Top 7 Safest Cars of 2011

March 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
2009 Honda Element photographed at the 2009 Wa...

Image via Wikipedia

When you’re looking for a new car, you want the right color, the right engine, and the right features. One thing that some shoppers don’t necessarily think about is safety. What safety rating did this car receive from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)? Have there been any vehicle recalls?

If you’re shopping for a new car, this is a question that you should ask. Here’s a list of the top safest cars of 2011 in each category.

Buick LaCrosse

This car continues to dominate the large car category. The LaCrosse received five-star ratings in frontal and side-impact tests and earned four stars in rollovers. The LaCrosse comes standard with front, front-side, and side head-curtain airbags. Traction and stability control also comes standard.

Audi A3

This mid-sized sedan was given good scores in front and side impact tests during 2011; roof strength tests also scored well. The A3 features anti-lock brakes, hydraulic brake assist, and electronic pressure distribution as standard safety features. Side, head-curtain, front, and front thorax airbags are also standard.

Chevy Cruze

The current model hasn’t been tested, but the Cruze received good scores in front and side impact crash tests. The only car in it’s class to come standard with ten airbags, the Cruze offers superior protection to passengers during a collision. The Cruze also comes with anti-lock brakes and stability control.

Toyota Sienna

This year’s Sienna received high marks in several categories despite lack of formal testing. The Sienna offers side-curtain, front and side airbags for all three seating rows, and knee airbags for drivers. An additional, optional feature is the Pre-Collision system which can sense an inevitable crash and act accordingly.

Volkswagen Touareg

The Touareg scored well in IIHS crash tests, making it the top safety pick for large SUVs. Standard features include anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution, Anti-Slip Regulation, front and side-curtain airbags, rollover sensor, and rear view camera. Optional safety features include warnings when the vehicle veers out of lane and when a vehicle is in the blind spot.

Audi Q5

This mid-sized SUV received perfect scores from the IIHS. The Q5′s Electronic Stabilization program helps keep the vehicle from rolling, but in the event that a rollover does occur, the SUV has rollover mitigation and roof rack detection. Multiple airbags protect all passengers. The Q5 also has a tire pressure and blind spot monitoring system, as well as, many features in the braking system to keep drivers safe.

Honda Element

This small SUV was also given a perfect rating by IIHS for it’s performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests. The Element received lower scores in rollover crash tests because the SUVs have a 20 to 21 percent chance of rolling in a one-vehicle crash. The Element has multiple airbags, a traction control system, advanced braking systems, and stability control on all models.

By choosing one of the safest cars on the market, you will keep your family safe and sound in the event of a crash. Take the time to research vehicles and gain some peace of mind.

Share
Filed Under: Auto Safety Tagged With: , ,

Think Before You Buy That SUV

February 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Before you go out and buy a huge SUV, you sould take a moment to think about the reprecutions of your choice.  There are many reasons why you should think twice before you buy an SUV, and the following list will help you question your actions.

  1. Size
    SUVs are huge — and this has many painstaking consequences.  Will you be able to park easily in the city?  When there is in climate weather, is that four wheel drive really worth all the snow scraping that you have to do (and might not be able to reach)?  What about the gas?  How many miles per gallon can you get with that SUV?  If possible, can you get a hybrid?  Even so, the price is going to be very high compared to that of a smaller car or hybrid.  Will you be able to drive easily with such a huge vehicle?
  2. Maintenance
    With size, comes a lot of maintenance.  Cleaning both the interior and exterior of an SUV can be tough.  It is easy to get things stuck under the many seats, children can make messes that you may never find and the outside can include some hard to reach spots to clean.
  3. Initial Price
    Can you afford the price?  Many SUVs can cost over $30,000.  Can you pay this, even with a payment plan?  This can be challenging — and the problem with buying a used SUV is that the miles per gallon may be even less because of how old the vehicle is and outdated it is with modern, gas saving technologies.
  4. The Environment
    When you purchase such a huge car, your carbon footprint is huge.  It uses more gas and creates more car exhaust than any other car.  Perhaps purchasing a hybrid or buying a different type of vehicle would be more appealing.

Remember to think it over before you buy an SUV.  Is it worth it?

Share
Filed Under: Auto Enhancement Tagged With: , ,

Traveling With Children: Choose the Best Vehicle

December 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Once you decide to bring children into your family, that decision will impact every aspect of your life, including what kind of vehicles you drive. Gone are the days of roaring down a country lane in your two-seater with the top down. You’ll trade that hot little number for something that’s got a bit more room and a few more cup holders. Regardless of their age, kids need space when traveling. This is especially true when the youngsters are on a road trip. Take a look at the best vehicle options for families planning to rack up the miles with the kids on board.

Minivans. Yes, you will feel like you’re cashing in your cool when you sign the lease or purchase agreement on a minivan. However, your kids will thank you. And you will come to appreciate this decision too. Find a model with doors that you can open remotely. You can also find roomier models with enough seats to let up to three kids have their own row. They’ll stretch out and space out with a DVD or video game.
Cross-over vehicles. Part minivan, part SUV, these vehicles can go in all kinds of weather, though they may not have the same features as a true SUV. Cross-overs tend to be a good option for parents who just can’t seem to make the leap to a minivan. However, you and the kids won’t have as much room for yourselves or your gear.
SUVs. They’re not as kid-friendly as a minivan, though they have their good points. SUVs are safe in nasty winter weather. You can also find roomier models to accommodate your growing family.

Regardless of which vehicle you choose, make sure you keep up on any recalls that may impact the model you own or lease. This will ensure that you’re driving the kids around in a vehicle that’s safe.

Share
Filed Under: Auto Safety Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Chinese automaker to trial sell electric cars next year

October 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Great Wall Motor Company Limited, a Chinese motor company, will start to run trial commerce of its electric cars in China come 2011, hoping they can take advantage of the trending need for cars that run on clean energy.

The Chairman of Great Wall Motor Company Limited, Wei Juanjun, said the company hopes its sales in the last six months of this year will surge from the first half of 2009.

Great Wall Motor Company Limited had a 12-month target of 50,000 vehicles sales for 2009. In the first half of this year, they had already reached 30,000 of their goal.

The business claims they will hold onto its electric cars for internal sale, and do not plan to transport these cars to any other outlets around the world. Their plan is to put these cars on exhibit at the Guangzhou auto show and stick with their plan to begin trial sales in 2011. Great Wall Motor Company Limited has hurried to get these clean energy cars out on the market as the government has already played a role in hoping to encourage residents to buy them when they become available.

Great Wall Motor Company Limited was the top maker of SUVs in China in the first six months of this year, as they claimed approximately 12 percent of the market share. Next in line after them was Dongfeng Honda with almost 11 percent and following them was FAW Toyota, which made up 9 percent of the market.

Great wall believes there is potential for even more growth in the area due to the fact that SUVs are now 9 percent of the total car sales in the country as opposed to the 30 percent made in other countries.

SUVs make up 45 percent of car sales, which trucks follow with 27 percent, 20 percent comes from sedans, and others bringing up the rear with 8 percent in the first six months of this year.

In further proof of their success, their shares have climbed 85 percent. Their top rival, Geely Automobile Holdings Limited, has fallen 30 percent.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Share
Filed Under: Auto Enhancement Tagged With: , ,