Archive for August, 2008

New York International Auto Show to Host Ford’s Concept Cars

New York International Auto Show to Host Ford’s Concept Cars
By Anthony Fontanelle

Motor shows have always been one of the foremost gatherings that auto makers take advantage of so as to showcase the advances they have made in the design and performance of their vehicles. More often than not, a motor show is characterized by an influx of concept vehicles.

This type of vehicles is designed using cutting edge design concepts, advanced engine technology and would also come loaded with futuristic features. These vehicles are only used to showcase the technologies developed by car manufacturers.

The features shown on these vehicles will only be used on production vehicles after some time. The reason for this is that the features on concept vehicles are significantly expensive to produce. This means that further development is needed to bring down the cost of production of features used on concept vehicles for them to be made available for mass produced vehicles.

The upcoming New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), dubbed as the biggest event of its kind, will be hosting concept vehicles from United States second largest car manufacturer, Ford. This year, the Ford Motor Company will be showcasing three concept vehicles – two from Ford and one from Lincoln. All of these three concept vehicles are showing the path that Ford Motor Company is willing to take in the near future.

The first of the three concept vehicles is the Ford Airstream. The design of the concept vehicle is largely influenced by the film 2001: A Space Odyssey which is a masterpiece done by Stanley Kubrick. The futuristic design of the vehicle is evident in its aluminum finish and radically designed windows and extended windshield. The vehicle is not only futuristic in terms of its exterior looks but also in the way it is powered. The Ford Airstream is a plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell vehicle. This means that aside from the fuel cell, the vehicle is also equipped with a powerful battery pack which provides added power. The vehicle is an electric vehicle in a sense that it runs on electric power alone thus no harmful emission is released.

Another concept vehicle that Ford will be unveiling at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan is the flex fuel vehicle that is the Ford Interceptor. The concept is loosely based on the Ford Mustang and provides just as much power as its cousin. The vehicle runs on E85 which is a combination of 85 percent bio-ethanol and 15 percent conventional gasoline. The bio-ethanol burning engine can produce as much as 400 horsepower. That amount of power could only be stopped by highly efficient brake components like EBC brake pads. To match the power of the vehicle, Ford gives the Interceptor advanced safety features like their patented four-point belts and suspenders. For passengers on the second row of seats, the Ford Interceptor provides inflatable safety belts.

Aside from the two concept vehicles from Ford, one of its divisions, Lincoln, also developed a concept vehicle. Lincolns MKR Concept is a four-door coupe packed with a long list of luxury features. What the Lincoln MKR brings to the table is the uniqueness of their luxury trims like the leather which is chemical free. The powerplant of the concept is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin turbocharger and direct injection feature. The engine runs on gasoline and can produce as much as 415 brake horsepower.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

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Car Audio System A New Buyer’s Guide

Car Audio System — A New Buyer’s Guide
By Chimezirim Chinecherem Odimba

You have several options if you want to improve your current car audio system. The market is flooded with car audio systems and choosing the right one for your car can be a tough task. However, with a few guiding tips, you’ll be all set to choose the right audio system for your car.

There are some fundamental guiding tips that can make the process of selecting the right car audio system very painless.

First and foremost you must check the capacity of your pocket. You must buy an audio system that does not burn a hole in your pocket.

Your preference matters a lot. You can either choose a system which gives you ultimate sound quality or go for a simple and basic system.

It is essential that the new car audio system is extremely user-friendly. The system must have large and well-spaced buttons to enable easy and smooth operation. The system must be such that ensures minimum distraction.

The car audio system must also have a proper display. The display must be large, clear and well informative.

A car audio system must have a head unit which shows all the pertinent data for the convenience of the user.

The system must have a powerful amplifier. Without a high quality amplifier, even a new car audio system will not give the highest quality you can get from it.

It is always good to have car audio systems that have separate tweeters. Users must make sure that the tweeters are properly positioned for the best results.

A separate sub woofer to the car audio system would provide that extra rumble to the system.

These are the basics. There are more to an audio system but those are certainly not for a new enthusiast. However, if you keep these very basic factors in mind, buying a good car audio system would surely be a pleasurable experience. Make sure driving your car is also a treat to your ears.

Visit car-audio-products-and-accessories.com to read more car audio articles. Check CarAudioPlus for your car audio products and accessories.

Chimezirim Odimba writes for CarAudioPlus.

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What You Need To Know About The Acura TL

What You Need To Know About The Acura TL
By Christopher Luck

What will you see that is different with the new Acura TL than in previous versions? Having taken a few test drives with the new version of the Acura TL, there are definite differences. You see, it has been redesigned over the last couple of years so that Audi and BMW drivers another luxury car option. This is yet another luxury sports car that is a combination of performance and value.

The Acura TL has changed a slight amount from 2004 when all of the big changes were made. It is still based on the Honda Accord, but there are some changes in the styling of the car and the powertrain. There are also some additional upscale features to the 2005 version of the Acura TL.

Performance wise, the 2005 Acura TL starts off with a 270-horsepower, 3.2 liter, 24-valve V6 engine. You can get your choice of a five-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual.

Standard with the 2005 Acura TL are 17-inch wheels that are equipped with antilock four-wheel disc brakes as well as a system for anti-skid. These standard features add to the great handling that is associated with this version of the Acura TL. It steers well and maneuvers easily in traffic. Most say it has a strong feel in traffic and that the wheels, at 17 inches, only add to that feel.

Standard on the interior of the Acura TL is leather upholstery. It is a comfortable and attractive leather that looks nice with the aluminum trim on the interior as well. The gauges are electroluminescent with blue backlighting that makes them both stylish and easy to read at night. In addition, heated seats in the front, XM satellite radio, voice-recognition navigation, and heated power door mirrors are just a few of the many standard luxury features available on this sports sedan. Then there is the cruise control, air conditioning, and individual front seat climate control, which are also all standard.

Comfort wise, the Acura TL fits the bill as well. There is a lot of leg room in the front seat. The car is made for style and front seat comfort, but you may find the back seat a little bit cramped at times. There is also limited space for storage. It is, however, a fantastic car for taking a date out on the town or showing up at a party in. It manages traffic and weather with equal ease and grace, so it if a fine work car as well.

You have seen the Acura TL sitting on the lot and wondered what all the hype was about. You wondered if the 2005 model was an improvement and if the car was a model you would enjoy for your lifestyle. It certainly isnt for everyone, but if you like a sports sedan with luxury and style to make a statement on your behalf, then you might want to consider taking a look at the 2005 Acura TL. It is practical for handling traffic and bad weather as well as looking stylish for your night out on the town. Either way, you owe yourself a look, go on, you know you want to.

If you would like to view more of my articles on acura automobiles, please feel free to visit my acura secrets website!

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Western Automakers Looking for Better Car Component Suppliers in Russia

Western Automakers Looking for Better Car Component Suppliers in Russia
By Benjamin Hudson

The auto industry is beset with various problems — if its not about overproduction, lack of funds, then it would be union problems, and if its not about the workers then theres always the problems on late arrival of parts and the list goes on.

And just recently a lot of the Western automakers have to stop or slow down production due to the delay in the shipment of parts that got stuck in customs. And one of these automakers is Ford that ran short on components and was forced to scale back production of cars at its plant near St. Petersburg.

According to the head of the Western suppliers Russian operations, We were certainly not happy, that’s for sure. There have been a number of problems with customs clearance. He also requested that his name as well as his companys name be withheld in the fear of antagonizing the authorities.

The problem that Ford experience with the spare-parts shipment is also experience by other car plants across the country and is said to be getting worst. It can be remembered that foreign carmakers rushed to build plants after the government announced two years ago that it is rolling out the red carpet. But now after the multimillion-dollar announcements have been made and the fanfare has died down, the giant automakers are becoming aware that there are shortage of quality auto components that they need for the assembly of their Camrys, Logans, and Passats.

To obtain their needed parts most carmakers are bringing in components via the rail, road, and sea from abroad. This is despite the fact that they have the obligation to source more components locally in the near future. Most of the foreign parts makers are just starting to open shop which means that they cannot provide yet the required volume of component parts that various automakers require for their productions on the other hand Russian-produced components are not quality enough to pass assembly requirements according to industry executives.

The local car industry is handicapped by the quality of local suppliers who according to Carl Hahn– Chairman emeritus of Volkswagen– are far below world standards. Hahn was given the tasked of helping Volkswagen enter Russia.

Volkswagen has recently chosen a site near Moscow for the construction of its future Volkswagen plant where both Skoda and Volkswagen models are to be assembled and that area is the Kaluga—which is about 120 kilometers south of Moscow where most of the suppliers are. Unfortunately, even in Moscow there are not enough suppliers to supply and create the auto components like VW mufflers that the automaker needs for its vehicles.

The automakers that have taken their production to Russia includes Ford Motor, Renault, Kia Motors, Volkswagen, General Motors, Toyota, and Nissan but only the last four automakers have announced their plans of building plants in Russia. It is no secret that sales in Western markets is not only saturated but stagnating, which leaves carmakers to take their chance on Russia where nearly any foreign car sells well.

Last year, Ford Focus garnered Russias best-selling foreign model an honor that Ford has never achieve in its own home market. GMs Chevrolet Niva that was built in partnership with AvtoVAZ was proclaimed the second-best selling vehicle according to the Association of European Businesses in Russia.

Most of you must be thinking why did automakers choose Russia as their new production haven? Russia is an ideal country to produce cars since the government has scrapped tariffs on key car components to encourage carmakers to assemble their vehicles here. All the government is asking is from the carmakers in return for the favor they have given is to gradually increase the proportion of domestically produced parts that they use to 30 percent within 4 years.

There are already nine foreign and domestic carmakers that have agreed to the said arrangement. They will invest more than $2.2 billion to produce more than 700,000 vehicles per year that is basing on the figures provided by the Industry and Energy Ministry.

For more about your VW mufflers needs like , visit your trusted online source.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

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Why You Should Buy Hybrid Truck in 2007

Why You Should Buy Hybrid Truck in 2007
By Arindam Chattopadhyaya

Planning to buy a new car or truck but dont know what to do? The simple answer is go for either hybrid car or hybrid truck. Yes you read it right. Hybrid cars and trucks have become very popular and people are running to buy the best one from the lot. But what is hybrid?

Hybrid means a mix or fusion. In the case of hybrid cars and trucks, it refers to the employment of dual means to power a vehicle. People prefer hybrid cars and trucks over other cars as this not only saves money but also they are environment friendly. So why not go for this option only. However, the main question pops up is that what the key behind the new technology is. Every user and consumer has right to know about this technology so that they can derive a decision whether to go or not.

Owing a hybrid car and truck is the best benefit consumer can ever get. The batteries equipped in the car or truck recharged internally. This means no more worrying of recharging. In other words, now no need to hook the vehicle into a wall. Another best advantage you can cash upon is the inclusion of a regular, albeit small, gasoline engine.

But if this hybrid car and truck has only two benefits, what is the hubbub all about? What makes hybrid car and truck so special that South Park will devote an entire episode to them and its drivers? The answer is power. Hybrid car and truck is powered packed as there are two types of hybrid vehicle: parallel and series. Both perform different functions but on the same principle having slight variation. In short, both are equally complicated and even competent.

Firstly taking this parallel hybrid car and truck, we come to know that this type of design involves the two means of generating power. Those are an engine fueled from a gas tank and an electric motor supplied by batteries that generally reside under the floorboards. However, both connect autonomously to the transmission, which in turn propels the vehicle. Hybrid car and truck has the electric motor which functions as a generator that amasses excess energy derived from the heat of braking and returns it to recharge the batteries.

Now talking about series type hybrid car and truck, in this type you have one system affecting the other. Herein the generator employs the electric motor, which runs the transmission that drives the vehicle. One of the most interesting aspects of the hybrid and one that definitely raises the vehicle’s cool factor is the automatic engine shut-off. Thats why hybrid cars and trucks have become highly selling vehicle these days.

Hence it wont be wrong to say that hybrid cars and trucks have plenty of advantages and owing one will be of great help.

Hybrid car information provides you latest trend in hybrid vehicle area.

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5 Tips To Buy A Seized Car Through Police Auto Auctions

5 Tips To Buy A Seized Car Through Police Auto Auctions
By Albert Lee

Most kids dream of becoming a cop, being able to ride the police car and engage in some heroic deed and save the day of another person.

It sounds just perfect for a dream.

To some who eventually became cops, the possibility is present. To those who did not make it, dreaming is still an option or at the least, they can purchase a car from the police auctions.

Police Auto Auctions

Ordinarily speaking, one cannot really purchase police cars and cause misrepresentation to the public.

However, through the public or government auto auctions, police cars and other cars that have figured in police encounters or seizures can be sold for use by purchasers.

Through the police auto auctions, cars that are seized by the government can be purchased by the highest bidder.

This way any properties that are previously deemed illegal for use can now be properly released to willing buyers for a legitimate utility.

It is also one way of buying cars at very reasonable, if not completely cheap prices.

The automobiles showcased on police auctions can range from the ordinary car foreclosed or to a luxurious BMW or Mercedes seized by the government away from criminal or fraudulent transactions.

There are also government vehicle like those used for transportation services or the retired police automobiles that are up for sale at very low prices.

The good thing about the government vehicles is that one can expect these to be well-maintained considering they have been used for service.

Helpful Tips in Making the Wise Purchase at Police Auto Auctions

1. Know the Date of the Auction

Public auctions are given by the police departments at certain days of the year. Know which day it is scheduled in your locality by inquiring at the police department or checking the listings for announcement.

Some details that you will need can also be checked out on the internet. There are certain web sites that provide the information. Check out if there is one that features your locality.

2. Research Ahead regarding the Car

Those who wish to purchase automobiles must research on the specifications that they need from a car and what types of autos should be focused on during the auction.

This way, one can determine what price is reasonable enough to pay for.

3. Research Ahead regarding the Public Auction

If there are any announcements as to the public auctions, inquire ahead if there are cars up for bidding.

Police auctions involve stuff seized by the government because of crimes committed by other people, most of the time.

Unless it is labeled as police auto auctions, there is no certainty that the public auction will necessarily include cars.

4. Prepare Enough Money

Unlike regular auctions, police auto auctions require that goods sold are purchased right away.

Even checks, as a general rule, may not be accepted unless the department makes exceptions after proper processing.

5. No Warranties

Consider also the element that the purchase you made will not include a warranty for the vehicle. The car you bought cannot be simply returned if it did not meet your expectations. It is also difficult to get reimbursements.

Conclusion

People need cars to easily and efficiently go about their daily lives. Not having enough money is not anymore an obstacle.

Simply maximize events such as police auto auctions and you can get more worth for less money.

For listings of police seized cars, please visit http://www.auto-car-auctions.info/

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2006 Audi A3 2 L Wagon Review

2006 Audi A3 2 L Wagon Review
By Kostia Kot

Engine 2.0L
Doors 4
Transmission 6-Speed Manual
Fuel Gas
Driveline FWD
New car price $22,700.00
Used car price ?

The new 2006 Audi A3 2.0L Wagon is aimed at a younger buyer, who would definitely appreciate its versatility and high performance. A3 is classified as premium compact. Euro-inspired and with all the attributes that make an Audi this elegantly designed sports hatchback is a strong entry into the market. The interior is roomy and its fit and finish is impeccable. Standard features include height adjustable driver’s seat, power door locks with keyless entry, power windows and alloy wheels.

Extras come in packages and the list runs for miles. Leather seats, aluminum trim and an ‘Open Sky’ sunroof for that convertible feeling all can be added at buyer’s request. Safety equipment such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), front and side-impact airbags and three-point belts for all five seating positions come on every 2006 Audi A3 2.0L Wagon. But it is on the road where the story really becomes exciting.

The little 2.0 liter turbo four cranks out 200 horsepower underscored by a 210 pound-feet of torque, which comes on between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm, making it feel a lot more. 2006 Audi A3 2.0L Wagonis the first production car engine which uses gasoline direct injection with a turbocharger.The result is a great performance with remarkable fuel efficiency. The car is amazingly well balanced, the transmission is easy and fast and even with front-wheel drive the A3 car has a feel of agility and nimbleness. On the down side the new Audi A3 is a bit pricey. However, if elegant, reliable, powerful and fun to drive car is what you are after, 2006 Audi A3 2.0L Wagon is the perfect choice.

http://audi-review.blogspot.com

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Tire Chain Reviews

Tire Chain Reviews
By Elizabeth Morgan

A lot of snow gets accumulated on different roads and freeways in winter, which soon turns into hardened ice over the days. This causes several problems for vehicle drivers as their vehicles either get stuck in snow or skid on slippery, icy surfaces. Tire chains are used to cover tires of vehicles when driving on ice laden roads. Use of tire chains helps in traction of wheels and prevents vehicles from skidding.

Professional motorists and experts study the wear and tear of various tire chains on different vehicles and write their reviews. Different tire chains have varied pros and cons. Particular type of tire chains could be useful for two wheelers but may not recommended for larger vehicles. Heavy duty vehicles may require a completely different type of tire chain considering the weight they transport. Motor vehicles would not like to compromise on the speed component and would be advised to use specific type of tire chains.

Most drivers share their experiences of using a particular type or brand of tire chains. These reviews reflect customers’ experience regarding specific tire chain manufacturers. Others may comment on the durability of certain products. Some present a comparative analysis of different types of chains. Tire manufacturers often mention good reviews on their websites and in their brochures and information booklets.

Some tire chain companies employ professional experts to conduct research and write their own reviews. These experts have years of specific experience and can critically evaluate tire chains from various points of views. They give an unbiased practical review without any preference for any particular company and are in a better position to guide customers about finer points of tire chains very objectively.

Many car magazines and vehicle related websites write specific reviews for particular kind of tire chains. They educate their readers on the nuances of using vehicles in winters and other related information. Tire chain reviews give an idea of how a particular tire chain works in different vehicles and in various adverse conditions.

Tire Chains provides detailed information on Tire Chains, Snow Tire Chains, Tractor Tire Chains, Truck Tire Chains and more. Tire Chains is affiliated with Snow Tires.

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The Automobile Mechanic Is Actually Your Car Doctor

The Automobile Mechanic Is Actually Your Car Doctor
By Swati Banerjee

Those people whose job is to examine, preserve and fix motor vehicles like light trucks and cars are referred to as automobile mechanics. When we fall sick, we go to the doctor so that he can give us medicines to help us recover quickly. Likewise, when your car is unable to operate or does not operate properly then you take your car to the automobile mechanic for repairs. So we can say that automobile mechanics are doctors of motor vehicles.

The automobile mechanics check your car on a regular basis so as to ensure that every thing is well with your car. After checking out the engines and different parts of your vehicles, they will tell you whether your vehicle is in a good shape or not. Basically, the mechanics have to follow a checklist so that they can be satisfied that they have inspected the possible problems of the car. Certain parts of the vehicles, which the automobile mechanics scrutinize carefully, are brakes, plugs, belts, fuel system and hoses.

Furthermore, these professional mechanics can also fix your windshield wipers and heaters. Service technician is one other term, which we use to refer to an automobile mechanic.

Work of an automobile mechanic

You will notice that automobile mechanics will ask you about the problems, which your car is giving you when you take your car for repair. After that, these professionals will check or scrutinize your vehicle carefully and get rid of all those things that are creating problems to your car. There are also times when these mechanics will take your car for a test drive in order to ensure that your car is performing well. There are a number of instruments, which they will use to check your car such as compression gauges and hand-held diagnostic computers. For the purpose of repairing different parts of the car, the automobile mechanics also use pliers and screwdrivers. Now there are also come expert mechanics that make use of instruments that work by electricity like computerized diagnostic instruments and infrared engine.

If certain parts of your car are not working properly then you may have to change those parts and the automobile mechanics will help you decide the quantity as well as the size of the parts. Apart from repairing and checking the cars, automobile mechanics have to make a record of information relating to the cars that they repair or check. These mechanics can work inside a shop as well as outside the shop though most of the time they have to work from outside the shop. For certain tasks they are required to wear gears like earplugs or goggles to protect themselves from harm while repairing your car. They have to work very carefully so that no error occurs, as one small error on their part can be fatal. If you think that this is an easy job then you have to think once again because this job requires a lot of concentration and the mechanics may have to stand for a long period at a stretch.

Job description

The job description of an automobile mechanic includes:

-At the time of routine check up of cars, they have to scrutinize and lubricate different parts of the vehicles including the engines.

-To calculate approximately the potential expenditure of repairing the car.

-To inspect the vehicles by following a systematic pattern.

It is very important on the part of the automobile mechanic to communicate their thoughts clearly so that the owner of the car will be able to understand the problem of the car and the solution to that problem. Like I said earlier, an automobile mechanic will need to focus on his work carefully because this is that line of work that requires focus and concentration while working on the cars. They have to take notice of the different parts of the car so that they can prevent any potential problems from taking place. While thinking of plans to repair or fix the car, they have to be very practical.

Some of the requirements for automobile mechanics are as follows:

-They should have a fair idea about technology and engineering.

-They should know how to make use of computers and different kinds of software.

-They should be able to repair cars and use the different kinds of equipments that are required for the purpose of repairing cars.

If you are interested in this profession then you can begin by joining as a mechanics helper or a trainee. The training is as long as two years and it can extend to five years. After the training, you will have the skills to repair even the trickiest problems of the car. All that it takes is concentration and the willingness to be a good and successful automobile mechanic.

Swati Banerjee is the owner of Writing Ink, a web content management firm based out of India, that services clients from across the globe. Please take a minute to visit http://www.writing-ink.com to experience how the bright young minds here make magic with words!

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Consumer Reports Picks Acura Lexus Over European American Luxury Brands

Consumer Reports Picks Acura – Lexus Over European American Luxury Brands
By Glady Reign

The American magazine Consumer Reports recently reported that the Acura MDX and the Lexus RX350 were given more points compared to Cadillac, BMW, or Lincoln SUVs. The report came after tests have been conducted on the SUVs which will be part of the Consumer Reports July issue.

The tests conducted by Consumer Reports include 18 midsize SUVs according to the publication. Of these 18 vehicles, the Lexus RX350 ranked third while the Acura MDX ranked fourth.

Ranking first is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid while the Lexus RX400h ranked second. The RX400h and the Lexus RX350 shares a common platform. The only difference between them is the powertrain since the hybrid RX400h uses an electric motor so as to provide additional power to its engine.

Of the eighteen midsized SUVs tested by Consumer Reports, five of them are luxury SUVs. Aside from the RX350 and the MDX, the three other luxury SUVs tested by Consumer Reports are the Cadillac SRX, the BMW X5 and the Lincoln MKX. The SRX, X5 and the MKX all received an overall Very Good rating but failed to outrank the RX350 and the MDX. The SRX finished somewhere in the middle of the list while the X5 and the MKX were at the bottom of the list.

The RX350 and the MDX both finished with 80 points each but due to other characteristic differences like the handling ability and fuel economy, the Lexus SUV was ranked higher than the Acura. The RX carries five passengers and is known for its luxurious interior. Its engine is the most fuel efficient of the five luxury SUVs even without the help of aftermarket parts like the Exedy clutch or the Exedy flywheel. The RX also has the quickest acceleration among the tested luxury SUVs.

The RXs new engine is a 3.5-liter V6 engine which is capable of producing 270 horsepower. The fuel efficiency of the said engine resulted to a gas mileage rating of 19 mpg as according to Consumer Reports after the RX underwent their own fuel economy tests.

The MDX on the other hand can seat up to seven passengers – two more than the RXs capacity. It also has a luxurious interior. Another characteristic which puts the MDX near the top spot is its better handling as compared to the RX and the other luxury SUVs. Its engine is also reported to be sportier than that of the Lexus. Its suspension setting complements the powertrain giving the MDX good riding comfort.

The SRX, while able to attain a Very Good overall rating, is not being recommended by Consumer Reports due to the questionable reliability of past models of the SRX. The X5 and the MKX, on the other hand, are relatively new to the market so Consumer Reports have limited data so as to their reliability. The publication only recommends vehicles which have performed well on their tests and those which have been proven to be reliable. Reliability is based on the companys Annual Car Reliability Survey of CRs subscribers. The recommended vehicles should also receive good safety ratings.

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.You can also visit Exedy clutch for more information.

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