Q:  What was the first Japanese automobile to be manufactured in the United States?   (Hint:  It rolled off the line in 1982 at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio.)

A:  Honda Accord

Q:  What is the name of the automobile company that made the Jeep / Eagle brand, before being bought out by Chrysler for $1.1 billion in 1987?

 A:  American Motors Corporation (Anyone remember the AMC Pacer?)

When Honda released the new body-style Accord sedan last year, it looked remarkably similar to its upscale cousin, the 3rd generation Acura TL.  This begged the question, “Why pay nearly 40 grand when I can get a nearly identical car for under 30?”  Acura answers this question with the newly redesigned 2009 TL, which hit the showrooms this week.   The new styling, which sports a guillotine-like chrome wedge in the center of the grille, has received mixed review.  However, you have to give Acura kudos for engineering.  In fact Acura describes the 4th generation TL as being “by far the most technologically advanced sedan in Acura’s history.”
 
Certainly, Acura has pulled out all the stops in redesigning what has been America’s best selling luxury sedan since 2005.  Despite a significant increase in size (it’s a full 6 inches longer and 2 inches wider - nearly the size of the 2008 RL flagship), the TL has only gained about 85 lb in total body weight, thanks to the use of new, high-strength steels and an aluminum hood.  This increase in size affords more legroom to rear-seat passengers and plenty of trunk space for golf clubs, luggage or even a full size cooler for tailgating!

The 2009 Acura TL is also more powerful than its predecessor.  The base front wheel drive model has a 280-hp (254 lb-ft torque), 3.5-liter V6 engine that Acura claims will see 26 mpg on the highway.  The performance-oriented, “super-handling” all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD) version is powered by the 305-hp (273 lb-ft torque), 3.7-liter V6 engine currently used in the RX and MDX sport utility vehicles.  Both TL’s currently feature a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, but a 6-speed manual transmission will be available on the SH-AWD model in 2010.

Another new piece of technology is Acura’s Electric Power Steering, which improves fuel economy, but feels a bit loose in medium-speed corners.   The suspension provides a nice balance between comfort and handling, making the car equally suited to a daily commute or a weekend trip up a twisty mountain road.  The 2009 TL comes with standard front and side airbags, and it earned a top rating of five stars from the NHTSA and IIHS in all crash tests.  Who says fun can’t be safe?

Equal attention has been given to the vehicle’s interior with an ergonomic central control stack, hands-free Bluetooth wireless telephone interface and comfortable, bolstered seats.  An optional Technology Package gives you a 440-watt sound system with 10 speakers and DVD-Audio, push-button start system, a voice-command navigation system with rearview camera, real-time traffic routing and real-time weather reporting.

The front-drive TL hit showrooms on September 24 with a starting price just north of $35,000.  The SH-AWD will follow in early November and start around $39,000.  These price tags are slightly higher that those of the TL’s competitors from BWM (328i) and Lexus (IS), but they are still quite reasonable considering the wealth of standard features as well as the car’s increased refinement, power and size.  And, it’s really fun to take through a corner.
 

The following luxury cars earned the highest marks for predicted reliability from Consumer Reports for the 2008 model year.  (Prices listed are the base model starting MSRP.)

1.  Infiniti M ($43,900)
2.  Acura TSX ($28,960)
3.  Acura TL ($33,725)
4.  Lexus IS ($30.855)
5.  Infiniti G35 ($32,250)
6.  BMW 328i ($32,700)
7.  Acura RL ($46,280)
8.  Lexus LS ($62,900)
9.  Lincoln MKZ ($30,980)
10. Volvo S60 ($30,975)

The following luxury cars earned the lowest marks for predicted reliability from Consumer Reports for the 2008 model year.  (Prices listed are the base model starting MSRP.)

1.  Cadillac STS V8 ($53,275)
2.  Mercedes CLS ($67,950)
3.  Audi A8 ($70,690)
4.  Mercedes E-Class ($51,200)
5.  BMW 5-Series ($44,600)
6.  Mercedes C-Class ($31,600)
7.  Saab 9-3 ($28,445)
8.  Cadillac CTS ($33,675)
9.  Lexus GS AWD ($46,500)
10. Cadillac DTS ($43,175)

(Source: ConsumerReports.org)

One of the least expensive cars to insure is the Honda Pilot, which comes fully redesigned for 2009.  Honda maintained the tradition Pilot traits of a comfortable ride, smooth powertrain and optional 4WD, but added significantly more third row legroom.  Honda also gave the new Pilot a much tougher look, both inside and out, much like its brawny cousin, the Ridgeline. 

The new Pilot sports a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque, but it has been criticized being a bit more sluggish than anticipated.  The fuel economy has improved slightly due to Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system, which shuts down half of the V6’s cylinders when they’re not needed. The 2WD models should achieve 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (and only 1mpg less for the AWD models), according to EPA estimates.  The 2009 Pilot also received 5 stars in both front and side impact crash tests from the NHTSA.

The 2009 Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV (now called a “crossover”) that comes in four trim levels, each offered in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The base LX starts at $28,265 and comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, trailer hitch, power mirrors, keyless entry, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, cruise control, 60/40-split second- and third-row seats and a seven-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack. The mid-level EX starts at $31,065 and adds foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, six-CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, tri-zone automatic climate control and satellite radio. The upgraded EX-L starts at $34,265 and includes to leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof and a back-up camera. The top end Touring model (new for 2009) starts at $37,465 and features a 10-speaker audio system, a voice recognition navigation system with integrated back-up camera, Bluetooth, a power liftgate and a USB audio interface.

Many accessories are available for the new Pilot, including ski, snowboard, kayak and surfboard attachments.  Less adventurous types may prefer the cargo organizers, running boards or the remote engine starter.  A DVD rear entertainment system is optional on the both EX-L and Touring models.   This represents a significant improvement over the previous Pilot design, which did not allow for both a navigation system and a rear entertainment system at the same time.  The navigation system is satellite based (not DVD based) and is one of the best in the business.  Now, you can keep the kids happy AND figure out where you are going.

The following ten vehicles account for the lowest dollar amount of losses for insurance companies:

1. Ford Five Hundred 4WD (now the Ford Taurus)
2. Buick Rendezvous 4WD
3. Buick Lucerne/Buick Rainier 4WD/Honda Odyssey
4. Ford Freestyle 4WD/Subaru Outback 4WD
5. Buick Rendezvous/Honda Pilot
6. Chrysler Town & Country
7. Honda Pilot 4WD
8. Buick LaCrosse/Chevrolet Uplander/Ford Escape/Volvo V70
9. Dodge Grand Caravan/Ford Freestyle 4WD
10. Ford Explorer 4WD/GMC Sierra 1500 4WD/Toyota Highlander/Toyota Sienna

(Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, based on 2004-2006 models)

Insurance companies update their data and change their premiums frequently, so check with your particular agent to find out what cars are inexpensive (or expensive) to insure!

By Michelle O’Connor (Edited by LeeAnn Shattuck)

So, you’re shopping around for auto insurance. Did you know that there are at least 11 ways that you can save money?

1.  Multiple Policy Discounts – Do you have just one insurance company for both your auto and homeowners (or renters) insurance policies?  If the answer is no, you are probably paying too much for both policies.  By having both of these policies with the same insurance company, you could qualify for a multi-policy discount of 10% or more.

2.  Good Driver, Good Price? – It’s no secret that the better your driving record, the less you will pay for auto insurance.  Most people actually qualify as “good drivers” and are eligible for discounted premiums, but do not know to ask about them.  Make sure you are getting the best discount for your driving record. 

3.  The Beauty of the Bus - Do you drive to and from work? If you do, you are literally paying a premium to do so. Insurance companies charge significantly higher premiums if you drive to work. If mass transit is available where you live, consider it taking advantage of it.  Not only will you save money on your insurance, but on gas and parking costs, too!

4.  Low Mileage, Low Price – People in the United States drive an average of 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year.  If you drive fewer miles than average, you may be eligible for low-mileage discounts offered by some insurers.

5.  High-Profile, High-Cost – The type of car you drive is a major factor in what you pay for insurance. Is your vehicle a magnet for thieves or more costly to repair than most cars? If so, then you will pay a higher premium.  So, ask your insurance agent for a quote before you splurge on that sports car. 

6.  Raise Your Deductible – The deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in when you have a claim.  The lower the deductible you choose, the higher the monthly premium.  If you have liquid assets, you can probably afford to absorb at least $250 to $500 if you have a claim.  Make sure your deductible amounts are set appropriately for your risk tolerance level.

7.  Drop Unnecessary Coverage – If you have an older car that is not worth very much, it may not make sense to have collision and comprehensive coverage on that vehicle.  (Liability coverage is required by most states.)  As a general rule, any car worth less than $1,000 should not have collision and comprehensive coverage.  How much is your car worth?  Contact Women’s Automotive Solutions for an estimate!

8.  Discounts, Discounts, Discounts – Many auto insurance companies offer other discounts based on the safety features of the vehicle.  For example if the car has automatic seat belts, air bags, anti¬lock brakes, or anti-theft devices, you may be eligible for additional savings on your premiums. 

9.  Taking the Defensive – Many insurance companies offer discounts to customers who complete a defensive driving course from an authorized driving school.  These courses teach you to be a better driver and help keep you and your family safe on the road!

10.  Low-Cost and High-Cost Areas – Are you planning to move? If you are, you should take into account the cost of insurance in that area. In general, the more urban the area, the higher the premium.  Rates also vary significantly from state to state.  States like New Jersey, Massachusetts and Hawaii have higher rates, while North Dakota, South Dakota and Idaho have lower rates.

11.  Credit Where It Is (Or Is Not) Due – Is your credit record better than your driving record? If you have a good credit record, you could be eligible for discounted premiums from several auto insurance companies.  Many insurers now use your credit history as a major factor in determining what to charge you for auto insurance. You could save money by shifting your business to an insurer that uses credit as a rating factor – even if you have a so-so or poor driving record.

When buying a car, you should always shop around to find the best deal.  The same is true when shopping for car insurance.  But, don’t just look for the best price.  You also need to make sure you have all the coverage you need and that the insurance company and agent provide top quality customer service.

The reader assumes all responsibilities for his/her own actions in regards to any items discussed in this article. Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, federal, state and local, governing the use of any product or service described in this article in the US or any other jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of the reader. The publisher and author assume no responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of the reader of these materials. The reader is encouraged to consult directly with his/her insurance professional.

Michelle O’Connor is the owner of O’Connor Insurance Associates, Inc., an independent insurance agency located in Charlotte, NC.  Michelle can be reached at 704-510-8884 or michelle@oianc.com.  Visit them on the web at www.oianc.com.
 

It’s summer!  For many families, that means making the yearly pilgrimage to the beach or hot vacation spot.  However, record high gas prices are putting a damper on many people’s vacation plans.  But, don’t throw in the beach towel just yet.  Here are ten ways you can improve fuel efficiency and save valuable vacation money at the pump.

1.  Don’t Skimp on the Octane - Some people try to save money by putting regular gas into a vehicle that actually requires premium fuel.  This skimping may save you a few bucks today, but it will cost you much more in the long run.  High-performance vehicles need higher-octane fuel because the combustion chamber environment is much hotter in a performance engine. Using a lower octane fuel reduces fuel efficiency and can damage valves and pistons, which can cost you thousands of dollars in repair costs down the road. 

2.  Take Care of Your Ride – Proper maintenance is crucial to your vehicle’s fuel economy.  Be sure to adhere to the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual.   Dirty air and fuel filters, old spark plugs and low fluid levels can affect engine performance and significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Have these items checked by your mechanic before you go on vacation.  Not only will you get better gas mileage, but you will reduce the chance of a breakdown on the way to the beach. 

3.  Keep Those Tires Inflated - Under-inflated tires increase the amount of friction between your car and the pavement.  This makes it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.  In fact, just one under-inflated tire can increase fuel consumption by one percent or more. Check your owner’s manual for correct inflation levels, and ensure all four tires are properly inflated before setting off on your trip.

4.  Leave the Kitchen Sink at Home – We all like to pack everything we own when we go to the beach.  We load up our with pillows, beach chairs, toys, charcoal grills, coolers, and enough food for the Chinese army until every square millimeter of trunk and cabin space is filled.  However, this pack rat behavior weighs down your vehicle, and heavier vehicles use more fuel.  Roof racks (which I have affectionately termed “hamburger boxes”) on the top of the car make it even worse.  So, put some careful thought into your packing, and only take what you absolutely need for the trip.  Remember – they probably have stores where you are going, and it may be cheaper to buy some items (especially food) once you get to your destination.

5.  Fuel Up in Advance – Statistics have shown that gas prices cheapest on Wednesdays because most people fuel up on the weekends for trips or Monday mornings before work.  So, plan ahead and fuel up for that vacation on Wednesday instead of waiting until Saturday before you leave.  Even if you have to “top off” on Saturday, you will still save a buck or two.

6.  Slow Down – As your speed increases, the aerodynamic drag on your vehicle increases exponentially.  This means that your engine has to work harder, and use more fuel, to maintain your speed.   Adhering to a speed of 55 mph (the most common highway speed limit) will yield 21% better mileage than driving 65 mph.  Driving 62 mph instead of 75 mph can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 15%.  Furthermore, maintaining a consistent speed over long distances saves gas, so use the cruise control as much as possible.   It might also save you from a speeding ticket!

7.  Accelerate and Decelerate Gently - A car uses more fuel under hard acceleration (another bad habit of mine).   Resist the urge to floor it “off the line”, just because you can.  Don’t race up to red lights or stop signs and then slam on the breaks.  Instead, anticipate the need to stop and lift your foot off of the accelerator early, allowing the engine to slow the vehicle before gently applying the break.  This requires patience, but it also saves on gas.

8.  Avoid Idling - Unless you are fortunate enough to own a hybrid, idling wastes fuel.   If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, turn off the ignition. Restarting the car actually uses less fuel than letting it idle.  Go into restaurants to purchase food instead of using the drive through when it’s time to refuel the family.  If possible, plan your route to minimize traffic lights and left hand turns, which increase idling time.  Don’t’ laugh – making only right hand turns saves UPS nearly $600 million per year!

9.  Don’t Blast the A/C - The air conditioner puts extra load on a vehicle’s engine, requiring an average of 20% more fuel to be used.   Since cruisin’ without A/C is not really an option in the South, try to keep it set at around 75 degrees.  Don’t blast the air when you first get into your car, even if it is stifling hot.   Instead, open the windows initially to release the stale, hot air.  Once you get moving, close the windows and set the A/C at 75 degrees. Your car will cool down quickly.

10.  Keep the Windows Up - Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, significantly increase the aerodynamic drag on your vehicle.  This drag can decrease your fuel economy by as much as 10%.   Run the fan on “outside air” instead, and just crack the window or sunroof for additional ventilation.

The reality is that high gas prices will negatively impact vacation plans for many people this summer.  However, by following these suggestions, you may be able to save enough to pay for that all-you-can-eat seafood buffet!  Have a safe and fun summer vacation!

Is it a wagon?  Is it an SUV?  Is it a hearse?  Actually, it’s the 2009 Ford Flex, the newest crossover from the Blue Oval.  Although Ford classifies it as a crossover SUV, the Flex actually replaces the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans, which were discontinued in 2006 due to weak sales and low profit margins.  The unique design of the Flex offers a clever blend between the people-moving capacity of a minivan and the light cargo and trailer hauling capacity of an SUV (up to 4000 lbs).  Unlike a minivan, the Flex features conventional rear doors whose panels were inspired by vintage vacuum cleaners.  (Seriously.)

The Flex is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 262 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.  A 340-hp “EcoBoost” engine will be offered later this year.   The Flex is available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, both married to a six-speed automatic transmission.  Despite its name, the Flex is not a flexible-fuel vehicle.  However, it does have a “capless” fueling system that reduces evaporative emissions and prevents you from forgetting to put the gas cap back on after filling up.  Standard safety features on the Flex include antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Unlike many seven-passenger vehicles, the 2009 Ford Flex features comfortably seats seven adults in its spacious, well appointed cabin.  Second row passengers enjoy adjustable / removable footrests and an optional mini fridge in the middle console.  The 60/40 split second row bench and 50/50 split third row seats that fold flat into the floor, providing adequate cargo space (but still less than a true minivan). 

Ford offers the 2009 Flex in three trim levels. The base SE starts at $28,995 and is available with front-wheel drive only and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, rear park assist, rear climate controls, a power driver seat and a six-speaker CD stereo system with an auxiliary audio jack. The SEL trim is available with either front- or all-wheel drive and offers dual-zone automatic climate control, power heated front seats, leather upholstery (vinyl in the third row for the kids) and a 10-speaker stereo with satellite radio. The top level Limited, which starts at $37,255, is also available with either front- or all-wheel drive, wearing 19-inch wheels.  It includes xenon headlights, a power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, a memory driver’s seat, perforated leather upholstery and the Microsoft Sync multimedia interface system. 

Additional options include second row captain’s chairs, a four-panel Vista sunroof, towing package, keyless ignition/entry and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Touchscreen navigation with voice recognition, backup camera and Sirius Travel Link are available on the Limited model, shooting the price tag to over $45,000.  The interior is even lit with programmable “mood lighting”, available in seven colors.  Lava lamp sold separately.

With everyone in a frenzy over fuel prices, all kinds of crazy devices are now flooding the market and promising to slash your gas bill by improving your mileage.  The most common claim is that for a couple hundred bucks, you can convert your existing car to burn a combination of water and gas, doubling your gas mileage! 

But are these things for real, or are they just a scam by a clever snake oil salesman?  Being a naturally skeptical person, I set out to find the truth – can you really run your car on water?   

When in doubt, I tend to turn to the laws of physics (and people who actually understand them).  These so called “hydrogen fuel cells” are actually nothing more than a simple electrolysis device that uses electricity to split water into its constituent components — two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen.   The gases generated by the electrolysis of water can be recombined by way of combustion to release energy.  This is not new technology – electrolysis has been around for decades. 

Sounds pretty good, huh?  Unfortunately, the first law of thermodynamics states unequivocally that the energy generated by recombining the hydrogen and oxygen through combustion can only ever be equal to the amount of energy it took to separate them.
Even worse, there are multiple energy losses involved in the generation of the electricity, the delivery of it to the electrolysis cell and then the combustion process.  We actually recover far less energy from burning the hydrogen than it took to create it!  Therefore, these magic “water-for-gas” devices actually cause your car to burn MORE fuel in order to heat the water in the electrolysis cell. 

Besides, don’t you think that if cars could easily run on water and gas that the auto manufacturers wouldn’t have jumped on it by now as a means of selling those slow-moving, large SUVs?  Just remember that old adage about things that sound too good to be true…

 (Special thanks to Bruce Simpson of the Aardvark Daily for explaining the physics.)