Crossovers are becoming more and more popular with consumers.  These are essentially Sport-utility vehicles that are put on car platforms.  Crossovers give you the practicality of the minivan, with some of the capabilities of an SUV, all with a car’s efficiency. Consumers love their versatility, and there are many promising models to choose from.

The BMW X6 looks like a fastback sedan and satisfies the consumers who aren’t crazy about crossovers.  It is shaped more like a car than an SUV, and is intended for use on the road, not off.

Ford is going to make a replacement for the Explorer, which is based on the concept of the Explorer America.  It is going to be a crossover, but won’t be on a truck design like the current Ford Explorer.

Toyota has put out the 2009 Venza with great success.  This vehicle is essentially a Camry wagon.

Mercedes-Benz has made a crossover effort with the GLK.  This isn’t a small vehicle, although it is much smaller than the ML Class.  However, this isn’t the best styling by Mercedes.

The time will probably come when motorists revolt against crossovers, just like they have done with station wagons and minivans.  But, for now, crossovers are in high demand.  However, like with any vehicle, make sure to purchase an auto warranty to protect you from costly repairs down the road.

Small SUVs serve the purpose of ferrying people around on weekdays, and then bouncing through the countryside on the weekends. The 2009 Subaru Forester rises to this challenge with its new DC3 chassis, double wishbone rear suspension and AWD system.

Although the Forester was originally a station wagon, the third-generation model is all SUV.  This five-door hatchback has been restyled to have somewhat of a truck appearance.  This vehicle comes in five different trims; 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X L.L. Bean, 2.5XT, and the 2.5XT Limited.

The Forester’s interior won’t disappoint.  It has clean lines, comfortable seats, and a stylish appeal.  Also, the visibility in this vehicle is superb which translates into a safe, secure drive.  In addition, cargo space is ample because Subaru has tucked the inner-fender wells, which enhances capacity.

The 2009 Forester is a well-rounded vehicle great for everyday use and weekend play.  Its base price starts at $19,995 and the top of the line XT Limited is $28,195.  The wide range of prices allows a model for all different consumers, complete with an auto warranty.

Mercedes-Benz is known for offering consumers comfort at any price, and its new SplitView is a perfect example.  This is an 8-inch GPS display screen, which is programmed for transmitting two images that are different- one for the passenger and one for the driver, at the same time.

The system is pretty technical, but basically the screen utilizes a masking filter that allows different images to appear when viewed from different angles.

For example, the driver can view directions or climate information while the front passenger views a TV show or DVD.  Mercedes claims that it’s aware there is potential for distractions, so to alleviate this passengers watching a DVD can use headphones, as well as a remote control in order to lessen the distraction for the driver.

If you’re interested in the SplitView, it is available on the S-Class.  Just make sure with any new technology that you have a good auto warranty that will cover you in case repairs are needed.

More and more cars are being loaded with high-tech advances.  In fact, some luxury car models have up to 80 switches and knobs to allow for advanced safety and comfort of motorists.  Yet, there are more high-tech gadgets coming onto the market.

Soon there will be sign recognition systems that will be able to read wrong-way signs and speed limits.  This will come on the market in 2010.

Cameras could replace sideview mirrors in the future.  Images would be displayed on the rearview mirrors on the edges, or on the instrument panel.

We may see chatty cars in the future.  Developers are trying to create a network that would monitor signals from car systems and warn other cars.  For example, skidding due to slick roads could be transmitted to warn other drivers.

Bumper bags could help SUVs be less deadly when hitting a low-riding car.  This has been shown to reduce intrusions and cause less injuries.

High-tech gadgets are great for motorists, but only if they learn how to use them before getting on the road.  In addition, with any new technology, drivers should have an auto warranty to protect themselves from technology failure.

It is more important than ever to stretch your dollar with gas getting close to $5 per gallon.  However, you don’t need to sacrifice comfort, safety, or reliability due to fuel-efficiency- especially with the Kia Spectra.

The Spectra comes with a 10 year, 100 mile auto warranty, and has safety features that outshine other cars in its class.  People know that with the Spectra they are getting superb gas mileage, reliability, and one of the best new car warranties in the business.

Despite the small appearance of the Kia Spectra, it actually has a large amount of room in the interior, and more horsepower than other models, such as the Corolla.

For those concerned about the safety of the Spectra, they won’t be disappointed.  It earned five stars for the front crash safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Institute.  It has full-length airbags, and side curtain airbags for protection.

You shouldn’t have to make the choice between eating and filling your fuel tank, and with the Spectra you don’t have to do that.  Not only do you get great gas-mileage, you know that you have an auto warranty for peace of mind.

It can be difficult to find a car that is suitable for the needs of a family.  In fact, consumers can often feel overwhelmed with all of the choices.  So, what are some necessary considerations when purchasing a family car?

First, most families are in search of an affordable vehicle.  This typically means that the sticker price is under $30,000 and comes with a good auto warranty.  There are many good quality vehicles out there that go for less than $30,000, so if you are looking at a company that can’t produce a good vehicle for this price, you’re searching with the wrong company.

One very important feature for a family car is comfort.  Five people should be able to fit into a vehicle comfortably, otherwise no one will be happy.  Also, make sure that you have sufficient cargo space for groceries, hobbies, etc.

Safety is essential in a family vehicle.  Many of the new car models have innovative safety features capable of saving people’s lives.  For instance, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu incorporates the OnStar system of communication, which has the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification.

Try not to get overwhelmed with the shopping process when looking for a family vehicle.  Just take these tips into consideration and make sure purchase an auto warranty in case of unforeseen repairs.

Hyundai has introduced many new car models lately, but the Genesis Coupe might be the most exciting.

The Coupe is styled aggressively, and was actually emulated after an animal that was predatory.  This is obvious when looking at the headlights, which are angled, and the twisting lines that fall below the waistline.

This vehicle doesn’t just look impressive; it will be available with a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine that puts out 306 hp.  You will also be able to get this in a 4-cylinder 212 hp 2.0-liter engine.

Staying true to the high performance appearance, the interior doesn’t disappoint.  The seats have side bolsters and are very supportive and comfortable.  Also impressive is the large speedometer and push button starter.

With any car, it is important to remember to protect yourself with an auto warranty.

If you ask a woman if she would like to buy a Dodge Viper, chances are she will say “no”.  This car is a V-10 two seater that starts at approximately $80,000.  Although this may not be a woman’s cup of tea, studies show that many men would like to have this car.  Like many other aspects of life, men and women seem to have very different tastes, and cars are no exception.

Men and women buy the Viper, but 91% of customers are men.  The Porsche 911 and BMW M5 are also cars being bought primarily by males.  These models costs above $60,000.  Studies show that men often equate their car with their image.  In other words, they choose cars that will portray a certain status.

What cars do women like?  The #1 choice is the Toyota RAV4.  Women like to purchase small, affordable cars that are easy to buy.  For example, the Saturn SC, SL, and ION are popular choices for women.  These cars start at around $10,000 and have a reputation of being “no hassle” when it comes to buying.

It is obvious that women and men think very differently in lots of areas, cars included.  Men like to buy the fast, impressive cars, whereas women purchase the inexpensive, small cars.  The only common ground that these cars have is that they are backed by an auto warranty.

SUVs are available in a wide array of prices and sizes.  They are more versatile than any other vehicle.  They have varying cargo carrying options, carry up to eight people, and allow drivers to be higher than cars.  In addition, they can tackle off-road terrain.  There are car based and truck based SUVs.  Which is the best for you?

Gaining popularity are car-based SUVs.  These vehicles are on car like unibody platforms.  In addition, they use a suspension that is completely independent, and have all-wheel drive.  They usually perform better in fuel-efficiency, handling and ride comfort than truck based SUVs.  Also, in CR testing they generally rate higher overall.  They can be driven off-road in mild situations.

Truck-based SUVs are built on a body on frame platform.  They allow for a larger towing capacity than car-based SUVs.  Also, the ones that have four-wheel drive can tackle off-road terrain that is serious.  The handling on these vehicles, however, can be more cumbersome.  Also, their ride can be a little jolting.

SUVs are a great option if you are looking for cargo space versatility, a large passenger capacity, and off road options.  Do your homework on such things as an auto warranty, maintenance costs, and fuel-efficiency before deciding on an SUV.  Also, have in mind what your needs will be before showing up at the dealership.

Anti-lock braking systems, or ABS, were made available for cars in America in 1978.  Mercedes-Benz was the first carmaker to install them on their vehicles.  Then, Cadillac began installing ABS on their luxury vehicles in 1986.

ABS utilizes onboard computers, which have links to the wheel sensors, that make the brakes automatically pump at a rapid rate.  Anti-locking brakes apply pressure selectively by being able to determine which of the wheels might lock, and then lowering the pressure of the brakes on those wheels so they can rotate properly. ABS will only work in a panic situation, not in normal braking circumstances.

It is important to keep in mind that ABS won’t create a shorter stopping distance.  Yet, its advantage is that drivers can maintain control and avoid skidding.

Drivers need to know how to use ABS correctly.  The proper way to brake with this system is to stomp and steer.  While many drivers are accustomed to pumping, this isn’t correct for this system.  Instead, drivers should apply a strong pressure down on the brake without letting up.

Auto safety is becoming a big priority for motorists.  New car technologies are allowing for advanced safety features that protect passengers and drivers.  Drivers should also protect themselves by buying an auto warranty for their car.  This allows motorists to have peace of mind.