By Glady Reign
Volvo Cars, the company famed for its safety initiatives and innovations, recommends that small children should travel in rearward facing child restraints for as long as possible - at least until they are three to four years old. Older children, on the other hand, are advised to use a booster cushion until they are 140 centimeters tall and at least ten years old.
The Swedish automaker’s recommendation is based on real life accidents blended with advanced research at Volvo Cars' state-of-the-art crash laboratory. Volvo is absorbed in finding new ways to reduce road injuries - this is why it is focusing on safety development. For four decades now, the automaker is studying child safety as part of its philosophy.
Volvo started researching child safety in the early 1960's. This was a time when space journeys were hot news. On the black and white TV screen you could see the astronauts lying on their backs to even out the forces during take-off and landing. Using the entire back to spread the forces was incorporated in the first child restraint prototype, which was tested in 1964. Since then, Volvo Cars has been setting the standard in child safety.
Volvo’s founders Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson said, "Cars are driven by people. The guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo therefore, is - and must remain - safety." And the philosophy still stands up to the present time. Since its inception, the automaker has launched numerous safety milestones like Volvo park lights, three-safety belt, airbags, seatbelt with pretensioners, rearward facing child restraint, and other remarkable equipment.
“Our first rearward facing child restraint was launched back in 1972,” said Lotta Jakobsson, the Child Safety Specialist at Volvo Cars Safety Centre. Volvo has also been a driving force in international cooperations such as the making of the ISOFIX standard. The latter is a standardized anchoring system that makes it easier to fit a child restraint correctly in any car equipped with the system.
In 1970, the Volvo Traffic Accident Research Team was established to study car crashes in Sweden linked to newer Volvo models. Since then, the team has studied about 2,500 traffic accidents down to the smallest detail. Based on the accident research, the team develops new safety technologies. Information from more than 36,000 accidents is stored in a statistical database. The Side-Impact Protection System (SIPS) and the Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) are direct results of this accident research.
“Our engineers identify interesting areas, develop solutions and incorporate them in the oncoming Volvo model,” said Jakobsson. “When that model is out on the streets, the research of real life car crashes continues to help decide which areas to focus on in next generation. It is a continuous process.”
Volvo’s studies and statistical database that include more than 4,500 children revealed that a child in a rearward facing child seat is approximately 90 percent less likely to be injured in an accident compared to an unrestrained child. The studies also found that using a booster cushion, the child runs an approximately 75 percent lower risk of being injured compared to being unrestrained.
“All children must always be restrained properly. They should travel facing the rear until at least the age of three-four and use restraints for older children up to 10-12 years of age,” said Jakobsson. Using a booster cushion, integrated or accessory, with the lap belt pulled tight prevents the body from riding underneath the safety belt and forward in a collision, she added.
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Glady_Reign
Monday, May 21, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Smart Family Finances: How To Get Your Money's Worth From Owning
By Joe Guntherson
With a spouse, three kids, and a dog, you've got a big family.
And big families usually mean big budgets, so you're all about
making wise financial choices. Can you do that without
sacrificing style, comfort, and reliability in a vehicle. Yeah,
you can.
Despite the negative press SUVs seem to be getting lately due
to their inferior gas mileage compared other family-designed
vehicles like mini-vans and wagons, there are some features
that actually make SUVs better buys for the long-term, so don't
discount them yet. Choosing the right SUV can actually save you
thousands of dollars over the course of six and a half years…
if you do your homework and choose well. Here are three
essential features to look for in an SUV if you want a bigger
bang for your buck over a wagon or mini-van.
Gas mileage isn't as important as you think. Don't get this
wrong, filling up less and saving a few bucks each month does
add up. But not as much as you probably think. For example, the
average SUV gets 22 mpg on the highway while the typical wagon,
for example, the Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited gets 26. That's
a four mile savings per gallon. If you drive on average 10,000
miles each year, you're burning through only 70 more gallons of
gas in an SUV than you are in a wagon. Sounds like a lot, but in
reality, at the average gas price of $3.00 per gallon, you're
only saving $210 each year.
If gas mileage is silver, warranties are gold. We're not
suggesting you don't try to save money in fuel-efficiency, but
it's all for naught if you wind up spending all that savings on
major repairs down the line. Finding an SUV with better
warranties—particularly the powertrain warranty which covers
typically the most costly repairs—can save big dollars down the
line. For this, we like the Isuzu Ascender.
With a 7-year/75,000 mile powertrain warranty, you're covered
for twice as long as you would be if you bought the Dodge
Durango, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, or the GMC Envoy. The
Ascender's impressive warranty also puts to shame that of most
mini-vans including Dodge Caravan, the Ford Freestar, and the
Honda Odyssey.
When it comes to safety, look at the data. If you've heard that
SUVs they are more likely to roll over in an accident than say,
a minivan, due to their high center of gravity combined with a
short wheelbase, that's true. But while marketing departments
saddled with the task of promoting mini-vans and wagons would
like you to think SUVs are unsafe, they're not. And when one
major accident can thousands in medical bills and lost work
time, safety is an important financial factor when choosing a
vehicle as well. Look at the data. According to statistics
collected in 2005 by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS), very large sport utility vehicles have the lowest death
rates—about 24 occupants killed for every million registered
vehicles.
Midsize SUVs average 57 deaths, while fatalities associated
with midsize cars top out at a whopping 70 deaths per million
vehicles—more than three times that of large SUVs. The
advantage large SUVs have over other cars is their size and
their weight. When it comes down to it, would you rather be in
an SUV hit by a mid-size car, or be in a car hit by an SUV?
A vehicle is one of the most important purchases you can make.
A large chunk of your money will inevitably be dedicated to it,
so research your options and make the best decision you can
based on facts, not marketing. And when it comes to SUVs, don't
be so quick to rule them out. There's a reason their popularity
surged so quickly.
People like them.
About the Author:We all know that buying a new SUV can be expensive. Buyers are looking at gas milage and when it comes to Pickup Trucks Isuzu is a leader. Visit the site today or stop by a local dealer.Read more articles by: Joe Guntherson Article Source: www.iSnare.com
With a spouse, three kids, and a dog, you've got a big family.
And big families usually mean big budgets, so you're all about
making wise financial choices. Can you do that without
sacrificing style, comfort, and reliability in a vehicle. Yeah,
you can.
Despite the negative press SUVs seem to be getting lately due
to their inferior gas mileage compared other family-designed
vehicles like mini-vans and wagons, there are some features
that actually make SUVs better buys for the long-term, so don't
discount them yet. Choosing the right SUV can actually save you
thousands of dollars over the course of six and a half years…
if you do your homework and choose well. Here are three
essential features to look for in an SUV if you want a bigger
bang for your buck over a wagon or mini-van.
Gas mileage isn't as important as you think. Don't get this
wrong, filling up less and saving a few bucks each month does
add up. But not as much as you probably think. For example, the
average SUV gets 22 mpg on the highway while the typical wagon,
for example, the Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited gets 26. That's
a four mile savings per gallon. If you drive on average 10,000
miles each year, you're burning through only 70 more gallons of
gas in an SUV than you are in a wagon. Sounds like a lot, but in
reality, at the average gas price of $3.00 per gallon, you're
only saving $210 each year.
If gas mileage is silver, warranties are gold. We're not
suggesting you don't try to save money in fuel-efficiency, but
it's all for naught if you wind up spending all that savings on
major repairs down the line. Finding an SUV with better
warranties—particularly the powertrain warranty which covers
typically the most costly repairs—can save big dollars down the
line. For this, we like the Isuzu Ascender.
With a 7-year/75,000 mile powertrain warranty, you're covered
for twice as long as you would be if you bought the Dodge
Durango, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, or the GMC Envoy. The
Ascender's impressive warranty also puts to shame that of most
mini-vans including Dodge Caravan, the Ford Freestar, and the
Honda Odyssey.
When it comes to safety, look at the data. If you've heard that
SUVs they are more likely to roll over in an accident than say,
a minivan, due to their high center of gravity combined with a
short wheelbase, that's true. But while marketing departments
saddled with the task of promoting mini-vans and wagons would
like you to think SUVs are unsafe, they're not. And when one
major accident can thousands in medical bills and lost work
time, safety is an important financial factor when choosing a
vehicle as well. Look at the data. According to statistics
collected in 2005 by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS), very large sport utility vehicles have the lowest death
rates—about 24 occupants killed for every million registered
vehicles.
Midsize SUVs average 57 deaths, while fatalities associated
with midsize cars top out at a whopping 70 deaths per million
vehicles—more than three times that of large SUVs. The
advantage large SUVs have over other cars is their size and
their weight. When it comes down to it, would you rather be in
an SUV hit by a mid-size car, or be in a car hit by an SUV?
A vehicle is one of the most important purchases you can make.
A large chunk of your money will inevitably be dedicated to it,
so research your options and make the best decision you can
based on facts, not marketing. And when it comes to SUVs, don't
be so quick to rule them out. There's a reason their popularity
surged so quickly.
People like them.
About the Author:We all know that buying a new SUV can be expensive. Buyers are looking at gas milage and when it comes to Pickup Trucks Isuzu is a leader. Visit the site today or stop by a local dealer.Read more articles by: Joe Guntherson Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Consumer Reports' Choice of Upscale Sedans
By Evander Klum
The ConsumerReports.org has once again embarked in a testing spree this time with the objective of helping consumers in choosing the best upscale sedans available.
Toyota’s luxurious Lexus ES350 and the sporty Infiniti G35 -- though very different from each other have both found their way to the top the Consumer Reports’ upscale sedans ratings. The sedans that were included in the $30,000 to $40,000 range possess diverse blends of luxury and sporty appeal. More stylish models tend to be quieter, spacious, and provide a smoother handling and driving capability. On the other hand sporty models tend to have minimal interior space, ride firmly, and handle more with ease.
Consumer report has made the BMW 3 Series and the G35 as its example for sedans that focused on sporty driving but provides minimal interior space. On the other hand the Lexus ES350 emphasizes not only quietness but also comfort. There are also other sedans like the Acura TL with its top-of-the-line Acura exhaust system that offer a good balance of performance, comfort, driving and handling ability.
The high-end V6 versions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat although not included in the upscale segment are likewise commended for their performance and amenities as well as for their low cost.
According to Consumer Reports the good buys for this category include the Acura TL, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and the sporty BMW 3 Series. But for those who want high performance at a lesser cost, the Acura TSX is a great alternative. Another capable sedan is the Cadillac CTS that will soon have a redesign version for 2008. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class despite its being a sporty, agile contender sad to say has proven not quite reliable. It will also have a redesigned version coming in the summer of 2008.
Consumer Reports has chosen the Lincoln MKZ, Lexus ES350, Nissan Maxima, Saab 9-5, Buick Lucerne CXS V8 and of course the rear–and all-wheel-drive versions of the Infiniti G35 for the test it has conducted. All the chosen cars possess features such as heated leather seats, powerful engines, and sunroofs. Likewise, the stability control is a common feature in this class with the exemption of the Lincoln MKZ which does not provide it.
The G35 significantly updated for 2007. The rear-wheel-drive G35 was provided with a sunroof and a power adjustable steering wheel as options. It cost $35,140. The all-wheel-drive G35x that includes a navigation system is priced at $39,400.
For Toyota, its ES which was based on the Camry was also redesigned for 2007 and cost $41,289 and offer optional features that include cooled seats, power adjustable steering column, and navigation system. The Nissan Maxima was also freshened up for 2007 and was given a continuously variable transmission. The Maxima 3.5 SL is equipped with a stability control, memory seats, sunroof, and also a power adjustable steering column. It cost $33,715.
Aside from the change in name the Zephyr now MKZ was given a larger engine for 2007. It was also equipped with a heated and cooled seats, sunroof, and 17-inch wheels. Its price is $32,675 and the least expensive vehicle in the group tested.
The Saab 9-5 2.3T is equipped with an automatic transmission, backup sensors, and xenon headlights resulting to its $38,635 price tag. The Consumer Reports has also tested a top-level Lucerne CXS with a V8 engine which is different from the CXL V6 tested in 2006. The new CXS possess a different type of suspension tuning, stability control, and a set of different tires. Its other options include a remote start, sunroof, park assist, and chrome wheels, heated and cooled seats. It has a base price of $38,935.
And according to Consumer Reports all the group vehicles included in the group has been confirmed reliable basing on their results of their subscribers survey and are therefore recommended to consumers who are searching for quality sedans to purchase.
For more about your Aftermarket parts needs acura exhaust system, visit your trusted online source. Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Evander_Klum
The ConsumerReports.org has once again embarked in a testing spree this time with the objective of helping consumers in choosing the best upscale sedans available.
Toyota’s luxurious Lexus ES350 and the sporty Infiniti G35 -- though very different from each other have both found their way to the top the Consumer Reports’ upscale sedans ratings. The sedans that were included in the $30,000 to $40,000 range possess diverse blends of luxury and sporty appeal. More stylish models tend to be quieter, spacious, and provide a smoother handling and driving capability. On the other hand sporty models tend to have minimal interior space, ride firmly, and handle more with ease.
Consumer report has made the BMW 3 Series and the G35 as its example for sedans that focused on sporty driving but provides minimal interior space. On the other hand the Lexus ES350 emphasizes not only quietness but also comfort. There are also other sedans like the Acura TL with its top-of-the-line Acura exhaust system that offer a good balance of performance, comfort, driving and handling ability.
The high-end V6 versions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat although not included in the upscale segment are likewise commended for their performance and amenities as well as for their low cost.
According to Consumer Reports the good buys for this category include the Acura TL, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and the sporty BMW 3 Series. But for those who want high performance at a lesser cost, the Acura TSX is a great alternative. Another capable sedan is the Cadillac CTS that will soon have a redesign version for 2008. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class despite its being a sporty, agile contender sad to say has proven not quite reliable. It will also have a redesigned version coming in the summer of 2008.
Consumer Reports has chosen the Lincoln MKZ, Lexus ES350, Nissan Maxima, Saab 9-5, Buick Lucerne CXS V8 and of course the rear–and all-wheel-drive versions of the Infiniti G35 for the test it has conducted. All the chosen cars possess features such as heated leather seats, powerful engines, and sunroofs. Likewise, the stability control is a common feature in this class with the exemption of the Lincoln MKZ which does not provide it.
The G35 significantly updated for 2007. The rear-wheel-drive G35 was provided with a sunroof and a power adjustable steering wheel as options. It cost $35,140. The all-wheel-drive G35x that includes a navigation system is priced at $39,400.
For Toyota, its ES which was based on the Camry was also redesigned for 2007 and cost $41,289 and offer optional features that include cooled seats, power adjustable steering column, and navigation system. The Nissan Maxima was also freshened up for 2007 and was given a continuously variable transmission. The Maxima 3.5 SL is equipped with a stability control, memory seats, sunroof, and also a power adjustable steering column. It cost $33,715.
Aside from the change in name the Zephyr now MKZ was given a larger engine for 2007. It was also equipped with a heated and cooled seats, sunroof, and 17-inch wheels. Its price is $32,675 and the least expensive vehicle in the group tested.
The Saab 9-5 2.3T is equipped with an automatic transmission, backup sensors, and xenon headlights resulting to its $38,635 price tag. The Consumer Reports has also tested a top-level Lucerne CXS with a V8 engine which is different from the CXL V6 tested in 2006. The new CXS possess a different type of suspension tuning, stability control, and a set of different tires. Its other options include a remote start, sunroof, park assist, and chrome wheels, heated and cooled seats. It has a base price of $38,935.
And according to Consumer Reports all the group vehicles included in the group has been confirmed reliable basing on their results of their subscribers survey and are therefore recommended to consumers who are searching for quality sedans to purchase.
For more about your Aftermarket parts needs acura exhaust system, visit your trusted online source. Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Evander_Klum
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Is Diesel Performance Dead?
By Nathan Young
In a day where phrases like Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel, Exhaust Gas Recirculation, Urea Injection and most of all Diesel Particulate Filter are being used in an industry that is more accustomed to phrases like "Boost Fooler" and "Mufflerectomy" many people are wondering if this is the end of the Diesel Performance era. Many people are even asking, "Is Diesel Performance Dead?" Now there are a couple of different ways to approach this question and with a topic so close to many people's hearts it’s oftentimes very difficult to know which way is the best to approach the topic.
For many people that have voiced their opinions about the stringent standards that the EPA is putting on Car Manufacturers this is the end of an era much like the end of the muscle car era. There are many people saying that January 2007 was much like January 1972, marking the end of what is being a called the "Diesel Performance Era" just like 1972 is looked on as the official end of the Muscle Car Era. If you take a step back and compare the two "Era's" there are a couple of similarities, those being mainly the race to see which company can make more frame wrenching horsepower and torque after decades of research and development and then also being shut down by the EPA and new emissions laws.
So where do we go from here? Is that the end of diesel? Will the even tighter restrictions that will be enforced in 2010 be so smothering that automakers decide to abandoned diesel lines altogether? Well as of right now, all signs actually point to a bright future in the diesel arena itself. Several automakers are talking about adding diesel engines to their lineup including Honda who has a diesel Accord set to enter the market in 2009 and there are rumors of Toyota adding a diesel option to their Tundra, but guys can only hope right?
If we look again at the parallels between the two eras we can see a bright glimpse of hope for the Diesel Performance Aftermarket in a couple of different ways. Definitely since the end of the muscle car era in 1972 aftermarket performance has changed, well even more so in the past decade with just the upload of a program you can be 100 horsepower above stock in just a matter of minutes, that is definitely a far cry from the performance modifications of old. It's my guess, and take it for what you will but I see the diesels of the last decade or so becoming much like the muscle cars of the 60's and 70's, sort of the last of the fun vehicles, less restriction and more possibilities for big power. Although new diesels will continue to increase more and more in power I think that the new restrictions are going to make it even more difficult to create programmers, chips, intakes etc. that will work without setting off check engine lights and throwing codes etc.
So in the end I say that the future looks bright for Diesel vehicles as a whole, and as for Diesel Performance, if you have a 1994-2006 Diesel either hold onto it or give me a call because the value is going to increase, just watch and see.
Nathan Young is a Diesel Performance enthusiast, his main areas of interest are TDI Performance and Diesel Performance Chips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Young
In a day where phrases like Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel, Exhaust Gas Recirculation, Urea Injection and most of all Diesel Particulate Filter are being used in an industry that is more accustomed to phrases like "Boost Fooler" and "Mufflerectomy" many people are wondering if this is the end of the Diesel Performance era. Many people are even asking, "Is Diesel Performance Dead?" Now there are a couple of different ways to approach this question and with a topic so close to many people's hearts it’s oftentimes very difficult to know which way is the best to approach the topic.
For many people that have voiced their opinions about the stringent standards that the EPA is putting on Car Manufacturers this is the end of an era much like the end of the muscle car era. There are many people saying that January 2007 was much like January 1972, marking the end of what is being a called the "Diesel Performance Era" just like 1972 is looked on as the official end of the Muscle Car Era. If you take a step back and compare the two "Era's" there are a couple of similarities, those being mainly the race to see which company can make more frame wrenching horsepower and torque after decades of research and development and then also being shut down by the EPA and new emissions laws.
So where do we go from here? Is that the end of diesel? Will the even tighter restrictions that will be enforced in 2010 be so smothering that automakers decide to abandoned diesel lines altogether? Well as of right now, all signs actually point to a bright future in the diesel arena itself. Several automakers are talking about adding diesel engines to their lineup including Honda who has a diesel Accord set to enter the market in 2009 and there are rumors of Toyota adding a diesel option to their Tundra, but guys can only hope right?
If we look again at the parallels between the two eras we can see a bright glimpse of hope for the Diesel Performance Aftermarket in a couple of different ways. Definitely since the end of the muscle car era in 1972 aftermarket performance has changed, well even more so in the past decade with just the upload of a program you can be 100 horsepower above stock in just a matter of minutes, that is definitely a far cry from the performance modifications of old. It's my guess, and take it for what you will but I see the diesels of the last decade or so becoming much like the muscle cars of the 60's and 70's, sort of the last of the fun vehicles, less restriction and more possibilities for big power. Although new diesels will continue to increase more and more in power I think that the new restrictions are going to make it even more difficult to create programmers, chips, intakes etc. that will work without setting off check engine lights and throwing codes etc.
So in the end I say that the future looks bright for Diesel vehicles as a whole, and as for Diesel Performance, if you have a 1994-2006 Diesel either hold onto it or give me a call because the value is going to increase, just watch and see.
Nathan Young is a Diesel Performance enthusiast, his main areas of interest are TDI Performance and Diesel Performance Chips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Young
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Isuzu's i-Series Trucks for 2007
By Gertrude Sayzer
Isuzu is still in the pickup truck business, selling their version of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon compact pickup. Isuzu's version is a likeable truck, though the model range is limited.
At the first glance, the Isuzu i-series is often perceived, not quite correctly, as a warmed-over General Motors product. While the i-series is more or less identical to the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the fact is that Isuzu did have a hand in the truck's development. The deal was that Chevy and GMC would have first shot at selling the truck in North America while Isuzu would sell a slightly different diesel-powered version called the D-MAX in the Asia-Pacific region, which have been very marketable.
Isuzu started selling the i280 and i350 in the US in 2006, though sales were a fraction of those of the Colorado and Canyon. Part of the problem was lack of choice. The i-series came in just two versions: The four-cylinder manual-transmission extended-cab 4x2 i280 and the five-cylinder automatic crew-cab 4x4 i350. Chevy and GMC continued to sell their versions of the truck with a wide variety of cabs, bed, engine, transmission, and driveline combinations.
For this year, things have improved slightly. The four-cylinder Isuzu now offers an automatic transmission, while the five-cylinder model comes in both extended and crew cabs as well as with a 4x2 driveline, though the 4x4 is only available as a crew cab. Both trucks also get larger engines and new names: i290 and i370, reflecting their 2.9 and 3.7 liter engines.
There is no carpet and an AM/FM radio in the driver's seat, though air conditioning and 4-wheel antilock brakes are part of the standard parts. The truck accessories, which contain cloth seats, carpets, rear jump seats, CD/MP3 player, floor mats, and tinted windows are worth $699 all in all. The automatic transmission is at $1,089 and the bottom line is at $19,500. It contains manual door locks and crank-up windows.
The i290's extended cab has rear-opening doors on both sides for easier access to the second row, where there is are two fold-up jump seats with 3-point belts and LATCH child seat anchors. Like most compact pickup back seats, these are best suited for kids. Once seat are pulled up, one will find a handy plastic tool box that also flips forwards to provide flat load floor.
This year, the i-series offers side curtain airbags, a rare truck accessory in pickup trucks. They are optional on LS-model extended-cab Isuzus and standard equipment on the i370 with crew cab.
By far the high point of the i290 is its engine. At 2.9 liters, it is huge for a four-cylinder engine, and it shows in the numbers: 185 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, the latter peaking at a usefully low 2800 RPM. Those numbers represent an increase of 10 hp and 5 lb-ft over last year's 2.8 liter engine.
It would be easy to mistake the i290's off-the-line performance for that of a six-cylinder truck. The truck loses some of its get-up-and-go at highway speeds, though passing acceleration (50 to 75 MPH) is adequate. The four-banger has enough torque to spin the rear wheels, even under moderate acceleration.
The i290 has a payload capacity of just over 1500 lbs, whose towing capacity is 2,100 with the manual and 3,100 with the automatic, more than enough to haul a small boat, a couple of ATVs, or a utility trailer. Its bed width is 4' 9"; bed length is 5' for the crew cab and 6' for the extended cab. Movable support cables allow the tailgate to be held half-way open and bear weight in this position.
The i290's steering is light, good but not sporty. The ride is remarkably quiet at highway speeds. As mentioned earlier the i290 comes with standard antilock brakes but lacks advanced safety electronics such as electronic stability control, which is just starting to make their way into competitors' products.
For more about your Truck accesory needs like truck accessories, visit your trusted online source.
Gertrude Sayzer finished her degree in Marketing at Western New England College. She is passionate about writing and loves to travel as well. At present, this 32 year-old mother of three works full-time at an Ad agency in Boston.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gertrude_Sayzer
Isuzu is still in the pickup truck business, selling their version of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon compact pickup. Isuzu's version is a likeable truck, though the model range is limited.
At the first glance, the Isuzu i-series is often perceived, not quite correctly, as a warmed-over General Motors product. While the i-series is more or less identical to the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the fact is that Isuzu did have a hand in the truck's development. The deal was that Chevy and GMC would have first shot at selling the truck in North America while Isuzu would sell a slightly different diesel-powered version called the D-MAX in the Asia-Pacific region, which have been very marketable.
Isuzu started selling the i280 and i350 in the US in 2006, though sales were a fraction of those of the Colorado and Canyon. Part of the problem was lack of choice. The i-series came in just two versions: The four-cylinder manual-transmission extended-cab 4x2 i280 and the five-cylinder automatic crew-cab 4x4 i350. Chevy and GMC continued to sell their versions of the truck with a wide variety of cabs, bed, engine, transmission, and driveline combinations.
For this year, things have improved slightly. The four-cylinder Isuzu now offers an automatic transmission, while the five-cylinder model comes in both extended and crew cabs as well as with a 4x2 driveline, though the 4x4 is only available as a crew cab. Both trucks also get larger engines and new names: i290 and i370, reflecting their 2.9 and 3.7 liter engines.
There is no carpet and an AM/FM radio in the driver's seat, though air conditioning and 4-wheel antilock brakes are part of the standard parts. The truck accessories, which contain cloth seats, carpets, rear jump seats, CD/MP3 player, floor mats, and tinted windows are worth $699 all in all. The automatic transmission is at $1,089 and the bottom line is at $19,500. It contains manual door locks and crank-up windows.
The i290's extended cab has rear-opening doors on both sides for easier access to the second row, where there is are two fold-up jump seats with 3-point belts and LATCH child seat anchors. Like most compact pickup back seats, these are best suited for kids. Once seat are pulled up, one will find a handy plastic tool box that also flips forwards to provide flat load floor.
This year, the i-series offers side curtain airbags, a rare truck accessory in pickup trucks. They are optional on LS-model extended-cab Isuzus and standard equipment on the i370 with crew cab.
By far the high point of the i290 is its engine. At 2.9 liters, it is huge for a four-cylinder engine, and it shows in the numbers: 185 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, the latter peaking at a usefully low 2800 RPM. Those numbers represent an increase of 10 hp and 5 lb-ft over last year's 2.8 liter engine.
It would be easy to mistake the i290's off-the-line performance for that of a six-cylinder truck. The truck loses some of its get-up-and-go at highway speeds, though passing acceleration (50 to 75 MPH) is adequate. The four-banger has enough torque to spin the rear wheels, even under moderate acceleration.
The i290 has a payload capacity of just over 1500 lbs, whose towing capacity is 2,100 with the manual and 3,100 with the automatic, more than enough to haul a small boat, a couple of ATVs, or a utility trailer. Its bed width is 4' 9"; bed length is 5' for the crew cab and 6' for the extended cab. Movable support cables allow the tailgate to be held half-way open and bear weight in this position.
The i290's steering is light, good but not sporty. The ride is remarkably quiet at highway speeds. As mentioned earlier the i290 comes with standard antilock brakes but lacks advanced safety electronics such as electronic stability control, which is just starting to make their way into competitors' products.
For more about your Truck accesory needs like truck accessories, visit your trusted online source.
Gertrude Sayzer finished her degree in Marketing at Western New England College. She is passionate about writing and loves to travel as well. At present, this 32 year-old mother of three works full-time at an Ad agency in Boston.
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