioned features actually have been made standard for the vehicle.

Toyota Family Line Of Vehicles

If you are a fan, aficionado, or follower of this automobile manufacturer from Japan, you would be most specially glad to know about the list of automobiles found to run the streets bearing their brand. The lists here are classified into three. The cars, the sport utility vehicles and vans, and the trucks. Find the one that fits you right.

Cars
Corolla ($14,105)
Matrix ($15,260)
Yaris Sedan ($11,825)
Yaris Liftback ($10,950)
Camry ($18,270)
Camry Solara ($19,530)
Prius ($21,725)
Avalon ($26,775)

SUVs and Vans
RAV4 ($20,300)
Sienna ($23,775)
FJ Cruiser ($21,710)
Highlander ($24,530)
4Runner ($27,635)
Sequoia ($32,820)
Land Cruiser ($56,215)

Trucks
Tacoma Access Cab ($17,420)
Tacoma Regular Cab ($13,980)
Tundra Regular Cab ($16,155)
Tacoma Double Cab ($22, 240)
Tundra Access Cab ($22,590)
Tundra Double Cab ($26,620)

Toyota Concept Vehicles

Toyota has its own fair share of concept vehicles. Here is the Toyota Motor Company’s collection of concept vehicles:

  • Alessandro Volta – a hybrid vehicle created by Italdesign
  • Crown Concept – has innovative styling
  • CS&S – a hybrid vehicle
  • FINE-N – a vehicle that holds a revolutionized design and style
  • FINE-S – a hydrogen-powered vehicle
  • FTX – provides functionality
  • FT-SX – exudes versatility, luxury, and sportiness
  • NLSV – another functional vehicle
  • PM – a personal mobility vehicle

What To Do When Your New Car Is Already Acting Up

If your newly-acquired car is starting to act up, well, that could be quite a problem. Of course, you would be expecting a new car to work very well. In fact, it is a given that new cars should work well.

Anyhow, if you do start to feel your car acting up, take note of the things happening, when it is happening, around what occasions do you notice them acting up. These could come in various sorts – a strange smell, noise, tinker, clang, or even smoke. If you do notice any of these, go to the car dealer from where you bought your car. They actually have all the manpower, equipment, and knowledge regarding this.

If working on your car has been done and yet the car is still acting up, it might be an even bigger problem. You can file a complaint and try the Better Business Bureau. They do assist customers and consumers with regards to any complaints regarding businesses.

On the other hand, vehicle manufacturers have actually supplied customers with contact numbers in any case you do need to call them regarding complaints about their car. Feel free to contact them. They sure would be glad to assist you since it is their product you bought.

  • Acura: (800) 382-2238
  • AM General: (866) 486-6376
  • Audi: (800) 822-2834
  • BMW: (800) 831-1117
  • Buick: (800) 521-7300
  • Cadillac: (800) 458-8006
  • Chevrolet: (800) 222-1020
  • Chrysler: (800) 992-1997
  • Daewoo: (877) 362-1234
  • Dodge: (800) 992-1997
  • Eagle: (800) 992-1997
  • Ford: (800) 392-3673
  • Geo: (800) 222-1020
  • GMC: (800) 462-8782
  • Honda: (800) 999-1009
  • Hyundai: (800) 633-5151
  • Infiniti: (800) 662-6200
  • Isuzu: (800) 255-6727
  • Jaguar: (800) 4-JAGUAR
  • Jeep: (800) 992-1997
  • Kia: (800) 333-4542
  • Land Rover: (800) 637-6837
  • Lexus: (800) 255-3987
  • Lincoln: (800) 392-3673
  • Mazda: (800) 222-5500
  • Mercedes-Benz: (800) 222-0100
  • Mercury: (800) 392-3673
  • Mini: (866) ASK-MINI
  • Mitsubishi: (888) 648-7820
  • Nissan: (800) 647-7261
  • Oldsmobile: (800) 442-6537
  • Plymouth: (800) 992-1997
  • Pontiac: (800) 762-2737
  • Porsche: (800) 545-8039
  • Saab: (800) 955-9007
  • Saturn: (800) 553-6000
  • Scion: (800) 331-4331
  • Subaru: (800) 782-2783
  • Suzuki: (800) 934-0934
  • Toyota: (800) 331-4331
  • Volkswagen: (800) 822-8987
  • Volvo: (800) 458-1552

Monday, April 24, 2006

Around The World With 24 Tanks of Petrol

A new record has been set. And it is a new fuel efficiency record. It was done by driving around the world on just 24 tanks of petrol. This was done by a husband and wife team. Their names? John and Helen Taylor.

It took then 78 days to accomplish this feat. And it took them 18,000 miles. They went through Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. They expected to use around 50 tanks but it looked like they needed less than half of this.

What they used was a Volkswagen Golf hatchback. Their trip around the world stopped in London. And yes, it was after they had gone through 25 countries.

Monday, April 17, 2006

Maybach: The Car That Has Everything

What is a Maybach?

A Maybach is a high-end, ultra-luxury sedan. It can take in a maximum of four passengers in its very luxurious and very sophisticated interior. Oh yes. It means regal. It means splendor. However, the price ranges from $300,000 to $400,000. The Maybach comes in two models which are the Maybach 57 and the Maybach 62.

The Maybach 57 is 5.7 meters long, and the 62 is 6.2 meters long, hence the model names. The two models are very nearly identical except for the length. The extra length of the 62 is used to increase the rear seat leg room.
The Maybach 62 also offers several options unavailable in the 57. The 62 has fully reclining rear seats because it has extra leg room available in the rear to accommodate them.

The Maybach 62 also offers a huge skylight in the roof. This roof is officially known in the automobile world as the electro-transparent panoramic glass roof. The laminated glass pane on the inside of the panoramic roof contains a layer of liquid crystal foil made from electrically conductive polymer material which becomes transparent when AC voltage is applied. The glass in this skylight can be electronically changed between clear, frosted or completely opaque depending on your mood. The interior of the Maybach is designed for opulence.

It has every creature comfort you can imagine, and several that you may have never thought of. The list of standard and optional features includes:
  • A built-in refrigerator that is operated by its own compressor
  • The mentioned electro-transparent panoramic glass roof
  • Solar cells built into the roof to operate a ventilation system while the car is parked
  • Ten air bags: four normal airbags for all four passengers, four side-impact airbags and two curtain airbags
  • Charcoal and pollen filters to clean incoming air
  • Ambient lighting
  • Writing desks that unfold from the armrests
  • Curtains to cover rear and side windows
  • Two cell phones
  • Automatic door unlocking and ignition using a fob transmitter (When you approach the car, it unlocks; when you touch the gear-selector knob, it starts.)
  • Heated seats and steering wheel
  • Optional fully-reclining rear seats with built-in massage
  • Intercom between front and rear seats
  • Retractable window between front and rear seats, with electro-frosting when desired
  • Bose sound system, 600 watts with 21 speakers
  • Navigation system, self-monitoring tires, telediagnostics, etc.
  • 100 wood veneer accent pieces and leather throughout

Each of the two rear seats in the Maybach 62 has a folding table which is housed in a special compartment, one on either side of the rear center console. DVD player in the back seat and two screens embedded in the backs of the front seats, along with a TV tuner and a 6-disc CD changer with cordless headphones

In other words, this car has everything.

A Blog With No Name

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Cars At The 2006 New York International Auto Show

The 2006 New York International Auto Show will start on April 14th up until April 23rd.

So how do you get there? The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is located on 11th Avenue between 34th and 39th streets in New York City. For more information, you can look up the 2006 New York International Auto Show's website.

Anyway, here are some of the vehicles in the auto show's list:

Latest Production Vehicles:
* Chrysler Aspen
* Dodge Caliber SRT4
* Ford Edge
* Ford Expedition
* Jaguar XK Rear
* Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
* Lexus LS460
* Lexus ES350
* Jeep Compass
* Lincoln Navigator
* Mazda CX-7
* Mercedes Benz GL-Class
* Mercedes Benz R-Class
* Mercedes Benz S-Class
* Saturn Sky
* Toyota Camry
* Toyota Yari
* Toyota Tundra
* Volvo C70 Convertible
* Volkswagen Eos
* 2007 Suzuki SX4

Concept Cars:
> Acura RDX
> Aston Martin Rapide
> Chrysler Imperial Exterior
> Hyundai HCD9
> Lamborghini Miura
> Mazda Kabura
> Mitsubishi Concept CT
> Nissan Urge
> Subaru B5
> Toyota F3R
> Volvo Exterior
> Saab Aero X

New York Debuts:
* Audi TT
* Bentley Continental GTC
* BMW Z4 Coupe
* Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
* Lotus Exige
* Mazda Speed
* Saab Aero X
* Suzuki SX4
* Volvo S80

Alternative Fuel:
> 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid
> 2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
> Ford Escape Hybrid
> Ford Focus FCV
> GMC Sierra Hybrid
> Honda Civic Hybrid
> Honda FCX
> Honda Insight
> Lexus RX 300H Hybrid
> Mazda RX8 Hydro Rotary Engine
> Saturn Vue Hybrid
> Toyota Prius

World Report:
* Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon
* Fiat Panda
* Ford KA Hardtop
* Honda HSC Concept
* Honda Kiwami Concept
* Lancia Fulvia Coupe
* Lancia Thesis Promenade
* Lancia Ypsilon
* Megane Renaultsport 225
* Mercedes F500 Mind Concept
* Nissan Dunehawk
* Nissan Moco
* Opel Insignia
* Peugeot 407 Elixir Concept
* Renault Be Pop Concept
* Skoda Fabia RS
* Suzuki Ignis
* Toyota CS&S Concept
* Toyota Fine N Concept
* Toyota NLSV Concept
* Vauxhall Coupe Roadster
* Volkswagen Golf
* Volkswagen Touran

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Best Buys

If you thinking about purchasing one of the best vehicles around, then you should read this post. This is all about Vincentric’s Best Value in America list. And yes, they could be considered the best buys around. I found this here.

Passenger Cars and Crossovers
• Compact, over $17,000: Honda Civic Hybrid
• Compact, under $17,000: Honda Civic(non-hybrid)
• Convertible, over $39,000: Chevrolet Corvette
• Convertible, under $39,000: Toyota Camry Solara
• Large: Toyota Avalon
• Luxury: Lexus LS-430
• Mid-Size, over $23,000: Honda Accord
• Mid-Size, under $23,000: Toyota Prius
• Near Luxury: Acura TL
• Crossover, over $28,000: Nissan Murano
• Crossover, under $28,000: Nissan Murano
• Sports Car, over $37,500: Chevrolet Corvette
• Sports Car, under $37,500: Acura RSX
• Subcompact: Scion xB
• Wagon, over $24,500: Volvo V70
• Wagon, under $24,500: Toyota Matrix

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
• Compact SUV, over $22,500: Ford Escape Hybrid
• Compact SUV, under $22,500: Honda CR-V
• Large SUV, over $40,500: Lexus GX-470
• Large SUV, under $40,500: Toyota Sequoia SR5
• Mid-Size SUV, over $30,000: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Mid-Size SUV, under $30,000: Toyota Highlander

Pick-Ups
• Compact Pickup, 2WD: Toyota Tacoma
• Compact Pickup, 4WD: Toyota Tacoma
• Full Size Pickup, 2WD: Toyota Tundra
• Full Size Pickup, 4WD: Toyota Tundra
• Heavy Duty ¾ Ton Pickup, 2WD: Dodge Ram 2500
• Heavy Duty ¾ Ton Pickup, 4WD: Dodge Ram 2500
• Heavy Duty 1 Ton Pickup, 2WD: Ford F-350
• Heavy Duty 1 Ton Pickup, 4WD: Ford F-350

Vans
• Full Size Passenger Van: Dodge Sprinter Wagon
• Minivan, over $27,000: Honda Odyssey
• Minivan, under $27,000: Honda Odyssey

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