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 representatives showed the two vehicles in Memphis yesterday.  The 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 has been on the market for two weeks.  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 an impressive auto warranty.

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 new car warranties.

Hyundai has introduced many new car models lately, but the Genesis Coupe might be the most exciting.  This car created quite a stir last year at the L.A. Auto Show, and lost little with production.

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.

Motorists will be able to buy the 2010 Genesis Coupe, with the addition of an auto warranty in January of 2009.  The price of the car hasn’t been announced yet, but it will probably stay true to the value price that Hyundai is known for.

If you’re planning on going car shopping you need to do a few things first.  Just by taking some simple steps, you can save money on a vehicle and make the process a lot easier.

First, you might want to think about buying a pre-owned car.  New cars will lose about 30% of their worth the second you leave the dealership.  A used car will allow you to avoid that immediate depreciation that comes with buying new.

Try to find a vehicle that will save you money at the gas station.  There are numerous hybrids and fuel-efficient cars out there to choose from.

If at all possible, save for a down payment.  Many consumers don’t put very much money down on a vehicle and wonder why their payments are so steep in the first four years of owing the car.

Finally, when you invest in your vehicle, purchase an auto warranty to protect it.  Some people try to avoid doing this, but end up paying maintenance and repair costs that are unnecessary.

Unfortunately, mistakes are a common occurrence when you’re in a place that is unfamiliar.  According to a recent survey, people who drive RV’s admit to making expensive slip-ups.  Approximately 1,000 RV motorists participated in the survey, and revealed some mishaps that are interesting to say the least.

The following were the most common mistakes:  running out of gas, connecting taillights incorrectly, backing up and hitting something, not being able to accurately judge clearance, and pulling out of a parking spot with the steps still out.

According to the survey, approximately 50% of RV motorists travel for at least a month out of the year, and around 40% log 500 miles in their trip.

Although you can usually find blunders humorous, they can cost you big bucks in repairs and damages.  This is why it is necessary to have good insurance and an auto warranty for your RV.  After all, you need to be able to get back on the road as quickly as possible after a mishap.

If you’re planning on buying a new car this year you should consider what it will be worth in several years, when it’s time to trade it in for a new vehicle.  There are four factors that will help you determine what your car’s resale value will be.

First of all, supply and demand is a big factor.  Vehicles that are produced in high volumes, such as Ford and Chevrolet pickup trucks have a lower resale value because there are so many of them.

Brand image is also an important factor.  For example, Honda, Toyota, and Porsche have excellent images; therefore they retain their value better.

If a new car is being offered with high incentives, there is a good reason for it.  Chances are that car won’t hold onto its value.

Also, you want to do your research and find out if the car you are thinking of buying was sold to commercial and rental fleets.  If a lot were sold, its resale value will be lower.

Just remember, you’re only getting a good deal on a car if it retains its value.  Also, make sure to buy an auto warranty so you won’t be paying unnecessary expenses down the road.

You may think that you have to spend a fortune to get a reliable vehicle, but that isn’t the case. There are hundreds of used car models that are reputable and reliable, and the price is right.

Because cars are being made more reliable these days, people are finding pre-owned cars to be an appealing option. And, the biggest perk to buying used is that you reduce the depreciation impact. Also, with used cars, insurance rates are less expensive, as are used car warranties.

According to Consumer Reports, certain vehicles have demonstrated good performance and excellent reliability for several years now. Their list has models from Honda, Buick, BMW, Mazda, Infiniti, Lexus, Porsche, Nissan, Volvo, Subaru, Pontiac, Acura, and Toyota.

Unfortunately, other vehicles have demonstrated several years of poor reliability, according to Consumer Reports. Included in this list are models by Pontiac, VW, Kia, Dodge, Oldsmobile, Jeep, GMC, Land Rover, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, and Chrysler.

A used car can be a great investment if you do your homework and choose a model known for its reliability. Also, purchase an auto warranty to give you peace of mind.

You would never think that a car being too quiet would be a concern, yet that is the case with hybrids.  Vehicles like the Toyota Prius are environmentally friendly, but not pedestrian friendly.  At a low speed, these cars are only as loud as a golf cart.

There is a silent zone in hybrids that is deadly.  Pedestrians literally cannot hear the vehicles, which affects everyone, including the blind, pets, joggers, children, bikers, and anyone who isn’t paying attention.

This issue has become a major concern because hybrids are becoming more and more popular.  According to J.D. Power and Associates, there were around 350,000 of these vehicles sold last year in the U.S.

Hybrids have great fuel-efficiency because they are powered by electricity and fuel.  California has been the state where these vehicles have gained the most popularity.  In fact, this is where half of America’s hybrids are sold.

Drivers are becoming more and more excited about hybrids because of their fuel-efficiency.  Motorists don’t want to pay for high fuel prices on top of other expenses, such as maintenance costs, an auto warranty, and car loans.  Right now, hybrids are dangerously quiet, but that could change in the future.  There is legislation being pushed to require noise-making devices be installed in hybrids.

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.

When shopping for a vehicle your family you should consider several things.  Most important are safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency.  Also, motorists should consider how much a vehicle will cost to own, not just the initial price.  For example, costs of maintenance, new car warranties, and insurance should be factored in.

Believe it or not, it doesn’t have to be a difficult process to find the right car for your family.  The key is to put in research time before showing up at the dealership, so you know what your options are.  Parents need to evaluate how the car will be used, the amount of cargo space that they will use, and how their requirements might change in the future.

Generally, parents should find a vehicle that offers versatility and space.  Families need cargo space, windows that children can see out with ease, and easy access, in order to be comfortable.  You don’t want rear seats that are too low because that means that children won’t be able to look out the windows.

Luckily, there are numerous good options for family vehicles.  Small families have the option of purchasing four door sedans, or crossovers, whereas larger families would prefer a minivan or SUV.  Determine your needs in advance to ensure that you make the right choice.  Also, do your homework to save money on the sticker price and an auto warranty.

Many motorists neglect to put enough effort into shopping for car insurance.  Often, people just grab the first price they encounter or accept rate increases that are routine without shopping around the market for the best deal.  Consumers need to compare the coverage in addition to the price of the policy.  It’s disappointing when you file a claim and then realize that your policy doesn’t have a specific type of coverage that you need.

According to studies by Progressive Insurance, six-month rates for auto insurance vary a great deal depending on the company, with the average low being $481 and the average high being $586 across the nation.  What this means is that a driver could be quoted $1,256 for an insurance policy from one company, and $775 from another, both with identical policies.  Another study by Progressive showed that just 20% of respondents had shopped for better insurance prices in the last six months.

Motorists often make the mistake of not spending enough time on their car issues.  This includes shopping around for auto insurance, an auto warranty, and maintenance.  Just making a few extra phone calls can save consumers a lot of money in the end.