Smart Car Care

From the Mazda Motor Corporation which is based and has its headquarters in Japan is yet another vehicle that has made heads turn at the sight of it and has made its passengers and its driver wonder about the comfort and reliability that this vehicle could offer. This is vehicle is the Mazda 323. It is a subcompact car. It was produced starting from 1975 and the last year that units of this vehicle were crafted was in 1984. When the Mazda 323s lifeline was completed halted that in 1984, Mazda was already cooking up another vehicle to replace and take the spot in their vehicle line up which the Mazda 323 would be leaving blank. The Mazda 323s replacement was the Mazda Mazda3.

The Mazda 323 has been made available in two body styles and these are the sedan and the hatchback. Mazda has also made sure that this vehicle would give interested parties the chance to choose as per what kind of engine would suit their needs, and preferences. The engine choices are the 1.4 liter UC engine, the 1.3 liter E3 engine, and the 1.5 liter E5 engine.

If you take the time to travel to Japan, you would notice that the very same Mazda 323 vehicle is known as the Mazda Familia there. In the United States, on the other hand, it has been previously marketed by the company as the Mazda GLC. Later on, it became the Mazda 323 and then in 1990, the name was changed to become the Mazda Protg. However, if you do travel to the far reaches of South Africa, the people here would not introduce the vehicle to you as the Mazda 323, Protg, GLC, or Familia. Here, this vehicle is known as the Mazda Etude. When the Mazda 323s were still in production, assembly of the vehicle was done in various countries like Taiwan, Malaysia, South Africa, Colombia, and New Zealand.

On the other hand, for the greatest deals on Mazda 323 parts and other Mazda model parts, Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts has the largest source of superior quality and affordable parts. Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts brings Mazda owners, aficionados, and interested parties the greatest selection of outstanding Mazda auto parts like Mazda accessories, air intake, brakes, climate control, clutch parts, cooling syste, drive belts, driveshaft and axle, electrical parts, electrical engine parts, exhaust system parts, mechanical engine parts, and transmission parts among many others.

Just months after its much publicized release, the 7 passenger Jeep Commander is a major disappointment for DaimlerChrysler to the point where it has become an albatross around the automakers neck. Stung with bloated inventories in excess of 100 days an industry killer the Commander is now commanding discounts of over $5000 per vehicle. What went wrong? Plenty, especially if you read what the pundits and prognosticators have to say about the new Jeep.

No vehicle introduction should be problematic however, as for the Jeep Commander this model has fallen well short of sales goals. There are many reasons why the Commander may be failing to live up to expectations including:

High Fuel Prices Gasoline pushing past $2.50 per gallon cannot help any SUV. With the Commanders three thirsty engine choices, the price at the pump can be painful. Yet, the even bigger Chevrolet Tahoe is selling well despite high fuel prices.

Dated Styling Jeep mentions the Commanders heritage exterior design as one of the chief draws for the vehicle. Take one look at the Commander, and the styling cues of the 1984 Jeep Cherokee quickly come to mind. While some vehicles successfully incorporate the look of an earlier model without copying the style, the Commander looks awfully like the earlier Cherokee, only stretched out. Personally, I find the style to be dated and awkward.

Cramped Interior Put the Commander up against the next biggest Jeep, the Gran Cherokee, and you will see that the interior space is just about the same. This is bad because the Commander comes equipped with a third row of seats so there should be more room. Many have complained that only two small children could fit in the last row which, incidentally, does not completely fold into the floor like the stow n go feature on the DCX minivans.

Overpriced Fully loaded Commanders are retailing for well over $40,000. While this price range can be expected for the likes of a Yukon, Tahoe, or Expedition, it cant for the Commander. Of course, the Commander is bigger than the Gran Cherokee which is priced just under $40,000. However, if you put the two models side by side, many would say that the Gran Cherokee is the better of the two.

So, will DaimlerChrysler actually discontinue the Commander? That isnt likely. Instead, look for big rebates to remain in place and production to be permanently cut back. For the long term, DCX will need to give some serious consideration as to whether the Commander will remain part of the Jeep line up. In my opinion, if it does, it needs to be seriously overhauled in order to compete in todays marketplace.

In all, the Commander is a costly mistake for the automaker. During these times of strong and aggressive competition, the Commander is a misstep that cannot be ignored by DaimlerChrysler. Goodness knows the Commander is being ignored by Jeep faithful who are spurning the model altogether.

If you are a car fan you know that part of the fun of following the market is examining new models as they enter the showroom. There is just something special about a new car: the smell, the look, the price tag! For some 17 million American drivers a new car is in their future, while many others opt for the used car market. Some of the cars on the market today are hot, hot, hot! Lets take a look at several new and future offerings from Dodge.

Thanks in part to new ownership [Daimler Benz purchased the Chrysler Corporation in 1998] a fresh infusion of great looking Dodge models have hit a showroom near you. Additional models are soon to appear and the makeover that Dodge has been receiving is nothing less than astounding. Here are some of my favorites:

Magnum – Who said that a station wagon should resemble a family hauler? The Magnum sure doesnt. With an intimidating grille and a rakish exterior, the Magnum is a true man pleaser while also giving women a bit extra room in the back to haul stuff. Throw in a Hemi and the Magnum truly rocks!

Charger Okay, so the new Charger has four doors. Well, you cant have everything. You can have macho looks, a powerful engine, and a car that is certain to compete with anything that Japan or Germany throws its way. Word has it that DaimlerChrysler is considering a coupe version. Now, wouldnt that be cool!

Caliber – Bye, bye Neon. The Neon served Dodge well, but it isnt in the same caliber as the Caliber. Pun intended. To be introduced in Spring 2006 as a 2007 model, the Caliber will have three engine choices: 1.8, 2.0, and 2.4 I4s, a continuously available transaxle, and all wheel drive. In addition, 2.0L diesel engines will be available outside of the North American market why not here? as DaimlerChrysler sets to introduce the Dodge name into new markets.

Other Dodge vehicles that are getting noticed include the Ram and Dakota pick up trucks, the Durango SUV and the soon to be introduced Dodge Nitro, the divisions version of the compact Jeep Liberty. Oh, yeah, who could forget the 510-hp V10 Viper? Can you say, Corvette beater?

One word you cant associate with Dodge anymore is the word, boring. Exciting cars, trucks, and SUVs for a market craving these types of hot vehicles. I guess the ram insignia really does befit the name.

When you think of German automotive excellence, Mercedes and BMW are two brands that easily come to mind. Audi, too, has been making a name for itself and is poised to cause a lot of trouble for its Bavarian cousins with its current line of cars and planned models. The cream of the crop Audi is the A8, a true champion and a terrific alternative to BMW and Mercedes. Lets take a closer look at Audis top-of-the-line sedan and what it has to offer to you, the European sedan enthusiast.

Back in 1994 Audi decided to take on Mercedes and BMW by introducing an all new car the full size Audi A8. As the first car built on an entirely aluminum platform [for weight savings optimization] the Audi A8 has been constantly redefining the German luxury car market ever since. Way back in 1997, the Audi A8 became the first car in the world to offer six air bags. Later, more powerful diesel and gasoline powered engines were introduced to further separate the brand from its competitors.

Since 1997 the A8 has been marketed in the USA, but it hasnt swiped as many sales away from Mercedes and BMW as Audi had hoped. Still, the current model offers much flair and technological innovation to be truly a different model from BMWs 7-Series or Mercedes S-Class.

One thing that Audi enthusiasts have appreciated about the Audi A8 is its diverse engine choices. Certainly, a powerful gasoline powered V8 is offered, but other engine choices including V10 and V12 engines have shown up as well. Turbo diesel aspirated V6 and V8 engines have made their way onto European versions of the car, but not in America where emissions standards are much more restrictive.

So, what exactly can you get with an Audi A8 besides a wide variety of engine choices? Much, as outlined here:

6 speed Tiptronic transmission

Quattro all wheel drive

Power sunroof

Bi-Xenon headlamps

Front and rear foglamps

Premium sound system

18 inch alloy wheels

Full leather interior

much more!

For a retail price of just under $70,000 for the base model, the Audi A8 is priced competitively against similar sized BMW and Mercedes models. However, if it is speed that you want, then the W12 model will get you there in about five seconds. In this case, youll have to pony up at least $118,000 for the top-of-the-line Audi A8.

Of course, not everyone wants a car as big and as expensive as the Audi A8. If your tastes are a bit simpler, the automaker markets 13 other models in North America and its Volkswagen division also offers a wide selection of less pricey models.

Then again if it is an Audi A8 that you want, then price will not be an object. At least Audi hopes it is that way for many of its well heeled customers!

Sometimes an automaker will introduce a vehicle based upon the platform of a lesser model. Typically, this plan is employed when costs need to be cut to realize real savings. The theory is that the shared platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish the upscale model from the ordinary one. Add in leather, a taut suspension, and upgraded powerplant options and you can probably pull it off. For Audi, the introduction of the all-new Audi A4 during the mid1990s allowed the German automaker to capitalize on the success of the Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car from its European cousin. The plan worked, but it was only a temporary move. Lets take a look at the Audi A4 and its surge to the top of German automotive excellence.

For years, the Audi 80 defined the smaller cars in Audis line up. By the early 1990s, the aging model was in need of updating and the name itself would need to be changed with the two digit alphanumeric model designation recently adopted by Audi. Cost pressures, however, made the development of an all-new from-the-ground-up model impossible. Instead, Audi tapped Volkswagen and based the original Audi A4 upon the successful VW Passat.

Platform sharing has been common amongst automakers for generations. General Motors regularly spreads it platforms across brand lines while Toyota and Honda have learned that their respective Lexus and Acura luxury makes could share much with their high quality and successful standard brands.

Still, the wheels of autodom are always turning and the original Audi A4 is now in its fourth generation and is built on its own platform. Indeed, the newest Audi A4 shares nothing with its VW cousin and is poised squarely to do battle with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class, the Volvo S60, and Cadillacs Swedish built BLS.

So, what does todays Audi A4 owners get for the money? Quite a lot! Read on:

A choice of three models including a sedan, a wagon, and a cabriolet

Two engine choices: a 2.0L I4 and a robust 3.2L V6

Front wheel drive or Quattro all wheel drive

A plethora of transmission choices including manual, automatic, and manumatic shifters

Major safety initiatives including power assisted safety restraints, head and side air bags, antilock brakes

12 way power seat for the driver

Leather, aluminum, and clothe appointments

Premium 10 speaker sound system

16 inch, 5 spoke alloy wheels

Base prices start around $28,000 for the sedan and climb to just over $37,000 for the cabriolet; all prices are slightly lower than competing models from Mercedes and BMW.

Fortunately for Audi A4 lovers, the German automaker isnt holding still and plans for a fifth generation Audi A4 are underway. The newest model may switch to rear wheel drive and a coupe is receiving serious scrutiny. Regardless of the final decisions, Audi A4 owners know that their favored model will keep up with the competition. This is great news for those wanting a car incorporating German engineering without the Mercedes or BMW price tag.

Months ago, in a related article, I covered five new or revised car models set to be launched on the North American market. The Jaguar XK, Saturn Sky, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Land Rover Freelander, and Dodge Nitro are already in showrooms or soon to make their appearance there. Beyond these five there are quite a number of other models also being planned and some have already been released. Lets take a look at five more models catching the attention of auto enthusiasts everywhere.

Nissan Versa Yes, Nissan has its own Scion fighter planned and just in time too as two other cars, the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, will also be making their debut in the fast crowding Generation Y category. The Versa looks more like a Toyota Matrix as opposed to the bread box looking Scion xB. Available as a four door sedan or five door hatchback, the car will come equipped not stripped and include an AM/FM/CD sound system, air conditioning, 6 speed manny tranny, and power mirrors as standard equipment. Best of all, the roomy Versa will be priced at about $12,000, right in Scion territory.

Saturn Aura Finally, General Motors is paying some serious attention to Saturn, its sometime division. Now that Oldsmobile is out of the way, GM appears ready to take a look at how best to position the Saturn brand. Thanks to GMs European division, Opel, Saturn looks as if it will benefit from a few new models and the Aura sedan is one of them. Powered by a 3.6L V6, the Aura is shapely, stylish, and much more inviting than its L Series predecessor which was also Opel inspired.

Dodge Caliber Dodges Neon replacement goes where no small Dodge has gone before it. The five door wagon/hatchback sits on beefy 19 inch wheels and incorporates the aggressive Dodge crosshairs grille so popular on all of its vehicles. Three engine choices including 1.8L, 2.0L, and 2.4L I4s set the vehicle apart from the crowd. Dodge will be marketing the car well beyond North America in DCXs quest to spread the Dodge brand worldwide. With a base price around $14,000 the Caliber will be competitive. Still, a Mexican built Scion like Hornet will likely become the entry level car within a few years as DCX prepares to take on Scion and the coming cheaply priced Chinese cars.

Volkswagen Minivan A yet to be named minivan will soon be marketed by Volkswagen. Not much has to be done by VW to prepare for the vehicles arrival as it will be a rebadged version of Chryslers successful minivans, the Caravan and Town & Country. Yes, VW is turning to its German competitor to fill a void in its line up. For its part, VW will be sharing technology with DCX in the form of the Scion like Dodge Hornet to be built in Mexico. The Hornet will be based on the VW Polo, another vehicle that may be imported to the US market.

Ford Edge The crossover market heats up with the introduction of the Ford Edge. Marketed between the Escape and Explorer, the Edge will be powered by a 3.5L V6 and be available as front wheel drive people mover or in all wheel drive. Lincoln gets a gussied up version of the Edge called the Aviator.

Other vehicles being introduced include full size trucks and SUVs for General Motors, the Saturn Sky convertible, a revamped Toyota Camry, and new offerings from Kia, Hyundai, and Honda.

The choices for consumers continues to broaden and model year 2007 will be no exception.

Sedan, hatchback or station wagon, you can own a 2006 Mazda6 for these are the body styles that are offered for this vehicle model. This vehicle offers a splendid performance hidden behind its spicy and hot style and design. Comfort is also something that this vehicle offers for its cabin and its seats can be arranged. A great amount of cargo could also be transported using the 2006 Mazda6 with its fifty eight cubic feet of space in the back as you fold down the rear seats.

Manufactured by the automaker, Mazda, the Mazda6 has actually been existing as a production vehicle since 2003 and up until the present, it continually proves that it will stay and it will prevail despite changing lifestyles and changing needs of the market. It took the spot that was previously occupied by the Mazda 626 and the Mazd Capella in the Mazda line up of vehicles. This midsize vehicle has been made available as a sedan with four doors, a station wagon with four, and a hatchback that holds five doors.

There are five engine choices for the Mazda6. The list includes a 1.8 liter MZR I4 engine, a 2.0 liter MZR I4, a 2.3 liter MZR I4, a 3.0 liter Duratec V6, and a 2.0 liter MZR-CD diesel engine. Considered as its competition are the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Peugeot 407, Nissan Primera, Volkswagen Passat, and the Toyota Avensis. Ranging from $23,415 to $27,315, you can own one of these vehicles yourself. It has a mileage of 19 miles per gallon on streets and city roads, and 26 miles per gallon for highways.

Generosity is a trait that the 2006 Mazda6 has. You can find features like air conditioning, power windows, a cruise control system, radio controls that are mounted on its steering wheel, full power mirrors, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, as well as power door locks.

The Isuzu Ascender is a vehicle that has been produced and manufactured by General Motors. Production for this vehicle started back in the year 2003. However, sad news for those who would like to purchase or own one of these Isuzu Ascenders is that this year, 2006, would be the last year of its production. Come next year, 2007, there will be no more Isuzu Ascenders to be produced.

In the line up of vehicles under General Motors Isuzu division, the Isuzu Ascender actually took the spot and niche that the Isuzu Trooper left vacant when the production for this vehicle, the Isuzu Trooper, was completely halted. As per the Isuzu Ascender, this vehicle has been designed and produced to be a mid size sport utility vehicle. It has been designed and mounted on the 4WD GMT 360 platform which makes it very much related to the GMC Envoy, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Buick Rainier, the Oldsmobile Bravada, and the Saab 9-7 X. The power for this vehicle comes from two engine choices. These engines comprise of the 4.2 liter Vortec I6 engine and the 5.3 liter Vortec V8 engine. Interested parties and customers can choose between the two engines which would serve as the power source for the vehicle. In the automobile market, the Isuzu Ascender has had and continually has a couple of competition vehicles. The list of these vehicles include the Toyota 4Runner, the Nissan Pathfinder, the Ford Explorer, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Toyota Sequoia, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Ford Expedition, and the GMC Envoy.

Upon its introduction back in 2003, the Isuzu Ascender came as a sport utility vehicle that could hold a maximum of seven passengers in its interior. However, the following year, another version of this vehicle was introduced to the automobile market and this time around the vehicle could only take in a maximum of five passengers inside. Both of these vehicles have been made available and continually produced up until this year only.