The Everyman's Car

Ford is really stepping up to the plate with their attempt to revitalize their car brands in the states and abroad.   They are going smaller, smarter and far more efficient.  One of the their new jewels is the Ford Start, a 3 cylinder engined car that is supposed to feel like a four.

They also will be very tech savvy.   The center console is supposed to be very I-Pad like and the headlights are going to be LED.   I am always amazed at what cars will be like in the next 5 years, with all their new gadgets and things.   But I am very impressed with Ford.   First, they don’t take the bailout and now they are way ahead of their competitors with going Eco.

Filed under: Automobile by admin
Tags: « Car - Eco - Ford - green - Start - Tech »
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BMW and Mini have struck a goldmine in their Electric version of  the Mini.   The people who have been trialling this new car for the last 6 months are having a very hard time giving it up and the waiting list for the new model is already reaching record numbers for Mini.

The way of the automobile industry is heading, everyone will at least have one electric car in their driveway in the next 10 years.   Most companies believe that people will buy a Eco friendly car for commuting and a traditional car for fun.  I find that pretty responsible way to still have fun with our cars.

Filed under: Automobile by admin
Tags: « BMW - Car - electric - Mini »
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The most trusted name in Cars has come out with it’s annual ranking of all major cars on the road and what you should buy.   At the top of the list,  Honda is ranked Best car of the year for the 4th year straight and Chrysler was ranked as the worst company of the year.   I thought that the american car companies (minus Ford) were supposed to be getting better to compete with the rest of the world.

Here is the list:

Best Family Sedan - Nissan Altima
Best Small Sedan - Hyundai Elantra SE
Best Sporty Car - Volkswagen GTI
Best Small SUV - Subaru Forester
Best Family SUV - Chevrolet Traverse
Best Car Overall - Lexus LS 460L
Best Sports Sedan - Infiniti G37
Best Family Hauler - Mazda5
Best Green Car - Toyota Prius
Best Pickup Truck - Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Filed under: Automobile by admin
Tags: « 2010 - Best - cars - Consumer Reports - Worst »
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Dodge is seeing who the real man are, it was revealed in the Chicago Auto show that they will start making a Fuscia colored challengers.  They will be special edition and they will be fully loaded with the V8 R/T and SRT-8 engines.

Now, you ask why would think chose such an extreme color for a car that is dominantly bought by males.   Dodge is going back to its roots like back in the 60s and 70s when they had bright yellow, green and orange cars.  With the lower sales they have recently had, they need to stand out from the pack.

Filed under: Automobile by admin
Tags: « Bright - Challenger - Color - Dodge - Fuscia »
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I am not even joking about this, I had a ‘96 explorer that got worse gas mileage then a friend of mine’s suburban.  It was horrible and I am pretty sure that Ford was aware of this.   Through the years they have worked hard to improve on all the faults that the Explorer had and now they are finally fixing my largest compliant with them.

They have announced that their next model’s gas mileage will be improved by 25%.   This is a major jump for Suvs, which are being hit hard with the fuel efficient consumer who is pulling away from any of the large engine gas guzzling engines that used to be a staple for this auto class.   Well done, Ford!

Filed under: Automobile by admin
Tags: « efficient - Explorer - Ford - gas - SUV »
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When so many car companies are circling the drain, it is quite impressive to hear that Subaru is having the best year to date.   They had a current increase of 15% over last year and the forecast is only looking better.

Right now, their plan is currently to increase the types of Foresters to 5 different models.   I have to say that they make a good car and I am happy to see them doing well.

Filed under: Automobile by admin
Tags: « Car - forester - quality - subaru »
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In a world of fears about Global Warming and higher gas mileage cars, is it time for the general population to start thinking about pure electric cars. Has technology really come far enough that this really is a viable option?

I hope so, but from what I hear the miles that you get off of one charge is only around a 100 to 150 miles then you need a few hour recharge. This would all but end road trips and is the extra energy that we pull from the power plants going to offset the car pollution. I want to go green as much as the next guy, I just have a few questions about it.

Filed under: Automobile by admin
Tags: « battery - cars - electric - green - long »
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Is your garage to full to fit that second car you have? A canopy carport is a simple and perfect solution for an instant garage year round, while also being easy to build all on your own! Each rounded top carport canopy is built with heavy duty all steel frames.  Because we all know when it rains, it pours, and I love protecting my cars and other storage items. All covers are also UV‑treated inside and out with added fade blockers, anti‑aging, and anti‑fungal agents resulting in a cover that withstands the elements. Each cover is fitting perfectly to its frame with a Rugged Ratchet Tite Tensioning System, which provides simple installation while keeping the cover tight to the frame and if I can do it, I am pretty sure anyone ca. One end of the rounded top carport canopy is solid, while the other has a zipper door or easy entrance and storage of any car, truck or boat!  You can also use them for family outings or parties as large tents, man, they think of everything.  http://www.carportscenter.com

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So I think I am in love … with this car.   The new Ford Hybrid Fusion has everything I would look for in a car and more.  I was already a fan of their looks, how they drive and the reliability of them.   Now, they have joined the league of fuel efficient cars and in my book, has taken the crown.

The standard mpg of this car is 41/36 but if you treat the engine nicely on longer trips you can increase that up to almost 46 miles to the gallon.   I have had motorcycles in the past that don’t have that good of gas mileage.   Ford is so far ahead of its competition when it comes to fuel efficiency.

Ford is doing things right from what I see.  They have been working hard on this eco-friendly cars and still didn’t have to take any bailout money.     Another area where they are ahead on is with their “Sync” technology.  They have pretty much made their center console into voice activated computer.  Well done!

Filed under: Automobile by admin
Tags: « Ford - Fusion - Hybrid - Technology »
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Well, it’s that time of year again, time for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, the two busiest days of my life. One day I spent cooking and eating the greatest food on Earth, then I have a midday nap and I get ready to stand out in the cold so that I can get amazing shopping deals.  And the trusty family sedan is going to be my trusted stead.   It will make it through town, slipping and sliding on the snow and ice.

I have figure out a way to even get more off on my Black Friday sales.  My master plan this year is to get gift certificates that at a discount on sites like citydeals or others and then use them for payment on my items.  This is what I call a double bonus, a genius move on my part!  I am playing to have my trunk filled to the max with my presents.  At moments like this, I am glad I went for the reasonable car instead of the sports car with no trunk.

Filed under: Automobile by admin
Tags: « Car - holidays - Reasonable - trunk »
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