• Lincoln Mark IV: Not Just Another

    From the Ford Motor Companys luxury division, the Lincoln brand has introduced to the world the Lincoln Mark IV. In the United States and the rest of North America, this vehicle was actually sold and marketed from 1972 up until 1976. It replaced the Mark III although it was already successful that time. Later on, the Mark V replaced this vehicle. For most parts and most of the specifications, the Lincoln Mark IV and the Ford Thunderbird were very much alike. Even the platform was shared by the two vehicles.

    By taking a look at the style and design that the Lincoln Mark IV has, one could be able to see that most of the motifs and angles are just like the Lincoln Mark III. These include the tall Rolls Royce style grille, the fashionable long hood short deck style, the covered headlamps, the spare tire hump found in the trunk, and the taller and knife-edged fender line. As per the grille, the Lincoln Mark IVs version is much taller. And to allow this kind of adjustment, the close fitting bumpers were dipped. The spare tire hump was more rounded and from thereon, the lines led further down the vehicle. As per measurements, though, the Lincoln Mark IV came out to be longer and wider. The angles were slightly softened out and made more rounded. The wheel openings were made to be symmetrical front to rear like in the Oldsmobile Tornado inspired style that was popular that time. The Lincoln Mark IV also held a vinyl roof.

    The power of this machine and vehicle comes from a 460 cubic inch or 7.2 liter Ford 385 series V8 engine. On its introduction, it has been that this vehicle could prove to produce and create some 212 units of horsepower or 158 kW. To assist this engine, the Lincoln Mark IV also came with a C6 3 speed automatic transmission system.

    In 1976, Lincoln took a gamble and made the Designer Series. When it was introduced that year, the Lincoln Mark IVs under this series were actually holding colors, trims, and interior choices designed by fashion designers. Each of the designer signed at the opera window, plus a name engraved on the gold plated plaque on the instrument panels. There were four designers that time that took their time to show off their craft using Lincoln Mark IV. The series comprised of the Bill Blass Edition, the Cartier Edition, the Givenchy Edition, and the Pucci Edition.


  • Jaguar X Type: The Classic Luxury Sports Car

    Built on a modified version of the Ford CD 132 platform, the Jaguar X Type is considered to be just another version of the Ford Mondeo. Take away the badge and the name from the Ford Mondeo and put in Jaguar badges, you would be getting the the Jaguar X Type. In fact the platform which it was built on was just a modified version of the Ford CDW 27 platform which is what the Ford Mondeo uses. Production for this vehicle has started since 2001 and still continue up at present. The Jaguar X Type is one of the smallest of the brands saloon cars. This was actually built so as to take part of the success that the Jaguar S Type has been reaping in.

    Classic. That is what best describes the Jaguar X Type. Yet, the power, the delivery, and the performance is very much high technology and very modern. This vehicle has also been the vehicle that has made many firsts for the Jaguar brand. It was the first Jaguar to have an all wheel drive system. It also was the brands first entry to the mid sized luxury sports car category.

    This vehicle has been crafted and manufactured with a couple of trim levels made available. Of course, each of these trim levels come with certain amenities and features that are unique to the others.

    The Jaguar X Type 3.0 could be yours if you have some $33,995 to spend. It is said to be a luxurious departure from the typical sports sedans. It holds a 227 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 engine and has a five speed automatic transmission. The trim on its console and doors are made up of Bronze Sapele wood veneer trim. It has a steering wheel wrapped in leather, and the same goes to its steering wheel. For $36,295, you can own the Jaguar X Type Sport. It has an aggressive styling and holds a sport tuned suspension. As per the Jaguar X Type VDP Edition, you can have this for $35,945. Indeed, this vehicle is known to be an elegant one. It has rain sensing wipers as well as a memory function on the drivers seat and door mirrors, heated seats, and a trip computer. As per the Jaguar X Type Sportwagon, it is considered to be the most unique and very much practical sportwagon in the auto market. For $36,995, you can own this one. It has a one touch power tilt and slide glass moonroof with manual sunshade as well as fixed silver roof rails.


  • Chevrolet Astro Van: Made Especially For Cargo

    A passenger mini van, the 2005 Chevrolet Astro Cargo Van holds three doors. Yet, it only has a maximum passenger capacity of two people. The rest of the space is made essentially for cargo and packages. It has been constructed so as to be able to transport and delivery these to other locations. Aside from that, this vehicle also has been made available in two trim levels which comprise of the Rear Wheel Drive and the All Wheel Drive. 2005 is the last year of production and manufacturing for this vehicle.

    Upon introduction of this vehicle, the Rear Wheel Drive trim level has been made available equipped with a standard 4.3 liter V6 engine. It can actually produce some 190 units of horsepower engine. With that, it can achieve 16 mpg for city driving and some 21 mpg for highway travails. As per the All Wheel Drive trim level, this came equipped with a standard 4.3 liter V6 engine. It has the capacity and capability to produce some 190 units of horsepower that enables this vehicle to take up 15 mpg for city driving and 19 mpg on the highway. Made standard for both trim levels, the Chevrolet Astro Cargo Van has a four speed automatic transmission system with overdrive.

    Although the Chevrolet Astro Cargo Van may lack standard child seat tethers, side air bags, and traction control, people are still opting to own this for great advantages like the anti lock braking system, air conditioning, an alarm, an automatic transmission system, child safety locks, power windows and locks, and side impact door beams. Along with that, in its own category, the Chevrolet Astro Van actually has a good highway mileage as well as a base list price below average making this vehicle a good buy.

    The Chevrolet Astro Van has a 4.3 liter engine with six cylinders. It can actually produce some 190 units of horsepower. It has a wheelbase that measures 111.2 inches, an overall length of 189.8 inches, a weight of 5600 pounds, and a payload capacity of 1647. Aside from that it can tow up to a maximum of 2404 pounds.

    Shopping for Chevrolet accessories has become easier. That is because Auto Accessories Giant has come up with an online store that is available 24 hours a day. By visiting the online store, one can find out and discover why this stores collection of Chevrolet accessories is top notch. The store has accessories for various Chevrolet vehicles like the Astro Van, Avalanche, Aveo, Beretta, Blazer, Camaro, Caprice, Cavalier, Celebrity, Chevelle, Citation, Colorado, Commodore, Corsica, Corvette, El Camino, Equinox, Express Full Size Van, Impala, Lumina, LUV, Malibu, Metro, Monte Carlo, Monza, Nova, Pickup Full Size, Prizm, S10, Savannah, Spectrum, Sprint, Tahoe, Town and Country, Tracker, Trailblazer, Traverse, Van Full Size, and Venture among many others. At present, Auto Accessories Giant countrys largest supplier of discount priced high performance and heavy duty Chevrolet parts.


  • When Your Engine Does Not Crank Up

    After putting in your keys in the ignition and after the nth time you still could not start your car, what do you do? Take it easy. It is not the end of the world yet. Maybe you can try checking first if you can troubleshoot any vehicle problems your car may have before you actually rush to call a tow truck. Remember, it may take just a couple of tinkering to get your car going back on the road. Saves you a lot of money, too.

    So now your engine seems not to crank. And this kind of situation could be quite bewildering. But if you know where to look and what to find, you can surely make your car running again. Remember, knowledge of troubleshooting car problems is just like knowledge of where to find Lincoln Mark VIII parts list: it saves you a lot on trouble, efforts, and monetary resources.

    First off, you should understand that an engine that does not crank could be caused by a bad starter or even by a dead battery. Now, you should know if your car has got an automatic transmission or if it works on a stick shift. For automatic cars, check the transmission. Make sure that the transmission is in park mode and your foot is set on the brake. On the other hand, if you have a car installed with a manual transmission, make sure that the clutch pedal is depressed completely. Also make sure that the neutral safety switch is behind the clutch pedal.

    If these tactics do not work, you should now check if you have fastened your seat belt properly. You see, for safety reasons, there are some automakers who make sure that drivers and passengers are safety buckled up. And when the cars system notices that the drivers seat belt is not yet fastened, you can also make sure that your engine would not start up.


  • 2007 Saturn AURA: The Wait Is Over!

    When Saturn exited the midsize car market a few years ago they left with a promise: well be back. After several years of lackluster sales, GMs Saturn division dropped the unpopular L Series in 2004 with no immediate replacement waiting. Thanks in part to the companys German division, Opel, Saturn has a new car to capture the imagination of sedan enthusiasts everywhere. The AURA, a five passenger Euro style sedan, is now on display at your local Saturn dealership. Please read on to see what the AURA has in store for buyers just like you.

    The L Series wasnt a bad car, it just got lost in a sea of competition dominated by popular Camrys, versatile Accords, and dependable Tauruss. Bland styling didnt help matters either as the car never approached General Motors expectations, therefore the automaker decided to drop the model from Saturns then spartan line up.

    Unfortunately for Saturn dealers, a void in an already small line up was left wide open. True, the all-new RELAY crossover was brought in as the L Series made its exit, but it certainly wasnt a sedan and it wasnt meant to replace the L Series. Thankfully, GM did not fill the hole in Saturns line with yet another me too rebadged Chevy or Pontiac. Instead, the automaker promised to develop a fresh model based on a new GM platform and by incorporating Opel styling and technology. Thus, the seeds of the all new AURA were planted and the harvest has now hit a showroom near you.

    So, exactly what do you get with the all new AURA? Well, one thing you wont get is a four cylinder engine. Unlike the Toyota Camry, the AURA is only offering a pair of six cylinder engines. Likely, this wont be a problem for most buyers as the two AURA engines are different enough to give customers a real choice: the 3.5L V6 comes equipped with a four speed automatic transmission while the optional 3.6L DOHC V6 is mated to a six speed automatic transmission. Some buyers may be disappointed by the lack of a manual transmission, so GM will have to watch this closely to see if additional sales could be realized by introducing a potent six speed manny tranny.

    Beyond the powerplant, the AURA comes nicely equipped. Since its chief competitors will be the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, Saturn could ill afford to produce a car short on anything. Thus, the base AURA will be priced right MSRP of $20,595 and include the following standard equipment:

  • 3.5L V6
  • Four speed automatic transmission
  • Four wheel disc brakes
  • ABS with Traction Control
  • Head curtain and side impact air bags
  • 6 speaker sound system
  • OnStar
  • Power Everything
  • Optional equipment for the standard model includes aluminum wheels, leather interior, sunroof, premium sound system and more. The base model is known as the XE with the up market XR featuring the larger engine and a very long list of standard equipment. Add about $4000 to the price of the base XE to get an XR.

    Saturn hopes that the bold styling of the AURA will cause shoppers to take a closer look. Now that the Camry has finally shed its bland image, Saturn can ill afford to go up against the automotive leader with a nondescript model. With a sporty grille, comely lines, and an attractive B pillar, the AURA goes well beyond the L Series and is sure to attract buyers to the Saturn fold.

    The AURA also is a departure from Saturns Spring Hill, Tennessee roots as it is built in GMs Kansas City facility alongside the Chevrolet Malibu. Based on GMs Epsilon platform, the AURA effectively combines GM and Opel technology and styling in an all new model. This is a bold move on GMs part one that the worlds number one automaker is pinning on reviving a brand that desperately needs this type of stylish model.


  • 2006 Pontiac Solstice Cruises Down The Road

    From the brand that produces cars that boast of exemplary performance, the 2006 Pontiac Solstice is indeed one of those vehicles that draw lots of attention. Indeed, as a sports car, this vehicle sure is nimble and also offers excellent handling. It also has finesse that most sports cars do not even know how to define. And for sports car lovers, the 2006 Pontiac Solstice is one of the most affordable sports vehicles in the market.

    Produced by General Motors and marketed under the Pontiac brand, the Pontiac Solstice is new to the market. In fact, it has just been in production starting this year, 2006. It is a sports car that has been built in one body style which is the roadster with two doors. The FR Kappa platform was used in building this sports car and it also has been equipped with a 2.4 liter Ecotec I4 engine. Assisting in its performance is a five speed Aisin AR5 manual transmission system or a five speed 5L40-E automatic transmission. Designed by automobile stylist Wayne Cherry, the Pontiac Solstice is going to be considered as a competition by cars like the Nissan 350Z, Honda S2000, Mazda MX-5, as well as the Chrysler Crossfire.

    The 2006 Pontiac Solstice certainly looks like the classic sports cars from the 1950s which is coupled up with its own share of uniqueness that the overall effect leads to an original design that is a blend of the past and the future. This sports car also offers the best kind of comfort that most sports cars do not offer. Because of its long wheelbase, passengers do not have to be cramped and uncomfortable once inside the cabin. Packed with features for entertainment and for comfort, a ride inside the 2006 Pontiac Solstice is going to be very interesting.


  • 2006 Kia Rio: Use and Toss?

    Kia vehicles have managed to make significant strides in quality and durability since being introduced to the US market in 1994. Widely panned by critics as producing cheaply built and cheaply priced models, some Kia models are now performing at average or slightly above. The Kia Rio is not one of these cars, however. Only the extended warranty makes the Rio worth a look otherwise slightly more expensive cars from Toyota are preferable.

    With a base MSRP of just $10,735, the Kia Rio is touted as still the most affordable 4-door sedan in America. Certainly, when it comes to price, the Rio is a winner. Add in standard features such as dual remote mirrors, driver lumbar support seats, and the extended warranty, and the car is a value leader. Of course, air conditioning will cost you extra and dont expect to find any type of radio in the car either unless you pay extra for it. Remember, the emphasis is on value, not equipment.

    The Kia is powered by a 1.6L DOHC 16 valve I4 engine paired with a five speed manual transmission. The five passenger sedan produces an anemic 104hp; a four speed automatic transmission is optional.

    Various upgrade packages allow consumers to select additional comfort and convenience options as well as safety features including four wheel antilock brakes. One almost thinks that a customer would do better purchasing the basic model and then purchasing Kia accessories through a parts wholesaler to maximize the cars value.

    The best part of the Rio — or any Kia car for that matter — is the extended warranty, one of the best in the industry. Without it, the Rio would be truly forgettable. Kias warranty covers the following:

  • Limited Powertrain: 10 years or 100,000 miles
  • Limited Basic: 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • Limited Anti-Perforation: 5 years or 100,000 miles
  • Roadside Assistance: 5 years / unlimited miles

    The Kia Rio serves the purpose of providing cheap, basic transportation. If you drive a lot and need an economical car, then the Rio is worth a look. Just dont think that the car rises to the level of a Toyota, otherwise you will be sorely disappointed. You may get five or six good years out of the car before its value decreases to the point where it simply should be discarded.

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