The latest crash-test ratings were just released by the Insurance Institute for Highway safety, revealing the Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, and Kia Soul all achieved the Top Safety Pick award by the group. In order to get this award car models must get a “Good” rating in side, front and rear crash tests.  In addition, the vehicles must come with electronic stability control.  All of the cars mentioned above are equipped with ESC standard, however the Honda Insight only has it standard on the top trim level, which is the EX.  In addition, consumers can rest assured that these cars come with good new car warranties.

All three of the cars are considered to be small by the IIHS, although the EPA calls the interior volume of the Prius a midsize.  These cars were joined by seven other vehicles that are considered small cars to get the Top Safety Pick award, however electronic stability control is only standard on the Subaru Impreza, Scion XB, and Volkswagen Rabbit.  ESC is only an option on the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Mitsubishi Lancer.

Smart cars are becoming more and more popular because of the downsizing trend.  But many consumers have reservations about the safety of this car because of its 8 feet long, 5 feet tall dimensions.  So how does the Smart car measure up in safety?

According to crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Smart car received the highest rating possible in side and front crashes and the second highest in rear crashes.  The Smart car comes standard with front-end airbags on the passenger and driver side.

Also, motorists can feel good knowing that the Smart Car is made by Mercedes.  The Mercedes name has earned consumers trust, and they have always had excellent safety.

In the Smart Car the passengers are essentially sitting on top of a roll cage.  This is an iron frame that surrounds the car and provides a buffer zone in crashes.

Although the Smart Car has excellent safety features, the IIHS reminds consumers that cars are ranked in their class, determined by the size and weight of the vehicle.  This means that the Smart Car is in the top of its class, but this doesn’t mean that the car is as safe as vehicles in other classes.

Consumers are taking safety into their own hands by purchasing safe cars and signing up for roadside assistance programs and new car warranties.  The Smart Car is a great choice for its class based on its safety features.

The Saturn Vue SUV green line will have better fuel economy than the Vues that are gas only.  They feature a simple hybrid system that Ford and Toyota use.  The green line is only around $1,500 more than the price of a comparable Vue that only operates on gas.  This allows consumers to be able to afford an auto warranty and maintenance costs. The retail price, $23,000 is approximately $4,000 under the Ford Escape Hybrid, which is the least expensive hybrid to date.

The Saturn Vue hybrid offers a 20% fuel savings over the gas operated Vue.  The Vue Green line supplements an engine that is four cylinders with electric power.  It gets 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.  In comparison, the gas only Vue gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The Vue Green Line is the first SUV hybrid available with only front wheel drive.  They aren’t offered with all- or four-wheel drive, as with other hybrid SUVs on the market.

The “green” Vue doesn’t give extraordinary fuel savings, but it is a good opportunity for consumers to purchase an SUV hybrid for under $25,000.  It is important for motorists to do their homework and calculate the cost of owning the vehicle. For example, consider new car warranties, car maintenance costs, and insurance on the SUV.

It seems that Toyota is trying to challenge Volvo for its coveted safety reputation: It’s designed a new supplemental restraint system.  Being called a world-first, the rear window airbag is intended to work together with the head restraints to better protect the heads of passengers in the event of a rear collision.

This new safety system deploys in the same way that side curtain airbags do, from the lining of the roof.  Toyota has planned to put this new innovation immediately into production in the iQ micro-car.  According to Toyota, the airbags will almost double head protection for rear passengers.  That is necessary too, because the backseats of the iQ sit right up against the glass and rear hatch.

While at the moment there aren’t any official plans to bring the iQ micro-car to the U.S., Toyota would love to do so if they can make a case for it, and also if the iQ would be able to pass American safety standards.

Toyota is smart to up their safety standards, since consumers are becoming more and more concerned with vehicle safety.  In addition, motorists are attempting to protect themselves by maintaining their vehicles and signing up for roadside assistance programs and new car warranties.

Buying a new vehicle is an exciting event in most people’s lives.  People often want to flaunt their priceless possessions for everyone to see.  Drivers purchase an auto warranty to protect their jewels, and treat their cars with loving care. In addition, they try not to let their vehicle get any scratches. A car that is scratch free and has a shiny finish is a good reflection of its owner and brings a lot of driving pleasure.

However, with heavy traffic that is bumper to bumper, it is difficult to keep your beautiful gem scratch free.  In fact, it is inevitable that your vehicle will receive a scratch or two no matter what measures you take.

Never fear, you don’t have to spend thousands at a shop getting your entire car panel painted.  You can use Com-Paint, which is a touch up spray that allows you to say goodbye to scratches.  Follow these simple tips.

On small scratches you can use Aeroshot Top Cut to remove and cleanse the surface that is scratched.  This will most likely take care of the scratches so that they won’t need painting.

For medium scratches level with 1000 No. Emery paper.  Shake the can well and hold it 12” from the surface and use a stroking motion to spray.  Make sure the coats are light, not heavy.  Let the painted area dry at least 72 hours.

Car owners like to feel like their vehicles are brand new.  Simple things can allow you to do this such as touch-up painting, routine maintenance, and purchasing new car warranties to protect your vehicle. These simple things can keep your car seeming brand-new.

How many people would shell out $45,000 for a little electric car made by the Chinese that has a driving range of 100 miles?  Even though it comes with new car warranties and may be eligible to get a tax credit of $7,500, there may not be a lot of people willing to pay the money for this vehicle.  However, Coda Automotive will discover the answer to that question next year with the launch of its five-passenger sedan in California.

For those who don’t know, Coda Automotive is actually a spin-off of Miles Electric Vehicles.  This car is based on Haifei Auto’s sedan platform, and will drive around 100 miles.  There isn’t a generator on-board, so after driving 100 miles the vehicle needs to be plugged into a power source.  However, with the optional fast charger, the batteries can be recharged within 10 to 15 minutes.

Many small vehicles that are eco-friendly, such as the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight, have an aerodynamic styling that will communicate their frugal powertrains, however the Coda doesn’t do this.  It has the appearance of a people’s car, not a trendy, zero-emissions vehicle.

Most people find minivans appealing because they have the ability to carry cargo and people in different combinations.  You can configure them for a variety of needs.  They are offered with climate control in dual zones and have DVD systems in the rear.  These features make the minivan popular with different buyers, especially families.

Minivans have tons of interior room, offering plenty of head and legroom.  Recent models have sliding doors on either side of the vehicle.  This makes for quick and easy access.  Also, many models offer the feature of a button or switch to open the doors.

Minivans come equipped with seating for up to eight people.  Models for seven passengers have captain’s chairs instead of a bench.  The Honda Odyssey has a removable seat in the center for seating flexibility.

Minivans are a great option for people who need flexibility for people and cargo space.  They offer many features that make for a convenient, comfortable vehicle.  Like with any vehicle purchase, it is wise to purchase new car warranties to protect your investment.

How many people would shell out $45,000 for a little electric car made by the Chinese that has a driving range of 100 miles?  Even though it comes with new car warranties and may be eligible to get a tax credit of $7,500, there may not be a lot of people willing to pay the money for this vehicle.  However, Coda Automotive will discover the answer to that question next year with the launch of its five-passenger sedan in California.

For those who don’t know, Coda Automotive is actually a spin-off of Miles Electric Vehicles.  This car is based on Haifei Auto’s sedan platform, and will drive around 100 miles.  There isn’t a generator on-board, so after driving 100 miles the vehicle needs to be plugged into a power source.  However, with the optional fast charger, the batteries can be recharged within 10 to 15 minutes.

Many small vehicles that are eco-friendly, such as the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight, have an aerodynamic styling that will communicate their frugal powertrains, however the Coda doesn’t do this.  It has the appearance of a people’s car, not a trendy, zero-emissions vehicle.

The Pontiac G8 GXP with 402 hp will give performance sedans that are already established a run for their money.  The GXP is listed at $37,610, which is at least $1,000 cheaper than the Dodge Charger SRT8 and you still get an impressive auto warranty.

The GXP has a 402 hp, 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 402 pounds of torque, which is the most powerful Pontiac of all time.  This vehicle has a six-speed automatic transmission that comes standard, however you can also get a six-speed manual for an extra $695.

For those of you who might think the 361-hp G8 GT already had enough power under the hood, don’t forget added horsepower isn’t the only impressive change to the GXP.  This car has a track-tuned suspension and steering, a unique interior, Brembro brakes and new car warranties.

Some people have suggested that the GXP is a BMW M5 killer, however, this car is such a great bargain that you could purchase one for you and your friend and still end up shelling out less than you would for a M5.

People love to get a new car, but they don’t love the new car payments. But, although you can’t avoid those monthly payments, you can keep them reasonable. And make sure to factor in other costs, such as new car warranties, maintenance, and auto loans. Here are some tips to keep those car payments down.

Make sure you purchase a car that you need, not necessarily one that is on the lot.  Often, cars on the lot have more features than you need.  Dealers’ benefit from selling you one of these cars.  Not only do they move a vehicle off their lot, they sell you a more expensive car.

Only buy features that you must have.  For example, air conditioning is something most of us can’t live without, yet we don’t need climate control air conditioning.  You can save a lot of money by living without luxury features.  Watch out when the dealer tries to sell you power seats, audio systems, and tire packages.  All of these things are nice, but not essential.

You can save a lot by avoiding a bigger engine.  Test-drive a car model that has a standard engine.  You might find that the car has more than enough power.  By skipping the engine upgrade, you can save money upfront, as well as on fuel down the road.

Follow these simple tips to save yourself from paying high monthly payments.  However, realize that the one thing that you shouldn’t skimp on is purchasing an auto warranty.  You don’t want to be stuck with unnecessary repair costs down the road.