SUVs are usually meant for large families which is why the manufacturers are sure to include a lot of space in terms of seating and storage.

1. Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse has four doors and the ability to accommodate 8 passengers at the same time. The horsepower is great and the engine runs very smoothly. The speed requirements have been kept at par with that of a family which is why it doesn’t exactly go very fast. It costs about 28 thousand dollars.

2. Ford Escape

The Ford Escape has four doors as well but can seat on 5 passengers in one go. It is available in 6 different designs and therefore, models. The car can reach a speed of about 28 mpg and 22 mpg when the driver is on the highway and the city respectively. The Ford Escape is for 19 thousand dollars.

3. Hyundai Tucson

Similar to the Ford Escape, this SUV allows 5 passengers to sit comfortably and exit through 4 different doors. It is available in 9 models and the most popular one is the Limited Auto series. For a price of about 18 thousand dollars, it is quite reasonable and the engine is very reliable.

4. Honda CRV

A new model of the Honda CRV was introduced this year- it has 4 doors and can seat 5 people together. It comes along with a navigation system which is why it is slightly more expensive and will cost you about 25 thousand dollars.

5. Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox entered the market with 8 models in tow out of which the LTZ AWD is most sought after this year. One can fill in 2.4 liters of fuel and reach a speed of 32 mpg even when the terrain is steep. It will cost you about 28 thousand dollars.

6. GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain is large and has 4 doors which means that 6 people can easily fit in without having to stop breathing! It comes in 8 different models and the SLT2 AWD is the most popular when compared to the rest. Unlike the other SUVs, it can go pretty fast and the automatic transmission makes the drivers’ life much simpler.

7. Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento can cost you as much as 19 thousand dollars or 27 thousand dollars, depending on the model you select. That being said, the EX V6 4X4 is the best out of the lot- the engine will never give you any trouble and the maximum speed it can reach is pretty decent.

8. Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is slightly more expensive and can cost you about 40 thousand dollars bout you can be sure that you will be not disappointed. These high-end SUVs can reach a speed of 23 mpg and 17 mpg, depending on the terrain. The models have been improved for this year and the change is quite welcome.

9. Mazda Tribute

The Mazda Tribute has 4 doors and will accommodate 5 passengers. The Grand Touring series is said to be the best because it is slightly bigger than the rest. While the overdrive function is included in the features, it is always optional and the transmission is automatic, like always.

10. Honda Accord Crosstour

The Honda Accord Crosstour is pretty standard as far as SUVs are concerned. It has the usual 4 doors and basic accommodation. It is popular because of the inbuilt navigation system and its features that are state of the art.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Most of you will be horrified to learn that certain people actually come together to work towards scamming auto insurance companies and because they need a scapegoat, you may be their next victim.

1. Paper Accident

This fraud is kick-started when a dishonest person approaches that industry which looks into the repair and maintenance of cars. He tells them that he would like to be associated with such an accident that will make sense or exist nowhere else but on legal documents and papers. Because insurance companies tend to involve themselves only when the claim is above and beyond 1000 dollars, these criminals get away with it.

2. Hit and Run

The criminal will orchestrate a seemingly real hit and run accident and go running to your insurance company. You will have no choice but to pay up the required amount.

3. Swoop and Squat

The swindler will run towards a car that is moving at a great speed and suddenly come to halt, that is, squat, in front of it. An involved individual will appear in his car out of no where and move adjacent to the victim’s who will then try to keep himself from having an accident. The worst part is that chiropractors and doctors are usually involved in such cases.

4. Sideswipe

This criminal in this case will move towards you and force you to have an accident. This is usually done in such intersections that are confusing simply because they have too many lanes and turns. Therefore, when you are traveling on such a street, make sure a car doesn’t overtake you from your left and force you to collide into them.

5. T-Bone

This technique is usually carried out during that time of the day or year when nobody really drives about. This is because the criminals want to make sure that there are no eye witnesses around. The swindler will patiently wait at the mouth of the intersection and smash his car into a passing vehicle. They will then allow their own ‘witnesses’ to speak to the authorities and you will be in major trouble.

6. Wave

This technique is used when there is too much traffic. The scammer will wave at the victim and if the other driver waves back, he will ram his vehicle into the other car. He will tell the police that the victim actually allowed him to go first.

7. Shady Helper

Shady Helpers will approach you after you have had a ‘real’ accident and not one that has been organized, as such. He will then accompany you to a ‘good’ doctor or lawyer and maybe even a repair shop. The involved ‘professionals’ will try their best to give you the worst treatment ever and therefore, make money.

8. Panic Stop

The criminal in this case will gather a number of passengers and ask them to go along with his plan. They will move around a busy street and look out for such drivers that are using their cell phones. The criminals will take advantage of his distraction and ram into the vehicle.

9. Rear Enders

A Rear Ender will move a few feet in front of your vehicle and come to a sudden halt. Naturally, you will drive into the other car and the criminal will walk away with a lot of money.

10. Additional Damage

If you have had an accident, a criminal may look for your vehicle, take it elsewhere and destroy it further. This is why you should always get all the evidence that you can.

Popularity: 7% [?]

There have been many amazing cars in film and TV over the years, although some aren’t as memorable as others. Here is a list of the Top 10 TV & Movie Cars:

10: The Flintstone’s cars

As this doesn’t have an engine, airbags or brakes, The Flintstones’ car cannot be deemed roadworthy. Powered by the driver and passenger running, the Flintstones’ car was capable of a top speed of 2mph

9: Lady Penelope’s Limousine

Over 20ft long and incredibly hard to manoeuvre round corners, Lady Penelope’s car (also known as FAB1) is available if you want be seen driving round in the longest, pinkest car you can imagine. Just find someone willing to act as Parker and you’re ready to go

8: Italian Job Minis

Pretend you are Michael Caine ready to steal a shipment of gold from Italy and check out the Mini Cooper S straight from the film “The Italian Job”

7: New York

If you think of a yellow taxi you automatically think of New York, made famous by Robert De Niro in the movie “Taxi Driver”. There aren’t many of the old style around anymore, although if you’re lucky you may get a ride in one

6: The Mystery Machine

The Mystery Machine was the van used by the team made famous by Scooby Doo & Mystery Inc. With the aid of his friends Freddie, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy, Scooby got to the bottom of every mystery to usually reveal a man hiding behind a ghoul or ghost mask. Unfortunately, the Mystery Machine didn’t include any special features or crime fighting tools, but was still a cool looking van

5: The Batmobile

The original is always the best, and the 1960s version of the Batmobile driven by Adam West is easily the best Batmobile out there. You’ll struggle to find one that has the Bat-ray, the Batsmokescreen, or the Bat-computer

4: Ghostbusters Ecto 1

The Ecto 1 is a 1959 Cadillac ambulance conversion Miller-Meteor, used by the Ghostbusters when they were investigating paranormal activities. Complete with a Proton Cannon mounted on the roof to take on Slimer or Staypuft, the Ecto 1 is one of the most memorable cars out there, although you’ll struggle to find one in the same 1959 model seen in the film

3: The A Team Van

The GMC Vandura featured disguise kits and surveillance devices but was mainly used to get B.A Baracus, Murdock, Face and Hannibal on the scene of a crime or to help someone out quickly. There are plenty of replicas of the A Team van out there so finding one should be easy

2: The DeLorean DMC 12

Dr Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown created a time machine from a Delorean DMC 12 in “Back to the Future”, which was able to travel through time once it hit 88mph which in turn activated the flux capacitor enabling the driver to travel to a specific date. The Delorean factory was closed in 1985 however there are still plenty of replicas and the odd original around

1: K.I.T.T from Knight Rider

A talking car and the Hoff himself, what more does a TV series need? K.I.T.T can drive itself using Artificial Intelligence and an alpha circuit as it’s main control system. The car could also communicate with Michael Knight using a voice synthesizer, and was fluent in French and Spanish. Other cool features included a turbo boost, a silent mode to avoid detection, oil jets to get rid of pursuing vehicles, a microwave jammer to stop electronic signals, a tear gas launcher and an eject button should the situation arise. This is easily the best car ever; however the original was sold for $150,000 in 2007. There are many replicas out there, but none will have the above mentioned features or have been driven by David Hasselhoff himself

Written by Tony, part of the car hire team at travelsupermarket.com

Popularity: 4% [?]

Automobiles have been in existence for about 100 years which would make one feel that the manufacturers would have been able to get rid of the kinks by now. However, this is not the case always and it is quite difficult to iron out the wrinkles sometimes. The following are the 10 largest automobile recalls in recent times.

1. Toyota/Unintended Accelaration

The first recall, on November 2, 2009, was to correct a possible incursion of an incorrect or out-of-place front driver’s side floor mat into the foot pedal well. The second recall, on January 21, 2010, was because of a possible mechanical sticking of the accelerator pedal causing unintended acceleration. As of January 28, 2010, Toyota had announced recalls of approximately 5.2 million vehicles for the pedal entrapment/floor mat problem, and an additional 2.3 million vehicles for the accelerator pedal problem. Approximately 1.7 million vehicles are subject to both.

2. General Motors/Broken Motor Mount

In 1971, General Motors recalled 15 models that were built during the 1960s and continued production till 1970. They also recalled a few Chevrolet Bel Airs. These models were problematic because the motor mount had separated which could make the engine move upwards. This would have a negative impact on the throttle linkage which could case the vehicle to accelerate suddenly. About 6.7 million vehicles were recalled.

3. General Motors/Rear Control Arm

During the first half 1981, General Motors recalled a few sedans and a number of other models that were launched in 70s till the better half of the 80s. The problem was that the control arm and rear axle could lose control causing the vehicle swerve out of control. 5.8 million vehicles were singled out.

4. Ford Motors

In 2005, Ford recalled those Ford Expeditions that were released from 1997 till 2002. In addition to that, they also felt the need to recall certain models of pickup trucks. They did so because the cruise control overheated and had to be deactivated immediately. This was the largest recall made by Ford and a similar one was made in 2009. About 4.5 million vehicles were affected.

5. Ford Motor/Cruise Control Switch

As has already been mentioned, Ford had to recall more vehicles in 2009. This included Explorers that were first launched in 1995 and were popular till 2002. They also recalled 14 trucks- pickups and otherwise. The problem was the same as mentioned above and minivans and SUVs were affected as well. Ford had to recall about 4.5 million vehicles this time too because the switch could burst into flames even when the car was not being used.

6. Toyota/Unintended Acceleration

In 2009, Toyota recalled its Camry as well as six other models that were manufactured in 2004 till date. This was because experts realized that the floor mat was not secured in place and could therefore play havoc with the gas pedal. About 4.3 million vehicles were zeroed in on.

7. Ford Motor/Shoulder Belts

This time 4 million vehicles were affected as Ford had to recall models like Mercury, Ford and Lincoln from 1970 to 1971. They did so because the seat-belt buckles were faulty and needed to be replaced.

8. General Motors/Body Structure

General Motors recalled 17 models along with the Buick LeSabres in 1973. This is because the underbody shields had to be re-installed as it was discovered that the driver could lose control of the steering wheel on a bumpy road.

9. Volkswagen/Windshield Wiper Arm

3.7 million vehicles were affected because in 1972, Volkswagen recalled their models that were built during 1949 till 1969. This included the widely popular Beetle as the windshield wiper arms were not too secure.

10. Honda/Seat Belts

In 1995, Honda recalled a few Accords and other models including the Acura which was launched during the 80s. This was done to repair those seat belt buckles that had come loose.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Even though the auto industry is facing problems and struggling all over the world, there are some cars which will never go out of style and are considered to be the best selling of all time.

1. Toyota Corolla

This car has sold 32 million units till date and bags the number one spot on this list. The style is unbeatable, the price is affordable and it is reliable and trustworthy. According to statistics, the company sells this car every 40 seconds. Even though the design has changed consistently over the years, it has remained a favorite among the regulars.

2. Fiat Punto

The car was initially known as “Project 176” and was launched in 1994. It replaced the Fiat Uno and received a number of awards during 1995. It gained instant popularity due to its clean-cut look and gave companies like Volkswagen and Opel a run for their money.

3. VW Golf

This car replaced the above-mentioned Beetle and was also known as the “Rabbit”. The engineering is above-average, the price is low and the car is nothing if not dependable. It has sold 25 million units till date.

4. Volkswagen Beetle

This car is said to be a “People’s Car” and was funded by Hitler very aggressively. Production began in 1938 and ended in 1979. This car was very popular during the post-war period. It was durable, powerful and very comfortable. The Beetle sold 2.3 million units.

5. Ford Escort

The Ford Escort was introduced in 1967 and production was stopped in 2003. This “world car” was visually appealing and low-priced. The car gained immense popularity all over the world fairly fast. The sales were estimated at 20 million units.

6. Honda Civic

This vehicle is often referred to as the “economy car” and has been a best-seller for over 35 years. The price of the car is reasonable, it is comfortable to drive and the best part is that it is fuel efficient. It was introduced in 1972 and has sold 17.7 million units till date.

7. Ford Model T

This car was introduced in 1908 and production was stopped in 1927. The Ford Model T was the most popular card during the 20^th century. This car was produced with the help of the newly introduced assembly line system and was purchased mostly by the middle-class. The Ford Model T has been said to put the United States of America on wheels and has sold 16.5 million units till date.

8. Honda Accord

This car was introduced in 1976 and was extremely popular in the United States during 1982 till 1997. The car is reliable, efficient and of the best quality. Sales are estimated at 15.8 million units till date. The Japanese sure know how to make their automobiles!

9. VW Passat

The VW Passat saved the company after the Beetle’s popularity went down during the later half of the 1960s. This car was introduced in 1973 and is an average-sized car for the family. The company made this car’s engine water-cooled and has sold 14.1 million unit till date.

10. Chevrolet Impala

This car was introduced during the last 1950s and the marketing tag line appealed to the middle-class car owners. It was said that this luxury car had been created especially for them. The Impala was unique as it had 1 extra pair of taillights and a two-door coupe. The sales have been estimated at 14 million till date.

Popularity: 5% [?]

We sleep peacefully at night, walk safely in the streets because of the policemen in their patrol cars are there all day and night. Here is a list of the current best vehicles used all over the world.

1. Ford Crown Victoria

It is the most widely used police Interceptor in North America. The V8 engine, rear-wheel drive and body-to-frame chassis makes it suitable for the job. Easily the most recognizable police car, it combines raw power and strength to chase down and ram the cars of fleeing suspects.

2. BMW 5 Series

This mid-size executive car with its status and price is widely used by Diplomatic Protection Group. The 3.0l diesel engine gives it a high-performance compared to the civilian versions. The Germans use it in both sedan and station wagon designs. Along with its cousins in the previous series, it finds use among the forces in the Low Countries, France and UK.

3. Toyota Land Cruiser

Product of precise Japanese technology, this 4WD jeep can be seen all over the world serving with various law enforcement agencies, from Japan itself to third-world countries. It is the simple outlook, easy maintenance and cost that make it the first choice for many budget-restrained countries wanting a good vehicle for its forces. It has been in duty since the earliest of its model.

4. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

It is the high-performance version of the Lancer since 1992. Its 2.0L engine gives more than 300 horsepower. This large-engine sedan has been chosen by the forces of UK, Malaysia and Australia. It is ideal for sustained car chases and patrols because of its endurance.

5. Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeos stand for quality and that’s what the Italians want from their cruisers too. The ‘Gazella’ as all Italian carabinieri cars are called, heavily modified for the task is roaming the highways of the country. With newer generations of vehicles being inducted by the various agencies in Italy this one has been in service since 2006. It is pleasant to look at and not easy to shake off.

6. Land Rover

This British heavyweight has served throughout its empires and continues to serve with the police of its former colonies. This 4WD off-road vehicle with a Spartan design was ideal in the regions with limited roads and mountains. Many European countries also use’s it.

7. Dodge Charger

With more powerful and faster cars coming on the road, the police in many states in US chose the Charger. It is highly modified from the civilian version. With an upgraded V8 Hemi engine of 368 horsepower, this mean machine proved to be better in acceleration, turning and braking than all the other pursuit vehicles.

8. Porsche 911

This customised version of the famous Porsche is used by the German. It can go 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It is portrayed as a concept car by the Germans to spread awareness of the safety in such fast cars. Also useful in catching the racers in the autobahn.

9. Smart Car

The narrow lanes and tight turns of its cities doesn’t allow much room, so the Italian Police simply got a smaller car. The smart car is very useful for patrolling crowded shopping avenues, plazas etc. Makes it easier for the officers by avoiding walking too much and pollution is very negligible.

10.  Volkswagen GT1

This compact hatchback is the choice of many police forces with a mixed-bag of cars to use. It is ideal for streets with regular demand. The cramped side roads of the European medieval cities call for a compact car. With a top speed of 245kmph, it packs the punch for a ugly chase.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Large cars have always been very popular but with all our environmental problems, we should start driving small cars as they are economical and easy to maintain.

1. Ford Ka

The Ford Ka was launched in 1996 and was compared to the very popular Volkswagen Beetle. Ford Ka is very popular in the United Kingdom and has not be introduced in the U.S. as yet as it is felt that the Americans would not accept it.

2. The Bolloré BlueCar

The Bolloré BlueCar is manufactured in France and though it is among the smallest cars in the world, it can run at a speed of about 80 mph and offers about 155 miles of operating range. In order to fully charge this car, one must take 6 hours out of the 24 in the day. This car is only available in France.

3. The Think City

”Think” is a Norwegian-based car company which has been planning to introduce this car in the United States of America within a few years. It was meant to come out during 2009 but due to recession and the consequent financial crunch, production was stopped.

4. The Daihatsu Copen

The Daihatsu Copen was launched in 2001 in Japan. It is a two-seater and is extremely compact and comfortable. This tiny car is available only in Japan and most of Europe.

5. The Smart Fortwo

The Smart Fortwo was initially known as the Smart City Coupe. It was launched in 1998 and was quite popular. In 2008, the company launched a new version of the car which is completely electric in nature, called the Fortwo Ed. This car is very environment friendly and easy to drive. While it is only available in the United States at the moment, the company is thinking of expanding production.

6. The Kandi Coco

The Kandi Coco is available in Oklahoma and is quite inexpensive. The residents of this State can purchase this car for about 900 dollars. It is a two-seater and has to be recharged every day. The Kandi Coco was launched in 2009 in the United States of America.

7. The Reva G-Wiz

The Reva G-Wiz is manufactured by RECC (REVA Electric Car Company) and is considered to be the best and most reliable country in the world which creates electric cars. RECCs headquarters are in Bangalore and the car is available in the United Kingdom.

8. The Tango by Commuter Cars

Commuter Cars was founded by Rick Woodbury over 11 years back with his son. Each ear wheel has its own electric motor which is why the car is able to run at a speed of 60 mph in about 4 seconds after starting it. The price of the car has been estimated at 121,000 dollars and people like George Clooney and Sergey Brin are quite impressed with this small car.

9. The Lumeneo Smera

The Lumeneo Smera is manufactured by the French and was released quite recently. The price of the car has been estimatd at 33,000 dollars and while the car is available only in France at the moment, sources reveal that European residents will be able to drive this car by mid 2010.

10. The ElBil Norge Buddy Cab

The ElBil Norge Buddy Cab is created by a Norwegian based electric car company and is an improved version of the Kewet which was launched in 1991. These cars are very popular and the company has sold over 1000 units over the years.

Popularity: 7% [?]

If you have ever sat in a stylishly created car, you have experienced one of the most common gadgets that mark luxury. The following are some of the fast selling cars because of their superb performance, features and style.

1. Ford F-Series

With a starting price of $22,540, this vehicle is slated to be the best selling vehicle in the U.S even in the forthcoming year. Sales of F-150, F-250, F-350 and F-450 have all seen an increase.

2. Toyota Camry

The Camry is another fast selling passenger car in the U.S with a starting price of $20,145. It comes with a choice of two engines and five trim levels. It also comes in a hybrid version.

3. Chevrolet Silverado

Despite suspicions about the future of General Motors, Chevy is still one among the fast selling cars. About 149,949 units were sold last year and the Silverado 1500, 2500HD, 1500 Hybrid and 3500HD were the fast selling models. The starting price of this model is $20,370.

4. Honda Accord

In the 1980’s and 90’s Accord was the fastest selling car till Camry appeared on the scene. In 1976, 19,000 Accords were sold when its price was just $4,000. In 2001 it overtook Camry in sales and occupied the number 1 slot. It comes with a choice of 2 engines and 5 trim levels along with a hybrid version. The starting price of this car is $21,615.

5. Toyota Corolla

Corolla is the most popular name in cars and has sold 30 million units worldwide. It started selling in the U.S in 1968. Today it comes with a choice of 4 or 2 cylinder engines with five trim levels. The starting price of this model is $16,100.

6. Honda Civic

Honda Civic is the bestselling car model in the U.S ever since its launch in 1973 at the time of the first oil crisis. It comes with several trim levels, two body configurations, a hybrid version and two or four cylinder engine choices providing customers with many possibilities of prices and choices. The starting price range of this model is $16,015.

7. Nissan Altima

This car was introduced in the U.S. in 1993 and it comes in sedan and coupe varieties. While the sedan has four trim levels, the coupe has 2 levels. This car is presently assembled in U.S. plants. This mid size car is powered by a V-6 engine using one of the two transmissions. The starting price of this car is $20,620.

8. Dodge Ram

This model was used as truck until its remodeling in 1994. It comes with a sturdy exterior and is offered with V6 or V8 engines, several trim levels and bed lengths. The 3500 and 2500 heavy duty versions have also contributed to the increased sales figures. Its starting price is $22,420.

9. Ford Fusion

This car comes with all wheel or front wheel options and with four trim levels. You can find this car in a whole new look starting 2010. It is available with two transmissions and two engines. You can also buy the hybrid version. The starting price of this vehicle is $19,995.

10. Honda CR-V

In 1997, the CR-V was the best entry-level SUV in the U.S. Consumers can choose between the all wheel or front wheel options and between three trim levels. It has only one transmission and one engine. It undeniably offers great comfort and utility and ideal for use by women also. It comes with a starting price of $21,955.

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Popularity: 5% [?]