Between the poor economy, and the increasing awareness about environmental dangers, gas-guzzlers and giant SUVs aren’t quite as chic.  Now, people are looking to small, economic cars instead. Luckily, there are more budget-priced car models to choose from than ever.  Some are terrific, while some are not.  Here are a few great choices.

The Honda Fit is a hatchback launched back in 2006.  It has superb handling, surprising power, and the quality associated with the Honda brand.  It comes in two trim levels, including the Fit Sport.  This car has a 1.5-liter engine with 100-hp, and is fuel-efficient.  However, the best part about the car is its price, starting at $13,950 including an auto warranty.

The Chevrolet Cobalt has a model for every budget: the LS, LT and Sport.  Also, shoppers can pick between the sedan and coupe.  The Cobalt engine is a 2.2-liter with 148-hp.  Also, the 2008 Cobalt has OnStar, XM satellite radio, and head curtain side impact air bags.  The price on this car ranges from $13,675-$18,875.

At $11,300-$13,675, the Toyota Yaris is available in a three-door hatchback or sedan.  This car is very hot in Europe and gaining popularity around the world.  It has a 1.5-liter 106-hp engine and offers excellent fuel-efficiency.

One thing is for sure; gas-guzzlers are a thing of the past.  Small, efficient cars are what people want today.  These cars offer great reliability, however, as with any car purchases it is important to have new car warranties to protect you.

Ford Motor Co. is getting on-board the popular small car and crossover markets with a Focus coupe that has been redesigned and the seven seat Flex.

Ford’s marketing manager claimed that fuel-efficiency is the main factor driving the market right now.  However, motorists won’t compromise functionality, and the Flex accomplishes fuel-efficiency and function.

The 2009 Ford Flex is all the rage.  It has the length of an SUV, while remaining low to the ground.  This vehicle gets 24 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city.

The all-new Ford Focus has a sportier exterior.  The vehicle has wheels that are larger, with a spoiler and new designs in the front and rear.  Also, it gets 35 mpg on the highway and has impressive new car warranties.

Ford is getting on board the small car and crossover craze with the introduction of the all-new Focus and the Flex.  Consumers are protecting their wallets by purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles and an auto warranty.

A couple of months ago Toyota made an announcement saying that it will manufacture a four-cylinder version of the Highlander crossover.  Today, Toyota published several specs about the newer model.  This Highlander has a 187-hp, 2.7-liter four cylinder that has 186 lbs of torque.  It also has a six-speed automatic transmission that is all new.  This engine and transmission is the same as the new Venza, and for good reason; the K-platform by Toyota underpins the Venza, Camry and Highlander, so using the new engine in these various models is a cost-effective thing to do.  In addition, it gets good gas mileage.

The fuel-economy numbers for the new Highlander are 20/27 mpg city/highway, which for a mid-size crossover is greater.  This new Highlander has a 2-mpg better rating than the V-6 version in the combined cycle.  This vehicle also blows away its competitors, such as the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe, because those cars have power plants that are more powerful.  For now, the four-cylinder model will only have front-wheel drive.

Other information about the newest Highlander will be disclosed in the near future, such as its price tag, new car warranties and release date.

In future car accidents a circuit could be as crucial to survival as a seat belt.  Congress made seat belts mandatory in the 1960’s, which was revolutionary in car safety.  Since then, seat belts have greatly reduced deaths.  Now, there is an additional safety revolution in the midst.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has employed a new standard.  This makes electronic stability control equipment a mandatory component in all cars.  The adoption of ESC will save approximately 10,000 lives every year.

Most luxury vehicles already come with ESC.  Other models offer it as an option.  This is just one of the new safety advancements designed with the purpose of preventing auto accidents, not just protecting passengers.  The majority of these new features have a microchip base.  Many are still being perfected. So beware, you never know when new technology will fail.  However, new car warranties will save you from unnecessary expenses.

Many motorists are finding it easiest to buy a package of safety options, rather than individual gadgets.  Lexus, for example, places an emphasis on how its safety features work as a system.  It has a package with lane-departure warning, smart cruise control, and ESC.

Integrating such systems, and the yielding of throttle, brake, and steering raise the question: Do drivers need or want this much help?  Who is actually in charge of the wheel?  No matter the answer, an auto warranty is essential in protecting your vehicle with all of those fancy gadgets.

In NYC the top taxicab lobby didn’t take lightly Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s attempt at making the taxi fleet hybrids.  After the announcement that NYC would require taxi companies to gradually phase out the V-8 Crown Victoria, which is a gas-guzzler, for hybrid vehicles that are much more expensive, the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade started its campaign designed to fight back.

Last week it won a victory because Paul Crotty, who is a federal judge, ruled that the federal government’s laws about fuel economy pre-empt and city or state regulations.

Obviously, Mayor Bloomberg wasn’t pleased, claiming that “Archaic Washington regulations” should not keep cities from taking matters, such as efficiency and pollution reduction into their own hands.  Certainly, consumers are taking steps to reduce their car costs by purchasing hybrids with new car warranties.

The ruling is peculiar considering the nation has moved away from gas-guzzlers, but it is likely that the decision won’t hold.

Consumers can get sensory overload walking down the car care isle at their local store.  It can be confusing to know what products to purchase, or even if you need to purchase them.  Some people assume that if you have a factory auto warranty that includes the finish, you don’t need to bother washing and waxing, but this isn’t true.

A factory auto warranty will protect you by ensuring that the paint job was sound, that they used quality paint, and that it was cured correctly.  However, new car warranties won’t protect you from oxidation that occurs over time.  This happens naturally if you don’t care for your finish.  Car wax serves the purpose of being a sacrificial layer between Mother Nature and your paint.

If car owners want to keep their finishes looking great, they don’t have to spend a lot of time or money.  Preventative maintenance is the key for your finish, just like it’s under the hood.  All you have to do is wash your vehicle frequently with car care products.  Even just a basic car wash will do a lot to help protect your investment.  After washing, you can spray-on a wax that will boost the shine and extend the intervals between regular wax jobs.

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.

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.

According to Honda, the 2009 Element that has undergone a restyling is now on sale with a beginning price of $20,175, not including a destination charge of $670 or new car warranties.  Standard on the base model is a five-speed automatic, unlike the model last year, which included a manual for $18,980.  In addition, there is a price bump of less than $500 from a 2008 LX including an auto warranty.

Most casual observers wouldn’t recognize any big design changes for the 2009 Element, however there are changes, such as the updated front grille and bumper, and also different headlights.

The Element is available in three different trim levels.  The basic model is the 2WD LX.  By upgrading to the EX and SC models, motorists will benefit with the optional navigation system, which wasn’t provided on the previous Element.  This navigation system includes such features as a rearview camera, voice activation and a USB port for media players.

What is important about age 13 that makes it OK for children to finally ride in the front seat of the car?  Are they finally big enough to withstand the impact of an airbag?  Are they at the age where they can behave in the front seat?

A big part of the problem is behavior.  When kids mess with the radio, and play around, they usually aren’t in a proper position when an airbag deploys.  In injuries and deaths, the proximity to the airbag in the front is a huge issue; in addition, proper positioning in the seat is a factor.  By 13, kids are more able to sit still and behave.

Around ages 11 and 12, children are also bigger physically.  This is an issue because it is hard for children to have their backs against the seatback if their feet don’t touch the floor.  This means that they scrunch down putting them in a bad position for airbag deployment.

Kids under 13 need to ride in the back seat for their safety.  It isn’t worth it to put your child in the front and have them injured by an airbag.  Parents are concerned with many things such as new car warranties, auto loans, and maintenance, but most important is the safety of their children.