When drivers are in search of their next vehicles, many look to safety and fuel efficiency, and a car's reliability comes into play as an important factor as well. This is why Consumer Reports recently conducted the Annual Auto Survey, which examines vehicles based on how reliable they are. The survey results revealed that certain types of vehicles fared better than others.

Specifically, all of the fuel-efficient hatchbacks and wagons that the survey examined were found to have average or above-average reliability scores. On the other end of the spectrum, upscale cars, minivans and luxury SUVs were found to have the lowest scores, which indicates that spending more for a vehicle may not always warrant the most reliable results.

Consumer Reports did not just look at vehicle classes, the survey also examined reliability by brand. Toyota and its two sub-brands, Scion and Lexus, all placed highly on the list, along with other Japanese companies Mazda, Nissan and Infiniti. Subaru and Honda were both found to have improved since last year's survey as well. Domestic brands did not see
such widespread success, as Chrysler, Dodge and Ford all dropped in the ranks. Cadillac fared well, on the other hand, moving up 14 spots since last year.

"Ford's bumpy road can be seen in the numbers," said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports. "Sixty percent of Ford-branded models and half of Lincolns were below average in predicted reliability, and none placed above average."

These findings can help car shoppers narrow down their options when choosing their next vehicles. Once they know what cars they might like, they can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the selection. The dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models, making it easy for drivers to find cars that suit their needs.

About a week has passed since Hurricane Sandy rocked the East Coast, and volunteers have been working hard to help those in need. Major charities and disaster relief foundations, such as the American Red Cross, have been handing out supplies and helping the thousands of individuals who have been affected by the storm. Individuals and companies across the country are rallying to contribute, and Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) recently announced it would be contributing $100,000 to the Red Cross.

"Hurricane Sandy has had a devastating impact on many people in the Northeast, including our own employees, dealers and customers, so we're pleased to work with the American Red Cross and local food banks to help those who have been affected by the disaster," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO of MNAO.

The car company did not stop at that donation, as The Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc., Board of Trustees will also be sending $5,000 apiece to two New Jersey food banks. Mazda car owners from affected areas who have auto loans or leases will be exempted from any late fees, and those who lost their cars in the storm may be eligible for $500 toward the purchase of a new Mazda.

Individuals who would prefer to replace their vehicles with used models may want to check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a variety of used makes and models, including Mazda vehicles, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified. Drivers who buy cars at NJ State Auto can drive away with confidence, knowing they're getting behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle.

Aside from the initial cost of buying a car, there are many other financial aspects of owning a vehicle, including having automotive insurance. This is not a fixed rate for all drivers, and your annual premiums will depend on a variety of factors. There are many myths surrounding the details that determine your insurance rates, and PEMCO Insurance, a major car and home insurance provider in the Northwest, recently set out to dispel some of these rumors.

1. Color doesn't matter.
Many believe that choosing a flashier color over a more subtle one could drive up insurance premiums. While a red or yellow car will most likely attract a cop's attention more easily, insurance companies are blind to such differences.

"In fact, our agents don't even ask the color of a vehicle when writing a new policy, so the notion that red cars speed more often and cost their drivers higher premiums is an urban legend," said PEMCO spokesman Jon Osterberg.

2. Insurance covers the car, not the driver.
If you let your friend borrow your vehicle and he or she gets into an accident, your car insurance will typically cover the associated costs if the driver was at fault, not the driver's insurance. In some instances, this may vary, and you may need to review both policies to determine which plan is responsible for paying for any damages.

3. Men don't always have higher premiums.
PEMCO points out that insurance policy rates are not influenced by the sex of the driver for most drivers. Other factors, such as age and amount of time driving, do play a role however. Younger male drivers can pay more than their female counterparts, however. Statistics have shown that new male drivers tend to be more reckless behind the wheel, making them more of a risk than the ladies.

In order for the details of insurance premiums to matter at all, individuals need to own cars. New Jersey Auto Auction carries a wide selection of makes and models to choose from.

Election Day is just around the corner, and as the country's attention focuses more on politics, Total Car Score finds political views play a role in who you vote for as well as the kind of car you drive. The automotive information provider conducted a survey of more than 600 individuals across the U.S., who were either Democrat/Liberals or Republicans/Conservatives. Participants disclosed the type of car they drove as well as their party affiliation, and Total Car Score found disparities as well as similarities among their tastes.

The results were widespread across all vehicle classes, but the most popular choices for groups were vastly different. Most Republicans/Conservatives (29 percent) prefer trucks, while 27 percent of Democrats/Liberals own economy or compact cars. The next most popular choice for political drivers on both sides of the fence were SUVs and Crossover vehicles.These findings could indicate that this segment may be the most popular among Americans regardless of their political feelings.

"While the most popular vehicle type for each political group is very different, the SUV/Crossover segment is the second most-driven category for both Republicans (20 percent) and Democrats (18 percent)," said Karl Brauer, editor-in-chief for Total Car Score. "This explains why the SUV/Crossover segment has grown so much over the past 12 years. This segment has successfully crossed party lines and brought the two groups together – far more successfully than the many politicians who claim to have that skill set."

Regardless of who you're voting for in the upcoming election, you can find the vehicle you want at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide selection of makes and models at affordable prices, every driver will be able to find something they like.

When it comes to looking for used vehicles, many people want the best possible bang for their buck. However, some consumers may have noticed an increase in pricing over the past couple years. While used autos may be at a higher price than they were in years' past, they're actually in better condition as automakers are increasing quality.

People who are looking for used car deals may want to consider setting their sights on midsize sedans, as MoneyWatch reports they're decreasing in price. The news provider reports that because of the many 2013 redesigns, more individuals could be interested in new car shopping, leaving a greater number of used vehicles up for grabs.

Additionally, the news source reports that because midsize sedans may have lower gas mileage than their newer counterparts, they may go down in price.

While used cars are lasting longer, another factor in price is that people are holding onto their vehicles longer, causing for a shortage in inventory. NBC News reports that people are buying new cars, but not as often as they once did.

"The days when you bought a vehicle for 4 or 5 years are likely over," Anthony Pratt, Polk director of forecasting, told the news provider.

Part of this is due to people being purchase-shy during the recession. Another factor is the reliability in vehicles has increased.

No matter what you're looking for in a used vehicle, there's a strong chance you'll find it at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The company features a number of different models that come in all kinds of finishes and mileage, so you're sure to find something that meets your needs.

Hurricane Sandy is fast approaching New Jersey, and many coastal towns have already been evacuated. Governor Chris Christie declared a state of emergency on Sunday, and the effects of the storm are already being felt across the state with power outages, flooding and high winds, even though the hurricane has not yet made landfall. Businesses and residential homes along the shore have been boarded up in anticipation of this extreme storm, and automotive insurers are making preparations as well.

While most people have evacuated the high risk areas along the ocean, some have chosen to stay put, which means their vehicles are at risk of damage. Flooding can destroy a car, as high water levels associated with floods typically contain dirt and debris that can get into the engine and cause damage. Those who live along the coast also need to be wary of salt water, which leads to rusting and other problems even if the water levels do not get very high.

Car insurance companies are already gearing up to handle the claims that will likely follow in the wake of the hurricane in New Jersey and across the Eastern seaboard.

"We plan for weather events such as this, so we feel well prepared with resources strategically positioned to quickly assist customers who may be impacted," Matthew Bordonaro, a spokesman for Travelers insurance company, told NBC News.

Following big storms, drivers who are shopping for vehicles should be wary of purchasing cars, as they may wind up buying lemons that have been irreparably damaged by flooding. It is always a good idea for car shoppers to have independent mechanics inspect cars before making a purchase. New Jersey State Auto Auction guarantees the quality of its vehicles, because every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.