When the brake petal is pressed, it forces a brake linkage to compress, sending brake fluid (hydraulic fluid) from the master cylinder through the brake lines and to the brake unit of each wheel. The purpose for using this type of hydraulic force multiplication braking system requires a greater force than you could actually apply using just your leg. The fluid can be directed through all the twists and turns of the brake lines in order to reach each wheel cylinder. However if air gets in the hydraulic line, it will interfere with the performance of the brake system by making them spongy, and causing the brake pedal to go down slightly lower than normal.

Goodyear is probably the leading company that makes brake components; however, there are a number of companies around the world that take the work load as well. Sanyco Grand Industries is renowned company, and Monroe Brakes is another brake component manufacturer. Both companies does a good job building all their components.

Many people wonder what the difference is in Turbocharging and supercharging of a car. Both concepts are to increase the air intake in order to create more power. When turbochargers were first manufactured they were referred as turbosuperchargers, however there is a difference between the two, but the term has been shortened to turbocharger.

A turbocharger is a fan pump composed of a turbine and a compressor. Exhaust gases from the vehicle drive the turbine which in turn powers the compressor. Essentially, the turbine uses the exhaust gases to cause the rotation of the turbine wheel, this causes more air to enter each cylinder at a very high pressure.

Supercharger refers to a different kind of compressor which is powered by the cranshaft of the engine, often via a chain or a belt .

Both turbochargers and the superchargers improve the efficiency of an engine. This is done by allowing more oxygen to enter each cylinder to increase the torque and the power output of the engine. The housing that fits around the compressor and the turbine not only collects the gas flow they also direct it as the wheels spin. So, the larger the turbocharger the more power the engine will have.

When the pressure is increased it is called boost; this increase in power is generated by the turbocharger from the intake manifold. The boost is measured by a pressure gauge, which is installed on the dashboard of a vehicle.

Turbochargers provide more direct fuel savings than a supercharger. Boost is related to the amount of load that is put on the engine, whereas, a supercharger, is geared more to the engine and is more to increase the vehicles speed which has a very high fuel consumption. Therefore, it is much better to have a larger turbocharger than a small one. The turbo spins at a very high rate, which causes the RPMs to run higher, between 20,000 and 100,000 RPM’s. This high speed would be a problem if the used standard ball bearings, so most turbochargers use fluid bearings that allow a layer of oil to cool the moving parts. Lower friction means that a turbo can be manufactured using much lighter materials.

Many manufacturers that produce turbochargers recommend that people change their oil much more frequently; instead of changing it every 6,000 or 10,000 miles; people with turbochargers should change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Turbocharging is very common on diesel engines, such as trucks and locomotives. Diesel engines are naturally aspirated which develop less power than a gasoline engine. This is why diesel engines require much stronger and heavier components. Because of this, the diesel engine will lose power if it were not for Turbocharging.

Today turbochargers are most commonly found not only in diesel engines but on high performance gasoline engines as well. Small cars benefit from this technology, simply because there is not enough room to fit a larger engine underneath the car.

If you were comparing a turbocharger to a supercharger, the supercharger would lose the battle. A supercharger requires energy to be bled from the engine in order to operate. The engine has to burn extra fuel to provide the power for the supercharger to work, which then causes more fuel to be used, and the owner has to spend more money, more often to refuel his vehicle. Turbochargers can achieve more power from an engine with the same volume. They also have better thermal efficiency because the excess exhaust pressure contributes some of the work that is required to compress the air.

The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling pickup truck (in America, at least) for nearly the last 30 years.  Traditionally, Ford's winning formula includes reliable, durable engines, excellent hauling and towing ability, and a vast array of engines, body styles, and options to choose from.  In recent years, however, Ford has been facing stiff competition in the pickup market from both American and foreign car companies in terms of engine power and performance.  The 2009 model of the F-150 has been carefully redesigned to address these shortcomings while leaving their successful selling points intact.  The 2009 Ford F-150 includes more engine power and performance, slightly better fuel economy, more seating capacity, and a flood of new bells and whistles.

The new 2009 Ford F-150 engine comes in three models.  At the bottom is a 248-horsepower (hp) 4.6-liter V8 engine with 4-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous bottom-level that sported only a 202-hp V6 engine.  The midrange engine is a 292-hp version of the 4.6-liter V8, but with a 6-speed automatic transmission.  At the top of the line is a 320-hp, 5.4 V8 engine, also with 6-speed automatic transmission.  This model is also able to run on E85, the blended ethanol-gasoline fuel.  All these models come in either a 4-wheel drive version or the traditional two rear-wheel drive.

Possibly topping this all is the Raptor, an off-road model with a 6.2-liter V8 engine—although Ford has not yet confirmed the rumors of this vehicle.

Body designs also come in three styles, for both the cab and the bed.  The first cab design is traditional Regular Cab with a storage well behind the seats, although the new 2009 model has removed the former rear access doors.  The next step up is the extended Super Cab with additional seating and rear-hinged access doors (although they don't open independently of the front doors).  The largest cab is the Crew Cab sporting four conventional doors.  The 2009 model adds an extra 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rear leg room to the Crew Cab, to the eternal gratitude to all who have to sit in the rear seats.

Styleside Truck beds include the traditional 5.5 foot (1.7 meter), 6.5 foot (2 meter), and 8 foot (2.4 meter) lengths.  A Flareside truck bed is also available, but comes only in the 6.5-foot/2-meter length.  As always, as cab size increases, hauling capacity decreases.  Maximum cargo capacity is 3030 pounds (1374 kilograms) for the Regular Cab model, 2650 lbs (1202 kg) for the Super Cab model, and 1760 lbs (798 kg) for the Crew Cab model.  Towing capacity, however, is the same for all models at 11,300 lbs (5125 kg).

The 2009 Ford F-150 also has a range of helpful new features.  There is now a hideaway side step for access to the truck bed, a tailgate step, a retractable cable lock, and a capless fuel filler (although consumers are still undecided if this is good thing or not).  In the cab, new electronics include an MP3 Player, a voice-activated navigation system, and a trailer-brake controller.  For people running a business out of their truck, useful features include a vehicle-tracking device (especially useful for fleet trucks) and a tool inventory system on the built-in dashboard computer.

Overall, Ford has done a good job of keeping up with its competitors and fixing what few drawbacks their previous F-150 models contained.  The 2009 model provides a smooth and quiet ride, excellent handling, its usual impressive hauling and towing capacities, and Ford's usual vast range of cab and truck bed combinations.  On the downside, the 2009 F-150's engine power and performance, although definitely improved, is still not quite equal to its most powerful rivals.  Finally, fuel economy is only slightly improved.  Then again, the F-150 is a work truck.  It is designed for hauling, towing, and off-roading, not commuting to school and work, and for that it needs a powerful, gas-guzzling engine.  If fuel economy is a major factor for you when buying a vehicle, perhaps you should scratch any type of pickup truck off your list.

Popular SUV’s in the United States

There are many popular Suv’s in the United States; however we will only look  eight of them for now.

The first SUV that I will mention is the 2005 Porsche Cayenne. This beautiful Crystal Silver Metallic exterior color highlights the Havana (sand beige) leather seats. It is a single owner SUV and belonged to a non-smoker. The odometer reading has only 36051 miles. This all wheel drive, automatic transmission has 8 cylinders and gets 14 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the open road, with its fuel induction engine. Its added options are an AM-FM CD audio, automatic on-off headlights, crabon fiber and leather dash trim, and center console trim, electrochromatic exterior mirrors, a power moon roof, electronic suspension control, self leveling suspension, rear locking differential, a power driver seat with memory, multi-zone climate control, power lock doors, and a navigation system. It also comes with leather and alloy shift knob trim, door trim and a leather steering wheel. Tilt and also a telescopic steering wheel, the multi-zone climate control is also automatic, power steering, 18 inch alloy wheels, 4 wheel ABS braking system, stability control, front driving and fog lights, driver- passenger air bags, traction control, an anti theft alarm system, front and rear head airbags. It is also equipped with an overhead console for storage, a cruise control, a front center console for storage, audio steering wheel controls, heated mirrors, a rear ski bag, clock, trip computer, a garage door opener, and a tachometer. A rear window wiper and defogger with a rain sensor and the wipers are intermittent. The front seats are bucket, and it has folding center and rear seats, it allows 5 passengers to sit comfortably, with the rear bench seat.

The 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade 4 x 4 is a luxury SUV, which has only 43,800 miles, and it is powered by a 3.7 litre, DOHC V-6 engine. It is a light Khaki Metallic with a Darker Khaki light greystone interior. The preferred package offers a roof mounted light bar, power driver seats, transfer case skid plate, a transmission skid plate, front suspension skid plate, and a fuel tank skid plate. It has a 4 speed automatic transmission, audio steering wheel controls, a command trac part time 4 wheel drive system, a six disc indash CD changer, a universal garage door opener, traveler trip computer, power heated fold away mirrors and an auto dimming rearview mirror.

There is a 2005 Land Rover Range Rover HSE with 52,900 miles on the odometer. This silver exterior color enhances the black interior. It is an 8 cylinder gasoline engine with many of the same standard equipment as the others that I have mentioned. Once you click on the information section or the photo of this SUV, you can also view it through Carfax.

This 2004Hummer H2 Adventure, is a black 4 wheel drive, with a wheat brown interior, it has 66,953 miles on the odometer, it also has a power sliding sunroof, a trailer towing package, a Bose sound system, with an AM_FM stereo and a six disc changer, it has air ride suspension, and heated seats, chrome wheels, and a 6.0 Vortex V-8 engine, it also comes with an air compressor.

The 5th vehicle is a 2006 Mercedes Benz ML500; it is a 4 wheel drive, with 41,930 miles on the odometer. It has an 8 cylinders, 5.0 litre, gasoline engine, and the exterior color and the interior color are both Obsidian black metallic. It has a 7 speed automatic transmission, and gets an average of 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

There is a 2002 Ford Expedition XLT 4.6 litre, V-8 engine, with 9,563 miles on the odometer, the Arizona Beige Metallic exterior color has a medium parchment color for the interior. It features running boards, power windows, locks, and mirrors, complete with air conditioning, power driver seat, and a 3rd row seat. A 3.55 ratio axle, it is a rear wheel drive, 4 speed automatic transmission, still rims, an AM-FM cassette player. The instrument panel has a clock and a tachometer, and you have a cruise control. The front seat is a Velour Bench seat and a split bench seat in the rear, it also features a 3rd row seat. It has a towing/hauling package with a maximum load capacity of 1805 pounds, and a towing capacity of 8100 pounds, it has driver passenger airbags, a Depowered Airbag switch, and an anti theft system.

The 7th SUV is a very Rare 2005 Lexus RX330 AWD “Thundercloud Edition” it only has 36,439 original miles, a 5 speed automatic transmission, and a 3.3 litre, V-6 SFI 24 V engine. Both the exterior and the interior are grey in color. It has Zenon Lights, and it is Carfax certified, this SUV was manufactured in Japan. It also features heated front seats, a CD player, curtain airbags, privacy windows, climate control, power seats and a sunroof, dual exhaust, fog lights and traction stability; it has an onboard computer, a power lift gate, and leather seats.

The 8th SUV is a 2007 GMC YUKON XL. With 17,736 original miles, it comes with an ON STAR XM radio; this SUV has a blue exterior color highlighting an interior grey. It has an automatic transmission and a 5.3 litre gasoline engine. There is a CD/cassette player, and it features passenger/driver airbags, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, power windows and seats, power door locks and windows, and a cruise control.

In the last decade, light-duty pickup trucks have evolved from rugged work trucks to daily drivers and family vehicles.  Ford's famous F-150 has been especially prone to these changes, sporting longer multi-door cabs and shorter truck beds.  Consequently, the role of the sturdy and powerful work truck has fallen to Ford's Super Duty Series, and the 3/4-ton F-250 in particular.  The F-250 has enormous hauling and towing capacities while still being easy to handle and providing a comfortable ride.

One of the reasons Ford continues to be a leader in the work truck market is because their trucks are extremely customizable.  Customers can pick out the exact vehicle for their needs, choosing from among a several cab styles, truck bed lengths, engine powers, transmissions, drive options, trim levels, and more optional bells and whistles that you can imagine.

The current 2008 model of the Ford F-250 offers a wide range of choices. Three engines are available.  The standard gasoline engine is a 5.4-liter V8 that puts out 300 horsepower (hp) and 365 pound-feet (495 N·m) of torque.  The midrange features a 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine capable of 362 hp and 457 pound-feet (495 N·m) of torque.  The top of the line is Power Stroke turbodiesel, a 6.4-liter V8 diesel engine commanding 350 hp and 650 pound-feet of torque.  All engines are available in either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.  All F-250 pickup trucks are also available in either two rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The Ford F-250 has three cab options and two truck bed lengths to choose from.  The Standard Cab is the regular two-door model.  The extended Super Cab has two regular doors and two rear-hinged reverse-opening rear door, and seats up to six passengers.  The Crew Cab also seats up to six people, but has four full-sized doors.  The Super Cab and Crew Cab models can chose from either a 6 ¾-foot (2-meter) or 8-foot (2.4-meter) truck bed, while only the 8-foot bed is available for the Regular Cab.

Four trim levels are offered: the basic XL, the midlevel XLT, the top-of-the-line Lariat, and the FX4, a version specifically designed for going off-road.  Some nice additional features include telescoping and folding powered side mirrors, a drop-down tailgate step, and the highly useful trailer-brake control system, which integrated the brakes on the trailer with those of the truck.  Other upgrades for the 2008 model include solid, corrosion-resistant chassis, and an improved rear suspension design that improves riding and handling.

Ford current generation of Super Duty pickups runs from 1999 to 2008.  If you're in the market for a used earlier-model Ford F-250, there are a few things you will want to be aware of.  The Ford F-250 was updated in 2001 to include a standard four-wheel Antilock Brake System, a reverse parking sensor, and a stronger Power Stroke engine.

In 2003, the FX4 off-road F-250 made its appearance.  The six-speed manual transmission became available.  On the down side, the 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel engine was replaced with a smaller but more powerful 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine that quickly earned a bad reputation as being problematic and unreliable.

2005 brought a new five-speed automatic transmission, and improved front suspension, and increased hauling and towing capacities.  Between 2006 and 2007, only minor adjustments were made.  The 2008 model was the next major upgrade, with the features already described above.

There are many Suvs popular in Europe, in this article, we shall look at just a few.

There is the 2003 Vauxhall/Opel Zafira, Estate, MPV, with 49,000 miles, it has 5 doors, and seats 7, its fuel type is Petrol, and Metallic Blue in colour. It features, a 1,796 cc engine, and it comes with a tow bar. It has ABS anti-lock brakes, a driver and a passenger airbag, rear seat belts, and side airbags. It also has a CD player, air conditioning, auxiliary heating, power assisted steering, power locks, and power windows, and roof rails.

There is a 2002, Suzuki Grand Vitara, with a 1.6 16v SE 3 door, 4 x 4,The mot is good until May 2009. It also has Black metallic exterior colour, highlighting a grey velour trim. It has 58 k miles, and the engine is 1590 cc. The steering wheel is on the right hand side; it has a manual transmission, and is fueled with Petrol, the windows are tinted, it has roof bars, and electric windows and mirrors, it is central locking, it also has a tilt steering wheel, power steering, a Clarion Stereo system AM/FM stereo/cassette player, power assisted steering, a burglar alarm, an Immobiliser, with driver and passenger airbags, rear seat belts, and safety belt pretensioners.

Next is a 2004, BMW X3 Sport Auto Blue, with a 2.5 litre 2,494 cc engine, 4 x 4,  the steering wheel is on the right hand side, it has 23,400 K actual miles, and the wheels are alloy. It also has an automatic transmission, and is fueled by Petrol, this auto features an anti-theft alarm, anti-lock brakes ABS, and a driver airbag, it comes with an AM/FM stereo and CD player, power windows and locks, power assisted steering, air conditioning and climate control, it also has a cruise control, and parking sensors.

The 2004  Volkswagen Touareg Estate with 54 K miles. It has 5 doors, a manual transmission, fueled with Petrol, it is grey in colour, with a 5,000 cc engine. It features climate control, detachable towbar, leather upholstery, soft closure tailgate, an electric sunroof, active suspension, alloy wheels, a keyless go, Sat Nav, remote central locking, multi-CD changer, a cruise control, CD player, electric windows, seats and mirrors, Immobiliser, FSH, and an anti-theft alarm system.

The 5th auto is 2008 AudiQ7 Auto Estate 3.0TDI Diesel 229bhp, Tiptronic, it is a 5 door, with an automatic transmission, and it is fueled with Diesel. The vehicle is Metallic Blue in colour, with a 2,967 cc engine, and has 229 BHP power, it seats 7 people comfortably, the steering wheel is on the right hand side, it also has alloy wheels, the features are an AM/FM stereo, a CD multichanger, driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, cruise control, climate control, ABS anti-lock brakes, an electronic stability program, power seats, windows and locks, an Immobiliser, air conditioning, leather seats, an anti-theft alarm system, heated electric seats, parking sensors, and power assisted steering. It also has an adjustable steering wheel (tilt), fog lights; it has a headlight washer, folding rear seats, park distance controls, roof rails, sports seats, and auto wipers.

The  1999 Daewoo Korando, Merc based 4 x 4, with 70270 original miles,  this right hand drive Red Estate with grey interior, has a 2,295 cc engine and seats 5 people, it has a manual transmission and fueled with Petrol, the wheels are alloy, and it has a catalytic converter, and a tow bar. The safety features are rear seat belts, ABS anti-lock brakes, and immobiliser, driver airbag, and an anti-theft alarm system. The interior comforts include an AM/FM stereo, a CD player, air conditioning, and tilt steering wheel, it also has power assisted steering and power windows. And a full sized spare tyre mounted on the liftgate.

You will also find a Mitsubishi RVR Sports Gear X3 EVOTurbo, with a 240 BHP. It is Black with Silver trim on the exterior colour, and grey and black interior colours. It has a full sized spare tyre on the rear lift door. It is an MPV, 4 x 4 with a large load area when the rear seats are down. It has twin airbags, factory privacy glass, a huge sunroof, climate control, and an automatic closing side door, a Tiptronic or auto box, it is fully alarmed, and has a Clarion Sat nav with UK specs system and it also has a remote, 4 doors, and 4 seats. It has had 3 previous owners, the engine is 2,000 cc,  the right hand drive semi automatic transmission is Petrol fueled, and it has a rear spoiler, alloy wheels and a catalytic converter. It also comes with an AM/FM stereo, and CD player with a CD multichanger, with premium sound. It also has air conditioning, auxiliary heating, power assisted steering, power windows and locks, a tilt steering wheel, ABS anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability program, an immobiliser, and rear seat belts, plus Xenon headlights.

There is a 2001 Discovery Es LPG Land Rover Estate, the engine size is 3,950 cc, and it has 5 doors, and seats 7,  with a light blue exterior colour highlighting a light brown interior. It comes with alloy wheels and a tow bar, an automatic transmission and is fueled with Petrol, it has been LPG converted, ABS anti-lock brakes, driver, passenger, and side airbags, a premium sound system, and CD multichanger, it is alarmed, and an electronic stability program, an immobiliser, rear seat belts, and safety belt pretensioners, it also comes with a climate control, cruise control, Power Locks, seats, and windows, heated electric leather seats, and power assisted steering, a tilt steering wheel, and a sunroof, with roof racks.

The 2005 Ford F-150 has not changed much from the previous year’s model.  On the other, considering that Ford completely redesigned the F-150 in 2004 leading to it earning many awards (including North American Truck of the Year), that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

There are a few major developments, however.  The F-150 is now available with a five-speed manual transmission for the six-cylinder models.  The suspension has been redesigned—the front suspension includes a double-wishbone style, and the rear suspension now has outboard (instead of inboard) shock absorbers, and wider, heavier three-inch leaf springs.  The new 4R75E high capacity four-speed automatic transmission is quick and responsive, but still provides smooth shifting between gears.  Tailgates have helper springs so they are easier to close.  Finally, there are a few new bells and whistles, such as modular overhead storage compartments in the cab.

The 2005 Ford F-150 has three engines to choose from.  The new base-level engine is a 202 horsepower (hp) 4.2-liter six-cylinder model.  This model also comes with a five-speed manual transmission option as well as the usual four-speed automatic transmission.  The midlevel engine is a 231 hp 4.6-liter V8, and the most powerful is a 300 hp 5.4-liter V8 engine. Unfortunately for stick shift enthusiasts, the more powerful V8 models only come with automatic transmission.  All models offer two rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Ford claims the 2005 Ford F-150’s V8 engine has the best fuel efficiency Ford has ever produced.  The V8 gets 15 miles to the gallon (mgp) (24 kpg) in town and 19 mpg (30½ kpg) on the highway in two-wheel drive.  The V6 automatic transmission engine claims 16 mpg (26 kpg) in town and 20 mpg (32 kph) on the highway in two-wheel drive.

In 2005, the Ford F-150 offered the best towing and hauling capacity in its class, able to carry a cargo payload of 3000 pounds (1360 kg) and tow up to 9,900 pounds (4490 kg). However, it is also only of the heaviest pickup trucks in its class, resulting in weak gas mileage and sluggish acceleration compared to its competitors.

The 2005 Ford F-150 continues to come in three cab styles and three truck bed lengths.  The Regular and Super Cab both come with rear-hinged “half-doors”.  The Crew Cab has four standard doors and a rear bench, extending the seating capacity for up to six passengers.  The Crew Cab, however, pays for its extended length with a short truck bed—it only comes in the 5.5 foot (1.7 meter) model.  The Regular and Super Cabs have a choice of either a 5.5 foot (1.7 meter), 6.5 foot (2 meter), or 8 foot (2.4 meter) truck bed lengths.  Only the 6.5 foot (2 meter) truck bed comes in the flasher Flareside design; the rest are the standard Styleside design.

Six trim levels are available for the 2005 Ford F-150, covering a wide range of options.  New this year is an inexpensive, bare-bones “Work Truck” at the bottom.  At the top is the new King Ranch containing all the luxurious extras including a Castano leather interior.

The 2005 Ford F-150 handles exceptionally well and has an extremely smooth ride, even over gravel roads, feeling more like a sedan that a truck.  The engines are quiet and provide faster acceleration than previous versions of the F-150, compared to some of its competitors, is not as responsive and still feels a little sluggish.  Overall, the 2005 Ford F-150 continues to be one of the best pickup trucks available, if not the best, and a solid investment for any car buyer.

By 2005, the Ford Ranger had been the best-selling compact pickup truck in America for 17 years.  It definitely found its niche in the market.  Some for men, a flashy ride means a sports car.  For family men, only an SUV will do, mainly because it’s a minivan disguised as a sport vehicle.  But for others, nothing quite says "manly" like a pickup truck.  Tough, rugged, and sturdy, it's a symbol of the blue-collar man's work ethic and independence.  Unfortunately, pickup trucks also drink down the high-octane stuff like a sailor on shore leave.

That's where the Ford Ranger comes in.  It's the pickup truck for city boys.  It's smaller, slimmer design fits better into those tight urban parking spaces.  When the only hauling you do is helping friends move, you don't really need to gas-guzzling power of a V8 engine, and the Ranger engine's better fuel economy becomes a big selling point.  In recent years, Ford's competition have taken their small pickups have given them increasingly bigger engines and roomier cabs—but that has also increased their overall size.  The 2005 Ford Ranger remains one of the few truly small, compact pickup trucks with a fuel economy and price tag to match.

The Ford Ranger comes with three basic engine packages.  At the base level is a 143-horsepower (hp), 2.3-liter V4 engine.  This engine lacks the hauling, towing, and acceleration capacity of its bigger brothers, but compensates for it somewhat with better fuel economy.  In the middle is the 154-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine, which delivers all the power and performance needed for the small truck.  This model is also a flexible-fuel engine, meaning it can also burn the E-85 ethanol-gasoline mixed fuel in addition to gasoline.  Although this doesn't necessarily give the engine better fuel economy, it does cost less to fill the tank.  This is the standard engine for the automatic transmission Super Cab Models.  On the high end is a 207-hp, 4.0-liter V6 engine, a good choice if you need to do a lot of heavy hauling and towing.  Otherwise, this is a bit of overkill for a compact pickup.  All engines are available in either manual or automatic 5-speed transmission, and in either two-rear wheel or four-wheel drive.

When it comes to cab models, this is definitely a bachelor's truck.  The Regular Cab only seats two, and even the Super Cab has only two rear-facing, fold-down seats that too cramped for comfortable riding, especially over long distances.  Family men may need to look elsewhere for a true extended cab or crew cab pickup.

There's not a lot of variety in truck bed lengths.  Super Cab models are available only with a 6-foot (1.8-meter) truck bed.  Regular Cabs over either a 6-foot (1.8-meter) or 7-foot (2.1-meter) truck bed.  All truck beds come in either flat Styleside versions (for more room inside the truck bed, or Flareside (for a flashier look).

The Ford Ranger continues to be the best compact pickup for off-roading.  In four-wheel drive, the 4.0-liter V6 engine provides strong low-rpm torque for off-road work.  A high ground clearance allows it to clear most bumps and ruts.  If it doesn't, skid plates shield the transfer case and fuel tank from damage.  The suspension, shocks, springs, bushings, and tires were redesigned in 2004 to provide a smoother ride.

Overall, although the 2005 Ford Ranger's design is beginning to show its age, it is still a good, solid pickup.  Although not a powerful or a spacious as it's competitors, it is still tough, rugged, and reliable, especially for the light hauling and commuting of the urban driver.  Despite its size, it's still a good, dependable work truck.  With better fuel economy and a lower price tag (retail prices start below $15,000 (£11,000) than most of its competitors, this is the perfect entry-level pickup for the young urban single guy.

Today’s automotive market is one that fluctuates considerably dependant on fuel and insurance costs, single ownership to family-orientated needs, as well as functionality. No matter what age, income bracket or individual needs, mid-sized sport utility vehicles are becoming more common than ever before. SUV’s have their very own type of consumers that can range from new, younger owners ready for travelling, through the growing family years and right up to retirees who desire a vehicle that can give them the versatility that they are looking for in a vehicle.

The differences between compact, mid-size, full-size and even crossover sport utility vehicles are subtle, depending on the make and model that you are in the market for. Typically as you move up the scale for SUV’s the cost, passenger room, towing capabilities and engine power increase. When shopping for a sport utility vehicle, you will want to be sure you know exactly what you require from the vehicle so that you are sure to get one that has the potential to fill all of your needs.

Specifications; The Jeep Grand Cherokee of today’s automotive market is considered a mid-size sport utility vehicle that includes a number of standard features. The WK Jeep Grand Cherokee model entered into the market in 2004 including Quadra-Drive II four-wheel drive. Engines available are the 3.0 and 3.7 litre, as well as the 5.7 a 6.1 litre Hemi engines. The 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on all 2005 and later models. The later 2008 models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee received minor internal and external changes, redesign of the headlights, the grille, wheels and fascia, and the lower portion of the front bumper is now removable to enable further off-road use.

Additional Features; Just as any other vehicle in the market today, additional features in pre-determined packages are available to customize your Jeep Grand Cherokee specifically to your own tastes. Quick Order Packages include leather interior, glass electric sliding sunroof, heated driver and passenger seats, heated door mirrors, remote engine starter and even a 12-volt power outlet. Other customizations include an Electronic Infotainment System for a display screen with DVD/VCD, rear controls, wireless headphones and a Navigation/Rear Back-up camera. For those who require towing capacity, a Trailer Tow Group Package can be essential, including a tow hook, weights and even a power steering cooler.

Pricing; Depending on the year and specific model of Jeep Grand Cherokee that you are looking for, the final cost for your vehicle can be significantly higher or lower than you might have first budgeted for. Used Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles can start anywhere from $29,000 and up for any number of vehicles purchased either at a local dealership or through a private seller. New models available strictly from a dealership can start from the mid $40,000 and grow to over $50,000 dependent on additional features and customized packages. For some the options for purchasing a new vehicle with manufacturer’s warranty is a major selling point, while for other buyers, you may still be able to find a used Jeep Grand Cherokee with plenty of warranty still available for the next buyer to utilize.

For many consumers, a sport utility vehicle can provide not only adequate transportation in terrain that is less than perfect, but also the seating capacity and storage space that is desired by a number of owners. Built on a light truck chassis with the option for 4-wheel drive or off-road capability, many SUV’s are capable of towing much the same amount as a pickup truck with the storage space of a current market minivan.

If it is a crossover SUV that you are in the market for, then the Land Rover Freelander may just be the one for you. Using the features of a minivan and a sport utility vehicle while it still has the feel of driving a car, consumers are attracted to the crossover SUV due to its compact nature and many benefits of space and versatility. There are many different options for those in the market for a compact; crossover SUV and the Land Rover Freelander can fill your needs for the perfect off-road vehicle.

Specifications; The Land Rover Freelander is the second generation of Land Rovers and was debuted in 2006 at the British International Motor Show. Also referred to as the LR2, this line of Land Rover vehicles has evolved from its predecessors, using only a 4-door model and a 6-speed transmission. The 3.2 litre engine with 230 horsepower is now standard in the LR2, which is now manufactured and assembled at Halewood, England near Liverpool. Making sure that this generation of Land Rovers has improved ground clearance and greater off-road potential, this model compares slightly better than the competition from BMW or Audi models. The quality of the interior has improved with this generation of models and added a number of safety features as a standard.

Additional Features; First sold in the United States in 2007 as the LR2, the 2008 version was referred to as the LR2 HSE. With added side trim and 19” wheels, standards include the 230 horsepower 3.2 litre engine from Volvo and the 6-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. It has an Alpine 440 watt 14-speaker surround sound audio system and touch navigation screen options referred to as the Technology Package for those looking to add to the interior options of their new Land Rover Freelander. The Cold Climate Package is available which features a heated front windshield, heated front seats with two heating levels, and a heated windshield washer jet. If it is the Lighting Package that you are looking for, you can include Bi-Xenon headlights, Adaptive Front-Lighting, memory system for the driver seat and exterior mirrors as well as the approach and puddle lamps.

Pricing; The costs for the Land Rover Freelander can vary slightly depending on where you are located and any specials that may be offered at your local dealership or through a private seller. Keep in mind that additional packages will change the end-selling price, as with any new or used vehicle that you purchase. Starting in the mid $30,000 range for brand new, the LR2 is comparatively priced and boasts many additional features that can make your decision even easier. If it is used you are looking for, the LR2 models hold their value quite well. Even though they may be priced slightly higher than those competitor’s models, you can still be assured that you are getting a quality vehicle from Land Rover.