Inside The Mind Of An Automotive Geek

Memorial Day weekend has already kicked-off. Heavy flow of traffic is expected during this week-long celebration. Here’s the important statement of Janet Kavinoky, Executive Director, Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition published in The Auto Channel:

"Travel experts predict economic uncertainties and higher gasoline prices will translate into fewer motorists hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately, a small reduction in holiday travelers won't translate into a significant drop in congestion. The 2008 forecast echoes those of previous years: Expect gridlock.

"A temporary dip in holiday drivers matters little when our transportation system is overworked and under-funded. One-third of our major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, 27 percent of the nation's bridges are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, and use of public transportation is up, but investment is down. A report by the Transportation Research Board found a $50 billion annual gap in the funding needed to maintain the nation's highway and transit systems and a $100 billion funding shortfall to improve these systems. Combine a jump in traffic of 40 percent between 1990 and 2005 with a capacity increase of just two percent and the results are predictable. Nobody is going anywhere fast.

"Congestion, unfortunately, is not just a problem over holiday weekends. Congestion has become the monster that threatens our quality of life, our safety, the economy and the environment. Thirty-six percent of America's urban highways are congested. Congestion costs drivers $78 billion a year in wasted time and fuel costs. Americans spend 4.2 billion hours a year stuck in traffic, away from friends, family and community. While car engines are idling, they are polluting, spewing thousands of tons of carbon dioxide into the air every day.

The small cars are common in Europe for the reason that you can park them almost everywhere and this is somewhat that I would glad to see further of in the United States.

According to a crash examination, when you drive a small car, you are not well protected compare to large vehicles. It true, that looks fairly clear and shouldn’t be a big conversation not including that a different study by the Energy Security Leadership Council insists Congress to raise Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) permissions, in short, means adding up small cars, and asserts that this would have no safety and protection impact.

Americans are purchasing more small cars to prevent the fuels high cost, and that might bring them to accident or even result of life death. As a group, holders of small cars are more likely to die in car accident than compare to the big one, heavier cars are better, according to government’s data, the insurance company and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).

Most of the people are finding for ways to cut fuel costs, and they need to be familiar that if they make a decision to acquire a much smaller car, they are placing themselves with their family’s risk, says Adrian Lund, head of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. IIHS, shore up by auto Insurance Corporation, tracks traffic deaths intimately.

So, what the best way? Buckle up.

Here are top ten list of small car that you can live with. (Source: car.about.com)

Audi A3
Chevrolet Cobalt
Dodge Caliber
Honda Civic Si
Honda Fit
Mazda 5
Nissan Versa
Pontiac G5
Suzuki SX4
Toyota Yaris

Do you want to join some of the most pleasurable and enjoyable outdoor activities and off-road driving in America or any place in the globe? For a time has to travel into inaccessible places using weakly maintained streets or rock-strewn road. In situations similar to this, it's better to get a four-wheel-drive truck that's rugged and proficient for off-trail use. Last two years, Edmunds.com elected an assorted group for the most common and one-of-the-best 2006 production model pickup trucks and SUV's that they possibly felt that their list contains the most capable over rough terrain and made suggestions as to how to equip decals and modify them for most advantageous performance. For this year, they release the new updated listing for the Top-ten off-road vehicle. You can see a lot of common models, but there are a few fresh faces to consider too. On this list is an alphabetical and does not correspond to an editorial favorite of whichever one automobile over the other brands:

(Source of the list if from Edmunds.com)

Dodge Ram 2500

On its own, the Dodge Ram doesn't possess many inherent qualities that make it more capable than other full-size trucks.

Hummer H2

Ever since the discontinuation of the H1, Hummer's H2 has had to stand in as the brand's flagship vehicle.

Hummer H3

When it comes to Hummer, even the runt of the litter, the H3, is still pretty tough. Off-road, the vehicle's big approach and departure angles, tidy dimensions and standard four-wheel drive are all beneficial

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a perennial favorite of ours in the midsize SUV segment thanks to its well-rounded nature.

Jeep Wrangler

When it comes to off-road performance, the Wrangler is simply the best choice available.

Land Rover Range Rover

Today's model is somewhat removed from that heritage in regards to mission and price.

Nissan Xterra

Since its introduction, the Nissan Xterra SUV has lived up to its marketing tagline of "Everything you need, nothing you don't." Rugged construction, a powerful V6 and plenty of versatility are in the Xterra's repertoire.

Toyota FJ Cruiser

All 4WD FJ Cruisers are very capable off-road, though models equipped with the All-Terrain Package.

Toyota Land Cruiser

It may be bigger, more luxurious and more expensive than any classic Land Cruiser, but the latest model still offers excellent off-road ability and a reputation.

Toyota Tacoma

Though old, beat-up American full-size pickups are still the weapon of choice for most hard-core off-roading enthusiasts.