Odyssey 500

Most efficient overall – Honda Insight hybrid

With 60 mpg city and 66 mpg highway, the Honda hybrid

has top honors as most fuel efficient in the United

States.  With a 1.0 gas engine mated to an electric

motor, the insight was designed to make the most

of the power by using low resistance tires.  The

bad things about the Insight include a cramped

interior, seating for two, and a very odd styling.

Fuel efficient mid size car – Toyota Prius hybrid

(60 mpg city and 51 mpg highway)

The Prius, unlike the Honda Insight, is capable of

carrying 5 people plus their gear.  The Prius will

generate a total of 110 HP from its gasoline engine

and electric motor.  The sleek shape to the Prius

has a low co-efficient drag although Toyota has

managed to do this with a larger, yet more driver

friendly vehicle than the Insight of Toyota.

Most efficient compact car – Honda Civic hybrid

(49 mpg city and 51 mpg highway)

With a reputation of being the cheapest hybrid in

North America, the Civic hybrid takes the great

design of the regular Civic and makes it a lot more

efficient.  With an output of 110 HP, the Civic

hybrid is very competitive for the class.  

Most efficient sub compact car – Volkswagon diesel

(37 mpg city and 44 mpg highway)

The Volkswagon Beetle diesel is ahead of even the

sub compact hybrids.  Making 100 HP, the Beetle

diesel may not sound that powerful, although the

177 lb-foot of torque will put shame on every

other vehicle in the same class.  

Most efficient station wagon – Pontiac and Toyota

(30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway)

The Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are both the

result of a joint venture of Toyota and General

Motors.  Both vehicles come equipped with Toyota

engines, although a lot of the design and

engineering came from General Motors.  Both the

Matrix and the Vibe are versatile with active

lifestyles.  With a fuel efficient 1.8L 4 cylinder

that produces 126 HP, the Matrix and the Vibe

aren’t going to win a street race although they

make up for it with smoothness, efficiency, and

refinement.

Most efficient large car – Hyundai Sonata

(24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway)

The Sonata is a major surprise, beating out very

stiff competition.  The 2.4L 4 cylinder engine is

very smooth, responsive, and powerful.  The

suspension however, is soft, and geared more

towards comfort than handling.  This isn’t a BMW,

although the build quality is great, clearly

demonstrating that Hyundai is no longer a second

rate manufacturer.

Not only do politicians and celebrities need protection because of their highly visible profiles, many of the elite business owners feel a need for more security as well.  Ambassadors, entrepreneurs and other wealthy individuals feel safer traveling to and from meetings, work, and home knowing that the vehicle they are riding in is equipped to resist any efforts to harm or rob them.

Armored sedans are built to offer complete protection and are engineered so that there are no gaps, which allows individuals a feeling of complete safeness and security while driving.  Many don’t realize just how common the use of these types of vehicle is – police units, retailers, SWAT teams and bank executives often want the highest quality vehicle available in order to feel completely protected.

Today, crime is at an all time high.  Military vehicles have long provided protection for those protecting our country, and cash in transit vehicles have been used to transport money to retailers for years.  Now, the wealthy of the world feel a need to protect themselves as well, and armored sedans are built to provide the highest level of security available.

Celebrities, politicians, ambassadors and entrepreneurs in particular want to know that when they travel to and from appearances and other events, their life is safe.  However, they also enjoy traveling in style.  The best of both worlds is possible, with the large selection of vehicles available today.  

Anyone can travel inconspicuously in a car that looks just like the others commonly seen on the road.  The exterior of the car looks like any other, but has layers of armor underneath for protection, along with bulletproof glass.  Whether you prefer an armored Mercedes Benz, BMW, Lincoln Town Car, Chrysler 300 or Toyota, you can travel in exceptional style that only you know provides the highest level of security.

No matter what your needs are, armored sedans provide luxury appearance with complete security and protection.  Go anywhere you like, knowing that you are safe in a vehicle that is manufactured by a trustworthy company that offers only the best.

Winter time can be especially stressful on your car as cold temperatures and icy conditions can make the going rough during that time of the year. Hazardous road conditions, blinding snow and sub zero temperatures can put your car at risk, even leaving you stranded if you are not careful.

There is one component inside of your car that can contribute to dimming headlights, a battery unable to hold its charge and just plain difficulty starting your car on a cold winter morning. That part would be your alternator, an essential component to ensuring that your car is running right under all conditions.

“The alternator, which supplies power to your vehicle’s electrical system, works a lot harder today than it did in the past,” said Fred Padgett, Group Product Manager, Starting and Charging Products for Bosch, the world’s largest supplier of automotive parts to the automotive industry and the aftermarket. www.boschautoparts.com.

When alternators were first developed, the only tasks they were responsible for was to power the horn and the headlights. Today, car’s are much more technologically sophisticated and include a number of features that weren’t available a generation ago including navigation systems, dual zone air conditioning, entertainment systems, rear window defrosters, in-car television, refrigeration and more. Initially a 50 to 60 amp alternator would have been sufficient but today’s cars require a much more power unit, one with 130 amps or more.

According to Padgett, alternators contain diodes and built-in voltage regulators that may allow enough output to keep the “ALT” or “Check Engine” light from coming on. But output may be compromised enough that the alternator is unable to keep up with demand and is actually draining the battery to operate the vehicle. The result? Dim lights, slow wipers and turn signals, possibly a slow start condition — and ultimately, a dead battery.

Fortunately, a repair shop can check alternator output and replace it if necessary. Bosch, Padgett said, offers both new and remanufactured alternators and both carry Bosch’s free two-year emergency roadside assistance.

So before winter’s fury sidelines your car, make sure that your car is in top shape before venturing out on the road. Make sure that your vehicle’s alternator is part of that check up, something your mechanic can easily examine the next time you take your car in for service.