Going on a Road Trip? Take These Essential Items

Road trips are an economical way to travel long distances. Airfares continue to climb and security measures continue to limit what you can take on a airplane. Road tripping also allows you to see more of the country and maybe even have an unplanned adventure or two along the way.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler

2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Photos courtesy of Jeep.

Most people know the Jeep Wrangler is one of the toughest and most capable off-road vehicles in the world. What many people don’t realize is that the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is not only capable of traversing tough trails, but it is also a comfortable cruiser both in the city and on the highway. Despite the Wrangler’s good road manners, it still hasn’t lost its tough edge as a no-nonsense truck.

The 2013 Scion FR-S

2013 Scion FR-S. Photos courtesy of Scion.

Japanese automaker Toyota has jumped back into the business of making fun cars with the Scion FR-S. The car is a small, lightweight and features rear-wheel-drive. Making it even more of a joy to drive, the car’s weight is fairly evenly distributed and handling is tight with the car overall providing a fun driving experience.

Ways Car Owners Waste Money

Owning a car is not only liberating but it can also be a source of extra expenses. While there are some costs associated with owning a car that you cannot avoid, such as registration fees or insurance premiums, there are other expenses you can minimize. Knowing the common ways car owners waste their money helps lower the cost of owning and driving your own car, increasing the amount of money you have in your savings or to pay other expenses.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat

German automaker Volkswagen has completely redesigned the Passat midsize sedan. The car was designed in Germany, but it is manufactured in Chattanooga, Tennessee and has been designed to suit American needs and wants. The result is a compelling sedan for both families and those who want a car with more room and higher-end features.

The 2013 Ford Fusion

Ford has completed redesigned the popular Fusion for the 2013 model year. The most striking change to anyone is the car’s appearance. The 2013 Fusion’s body features sweeping lines from front to rear bumper, as well as a prominent and aggressive-looking grill. The car is slightly longer and wider than the 2012 model, providing more interior space and greater stability on the road.

The 2012 Nissan Leaf

2012 Nissan Leaf. Photos courtesy of Nissan

Nissan jumped into the electric car arena with the Leaf, the compact hatchback providing average people a way to skip gas pumps altogether. Unlike the hybrid cars on the market which use a combination of an electric motor and a gasoline engine, the 2012 Nissan Leaf has only one motor and runs solely on electric power. The car provides a driving experience that closely mirrors that of driving a gas-powered car, including a brisk acceleration ability that comes in handy when merging on the freeway, tight handling dynamics as well as a top speed of 90 mph.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500

2013 Ford Shelby GT500. Photos courtesy of Ford.

Carroll Shelby became an automotive legend by making cars that were lightweight and featured engines with mind-blowing output. It seems fitting that one of his last creations, the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, is making huge waves in the world of cars. Based on Ford’s Mustang, the GT500 amps up the performance aspects of the car, going well beyond a thunderous engine.

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner

When it comes to the 2012 4Runner, Toyota offers an SUV with serious off-road capabilities. The vehicle’s body-on-frame construction is something of a rarity in today’s world where more and more SUVs are becoming increasingly car-like. Toyota further bolsters the 4Runner’s ability to tackle heavy snow, mud and small bodies of water by outfitting it with a traction control system designed for off-road conditions, skid plates, a full-size spare tire, hill-descent and hill-hold assistance systems, off-road tires and locking differentials. Trail and Limited models come with a suspension system that can disconnect the front and rear stabilizer bars to handle especially tricky off-road conditions.

Car Automatic Braking Systems

An increasing number of vehicles on the market are coming equipped with automatic braking systems. Consumers might not understand what these systems do or how they function, leading to considerable confusion.

The 2012 Range Rover Evoque

2012 marks the first model year for Land Rover’s new Range Rover Evoque crossover SUV. Size-wise, the Evoque sits between the LR4 and the LR2. Even though the Evoque shares a chassis with the LR2, its longer body makes it a larger vehicle. The Evoque is designed to offer a friendlier city driving experience than provided by other Land Rovers—a brand that is known for its excellent off-road vehicles.

The 2012 Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S. Images courtesy of Tesla Motors.

The 2012 Tesla Model S is the electric luxury car that has proven many a critic wrong as it converts even more people into electric car believers. The Model S comes with stunning good looks both on the outside and in, along with the feel of an internal combustion car and the same modern conveniences.

The 2013 Dodge Dart

2013 marks the return of the Dodge Dart. After a long hiatus from the car market, times have changed and fortunately the Dart has changed with them. The car marks a new direction for Dodge. Gone are the cheap plastic interior components from the Neon and Caliber, as well as numb handling characteristics and questionable exterior build quality.