8 new hybrid-electric cars

8 new hybrid-electric cars: Recent environmentally friendly vehciles with driving power from GM, Toyota, Honda, Ford and Lexus:

1. Honda Insight (40 mpg / 41 mpg)
2. Toyota Prius (50 mpg)
3. Ford Fusion Hybrid (41 mpg)
4. Chevy Silverado (21 mpg / 22 mpg)
5. Lexus RX 450h (30 mpg)
6. GEM - Global Electric Motorcars (Low Speed - 30 miles range)
7. Tesla (244 miles range - 4 hours to charge)
8. Chevy Volt (40 miles range - 6 hours to charge)

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11 Car Fix-Ups for Spring

Your vehicle's springtime maintenance not only can minimize unexpected and time-consuming repairs, but ultimately help maximize resale value. Here are 11 spring gotta-do's for your car:

1. Clean the exterior.
2. Clean the interior.
3. Check the tires.
4. Rotate the tires.
5. Inspect the brakes.
6. Check all wiper blades.
7. Repair scratches.
8. Flush the radiator.
9. Check all hoses and belts.
10. Top off all fluids.
11. Inspect your battery connections.

By Russ Heaps • Bankrate.com

10 Top Road Trip Vehicles

These 10 new models may add some excitement to your summer travel:

• offer the fuel efficiency for the budget
• environment-minded
• boast features that enhance comfort as the hours go on

1. Crossovers: Ford Flex
2. Minivan: Toyota Sienna
3. SUV: Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
4. Convertible: Mazda Miata MX-5
5. Sports Car: BMW Z4 Roadster
6. Luxury Coupe: Infiniti G37
7. Hybrid: Toyota Prius
8. Muscle car: Chevy Corvette
9. Sedan: Mercedes Benz C63 AMG
10. Truck: Dodge Ram 1500

Kelley Blue Book announces their pick for Top 10 Green Cars.

According to Kelly Blue Book, the top 10 Green Cars, shown in combined EPA-estimated fuel economy, are:

1. Toyota Prius
2. Honda Insight
3. Ford Fusion
4. Volkswagen Jetta
5. Mini Cooper
6. Ford Escape
7. Honda Fit
8. BMW 335
9. Toyota Highlander
10. Chevrolet Silverado

Fuel efficiency and environmental concerns are shaping consumer demand, and the result is a greater variety of fuel efficient vehicles. While Toyota Prius tops the list with an incredible 50mpg(city/highway combined), buyers who prefer a truck or SUV can also enjoy fuel efficiency with the Toyota Highlander , Ford Fusion, or the Chevrolet Silverado.

To find these vehicles and more in Napa Valley and Northern California, visit Napa Car Dealers Online Auto Mall.

2009 Best Cars for the Money

#1 Ranked Vehicles of 2009 in the five most popular categories are:

• Honda Fit - Small Car
• Chevy Malibu - Midsize Car
• Infiniti G37 - Near-Luxury Car
• Honda CR-V - Small SUV
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid - Midsize SUV

2009 Award Winners:

* Toyota Camry - Best Midsize Car
* Honda Fit - Best Subcompact Car
* Mazda Mazda5 - Best Compact Crossover
* Hyundai Elantra - Best Compact Car
* Toyota Highlander - Best Midsize Crossover
* Lexus RX - Best Luxury Crossover
* Chevrolet Tahoe - Best Full Size SUV
* Mazda Miata - Best Sports Car
* Lexus GS - Best Luxury Car
* Toyota Tacoma - Best Compact Truck
* Chevy Silverado - Best Full Size Truck
* Toyota Sienna - Best Minivan
* Toyota Avalon - Best Large Car
* Lexus ES - Best Upscale Car

See the 2009 Best Cars in all categories - US News Car Reviews.

Tips for Finding the Right Vehicle that Fits Your Style and Wallet

(ARA) - In today’s economy, every dollar counts. If you need to purchase an expensive necessity item like a car you must do so with serious thought and attention to detail. Here are some things to consider.

First select a sturdy, efficient car that has a proven track record of performance and dependability. Thought must be given to a variety things including: type of car, size, gas mileage, maintenance, service contracts and insurance. Some cars carry a higher insurance premium due to the theft ratio. With the fluctuating price of gas, consider models that get the best gas mileage.

With the automotive industry in crisis, be on the lookout for over-zealous car dealers who are trying to turn every consumer visit to the dealership into an immediate sale. Shop around various dealerships for the best bargain you can find. It is important to be an informed shopper. Read the automotive section in the newspaper to become familiar with prices and deals available. An informed consumer can force the dealer to reduce his offer two or three times.

Consider your needs, lifestyle and road travel requirements. A mother with children who is active in the community car pool may consider an SUV to be the best fit. A business executive who often travels with clients, customers and potential customers may look for a more traditional four-door sedan as a good fit. A single person without a lot of family ties may be interested in a sporty, fast, two-seater vehicle as a perfect fit.

Make sure you select a car that is affordable for your budget and lifestyle. It is important to select a vehicle that will have a payment plan that allows easy manageability along with other financial obligations such as mortgage, rent, food, utilities and recreation. Buyers are encouraged to pay special attention to financing rates.

“Shop the financing before you buy. Buyers can be approved for a dollar amount and fill in the car later. Then check what the dealer is offering,” says Robert Lindquist, professor of business at Argosy University, Orange County.

Lindquist also recommends car buyers make sure that a low-interest quote is simple interest, and not add-on interest which doubles the rate and, ultimately, costs the consumer more.

In addition, Lindquist advises buyers to consider purchasing an extended warranty, particularly if you finance the car for longer than 36 months. The average car warranty is three years or 36,000 miles.

All of these factors are crucial when selecting the right vehicle for you. It is important that consumers are thoughtful in choosing a car that complements their lifestyle, and is affordable for their wallet.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Search for new and used cars at NapaCarDealers.com

NapaCarDealers.com has an up to date selection of new cars, trucks, SUV's and crossovers. Find the Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda or other new or pre-owned vehicles to fit your needs and your budget. Get a free quote or use our easy online contact form if you have questions for the dealers. It's easy to find just the car you're looking for; search by year, make, model, or price range.

Visit Napa County Used Cars online at NapaCarDealers.com.