There’s no question that buying an SUV can be pricey, and even when shopping the used car market for discounted vehicles, buyers will likely be spending more than they would on a sedan or hatchback. That’s why it’s important to get all the features and performance possible out of an SUV at a reasonable price.

MSN Autos recently took a look at some of the top SUVs available on the market that can deliver great value without breaking the bank.

The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are two entry-level SUVs that have sold well for their respective companies over their lifespan. While the news source claims that both offer buyers good value, the RAV4 is a bit more flexible, allowing drivers the option to upgrade from a four-cylinder engine to a six-cylinder while the CR-V is four-cylinder only. Read the rest of this entry »

The attraction of hybrid vehicles has always been two-fold: considerably higher fuel mileage and considerably less pollution than their gasoline counterparts. Of course, there is a literal price to pay, as they usually cost quite a bit more than their fraternal twins. The 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the rare exception to that rule.

This roomy midsize sedan boasts an impressive 34 combined mpg and runs so cleanly that it earns an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) certification. And yet the Camry Hybrid is hardly any more expensive than the top-of-the-line four-cylinder Camry XLE. Better performance by virtue of its higher output (187 horsepower versus 169 hp) powerteam ices this green-frosted cake. To be fair, the XLE does have a few more luxury features as standard, but the Hybrid still comes with the ones you’ll really need. 

At low speeds (and while coasting at higher speeds), the Camry Hybrid can run solely on electric power. At higher driving speeds, the gas engine takes over. When maximum thrust is needed, such as for climbing grades or swift passing and merging, the electric motor joins the gas engine. These transitions are virtually seamless, and as such the Camry Hybrid otherwise feels and drives like a standard Camry. That means a quiet cabin, a comfortable ride and an isolated feel behind the wheel.  Read the rest of this entry »

Few models have sustained such a high level of excellence as the BMW 5 Series. Over the course of five generations, the 5 has consistently been one of the best automobiles you could buy, period. Now it’s time for generation six to take its place in the automotive world in the form of the 2011 BMW 5 Series.

This new 5 certainly has a tough act to follow, however, particularly in regards to styling. The last generation represented a radical change to the 5 Series’ previous evolutionary look, sporting curves and flourishes that attracted some buyers but repulsed others. For better or worse, the 2011 5 Series returns to a more conservative appearance, one that shows a stronger family resemblance to other BMW sedans. Though it may lack its predecessor’s visual extravagance, the new 5 remains a very attractive sedan (the wagon has been discontinued for the United States). 

It’s also been given a full shot of adrenaline. The base 528i’s 3.0-liter straight-6 is up by 10 horsepower to 240 hp. The 535i’s turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-6 is unchanged in terms of output, but a switch to a new turbocharger design has improved low-end torque and fuel economy. The prize for the biggest punch goes to the 550i; this year it gets the same 400-hp 4.4-liter turbo V8 as the 7 Series. BMW has also introduced a new eight-speed automatic transmission that boosts fuel economy and acceleration compared to last year’s six-speed auto. Notably, a manual transmission is still available on all models.

As the 2011 550i is about 300 pounds heavier than last year’s model, the extra power will certainly be put to use. Part of that weight gain is due to the car’s increased size, as it’s now both longer and wider. Mechanically, it has a lot in common with the 7 Series and features the 7′s new multilink front suspension and a new electric-assist steering rack. New feature highlights include the latest (and greatly improved) iDrive system, an automated parallel parking system, a head-up display, top-view and sideview cameras and a blind-spot monitoring system.

Taken as a whole, a lot of good things have happened for the latest 5 Series. If there’s a downside, it’s likely that the larger size has moved the 5 off of its previous Goldilocks slot of being the “just right” choice between the smaller 3 Series and bigger 7. On tight roads especially, the car’s larger size and 2-ton curb weight can seem a bit too much for a midsize sedan. This aside, however, the latest 5 is utterly brilliant. Sportier than the Mercedes E-Class, cleaner-looking inside than an Audi A6 and roomier than a Jaguar XF, the 2011 BMW 5 Series continues to be one of the best vehicles you can drive, period.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Renault is a France Car Company that dates back to 19th century, during the days of industrial revolution, often associated with mass production. There are different brands within the Renault range of cars that are associated with class, elegance and style due to its developments in innovation and technological advancements.

An alarm is an important equipment in any vehicle fitted for the purpose of protection by making lots of noise in case somebody tries to open the doors without putting it off. There are different kinds of car alarms tailor made for specific cars in mind. Every car needs an alarm system to prevent it from being stolen. They are manufactured with micro switches that can be fixed either at the boot or door handles of a car. This is triggered and activated when different person apart from the owner tries to operate the doors or touches it.

Read the rest of this entry »