The Benefits Of Owning And Driving A Truck Or SUV And Get Good Fuel Efficiency With The New Hybrids
Depending on how old you are, you may remember the good old days, when you pulled into a gas station and someone came outside to help you. There you sat, comfortably behind the wheel, while the gas attendant filled your car with gas, (requested by gallons and not dollars), checked your oil, cleaned your windshield and thanked you for your patronage. You never worried about what type of weather it was, because you didn't have to get out of the car to pump your gas. The attendant did it for you, so your clothes would stay as fresh as they were when you left the house. You could fill up your tank, hand over a ten dollar bill and actually get change back.
Unfortunately for everyone, those days are over. Now you sit in line behind other harried customers at the gas station and have to get out of the car, go inside to pay for the gas if you don't want to use your credit card, then come back out and pump the gas yourself. Now people no longer say they want ten gallons of gas. That's been changed to ten dollars worth of gas, if you please, and you clean your own windshields and check your own oil. Hopefully you won't drip gas on your clothes or stain your hands when checking the oil level in your car.
When SUVs came on the market, it seemed like everyone just had to have one. Thanks to the cool commercials showing drivers zipping through Arctic weather or driving over treacherous terrain, they seemed just too cool to pass up. It became a status symbol to drive one, even though many of those who bought them lived in the suburbs where there was no danger of rough terrains and unpaved roads.
Now that the cost of gas has skyrocketed, many of those same people that drove their SUVs home from the dealership with a huge grin on their face, are now sobbing when its time to go to the gas station. These gas guzzlers now put a huge dent in their paychecks and no longer seem as attractive as they once did.
SUV and truck manufacturers recognized the need to produce vehicles that did not consume so much of the owner's salary just to fuel it. They have come out with a line of Hybrid SUVs and trucks that are just as attractive as the other models but much more fuel efficient. Ford has presented the Escape Hybrid, Lexus is competing with its RX400 and Toyota has come out with its Highlander Models.
If you still want to drive an SUV, but not worry about the potential of filing for bankruptcy due to expensive fueling, then consider one of the Hybrid SUVs and trucks on the market. Your wallet will thank you.
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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as truck accessories at www.truckaccessoriesetc.com
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Which Hummer For You?
The monster vehicle that used to be available only to the United States Army is now obtainable for civilians through General Motor's Hummer division. Hummers became the rave of the whole country after the highly popular Desert Storm in Iraq where its military counterpart, the HumVee, was featured endlessly. This popularity triggered worldwide demand and thus, the Hummer edition was created. Nowadays, military and civilians alike can avail themselves of these superb vehicles.
Hummers are available in three types of model: the H1, H2 and H3. H1 Hummers are generally the largest of the three. H3 models are those designed very much like other sports utility vehicles to suit a civilian consumer's need for aesthetics. The H2 balances rider's comfort and rough driving to the hilt. There are many more other sub models available under each type but none stands out more than the H2 SUT model.
The H2 SUT model incorporates a pickup and four-door SUV type, thus earning the name SUT. This innovative way of maximizing the benefits of a sports utility vehicle and a pickup truck gained much popularity from Hummer enthusiasts. General Motors have equipped this model with various features that would surely increase the demand for such a vehicle in the years to come.
This baby is powered by a Vortec 6000 V8 engine with 325hp and 4-speed automatic transmission. A variable throttle control with 2 different progressions allows for a precise control over rugged and off-road terrain. The H2 SUT also features a power glass window at the back of the cabin which can be folded down along with the second row seats to allow for a larger cargo area. This virtually means that you can load almost anything on the pickup truck. This model also offers a 4 channel anti lock braking system that helps the driver bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. Its flawless design allows the driver to sit comfortably behind the steering wheel without worrying about the SUT from nosing downward while braking hard.
To top it all off, the interiors of this type of model surely puts any vehicle to shame. Full leather interior with electrically adjustable seats make for a comfortable and enjoyable ride over any type of terrain. Bose speakers with separate audio sources for the second row passengers add to the beauty of this model. The H2 SUT is truly the king of all Hummers on the road today but General Motors has announced that a Pickup truck model may soon be on the market so keep an eye for what may be the best Hummer yet.
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Greg Lucas is a small business owner and an on-line marketing expert who owns and operates a large network of informative and educational websites. for more information please visit: hummer pickup truck
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How The HumVee Became The Hummer Of Today
The popular hummer vehicle manufactured by General Motors actually uses the design of the HumVee military vehicle. This vehicle was created to replace the old military jeeps of the US Army because it was getting obsolete in the sense that it cannot be adapted to the new requirements of the US Army today.
The need to traverse rough terrain easily simply cannot be done using the old style jeep. The new HumVee can easily do this using its wide suspension and stronger body. Of course, a bigger and better 4 wheel drive installed also helps a lot in making sure that the HumVee can indeed go anywhere on the face of the planet. Moreover, a deep water fording kit can also make the HumVee capable of fording a body of water up to 1.5 meters deep.
Today, there are more than 15 versions of this vehicle in the US Army alone. The HumVee army vehicle has become the standard cargo carrier, troop carrier, ambulance, automatic weapons platform, missile carrier and surface to air missile platform of the US Army.
It has become so popular that people are familiar with it without even having seen a real one. You can see HumVees in the news, in your pc games and in toy models. HumVee has indeed become the standard vehicle of the US Army.
The HumVee also has its civilian counterpart called Hummer. This vehicle is manufactured by General Motors and has become one of the popular vehicles in the market today.
The hummer is a vehicle derived from the HumVee design but on a smaller scale with components added for both comfort and style.
Today, there are several models of this vehicle being sold as a midsized sport utility truck or a sport utility vehicle. They are generally used by people requiring a rugged and off the road vehicle for their line of work. Some people also prefer them because of the image or the size of the vehicle.
Popular versions of these vehicle are the Hummer 1, which was the original design, the Hummer two, which was a smaller version of Hummer h1 and is considered as an efficient multipurpose vehicle, Hummer h2 sport utility truck which is a pickup truck version of the standard h2 vehicle and the hummer h3, which is even smaller than its two precedents and is being marketed as a mid sized sports utility vehicle.
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Greg Lucas is a small business owner and an on-line marketing expert who owns and operates a large network of informative and educational websites. for more information please visit: hummer pickup truck
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Top Five Trucks For Gas Mileage
A few years ago, people would scoff at you if you told them that you were looking for trucks with the best gas mileage. But, as truck sales began to slip downwards, manufacturers started giving due importance to this factor. Today, there has been a dramatic change in the scenario.
The rising costs of gas, has propelled potential truck buyers to go for trucks that can meet their gas mileage demands. Truck makers have now taken firm steps to improve the fuel economy of their makes at all levels.
Usually the ranking of the top five trucks based on gas mileage is founded on a combination factors. The prime parameters are the fuel economy rating given by EPA, the transmission of the vehicle, and its inherent popularity amongst car buyers. The formula for calculation for most gas mileage rankings is a combination of the city mpg rating, which forms 55 percent of criterion, and the highway mpg rating that completes the remaining criteria.
It is really very difficult to bring forth a list that enumerates the top 5 trucks on the basis of fuel efficiency. Not one, not two, but three trucks hold the first rank. This spot is shared by the 2006 Ford Ranger one of the premier trucks that are out in the market today. Ford has made it a point to come out with trucks that offer the best gas mileage. This is why most of their newer models find a place on the best gas mileage list year after year.
However, all the trucks, which feature in the list, have the same engine; the 2006 Ford Ranger is a supremely refined version of its older model that came out in 2005. It has the better off-road capability then other trucks in the rankings and is one of the best alternatives in your search for a truck giving you the best gas mileage.
The completely redesigned 2006 Toyota Tacoma comes next in the list. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the roomier trucks available in the market and its looks are an epitome of sophistication. The only disadvantage of the 2006 Toyota Tacoma is its price tag. It is more expensive then the others.
If you are looking for something on the cheaper side then the 2006 Mazda B-series is the truck that you must go for. A fuel-efficient truck delivers on its promise. It is called in some circles as the bargain pickup truck. Don't expect styling and comfort but you do get an unashamed practicality with this vehicle.
The Toyota Tundra is the next in line of your picks. It comes with 4.0 liter V6 engine that is geared to give you competitive gas mileage. The truck gives you a mileage of 20 /mpg on the highway and a 16/mpg when you drive in the city.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes a close fifth in the rankings. It comes with a mild hybrid engine that enables the electric motor to keep the vehicles running when idle so the gas engine can be shut off.
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Author Rich Marsiglia, Tonneau Covers Truck Tires
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Even With All Of The Imports On The Market The Chevrolet Truck Remains A Winner
Chevrolet automobiles seem to have been around for as long as cars have. This is true in more ways than one. There are still plenty of people driving vintage models that perhaps your grandfather or great grandfather drove so many years ago. These are now considered to be collector's items by many car enthusiasts. They buy old Chevy trucks and then lovingly restore them to their previous glory. By the time they are finished, you would never know that they had rolled off the manufacturer's line so many decades ago.
Chevy is famous for many types of vehicles. As the years passed so did the style of the car. However, even with the newer, sleeker models of cars available, there was a longing for the old style, so they brought back a classic model, slightly altered to make it look more modern. Chevy is also famous for their line of trucks. This has been true for decades and is still true today. They've come a long way from the models your older relatives used to drive, being sleeker and carrying all of the latest technology.
When your ancestors drove them, they probably weren't purchased because of their aesthetics. They were probably purchased to do tasks such as hauling things. Many of them were highly regarded as farm and ranch vehicles. This was particularly true in rural areas where the roads were unfinished and rough. The Chevy truck is renowned for its ability to handle tough terrain, even while burdened with bales of hay or vegetables that needed to get to the market to sell. You will often see these trucks in old movies, covered in mud and driven by cattle ranchers. Times have changed, but Chevy Trucks continue to be a prime choice in work vehicle as well as family transportation.
Now instead of seeing them being driven by ranchers, you see soccer moms behind the wheel, with her children in the back seat. Many men purchase them, not for their capability of carrying heavy loads, but because of their cool look.
A favorite Chevy Truck is the Silverado. Not only are these sleek looking vehicles, they retain the speed and durability that Chevy is known to produce. You can get them with all the bells and whistles and may not even want to haul anything in it, because it might spoil the look. Another consumer favorite is the Chevy Colorado. With its two tone detailing and attractive contours, this truck is coveted by many.
There are a variety of Chevy cars and trucks that are suitable for just about any type of travel that you can think of. Whether a classic from old days or one with the classy look of the present, you can't go wrong with whatever choice you make.
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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as Chevrolet truck accessories at www.truckaccessoriesetc.com
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Truck Bed Covers - Save Gas And Transform Your Truck
Truck bed covers are attachments to a pickup truck's bed that protect against weather and provide security from theft. This allows you to store items in the bed away from the weather, from damage, and from the prying eyes of thieves. Unlike truck attachments like camper shells, bed covers do not provide additional vertical cargo space. Bed covers are best when you desire your truck to maintain a low profile or when you wish for your truck to have an easy on, easy off cover for its beds.
1. Save Gas!
As air flows over the front end of your vehicle, it careens into the hollow bowl of your bed and produces opposite force to your truck. This could easily eat several miles from your gas mileage every time you use your truck. These types of covers also provide extra gas mileage by reducing air drag that is exacerbated by the truck bed - an aerodynamic nightmare. You could even save about 10% on your gas with a good truck cover!
2. About Bed Covers
- Strong, rigid canopy covers
- Protect your transport items
- Some are detachable
- Easy to install
- Do not restrict the use of your tailgate
3. History Of Truck Covers
Truck covers are also known as truck bed covers. They have evolved from a number of versions that have been designed for a different uses. Because of this, no one person can claim to have invented the truck cover. Soft covers gained became popular on major speedways. Sport truck racers used soft truck covers to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag. Hard top truck covers rose in prominence as an alternative to camper shells. These highly-customized truck bed lids evolved to suit the various needs of truck drivers.
4. Truck Cover Storage Basics
When you need to transport items ranging from groceries, to heavy furniture, the truck cover does the trick. The cover shields your items from view, from the weather and from damage. Even simple covers can sufficiently protect your stuff. In some instances, truck covers employ strategically-placed weather seals that channel the moisture away from the covers. With such equipment, truck owners have a greater peace of mind when transporting items sensitive to such. With most models, installation requires no drilling into the truck bed.
Black is the standard color offered by most manufacturers, but many do offer a variety of other colors. When purchasing a truck bed cover, you need to decide between a hard cover (solid fiberglass) and a soft cover (vinyl). The differences between the two are highlighted below:
5. Hard Covers
Firmly attached, they do not blow off even at highway speeds. They are available with hinge systems to allow an easier lifting of cover to put or get cargo. It also is secure and lockable. These hard covers weigh about 100 lbs. Hard covers are also more expensive than vinyl covers. They are more durable and are also weatherproof.
6. Soft Covers
These, on the other hand, are easy to remove and install. They often just snap on to the truck rails and are ready to go. Although they may not be as tough as hard covers, they are still strong enough to provide protection for 1 to 2 people. If you are hauling large cargo, these covers come off easily to accommodate the extra space.
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For more great truck bed cover related articles and resources check out www.weknow-covers.com
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How to Properly Check Tire Pressure and Condition for Safety
Tire pressure and condition is one of the most overlooked safety aspects on our cars. Most people just assume their tires are fine and that they will be safe because they look okay - the tires are not flat. Rarely do we ever see someone get out a tire pressure gauge and check their tire pressure or place their hands on the tire and feel for roundness and irregularities. What most people don't know is that proper tire pressure will improve your gas mileage, make your brakes and suspension system last longer, and it will improve your gas mileage. According to AAA, it is ideal to have your tires pressure and condition checked for safety every time you fill up your gas tank and prior to any long drives or vacations.
Before checking your tire pressure you should check your tires condition. Your tires are what holds you to the road and if there are any irregular wear patterns, bubbles and cracks, etc your safety can be greatly compromised. Look over all your tires. Place the palm of your hand on the tire and feel it is it round? This may sound obvious, but you can quickly find early signs of cupping (which can indicate bad struts), irregular wear (could be improperly balanced wheels), cracks, and deep wear that would make your tires unsafe.
Take out a penny and make sure Lincolns head is buried in the tread. If it isn't that means you need to replace your tires. Every time I go to the local grocery store half of the cars I see have bald or nearly bald tires and tires in bad condition. This can cause hydroplaning and very unsafe conditions if the roads were wet from a recent rain. If you notice anything irregular take your car to a service station. Have your tire condition checked and have your tires replaced as necessary as your safety may be compromised by worn tires or another tire condition (Walmart's service stations will check your tires for free).
To properly check your tires pressure you must use a tire pressure gauge. Going by look or feel isn't good enough. Just because the tire doesn't look flat doesn't mean you didn't over or under inflate it. Your car or trucks owners manual will tell you the recommended tire pressure for your tires. Check all four tires and your spare. You wouldn't believe the number of people that assume their spare is fine and haven't checked it in 3 or more years. Some don't even know if they have a spare or tire changing tools. Some people don't even know where to look for their spare tire or how to change a tire.
Most tire pressure gauges have an indicator that will be pushed out by the amount of pressure in your tire. More expensive ones are digital. Both are rudimentary and easy to use. If you find you are under inflated most gas stations have an air pump. Fill and check again to ensure proper pressure. Always replace the caps when you are done. This keeps the elements out and corrosion can and does cause leaks. If you have too much pressure then let some out by pressing a key or screwdriver into the release valve and then check it again. If your tires have too much pressure it can cause them to prematurely wear in the middle and reduce the actual area of the tire that meets the road and can reduce your safety.
There you have it, how to properly check your tires condition and pressure for safety. By having safe tires you are increasing both your safety and the safety of those around you.
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David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in automotive safety products and information. He holds numerous patents and awards for his patented headlight cleaner and restorer. For more information please visit: MDWholesale.com
Dodge Cars and Trucks For 2007
The Dodge brothers, John and Horace, began their careers as bicycle mechanics in their father's shop in Michigan. Their bearings and other parts were in demand with the early automobile industry, and they helped design motor parts for early Oldsmobiles.
It wasn't long before the two brothers were approached by Henry Ford. In 1902, impressed by their skills, Henry Ford offered them a one-tenth share in his new automobile company.
After 12 years in this partnership, the Dodge brothers left Ford's company and started their own automobile manufacturing company. Thus, in 1914, the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company was established. The "Old Betsy" was their first car, built that year.
In 1925, the Dodge Brothers Company was purchased by Dillon, Read & Company, and in 1928, the Chrysler Corporation took over a much larger Dodge Brothers. It continued expanding its line of vehicles, which included the WWII Power Wagon - a vehicle that garnered enough acclaim to continue production a decade after the war.
Following Chrysler's takeover of the British Rootes Group and Simca of France, and the resultant establishment of Chrysler Europe in the late 1960s, the Dodge brand was used on light commercial vehicles, most of which were previously branded Commer or Karrier, and on pick-up and van versions of the Simca 1100. In the 1960s and 1970s Dodge contributed to America's fascination with high-performance "muscle cars" by manufacturing the 505 Charger Daytonas for stock-car racing and as production cars.
Dodge and Chrysler brought the domestic convertible back to the roads in the 80s in the form of the Dodge 400 and the Chrysler Lebaron. In the 90s, the eagerly anticipated Dodge Viper put the muscle back in "muscle cars." All of which soon culminated in the new, aggressive look on the Dodge Ram Pickup, Dodge Dakota and Dodge Durango.
For the model year of 2007, Dodge, a part of Chrysler, has lined up some new and some reworked models for its fans. Let's take a look at a few specifications of the 2007 Caliber, Charger and Nitro -
2007 Dodge Caliber
It would seem that Dodge decided a compact hatchback is a swell idea in light of America's recent and slightly elevated interest in smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Caliber is not a hard-core fuel miser, though, and is instead a pretty normal-sized compact. It features an all-new chassis design, and is being built at DaimlerChrysler's retooled Belvedere, Illinois, plant.
For the Caliber's initial launch in North America, Dodge has three styles available (SE, SXT and R/T) and a hat trick of four-cylinder, twin-cam engines: a 1.8-liter, a 2.0-liter and a 2.4-liter. The goal of improved fuel economy has also played a role in the Caliber's transmission offerings. While the 1.8-liter gets a traditional five-speed manual, the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines have a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
2007 Dodge Charger
The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first special edition of the "Charger on Steroids" from Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology Division (SRT). Powered by the SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 producing 425 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Charger SRT8's powertrain represents a new level in HEMI performance, with 85 additional horsepower.
Featured on all Dodge Charger models, a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick provides a full range of transmission performances to match a variety of driving styles, situations and road conditions. The new 2007 Dodge Charger features rear-wheel drive with near 50/50 weight distribution and advanced technologies that offer superb ride and responsive handling in all surface and traction conditions.
2007 Dodge Nitro
Dodge calls the 2007 Nitro its first midsize SUV, but it is more of a compact SUV. Dodge probably thinks "compact" sounds too feminine for an SUV geared to attract more men than women. However, the Nitro's styling and hardware speak for itself. Although it's built on the same platform as the Jeep Liberty, the Nitro was engineered primarily for street use.
Four-wheel drive will be an option, but there's no low-range gearing or big off-road tires. The Nitro offers two solid V6s. Base and SLT models get a 3.7-liter with 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, while the R/T gets a 4.0-liter six with 255 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. There are three transmissions: a six-speed manual, which comes standard in the base model, a four-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic which only comes with the R/T's 4.0-liter V6. At 178 inches, the Nitro is about 4 inches longer than the Jeep Liberty and 10 inches shorter than Chevrolet's Equinox.
Today, Dodge is a part of the Daimler Chrysler AG and is based out of Stuttgart, Germany. The Dodge brand has become famous primarily for its trucks. This is a reputation that the company is now trying to change by introducing the new Dodge Charger and the Dodge Challenger. So, that's more to look forward to from Dodge!
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Owen Walcher is a freelance writer, writing car and auto articles such as Dodge 2007 Model Reviews. You can find more car and auto review articles here: www.autodealersquote.com/
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Car and Truck Line Up for Chevrolet 2007
Chevrolet was co-founded by Louis Chevrolet, a race car driver, and William C. Durant. William Durant, founder of General Motors, had been forced out of GM in 1910 and wanted to use Louis Chevrolet's designs to rebuild his own reputation as a force in the automobile industry. On November 3, 1911, Chevrolet entered the automobile market to compete with the Ford Model T. A year later, the "Classic Six" was introduced. The Classic Six was a five-passenger touring sedan equipped with a 299 in3 (4.9 L), six-cylinder engine capable of taking the car to a top speed of 65 miles per hour (104 km/h).
Chevrolet first used its "bowtie" logo in 1913. This logo is said to have been designed from wallpaper Durant once saw in a French hotel. Reportedly, in 1908, Will Durant detached a small piece and kept it in his wallet, waiting for the day he'd put it to use. The Bowtie became an advertising icon, and is still the marquee of today's Chevrolet.
In 1916, Chevrolet was profitable enough to allow Durant to buy a majority of shares in GM. After the deal was complete in 1917, Durant was president of General Motors, and Chevrolet was merged into GM, becoming a separate division. In the 1955 model year Chevrolet introduced the small block V8 engine, the most famous and versatile V8 engine ever produced. This engine became a hit with hot rodders and almost overnight became the engine of choice replacing the flathead Ford engine as the hot rodders preferred motor. In 1955 the 265 cubic inch engine was the smallest V8 engine offered by the big three U.S. automakers, however, no other U.S. car could out perform it.
Famous Chevy models include the large and luxurious Impala (1958) and the innovative air-cooled rear-engined Corvair (1960-1969.) Chevrolet had a great influence on the American automobile market during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1963, one out of every ten cars sold in the United States was a Chevrolet.
Now let's take a peek at the 2007 line up of Chevrolet:
2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
Chevy's redesigned 2007 Avalanche retains its forebear's midgate magic, but the entire package has been overhauled as part of GM's full-size truck platform revamp. Three trim levels are available: LS, LT and LTZ; each can be equipped with rear, or four-wheel drive. At 221 inches long, the Avalanche is about the same length as its predecessor and just an inch short of Chevrolet's extended-length Suburban. A coil-over-shock independent front suspension replaces the previous torsion bar arrangement. The 5.3-liter V-8 in the four-wheel-drive Avalanche LTZ makes 310 horsepower and 335 pounds-feet of torque. Two-wheel-drive models carry a different version of the engine with slightly higher output, while a 6.0-liter V-8 is optional across the board. All three engines come with a four-speed automatic transmission.
2007 Chevrolet Aveo
Longer, taller and wider than the outgoing Aveo, the new sedan has an all-new exterior and interior design that gives it a more upscale look. LS and LT trim levels will be offered and customers can look forward to a wide range of features, including a two-tone interior color scheme, a radio input jack for iPods, a power sunroof, a six-disc CD changer, and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Built to carry five 6-foot-tall adults, the larger Aveo also provides 12.4 cubic feet of trunk space, and that's before the 60/40-split rear seats are folded down. A 103-horsepower, 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine is mated to the Aveo's standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission.
2007 Chevrolet Malibu
In the Malibu, a four-cylinder engine and two V-6s are offered. For 2007, the smaller V-6 gains variable valve timing for an 8 percent power increase. Other changes this year include standard side curtain airbags on all models (they were previously standard only on top-level Malibus), a passenger sensing system for the front airbags and available turn-by-turn directions with GM's OnStar service. Trim levels include the base LS, as well as the LT and LTZ. Compared with its predecessor, the current version has a slightly wider stance. Mounted on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, the Malibu is 188.3 inches long overall. LS models ride 15-inch tires, the LT gets 16-inchers, and the new LTZ rides on 17-inch rubber. LTZ models feature aluminum wheels.
2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The 2007 TrailBlazer offers a standard 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder engine as well as an optional 5.3-liter V-8 both working with a four-speed automatic transmission. The latter engine includes General Motors' Active Fuel Management technology, which deactivates four cylinders under light loads such as highway cruising. TrailBlazers come in base LS and step-up LT trim levels. A high-performance SS model packs a sport-tuned suspension and a 6.0-liter V-8 from Chevrolet's Corvette sports car. The TrailBlazer rides a 113-inch wheelbase and measures 191.8 inches long.
Chevrolet is General Motors' largest brand currently offering 19 vehicles and many different enhanced versions. The brand's vehicles range from compact cars to large SUVs.
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Owen Walcher is a freelance writer, writing car and auto articles such as Cherolet Cars and Chevy Truck 2007 Model Reviews. You can find more car and auto review articles here: www.autodealersquote.com/
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A Look At Gas Trucks Versus Diesel Trucks
If you plan to use your truck like a car, desiring quick, quiet acceleration and rarely ever haul a heavy load and don't plan to it for a long time,you may want a gasoline engine. Gas engines run smoother, fuel is easier to find, and gas engines
start easier in cold weather.
If you plan to use your truck for towing, value good fuel economy and plan to put plenty of miles on it, you may want a diesel. The price to buy a diesel truck is really high, although they can offer you a lot in return.
Below, you'll find the leading vehicle manufacturers
and what they offer you.
Dodge
The 2500 and 3500 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks are the newest 3/4 and 1 ton trucks on the road. Back in 2002, the Ram didn't have enough power with the 245 HP 9.5L. Dodge promised more powerful engines for the 2500/3500 platform and they delivered on that promise.
The new base engine is the 5.7L gasoline V-8 that's not only the most powerful engine of the group at 345 HP but also revives the well known and historical Hemi name.
Ford
Ford helped push the 3/4 ton and 1 ton truck market to where it is today when it introduced it's international engineered power stroke diesel back in 1994. Before 1994, these diesels were poorly built and no match for the big gasoline engines.
From 1994 to 2002, over 70% of super duty Fords were sold with the optional 7.3L V-8 diesel engine. This engine helped to put Ford among the leaders in diesel trucks, as they had more than they needed to dominate the market.
Chevrolet/GMC
The GM 2500/3500 twins Silverado HD and Sierra HD both come standard with GM's 6.0L gas engine V-8. This engine is ideal for 3/4 ton trucks where towing isn't a concern. The upgrades start with the 8.1L gas V-8 that's based on Chevrolet's venerable big block engine.
Over the years, diesel trucks have proven to be effecient with mileage, great for towing, and easy on maintenance. Unlike gas engines, diesel engines do not have spark plugs, which means you won't need to get them tuned up near as much as gasoline engines.
For those who like to haul heavy loads on a frequent basis, diesel is the way to go. You can get quite a few miles per gallon, and diesel trucks are built to go 250,000 miles or more before the engine needs to be rebuit,making them a purchase that is more than worth your money.
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Gregg Hall is a consultant for online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. Get your truck parts at www.autopartsplusmore.com
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Today's Truck Drivers Enjoy Job Security, Great Pay, and Time at Home
Tired of the same old boring routine at your everyday job? For a change of pace consider becoming a semi tractor-trailer driver. With a national shortage of drivers, this career is one that comes with its own brand of job security insurance.
Earning a license to drive the big rigs is not that difficult of a task. The demand for over the road drivers remains high and the pay for operating a tractor-trailer is high. The benefits can be incredible, too, making this career a solid choice.
What are the requirements? To operate in interstate commerce, a driver must be at least 21 years of age and pass a rigid physical examination once every 2 years. Drivers are further required to submit to testing for drug and alcohol use, including unannounced random testing. Drivers of trucks with a weight rating of over 26,000 pounds must obtain a Commercial Driver's License, also referred to as a CDL, by passing a rigorous test of their knowledge of safety regulations and display the ability to drive one of the large vehicles. Drug and alcohol convictions or combinations of various serious driving violations can draw temporary or even permanent loss of driving privileges.
Because of the large demand for freight to be moved, the job outlook for a professional over the road driver is very good. Currently the federal government has estimated that there is a shortage of around 80,000 over the road drivers. Trucking companies throughout the United States are beginning to offer drivers better incentives and higher pay in order to fill this massive shortage.
Another incentive that companies are striving to fulfill is lowering the amount of time that the drivers spend out on the road away from their families. Traditionally over the road drivers would spend weeks away from home, not so anymore. Many companies are striving to ensure that their drivers are home for the weekend. This is accomplished by having the drivers perform a relay type run where one driver picks up where another leaves off. This has made the job more inviting to drivers that would otherwise turn it down.
Over the road drivers generally make around $35,000 a year, but pay rates can vary with the type of driving and years of experience. In order to fill the shortage of drivers many companies expect to raise the pay rate for many of the current drivers and start new drivers out at a higher rate. Good companies also offer their drivers' benefits.
An online search of the Internet can produce many different schools for those wishing to learn more about becoming an over the road driver. These schools offer to teach students what they need to know to obtain their CDL in as little as four to five weeks. Many of the schools offer job placement so that their students can start to work right away and several of these companies will reimburse the students the cost of their tuition.
Good pay mixed with bright job outlook makes for an exciting ever-changing career. Being an over the road tractor-trailer can be a thrilling job for anyone that is tired of the same old daily routine that now fills their days.
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Gas Versus Diesel an In Depth Look
When it comes to the price, gas wins this one by far. Diesel costs a lot more to own than gas, which is one of the main reasons why people tend to choose gas over diesel.
Fuel cost, Diesel fuel is easier to refine, taking less time to get from raw petroleum to final product from gas, giving it a lower price than that of gas. On the other hand, within the United States, diesel is priced the same or just a bit below regular unleaded gas.
Noise and vibration, despite many improvements in noise isolation and engine noise technology in trucks over the last 10 years, diesels are still much louder and shake more than gasoline-powered vehicles. At idle, the clatter and shake of diesel vehicles are clearly noticeable, while it can be hard to tell if the gas engine is even running.
Cold weather, if you have tried to start a diesel engine on a cold day, you know that gas is by far easier to start. Diesels do not have spark plugs like gas engines do, as the fuel is ignited once it is injected into the cylinder that is already under pressure. When it gets cold, the air is not hot enough to ignite the diesel fuel.
Maintenance, Maintenance on a diesel vehicle is more expensive, thanks to many things including the larger volume of oil in the engine and the fact that fuel filters and water separators must be serviced more often than gas vehicles. Gasoline engines have a bigger advantage due to extended service periods on spark plugs, engine oil, and even antifreeze.
Making that final choice between gas and diesel comes down to what you will do with your vehicle and where you live. If you use your vehicle for quick, fast acceleration and rarely ever haul heavy loads and do not plan to keep your vehicle past 100,000 miles, You may want to consider buying a gasoline vehicle.
Gas runs smoother, fuel is easier to find, and they are easier to start in cold weather. On the other hand, if you plan to tow, value good fuel economy and plan on racking up a lot of miles, then you will want to buy a diesel.
Price is also an important consideration, as diesel vehicles can be a bit more expensive than gas. If you are not worried about price, then diesel may be your best bet. For trucks, diesel is by far the superior choice for those who like to haul heavy loads on a frequent basis.
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Joshua Spaulding provides Automotive Articles through his Quality Article Directory.Joshua also provides Free Training on how to Make Money Online
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Save Hundreds On Your Next Auto Insurance Policy
With auto insurance policies costing hundreds of dollars a year there is no doubt as a vehicle owner you would like to reduce this yearly expense. Your age, driving record and other factors can increase your car insurance premium. There are many ways you can reduce your auto insurance.
The law in most states requires you to purchase a minimum amount of liability coverage. To provide yourself with enough protection it is usually recommended to buy extra liability which is not a huge extra cost. Depending on your situation the following steps can be taken to help you save money.
Shopping around is a quick and easy way to find a better deal especially if your current policy fee has gone up. It is possible to find insurers that can save you hundreds of dollars for the exact same coverage, even in states that regulate auto insurance rates.
Increasing your deductible can save you ten percent or more depending on how high you go. This is a great way to cut your premium cost especially if you are a good driver. If the time comes just be prepared to pay approximately twice the deductible.
A good credit history report will decrease your insurance premium. Many insurance companies will analyze your credit history taking into account the risk factor when deciding on your final premium. Maintaining a good credit history and paying bills on time will allow you to enjoy lower premiums.
You may qualify for a low mileage discount if you drive less throughout the year. If your insurer offers this you may find it worth your while to commute to work using public transportation. When you take a holiday, instead of driving you could fly or take the train.
Using your vehicle for work increases you insurance premium compared to pleasure driving. If possible stop using your vehicle for business use. This strategy does not apply if you save more with a business expense deduction.
A safe driving discount will apply if you have not had any accidents, moving violations, drunk driving convictions, etc. over a three year period. So obviously the best way to qualify for this discount is to drive carefully and defensively.
Cars are rated on a risk scale depending on how flashy they are. If you own a sports car or any high performance vehicle the risk is higher since they are targets for thieves and vandals. Driving habits are commonly more reckless with these vehicles as well so the insurance company will ask for a much higher premium to cover extra costs. Low risk vehicles will be your common sedans and station wagons.
If you live in a country setting with less crime and congestion it is obvious that the risk factor for theft and vandalism goes down substantially. This does not mean you should move to get lower premiums it might sway your decision if you are thinking about getting away from the city life.
There may be a break on your premium if you park your vehicle in a garage. Some insurance companies allow this because of the less likely chance of theft or damage.
Anti-theft devices like a car alarm or tracking system like On-star from GM may reduce your insurance costs. Anti-lock brakes, automatic seat belts and airbag systems will also give you an option for lower rates. Theft and vandalism is obviously the highest cost to insurance companies so they usually reward policies holders with discounts when the above options are in place.
Some insurance companies will give you a break when you purchase both auto and home insurance from them. Multiple cars under the same policy or with the same company could be beneficial as well.
Other miscellaneous discounts could be AAA membership, having a defensive driving course or just being a long time customer.
All the above tips are questions you can ask an insurance company when you start shopping around. There are many companies out there that want your business and the competition is fierce.
So remember, you do not have to accept a quote from the first company you go to. There may be a better deal around the corner.
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John Whelan is a certified mechanic with 30 years experience and likes to share tips and resources that will help vehicle owners avoid costly auto repairs. For more information check out knowyourautotips.com
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How To Select The Appropriate Custom Wheels For Your SUV
People who own SUVs can choose to communicate themselves with their tires. They can install a set of loud, flashy tires that demand the attention of the people who watch them cruise by, or they can put on a set of conservative, classy rims that demand the respect of others. SUV owners who have installed a set of stylish wheels know that their rims are far more than a metal disk that supports tires. Do you?
If you are thinking about installing a set of rims on your SUV, the first thing you need to do is decide on a budget. Since wheels can be very pricey indeed it is a good idea to set a limit on your spending from the get go. Setting a price range will also limit the amount of choices available to you, which, counter intuitively, is a good thing, since the vast choices available in rims can be very daunting. And, it will keep you from feeling too guilty for having splurged on too expensive wheels.
After you have set your budget, you can start thinking about which type of metal you want. SUV wheels come in various metals, like chrome, aluminum, or stainless steel. Choosing a metal is very important because it will determine how much care you will need to dedicate to your wheels. The three metals listed above are low-maintenance. Of course, the determining factor in choosing metal should be your personal taste.
After metal, it's time for the best part, choosing which style you want. Style in wheels is a very personal thing. One person cannot tell another which one is best for them, so it will all be up to you. So, think about whether you want the tough looking thick spoked rims that will make your SUV look strong and imposing or a finer looking, refined look that will make your SUV distinctly classy. The good thing is that SUVs can take all manner of wheels and ride with them, so there are few limits to your personal style.
You are sure to have seen the hundreds and hundreds of stores that specialize in dealing with custom and personalized wheels. These would be an excellent spot to start the search for the SUV rims of your dreams. Going to the dealers will let you see wheels in real life, not just on the pages of catalogs, and get a better impression of how it will look when it is installed on your vehicle. And if the store doesn't have the wheel you were thinking of in stock, then they will almost certainly be able to send away for it for you.
If the stores local to your area are not satisfactory, then you could always try to search on the internet. Besides loads of information regarding SUV wheels, you will find images of all kinds of rims and wheels which are designed specifically for the SUVs made today. If you don't want to order the wheels yourself online, you can simply print out the information of the wheels you like and take it to a dealership that will order them for you. There is also the added bonus in that they can even mount the wheels for you!
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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as chrome wheels at www.vintagewheelsplus.com
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