Fuel Efficient Autos

This month, the Hyundai Motor Company is celebrating a huge milestone – 25 years in Canada. As a result, many people at Hyundai are looking back at the events that occurred two-and-a-half decades ago. Here are some of the important events that happened right around the same time that Hyundai was creating a presence in our neighbors to the north.

• Tom Brokaw became the lead anchor for the NBC Nightly News in September of 1983.
• Vanessa Williams was the first African-American woman to win the Miss America Pageant.
• Richard Noble sets the new record for land speed at more than 633 miles per hour in Nevada.
• The Baltimore Orioles won their third World Championship after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in five games.
• Microsoft Word was first released.
• Ronald Reagan signs a bill that makes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a federal holiday.
• Jesse Jackson announced that he would run for the president of the United States.
• Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video premiers on TV.
• Return of the Jedi and Flashdance are huge hits at the movie theaters.
• McDonald’s creates the McNugget.
• Country singer Carrie Underwood was born.

As you can see, Hyundai cars in Canada shares a celebration with many other important events. And from the way the automaker is succeeding in Canada and throughout the world, they might just enjoy another 25 years or more!

The 2009 Toyota Prius is one of the most anticipated hybrid vehicles to hit Toyota dealers. While the hybrid marketplace is becoming increasingly crowded, so is demand for quality, fuel efficient vehicles. The 2009 Toyota Prius is ready to tackle the competition, including the 2009 Honda Insight which has been dubbed as the “Prius Killer” by some in the industry.

The good news for Toyota is that the Prius has a loyal fan base that it can continue to draw from. While the Honda Insight may come in with a lower price tag than the Prius, Honda hasn’t yet proven that the Insight Hybrid will have the same kind of reliability or fuel economy that the Prius will have. A lower price tag can’t make up for that kind of reputation.

The 2009 Prius will run on a four cylinder engine that can produce 100 hp overall. It is expected that the 2009 Prius will get 48 miles per gallon in the city and 45 miles per gallon on the highway. There will be plenty of options for the 2009 Prius as well, offering buyers everything from Bluetooth capability to a rearview backup camera.

For the most reliable hybrid with the best reputation and the most loyal fans, Look to the 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid.

With all of the improvements that Hyundai has made over the years, you might be wondering what the Korean automaker is working on next. Well, wonder no more. Here are some things you can expect from the various Hyundai cars in the near future.

Azera
This is one of the industry’s most underrated luxury sedans, but not for long. Hyundai is planning some upgrades for the interior and the body to make it more luxurious for discerning car buyers. Engineers are also working on improving the steering and suspension systems as well as the stereo system.

Elantra Touring
This five-door wagon is based on the i30 model that Hyundai produces solely for the European market. It’s going to get the same engine and stability control as the sportier and more luxurious Elantra model.

Genesis
This new luxury vehicle coming out this season is Hyundai’s attempt to corner this market as well. The automaker compares the Genesis to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and other elite cars alike. Along with this car comes the Genesis Coupe, an all-wheel drive model that goes on sale in the spring of 2009.

There are so many changes going on with the Hyundai cars and models that you simply can’t go wrong with one of these options. Check one out today!

With gas prices as high as they are, it’s no surprise that so many people are looking into buying a Toyota Hybrid. Toyota has been the top name in Hybrid vehicles, and the Toyota Prius is known to be one of the best in the world.

Once you’ve made the decision to buy a Toyota Hybrid, you need to figure out which one it is that you want. In many cases, your inclination may be to go with the Prius. The Prius is a solid vehicle, but it’s not for everyone.

If, for example, you are a family with three children, a Prius will probably get a bit crowded. You might instead want to look at a Toyota Hybrid like the Camry. No, the Camry won’t get the same mileage that the Prius gets, but it’s a compromise vehicle. It gives you enough room for your family and belongings, and lets you take the family where you need to go in comfort.

In some cases, you might need even more space than the Camry Hybrid. The Toyota Highlander may be for you. The Highlander Hybrid is a midsized SUV, and it’s got more room than the Camry.

Whichever Toyota hybrid you choose, know that you’re going with the best around.

The 2008 Hyundai Tucson is an SUV that “guzzles cargo, not gas.” As such, it’s one of the more popular Hyundai cars on the market today. Following are some of the exciting features you can expect to find on the Hyundai Tucson.

• The Tucson has the latest Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) for increased safety and handling. The EBD regulates the pressure of the rear brakes to help prevent the wheels from locking up in an emergency situation.
• The Hyundai Tucson has six airbags located throughout the vehicle for optimum safety in the event of a collision.
• Engineers built the 2008 Hyundai Tucson with a “reinforced unibody construction.” In addition, it has rear crumple zones and other reinforcements throughout the body for reduced impact and injury during a collision.
• This vehicle received a five-star rating – the highest available from the federal government – for front and side-impact collisions.
• Expect a state-of-the-art stereo system with XM Radio and input jacks so you can attach your MP3 player and enjoy your favorite songs at your fingertips.
• The Hyundai Tucson has a temperature control and displays the quality of the air inside the vehicle. It also recirculates the air when it detects a high amount of pollution outside.

With all of these great features, why not visit your local Hyundai dealer today and take one for a test drive? You might just fall in love immediately!

If you’ve paid attention to any of the talk about alternative fuels, hybrids, electric cars, and energy in general, you’ve probably heard about biodiesel. While biodiesel isn’t commonly used in the United States, it may indeed be one of the newer types of technology that we rely on in order to get away from using so much of our fossil fuel reserves.

What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a type of alternative fuel that is made from renewable resources. It is easy to use, biodegradable, free of sulfur and scent, and nontoxic. It does not contain petroleum, but it may be mixed with diesel fuel made from petroleum to form a biodiesel blend. Biodiesel can be used in most diesel engines without having to make much in the way of modifications to the engine.

How is biodiesel made?

Manufacturers make biodiesel using a process known as “transesterification.” This process separates glycerin from vegetable oil or fat. When that happens, there are two elements left. One is the glycerin, which can be sold to soap makers and other companies, and the other is methyl esters. Methyl esters is the chemical title for biodiesel.

Biodiesel and the environment

Biodiesel is produced in line with very specific requirements. Of all the fuel options available today, Biodiesel is the only one that meets the health effects test requirements put forth in the Clean Air Act of 1990. It is registered with the EPA as a legal motor fuel.

Advocates of biodiesel suggest that the fuel is better for the environment on several levels. First of all, it is made from renewable resources rather than fossil fuels. Petroleum based fuels aren’t renewable. Biodiesel is also nontoxic, and it biodegrades quickly. Use of biodiesel helps to decrease dependence on foreign sources of energy.

If you want to begin helping the environment and save some money on gas today, come check out a Toyota hybrid at your local Pennsylvania auto dealers today.

The Hyundai Motor Company recently donated one of its Hyundai cars to a charity designed to fight cancer. Late last month, the car made its way to Norfolk, Virginia where several kids from the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters were allowed to leave their handprints…after dipping them in paint.

One of the children – Hannah Kjelvik – is a ten-year-old who has been fighting cancer for two years. “I want to help fight cancer so other kids don’t have to go through what I did,” she told a reporter at the event. “I want to help raise money to find a cure.”

Other Hyundai dealers in the area have also donated money to the cause. Together, they presented a check for $40,000 to the hospital to help them “fund childhood cancer research programs.”

Pediatric oncologist at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters – Eric Lowe – is always looking for ways to make the hospital’s program better. “We’re always…trying to improve what we do whether it improves the cure rate or improves the side-effect or just make it a little bit easier on the patient and family to treat.”

Hyundai will likely continue its efforts to contribute to charities. Why not visit a local Hyundai dealer today and support them by purchasing a new or used car?

When you think about Toyota fuel economy, you typically think about the flagship Toyota Hybrid, the Toyota Prius. To be sure, the Prius has been the best selling hybrid on the market since its release, and it continues to please buyers with its amazing fuel economy.

Still, overall, Toyota actually offers several vehicles that are excellent when it comes to fuel economy. There are seven Toyota models that have an EPA-rated highway fuel economy greater than 30 miles per gallon of gas.

These include:

• The 4 Cylinder Camry at 31 mpg,
• The Camry Hybrid at 34 mpg,
• The Solara at 31 mpg,
• The Corolla at 35 to 37 mpg,
• The Matrix at 31 to 33 mpg,
• The Yaris at 35 to 36 mpg,
• The Prius at 45 mpg, and
• The Scion xD at 32 to 33 mpg.

How did Toyota get such a fuel effecient fleet? They’ve made great strides, over time, in engine design as well as hybrid technology.Among the technological advances contributing to Toyota’s fuel economy
numbers are Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), improvements in fuel injection technology, Toyota’s drive by wire system, transmission enhancements and lighter weight vehicle materials.

If you want to save money at the pump in these times of high gasoline prices, come see your local Toyota dealer today.

Although they Hyundai Tiburon has been on the market since 1997, it’s gaining some new recognition as the second generation model is completely different than the first. For instance, Hyundai’s goal with the 1997 model of the Tiburon was to provide a “value-oriented” car that was anything but bland. As such, it had the style of a coupe with a 2-door hatchback. It was also affordable and an indication that the automaker was “serious about redefining its image.”

But that was the first generation.

Today’s Tiburon, which is Spanish for “shark,” is much different. The 2008 model has several styles to choose from, although the body is the same on each one. The main differences between the styles are under the hood. For instance, a GS trim Hyundai Tiburon was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with nearly 140 horsepower. It comes with a five-speed manual transmission or you can opt for a four-speed automatic transmission. The GT trim has a 2.7-liter V6 engine with nearly 175 horsepower and a tuned suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels in addition to a number of other standard features. If you’re strictly looking for performance, though, the SE trim has a V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission. A rear spoiler and red front brake calipers along with premium interior features give this style a sportier look and feel for the more discerning car buyer.

The Hyundai Tiburon has gone through many changes over the years. But with each change comes an improvement. That’s why these Hyundai cars have become one of the automaker’s most popular choices among buyers. Check one out today!

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which you can find ay your Pennsylvania automotive dealer, is one of the best-ranking midsize SUVs. It is at the top of its class for all of its features, from its smooth ride to its spacious interior. backed by a refined hybrid powertrain, the 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid is an excellent choice all around.

The 2008 model is larger than previous incarnations of the Highlander. It also has an electric-only mode, which allows the driver to get even better fuel economy. Make no mistake, this hybrid SUV is truly on the cutting edge.

The Highlander has plenty of power, which is something that you don’t typically associate with a hybrid. There is no more lag in this vehicle than there is in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. The interior of the Highlander Hybrid is roomy, and seats are comfortable.

In terms of safety, the Highlander Hybrid scored five stars for the driver safety category, and on passenger safety frontal crash tests it got four stars. Side crash tests got five stars, as well.

If you need a large family vehicle but want to save some money at the pump, consider making a visit today to your Pennsylvania automotive dealer to check out the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.