What do you get if the “hybrid” is taken out of a hybrid pickup truck?  In the case of GM, you get the XFE, or Xtra Fuel Economy pickup trucks that are full size.  These trucks share a lot of running gear and hardware with their hybrid counterparts; however, the exception is the two mode gas-electric powertrain.

The Chevrolet Silverado XFE and GMC Sierra XFE provide fuel-efficiency ratings of 15/21 mpg for city/highway, in comparison to 21/22 mpg for city/highway for GMs two-mode hybrids and 14/20 mpg for non-XFE pickups that are comparable.  That is an approximate 5%-7% improvement over the trucks that are non-XFE.

Models that are XFE only come in two-wheel drive with the E85-capable LC9 5.3-liter V-8 and a six-speed transmission that is automatic.  An Aluminum engine block, as well as aluminum cylinder heads is used by the LC9 to save weight.  In addition, it has active fuel management in order to change the V-8 between eight-cylinder and four-cylinder modes in order to save fuel.

Consumers are looking to save money on fuel, and GM has delivered.  Also, consumers are concerned with purchasing cars with good new car warranties in order to avoid unnecessary repair expenses down the road.

While most Ford dealerships reacted with joy after Ford Motor Co.’s announcement that they will be making six additional fuel-efficient cars in America, others greeted the announcement with caution.

It’s going to be great to have small, fuel-efficient cars in the lineup because who knows what gas prices are going to do..

However, it is impossible to predict how long this shift toward fuel-efficient passenger cars will last.  Gas prices have already fallen drastically, but who knows how far down they will fall.

This same thing occurred in the ‘70s, and the reality is that America isn’t going to want to eliminate SUVs and pickup trucks forever.

Trucks are needed for construction companies, and therefore will keep being built.  Will they become more fuel-efficient for the future?  Of course, they are going to have to be.

As gas prices fall even more, customers could very well switch their tastes back to SUVs and trucks.

So, for now consumers are just trying to keep money in their pockets by purchasing small fuel-efficient cars with new car warranties, but as the economy improves and gas prices fall, that may all turn around.

Consumers have been more concerned than ever about saving money on their vehicles.  They are doing everything from purchasing small, fuel-efficient cars, to purchasing an auto warranty to ensure they don’t pay unnecessary repair expenses.  But are they willing to skip the amenities that come in new cars, such as air conditioning, an automatic transmission, and power locks and windows, to save money?  And are stripped cars even available?

The truth is that it can be hard to find a car stripped with crank windows and a manual transmission.

According to JATO Dynamics, 89% of vehicles sold in America last year came standard with automatic transmissions, which is up from 85% in 2003.  Also, power locks came standard on 87% of cars sold, compared to 80% in 2003.

The vehicles that offer these features as optional tend to be on small cars, yet economy-car buyers usually pick convenience and comfort over cost if given a choice.

For example, the cheapest model by Toyota is the Yaris, which begins at $11,550 for a 2008 base model hatchback with air-conditioning.  However, approximately 80% of Yaris buyers choose to pay an extra $900 for an automatic, and about 60% opt for a power windows and locks package, which costs an extra $1,680.

It appears that features, such as air conditioning, and automatic transmissions are necessities that most people aren’t willing to live without, just like new car warranties.

Today, Audi announced that the Q7 3.0 TDI, which is powered by diesel, is going to get about 17 mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway.  This is approximately a 25% improvement over theQ7 V-6 that is non-diesel.  Chris Bokich, a spokesman for Audi, claimed that these figures are official estimates; reports early on had only estimated the highway figure, and the final EPA certification isn’t here yet.  If the numbers remain, the Q7 TDI will be squarely placed between other diesel competitors, such as the BMW X5 xDrive and the Mercedes GL320 Bluetec.

There is no information yet about pricing or new car warranties, but the TDI will be for sale in April.  It will probably rank in the Q7 lineup between the V-6, which is $43,500 and the V-8, which is $59,220.  It wouldn’t be surprising if the Q7 qualifies for tax credits.  The IRS has the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Vehicles program, which the X5 diesel qualifies for a $1,800 tax credit, and the GL320 and ML320 Bluetecs qualify for $1,800 and $900 credits.

If you’re thinking of buying a small SUV you’re in luck because there are many good choices.  Compact SUVs offer practicality, fuel-efficiency, and nice style.  In fact you can find many models for under $25,000 complete with an auto warranty.  So what are the best and worst models to consider?  Read on.

The Honda CR-V is the #1 compact SUV.  It ranked the highest for performance, safety, and interior.  According to reviewers, it drives really well, has a sleek design and offers ample storage room.  Following close behind, the Toyota RAV4 comes in second place in its class.  This vehicle has a surprising amount of power for its size. It now offers a V-6 engine, as well as a third row seat. The RAV4 was the first compact SUV in its class over a decade ago.  Coming in #3 is the 2008 Subaru Forester.  This SUV is known for being a fun, family-friendly vehicle.  Reviewers complained about the exterior being bland and the balky transmission, but were willing to overlook these things because it had some great positive features.

Unfortunately, there are some compact SUVs that didn’t score as well.  In last place was the Saturn Vue Hybrid.  According to reviewers, it isn’t very refined and isn’t as fuel thrifty as many other hybrids.  Also at the bottom of the list is the Mazda Tribute because its power and handling doesn’t match its competitors.  Finally, the Jeep Compass drives more like a car, but doesn’t have the sportiness or off-road capabilities that other Jeeps have.

If you’re thinking of buying a compact SUV, there are many great choices out there.  The most important thing is to do your homework and make sure you are choosing wisely.  Also keep in mind the cost of new car warranties, maintenance costs and auto loans when determining your budget.

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo5 didn’t have many trophies to its name; however, it was best known for being the most affordable car in America.  But for 2009 there are several new contenders.  Nissan just announced its new rock-bottom entry, which is now the cheapest car in America; it is the Nissan Versa 1.6 that has an MSRP of $9,990 including new car warranties.  That price beats the Accent by about $1,000 and the Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, and Chevy Aveo by around $2,000.

The Versa has a four-cylinder 107 hp, 1.6-liter.  It has 15 hp fewer than the standard Versa 1.8, however it is still competitive.  The newer version has a standard five-speed manual with the option for a four speed automatic for $11,990.  Gas mileage is 26/34-mpg city/highway for the manual and 26/33 for the automatic version.

For the price, Nissan makes air-conditioning an option for $1,000 extra. However, it comes standard on the other models, and also on the 1.6 Versa.

Not only is the Versa the least expensive car in America, but also it exceeds its competition in passenger volume and has good power and mileage ratings, as well as an excellent auto warranty.

Getting the word out about a new product that meets the driving needs of young people, or a cynical attempt at branding oneself as “hip” by latching onto Millenials?

This question must be asked after the announcement by Ford about its scheme for advertising for the Fiesta, which is the European compact car that Ford is bringing to the U.S. in 2011.  This “Fiesta Movement” entails giving the keys of 100 Ford Fiestas to “100 socially vibrant Fiesta Movement ‘Agents’”, which will expand on their driving experiences on websites like YouTube and Facebook.

If you look at it from a business standpoint, the campaign is smart.  After all, Barack Obama proved that tapping into America’s youth could win you a Presidency.  In fact, Millenials are going to account for around 70 million motorists by the year 2010, or 28% of drivers who haven’t yet gotten the chance to develop loyalty for a particular brand.

Only time will tell if the Fiesta will catch on as a “movement”.  However, regardless, people are anticipating its arrival.  Information about pricing and new car warranties is yet to come.

Hyundai’s latest plan to get car shoppers in their door, called Assurance Plus, is going to be offered on every new car purchase during its Spring Sales Event, which is in effect Feb.23-April 30.  Assurance Plus builds on the recent Assurance Program, which is where you can turn in your Hyundai that you recently bought, if you lose your job, without owing the negative equity.

Assurance Plus adds to that principal by making three months lease or finance payments on your vehicle while you search for work.  If you still aren’t able to get a job, you can take the car back to the dealership and, under the Assurance program, have negative equity-anything you still owe, minus the value of the trade-in-absolved.

Chris Hosford, who is a spokesperson for Hyundai, gives credit to the Assurance program, which began in January, for being an integral part of the 14% sales increase compared to January of last year.  He also said that Hyundai isn’t intending to extend Assurance Plus beyond April 30.

Now, consumers can have security beyond new car warranties to bring them peace of mind.  Hyundai’s program isn’t just benefiting car shoppers, its bringing Hyundai added business.

It is helpful to use a car loan calculator to determine what the cost for a new or used car purchase will be monthly.

These can be found online with options for buying or leasing.  This is a helpful tool in determining what your budget actually is and how much car you can afford.  Just remember to factor in other car costs, such as maintenance and new car warranties.

Just remember that the numbers on a vehicle loan calculator are not actual quotes.  The calculator allows you to compare the costs of different cars and see what your payments per month will be.

On the calculator there is a line to enter the dollar amount you would like to finance. Then, by clicking your mouse you can compare what payments will be, with different arrangements for paying.  You can also find out what interest payments will be for the life of the vehicle loan.

It is a bonus to use a car loan calculator before going to a dealership to buy a vehicle.  You will already know what your budget is, which will allow you to make a smart purchase.  You will also know how much money you have left over to spend on maintenance costs and an auto warranty.

A recent report shows that new car customers aren’t doing enough to ensure the best deals on financing, insurance and new car warranties.

Only 64 percent of motorists would even attempt a negotiation on the price of a new vehicle.  In addition, over 2 million motorists wouldn’t even bother to research the current value of their existing car when planning to do a trade-in.  In fact, over 30 percent of drivers admitted they wouldn’t even spend an hour researching how they are going to pay for their new vehicle.

Alarmingly, 91% of customers weren’t able to explain what the phrase ‘lease purchase’ meant, which is a term often used in car financing deals.  Also, 50 percent said they would go ahead and purchase a new car without getting any quote for the insurance.

Our nation is known for being bargain hunters and trying to get the best deal.  But for some reason when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle motorists are falling short.  It’s crucial for all drivers wanting to buy the newest vehicle to do their homework.  Financing, insurance and an auto warranty are an essential part of the car buying experience.  So, shop around and find the best deals.  Otherwise, pay the price.