Two decades ago, Hyundai entered the North American market with its $3600 Excel Pony. This cheaply priced, cheaply built model set the tone for the new importer and it wasnt a good one at that. Low quality went arm and arm with the low price, but consumers still bought Hyundais anyway as a new Excel compared favorably with prices for late model used cars of that era. Many owners shrugged off the cheap plastics and quality problems, citing that the Pony gave them something they never had before: a brand new car.

Eventually, Hyundai expanded its line up and improved its quality levels. An industry best warranty plan was crafted and put in place which helped to underscore that Hyundai was serious about building quality vehicles and would stand behind their many products. Mysteriously, a minivan was not part of the line up even as its Kia subsidiary successfully introduced the Sedona and as demand for minivans remained strong.

Rumors of a Hyundai minivan have been circulating for several years. Even previous company press releases hinted at the possibility, but no official announcement had been forthcoming. Finally, late in 2005, Hyundai signaled that they would go ahead and produce a minivan based on the stretched wheelbase version of the Kia Sedona. No short wheelbase van is planned, so the Entourage will clearly target a slightly higher and more lucrative end of the minivan market.

With a 3.8L V6 engine, power sliding doors, ABS, traction control, six airbags, and triple zone air conditioning, the Entourage will be equipped to compete directly against four popular models: the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Honda Odyssey, and the Toyota Sienna. Based on the Sedona, Hyundai does have its work cut out for itself as the Sedona has been below average in quality and reliability.

To Hyundais advantage will be its competitive pricing and with Ford out of the market and General Motors considering doing the same, Hyundais focus will be set squarely on competing against the two Chrysler products as well as the pricey Honda and Sienna models. While Chrysler is currently the sales leader in this segment, a smartly optioned Entourage will probably grab sales from fully equipped versions of each model. This will not happen if quality levels do not improve.

Knowing the competitiveness of this Korean automaker, you can expect that the Entourage will present a strong battle once quality issues have been overcome. Should that happen, you can expect that the Hyundai Entourage and Kia Sedona will grab more sales and become a force to be reckoned with. The consumer may be the biggest winner as prices are likely to hold or even come down in the face of strong competition.

In the face of soaring gasoline prices pushed by crude oil prices hitting $75 per barrel, nearly 60 percent of those questioned said they favor oil production in ANWR.

“These are very strong results,” said Paul Phillips, PACWEST’s president. “Congress has failed previously in numerous attempts to pass legislation opening ANWR’s vast oil and gas reserves. Hopefully, they will now be more responsive to the will of the people and address the people’s energy needs.”

On numerous occasions, the powerful environmental lobby has defeated attempts to open ANWR, claiming that production there would harm the environment. However, as Phillips points out, it had no such qualms when the Clinton administration proposed oil production on another section of Alaska’s North Slope.

In fact, Mr. Clinton’s Department of Energy published an extensive report in 1999 entitled “Environmental Benefits of Advanced Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Technology.” That report found, “From the tundra of Alaska to the wetlands of Louisiana, a host of advanced technologies enable the oil and gas industry to produce resources far beneath sensitive environments.”

It describes techniques such as building ice roads for moving equipment that simply disappear without a trace when summer comes to the Arctic and directional drilling that allows many wells to be put down from a single location. These and other techniques would enable the production of oil and gas using just 2,000 of ANWR’s 19,500,000 acres.

Should the Congress vote to open ANWR to oil production, Phillips said, the effect of driving prices down could be immediate, even though actual production would be some years away.

“Much of the price of oil is based on speculation that there will be shortages in the future,” Phillips noted. “Any action which might even slightly lessen such shortages could have a strong impact on prices.”

Opening ANWR could well be just such an action. The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated ANWR could hold as much as 16 billion barrels of oil. That is an amount equal to 30 years of imports from Saudi Arabia. Peak production, it is estimated, would yield approximately 1.5 million barrels per day, or about 7.5 percent of this country’s daily usage–enough, according to experts, to impact world prices.

Choppers are great fun to ride, and if you want to build one it can be an amazing and rewarding experience. You can buy one from a former owner or from a custom motorcycle builder. Here are eight reasons to build your own custom chopper or kit bike:

1. Kit bikes are easy to build compared to a “start from scratch” chopper. You start with a rolling chassis and go from there. You are only committing to the frame, motor and front end when you go with a kit bike. If you have never built a motorcycle before, the kit bike is the way to start and then later build a scratch chopper. You’ll end up with a classy ride you love even when you begin with a kit.

2. The customization is entirely up to you. You choose the accessories and features for your motorcycle and the end product won’t be like every other bike on the road!

3. The experience is a great reason to build. Not only will you learn about motorcycle design, balancing and ergonomics, you will know how every single part in the motorcycle works and be able to perform repairs easily.

4. The chopper you build, whether from a kit or from scratch, will fit you and your personal needs. If you love suicide shifts, you can have it. If you want a lower profile for easy balance when stopped, you can design that right into the motorcycle. Ladies, especially, love the custom motorcycle because many petite women don’t feel comfortable with a high profile motorcycle, yu can build the motorcycle to suit your body.

5. Building your own chopper is a LOT less expensive than building a built machine. If you design and build your own scoot, you’ll get what you want at a fraction of the price a custom builder will charge. After all, you are putting out all the sweat equity yourself!

6. By building your own chopper, you can spread the expense over a period of time rather than having to pay for everything up front. When you buy a showroom motorcycle, whether chopped or not, you have to pay for everything at one time. This often means financing becomes involved and you have to plan for all those payments. If you are already on the road on a stock bike or another chopper, you can perform your build of a new chopper over a period of time, adding parts as you have the money. Sure, this may not be the fast track to having a completed ride, but it can often represent the sensible way to get what you want and have it paid for in full when you first ride out! You’ll save tons of money on interest chargers over financing.

7. Bonding with friends and fellow riders is another great reason to build a bike. Usually when you start a build, friends drop by to help and see the progress. This allows quality time to chat and share tips and tricks. Sure, bonding can occur on the road, but it’s nice to have some garage time with your buddies.

8. Family members are often more supportive of the motorcycle when you are putting time into it at home yourself. It keeps you at home and the whole family can participate in the project. Even the kids will get excited as the motorcycle comes together!

If you are a fan of the Buick brand you have witnessed your fair share of changes over the past five years. Gone are the Park Avenue, LeSabre, Century, and Regal, and in its place are the Rendezvous, the Rainier, LaCrosse, Terrazza, and the Lucerne. All the changes are the result of General Motors broad realignment strategy in the wake of retiring the Oldsmobile brand, lifting Saturn into the fold, and setting strategy to compete against the nonstop onslaught of foreign brands including Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, and Infiniti.

One look at the Buick and you will notice a strong resemblance to the Cadillac DTS. The Buicks oval grille sets it apart from the Cadillacs firm nose, but a cursory examination of the body lines tells you that these cars are in fact twins. In the past, Buicks were essentially stripped down versions of Cadillacs, while Oldsmobile and Pontiac were more luxurious or sportier versions of Chevrolet models. Clearly, GM is repositioning Buick to have a more distinct near luxury look without stepping on Cadillacs toes, while giving the Buick division a much needed replacement for the aging Park Avenue.

For the car shopper, the Lucerne is value priced, arriving at in showrooms at just under 27K. With a standard 3.8 V6, the automaker can claim decent fuel mileage of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. In these days of hyped up gas prices, favorable fuel economy is a keen marketing tool, but expect many buyers to opt for the ultra powerful Northstar V8 instead. Why? Because, if they want to purchase a Buick, they likely will want the power to go along with the luxury. It remains to be seen how well the V6 operates in a car that is 203 inches long and weighing in at nearly two tons.

Standard equipment for the Lucerne includes the following: power windows, door locks, and mirrors; side curtain air bags for the front seat; theft deterrent system; OnStar; keyless entry; and more.

The optional equipment list is expansive and can easily drive the starting price of the top of the line CSX to over 35K. For that price you receive heated power seats with lumbar support; a memory package that adjusts the seats, mirrors, radio, and climate control to each drivers specifications; sport leather steering wheel with built in controls; and more.

A fully loaded Lucerne is still several thousand dollars less than the DTS, making the Lucerne a value leader in the luxury car category. Still, Buick has its work cut out for it as competition from foreign brands including Acura, BMW, and Lexus continue to hammer away at GMs near luxury division. Fortunately, quality levels for all Buicks remain very high so combining that level of success with a strong price may help the Lucerne compete admirably.

The 2007 Sonata is the smaller of Hyundais two midsize sedans. It comes in three models: a) The Sonata Limited trim is the top-line model and has a 235-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic as well as heated front seats, automatic climate control and fine leather upholstery. b) The Sonata SE also has a 235-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic. c) The Sonata GLS has 162-hp 4-cylinders and a choice of either 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. All models are equipped with ABS and traction/antiskid control as well as front-side and curtain-side airbags.

While the old version reminded many car patrons of a Jaguar in terms of style, the 2007 version looks even better, with a front lamp that resembles an Audi and a backside that looks like an Accord. The thin roof pillars and the driver’s upright position also contribute to its esthetic value. The 2007 Sonata is also bigger, sharper and more technologically advanced version than the 2006 model. Overall, the Sonata’s advantage over other cars of its class such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima is that it combines comfort, spaciousness, sophisticated design and reliable performance as well as a reasonable price.

(2) The Hyundai Accent

The new, completely re-designed 3-door Hyundai Accent hatchback is a welcome addition to the 4-door sedan introduced in 2006. Compared to the sedan, the Accent is a sportier ride in terms of both appearance and performance. It also boasts of side-curtain airbags, which are a rare feature in vehicles of this size and price range.

The 2007 Accent has superb handling, an attractive Euro style hatch and a strong safety kit. Sold in GE and SE trims, the Accent looks small on the outside but is surprisingly roomy inside, both front and rear. Its excellent fuel economy makes it an ideal choice for urban drivers, especially in places where gas costs as much as $6/gallon. Many have commented that the Accent 3-door 2007 model is even more attractive than the 4-door 2006 Accent sedan unveiled last year. The 2007 model brings back memories of the 3-door Honda Civic CX hatch from the mid-nineties or the Opel Corsa from General Motors which is so popular these days in Europe.

(3) The Hyundai Elantra

Many automotive industry observers consider the 2007 Hyundai Elantra a worthy challenger to the subcompact sedan field, which features the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra. It is competitive in terms of safety, spaciousness and overall driving experience and may have a slight advantage in value and warranty coverage. However, its conservative styling needs to catch up with the rest in this field.

The 2007 Elantra has airbags galore both in the front seat-mounted and roof-mounted side curtains, and that’s for both front and rear seats. It also has antilock brakes and four-wheel-disc brakes that are far better than the disc brakes in front and drum brakes at the rear of its competitors.

(4) The Hyundai Tiburon

The Tiburon has been restyled for 2007 and now features lower-placed headlamps, a hallmark of the more mainstream Japanese models, as well as revised taillights and chrome exhaust tips. It also has a new sheetmetal frame with a more wedge-like, mainstream look that is a far cry from the odd-looking and curvy Tiburon model first introduced in the US in 1997.

The handling of the top-of-the-line Tiburon SE has likewise been streamlined to make it smoother and more appealing to enthusiasts.

(5) The Hyundai Santa Fe

With a car’s unibody construction instead of a regular truck’s traditional body-on-frame construction, the Hyundai Santa Fe is more like a “crossover SUV.” The 2007 version has been completely redesigned and is now bigger and better, boasts of more power, bigger legroom and a more sophisticated style.

Unlike last year’s model, the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe blends naturally into the suburbs. Its brand-new third-row seating allows the 2007 Santa Fe to accommodate up to seven passengers. It also offers improved fuel economy and power, whether its the GLS, SE or Limited trims.

(6) The Hyundai Azera

This year’s Azera has benefitted from minor changes in the interior details to increase its aesthetic value. It is actually a carryover from last year’s model and features the standard 3.8-liter, V6, 263-horsepower engine and 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan is available in 4 trims, ranging from the SE to the Limited XM.

(7) The Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is another of Hyundai’s highly-regarded cars for 2007, especially since the 2006 Tucson captured the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates award for “Highest Ranked Multi-Activity Vehicle in Initial Quality” despite being only in its second year of production.

Based on a study of over 63,000 new car owners, the Tucson, on the average, outperformed its competitors in the Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) segment in six of eight categories. Overall, Tucson recorded scores that were 23 percent better than the category average. It also received high marks for its safety technology, electronic stability control, curtain airbags and for offering a choice between front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

(8) The Hyundai Entourage

In terms of standard safety features, the Hyundai Entourage is head and shoulders above the other minivans available in the market today It is no surprise that the 2007 Entourage garnered the Insurance Institute for Highway Safetys highest and best crash test rating ever for a minivans.

Among the Entourage’s safety and comfort features are six airbags, standard ABS, standard Electronic Stability Control and standard active head restraints. In addition, the Entourage boasts of lots of space to spare, including seating for seven and huge cargo space.

For fans of off-roading, there are two considerations when taking to the dirt and rocks of off-road driving: safety and ecology. Safety starts with having the right equipment-a vehicle that’s designed for uneven, unpredictable terrain and tough, dependable tires that can take the punishment of dirt, rocks, ravines and more. And by following ecological guidelines, you can help ensure that trails will be enjoyable for other adventurers.

Safety Tips

1. Inform someone of where you are going and when you expect to return.

2. Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.

3. Ride at safe speeds for existing conditions.

4. Travel straight up and down hills-never traverse the face of a hill; it may cause your vehicle to slip sideways or roll over.

5. Cross large rocks or other obstacles slowly, at an angle, one wheel at a time.

6. Cross ravines at a 45-degree angle.

7. Only cross streams at a designated fording point.

8. Never turn around on narrow roads, steep terrain or unstable ground.

9. Avoid stopping in tall grass or brush, which can be ignited by engine heat.

10. Reduce tire pressure to improve traction in tough off-road conditions.

It’s the Ecology

1. Drive only where permitted.

2. Keep a trash bag in your vehicle and collect litter left by others.

3. Ride in the middle to minimize the widening of the trail.

4. Avoid slide slipping and wheel spin to prevent erosion.

5. Keep away from wildlife.

6. Steer clear of sensitive habitats: wetlands, meadows, tundra, etc.

7. Clean your vehicle after the ride to reduce the spread of noxious weeds.

8. Observe proper sanitary waste disposal.

Top Trails

To highlight some of the best off-road trails in the country, BFGoodrich Tires, in conjunction with Tread Lightly and United Four Wheel Drive Associations, has launched its Outstanding Trails program. The program is dedicated to the responsible use and preservation of these off-road trails and will aid in the effort to keep these trails sustainable.

“Last year, more than 50 million people sought adventure through recreational off-road driving; the sport is exploding in popularity,” said Kaz Holley, brand director for BFGoodrich Tires. “Each one of the trails highlighted in this program is amazing, and embodies the very best in off-roading. BFGoodrich tires and these Outstanding Trails are very similar in nature-both are tough and both are fun to drive on.”

The program identifies five of North America’s best trails. From desolate desert stretches to towering peaks and rolling hillsides, these trails are unique in toughness and beauty.

After a careful selection process, five of North America’s “outstanding” off-road trails were nominated for uniqueness, terrain type and enthusiast following:

Black Bear Pass, near Ouray, Colo., is a picturesque trail nestled in the San Juan Mountains.

Pyeatt Draw, a scenic and exciting trail situated in Payson, Ariz.

Hell’s Revenge, with its slick sandstone slopes, brings adventure to thrill seekers in Moab, Utah.

Historic Naches Pass, also known as the Longmire Wagon Train, takes off-road drivers over the Cascade Mountains in Naches, Wash.

Upper Tellico Trail, Trail #4, located in the Nantahala National Forest, is located in an area where Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia meet.

As a part of the program, BFGoodrich Tires will host several events at designated trails to highlight the uniqueness of each location as well as to educate off-roaders on the responsible use of each trail. The company will also give a grant to a selected off-road club to help with the costs associated with the trails’ conservation.

EagleRider, a leading motorcycle rental company, is now paving the way for a revolution in the way enthusiasts travel. EagleRider’s self-drive tours are beginning to generate a buzz within the industry as result of their dramatic growth since conception.

EagleRider does all the planning and provides all the gear, leaving travelers the freedom to marvel at the scenery and experience the trill of adventure on the road alone or with the company of their own friends and family. More than 100 self-drive tours are available out of every EagleRider location.

Companies like EagleRider are springing up everywhere and are more than just motorcycle rental or tour organizations. They are complete travel and concierge service companies tailored for the motorcycle market. EagleRider offers the personal service of an in-house trip planner, with customized itineraries focusing on the most majestic motorcycle touring routes.

EagleRider’s self-drive tour customers rent a late-model motorcycle, stay at first-rate accommodations and receive a personalized road book designed with everything a rider would need, including mapped routing, restaurant suggestions and interesting stops along the way.

Round-the-clock roadside assistance and motorcycle concierge services come standard with an EagleRider rental, and customers can choose to have a GPS navigation system installed with their personal trip routing for ease of travel.

“Being able to leave a blustery winter in Omaha, go to Southern California and rent a motorcycle for a ride to Cabo is absolutely wonderful,” said Joe Ricketts, chairman and founder of Ameritrade. “EagleRider provides truly great service.”

Motorcycle travel will never be the same again thanks to companies like EagleRider, who make amazing, hassle-free vacations their priority.

It is no surprise that the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster still has the power and ability to set car lovers and aficionados hearts racing. Yes, the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster is exceptionally great and filled with passion. This vehicle sports two seats that is a tradition with BMW vehicles. It also contains an interior that is finely sculpted just like its exterior. It has eye-catching new touches that include the center console and steering wheel. Some parts have also been done in with finishes that are in the same color as its seat trim. The controls are mounted so as to provide an aesthetic finish. And BMW has once again done it. It has created the ultimate driving machine that is the modern yet interpretation of roadsters and has combined this with a beautiful combination of appeal, power, and performance.

New features and specifications had been added to the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster. The list includes new tail lights with integrated light conductors and horizontal lines, a new rear design that gives off a wider, lower and more muscular look, sophisticated and top quality materials, additional choice of colors, and a more refined interior. Also, this new vehicle comes with a new folding roof that is extremely compact. The front and rigid section of the new roof moves down on top of the fabric roof like a cover. This then locks in position with the body of the car. It is very much easy to open and close with just one hand. And the heated rear window is made from scratch-proof mineral glass to make it scratch-free. However, if you do not like this new roof, you have the option of having instead the fully automatic and electrically operated roof. This is opened and closed with the use of a remote control.

To know more about the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster and other vehicles, you can simply visit Auto Parts Discount. The site holds tons of information regarding the vehicle makes and car brands. Visitors and interested parties may also purchase BMW parts and accessories at the Auto Parts Discount site. Auto Parts Discount is one of the leading suppliers of BMW parts and accessories like crash parts, bumpers and air deflectors to name a few. It holds a wide collection of parts that are made from quality and durable materials. These parts have also gone through the required standards so as to meet the manufacturers criterion.

General Motors has been itching to release the Yukon and a host of other full sized GMC/Chevrolet models to the public as soon as possible. Some find this odd, particularly since fuel prices are high and demand for large vehicles is on the decline. Still, there is good reason why GM wants you to take a closer look at upcoming offerings including the 2007 GMC Yukon, their big SUV:

• New from the ground up.Ask anyone who purchases large trucks and SUVs and they will tell you that owning one with the latest technology is often a deciding factor in purchasing a new model. GM is right on schedule with the update; however as with any older model vehicle currently on the market sales typically decline as a new model is prepared for release.
• Engine efficiency. The 2007 Yukons two V8s will produce greater horsepower than the previous engines, but they will register an increase in fuel economy. How so? General Motors is incorporating Displacement on Demand technology, which deactivates some of the cylinders at low loads for increased fuel economy. You may recall a more basic version of this technology being applied to Cadillac models in the early 1980s; that particular V8-6-4 technology was ahead of its time and GM had to pull it back then as the engines did not do what was intended for them to do. Now, more than a generation later, General Motors has worked out all the kinks and has vastly improved on the original idea.
• Safety.Roof mounted side curtain air bags will now be made available for all three rows of passengers. GM has been on a major offensive over the past half decade or more in stressing safety, a big seller for any vehicle. A better ABS system and StabiliTrak, GMs premier handling system, will also be included.
• Technological improvements.Rear camera systems, power fold and tumble rear seats, and an improved navigation system are some of the updates. The interior of the 2007 Yukon is actually larger than preceding models.While General Motors can only wish that fuel prices were lower, the company is hoping that each of their new models can take a greater slice of the shrinking big truck/SUV pie. With new models from Ford still a year or two away, the Yukon is poised to cut into Expedition sales as well as take back sales lost to Lexus. Even with high fuel prices in place, there will likely always be a core market of people who need a vehicle of the Yukons size; General Motors knows this and has updated their line of vehicles to keep pace.

The ball on the hitch is removable but it is there to cover the actual workings of the receiver, parts of which are sharp, dangerous pieces of metal. Without the ball on top, these hitches could cause damage to people walking around the back of the vehicle and so it is a bad idea to remove the ball unless it is vitally necessary. The workings can also be covered with general dirt from the roads if the cover is not on and this can prevent trailers from being attached without good cleaning being done prior to it.

As mentioned previously, the ball is the most common type of hitch cover. However, it isnt the most exciting design and so somebody came up with the idea of customised and personal hitch covers. Now you can almost certainly find a hitch cover which represents you individually but if you cant there are numerous places which will custom make one for you with the design of your choice on it.

Many small business owners have their company details on their hitch cover. This is a great idea as it provides them with free advertising whenever they drive or park their vehicle in a place where others will see it. Another common theme for a hitch cover is that of sporting teams or colleges. Showing your allegiance has never been easier and die-hard fans can add a hitch cover to the plethora of bumper stickers which are readily available.

Collectible and iconic designs are also popular choices, such as the Harley Davidson logo. You can also find iconic characters such as Scooby Doo, Superman or any number of Disney characters on hitch covers. Many use their hitch cover to pass on a message, perhaps regarding their faith or offering support to the nations armed forces, or to reveal their hobby to the world, such as surfing or skateboarding.

The Internet is a great way to find unique and individual hitch covers. Search engines offer a multitude of sites selling these items and you could spend hours searching for the perfect design. One website I use to find hitch covers is www.hitchadvice.info as it has a huge number of designs in one place and they are divided into categories, making it easy to narrow down your search area somewhat. The prices for these items are also very reasonable and they offer great customer service options too.