Ford to Exit the Minivan Market?

All the car blogs lately have been speculating on the direction that the Ford Motor Company is going to take in the wake of declining sales and stiff competition. We know that Ford has too much capacity and we know that the company will be closing some key plants and laying off an as yet to be determined number of employees. What hadn’t been clear is which models would be cut from the line up. Now, it appears that Ford will exit the lucrative minivan market. That’s right, Ford apparently will stick with building cars, trucks, and SUVs, and leave the minivan market to the other players. Ever since the Chrysler Corporation invented the minivan market back in the early 1980s with its line of “K-car” derived minivans – the Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, and the Chrysler Town & Country...

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Review of Ford Trucks

The best-selling car in America returns with an original engine design and a blue-collar transmission from the motor city. Ford's F-150 pickup comes in regular, extended, and crew-cab styles. All cabs have four doors. The standard minicab mimics the SuperCab extended minicab with average rear-hinged "partly doors." The SuperCrew crew minicab has four straight doors. Extended's and crews have a bring up work surface seat for 6-passenger capacity. Crews have a 5.5-ft-long consignment single bed. Other F-150s use beds of 5.5, 6.5, and 8 ft, depending on options. All come in flat-side Styleside outward appearance; the 6.5-ft single bed in addition comes as a flare-fender Flareside. The 4.2-liter V6 engine has 202 horse power. Two V8 engines are available: a 4.6-liter with 231 hp and a 5.4 with...

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Lift Kits - The Raised Truck Craze Gone Wild

There was a day when trucks were a working man’s vehicle and scratches were expected. Shells protected valuables and tonneau covers protected tools. Those days are over and truck enthusiasts are souping up their rides more than ever before. With the addition of popular movies featuring fancy cars and popular television shows that glorify plasma screens and ground shaking stereo systems, the custom truck rage is here to stay. As a sign of manhood or personal taste, many truck owners decide to lift their rides for a performance altered appearance. Lift kits can actually be found online and can be installed on your truck in a do-it-yourself fashion. Some lift systems can be somewhat difficult to install, but after all, challenges are what get us men going and when we are determined, who...

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Nerf Bars, Step Bars, and Tube Steps

Some people call them Nerf Bars, others call them Step Bars; my mother calls them "those shiny tubes." Whatever you call them, they're an item that many people overlook in their quest for truck greatness. Whether you're looking for convenience, protection, or looks, installing a set of custom step bars on your ride is always a good decision. Nerf Bars; Attitude in a Box In addition to the fact that they make vehicle entry easier, nerf bars add to your truck's aggressive attitude. Nerf bars fill the gap between the ground and your vehicle's rocker panel; creating an illusion that your truck stands taller than it actually does. Combine step bars with a suspension lift and/or body lift kit and we're talking serious intimidation. Nerf Bars; Your Bodyguard Another benefit of installing nerf...

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Curtains Down For The New Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

The much awaited Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet will be unveiled soon enough. And all those who would be actually able to witness such an event will find out that, indeed, this new Ford Focus is a vehicle that is worth your while and your money. The Ford Motor Company states that the new Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet holds an open air motoring feature. And aside from this, it also offers owners and passengers stability, comfort, as well as practicality. Of course, this is very much associated with the current range of the Ford Focus line of vehicles, making it a top selling vehicle in the auto market. Come October this year, interested parties can start purchasing this new model. And this month, the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet would be making its debut in the United Kingdom at the British International...

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Adjusting The Headlights Of Your Car

Those huge eyes shining in the dark. Those are simply the headlights of your car. It is actually a lamp. And just by the name itself, it is located in the head or the front end of your vehicle. Of course, these have been mounted there not just for aesthetic purposes but also for functional purposes. These headlights help you out see the road ahead clearly by lighting up and illuminating the way. In fact, headlights are very essential during driving at night or even when driving during bad weather conditions like heavy rain or foggy days. If you think that by simply putting on your headlights on your car, it would be able to light your way up to your destination. Well, think again. These headlights should be properly installed at the right angles. Or else, you might be driving with the...

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Electric Cars 'Zap' Rising Gas Prices

Tired of paying more and more for gas? Fuel prices this year have been at the highest levels in 25 years, and with world demand for oil higher than ever, they most likely won't decrease any time soon. According to Zap, a publicly owned company based in California that manufactures an array of electric vehicles, one of the best ways to beat rising gas prices is to buy and drive an electric car. Gas cars use about 10 cents' worth of fuel for every mile, whereas electric cars use only 3 cents' worth. That means an electric car can travel three times as far as a gasoline car for the same money. Other Zap vehicles, like its electric bicycles, use about a penny's worth of gas for every five miles and achieve an average fuel efficiency of more than 1,000 miles per gallon. Driving an electric...

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The Bad, The Loud, And The Proud

I really like it when I see a car, looking terrible, old, rusted, and dirty, with the speakers just booming. HAH! What a way to make my day. It is clear where some peoples priorities lie. Most of the younger crowd would rather have booming subwoofers, big crazy speakers, and grade A stereo decks, than a nice car. So let me get this straight - If the average 17 year old, generally males, had 1000 dollars to put towards a vehicle, they would spend 300 on the car and 700 on the speaker system. CRAZYNESS! "Aw dude, check out this stereo.... Awesome sound". Yeah, thats swell man, but your car only has 3 wheels. To the more "mature" crowd, sound would be a ridiculus choice over vehicle type. How cool do those kids think they are in there busted cars booming down the road, with their hat on...

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Is Your Car’s Brake Light Stuck?

When your brake light seems to be always on, then you might want to check it. You see, your car’s brake light may be stuck. You should first check the brake pedal switch. If you do not know where to find this, it is actually that small button that you can find behind the brake pedal. When you press the brake pedal down, this button is actually activated and makes your brake lights go on. Try checking the switch manually. If this seems to be the problem, then you can try giving it more force for it to become unstuck and solve the brake light problem. Or you can check other parts of your brake system to see which one might be the culprit for your car’s eternally on brake light. You can check the fuse of the brake light and see if there are any damages to it. Also check the light bulbs of...

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Honda Fit: Made To Fit Lifestyles

Honda is launching yet another vehicle in the United States and the rest of North America. And this time around, it would be called the Honda Fit. The Honda Fit has already been making its rounds in Europe and Asia. And it has already been reaping in success for it is already one of the huge and biggest sellers in those areas. According to Chuck Schifsky, who is the manager of the regional public relations operations of American Honda, “The Fit comes to America with several attributes for those customers who want an attractive, efficient, and safe small car.” Aside from this, the Fit is also claiming to be a huge potential for the American market. Despite it being physically small, it still holds a gigantic amount of features. This new vehicle holds a 1.5 liter VTEC engine that can actually...

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First China Auto Museum Opening In September

China is just about to open its very first automobile museum this middle of September. And the Auto Collections from the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino here in the United States is going to be part of this significant event. Auto Collections is going to be the only participant who will not be from China. And it would be doing this by shipping antique cars on loan to this Chinese auto museum. This auto museum in China is actually sponsored and has been prepared for by the country’s own government. From Las Vegas, there would be six vehicles which would be making the trip to Long Beach, California. And from there, they would be loaded on a cargo ship towards their destination – Shanghai, China. It would take the vehicles some twenty four to complete the voyage to the Asian country. However,...

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Buying Dirt Cheap Cars from Government Car Auctions

It is becoming harder and harder for people to find affordable prices for new or even "pre-owned" vehicles. The cost of extras continues to rise, and even basic models can set an average person back for several years. If you are interested in buying a car, but feel as though you simply do not have the money, a government car auction might be the best opportunity for you. You can find incredible deals, and it is not uncommon for people to save thousands of dollars. The majority of vehicles at a government car auction have been repossessed from criminals or people who have failed to make payments on government loans. There are also government car auction vehicles that are "retired" police cruisers or other government vehicles that are no longer in service. You can usually find a wide range...

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Jaguar Brand Proud Of XKR Model

Design. Engineering. Performance. Appeal. These are just a few of the features that the Jaguar brand is proud of when it comes to the Jaguar XKR model. And yes, the start of Jaguar’s boasting of the newest vehicle for the Jaguar XKR started during the British International Motor Show which was held in London. And the newest baby has been designed and produced to be a supercharged one. “The XKR is the ultimate expression of Jaguar design and engineering, dramatically beautiful, perfectly balanced and with a promise of performance to make the heart race. The car delivers blistering acceleration, superb driving dynamics and pin sharp handling.” These are the words given out by Jaguar in reference to the supercharged model XKR. The Jaguar XKR has been known by other names. You can call...

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A Peep At The 2007 Nissan Quest

Manufactured by Nissan, the 2007 Nissan Quest is another vehicle to look forward to. Since 1993, this vehicle has been in production. It actually replaced the Nissan Axxess. It has been designed and produced in one body style only which is a minivan. The choices only vary for customers could choose between a minivan with three doors or four doors. The 2007 Nissan Quest is very much related to the Mercury Villager, Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima, Nissan Murano, and Nissan Teana because it has built on the same platform as them. Now, in the automobile market, the 2007 Nissan Quest is a competitor for the Toyota Sienna, the Mazda Mazda5, the Honda Odyssey, and the Hyundai Entourage. The 2007 Nissan Quest has already been on sale since May 19th this year all around the United States. And this...

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Reminders: The Right Way To Drive

You may have been driving since you were legal enough to do so. Or you may have been driving for just a couple of days. However, the duration of how long you have been driving does not necessarily equate that you know the rules and regulations when doing this kind of activity. It is important for drivers to go back and review some driving tips. When talking about headrests, it is wise if you adjust this so much so that the height is behind your back and not just up to your neck. The reason behind this would be so as to minimize whiplash during cases and situations when you get in an accident. When you get seated behind the wheel, it is important to buckle up. Also make sure that your passengers are buckled up as well. Remember that seat belts have been installed in cars not to waste a...

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High Caliber Challenge Awaiting Boston College Students

College students from the Boston area are invited to join the “Dodge High Caliber Challenge”. Of course, this type of competition is open for college students who are attending a university of college located in Boston. Also, it is important to note that people who are interested in joining should be interested in taking long drives and in taking road trips. Tom Loveless who is a member of the Dodge’s marketing and global communications department states, “The Dodge High Caliber Challenge gives college students a chance to experience and win the boldest new compact car on the market today, while raising awareness and money for the Global Music Project. Equipped with a Chill Zone beverage storage bin, Music Gate Power liftgate speakers, available MP3 jack, and a self-charging removable flashlight,...

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High Caliber Challenge Awaiting Boston College Students

College students from the Boston area are invited to join the “Dodge High Caliber Challenge”. Of course, this type of competition is open for college students who are attending a university of college located in Boston. Also, it is important to note that people who are interested in joining should be interested in taking long drives and in taking road trips. Tom Loveless who is a member of the Dodge’s marketing and global communications department states, “The Dodge High Caliber Challenge gives college students a chance to experience and win the boldest new compact car on the market today, while raising awareness and money for the Global Music Project. Equipped with a Chill Zone beverage storage bin, Music Gate Power liftgate speakers, available MP3 jack, and a self-charging removable flashlight,...

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Fuel-Efficient Ford Cars: The New Trend

With gas prices soaring straight into oblivion, automobile customers and the rest of the auto market are looking for vehicles that would save their pockets from getting into trouble. Studies and research have found out that the numbers are showing that customers are leaning towards those vehicles that would assure them that they would not have to spend much on gas. The market is actually looking for vehicles with smaller engines. This is because with smaller engines, owners would not need to have to refuel much for these types of engines only consumes a little amount of gas. This is actually a trend that has been seen in the sales of two Ford Motor Company vehicles – Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to the sales of both vehicles, starting January up until the middle of May this year,...

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Fuel-Efficient Ford Cars: The New Trend

With gas prices soaring straight into oblivion, automobile customers and the rest of the auto market are looking for vehicles that would save their pockets from getting into trouble. Studies and research have found out that the numbers are showing that customers are leaning towards those vehicles that would assure them that they would not have to spend much on gas. The market is actually looking for vehicles with smaller engines. This is because with smaller engines, owners would not need to have to refuel much for these types of engines only consumes a little amount of gas. This is actually a trend that has been seen in the sales of two Ford Motor Company vehicles – Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to the sales of both vehicles, starting January up until the middle of May this year,...

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Saturn Vue Green Line Ready For 2007

The year 2006 still has not yet ended but General Motor Corporation’s Saturn brand of automobiles has made sure that the Saturn Vue Green Line would be ready for the auto market come the following. The company is very much proud of this vehicle. After all, it is a couple of thousands cheaper than some of the most known and popular hybrids in the market. Since 2002, the Saturn Vue line of vehicles has already been produced and it has been created as a compact crossover sport utility vehicle entrant. And part of this line of vehicle models, the Saturn Vue Green Line was born. You can find all Saturn Vue vehicles as a wagon that holds four doors. And for the very first time this year, the public was introduced to the Saturn Vue Green Line. And what made the Green Line different from its parent...

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July, Scheduled Launch of New Jaguar XK In Japan

The Japanese automobile market should all be on the alert for the new Jaguar vehicle that would soon be careening down their path. You see, the Jaguar Japan has recently announced that the country would be meeting the newly restyled Jaguar XK which is a luxury sports car. The given date of this launch is on the 1st of July. According to the announcement by the Japan branch of Jaguar, this luxury sports car would be mainly targeting the male Japanese customers. They would also be moving towards the market who are in their 30s and who receives around 30 million yen as their annual income. Indeed, interested consumers would really do need to shell out quite a sum of money since this new Jaguar XK promises loads of features and a ton of power. This vehicle holds a 4.2 liter engine. It also...

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Remove Cigarette Smoke Out

Cigarette smoke is one of those odors that are very hard to remove from your car. This smell is very much likely to stick to your car’s interior and stay there for a long period of time. You might not be a smoker yourself, however, if you do drive with a smoker or if you share your car with a smoker, the odor might be irritating for you. You may have tried air fresheners and airing your car out. However, these do not work effectively. The very best thing to do is clean out your car. The odor is easily overpowered to take flight once you get to clean your car. The fact is that cigarette smoke is much more likely to stick and live in your car’s interior. So cleaning then out would also drive away the odor. First off, try shampooing your car’s interior. Do not forget to do the same to your...

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Specialty Motor Oil Protects Cars From Ethanol

Since President Bush announced an agenda for weaning the country from dependency on foreign oil, new ethanol plants have been popping up across the nation. Ethanol demand is rising. If you fuel your car in the U.S., you are putting ethanol in your gas tank because regular gasoline now contains at least 10 percent ethanol. And many gas stations are replacing their mid-grade gasoline with E85, which is 85 percent ethanol. The strategy seems to be working. According to Bob Dinneen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, the U.S. has already reduced its fuel consumption considerably. The increased use of ethanol is good news in terms of energy independence and environmental friendliness. However, its use can form acids and lead to oxidation of internal engine parts if you do not use...

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Driving Through The Desert

It is important that you do take some time to check your vehicle before you actually go through a journey through the desert. This is because the excess heat on your vehicle could make it act up. Also, you would not want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without any means of communicating for help to anyone. If you are planning on driving through the desert to some location, automobile experts suggest that you inform somebody about your plans. Let them know when you are going, when you should be expected to return, as well as where is the exact location of your destination. You should also get a full service tune up before you start on your voyage. You should also bring your car for service at least a week or two weeks before your planned trip. That way, if there are any things that...

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2006 Passat Debuts as Newest Family Car

Today, as gas prices are surpassing $3 per gallon, SUVs and minivans are not as practical to own. So what's a family to do? Enter the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6L, the midsize sedan that may forever change the attitude of owning a "grown-up" family car. In its most powerful Passat to date, the 280-horsepower arrives soon to dealerships around the country. Although considered a family car, it does not sacrifice speed. The car continues to perform in the spirit of a true Autobahn-bred sedan by going from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds, aided by its narrow-angle, six-cylinder engine. Buyers may not only fall in love with the way this car handles, but with its price tag as well. At a time when most cars can't leave a lot for less than $25,000, this all-new sedan starts at less than $23,000...

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2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000 vs 2006 Yamaha YZF-R1

Buying a motorbike can be very hard at times. One probable reason for this is the numerous brands that all promise to sell the best bike model. At present, two of these leading motorbike manufacturers are Suzuki and Yamaha. The products of both companies have been tried and tested by a lot of people because they have dependable and high-quality machines. With the Suzuki brand, one of its leading brands is the 2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000. This is not surprising since this bike boasts of having a powerful engine and torque. As such, the buyer can be assured that it will have an incredible acceleration or speed. Due to its lighter weight and easy to understand functions, the bike is easy to handle. Another change with the Suzuki GSX-R1000 is the 4.8 gallon fuel capacity. As such, there is no more...

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Jaguar XK: Powerfully Elegant

Got $74,385? No. Not to buy a new set of XJS Jaguar parts. $74,385 would be so you surely can own one of the latest 2007 Jaguar XK series coupe models. It now comes equipped with a 4.2 liter V8 engine that could produce 300 units of horsepower, and it has also been built with an accompanying chassis made out of aluminum. For city driving, you can get 18 miles per gallon out of it and some 26 mpg for cruising down highways. Just by the name that it holds, the Jaguar XK is a superb vehicle and surely exudes class and power. Is it not something you would want to own? What is new about this new 2007 Jaguar XK is that it is very fast, even much faster than the models before it. And to add to that note, its speed is a product of its getting lighter. In fact, according to the Jaguar brand, it is...

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The Auto Blog: Auto Parts Train’s venture into the Growing Blogosphere

Ever since the first blogs went online back in 1995, blogs have become one of the most popular means of communication and source of information. Auto Parts Train, the leading online retailer of high quality replacement and collision parts recognizes the growing importance of blogs. Thus, in response, the company has launched its venture into the growing community that is called the Blogosphere. Succinctly named as The Auto Blog, the Auto Parts Train Blog offers news, reviews, advice and discussions on anything about the automobile and the automotive industry. Blog entries are conveniently classified into nine categories including Automotive News, Auto Parts Train News, Car Reviews, Aftermarket Parts and Accessories, Automotive Events, Auto Parts, Automotive Trends and Innovations and Automotive...

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Curtains Down For The Volvo C30

“The new Volvo C30 is a cool car. A car that aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with an intense urban lifestyle.” These were the words given out by Fredrik Arp. Arp is actually the president and the chief executive officer of Volvo Cars. And he is talking about the sporty Volvo C30. The Volvo C30 looks sporty and performs like a sports vehicle. Though it only holds two doors, it has got four seats in its interior. Although the production of this vehicle would be starting by the end of this year, the Volvo C30 would be actually sent out to the motoring public come the following year, 2007. Arp further expresses, “These people (those who live an intense urban lifestyle) prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and...

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Car Care Tips Help Teens, Parents as School Starts

Whether they're driving 500 miles to their university or five miles down the road to high school, students' knowledge of proper vehicle maintenance will improve both their car's safety and their personal safety as they head back to school. High school and college students nationwide understand that being able to drive is tantamount to personal freedom, making it important for them to develop good car care habits early - habits that will pay off for years to come. That is why Firestone Tire & Service Centers developed a top five list to help students prepare to hit the road before they have to hit the books. Remembering to maintain a vehicle will help reduce repairs and help students save money. "We hope this top five list bestows high school and college kids with a sense of responsibility...

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Diesel and Hybrid Vehicles Gaining Market Share

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) first quarter report for 2007, a recent J.D. Power and Associates report has concluded that while gas-powered engines remain dominant in the U.S. market, hybrids and diesels are steadily gaining market share. It is no secret that rising gas prices and environmental concerns are the two main catalysts pushing consumers toward alternative-fuel vehicles. As gas prices rise, diesels seem a natural solution for the United States, especially for manufacturers with large operations in Europe, where diesel cars are already in large demand, said J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Forecasting Manager Kevin Riddell. A vehicle with a modern diesel engine will have 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. Plus,...

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Keeping Your New Car Shining

One of the best things about owning a new car is its smooth, shiny "showroom" look. Maintaining that look-by washing and waxing your car regularly and touching up any scratches-can keep it looking new longer. Fortunately, the latest cars are finished with a high-tech process that makes it easier for car owners to maintain that new-car look. Many cars on the market today have a powder coated finish that helps protect them from chips and scratches, as well as damage caused by UV rays, harsh weather, salt spray and acid rain. A clearcoat can protect the car's high-gloss finish, which keeps your car looking new longer. Several of America's car manufacturers have discovered that this technique offers many advantages over liquid paint. The environmentally friendly finishing process eliminates...

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