Ford Explorer: The most fuel-efficient SUV

The Ford Explorer has long been one of the most popular SUVs on the road, and now it hopes to be among the most fuel-efficient as well. The manufacturer recently announced that its new turbocharged Explorer offers an impressive 28 miles per gallon.

Ford used its unique EcoBoost technology, which combines turbocharging and direct fuel injection to not only offer drivers with more power but better mileage as well. In fact, its improved efficiency is 20 percent better than the Honda Pilot and 12 percent better than the Toyota Highlander.

"Today's SUV buyers place a high priority on miles per gallon, so Explorer has expanded its portfolio of fuel-efficient engines with an all-new EcoBoost offering," said Ford group marketing manager Amy Marentic. "SUV buyers deserve economy with their capability, so Explorer now offers best-in-class V6 and four-cylinder fuel efficiency."

The Explorer is having an especially good 2011 (year). The company reported that in the first half of the year it sold nearly 66,000 vehicles, which already exceeds its 2010 total.

Driver looking to get behind the wheel of a used Ford may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers numerous models at affordable prices.

Driving convertibles with top down lowers gas mileage

There's nothing quite like taking a summer drive in a convertible with its top down, but doing so may be costing motorists a great deal at the pump. Driving on the highway with the top down could reduce gas mileage by as much as 14 percent, and according to Cars.com, automakers are looking for a way to limit the impact.

Unfortunately for motorists, industry insiders have yet to find a suitable fix to the problem. Though they have attempted to deflect wind to minimize drag in a number of different ways, including adding a mesh window screens, they have done so to little avail.

"Designers are making every attempt they can to make the air flow smoothly up the windshield, across the roof and down the back deck," James Smith, former president of the Society of Automotive Engineers, told the website. "And when you remove that roofline you have more area there – more room for the air to get recirculated back in."

Lower gas mileage may just have to be the sacrifice some motorists make to enjoy the benefits of a convertible. Drivers looking to get in a convertible may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction for a model at an affordable price.

Nissan Cube, Inifiti EX good choice for bad parkers

As anybody who has driven through a crowded parking lot can attest, there are plenty of drivers out there who can't park very well. Whether it be parallel parking or simply backing in, the process can be difficult for some. However, there are certain models that make parking a little simpler, according to Automobile magazine.

Although small vehicles, like the Smart car or the Mini Cooper, are certainly a good choice, sometimes driving such a compact ride is not feasible. If that's the case, the publication suggests that less-than-perfect parkers might want to check out the Nissan Cube.

The Cube gets the nod because not only is it a few inches shorter than the compact Mazda MX-5 roadster, but it can also fit five people and offers plenty of storage room.

Those looking for a luxurious car that is easy to park will find it with the Infiniti EX. In addition to being an easily-manageable size, the car features the Around View Monitor, which offers a 360 degree view of the car's surroundings.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of an easy-to-park used car may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which has plenty of models at affordable prices.

Nissan Leaf earns five-star rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The accolades keep stacking up for the innovative Nissan Leaf. Theelectric car recently earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making it the first fully-electric car to earn the distinction.

The rating was part of the administration's New Car Safety Assessment Program (NCSAP) and was issued using its updated, stricter guidelines. However, it's no surprise the Leaf earned an excellent rating given the number of impressive safety features.

Among the fixtures are dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, a child seat upper tether anchor and a traction control system that comes standard in every model.

"The Nissan LEAF is the first all-electric vehicle to achieve 5-star overall for safety," Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America said. "Not only is the LEAF the most innovative car on the planet, it is also one of the safest."

Whether drivers are looking for fuel-efficiency or safety, New Jersey Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Audi, Chevy Aveo top favorite cars among baby boomers

As baby boomers continue to age, many are choosing to get a new car to go with their new lifestyle. Most are looking for a sporty car after years of being behind the wheel of an SUV or minivan, and according to Forbes magazine there are several models that stand out above the rest.

The general assumption might be that baby boomers will automatically gravitate toward luxury cars or convertibles, but one of the most popular is more subtle. The Chevrolet Aveo offers a sleek design that will appeal for anybody looking for a more youthful ride. Additionally, since it is available for around $15,000, the price tag is appealing as well.

Although the Aveo is more subdued, there are certainly baby boomer consumers looking to get behind the wheel of something more flashy. Specifically, the Audi A5 is a popular choice to those who are not afraid of spending a little extra, which is usually not a problem as analyst Jesse Toprak told the news source that many "have reached a heightened income level giving them both time and financial freedom."

Whether one is looking for a sporty Audi or a youthful Chevy, New Jersey Auction has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Sheryl Crow to auction classic Corvette for tornado relief

In an effort to raise money to help the citizens of Joplin, Missouri, Sheryl Crow is auctioning off one of her most impressive cars. (this sentence is a bit winding)The "Soak up the Sun" songstress is set to sell her 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL for the cause, USA Today reports.

Crow was especially motivated to help out Joplin since she grew up in Kennett, Missouri. The vehicle, which was completely restored in 2005, features a new interior with black leather upholstery to contrast its white paint job and white hard top.

The classic car will hit the auction block on August 21, and all the proceeds from the sale will go to help rebuild the Joplin schools. Experts believe that the car could fetch as much as $80,000 for the cause.

"This is a very heartfelt donation to auction an item that has such special meaning to Sheryl and her family," Community Foundation of the Ozarks President Brian Fogle told the news source. "We very much appreciate how committed she is to her Missouri roots."

The Joplin tornado struck on May 22 and killed 158 people in the small town, and caused as much as $3 billion in damage.

Honda CR-V gets sleek new look for 2012

The Honda CR-V has been one of the most popular SUVs over the last several years, but the manufacturer is set to unveil a new design. The fourth-generation CR-V is set to go on sale in the United States later this year and will feature a bold look.

Known as the CR-V Concept, the new model will focus more on deeper sculpting of the body lines, along with a bolder approach in the front fascia. Additionally, its front bumper will be complemented by a three-bar grille and deeply-set headlights.

"Long considered the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment, the all-new CR-V will offer an added dimension of style, amazing interior versatility and Honda's latest technologies for convenience and refinement," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

Of course it's not just all about aesthetic, either. The company announced that the 2012 model will also include a more fuel-efficient engine.

Drivers who are looking to get behind the wheel of a used Honda may want to look into New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers a variety of models at affordable prices.

Production start in Mexico on 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

When news broke about the sleek update that was being given to the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, many consumers were eagerly waiting to get behind the wheel of the sporty ride. They will not have to wait much longer, as the company recently announced large-scale production has begun at its Mexico-based plant.

The plant, located in Puebla, has been the leading producer of Beetles in the world. According to Volkswagen, the workers there built 1.15 million Beetles betwen 1997 and 2010. The redesigned Beetle will first be available in Germany, this fall.

"The Beetle is a strong symbol of our brand. It combines the emotional heritage of the original Beetle with the future of Volkswagen," said Board Member for Production Hubert Waltl.

The 2012 Beetle, which starts at under $19,000, will include a slew of impressive features. Among them is keyless access, a panoramic roof and push button start. Additionally, it will have a more powerful turbocharged engine.

Driver hoping to buy a used Volkswagen, whether Beetle or Jetta, should look to New Jersey Auto Auction for vehicles at affordable prices.

GM to release diesel powered Chevy Cruze in 2013

General Motors recently confirmed that it is set to release a diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze, marking the first such passenger car introduced by a Detroit manufacturer since the 1980s. USA Today reports that GM CEO Dan Akerson says the car will hit the market in 2013.

The Cruze will be only the second passenger car, to be offered with the diesel option in the United States the other being the Volkswagen Jetta . The new version will certainly be attractive to drivers looking to boost their fuel economy, as diesel engines get between 20 to 40 percent better mileage.

"I drove it the other day. It is great," Akerson told the publication. "These new diesels are quiet. Should make it in the low- to mid-40s, and that's with an automatic."

According to the news source, the Cruze was the top selling car in the U.S. last month, and was seventh overall throughout the first six months of the year.

Drivers who want to get behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient used car should check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Consumer Reports offers the best used cars for under $20,000

Many publications often provide their list for what the best and most affordable used cars are, but few are more well-respected than Consumer Reports. A number of writers for the venerable publication recently unveiled what they believe are the best used cars under $20,000, and there are a lot of familiar names but a few models might surprise some readers.

The Honda Accord made the cut, which likely will not shock anybody who is even a casual follower of the automobile industry. Often regarded as one of the most reliable sedans, the Accord offers a sleek look while still providing a fuel-efficient option at an affordable price. Expert Jeff Barlett also cited the Ford Fusion as another one of his favorite choices.

"The Fusion can often be found for a great price, but the added space and sharper lines of the Accord would have me leaning in that direction," he wrote for the publication. "Either would provide good safety protection compared against typical, new small cars at that price point adding appeal to shopping used."

Of course, not all drivers are looking for a compact sedan like the Accord or the Fusion. For those in the market for a new truck or SUV, Consumer Reports reminds its readers that there are still affordable and fuel-efficient options. In particular, the Toyota Highlander resonated with reviewer Eric Evarts, who says that despite the fact it comes at a manageable size, the Highlander provides plenty of towing power for those who need it.

For families who need more storage and seating than anything else, a minivan is the obvious choice, and according to the publication's Tom Mutchler, the 2008 Honda Odyssey is the way to go for those looking to stay under the $20,000 level. With room for eight and a camera that makes backing up a cinch, the Odyssey is more than a suitable choice for families.

Regardless of whether or not you're looking for a used vehicle that provides you with optimal towing power like the Highlander or one that will make the morning commute just a little less painful like the Fusion, New Jersey Auto Auction is sure to have it at an affordable price.