Posts Tagged ‘SUV’

The 2011 Honda Is An Affordable Midsize SUV

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

If you are looking for a midsize SUV that is affordable then you might consider taking a closer look at the 2010 Honda Pilot. This vehicle offers a lot of seating room and an ample amount of trunk space. This auto competes directly with other affordable midsize SUV’s such as the Dodge Journey and the Ford Flex. In terms of looks the Pilot is a square in size and some reviewers have noted that it slightly resembles a truck. The aggressive look is accentuated further by seventeen inch wheels. This SUV was designed to be practical in everyday life; the tailgate with a lift-up glass hatch makes unloading cargo super easy. The Pilot is also capable of towing, it comes with a standard Class III trailer hitch and is capable of towing 4,500 pounds. There are four trim levels available: the LX, EX, EX-L and top of the line Touring.

Let’s take a closer look at the engine. It’s a V6 with 250 hp and 253 lb feet of torque. Gas mileage stands at 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the freeway. It’s equipped with Variable Cylinder Management, which enables the vehicle to run on a lesser number of cylinders and as a result it offers better fuel economy. It’s not the most powerful SUV in its class but it’s fairly efficient and more than enough as an everyday driver.

One feature that makes the Pilot stand out from the rest of the pack is its ability to seat eight passengers. If you want the fancy extra options that are available, it’s suggested that you opt for the EX-L or the touring line, since certain options aren’t available for the base models. A DVD player and a nine inch screen is available for the EX-L and Touring models. There is an optional navigation system in place which can be commanded by voice and Bluetooth compatibility is also available. There is ample of room to store all your belongings with18 cubic feet of trunk space. Storage space can be increased to 87 cubic feet once you fold down the second and third row of seats.

A large number of safety features have been installed in order to maximize passenger safety. The Pilot was constructed using an Advanced Compatibility Engineering Ace body structure which helps to distribute crash force during impact. Hill Start Assist is in place which prevents the vehicle from rolling back or forward when on a steep hill or incline. Vehicle Stability Assist helps to maintain control during oversteer or understeer conditions. The airbags utilize an Occupant Position Detection system and the side airbags come with a rollover sensor to help provide passenger protection if the vehicle rolls over.

The 2011 Honda Pilot is a suitable car for anyone in need of a roomy and affordable SUV that can seat up to eight adults. The base price starts approximately at $28,045 but it will cost a bit more if you want the plush extras like the navigation system.

Written by Jacqueline Star: Atlanta Honda, Used Cars Atlanta

The Compact 2010 GMC Terrain Is Packed With Features

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Due to its spaciousness and excellent fuel economy, GMC’s Terrain is perfectly suited for families. This SUV competes with other affordable compact SUV’s such as the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4. The exterior of the Terrain slightly resembles a truck and it is a bit on the boxy and square side. Due to its unique shape this vehicle definitely commands attention on the road. The wheels are big and bold while the grille is aggressive resulting in a daring appearance. There are four trims available for the Terrain; the base model SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1 and upper trim SLT2.

The Terrain’s engine is a 4 cylinder 2.4 Ltr which outputs 182 horsepower. You can also opt to purchase the six cylinder engine instead that puts out 264 horsepower. In terms of gas mileage, the V4 receives 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the freeway. The drive is comfortable and fluid and acceleration is a tad better with the V6 engine. It has been suggested to keep the original wheels as the drive with the optional bigger ones can be a bit bumpy and loud.

Step inside during the night time and you will be surrounded by ambient and soothing red lighting; the instruments are illuminated in red light too which makes them easy to read. You have the option of leather appointed seats at an additional cost. One special feature that the Terrain offers as a standard feature is a rearview camera, a feature that is usually only found on luxury vehicles. The cabin is very well insulated from outside noise and wind.

The SLE-1 entry level model includes keyless entry, USB compatibility, a telescoping and tilt steering wheel and XM satellite radio. Cargo space is at 31.6 cubic ft which can be expanded to 63.9 cubic ft if you fold the seats folded down. The SLE-2 trim adds in temperature controlled seats, a navigation system, sunroof and a DVD system in the back. The deluxe trim model the SLT-2 adds in driver’s side memory seats, a sunroof, a liftgate and a Chrome Exterior package.

You can feel safe in the Terrain knowing that it includes all the latest safety advances.Front and side airbags, an ABS brake system, and traction control are all in place. The IIHS awarded the Terrain good scores for side, front and rear impact tests plus named it a top pick in regards to safety. Seatbelt pretensioners are in place which automatically tighten up if there is an impending impact. A security system is in place which prevents the engine from being turned on if the original manufacturer’s key isn’t used.

The 2010 GMC is a step up above other SUV’s in its class due to its luxurious features such as a rearview camera, ambient lighting and USB compatibility. This vehicle would be perfectly suited for families or anyone who is in need of a compact SUV that’s excellent on gas and offers a lot of deluxe amenities at an affordable price. The base model starts at around $24,250.

Written by Jacqueline Star: GMC Dealer Des Moines, Used Cars Crivitz

Some Celebrities That Have Driven Hybrid Cars

Sunday, October 3rd, 2010

No, it is certainly not true that you will rise to fame and fortune if you go and buy a hybrid car. But a hybrid car is not only a vehicle for the wealthy and famous. But it might be a good idea for you. Many famous people are driving hybrid cars these days including some of the most well-known on the planet like your favourite movie stars. But the big question is, should you be driving a hybrid car at all?

So, are you driving anything like a hybrid car? Well, if you are not, you won’t become pally with some of these hybrid car-drivers. These people were very early owners of hybrids cars. You may not see them in a hybrid vehicle when they pull up next to you on Rodeo Drive, but trust me, they’ve owned a hybrid car before. Whatever, trust me or not they have been reported as driving hybrid cars before even if they were given them for publicity purposes.

Alicia Silverstone This star definitely thinks about the environment. She knows that driving a hybrid car has many benefits for the environment. And if the general public doesn’t have the understanding that she has, then that’s just hard luck. Alicia knows that hybrid cars are good for the environment and therefore for everyone. So Alicia Silverstone got herself a hybrid car. So she has helped promote this new technology as far as this article is concerned, which has to be a good thing.

Ellen DeGeneres Now then, this amusing lady not only has a great haircut, but she was driving a great hybrid car even before you probably even knew about hybrid cars and she was probably smiling at you and your heavy duty user last time she shot past you.

Robin Williams comical and lovable, Robin knew when he played the role of Mrs. Doubtfire that he should probably start thinking more like the sensible driver that you would allow to take your kids to and from school, so Robin got himself a hybrid car, and he hasn’t ever looked back since then.

Ted Danson Cheers! Ted knows a fantastic car when he sees one. He was definitely sober the day he decided to go check out the new cars on the forecourt. He got up and bought a car that made a whole lot of sense. He was making a good choice when he chose a hybrid car.

Brad Pitt What’s cooking good looking? Certainly not Brad’s hybrid fuel engine. He has had a hybrid car, so he knows his car isn’t using way too much fuel.

Prince Charles Why, surely, if it’s good enough for royalty, then it’s good enough for everyone else? That’s just how you should think when you own a hybrid car. You should feel royal, adorned, and admired because believe it or not, that’s exactly what you are when you choose to drive a hybrid vehicle. So enjoy it.

So, how do you feel? Like a million bucks? Well, you should if you are thinking of buying a hybrid car and don’t worry, you won’t get your 15 minutes of fame, but you will be making a very bold statement that people will understand and many people will appreciate what you are doing and that will go on for years and years because hybrid cars last for decade or more

If you want to know more about the technology of New Hybrid Vehicles, you should visit our website where there is tons of offormation on http://new-hybrid-vehicles.com

Hybrid Electric Engines: Some Information

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Have you ever wondered about hybrid cars? They certainly look stylish and modern, but what is it about them that makes them so different and so special? After all, most cars look the same these days, do they not? They are all designed by computer to be aerodynamic and aerodynamic is aerodynamic, so they all end up looking indistinguishable to anyone who is not an aficionado.

Well, the fact is that the distinction between a hybrid car and a normal car lies under the bonnet. There are various types of hybrid vehicles as well, but the most common kind has a hybrid electric engine. Therefore, you could say that what makes hybrid cars special from most other, ordinary cars is their engine.

Or engines really, because hybrid electric cars essentially have two engines. One, the internal combustion engine, runs on petrol, LPG or diesel and the other, the electric motor, runs off electricity stored in an array of powerful batteries. On the other hand, normal cars only have an internal combustion engine. It is a good idea to investigate these two types of engine separately.

First of all the electric motor. Electrical energy is generated by several components on the car and stored in a large bank or array of heavy-duty batteries. The electricity is created by the turning of the internal combustion engine, just as with a standard car, when it is in use, but also by the wheels or / and the car’s braking system. Different models have different methods of creating this electricity, but they are all very hi-tech and very effective.

When the car’s internal computers decide that the car no longer needs the power of the internal combustion engine, it will turn it off and switch to the electric motor instead. The circumstances where this might occur are, for instance, when you are driving slowly in inner-city traffic, when you are cruising at moderate speed on a flat road or when you are going down hill. This saves a significant amount of fuel, which is clearly a great saving to you.

However, there are occasions when you have to have more power than the batteries can supply you, for example, when accelerating hard, when overtaking or when climbing a hill. At times such as these, the electric motor will shut down and the combustion engine will take over and start supplying power to the accelerator and electricity to the batteries. When the requirement for extra power has ceased, the batteries will take over again.

These choices are all taken by the hybrid electric vehicle’s (HEV’s) on board computer system and you will not be aware of much other that a surge of power or a quietening of the propulsion system. This works very well in most scenarios, but some drivers of HEV’s would like to have a manual override for abnormal circumstances, such as an undulating terrain.

All in all, cars with hybrid electric engines work very well at reducing fuel bills but they are still too dear to be much more than a gimmicky toy and a salve to the conscience for the rich.

Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on many subjects, but is at present involved with hybrid electric engines. If you would like to know more or check out some great offers, please go to our website at New Hybrid Vehicles.

Should I Buy A Hybrid Car To Save On Gas?

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

As you pull up to the gas station pump and fuel your car up with $10-$70 worth of gas, you may find yourself releasing a long drawn out sigh. How on Earth did petrol get to be so expensive? Should you check out one of those new hybrid cars you saw on the news? Everyone’s talking about hybrid cars anyway. Hybrid cars and other types of cars may seem to be a good idea, but before you go out and do something you’ll regret, maybe you should ask yourself some basic questions about how you can start saving money on fuel.

There are many options out there that include everything from staying home to purchasing a hybrid car, but you have to find out what’s right for you. You can only do that by asking yourself the following questions.

Maybe you should drive less mileage?

Sure, you could spend the rest of your life in the house on the couch, but how would you eat then? I know what you’re thinking you will walk more and get more exercise. That may be true, but what happens when you get bored with walking and riding your bike? How are you going to be able to get to the gym? And, have you forgotten about work? You know you love listening to your books on tape while you sit in traffic at the end of the workday. Should you drive less? Perhaps not then. But what should you do? Well, have you ever considered buying a hybrid vehicle?

Should I buy a car that gets more miles for less gas?

Yes, you could do this, but what about when the vehicle starts to depreciate and it’s not as fuel-efficient as you thought it would be? And subconsciously, because you know you have a car that gets more mileage out of fuel, you are going to start traveling more miles than you traveled before.

Should I get up earlier each morning to look for the cheapest gas prices in the area?

Really, who has the time to do all that? If you really think about it, you could probably spend your time more profitably finding the right answer to the real question. Do you really want to spend extra time looking for a cheap fuel station? What would your boss think if you arrive late for work and tell him you were trying to save money on petrol? And anyway, how long do you think you’d keep that up?

Should I find a way to run my car on batteries?

Well, let’s see now, you definitely don’t want to have to charge your car’s batteries every day before you go to work because that might make you late too. However, with a hybrid car, you wouldn’t have to worry about that. Therefore, the next question should be quite obvious.

Should I purchase a hybrid car?

Perhaps you should. It’s possible that buying a hybrid car would be a sensible way to avoid higher fuel prices. Would your car depreciate as soon as you drive it off the forecourt? A hybrid won’t do that so readily as it brings the buyer in more and more money as they save on petrol. A hybrid car really could be a good choice here. However, it’s still a good idea to conduct further research on a hybrid car.

If you are interested in the insides of New Hybrid Vehicles, just visit our website on http://new-hybrid-vehicles.com

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Hybrid Cars and Conventional Cars

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Today, the question on everybody’s lips is, what is the significant difference between a hybrid car and a conventional vehicle? They suppose that there has to be some good reason why people are asking themselves whether hybrid cars are worth the cost and checking their wallets and savings accounts to see if they have enough money to get a hybrid car.

There has to be a good reason why some other people wouldn’t dream of spending their the money on a hybrid car because they feel their conventional car gets them to wherever they need to go well enough. Here are some of the reasons why a person might choose a conventional car over a hybrid car.

Hybrid cars are more expensive than conventional cars: because hybrid cars have a complex internal design, they do still have a fairly hefty price tag. On the other hand, conventional cars, which have gotten more efficient in design as the years have gone on, are quite affordable these days. Many people are selling their old conventional cars in favour of newer, more efficient versions.

They are so inefficient in fact, that some people even give their old cars away. However, since a large percentage of the general population has never owned a hybrid, there aren’t many people selling used hybrid cars yet. Therefore, the average person looking to buy a hybrid would probably have to purchase a new one from a car dealer.

Both a hybrid car and a conventional car make use of a similar type of battery: a hybrid car and a conventional car both use lead-acid batteries that have enough renewable stored energy to turn over a small electric motor. These batteries are what are called “gear reduced”. That means that they can turn over this electric motor at approximately 300 rpms, which generates enough torque to turn over the engine. It is this process that starts the main petrol or diesel engine.

But even though a hybrid car uses a lead-acid battery, the battery it uses to drive the car’s electric engine is constructed differently. This kind of battery is known as a ‘deep cycle battery’ and it can be compared to the batteries that are used to power electric fork-lift trucks, milk floats or golf carts.

That’s the major difference between hybrid cars and conventional cars. However, one person might decide to buy a hybrid car because it makes them feel more secure. For example, if a person buys a hybrid car, they can feel safe because their car will be less likely to run out of fuel in the middle of nowhere and yet another person might choose to buy a conventional car because the cost of petrol doesn’t really figure with them all that much.

However, a conventional car provides security as well, although of a different type. With a conventional car, an owner can be sure that they can always go to a junkyard, when they need to replace old parts for their car. On the other hand, those with a hybrid car will more than likely have to face some pretty pricey bills receipts if something goes wrong.

The final decision rests0 solely with you. There are certain minor risks involved with both kinds of vehicles. But if you like to try out new technology, you might think about splashing out on a new hybrid car next time.

If you are interested in the working parts of New Hybrid Vehicles, just visit our website at http://new-hybrid-vehicles.com

Hybrid Honda Cars

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Most of us have heard of the different Honda cars on the forecourt today. You can add to this range of cars the Honda hybrid cars. These hybrid cars include the Honda Accord Hybrid, the Honda Civic hybrid 4 door car and Honda Insight, which is a two seater. These are not the only hybrid cars in Honda’s stable, there are others but these are the more popular models.

You will find that Honda hybrid cars come in different versions of their popular Honda cars. The Honda Civic hybrid is one such hybrid car that is very popular. This four door compact car is one that you can choose either as a first generation or a second generation car.

The hybrid Honda Civic has a 5 speed manual transmission drive. This particular Honda hybrid car is known as an assist hybrid car. Unlike other hybrid cars, the Honda Civic hybrid has won an award for the best international engine.

While you can get information about the various models of Honda hybrid cars from the Honda dealers’ websites on the Internet, you may want to go along to the showrooms in person. This will furnish you with a better understanding of whether a hybrid car will suit you. Having looked into these details, you can then see which Honda hybrid type is best for you.

Thus, you can ensure that you are getting a good deal And, speaking of money, you may want to check out the cost of other cars that catch your eye in the hybrid Honda car stable. For those who like the look of the hybrid car from Honda, you have a choice of previous year’s cars or the new batch of Honda hybrid cars. Since there are lots of data you need to scrutinize, when it comes to purchasing vehicles, it is probably best if you have the questions you need answered dealt with by a qualified Honda dealer.

By doing this, you can be (sure|assured that you have chosen a Honda hybrid which is not only affordable but is also able to meeting your requirements. The hybrid cars that you are able to buy will provide you with lots of benefits both in the long term and the short term in terms of keeping your fuel costs down.

Since there are many different cars on the market, you can always be sure that you will find one that suits you. The trusted Honda hybrid is the best choice for the discerning hybrid car owner.

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Hybrid Cars vs. Plug-in Hybrid Cars

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

Hybrid cars are on everyone’s minds these days. Twenty, forty, or fifty dollars for a tank of petrol? Who really wants to pay that sort of money? But, frustrated, the gas customer sighs, but pays up. However, hybrid vehicles are being richly applauded for the small amount of petrol they need to operate, and they are being driven off the lots of car dealerships each and everyday in ever increasing numbers.

So, what about a plug-in hybrid? Most consumers have heard that these cars are great as well. So, someone might be asking him or herself, what exactly a plug-in hybrid is? How they work, and what the difference between a plug-in hybrid and a regular hybrid is?

Plug-in hybrids are capable of running solely on batteries, but they can run on fuel also. These sorts of hybrid cars have some of the features of hybrid vehicles. They are also very similar to all-electric vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid cars need to be recharged externally by connecting a plug to an electrical power source. The combustion engine in plug-in hybrid vehicles is used only as a back up. These cars can run only on batteries if desired, but it is expected that these types of hybrid cars are recharged every day.

Hybrid cars can go just as many miles as a conventional car. Designed to go the extra mile where gas-mileage is concerned, hybrids can be driven on the motorway, in cities, or wherever else anybody needs to travel.

On the other hand, plug-in hybrids are designed to be driven commuter-type distances, meaning about twenty to sixty miles between destinations. This way, the plug-in hybrid does not have to use its back up combustion engine, but plug-in hybrids can go further using gas too.

Hybrids help to reduce pollution, but they do still pollute the atmosphere. Compared with plug-in hybrids, hybrid cars still have a long way to go as far as pollution is concerned. Because plug-in hybrid cars can run solely on their battery power, they don’t have to emit waste fuel emissions at all.

Plug-in hybrids actually do fight against greenhouse gas emissions and plug-in hybrids use virtually no oil imported or not. Studies have shown that electric hybrids emit at least 67% less greenhouse gases compared to gasoline cars. Since the product used to power plug-in hybrids is renewable, the difference in greenhouse gas emissions may be even greater than the study determined.

There you have it – the major differences between plug-in hybrids and regular hybrid cars. It could make a big difference, but you would be surprised at how little it actually matters at the moment, but that’s only because plug-in hybrids are not being marketed to consumers yet! But this article should make you excited about the fantastic plug-in hybrid car, which will be featuring soon on a dealership near you.

And it’s going to be a spectacular debut too – people already like regular hybrid cars, but they haven’t seen anything until they see the new plug-in hybrid cars. However, for now, maybe we should just be satisfied with what we already have, because who knows? Before plug-in hybrid cars come out onto the forecourts, something even better might be introduced onto the market.

If you are interested in the insides of New Hybrid Vehicles, please visit our website on http://new-hybrid-vehicles.com

The Energy Crisis and Hybrid Cars

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

It has been said that not enough people are doing all they can do to fight against the energy crisis. Hybrid cars can help, but probably not enough people are driving them. Here are a few issues related to the energy crisis and how hybrid cars can help.

The U.S. isn’t doing enough really. The USA consumes more fossil fuels than any other country in the world. However, most people think that all of our energy problems can be solved if we would only investigate further into the oil deposits in Alaska or if we exploited the recent oil discovery in the Gulf of Mexico more.

Hybrid cars make it so that we might not have to use other sources of energy to keep the economy afloat. Hybrid cars don’t cause Americans to consume an excessive amount of fossil fuel. Rather, hybrid vehicles make Americans use less fossil fuel.

Energy consumers just accept increasing fuel prices. People used to be concerned that fuel prices are much higher now than they were years ago. Now, however, people just accept the higher prices. In the meantime, cars are getting bigger and bigger. Car manufacturers are making trucks and SUV’s, which consume more fuel at the higher prices.

These vehicles use more fuel, but you would never believe just how many people will not give up their fuel-guzzling SUV. Hybrid cars do eventually cost their owners less to own than conventional vehicles do. So there is no need to worry about settling for being over-charged by the oil economy.

Soon there will be an end to the “cheap oil period”. Soon, we could all be in over our heads, because not only will we be in an fossil fuel crisis, but in a peak oil crisis too. During this peak oil crisis period, there will be gas shortages and natural gas shortages as well. The major countries will have to compete against one another for whatever small amount of fuel remains.

So everyone may have some problems, and countries may battle over who gets oil and who does not. The peak fuel crisis can be put off, if more people just purchased hybrid vehicles. Hybrid cars make it so that people do not always have to be looking for oil. And there are advances being made to hybrid cars everyday.

The plug-in hybrid vehicles, for example, might not even need oil at all one day. So, just in case we do have an energy crisis, Americans ought really to be using the time to finding a solution to the impending oil crisis in America. Hybrid vehicles are the method to beat the energy crisis, and if countries still want to fight each other over gas, at least America will know they attempted to slow the impending crisis by investing in hybrid cars.

So, there you have it then. America’s mass adoption of hybrid vehicles would make it so that Americans use less gas. But Americans also have yet to gain from the large amount of money being made from the manufacture of hybrid cars. The majority of popular hybrid cars come from Japan. Therefore, Americans ought to attract that money back into the country by making hybrids at home and do something about the current energy crisis at the same time.

If you are interested in the working parts of New Hybrid Vehicles, please visit our website at http://new-hybrid-vehicles.com

Hybrid Cars and Conventional Cars

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Today, the question on everybody’s lips is, what is the real difference between a hybrid car and a conventional vehicle? They suppose that there has to be some good reason why people are wondering whether hybrid cars are worth the money and checking their wallets and bank accounts to see whether they can afford to buy a hybrid car.

There has to be some reason why other people wouldn’t consider shelling out the money for a hybrid car because they feel their conventional car gets them to where they need to go well enough. Here are some of the reasons why someone might decide on a conventional car over a hybrid car and vice versa.

Hybrid cars are much more expensive than conventional cars: because hybrid cars have a much more complex internal design, they do still have a pretty hefty price tag on them. However, conventional cars, which have become more efficient as the years have gone on, are quite affordable these days. Many people are selling their old conventional cars to buy newer, more efficient models.

In fact, they are so inefficient, in comparison, that some people even give their old cars away. However, since a large percentage of the general population has never owned a hybrid, there aren’t many people selling used hybrid cars yet. Therefore, a person looking to buy a hybrid would probably have to purchase a new one from a car dealership.

Both a hybrid car and a conventional car use a similar type of battery: a hybrid car and a conventional car both make use of lead-acid batteries that have enough power to turn a small electric motor. These batteries are what you call “gear reduced”. That means that they can turn over this electric motor at approximately 300 rpms. Torque is generated to turn over the engine and the entire process is what starts the main petrol or diesel engine.

But even though a hybrid car uses a lead-acid battery, the battery it uses to drive the car’s electric engine is constructed differently. This kind of battery is known as a ‘deep cycle battery’ and it can be compared to the batteries that are used to power electric fork-lift trucks, milk floats or golf carts.

That’s the major difference between hybrid cars and conventional cars. However, one person could decide to buy a hybrid car because it makes them feel more secure. For example, if a person buys a hybrid car, they can feel secure because their car will be less likely to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere and yet another person might choose to buy a conventional car because the cost of petrol doesn’t really figure with them all that much.

Furthermore, a conventional car provides security as well. With a conventional car, a person can be assured that they will always be able go to a junkyard, when they need to and find old parts for their car. On the other hand, those with a hybrid car might have to pay some pretty pricey repair receipts if something goes wrong.

However, the final decision remains up to you. There are certain risks involved with both kinds of cars. But those who like to try out new technology might just consider splurging out on a new hybrid car.

If you are interested in the insides of New Hybrid Vehicles, please visit our website at http://new-hybrid-vehicles.com