Nissan Murano: The Safest SUV

Safety is one of the most significant attributes that car shoppers should consider before getting one. SUVs are among the best-selling types of vehicles today because of its convenience and great performance. Before SUVs are delivered in various dealerships, the IIHS conducts several tests to evaluate the SUV’s durability and safety.

The most recent SUV crash test was already carried out by the institute to further recognize the safest and most dependable newest SUV today. The Auto Channel reported that 2009 Nissan Murano bagged the Top Safety Pick award. The 2009 Nissan Murano was the selected as the greatest safety performer garnering high remarks in side, front and rear tests out of nine 4-door midsize SUVs by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

"Combined with test results released last year, consumers now have 9 midsize, moderately priced SUV models that earn our Top Safety Pick designation," says Institute senior vice president Joe Nolan.

"More good news is that manufacturers have been moving quickly to add safety features like stability control and side airbags to their SUV models. All of the SUVs in this group have ESC, and all but the Wrangler have standard side airbags. Increasingly, consumers are getting the latest safety equipment without having to hunt through a list of options,” Nolan added.

The Nissan Murano claimed the Top Safety Pick crown and was recognized as the newly redesigned model for the 2009 model year and ESC.

"You don't know what kind of crash you're going to get into, so you want a vehicle that affords the best protection in the most common kinds of crashes," Nolan says. "The Murano is the only SUV in the group that does this."

Green Sonata

If you are looking for a green car, chances are, you would visit your nearest Toyota dealership. But Japanese automakers are not the only ones delivering on their promise of green vehicles. Koreans too know how to make green cars.

Case in point is the Hyundai Sonata which was recently recognized by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Company as on of the "Greener Choices" for the 2008 model year. The list compiled by the ACEEC is made for people who want green car. And with the demand fir fuel efficient and environment friendly vehicles increasing, this is indeed good news for Hyundai.

John Krafcik, vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development, Hyundai Motor America had this to say according to The Auto Channel: "The award for our clean, fuel-efficient Sonata recognizes Hyundai’s commitment to the environment. Like industry leading quality and safety, environmental sensitivity is another element of the value equation that makes Hyundai such a smart choice for consumers."

With the Sonata included in the aforementioned list, it just became more attractive. You see, the Hyundai Sonata is already priced lower than its direct competitors. That is already a big plus for auto buyers out there short on cash.

Apart from that, with the increasing price of gas, the green stature of the Sonata means that it does not burn gas that much. Add to that its exemplary warranty and you have a winner.

Not all consumers though would buy a small car like the Sonata. Some may prefer large SUVs like the Escalade or the Expedition. But there are those who do not need the large interior space of these SUVs. And for them, I think the Sonata is a good choice.

Perfect Day

Isn’t it a perfect moment to walk down the aisle toward the man and car of your dreams at the same time? And isn’t it that Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to celebrate love and start your whole lifetime together? I tell you, I’m not dreaming!

At approximately 7 a.m today, Valentine’s Day, Blake Humphrey and Jackie Rohner, winners of the Dodge “Journey of A Lifetime” contest, exchanged their marriage vows in front of 100 of their closest family and friends and around 1,000 cars on display at the ongoing 100^th Chicago Auto Show, North America’s largest auto show. The couple also got the ultimate chance to win an all-new 2009 Dodge Journey and an all-expense paid wedding with the “Infinity” band giving an exclusive entertainment during the reception.

According to autoblog.com, Humphrey was a fireman while Rohner was an educator who met each other on St. Patrick’s day and were engaged On December last year. The lucky couples were chosen among 63 couples who joined the said contest.

According to Mike Acavitti, Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing and Communication Director, the 2009 Dodge Journey is the perfect vehicle for single individuals who are about to crossover to married life.

“Dodge is offering Blake and Jackie the chance to start their journey together at the auto show. Dodge wanted to help this couple start their journey on the right road with a bold wedding ceremony and a new set of wheels that will help them meet life’s changing demands - the all-new Dodge Journey,” Acavitti added.

The 2009 Dodge Journey, unveiled at the 2007 International Motor Show, said Michael Manley, Chrysler International sales' Marketing and Business Development Executive Vice President, is an entire package of car that delivers safety, quality and reliability. It features flexible seating, spacious cargo room and a fuel-efficient and powerful power train. Its Manufacturer’s Suggested retail Price (MSRP) is pegged at $19,985 (including $625 destination).

The couple’s Valentine wedding was a dream come true as stated in their winning essay which chronicled their love story and their mutual passion for adventure - the greatest of which is winning the Dodge “Journey of a Lifetime” contest and tying the knot at the Chicago Auto Show.

Platinum Caddy Has LED All Around

Cadillac has been known to produce awesome vehicles. Although there are those who are against the production of large vehicles such as the Escalade, I don't think many will not call it a really cool ride.

The Auto Channel's Steve Purdy recently reported that the General Motors marquee had provided a sneak peek of the 2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Edition. Well, assuming that it is better than the "ordinary" Escalade, I expect this to be the coolest and at the same time hottest wheels for celebrities when it hits dealerships this summer.

According to Purdy, the new Cadillac is equipped with LED all around. That means that its headlamp, turn signals, anything that emanates light out of the vehicle is LED. The advantage of using LED on vehicles is that they are virtually invincible from being burned out. They also produces less heat thus consume less energy. The only drawback though is that they cost a lot.

As far as performance is concerned, Purdy writes: "The Escalade Platinum Edition come with GM’s Magnetic Ride Control, adjusting suspension damping in one millisecond increments to precisely control body motion. Power comes from Escalade’s exclusive 6.2-liter V8 with variable valve timing making 403 horsepower, mated to the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission featuring two overdrive gears for maximum gas mileage."

On the outside: "The 22-inch, 7-double-spoke, chrome wheels with semi-low profile tires enhance the urban ambiance. Front fascia is new, reflecting the evolutionary Cadillac design language exemplified by the popular new CTS."

Now that it the Cadillac has energy efficient lighting, I think I want Cadillac to focus on making the Escalade more fuel efficient. But then again, I think they are already working on that.