These are smaller cars that comprise the compact and subcompact car bracket. The benefits these cars provide make them a sensible choice for many car buyers applying for a car loan.

First of all, compacts and subcompacts have relatively low base prices. A low base price benefits a borrower because chances are, a low base price may also mean a shorter loan term, which in turn translates to a shorter overall interest cost. Lower interest cost is always beneficial to the borrower.

Second, compacts and subcompacts are fuel-efficient. This means that an owner of a compact car would be burdened less by soaring gas prices. Less gas expense provides more chances for a borrower to save more. More savings means better chances of having the money to pay the monthly obligations of the car loan. Best of all, paying monthly terms on time improve one’s credit score.

For any car buyer who’s getting an auto loan, acquiring smaller cars like compacts and subcompacts is very practical. It is no wonder why the top ten best selling cars last month were part of the small car category that featured compact cars (small and mid-sized sedans). It is therefore recommended to shop for car loan offers for smaller, more affordable and fuel efficient cars.

by Johanne Climaco

Having a car in the sub-compact market makes sense for a variety of reasons. First, it introduces new, young buyers to the brand. If their experience is good they’ll stick with the brand as they grow up and move to a larger vehicle. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Volkswagen, Mazda and others all got their start in the sub-compact car market. Secondly, it provides a safety net during economic downturns. If gas prices rise unexpectedly, the knee-jerk reaction is to get a small, more fuel-efficient vehicle. And these cars are fuel-efficient. The new Honda Fit for example, gets an estimated 33 miles per gallon in the city, 38 mpg on the highway.

But these are no one-show ponies. Beyond fuel efficiency they offer respectable performance. The Toyota Yaris has 106 horsepower which may not sound like much, but tipping the scales at only 2315 lbs, it has a power-to-weight ratio close to that of the 220 horsepower Hummer H3. And these cars can carry just about anything. With the rear seats up, the Honda Fit can swallow 21.3 cubic feet of gear. A Ford Crown Victoria by comparison can hold 20.6 cubic feet worth of cargo in the trunk.

The domestics haven’t invested much in this class recently, if ever. The Chevrolet Aveo is essentially a re-badged Daewoo and doesn’t offer the level of refinement as the others. The Ford Focus is larger and more expensive, as is the new for ‘06 Dodge Caliber. But with the uncertainty of gas prices and growing competition in the segment, GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler would be wise to offer competitive offering in this segment and introduce first time buyers to their respective brands. For most manufacturers, having competitive sub-compact cars has grown the business and created brand loyalty, something the folks in Detroit have been trying to do for a while now.

by Peter Johnson

Recent performance enhancements have increased the popularity of the Honda Civic. This fuel efficient, sporty compact car has had many interior and exterior style enhancements as well. As far as Japanese used cars go, the expectation that is there for this vehicle is surpassed in its engineering and aesthetics. And it will not disappoint. The car has a reputation for low running costs and high reliability. Over the past four decades this vehicle has remained a top choice for Americans. It is available as a coupe or a sedan. It is also available in five -speed or automatic. And most recently, one can get a hybrid model as well. Reviews and road tests have determined this to be a well-rounded vehicle both internally and externally, both functionally and appearance.

This vehicle is manufactured with variations as well. You can obtain this Japanese used car in the form of a wagon, a hatchback, sedan or an SUV. There are three hatchback versions. The hatchback versions are the base, the DX and the S. There are also three sedan variations. The sedan variations are DX, LX and EX. There is also a CRX-HF high fuel economy model. The CRX Si model is a fuel injected version.

With many models and variations to choose from, when you are deciding on a compact car, decide on the Honda Civic.

by Sturat_Mitchel

From 1982 to 2005, Cavalier is leading its team in the compact car market. The team composes the variant Chevy models in the compact car category, which includes the Corvair, Vega, Monza, Chevette and now the 2008 Cobalt. The front-wheel drive Cavalier changed the course of the race until its last production in 2005.

Cavalier was renamed as the Vauxhall in the United Kingdom, a version of Opel Ascona C series. General Motors’ J-cars are offered in all five US divisions, as well as in Britain, Germany and Australia. In Mexico, the Cavalier was renamed Pontiac Sunbird before Pontiac was introduced there in 1992.

Cavalier is powered by either a 1.8 L or a 2.0 L I4-series of General Motor’s engine. Another variant is sporting a powerful 2.8 L V6 engine.

So get yourself always ready to stay alive in the race. Get an amulet that goes with the power of your fuel-efficient car. Have faith in a lovely Chevy Cavalier Keychains that can take care very well of your very important key. Sooner or later, you will be tapped in the shoulder by a stranger who will ask you what is the password of the secret society espousing a new American Revolution. Speak nothing; just show them the keychain and you are in.

An oval white metal design, topped with a crystallite blue dome marked with the Chevy logo and the model name “Cavalier” will truly make your key stand out. There are also genuine leather variants designed with Gold and Silver plates, and another variant which is a circular Chrome plate, all topped with the same gem-like blue domes bearing Chevy logo and the model name “Cavalier”.

Cavalier’s successor, the Cobalt, continued its legacy in the compact car arena. The 2008 Cobalt’s 2.2L ECOTEC engine was subjected to the toughest and most comprehensive tests by General Motors. It is also designed to get rid of maintenance hassles for 5 years or 150,000 miles before the coolant is replaced. Under favorable driving conditions, the automatic transmission fluid need not be replaced at 100,000 miles. Below the RPM gauge in the dashboard, Cobalt has a featured General Motor’s Oil Life Monitor in digital display reminding how many percent is remaining in the life of your engine’s oil. The Oil Life Monitor’s calculation is based on programmed parameters that approximate the engine oil’s useful life.

The Cavalier may have retired in 2005, but its contribution in the quest for a fuel-efficient and yet powerful, reliable car was relived by the Cobalt.

by Vijayashri

Introducing The Chevy Cruze

One of the cars that will influence GM for years to come is the Chevrolet Cruze (pronounced cruise) a compact car slightly larger than the current Chevy Cobalt. Originally, it appeared that GM would replace the Cobalt with the Cruze, but after the August 2008 press reveal in Lordstown, Ohio, management has indicated that the Cobalt may soldier on as a separate model.

Regardless of where GM stands with the Cobalt, the Cruze is the car that could make or break the automaker when it goes on sale in Europe beginning in Spring 2009 followed by its US debut one year later. Though the US model will probably have a slightly different powertrain offering than what the European market will see, GM says that the Cruze will still get at least 40 mpg on the highway. Not bad for a gasoline model, putting it in the diminutive Smart Fortwo’s territory while delivering a bigger and safer car.

Excellent Engine, Transmission Choices Means 40+ MPG Highway

GM says that the Cruze will be available with 16-valve, 1.6-liter (112 hp) and 1.8-liter (140 hp) gasoline engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides. This will give the car additional power as well as better fuel economy while producing lower emissions. The automaker’s new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp will add more power with even greater fuel thriftiness. A five-speed manual transmission will be standard, but an optional six-speed automatic transmission will round out the Cruze’s offerings. The latter transmission choice is unusual in that it’ll be the first time that a six-speed transmission is used in the compact car class.

Interior styling is still a bit of a mystery, one that GM plans to talk more about when the car officially makes its debut at the Paris Auto Show in September 2008. Seating for as many as five occupants is likely, with optimum capacity for four adults.

Will customers be attracted to the Cruze? That remains to be seen but with its arching roof-line and coupe-like proportions, the Cruze certainly has a sporty flair, something lacking in most cars of its size.

Look for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze to appear in North American Chevy showrooms by Summer 2010.

Copyright 2008-2012 — Matthew C. Keegan

I was one of the lucky members of the Chicago Social Media invited to test drive, tweet and blog our experience and thoughts about the new Chevy Cruze that will roll out across the U.S. in late September.  I have to say that Chevrolet and General Motors hit a bull’s-eye on redefining the compact car. Sitting inside of it, I was amazed at the roominess of the auto; the attention to detail was fantastic as they included a great sound system, OnStar, Bluetooth and heated seats. What I couldn’t believe was the exceptional level of quietness, the use of premium materials and amenities throughout the interior, and the elegantly appointed dashboard and console of this extremely gas-friendly compact car. The exterior is very sexy and reminded me of the Volvo S40 with its sporty style, and sleek look.

From as early as I can remember my family drove General Motors cars, starting with a red Chevy station wagon, then a Buick Skylark and eventually a Buick Century. Driving the Chevy Cruze brought back memories of driving a locally grown and produced car. It’s no secret why General Motors came out of bankruptcy and is headed for an IPO in such a short time with cars like the Chevy Cruze. The Ecotec 1.4L-l-2 turbo with variable value timing makes it an amazing ride! It really Cruzes!!!!!!!!!

I am a Marketing and Sales professional, with over 15 years of experience producing integrated marketing that resonates with the target audience and breaks through the media clutter. My strength is in expanding a customer base, by blending strategic business development practices and driving results through clear, actionable and choreographed business plans.

I enjoy creating partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, lead generation, interactive/traditional marketing strategies and working on tradeshows. I am available for consulting assignments as well as a full time marketing or an account director position.

By Lauren Brill

But if there’s a guzzler in your driveway now, is swapping rides financially wise? Based on a specific example we set up, the answer could very well be Yes.

Let’s say you own the hottest SUV of five years ago, a 2003 Ford Explorer. If you drive 12,000 miles annually and gas stays at $4, feeding this 16 MPG Ford for five more years would ring up a whopping $15,000 bill. Let’s suppose it also racks up $1,000 in repairs (hey, it’s old), and that in the end, you sell it for its eventual bluebook value of $5,200. That brings its total five-year cost to $10,800.

Now let’s see what happens if you instead upgrade to a brand new Ford Focus. Your first move: dumping your old Explorer for its present-day value of $9,300. Then you go out and buy the Focus for $16,000 — partly using the $9,300 cash you just got, then financing the remaining $6,700 at 7% over 3 years, which amounts to $747 in interest. This fuel bill for this miserly 28 MPG Focus would come to a modest $8,571 over five years, after which you’d sell it for $6,700. All in all, the total five-year cost comes to $9,318.

Option A: Keep Explorer (Expenses)

* Gas ($15,000)
* Repairs ($1,000)
* Resell Price (-$5,200)
* Total ($10,800)

Option B: Buy New Focus (Expenses)

* Explorer Sale (-$9,300)
* Purchase ($16,000)
* Interest ($747)
* Gas ($8,571)
* Resell Price (-$6,700)
* Total $9,318

Admittedly, many of these numbers were derived from estimates and assumptions. Changing even one variable can make a profound difference, i.e. financing the entire purchase price of the Focus (over four years) would jack up interest payments from $747 to $2,390. Still, our scenario sure illustrates how the cost of fuel can now account for a lion’s share of expenses — enough, in this case, to turn the tide in the Focus’s favor.

Even if the numbers were in a dead heat, ask yourself: would you rather sentence yourself to a slow-witted truck on its last legs, or drive off in a shiny new set of wheels backed by a full warranty?

By Lesley_Krews

According to Winterkorn, shortly after taking office, he proposed the “design and development of a new, very small, model below the Fox.” Winterkorn described the compact as “an economical, everyday small car that looks attractive and is affordable.” The said new compact will be engineered to cater to a diverse market around the globe. Winterkorn added that unlike DaimlerChrysler AG’s ultracompact Smart, it would have “space for four people plus luggage.”

DaimlerChrysler AG’s Smart is a compact car that boasts a bunch of advantages like easy to park built that allows “nose-in” parking. Smart Fortwo idea was supported by Swatch, a Swiss watch manufacturer hence the code “Swatchmobile.” Later, the name was altered to SMART, short for Swatch Mercedes ART. The function of the car is to transport two people and few luggages.

The production of the final Smart car was costly; the primary cause is the engine technology used aside from the distinct cold air intake. As a fact, it was more expensive than other four and five seater cars sold in Europe. This is the very reason why the joint venture experienced heavy losses. Eventually, Swatch pulled out from the business venture.

In 2005, DaimlerChrysler decided against purchasing a 50 percent share in the NedCar plant that produces Forfour supermini. The automaker ceased development on the Formore and discontinued Roadster. Last year, after experiencing slow sales, the company announced the cancellation of Forfour and the redesign of Fortwo, set to be unveiled in Europe this year.

Volkswagen, a German Wolfsburg-based automaker, is in the process of enforcing its own restructuring plan that includes the cutting of up to 20,000 jobs, trimming production expenses and implementing extended working hours at its German plants. The restructure program was introduced by Bernd Pischetsrieder, previous CEO of the company. The said introduction was made in a bid to compete with Asian automakers which have been making steady success in the global market. This automaker resorted to this strategy in an effort to have a bigger piece of the American auto market.

According to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung, a German newspaper, Winterkorn indicated that the company did not plan further cuts beyond that. “We need the team in its current strength in order to realize additional projects that we are getting started now,” Winterkorn said. Among those projects, “there will definitely be a hybrid propulsion for cars in the compact class such as the Polo and Golf — as quickly as possible,” he added. Winterkorn, chief of VW AG, confirmed that the extra production of the new compact model could avoid further job cuts.

Volkswagen, one of the biggest automakers around the world, has popular brands like Audi, Bentley, Skoda, Lamborghini, SEAT and the brand Volkswagen itself, which was founded in 1937. Volkswagen compact cars use the A platform, which was originally based on Golf’s architecture and is adjustable to either front- or all wheel drive configurations.

By Lauren_Woods

Toyota has earlier announced the details of its new compact car, which is set to be released early next year. Toyota Auris, the new addition to Toyota’s 2008 lineup will replace Toyota Corolla hatchback in Japan and Europe. According to the automaker, Auris will play a key role in improving further its goals in Europe.

Auris is designed to be more upbeat and upscale than other compact cars. It is inspired by Toyota Yaris design. The brand new model, which is designed and manufactured in Europe, uses Toyota performance parts to boost its functionality. With fresh design and powerful dynamics, Auris is expected to lure more customers and steal a slice of market share from Volkswagen Golf and Alfa Romeo 147.

Corolla, powered by quality Toyota Corolla auto parts, is the world’s best-selling car. Nonetheless, it has never been a top seller in Europe. This blank is expected to be filled by Auris. Toyota expressed its high hopes on Auris. Moreover, by 2008, the automaker is expecting 1.2 million annual sales because of this sought-after vehicle.

Toyota is known for its superb quality, driving pleasure and innovations. These things are also present in Auris. From the inside out Auris epitomizes a great compact car that ensures high level of safety and comfort.

The design of Auris utilizes the principles of Vibrant Clarity design philosophy formulated by the automaker. The car design philosophy is capable of producing an energetic-looking vehicle while maintaining rationality and quality.

The drive feel of Auris is further modified to convey its strong and dynamic character. Auri’s body is sharply defined to express a more stable architecture. Consequently, its overall appearance conveys crisp, fresh, powerful and comfortable driving experience. Nonetheless, it does not stop there; Auris is also designed to cater to both current and future customers in the European C-segment.

In designing and manufacturing the car, the automaker also considered the modern needs of the potential owners. It is created to meet the range of needs of the present and the future. Andrea Formica, Toyota Motor Europe Senior Vice-President Sales, Marketing and After Sales said, “The C-segment is the most important segment in the European car market and many European brands are defined by the image and success of their C-segment models. With the launch of Auris we want to achieve a step-change, not only in sales volume, but also in terms of brand image for Toyota.”

Toyota Auris will be introduced for the first time on December 5, at the Bologna Motor Show. United Kindom sales will start in February 2007. in other European markets, Auris will be offered next spring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Clarkson

Ford’s luxury marque, Lincoln, has finally been seeing some life lately, thanks to the company putting more effort into reviving this once storied brand. Selling off Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Land Rover have helped Lincoln’s cause, as that move has freed Ford designers to work on cars for its Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln brands.

All New Models In The Pipeline

Ford executives have been forthcoming about some products in the pipeline, most noticeably the Ford Fiesta, while hinting that both Mercury and Lincoln would get a few new models. The latter two brands are sold at Lincoln-Mercury dealerships and those dealers are anxious for some fresh product to sell.

Recently, Automotive News shared that the Lincoln may, indeed, get an all-new model, this one being a compact car to compete against the BMW 1 Series and to offset a compact Cadillac model that is also in the works. This is the first time that sort of news has come out, leaving analysts speculating what Ford has in mind. Based on current market conditions we can say that a compact Lincoln would be slotted below the MKS and retail for about $30,000, the price point for cars in this segment.

What A Compact Lincoln Could Look Like

Let’s examine a potential Lincoln compact and what that car could mean for the American luxury brand:

Designing A Sedan - I can’t imagine Ford giving Lincoln anything other than a sedan, but a luxury roadster would be nice. However, with the Lexus SC not selling all that well and with GM planning to cut the Saturn Sky and the Pontiac Solstice, the automaker would be better off on concentrating on something safe – there isn’t a car safer than a four door sedan!

Relying On EcoBoost – No buyer will be satisfied with a four cylinder Lincoln unless it has the power to deliver. With Ford’s EcoBoost engines on the way, this new technology allows smaller engines to work as harder as a bigger one while delivering fuel savings. A 1.8L four cylinder would be small, but with EcoBoost it could have the power of a small V6.

Borrowing From Volvo – As the owner of Volvo, Ford hasn’t tapped its Swedish brand for Lincoln yet. Though I sense that we’ll see nothing but a reworked Ford being sold as a Lincoln, building a new car from the ground up that could underpin both a Volvo model and a Lincoln model makes the most sense to me. Then again, we are talking about Ford here – the king of brand redundancy.

Make It Snappy! — The next Lincoln needs to do something no other Lincoln currently does and that is jack up the brand’s wow appeal. The MKS is starting to shake things up for the brand, but it isn’t enough – can Ford build a compact luxury car that is truly luxurious, good looking, and fun to drive? That remains to be seen!

I’m not confident that Ford will follow through and give Lincoln a compact model nor do I think that this car is a must for the brand. Mercury is in worse shape and it might be the best brand for selling this kind of car. Regardless, we aren’t likely to see this new model before 2011, therefore our speculation will have to do it for now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan