Motorcycle Boots – What To Look For

September 3rd, 2010
by Leigh Davis

Motorcycle boots can capture the biker style in just a pair of shoes. From classic black leather classic harness motorcycle boots to today’s modern styled women’s motorcycle leather shoes, it’s all about the footwear. When looking for shoes specifically for motorcycling, you not only want to look for style and price, but you most definitely want to shop for quality.

You can find motorcycle boots for men and women in black and brown leather. You’ll want to shop for features that can help make your next pair a quick favorite. Look for quality zippers, construction and good tread on the soles. Non-skid soles are also a great feature to have if you’re on the road a lot. Oil can build up at highway intersections and even in parking lots. With soles that have a good tread, and non-skid protection, you’re more likely to stay vertical which is a good thing! Quality leather is of upmost importance. The leather thickness and the boot’s construction comprise the protection you’ll have wearing your boots.

Classic Harness Motorcycle Boots – slip onto your feet. These boots are generally tall with the leather upper reaching mid-calf on your leg. The style of the classic harness is a traditional motorcycle boot. Laid back style, a square toe and the leather harness which stretches across the ankle of the boot make for a winner.

Slide-On Boots – these boots encompass a large variety of styles which can capture the look you want. Slide-on boots, also known as slip-on styles, are convenient to put on and off without the need of laces. Most of these boots features zippers and some have buckles or straps for style and to help keep the on your feet.

Military Style Motorcycle Boots – these boots generally run mid-calf and are lace ups. They look very similar to a military boot, but are made with the motorcyclist in mind. Full tread on the sole for excellent traction, and laces all the way up the boot ensure a good and secure fit when tied properly.

Hiking Style Motorcycle Boots – these boots look similar to a hiking boot, but they’re made with a thicker leather for more durability and protection on the open road. These boots sit just above the ankle and lace up. Great tread and the heel in the back finish off these boots.

Motorcycle Footwear – new to motorcycle shoes is footwear that’s more like casual shoes. These boots and shoes have lots of interior padding and look like sneakers or high-tops. For motorcyclists looking for a very casual style shoe, or even just a great work shoe, these are perfect.

Women’s Fashion Motorcycle Footwear – modern shoes for women include fashion styles which look more like women’s shoes, but have a vintage biker appeal. Great looks, great style and black leather. How can you go wrong?

Biker Socks – you might ever think about this, but your socks make a very large difference. A biker sock made by Milwaukee Motorcycle Clothing called the Biker Sox are designed specifically for wear with motorcycle boots and shoes. Their construction protects the stress points of the foot, they wick up moisture keeping your feet dry and comfortable. They also keep your feet cooler in warm weather and warmer in cold weather.

About the Author:

Guide On Purchasing Alloy Wheels, To Upgrade Your Vehicle And To Ensure Safety

September 2nd, 2010
by Gorin Amark

With the boom of on line sales and marketing in past few years, this has made the purchase of cheap alloy wheels extremely easy.

However you need to have some knowledge prior to making a purchase no matter what manufacturer or dealer you choose to use.

The majority of auto owners are very unaware of the severe consequences should you make the incorrect choice in terms of alloy wheels.

Wheels made off Poorer materials or wrongly fitted wheels can cause handling troubles for the automobile whilst in motion not to mention the protection factors.

Therefore finding a dependable stockist is vital before any purchase is made whether it is cheap alloy wheels at the bottom end of the market or the most costly and extravagant model.

If purchasing on-line try to check the credibility of the company and ensure they’re not some drop ship type company that really has no technical experience in car parts or components

Once you’ve sourced a reliable supplier several options will be available to you.

This would include a range to fit your budget from inexpensive alloy wheels through to customized built.

No matter what you decide to do a set of alloy wheels will increase the profile of your automobile.

Including the fuel economy this will likely be better as the wheels are lighter and more smooth, than their steel counterparts which in most cases are heavy and cumbersome.

If your vehicle is speedy and powerful it would be recommended to avoid cheap alloy wheels as with any budget product it serves a purpose but if you’re looking more towards a performance orientated product there should be no compromise purchase just what you require.

Ask the dealer for test data for the range you are interested in, if this can’t be supplied maybe you should look at a other manufacturer,

It’s usually the case if the wheels are fitted to the vehicle they’re then none refundable, so due diligence is extremely important before you commit yourself financially.

Follow these simple guidelines and you should be fine , never compromise safety for low-grade products it really is false economy.

About the Author:

Take Proper Care Of Your Brakes And Avoid Dangerous Accidents

September 1st, 2010
by Jacqueline Star

The majority of people are pretty good at keeping our cars in good shape. With the cost of upkeep and gasoline we want to make sure that our cars run for a long time and don’t break down on the side of the road.

But when was the last time you had your brakes checked out to make sure they were running ok? It’s important that your brakes are in working order. There are a few things you can take care of yourself as far as maintenance and visual inspection, but unless you are a pro, make sure you get an experienced professional to take a look.

Tire pressure also plays an important part in your vehicle’s ability to stop in time. Yes I know we started talking about brakes but if you have under inflated or over inflated tires. Too much pressure in your tires will cause them to bulge and you won’t be riding across the entire width of the tire, the way it was designed, and this will increase your stopping distance. Also under inflated tires will wear on the outer ribs and this will decrease your traction, which in turn lends itself to longer stopping distances. So keep your tires properly inflated. Buy a quality tire gauge, don’t go by the pressure gauge at the gas station as these are notoriously inaccurate. A good rule of thumb is to check your tire pressure is once a week, or if there is a noticeable change in temperature. You need to check the spare tire too.

Brake fluid is another component that needs to be checked out. Before removing the cap to your brake fluid reservoir, wipe the cap down or the fluid could get dirty and grimy. Once you have determined the level and need to add some make sure you use DOT (Department of Transportation) 3 or 4. If the reservoir has two parts make sure you fill them both. While you have the hood open take a look for any leaks or cracked hoses. If needed get your car to your mechanic or dealer right away. A small issue can become a huge deal if you don’t fix it in time.

The parts which make up the brakes themselves, rotors, pads, discs are pretty straightforward. Any visible physical damage is a sign that you need replacement parts. If you have less than 1/8 inch on your pads it is time to replace them. If your discs aren’t shiny or have deep grooves they may need replacing but they may also just need to be turned. Ask your mechanic if you aren’t sure. Slight lines in the disc are normal, but large grooves are not. Also make sure the hoses leading to your brake calipers are inspected as well and make sure there aren’t any cracks or leaks.

It’s important to keep your car in good condition because it improves your safety on the road. Remember to check your brakes at least twice a year. Use a calendar or a computer to keep track of your maintenance schedule. Or the old stand by of spring forward fall back and check your breaks when you put your clocks an hour ahead or back.

About the Author:

The Best Way To Install A Motorcycle Power Supply

September 1st, 2010
by Emma Watson

Although a motorcycle battery pack along with other kinds of car batteries are built for longevity, over time batteries will slow down and eventually wear out. This occurs when the sulfate that flows over the plates begins to develop up a residue on the plates, slowly diminishing the conductivity. In this post you’ll find useful details for choosing, installing, and maintaining your next motorcycle power supply.

Selecting the correct size: So that you can choose the proper size motorcycle power supply, you’ll must know the cold cranking amps (CCA) of one’s bike. Technically speaking, CCA is the number of amps a lead-acid power supply at 0F can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain a minimum of one.two volts per cell. As soon as you determine the needed CCA, you are going to need to measure the length, width, and height from the cavity to make certain a correct fit.

Removal and installation basics: When the time comes to replace your motorcycle power supply, by no means remove the battery while the engine is running. If for cause it does not have a charge, usually get rid of the bad cable before the good.

When installing the new battery pack, reverse the order and connect the positive cable very first just before connecting the negative. Take added caution to identify the good and damaging terminals prior to attaching the cables. Accidentally reversing the polarity can cause the power supply to explode or inflict a fantastic deal of harm for your bike’s electrical system. Recharging: If the power supply won’t start or appears dull, you may possibly only need to recharge it. Usually check the voltage of the motorcycle battery just before recharging and never cost your battery pack at an amperage a lot more than 1/6 the rated capacity of the power supply. As an example, it you have a 7 amp-hour power supply, you must not charge it at an amperage of over one amps. If you’ve an 18 amp-hour power supply, you can demand it at a maximum of 3 amps. As a result, most power supply tenders provide charging amperage of from 1/2 amp up to two amps. NOTE: In no way USE AN AUTOMOBILE Battery pack CHARGER ON YOUR POWERSPORT SEALED Battery pack. Though recharging seems like a easy process, as a general rule of thumb always put on protective eye wear and refrain from smoking as you are working with explosive gasses.

You’ll also desire to make sure that there is no electrolyte covering the plates prior to adding water or recharging. When you add the water, make sure that the vent caps are reinstalled before charging. In no way recharge a motorcycle battery pack or any type of vehicle battery with the vent caps open. When you’ve completed charging, turn off the charger before removing the charger cables from the motorcycle power supply.

About the Author:

5 Smart Ways To Make Your Car’s Brakes Last Longer

August 30th, 2010
by Everette R Lewis

Your vehicle’s brake system – including the pads, calipers, and rotors – can last much longer than you may realize. The key is the way you use your brakes. Drivers seldom think about preserving the individual components, and thus wear them out sooner than necessary. The costs of replacement parts and labor add up over time, making poor usage expensive.

In this article, we’ll offer five tips for prolonging the life of your brakes. If, after implementing the following suggestions, you find your brakes continue to wear out too quickly, the problem is likely the quality of the parts you’re buying.

1 – Coast Before Hitting The Pedal

A lot of people drive with one foot on the accelerator or brake pedal at all times. The moment they see a need to slow down, they hit the latter. It’s important to realize how this affects the pads. At high speeds, your car is generating an enormous amount of kinetic energy, which is converted into heat whenever you apply your brakes. This is how the pads bring your car to a stop. The problem is, this energy robs your pads of life.

Fortunately, the kinetic energy generated by your vehicle dissipates quickly as your speed declines. Learn to coast as much as possible. Rather than applying your brakes immediately, drift and let your car’s weight slow its speed. You’ll find your pads will last much longer.

2 – Plan Ahead To Accommodate Braking Drivers

There are sections of highways that become regular braking zones, even though there is little reason for drivers to slow down. This often happens when people misperceive a turn, or are surprised by an incline or decline. Even though motorists can easily navigate these sections of the road without slowing, they instinctively apply their brakes. And this forces you to apply your own.

If you’re able to identify such areas on the roads you travel, remember them and plan ahead. Start coasting prior to reaching “problem sections” rather than hitting your brakes to react to other drivers. You may be able to avoid braking entirely.

3 – Extend Your View

Most people travel the same routes on a regular basis. This means they know when they’re approaching a traffic light, stop sign, or similar obstacle. The problem is, they often neglect to consider such stops because they’re concentrating on the road directly in front of them.

Learn to extend your view, and look down the road. That way, you can plan to coast as you approach red lights, traffic stops, and various road hazards that would otherwise force you to engage your brakes. Remember, the slower you’re traveling, the easier it is for your brakes to stop your vehicle.

4 – Shed A Few Excess Pounds

If you have accumulated unnecessary items in your car, consider removing them. They place extra weight on your vehicle’s frame. While this means your car will slow more quickly when coasting, the excess weight also makes it harder to stop quickly at high speeds. If you’re carrying your golf clubs, surfboard, weightlifting gear, and construction materials in your car, leave a few things behind. Your pads will last longer.

5 – Avoid “Cheap” Pads

Whenever you take your vehicle into the shop for a routine brake job, avoid buying cheap replacement pads. They’re less costly upfront, but are often more expensive over the long run. They wear down more quickly, which means you’ll need more frequent brake jobs.

Many times, repair garages will advertise a “brake special” where they offer to change the pads on your vehicle’s drive wheels. The $49.95 or $59.95 sounds like a bargain. In reality, the pads are often cheaply designed, tending to wear down more quickly than higher-quality material. Being frugal is good. Being cheap with your brake pads will cost more money over time.

The suggestions above will preserve the life of your brake pads, and by extension, your rotors and calipers. It takes time to adopt and grow accustomed to new driving habits, but the effort is worthwhile.

About the Author:

Black & Decker Batteries: Basic Info On Black Decker 18V Replacement Battery

August 30th, 2010
by Ivarn Gotosk

There are many types of Black & Decker Batteries but the most commonly utilized are the wireless tool batteries. Based on the cordless tool that you own, it’s possible to get them in 9, 12, 14.4, 18 and 24 volts power rating. They are also for sale in Pod-style and Slide-type battery pack; these two come with a completely different mounting style and usually are not compatible.

It’s also possible to buy them in several type of battery cell such as Nickel Cadmium, NiMH and the ultra powerful Lithium Ion. Nicad is the least expensive and the popular type of battery cell, they are normally free when you buy a brand new cordless tool. In case you are searching for a good alternative battery, you might want the NiMH, they last longer than Nicad but relatively costly. For professional use you can use the Lithium Ion battery, it can hold probably six times than Nicad and it’s the priciest among the three.

Lithium Ion batteries are usually used in making miniature type batteries since it can have the equivalent degree of power like the other form of battery cell using a fraction of the size. Almost all B&D batteries offers the “no memory” technology which allows you to recharge it even its not completely drain, when you are finished doing the job just simply put it in the charger and have it all set for the following task.

Most replacement batteries are much less expensive as compared to the authentic B&D, it’s simply because they already taken out some less important functions and the components used are also cheaper. If you are using an original battery, it is advised to use also an original charger to make use of the special functions and to prolong its life.

You can also find other versions just like the one used in Versapak series of tools, it has a 3.6 volts output with a cylindrical shape and also for sale in Nickel Cadmium, NiMH and Lithium Ion battery cells. Many B&D small tool and home appliances feature a different type of battery; they are mostly much bigger in size because of the large amount of current required to operate them.

Some batteries are designed for backup applications; they are made compact so you can bring them along in your brief case while going to various places where there’s no electrical outlet available to recharge your mobile devices, digital camera and other electronic appliances. These backup batteries has a built-in basic outlet so you can instantly insert the charger of your mobile phone, it also have a built-in Universal serial bus power connection for charging USB equipment like CD players and iPod device.

One other kind of backup battery is the 12 volt Battery Booster, this kind of battery is made specifically to utilize in automobiles; it works by supplying additional electric power to start up the engine just in case you have a drained battery, mostly in the early morning or when you have not utilize your automobile for a long time period. Battery Booster can also be use like the normal backup battery for re-charging cellular phone while in the middle of an excursion or when you’re having a hiking trip in the middle of nowhere.

Battery Boosters are also very useful in unexpected emergency situations when there’s a strong storm or temporary brownouts, so you can still make emergency calls for a possible rescue operation. Just simply bear in mind to constantly re-charge your backup battery every time you use it, test it regularly even if you don’t use it a lot, they are likely to lose charge even if they are not in use or during cold weather condition.

About the Author:

A Study On Motorcycle Helmets Legal Guidelines

August 29th, 2010
by Gorin Amark

Since July 2000, motorcycle riders have not had to adhere to a universal helmet law, requiring all riders, irrespective of age, to put on a helmet when operating their motorbikes. Currently, Florida helmet regulations state that riders over the age of 21 that have a minimum of $10,000 in medical coverage can legally ride their bikes without putting on a helmet, a move that was considered a victory by many bikers disappointed with universal helmet laws which were in effect until that time.

Regardless of whether the move implies a clear victory or not is a matter of interpretation. While riders can enjoy the road unencumbered by motorcycle helmets which are usually heavy and hot, a report by the Florida Department of Transportation indicates that motorcycle injuries and even fatalities have gone up following repeal of the universal laws, forcing certain state authorities to revisit the law.

The discussion over universal helmet laws is not confined to Florida. Throughout the nation, universal helmet conditions have met with active opposition, and lately, many state governments have eradicated universal helmet regulations completely, while other enforce certain age or insurance guidelines which govern who must put on a helmet, and who can choose to not wear a helmet.

Before 1966, there were no motorcycle helmet regulations in any country. However the Highway Safety Act of that same year put an end to that, requiring the establishment of uniform safety programs for motorcyclists across the country. Under this act, all nations were required to develop and implement regulations which mandated the use of helmets by all motorbike riders. States which turned down to enact such legislation faced losing s portion of federal government highway construction funds.

In 1975, with fees and penalties pending against three states, Congress reconsidered the Highway Safety Act, and eradicated the helmet law mandate, as well as disallowing a suspension of federal funds from states without universal helmet laws. The result: by 1978, 25 states had repealed their laws, or amended them to incorporate only certain groups, mostly people under the age of 18.

The 1980s was, overall, a period of stasis for helmet laws. However in the late 1980s and 1990s, several state governments started reenacting helmet laws in an effort to decrease injuries and deaths, and decrease insurance and medical costs. In 1989, Oregon and Texas yet again implemented universal helmet regulations, and Washington and Maryland followed suit in 1990 and 1992. Even California, that had never before enacted a helmet law, enacted a universal helmet law in 1992 after much hype. Florida also enacted a helmet regulation, however in 1996 as noted, the law was amended to include only riders under 21 and those without adequate insurance coverage.

The repeal immediately noticed a marked change in helmet use in the country. As observational helmet use survey conducted by the state DOT in 1998 shown 99.5 percent of motorbike riders wore helmets. A similar survey conducted in 2002, two years after the repeal of the universal helmet law, indicated that rate had dropped to 52.7 percent.

Another study conducted by the Florida DOT also revealed that though the overall number of crashes lowered during the 18-month period after the law was repealed when compared with the 19-month period prior to repeal, fatal crashes among the state’s motorbike riders elevated by around 43 percent after Florida helmet regulations were amended, from 284 fatalities in the 18-month period before repeal, to 404 fatalities in the 18-month period after repeal. Non-fatal injuries elevated by about 16 percent in the same period. Even the numbers of under-age riders elevated after repeal of the law, from 7 percent to 11 percent.

About the Author:

Should You Buy Custom Motorcycle Parts

August 29th, 2010
by Dave Brown

You probably already know that there are a lot of passionate bike owners in the country. There are also those that are a bit more passionate than others. There are some that spend a lot of time and money changing their motorcycles with custom motorcycle parts.

If you aren’t a bike nut then you probably won’t understand why someone would spend all their free time looking and fitting these custom motorcycle parts. Well it is their thing, their love, and their passion. They feel a great sense of pride when they look at the finished article and know that it is one of a kind.

If you want to amend your bike with custom motorcycle parts then you need to think about 2 things, time and money. You need the money to buy the parts and they don’t come cheap. Do you have the dedication to spend the hours fitting and maintaining? You can always pay someone to do that for you if you have the budget.

What is the best way to find custom motorcycle parts? There are two ways and they are similar to any other hobbies that you might have. The first is specialist magazines. I love this way as you can carry the magazine around with you and whenever you get a spare chance you can start looking through. The second way is finding them on the internet.

I want to share a tip with you that has allowed me to get some bargains over the years. The first thing to do is to narrow down what you want using the magazine. Once you have done that then search for it on the ‘Shopping’ section of Google.

I hope that this have given you a bit more information about buying custom motorcycle parts. If it is your passion then go for it but be careful, once you start buying them can become quite addictive!

About the Author:

The Honda CB750 – A Modern Classic

August 28th, 2010
by Zac Kurtsmier

After World War 2, the motorcycle world was led by the European and American marques, at least in the 500cc+ class.

However, since the late 1940s, Japanese manufacturers had been enjoying ever increasing popularity in their smaller capacity machines.

However, in 1968, everything changed. No one had really seen it coming. It may have been complacency when the British motorcycle industry decided that the Japanese would never enter the big bike scene.

In October 1968, against a backdrop of Truimph’s earlier launch that year of their 750cc, 58bhp Trident, which was thought to be a potential huge earner for the company, things changed.

The 1968 Tokyo bike show was the curtain raiser for Honda’s new CB750. A four cylinder, 750cc machine with four exhaust pipes and a host of modern features was launched. No more kick starting – electric start was standard, as were fore and aft disc brakes.

Honda had wanted to design a bike “the bigger the better”. Huge amounts of research were directed at getting the engine right in both size and configuration, the goal being low vibration and suitable for long journeys.

To reduce vibration levels, Honda had to design a completely new engine, as anything over 500cc in traditional parallel twin format was far to “buzzy”. After testing a range of configurations, the in line 4 was settled on, and formed the basis of superbike manufacturing for many years.

This was one of the first bikes to lose “character”, in that improved seals meant no more leaking oil! It was an instant success, indeed the first batch to be imported to the UK were all sold before arriving in Britain. Honda engineers had achieved what they had set out to do, a modern, reliable and good looking bike that revolutionized biking.

The CB750 was an instant hit, and paved the way for massive change within the motorcycling manufacturing industry. This was the dawn of the superbike.

About the Author:

2007 Hyundai Cars: What’s New For 2007

August 28th, 2010
by Alfred Lancer

(1) The 2007 Hyundai Sonata

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.

About the Author: