Five Car Brands From the Land of the Rising Sun

Cars from Japan are regarded as being well made, as well as being among the most powerful.

Japan has many brands that cover almost any category from pickup trucks to sport cars, family cars to ultra compact run abouts. Below are five car manufacturers from Japan that are popular here and in other parts of the world too:

Nissan
Nissan have made popular cars for many years as one of the first Japanese brands to embrace exporting to the UK and the rest of the world. Nissan are well known for making mid size sedans but also have sportier models with the Skyline GTR and the 350z which have featured in many car movies like The Fast and he Furious.

Honda
Honda have made a wide variety of vehicles in the past, most recently they have been concentrating on the eco or green car developments with their newer vehicles able to run on hydrogen which is great news for environmentalists as the only by-product of their cars is not harmful fumes but H20 - water!

Toyota
Toyota has also had interest in cars that are kinder to the environment, with the Prius being the first hybrid vehicle released on the market, introducing a new way of thinking for the motor industry and set to shape the future for car manufacturer and the way we drive.

Subaru
Subaru are a well known Japanese brand especially in the world or rally driving. Their Impreza WRX has dominated in the sport for many years and remains one of the top 4 wheel drive powerful mid size cars. Subaru also have many models that appeal to larger family groups and all of their cars are built for high performance, containing a range of features.

Mazda
Mazda have been popular in recent years for their accessible small sporty cars like the MX-5 (Miata) and RX-8. As well as their sporting models the 3 and 6 series vehicles are popular executive and general use cars.

How to Pay Less at the Pump

Rising gas prices got you - and your bank account - down? Fear not, there are several options when it comes to paying less at the pump. From performing some fuel-saving maintenance on your existing car, to trading your baby in for something more economical, you have a few different options when it comes to saving on these rising gas prices.

Option #1: Get better mileage out of your existing car

By changing your driving styles and performing some simple fuel-saving maintenance, you can get better fuel economy out of your existing car. This could save you hundreds or more per year, depending on what you drive and how much you drive.

Inflate Your Tires to the Highest Recommended Pressure

One of the first things you can do is make sure your tires are properly inflated to their highest recommended pressure specifications. Under-inflated tires don't wear properly and rob fuel economy - as much as 15%.

Use Your Air Conditioner Sparingly

Using your air conditioner sparingly will help you save fuel. Air conditioners use the engine - and thus fuel - to run.

Get a Tune-Up

Things like air filters and your engines oil can have a major impact on fuel economy. A dirty air filter is one of the biggest culprits, and is generally very inexpensive to replace.

Change Your Driving Style

Accelerate smoothly and anticipate the road ahead. This may sound like a no-brainer, but its important to note that your driving style has a major impact on fuel economy. If you drive like a race car driver, it will certainly be reflected in your fuel economy, so slow down, accelerating and braking as smoothly - and safely as possible.

Don't Fall for any Fuel-Saving Gimmick Products

With gas prices on the rise, marketers are pushing gimmick products with bogus claims about their fuel saving. Most of these products fail to meet expectations, and are designed to cash in on consumers who are looking to cut down on fuel expenses. Don't fall for these!

Option #2: Drive Less!

This one may or may not be an option for you, but regardless, the easiest way to start cutting back on gas expenses is to simply drive less often. With gas prices skyrocketing to new highs, many Americans are already taking this route.

Option #3: Get a More Economical Car

Maybe it's time to get something a bit more economical. Depending on what you are driving currently, chances are that you can replace your existing car with a far more economical car, which could save you thousands a year on gas expenses.

If this is the route you choose, remember to get a free quote to sell your car today from a reputable used car buyer like our team at Big Bucks Auto(TM). No matter what you're looking to sell, we can buy it, fast - and for more than you might expect.

And before you give up all the space your big SUV affords, or lose the sports car for something - well - less sporty, remember that economical doesn't have to mean boring. For example, there are several new mid-size SUVs on the market which afford their drivers very acceptable gas mileage.
And to get your sports car fix while saving at the pump, look to sporty but smaller sports cars. Cars like the Mini Cooper and Mazda Miata MX-5 can give you some of the thrills you desire, while sipping fuel at the same time.

Reliable Used Cars - The Best Used Cars You Can Buy

When buying a used car one of the most important factors that consumers consider is reliability. You sure don't want to spend your hard earned money on something that will break down and need costly repairs. If you're in the market for a used vehicle, here is a list of the best reliable used cars you can buy.

This list is taken from Consumer Reports which rates cars on multiple years of reliability from 1999 to 2008. This data is taken from the Annual Auto Survey on more than 1.4 million new and used vehicles in which owners reported on serious problems with vehicles in the previous year. According to the survey results, here are the best ones to look for.

Small Cars

#1 Honda Civic - This car is both reliable and economical to drive. The redesign in 2001 saw its popularity grow even larger and in 2003 the hybrid model was introduced. The redesign in 2006 included standard anti lock brakes, curtain air bags and owners report that the ride is even better than before.

Next Best Choices

Toyota Echo
Scion xB
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Matrix
Pontiac Vibe
Mazda3
Mazda Protege
Subaru Impreza

Family Cars

#1 Honda Accord - This car has been a top choice for years. The redesign in 2003 made this car more agile and even quieter plus standard anti lock brakes were added.

Next Best Choices

Toyota Prius
Ford Fusion
Mercury Milan
Toyota Camry (except '08 V6)
Subaru Outback (6 cyl.)
Nissan Altima

Upscale Cars

#1 Lexus ES - This quiet and comfortable car has tested reliable for many years. In 2004 a stronger more fuel efficient engine was added.

Next Best Choices

Lexus IS
Toyota Avalon
Acura TSX
Lincoln MKZ, Zephyr (FWD)
Infiniti G20
Acura TL
Infiniti I30, I35
Infiniti G35 (Sedan)
Volvo S60
Buick Lucerne (V8)
Nissan Maxima

Luxury Cars

#1 Infiniti M35 - This car has been on the list of reliable vehicles since 2003. The redesign in 2006 added more comfort to this well built car.

Next Best Choices

Lexus LS
Lexus GS (6 cyl., RWD)
Acura RL

Sports and Sporty Cars

#1 Mazda Miata - This car gets points for reliability, easy handling, good performance and affordability.

Next Best Choices

Lexus SC
Honda S2000
Toyota Camry Solara
Acura RSX
Toyota Celica
Scion tC
BMW Z3, Z4
Acura Integra
Porsche Boxster
BMW M3
Subaru Impreza WRX/STi
Ford Mustang (V6)
Nissan 350Z

Minivans

#1 - Toyota Sienna - The 2003 redesign gave this reliable vehicle more power and more room, and is also available with AWD.

Next Best Choice

Honda Odyssey
Small SUVs - Toyota RAV4 - This vehicle has been reliable since it was first introduced in 1996. The 2001 redesign brought more power plus more room inside and in 2006 an available third row was added.

Next Best Choices

Honda CR-V
Subaru Forester
Mitsubishi Outlander

Midsized and Large SUVs

#1 - Honda Pilot - Since first introduced in 2003 this vehicle has had excellent crash test results and reliability. There is plenty of room in this fuel efficient vehicle and it also has flexible seating for eight.

Next Best Choices

Toyota Highlander
Lexus RX
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota 4Runner
Infiniti FX35
Acura MDX
Infiniti QX4
Lexus GX
Hyundai Santa Fe
Subaru Tribeca
Nissan Xterra ('05-'08)
Toyota Sequoia

Pickup Trucks

#1 - Honda Ridgeline - This vehicle delivers all you need in a truck but handles and rides like a sedan. It has an in-bed, weather-tight lockable trunk and a smooth V6 engine.

Next Best Choices

Toyota Tacoma ('05-'08)
Toyota Tundra
Subaru Baja
Nissan Frontier ('05-'08)

As you can see from the results, Toyota and Honda come out way ahead of the pack for reliable used cars. If you are in the market for a used vehicle, this list will point you in the right direction for reliability.

Audi TT: Tourist Trophy

Audi broke the mold when its concept TT car was presented at auto shows around the globe during the mid1990s. Named for the prestigious annual "Tourist Trophy" race held on the Isle of Man, the TT is based on the same platform which powers the Volkswagen Golf and the Skoda Octavia. Making use of anodized aluminum and a "bumper free" exterior, the TT coupe was unlike any car of its time when the first production model was released in 1998. Today, the TT continues to garner awards and win praises from Audi aficionados. If you like the current model, just wait one year and you will witness the release of a TT that goes well beyond the pale.

When talking about the TT, there are actually two models involved: one being a coupe, the other a roadster. Shortly after the coupe's introduction in 1998, the roadster version was released the following summer. Both models were originally powered by a 20 valve inline 1.8L four cylinder engine, however in subsequent years each model received a more powerful version of that engine while a 3.2L V6 was introduced as an option during 2003. The TT is powered by its front wheels, but Quattro all wheel drive is available as well.

Audi's success with the TT has helped it to cautiously develop its second generation model. Nearly a full decade after the original model made its debut the follow up TT is being readied and will go into production in 2007. The new TT will feature the following attributes:

Longer and Wider: Slight changes in its width and length will be incorporated into the new model. Expect more cabin room for added interior comfort.

Aluminum and Steel: The new TT will be made up of aluminum in the front and steel in the rear to encourage a better weight balance.

More Power: The 1.8L I4 engine will be replaced with a 2.0L I4 engine. The 3.2L V6 will still be offered, producing 250 horsepower. A six speed manual transmission will be standard equipment.

More Models: The coupe and roadster will be introduced back to back with a third model, possibly a wagon version, also being considered for production.

Principal competitors for the Audi TT have been the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes SLK. The TT's styling inspiration has found its way onto several other models including the Saturn Sky, Mazda Miata, Nissan 350Z, and the Pontiac Solstice. In all, the Audi TT has reinvigorated the roadster market and it appears that the upcoming TT will expand on that theme even further. This is great news for enthusiasts who want a unique and well engineered 2+2 car as part of their driving stable.

Driving In The Hardtop Genre

Automakers are now attesting the edge of retractable hardtops over the conventional ragtops. Parenthetically, they are shifting to the modern technology to deliver fun open-air drive as well as secured weather resistance driving.

Mazda Miata is one of the leaders of hardtop technology. The car is made simple yet striking, affordable and perky. However, its greatest edge is its soft top that can be maneuvered with just a push on the button. In fact, said model can be operated by just using only one hand. Jay Amestoy, Mazda's spokesperson said that power retractable hardtop technology of Miata is a significant factor of its hefty 30% sales in the United States.

The move of automakers is so swift and apparent. "Yes, it costs a lot to engineer and install, but we found some of our target buyers -- women, especially -- see it as a big advantage in safety and security," says Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson. As to Pontiac, its G6 RHT went on sale last April. It was priced at about $29,000, $5,000 more than the coupe version. According to .D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network (PIN), G6 RHT takes an average 29 days to sell. PIN also observed that midsize cars in general, stay on dealer lots an average 53 days and sell for about $8,000 less than the G6 RHT. These findings are significant to automakers. The crucial move can give them rewarding profits so they opt to live in the hype of hardtops.

Volvo, on one hand, has set forth its C70, a 4-seater RHT that went on sale since midyear. The model is a compact car that shares Ford's C1 platform which was used with Volvo S40 parts. According to PIN, C70 sits on dealer lots 14 days. On the contrary, the Mercedes-Benz CLK ragtop sits 51 days.

The coupe convertible hardtop from Volvo was designed by John Kinsey and built by Pininfarina. It uses quality Volvo C70 parts that include strong three piece retractable metal that can be raised or lowered in a short span of 30 seconds. C70 replaced the cabriolet/convertible and the coupe segment, which are absent in Volvo's lineup since 2003.

BBS Manufacturing Company

If you happen to stumble upon Mazda Miata Rims in the parking lot or in your garage, notice the wheel. Do you see how it's silver and cross-spoked? It's most likely a BBS Wheel.. because those wheels always have their emblem on the center cap; regardless of the wheel or its manufacturer. So, there you go.

I'm here to share some history on this lovely Aluminum Wheel producer. So, once upon a time in 1970, in the small town of Schiltach, Germany, there were two men: one named Heinrich Baumgartner (no, he didn't invent Heineken so let's not get any crazy ideas) and another named Klaus Brand. They decided to own their own manufacturing company, so they started off making plastic auto body parts for different cars at the time. They couldn't think of a name so they decided to make it into an acronym: BaumgartnerBrandSchiltach. How convenient, right?

At any rate, for the first two years, they kept producing plastic chassis elements; but in 1972, they eventually started designing three-piece wheels that were going to be used for racing. This was just an idea that they had on paper and just decided to do it; and it turned out to be a break through in the Motorsport World. It's all cheesy, but I guess dreams do come true! Four years later, their company expanded to France since they were doing so well and in 1979, they hired a third manager: Martin Braungart. It's like the letter "B" is super popular over there.. oh well.

So of course they weren't going to perfect the three-piece wheel the first time they made it; in 1983, when it was finally flawless, they made it available for use on vehicles that travel on "normal roads". This wheel was called the RS Wheel. As you can probably guess, this Factory Original BBS Rim was a hit with everyone. It flew off the shelves and just pleased everyone that bought it. Since the company was doing so well, they opened more stores; this time in the great countries of America and Japan. In 1987, they had some managerial movement where Klaus Brand eventually became part of the Supervisory Board, Heinrich Baumgartner was appointed as Chairman of the Management Board, Martin Braungart became in charge of the Technical Management Department, and Klaus Bukenberger became accountable for the Business' Operations and Sales.

The 1990s finally rolled around, which was a great decade for BBS. In 1990, BBS was known to be the vital producer of OEM Alloy Wheels for Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, and many other professional victorious racing teams all around the world. Four years later, BBS had made wheels for Formula One, the IndyCar Series, DTM, and ADAC; all of those racing teams won Championships with BBS Wheels. When they celebrated their 25th year anniversary in 1995, they invented the RSII Wheel which was lighter, had more quality, and eventually set a trend for its remarkable innovation. By 1998, they had supplied IndyCar with BBS wheels for twelve racing vehicles! When 1999 rolled around, BBS gained more customers to make wheels for like DaimerlChrysler, Porsche, Ferrari, and Jaguar.

When the new millennium finally came; this meant a whole new transition for BBS Manufacturing Company. They had been so successful from 2000-2008 that it's only fair for me to acknowledge all of their achievements. Ready? In March of 2000, they opened a logistics / storage center in Herbolzheim; which meant drastic growth in profit and turnover for the company. In 2001, they won another Formula One Racing Championship. When 2002 finally came, they won what's called a "Podio Award" for its new innovated solutions when it came to Ferrari Models. The dry processing of Factory Alloy Wheels was invented in 2003 and was recognized in not only the Motorsport World, but also by the Environmental society. They designed Air Inside Technology that improved the stability of the wheel in 2004. In 2005, they completed their third expansion in Herbolzheim and had all of the vehicles that had fitted BBS wheels compete in the Dakar Rally. 2006 meant that this manufacturing company had won a grand total of 6 international and national awards including Best Brand, Best Quality, two Innovation Awards, and Best Wheel of the year. When the new year brought 2007, Punch International NV took over BBS International; when this happened, it employed over 3,000 people worldwide! Which is great for our economy, don't ya think? Anyway, in 2008, BBS had the extreme pleasure of saying that they had won the Best Brand Award for the third time in a row.

What an accomplishment, right?

Mazda RX8 Horsepower Controversy

Since its launch, the Mazda RX8 has been the subject of close scrutiny by enthusiasts. The high level of attention is not only due to the car's admirable driving dynamics but, in part to the early reports of below-than-expected performance. To be more specific: wheel horsepower measured on several chassis dynamometer runs resulted in values well below the expected 17%~20% drivetrain parasitic losses. And quarter mile runs of anywhere between 0.5 and 1.5 seconds off of those produced by magazines on allegedly pre-production vehicles.

In connection with the RX8's horsepower rating: the original marketing material from Mazda North America (MNAO) advertised the 6 speed manual transmission RX8 at 247hp @ 8,500rpm. Assuming parasitic drivetrain loses between 17%-20% -common for modern rear wheel drive vehicles, a stock RX8 should measure between 205~197 horsepower at the rear wheels (rwhp) -depending on elevation, barometric pressure, temperature and correction factors applied. Instead, a stock RX8 chassis dyno run shows results ranging anywhere from mid-high ~160 to ~185rwhp. Such readings would represent parasitic drivetrain loses in excess of 25%. To say that, it is unacceptable to experience such a high level of loss through the drivetrain of a "sports car" with a carbon fiber drive shaft -amongst other things- is an understatement.

To further consolidate doubts about the actual power output of the new Renesis, several owners were unable to reproduce mid-low 14 second quarter mile passes -as seen published by well known U.S. car magazines. Low trap speeds were another hint towards the apparent lack of power output.

Shortly after, several debates on online enthusiast forums and discussion boards turned into heated arguments as to what was causing such poor "straight line performance." Many former Miata owners remembered a previous "snafu" in Mazda's history, when the manufacturer admittedly overstated the horsepower figures of their redesigned Mazda Miata.

After a few months, MNAO came forward and explained that they had misrepresented the Renesis' power output. The revised figure was now 238hp @ 8,500rpm; however, according to MNAO, this revision did not change the previously achieved track performance results.

Speculations about the reasons behind the sudden lack of power output were many. However, there are currently two schools of thought:

The first one supports the idea that the RX-8's engine management unit (ECU), in conjunction with the many "nanny" devices -such as ABS & TCS- do not allow to obtain accurate readings from a chassis dynamometer. To simplify, when the car is run on a chassis dyno, only the driven wheels are turning. The RX-8's ECU would detect an abnormal driving situation and retard timing and apply other safety measures to preserve either the "driver" or the "engine" -or both- from damage (read: skidding situation, or a car going out of the road.)

The second one believes that MNAO was forced to re-engineer the software that runs the engine management even before the first batch of RX-8's reached U.S. shores, due to upcoming Federal emissions regulations. I have read of one in particular, which requires catalytic converter lifespan of ~100,000 miles. The enemy number one of catalytic converters on any vehicle is heat (and heat is the number one attribute of rotary engine's exhaust gases.)

MNAO offered two options to those who had pre-ordered an RX-8, or had purchased no late than September 2003:

They would buy back the vehicle, no questions asked.

They would offer FREE Scheduled Maintenance for the life of the warranty, plus a 500 dollar "gift card" to those who opted to keep the car.

I was among those who opted to keep their RX-8. After all, the driving experience had not changed since test driving the vehicle prior to purchasing it. Since August 2003 I have clocked well over 20,000 miles -as of 1/18/2005- and I have but one ounce of regret about my decision. If you'd like to read more about owners' opinions, visit this thread @ RX8Club.com

There have been a number of ECU "updates" released during the past 2 years. To the best of my knowledge, all early samples of '04 RX-8s, came from port with level "J" of engine management software. Since then, we have escalated all the way through the alphabet to "M" -which was released on a TSB campaign by Mazda North America (MSP04) in order to have ALL vehicles taken in for Service @ Authorized Dealers flashed to "M" calibration.