The Sexy Driver 

KBB says Honda Civic 2006’s best redesigned vehicle

The Honda Civic is the best redesigned vehicle for 2006, according to Kelley Blue Book, the trusted resource for automotive information. According to kbb.com editors, the all-new Civic is the most-improved vehicle on the U.S. market, making significant strides in exterior design, interior accommodations and mechanical excellence.

Despite the fact the Civic was one of the least expensive vehicles on the semi-finalist list, it still bested several luxury vehicles including the Lexus GS 300, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti M45 and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.

Says Jack R. Nerad, editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com: "The bold new exterior design of the 2006 Honda Civic is much more attractive and expressive than the previous model, and consumers have responded to it right away. When you add a flashy-but-functional two-level instrument panel and an impressive boost in horsepower, you've got quite a winning combination."



Since 2003, Kelley Blue Book has been naming the "Best Redesigned Vehicle" for each model year. This time however, the editors of kbb.com decided to add the voice of the vehicle shopper to the award process. The kbb.com editors chose a list of 10 vehicles that were significantly redesigned for the 2006 model year and carry the model name of a previously available vehicle. Among the selection criteria were market-significant vehicles that maintained existing brand image, function and purpose, but made substantial advancements in the 2006 model-year redesign to improve appearance, comfort, technology and convenience.

The Civic garnered twenty percent of the votes. Other vehicles which made the cut are:

* Lexus GS 300, 18 percent
* BMW 3 series, 13 percent
* Mitsubishi Eclipse, 11 percent
* Hyundai Sonata, 9 percent
* Volkswagon Passat, 7 percent
* Infiniti M45, 7 percent
* Mazda MX-5 Miata, 7 percent
* Mercedes ML class, 5 percent
* Kia Rio, 2 percent

Excellent auto parts like Honda Civic bumpers, Mitsubishi parts, Hyundai Sonata lights, Volkswagen Passat windshields and Mazda mirrors can be found at trusted online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Corner.

Here comes the CUVs

Autoblog reports: Crossovers are rolling over SUVs

You can say that again.

As expected over the rise of fuel prices, buyers went shifting from traditional SUVs (notorious for being gas-guzzlers) to the more comfortable and fuel efficient crossover models. According to US Today, this transition had been inching along for several years but has now turned into a “stampede”. Data from ford reveal that through November, sales of truck-based SUVs, such as Ford Explorer and Toyota Sequoia, are down 13.5%, while sales of car-based crossovers, such as Honda Pilot and Saturn Vue, are up 14.4%. And even if crossovers are less-able off-roaders and can’t tow or haul as much as truck-based SUVs, many buyers seem willing to give that up, especially for the advantage of fuel economy.

And when you’re this popular, you’re bound to get lots of competition. Hot off the heels of the very popular hybrid the Toyota Prius, the crossover segment now has three gasoline-electric hybrid models: the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, 2006 Lexus RX 400h and the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. New entries to the segment are also now heating up the competition based on the price – the Kia Sorento and Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe and the Mitsubishi Outlander – as well as with performance, with the likes of the Cadillac SRX and Infiniti FX45. To those who have safety foremost in mind, there’s the Volvo XC90 which offers such safety features as Roll Stability Control, inflatable side-curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, and an integrated sliding center booster seat for children. On the other hand, those who want style can check out CUV models like Nissan’s Murano which is supposedly styled to be reminiscent of the sculpted glass from which it derives its name, and the Mitsubishi Endeavor which was said to be designed to appeal to the U.S. market by combining bold exterior styling with ride and handling characteristics that feel more like a sedan.

Indeed, with vehicles like the Ford Escape, Honda Pilot, and Chevrolet Equinox offering smoother rides, better handling, and better fuel economy CUVS are bound to get even more popular in the future. The other good news is, when it comes to getting replacement auto parts like AC condenser, door handles, catalytic converters, lights, radiator, bumpers or mirrors for your CUV, old or new –you can rely on trusted online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Corner.

Will you and your car fit?

Sure, you adore your trusty five-year old Toyota Camry. You have treated it with TLC without fail. Only a couple of months ago you gave it new bumpers from Auto Parts Corner. But now you want that handsome Ford Fusion – wouldn’t it be nice to drive this ride around during the holidays?

If you’re shopping for a new vehicle just like I am, you might want to consider the following factors from CarFit that will help ensure there is a “good fit” between you and your vehicle

* You should have a clear line of sight over the steering wheel. You should be able to see at least three inches above the wheel.

* Make sure you have plenty of room between your breastbone (or chest band) and the front airbag and steering wheel. The ideal distance is at least 10 to 12 inches. This will help reduce injuries should the airbag deploy in an accident.

* Does your seat fit you comfortably and safely. You should be able to adjust the seat easily for good visibility and safe access to controls.

* Adjust your headrests properly. This can help prevent neck injury. The center of the headrest should be against the back of your head, not against your neck.

* Can you easily access the gas and brake pedals? You should be able to reach the pedals without having to stretch too far, and you should be able to completely depress the brake pedal. You should also be able to move your foot easily from the gas to the brake.

* Make sure your seat belt holds you in the proper position and remains comfortable as you drive. The lower part of the belt should go across your hips, and the shoulder harness should go across your rib cage and not be under your arm.

* You also should be able to reach the shoulder harness and buckle and unbuckle the seat belt without difficulty.

* Can you get into and out of your vehicle easily?
* Can you turn your head to look over your shoulder when you change lanes.
* Can you sit as comfortably as you can, without knee, back, hip, neck or shoulder stiffness or pain?
* Do you know how to adjust mirrors properly or have the flexibility to use mirrors?

There. Hopefully you and I find the best fit vehicle!

Tire Care and Safety

Tire care is extremely important, yet it is often ignored. Take the time to ensure the reliability of your tires and you could save a life (yours or somebody else’s). Regular checks can also help you prevent flat tires or a dangerous blowout. ehow gives us the following easy way to interpret tire wear and keep our vehicle safe:

• Check your tires outdoors where the lighting is good. Visually inspect all four tires.

• Remember that under normal driving conditions, all four tires should wear evenly.

• Check for even tread wear by using a tread-depth gauge, which costs less than $20. The depth of the tread (the grooves in the tire) should be even on all parts of the tire. Another way to check for tire wear (although not as accurate) is to stick a penny into the grooves, with Lincoln's head pointing into the tire. If you can see the top of his head, it's time to buy new tires. You can find excellent quality tires that are also affordable at trusted online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Corner.

• Let some air out of your tires if there is wear down the middle and not on the sides. It means there's too much air in them.

• Add air to tires with wear on both the inside and outside edges, which means there's not enough air in them.

• Bring your car to an alignment shop for a front-end or four-wheel alignment if your tires are worn on one side or the other.

• Run your hand lightly over the tread surface of each tire. If the treads feel bumpy or scalloped, even if the tread is still deep, you may need new shock absorbers or struts. (Some cars have shocks, some have struts and some have a combination'struts in front, shocks in back.)

• Check the tire pressure in all four tires and the spare tire at least once a month. The recommended tire pressure is listed in your vehicle's manual, stamped on the side of the tire, and often printed on a sticker on the driver's-side doorjamb. When in doubt, 32 pounds per square inch (psi) is a good average until other sources can be consulted.


Remember, your tires are the only part of your vehicle that is in contact with the road (and keeps it that way). So that you and your vehicle’s occupants are always safe, make sure that your tires are always in good condition before hitting the road.

Get A Better Gas Mileage

These days of high fuel prices – getting better gas mileage with one’s vehicle is no longer just an option, but a must. If you’ve already bought yourself a new Ford Fusion or a new Honda Civic, here are a few more tips from Consumer Reports so you can go farther with your brand new vehicle for less money:


No loitering. Don't let the engine run at idle any longer than necessary. After starting the car in the morning, begin driving right away; don't let it sit and "warm up" for several minutes. An engine actually warms up faster while driving. With most gasoline engines, it's more efficient to turn off the engine than to idle for any longer than 30 seconds.


Easy does it. Driving smoothly and steadily makes the best use of your fuel. If you can, avoid hard acceleration or braking. Once up to speed, maintain a steady pace in top gear. Varying your speed a lot wastes fuel. A vehicle's gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Smooth acceleration, cornering, and braking not only save fuel but also extend the life of the engine, transmission, brakes, and tires.


It's a drag. At highway speeds, more than 50 percent of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag. Try not to add to the drag by carrying things on top of your vehicle. A loaded roof rack can decrease a car's fuel efficiency by 5 percent. Even driving with empty ski racks wastes gas. In addition, if you have air conditioning, use it only when you really need it. Running the air conditioner robs power from the engine and uses additional fuel.


Stay warm. An engine runs most inefficiently when it's cold. It not only uses more fuel but also creates the most exhaust emissions and suffers the most wear. Avoid many short, separate trips--and unnecessary cold starts--by combining as many errands as possible into one trip.


Getting regular. If your car specifies regular fuel, don't buy premium under the mistaken belief that your engine will benefit. Most cars are designed to run just fine on regular gasoline. Furthermore, many cars that recommend premium fuel also run well on regular. Check your owner's manual to find out if your engine is designed to handle either grade. And consider buying off-brand gasoline, which is most often identical to what is sold at franchised gas stations.


Watch the tires. Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires require more energy to roll, which not only wastes fuel but also wears the tires faster. According to the EPA, a tire that is underinflated by only 2 pounds per square inch can cause a 1 percent increase in fuel consumption. Underinflated tires can also build up excess heat, which can lead to tire failure. Check your vehicle's tire pressures at least once a month, when the tires are cold. Also, check the tires before and after long road trips. The recommended tire pressure is found on a label inside the car--usually in a door jamb or inside the glove-box lid.


Stay tuned. Running a car in poor mechanical condition can dramatically lower your fuel economy. A poorly maintained engine can cut gas mileage by 10 to 20 percent. A clogged air filter alone can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption. Be sure to follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, and have the car promptly serviced if you sense any unusual sounds, smells, or vibrations.


Should you need to replace your Volvo’s wheels, or your Chevy’s engine parts, just visit trusted online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Corner.

Japan’s Tour De Force: On the Rise

The recently conducted Tokyo Motor Show reveals once again Japan’s technological expertise, specifically in the field of car manufacturing. Major American automakers seem daunted by this emerging conqueror in the auto industry that they had not showed up in the said event. Presidents of GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler surprisingly did not make it to the occasion; and among the three companies, only GM joined the exhibit with their fuel cell cars.

Among the crowd-drawers were top Japanese auto manufacturers including Toyota and Nissan Motor Co. Toyota exhibited their prototype Lexus LS, which is said to be Toyota’s next foray to the luxury market. Hopefully, this car will be on sale by summer next year. On the other hand, Nissan boasted the successor to the Skyline GT-R sports car, which shall be formally launched in 2007. According to Nissan President, Carlos Ghosn, this model represents Nissan’s success through the years and Nissan’s thriving state.

Japanese cars are indeed flourishing, especially recently as prices of crude oil continue to be at record levels. Based on sales records, Japanese carmakers Toyota and Honda Motor Co. lead the hybrid segment in the North American market. Sales on these fuel-efficient cars had notably accelerated while the sales of large pickups and SUVs, on which profits of GM and Ford largely depend, continue to suffer.

Looking at it from a different perspective, could it mean that Japanese cars would eventually become trite? Imagine, millions of the same Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic cars are being produced each year and there are millions of them produced in the past. Does saving on gas means driving a boring and ordinary car? Well, not exactly because there are thousands of ways for you to make your vehicle unique so to speak.

If you have an old model, you can start accessorizing it to make it different before these vehicles become so common on the road. Auto Parts Corner has great variety of parts, which you can use to modify your car’s exterior. For your Honda car, you can find there Honda fender flares, Honda headlights and Honda mirrors. Auto Parts Corner also has Toyota grille guards, Toyota tail lights and Toyota wheels.

Smallest Volvo Soon to Join Volvo’s Showroom

Volvo has not spoken so much about its upcoming hatchback, but has announced though that it will introduce it at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It shall be called the Volvo C30 and it shall be Volvo’s smallest vehicle.

The Volvo C30, which is 8 inches shorter than the Volvo S40 sedan is expected to go on sale next fall in the US as a 2007 model. Not confirmed though, some say it will be based on the Ford C1 platform, which is also used for Ford Focus, Volvo S40 and Volvo V50 station wagon. The new Volvo C70 hardtop convertible, which was just recently launched at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, likewise uses this platform.



Inspired by the concept cars SCC and 3CC, the Volvo C30 is expected to get so much attention from auto press, car enthusiasts and even ordinary car owners. Volvo introduced the SCC concept car last 2001 and the Volvo 3CC in January 2005. These safety concept cars gained praises not only for their safety features but their excellent design as well.

With the increasing prices on fuel and infuriating traffic problems, this vehicle has a good chance of generating high sales, just like the Volvo C70. Hans-Olov Olsson, the chairman of Volvo Car and chief marketing officer of Ford, the parent company of Volvo said in an AutoWeek news that he believes in Volvo’s potential for growth in the US despite unfavorable euro-dollar exchange rate.

Can’t wait to drive that cute yet gutsy car?

I can’t either but I can’t afford to buy something so new and something so beautiful like that car yet so I’d be satisfied to just upgrade what I have right now, a 2001 Volvo S60. It’s a great car and I’m happy driving it.

I’m planning to get new Volvo tail lights, Volvo mirrors and Volvo wheels from Auto Parts Corner. If you have an old Volvo too, check out their wide variety of OEM-quality Volvo parts. They are perfect for your car upgrade. They have other auto parts as well, including the finest and most up to date Jeep parts, Mazda parts and Acura parts.

Are you Driving Your Dream Car?

Everyone has a dream car; I know you have one too. Probably as you read this you’re thinking about it already. Is it the stylish sports convertible 2005 Chevrolet Corvette? I read a review on that article a couple of days ago. That car is really cool, with all the exciting new Chevrolet parts offered in this latest model, not to mention it’s one of the industry’s real icons.



Anyway, I’m not really a sports car buff; I have a fancy for trucks and off-road vehicles. I have an old Chevy Suburban truck that hasn’t failed me for more than a decade now. It always starts and is fast enough for its big size. My truck still got lots of use despite its age and it’s really dependable. Yes of course, I have replaced some of its original parts but that was due to some minor car problems. It’s normal anyway. I had changed the stock Chevy wheels as well for maintenance and recently I just installed new Chevy headlights I got from Auto Parts Corner. I also did some interior upgrades to keep it comfortable and fun to drive.

I’m planning to get a new Chevy truck but my budget won’t allow me yet. I read about the Silverado 3500 - that’s about $29,000. I’m not in a hurry though, that can wait. Right now, I’m into this “digimodding” thing. Sounds cool isn’t it? My nephew introduced me to it early this year. I also read some articles about this new car craze over the Internet and got hooked with it. It allows you to design your own car by digitally modifying a photo of a car. If you’re not yet financially prepared to buy your dream car, why not design your dream car? Try it, it’s fun.

Kia to Take on the Solstice?

It's Kia's small concept roadster, the KCV III first shown to the world at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show. And if Mr. Peter Butterfield, president/CEO of Kia Motors America gets his way, a version of this Korean roadster might just show up in the streets of U.S..

Cute, fun, cool might be the words that immediately come to mind looking at the car. This is just what Kia wanted you to think - in fact a statement released by the company says that the KCV III has the appearance of a “"fun-to-own 'street toy”. Designed at Kia’s Namyang Design center and built in France by Heuliez, this concept car, said to probably take on Pontiac’s Solstice, is packed with futuristic technology, including forward-looking radar, a mobile telematics system, in-dash DVD and an MP3 player. Perfectly targeting the Y-Generation.

More from the company: the body styling of KCV-III encapsulates occupants and hardware in "fluid curves," while the wide stance and bulging wheel arches give the car a "striking" road-presence. Its fully-automatic all-solar glass convertible roof is designed to make occupants feel part of the environment — both with the roof open and closed.

Word is however, is that Butterfield also wants the car (if it’s to be released in the U.S.) to be "very, very stripped. No carpets; maybe rollup windows, if you had windows at all; really light; fun to drive; doesn't even have a radio; without an electric top." It would be a car that buyers could accessorize, he said.

What was that again, no windows? Ugh, some might consider the weather here perhaps?

But it’s good if the KCV III is a “street toy” we can get to accessorize. We do hope that our favorite online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Corner will be ready with quality auto parts and accessories for this roadster come crunch time.

Can hardly wait?

Driving with HUD

And you thought you'd only see it in the movies.

Now you don't need to be Tom Cruise embarked on a mission impossible to experience the ultimate in hi-technology. One of the newest and certainly most fascinating technological advancement today comes in the form of a virtual screen on your car's windshield.

Originally developed as technology for military fighter jets, The Head Up Display is now creating a buzz in the automotive industry as we continue to move in the era of GPS. The Head Up Display or HUD works by projecting information (such as speed, altitude, etc) in a semi-transparent fashion over the outside view. Rather than having to look down at their consoles and dashboards for information, the car driver can now visualize his road direction and other information directly on the windscreen of his car in front of his eyes.

In a country where it is estimated that about 25%, or 1.5 million, of all accidents are caused by driver distraction, this is really good news. In fact, some cars already employ the HUD technology - BMW's 5- and 6-Series models, the Saab 9-7x, the Cadillac XLR, and the new 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, to name a few.

I haven't even finished appreciating the idea of a HUD-equipped car when I got wind of the information that there was a way more advanced technology also in the works: thermal imaging for cars! The new system will use a thermal imaging camera to display images on a central monitor in the instrument panel. The thermal imaging system will show warmer object brighter on the screen, making it easier to see animals, people, and vehicles beyond the reach of the auto headlights. Whoa. Talk about getting ahead of the game.

And here I was thinking all I needed was a click to Auto Parts Corner for a replacement for my Honda rearview mirror.

But then again, wouldn't images on your windshield mean taking your eyes off the road too?