For the Honda Brand, a Cinematic Stroke

WITH the automotive industry battling an economic downturn, is it the right time for a carmaker to introduce another installment in a corporate image campaign that carries the theme, “The power of dreams”?

The American Honda Motor Company believes so, bringing out this week three short films — a k a long commercials — to be watched online. The so-called webisodes, each about seven minutes, will be available, starting on Monday, at a Honda Web site (dreams.honda.com), under the rubric of the “Dream the Impossible documentary series.”

Commercials that will serve as trailers for the short films, meant to drive traffic to the Web site, are to appear on ABC.com, CBS.com, hulu.com and NBC.com. There will also be ads on sites devoted to news, technology and other topics; they include CNN.com, time.com, wired.com and yahoo.com.

The “power of dreams” campaign, which started in September 2007, and the webisodes are created by RPA, the longtime agency of American Honda Motor, in Santa Monica, Calif.

One webisode is scheduled be shown at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, where American Honda Motor is the automotive sponsor. Plans call for the short to run before “Mary and Max,” which is to be the first movie screened at the festival.

Attendees at the festival, in Park City, Utah, from Thursday through Jan. 25, may be treated to a ride in one of 12 new Insight hybrid small hatchbacks being supplied by American Honda Motor. Another new Honda, the FCX Clarity — a fuel-cell car the company is offering for lease in California — is to be on display at the festival. The campaign is emblematic of efforts by consumer marketers to maintain their advertising presence despite the ravages of the recession. Honda sales in the United States fell 34.7 percent in December compared with the same month of 2007; for all of 2008 they declined 8 percent compared with the previous year.

The Honda ads are particularly interesting because campaigns like it — seeking to burnish a longstanding corporate image, rather than sell products in the short run — are often the first casualties when consumers slow or stop spending.

“This is not a ‘Go out and buy a Honda’ campaign,” acknowledged Barbara Ponce, manager for corporate advertising at American Honda Motor in Torrance, Calif., part of the Honda Motor Company of Japan. Rather, she added, it is “communicating with our customers about what our brand stands for.”

“As we revisit our strategies in tough times, we have to ask the tough questions,” Ms. Ponce said. “In these economic times, everything becomes challenged.”

Still, she said, “we stayed the course” on the campaign, which the company began considering in the spring.

“Consumers are going back to the basics, back to foundations, values,” Ms. Ponce said, “and this campaign is focused on our values as a company, the people who make up what Honda is about.”

The webisodes, directed by Derek Cianfrance, are low-key in their promotion of Honda and are polished and absorbing enough to make a viewer (almost) forget they are sponsored shorts, and part of the trend toward branded entertainment.

The webisodes feature employees of American Honda Motor in realms like engineering, design and safety, along with executives like Takeo Fukui, president and chief executive at Honda Motor, the parent company. Some more recognizable names also appear in the shorts, among them Danica Patrick, who races Honda cars; the actor and screenwriter Christopher Guest, who drives an FCX Clarity; and Orson Scott Card, the science fiction author.

One webisode, “Mobility 2088,” imagines how people may get around eight decades from now. A speaker wonders how good an idea jetpacks would be if “all the idiots on the road today” filled the skies.

A second short, “Failure: the Secret to Success,” describes how setbacks can sometimes lead to achievement. Examples include the problem-plagued engines that Honda supplied for race cars in 1994, which were replaced with better ones a year later, and an orange color for the Honda Civic that dealers and consumers deemed “hideous”; the color subsequently found favor, when it was offered on the Honda Element.

A third webisode is devoted to what is described as a Honda corporate philosophy in the think-outside-the-box vein. Speakers discuss how better ideas are generated when there is no safety net, using Japanese metaphors like “kick out the ladder” — the name of the episode — or “take the ladder away and set fire to it.”

One speaker offers a frank opinion of those expressions. “Maybe it sounds better in Japanese,” he says.

The goal in producing the shorts was to convey some of the “honesty and authenticity” with which employees of American Honda Motor are imbued, said Todd Carey, vice president and associate creative director at RPA, who worked on the campaign with Curt Johnson, vice president and creative director.“I can’t really speak about the economic factors” involved in deciding to proceed with the campaign, Mr. Carey said, “but there’s an overwhelming sense of optimism that comes out of these films,” which may connect with consumers depressed by all the news about the recession.

“It’s not advertising optimism,” Mr. Carey said. “It’s authentic documentary-film optimism.”

The Honda sponsorship of the Sundance festival was arranged with the Sundance Institute by Evan Shapiro, president of the Sundance Channel and IFC TV, part of the Rainbow Entertainment Services division of the Cablevision Systems Corporation.

“Honda and the automotive business are under pressure,” Mr. Shapiro said. “The question is, how do you prepare for the other side of the recession?” The answer is a campaign like this, he said, which “isn’t some spots disguised as shorts” but rather entertainment that is “content driven.”

Although Ms. Ponce declined to discuss the budget for the campaign, she said the webisodes cost “70 percent of the cost to produce a regular 30-second TV spot.” That would mean a sum in the recession-friendly range of $200,000 to $300,000.

New Cars Arrive, Courting Few Buyers

The prolonged slump in vehicle sales has barely slowed car companies from blitzing the market with new models.

But with industry sales expected to fall below last year’s depressed levels, automakers will be challenged to attract attention from consumers who are staying away from showrooms in increasing numbers.

General Motors, whose United States sales fell 22 percent last year, made the most news Sunday, by introducing a sedan and two crossover vehicles at the opening on Sunday of the Detroit auto show. The company also said it would add two more models to its Chevrolet lineup — a minicar and a seven-passenger crossover — in 2011.

G.M. executives said the models had been in development long before the overall market slid 18 percent last year, and the company hit such dire straits that it needed to seek financial help from the federal government.

“These cars are paid for, their development is behind them, and the manufacturing investment is done,” said Robert Lutz, G.M.’s vice chairman for product development.

He said he hoped the new Buick Lacrosse sedan and the two crossovers, the Chevrolet Equinoxand Cadillac SRX, would sell without incentives and lift G.M.’s sagging revenues.

“Some people say a bad market and a poor economic environment is an unfortunate time to launch new product,” Mr. Lutz said. “I think it’s an extremely good time to launch new product because that’s when you need the added revenue.”

Automakers and analysts believe that industry sales in 2009 will drop significantly below the 13.2 million vehicles sold last year, possibly to as low as 10.5 million units.

Under those conditions, new models will be hard-pressed to draw anywhere near the level of interest they typically receive when they first hit the market.

Developing a new model usually takes three to four years, meaning G.M.’s offerings started being developed when American consumers were buying about 16 million vehicles a year.

“The problem is you can’t turn product development on and turn it off depending on the market conditions,” said David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich.

In G.M.’s case, the company will probably cut back on new models as it downsizes to meet conditions attached to its $13.4 billion loan package from the government.

“The nature of auto companies is to overproduce, but that is definitely going to change with the new financial reality,” Mr. Cole said. “I don’t think we will see these bad habits come back.”

The Ford Motor Company showed off two new models Sunday, the Taurus sedan and Fusion hybrid, as well as a 540-horsepower version of the Mustang.

But with the market shrinking, Ford is playing down expectations somewhat for the Taurus.

The Taurus was the best-selling American car in the early 1990s, but it gradually lost its appeal and became an also-ran in the full-size sedan segment behind the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

The new version, Ford executives said, will find a smaller niche in the market.

“We’re not expecting to ever do the 400,000 units we did at its peak,” said Mark Fields, president of Ford’s Americas division.

Other models that were introduced in Detroit included hybrids from Honda and Toyota’s Lexus division, as well as concept cars from German automakers.

The automaker with the least to show was Chrysler, which was coming off a year when its sales had declined 30 percent.

Chrysler recently received a $4 billion loan from the government in order to stay solvent until March. The company’s chief executive, Robert L. Nardelli, said Sunday that Chrysler was counting on more federal aid to complete its reorganization process.

While it showed a few prospective electric vehicles on Sunday, Chrysler had no new models ready for the market.

But Mr. Nardelli said new car introductions would resume in 2010, and pledged that Chrysler would still be in business by then.

One of Chrysler’s vice chairmen, James Press, said the automaker did not think the lack of new models would hurt its sales in 2009. “We feel we haven’t extracted the potential of our current product line,” he said.

A Less Exuberant Show, but a More Rational One

DETROIT is reeling. Its automakers teeter on the edge of bankruptcy, the unemployment rate hovers around double digits, its flamboyant former mayor is in jail. Houses are advertised for as little as $1 and its professional football team just finished with a 0-16 record, an N.F.L. first for regular-season play.

But it is showtime again in Motown, so the embattled city is doing its best to affect a festive atmosphere for thousands of journalists and industry insiders arriving for the North American International Auto Show. Despite the hospitality — and exciting prospects for the electrification of America’s vehicle fleet — it seems likely this will be the most subdued Detroit show in decades. A celebration of the automobile that was optimistic and bombastic in normal times may end up feeling more like a wake for a once-thriving industry.

“The 2009 N.A.I.A.S. will be a pretty gloomy affair — low key, attendance down by journalists, analysts and major brands, glitz definitely down,” George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, a market research firm in Tustin, Calif., wrote in an e-mail message. This year, he added, automakers will try to appear prudent — not blazing through marketing dollars. Mr. Peterson said he thought Detroit’s long-running industry showcase would retreat to its more modest, pre-1989 roots, before it took on the role (and name) of being North America’s auto show. That would turn the clock back to when automakers and dealerships catered more to hometown tire-kickers than to globe-trotting jet-setters.

Contrasts between last year’s raucous gathering and this year’s leaner get-together are likely to be stark. In 2008, to lend some cowboy swagger to its redesigned Dodge Ram pickup, Chrysler staged a cattle drive of 120 Texas Longhorns through downtown streets.

And for the debut last year of its new F-150 pickup, Ford had a noisy pyrotechnic show starring the country singer Toby Keith. At a high-decibel kickoff party and fashion show called GM Style, Detroit’s mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick, tried to dance with General Motors’ vice chairman, Robert A. Lutz.

In 2009 no one should expect stampedes, fireworks or a hip-hopping mayor. (Last October, Mr. Kilpatrick began serving a 120-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to charges of obstruction of justice and assault.) The show’s organizers say that about 20 new car and truck models will make their global debuts, far fewer than in recent years. Combined with another two dozen or so vehicles that were previously shown outside North America, the Detroit unveilings are expected to be — for the most part — green-tinged, low-key and frill-free.

Three days of media previews begin Sunday, to be followed by two days of industry-only attendance, and then nine days for the public.

Yet the target audience for this show’s press days isn’t so much those who will be in Cobo Center. Rather, the automakers will be playing to the Washington lawmakers who recently threw a financial lifeline to Chrysler and General Motors in the form of emergency loans. Congress will no doubt be watching how this taxpayer money is being used.

Ford, G.M., Honda and Toyota will be among those showing new hybrid, electric and alternative-fuel vehicles, emphasizing sustainability and environmental sensitivity. Models that celebrate extreme horsepower, avant-garde styling and macho attitude are likely be played down and rolled out with little or no fanfare.

In a development unprecedented in recent memory, some major manufacturers — including Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Land Rover, Porsche, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce — have chosen to skip the show altogether. They cited a desire to spend their promotional dollars at events that they say are aimed more directly at their customers.

Mercedes-Benz is saving the cost of a press conference for its new E-Class sedan by unveiling the car off-site, rather than inside the convention center, the night before the press previews begin. The E-Class will not be displayed at the auto show, although new fuel-saving technologies in three concept vehicles will be. BMW will have its new Z4 sports car here in a display area less grand than originally planned. G.M. was hoping to save more than $1 million just by switching its display area’s flooring to carpeting instead of wood and tile.

In recent years, the economic impact of the two weeks of the auto show on the Detroit metro area was estimated by the show organizers to be as much as $580 million. This year, the estimates have been scaled back to less than $350 million.

With the stagecraft toned down this year, the cars will become the focus of attention. G.M. and Ford each plan six introductions, including important new models like the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, Lincoln MKT and Ford Taurus. Chrysler is introducing three prototype electric vehicles, including the Dodge Circuit EV sports car. Toyota has two new hybrid electric introductions here as well as the tiny FT-EV.

There will also be nine new designs from Chinese manufacturers, who were for the first time allotted space on the main show floor — previously they were relegated to Cobo’s basement or entry hallways — even though their cars are not yet sold in the United States.

Overseas-based automakers continue to gain not only floor space at this show, but market share as well. The combined United States market share of Ford, G.M. and Chrysler fell to 47.5 percent last year, from 51 percent in 2007, according to Autodata, an industry analysis firm, which noted that this was the first time the Detroit Three had fallen below 50 percent. Asian brands accounted for 44.6 percent of the sales in the American market last year, and European brands for 7.8 percent.

But many of these so-called foreign automakers, like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Hyundai, produce significant numbers of vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In that sense, they are all a part of the American auto industry, and all are affected by the problems of the industry and the economy — a reality that will be reflected in their show displays.

Scuderia Ferrari to bring back troubled pit-lane traffic lights system

Sometimes the best approach is the simplest, but that kind of attitude doesn't always fly in the high-tech haven that is Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello. Traditionally, one pit crew member would stand beside a Formula One car in the pit lane box holding a small sign on a long shaft to signal the driver when it was safe to drive out, but Scuderia Ferrari tried last year to replace the "lollipop" sign with an electronic system. A small box with lights, controlled by computer, was implemented in an effort to streamline the process. Unfortunately, the progress proved anything but, and the system caused several costly errors this past season, culminating in the inaugural nighttime Singapore GP, where Felipe Massa was signaled to leave the pit before the refueling hose was detached. With his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen waiting behind, Massa drove off, dragging the fuel line - and a crew member -along with him.

The incident cost the Massa and Ferrari dearly, and they ended up losing out on the Drivers' Title. The electronic system was subsequently abandoned and in favor of the simpler lollipop. Undeterred and determined to get it right, however, Ferrari reckon they've learned from their mistakes. During the off-season, they have been hard at work on the system and are planning on bringing it back for the 2009 championship. For the sake of the entire team – especially the guy who has the precarious job of holding the fuel nozzle – we hope they've got it right this time.

[Source: Autosport]

Update: Grid fills out for 2009 F1 car presentations

Each day in the new year is bringing us closer to the successive unveilings of the latest batch of Formula One race cars, with nearly all the teams confirming the launch dates for their latest machinery.

Contrary to earlier reports that placed its unveiling on January 15, Scuderia Ferrari will be the first team to show its new car with an online preview on January 12, ahead of the official Fiorano debut. Toyota will follow, as expected, on January 15 from Cologne, Germany, and McLaren the next day from Woking, England. Renault and Williams will unveil at the official FIA-sanctioned test session on January 19 at Algarve, Portugal, with BMW Sauber to follow the next day from Valencia, Spain.

Red Bull, which previously remained a question mark, has now announced its debut on February 9, citing the desire to take advantage of more development time. Sister team Toro Rosso has yet to confirm reports that its presentation will wait until March, when Force India is expected to unveil as well. But there's no telling what will be with Honda as the team's future hangs in the balance. Stay tuned.

[Source: F1-Live]

Rental fleet sales down last year, 2009 will be worse

Last summer, it was the Detroit Three that were restraining themselves from dumping cars into the gaping maw of fleet sales just to boost the bottom line. Turns out they had some help with that discipline: Due to last year's events, rental car fleets shrunk by 400,000 units from 2007 to 2008. As we begin 2009, rental car companies have declared they will be trimming their fleet orders and curbing the number of vehicles they keep on hand even further.

Rental car companies have been thrown under a number of buses as of late. They can't borrow money to finance purchases; the recession has hammered the travel industry; wholesale used vehicle prices are falling (making rental car fleets less valuable); and besides that, car dealers can't get the money to buy the retired rental cars anyway, which subtracts yet another revenue stream.

Rental companies have been good for something like 15% of sales from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. But not this year: Enterprise, which also buys for National and Alamo, will buy half the number of cars it did last year, and they'll keep those cars a couple of months longer. Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty also said they will buy fewer cars and work them longer. The automakers have doubled incentives to encourage sales, but there are simply no teeth left in the rental business with which to bite.

Thus, don't be surprised to find a few more stains on the seats and a few more miles on the clock the next time you find yourself at the wheel of a rental car.

[Source: Automotive News, Sub Req.]

Toyota idles plants for extra 11 days

Automaker extends shutdown of Japanese plants beyond previously announced three-day hiatus.

By Kyung Lah, CNN

TOKYO, Japan (CNN) -- Toyota announced Tuesday it will idle all 12 of its wholly owned factories in Japan for an extra 11 days in response to the slumping auto market.

The company already had announced a three-day shutdown, which was set to begin in January. Company spokesman Paul Nolasco said the longer stretch, scheduled for February and March, will help the company get through the downturn without cutting jobs.

"In good times and bad, we try to keep output in line with demand, keeping production in line with demand," Nolasco said. "This will help even out production flow."

Three of the factories to be shuttered are auto assembly plants, while the rest make parts. Expanding that shutdown is a rare move that is likely to produce a ripple effect among its suppliers of parts and raw materials.

The announcement followed dismal numbers posted Monday by the Big Three U.S. manufacturers. Chrysler saw December sales decline 53% from last year, while General Motors (GM, Fortune 500) saw its receipts drop 31% and Ford (F, Fortune 500) dropped 32% .

In December, Toyota (TM) warned that that it would report its first loss as a public company. Toyota, Honda and Nissan all reported an annual drop in U.S. sales, the first time there's been such a broad-based decline for those powerful Asian brands.

A week earlier, Honda (HMC) slashed its earnings forecast for 2009 and said it saw "no prospect for recovery" in the midst of a widespread downturn.

Talkback: Have you tried to do a mortgage work-out? Was it successful or a failure? E-mail realstories@cnnmoney.com and your story could be included in an upcoming article.

Auto execs expect more bankruptcies

Annual survey of industry execs by KPMG finds more than three out of four expect more auto bankruptcies.

By Chris Isidore, CNNMoney.com senior writer

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- More than three out of four auto executives expect more bankruptcies in their industry, according to an annual survey by audit and accounting firm KPMG LLP.

The survey of 200 top executives from automakers and suppliers around the globe found 77% expect more industry bankruptcies, compared to just 36% who expected an increase in bankruptcies a year ago.

So far, major automakers have avoided bankruptcy in spite of years of losses. But there have been widespread bankruptcy filings among auto parts suppliers in recent years.

The survey was conducted in the fall, before the U.S. government offered a federal loan package to General Motors (GM, Fortune 500) and Chrysler LLC to allow them to avoid threatened bankruptcy filings. Other governments around the world are considering assistance for their own automakers due to the sharp downturn in global sales.

The survey also found that 46% of the executives believe the profit outlook for the overall industry will be volatile over the next five years, and another 24% see profitability continuing to decline. Only 15% of those surveyed expect profits to improve.

Betsy Meter, a partner in KPMG's auto practice, said she believes concerns about bankruptcies are still high, despite the fact that GM and Chrysler have received emergency funding to avoid running out of the cash they need to operate.

"I suspect it's moderated slightly, but I think there's a great level of uncertainty," she said.

While most automakers around the globe haven been hit hard during this recession, the three U.S. automakers are still viewed as particularly vulnerable by industry executives.

More than 60% of those surveyed believe that GM, Ford Motor (F, Fortune 500) and Chrysler will continue to lose global market share in the coming years, while comparable percentages believe that Toyota Motor (TM), Hyundai/Kia, Honda Motor (HMC) and Volkswagen will all gain share.

In addition, about 80% of the executives said they believe Chinese and Indian automakers will gain market share.

Still, industry executives haven't completely written off the U.S. automakers. Asked if they agreed with the statement that restructuring efforts in the U.S. industry may yet succeed, 50% said they did. However, that was down from 58% who agreed with this statement a year ago.

Top 10 Modified Cars for 2008

The automotive world collectively focuses its attention on the new cars they will reveal in 2009. The last year wasn’t too great for the automotive industry and there will be a lot of advancements, some of technical nature, others of safety or environmental improvements but they focus more on cheaper and fuel efficient cars. The car tuners were really busy in 2008 and they revealed some breathtaking tuning packages. We love extreme modifications, unique and impressive cars and here are the top 10 modified cars for 2008 to salivate over:

10. JE DESIGN Seat Leon

They guys from JE Design made a lot of improvements for this ride. They created a wide body kit, installed LSD Doors and 18″ rims painted with the same color as the car. They modified this car’s engine to deliver 244 HP at a maximum torque of 355 Nm and now this Seat Leon could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.

9. Rieger Volkswagen Scirocco

Volkswagen Scirocco was one of the most popular cars om 2008 and a lot of car tuners wanted to modify this ride. Rieger probably made the most attractive body kit for Scirocco and they tried to make it a bit extreme by installing Lambo doors which will surely turn a lot of heads. The car has new lower springs, 20″ rims painted in the same color as the car and quad exhaust pipes.

8. Hamann Aston Martin Vantage

Hamann always knew how to refine luxury cars and each car modified by them is almost perfect. Aston Martin Vantage is another luxury car they wanted to improve and they made a tuning kit with lovely sport accessories and thrilling body design. The new body kit is really stylish and it’s made from fibre glass or matt carbon with perfect aerodynamics.

7. Novitec Rosso Ferrari F430 RACE

Novitec Rosso modified this Ferrari to reach a top speed of 348 km/h and it could also accelerate from 0 to 100 in just 3.5 seconds .Each new body component for this car was developed in the wind tunnel and the new body looks more aggressive appearance and reduces lift on the front axle. Novitec could also install carbon-fiber F1-style shift paddles, elongated center console, carbon-fiber scuff plates and custom made Supersport seats.

6. AC Schnitzer BMW M6 Tension Street

AC Schnitzer revealed the Tension Concept based on BMW M6 a couple of years ago but since this car impressed a lot of people they had to make a street version of their tuning kit. The car’s bonnet is eye catching and it has a large air outlet in a chrome frame that should be enough to cool down this car’s engine.

5. Hamann Porsche 911 Turbo

Hamann created a special performance tuning kit called Hamann Stallion that will boost the engine’s power to 630 HP. To gain this additional power they changed the car’s turbocompressors with new ones that are bigger and stronger and they also installed a new exhaust system made from stainless steel and they modified the car’s engine cooling unit.

4. Stangpede Ford Mustang

This Ford Mustang will appear in Fast and Furious 4. The car has a Saleen 550 HP supercharger engine under the hood which sounds impressive, a new body kit which was slightly modified and the finishing touch was installing lambo doors. Probably the most important fact about this modified car is that the guys from Stangpede turned this ride from a stock into show car in just 6 hours.

3. Mansory SLR Renovatio

The car has received the name “Renovatio” which means rebirth in english. This lovely SLR got an entirely new look after Mansory added a lot of design elements made by them. In the exterior, the car’s design was modified by adding new carbon fiber elements that gives the car a more agressive look and will also improve the car’s handling a bit because the car’s weight is lower now.

2. Edo Lamborghini Murcielago Audigier

Edo Competition revealed the fastest Lamborghini ever made in cooperation with Christian Audigier, a designer that almost everyone knows. The guys from Edo Competition improved the car’s engine, aerodynamics, wheels, exhaust system and interior. Thanks to Audigier’s imagination, the matte black paint of the Edo LP710 has been restyled and he also redesigned the car’s interior.

1. The Red Devil Audi R8

With this great red color and agressive look it surely deserves it’s nickname, “The Red Devil“. This car could compete with any other car when it comes to looks and performances. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds and even though it’s maximum speed is just 252 km/h this ride would impress anyone watching it.

Obama's wheels: Secret Service to unveil new presidential limo

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As a candidate, Barack Obama promoted hybrid cars.

Auto enthusiasts have panned the design of the new presidential limo, which will be painted all black.

As president, he'll be handed the keys to one. Sort of.

Shortly after taking the oath of office, Obama will climb into the Mother of All Hybrids -- part car, part truck and, from the looks of it, part tank.

In keeping with recent tradition, the Secret Service will place a brand-new presidential limousine into service January 20 to drive the new president on the 2-mile jaunt down Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade.

Already, spy photos of the limo -- with patches of gray primer -- have leaked out. And already, the reviews:

"Ugly as sin," says one car enthusiast on an auto Web site. "Can't we make a hotter ride for our pres?"

"Sheesh," says another, "why don't they just transport the president around in an Abrams tank."

One news agency, noting its 8-inch-thick doors, says the limo can withstand a "direct hit from an asteroid." But GM spokeswoman Joanne K. Krell laughed off the comments.

"And it will fix you a latte if you ask," she jokes. Watch Obama's new wheels »

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In truth, the new presidential limo is a Cadillac, Krell said, although it is "not a direct extension of any single model."

"The presidential vehicle is built to precise and special specifications, undergoes extreme testing and development, and also incorporates many of the top aspects of Cadillac's 'regular' cars -- such as signature design, hand-cut-and-sewn interiors, etc.," Krell told CNN.

"Cadillac is honored to serve and renew this great tradition," she said. "And it is entirely appropriate that an American president has at his service a great American vehicle."

For much of the country's history, the Secret Service didn't even drive the president, evidently oblivious to the dangers of asteroids.

In the post-Lincoln horse-and-buggy era, it was customary for a security detail to closely trail the president, according to a Secret Service history.

With the advent of automobiles, the Secret Service acquired a 1907 H. White Steamer to follow Theodore Roosevelt's horse-drawn carriage.

White House chauffeurs drove later presidents, until the Secret Service assumed many of the driving responsibilities after Franklin Roosevelt's death in 1945.

In 1965, Lyndon Johnson was the first president to ride in a bulletproof limo in an inaugural parade, less than two years after his predecessor, John F. Kennedy, was shot and killed while riding in an open car. Take a look at a few presidential limos »

Cut off from the world

Obama should expect two seemingly contradictory feelings when riding in the presidential limousine, said Joe Funk, a retired Secret Service agent who was President Bill Clinton's driver during part of his career. Watch Funk talk about his time as the president's driver »

"I think he will be surprised about how when he's in the limo, it's a cocoon," Funk said. "The everyday noises will be gone, and he will be totally isolated in this protective envelope."

"At the same time, I think he will be surprised at the communication capabilities, how the phones, the satellites, the Internet -- everything is at his fingertips," he said. "So at one end, you are totally removed from society. The other side of the coin is that he can have any communications worldwide at a moment's touch."

Funk says presidents sometimes chat with the agents, and sometimes don't.

"Every day is different, just like every person," he said. "Sometimes they get in the car and they have a lot on their mind. They're involved in reading material, they're involved in the newspaper, they're talking to local dignitaries or they are talking to Cabinet-level.

"Other times, they are interested in sporting events, in doing the crossword puzzle, interested in the feedback they get from talking to the agents -- primarily the supervisor that sits in the front seat," Funk said.

While the government spares no expense for the presidential limo, the weight of the car makes it less maneuverable and more sluggish than comparable sport utility vehicles, Funk said. And the door and window frames, which accommodate thick ballistic glass, create large blind spots, he said.

Funk's own experience driving Clinton was uneventful, he says, which is a good thing, considering his line of business.

"I was very lucky. We didn't have any close calls," he says. "Everything was very smooth."

But he still considers the experience a career highlight.

"At the end of the day, if you had a good driving day, you do kind of sit back with a certain amount of pride and say, 'I had the president of the United States in the car with me for an hour, two hours, and I got him from point A to point B safely in conjunction with all the other team members,' " he said. "When it's done, you can sit back and take some pride in knowing that you pulled it off."

Available in any color, as long as it's black

One Internet wag, adding to the rampant speculation about the new car, made this prediction: It will be painted black. But environmentalists may ask, will it be green?

Not likely. Car enthusiasts believe the overweight vehicle burns diesel and will have low mileage. And with diesel costing about $2.40 a gallon Monday, versus $1.67 for gasoline, this new limo can't be called an economy vehicle.

"The limousines of yesteryear were designed just well enough to provide protection to get the president out of the situation," says Ken Lucci, CEO of Ambassador Limousine Inc. and owner of two Reagan-era limos. "In today's case, they [the Secret Service] expect a prolonged attack, and they expect an attack that is a lot more violent than [with] a weapon you can hold in you hand."

"It literally is a rolling bunker," he says. "It just happens to have wheels on it."

And it's not a bad vehicle for someone whose job is to fix the economy, even if it won't brew coffee on command.

MCR Nissan 370Z

Matchless Crowd Racing is a Japanese tuning company that likes to bring serious improvements to japanese cars. They recently announced a new tuning package for the new Nissan 370Z. Their Nissan has an improved body kit, a new exhaust system, new suspension and a traction hook. The MCR Nissan 370Z has an exhaust system that is much lighter than the standard one, made from stainless steel and has a titanium silencer. They wanted to make this car sound awesome when you accelerate it and the sound of their exhaust would impress any car enthusiast. The guys from MCR also improved this car’s suspension for better handling, more stability and better comfort.

The new suspension is adjustable and customers could modify the damping force and spring rate for this ride. They haven’t revealed the price for this tuning package yet, but it shouldn’t be too expensive.

Luscious LaCrosse Leaves Lexus Lurching

Just days before the start of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, General Motors has taken the wraps off of the next generation Buick LaCrosse — Oh, is it a beauty!

With a distinct Lexus look to the body style, the next generation LaCrosse is big on visual appeal inside and out. Slated to show up in Buick showrooms this summer, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is the brand’s best looking vehicle since the Enclave.

There are no V8 engines to be found in the all new LaCrosse, rather a pair of fuel saving V6s will be used. According to GM, “The new LaCrosse was created with great attention to detail, craftsmanship and advanced technology,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “It builds on the success of Enclave as the next step in Buick’s revitalization. And, as with Enclave, our goal is to attract a whole new buyer to our dealerships for LaCrosse.”

According to GM, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be offered in three models - CX, CXL and CXS:

• CX – equipped with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
• CXL – also equipped with the new 3.0L direct injection V-6, adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch wheels. Intelligent AWD is available.
• CXS – equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6; real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional). The 3.6L engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, generates an estimated 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm).

“The new LaCrosse is intended to represent modern elegance,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “Throughout the design, you experience a balance of contrasts. Both the interior and exterior have been designed with harmony in mind. The exterior balances taut, sculpted lines with sensuous accents and surfaces. Inside, smoked chrome accents, warm wood, first-class leather and materials combine with cool blue ambient lighting to create an inviting environment.”

The sedan will make its official roll on Monday when Buick holds its press conference at the NAIAS. In the meantime, the following photographs can serve to whet your appetite for this nice looking sedan:

Sculpted styling is the most noticeable difference between the first and second generation LaCrosse models.

Buick faithful see that the LaCrosse is closely styled to the Invicta concept which rolled out at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show. Buick's largest market is China where the brand outsells the U.S. domestic market by a 2 to 1 ratio.

The interior of the LaCrosse features an analog instrument cluster, chrome offset by dark wood accents, and the contrasting thread and French stitching on the instrument panel. Both the 3.0L V6 and 3.6L V6 are paired with a six speed automatic transmission to provide excellent highway fuel economy.

Pricing and EPA fuel economy have yet to be announced. Expect that information to be provided closer to the LaCrosse’s summer release.

Source: General Motors

2009 Honda Civic Sedan

First introduced in 1972 as a cheap hatchback with outstanding fuel efficiency, the 2009 Honda Civic Sedan is refreshed for the ninth generation this year, giving it a leaner, sharper, sportier look. Few of its local competitors, the likes of Chevy Cobalt, Dodge Caliber and Ford Focus or such out of towners as Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Rabbit and Mitsubishi Lancer, to name but a few in this ever growing pack, come close in the looks category.

But the Civic has changed more than its looks. For the first time, the new Civic has Bluetooth hands free technology and USB audio interface available and a vehicle stability system is standard on some models.

The standard engine on the Civic is a 1.8 liter, 140 horsepower I4, but some models get a 1.8 liter, 113 horsepower I4 or a 2.0 liter, 197 horsepower I4. Likewise there are three transmissions, in various mixes with the different engines - a 5-speed automatic with overdrive or either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual, also with overdrive. The right combination gets a startling 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. Other combinations stay close to that.

There are a bewildering 21 trim lines for the Civic. The basic breakdown, however, is DX, LX, EX, Si and GX, in order of price and amenities, from lowest to highest. Each of these, except the GX, has several iterations based on features. All of them have the same basic look, and all of them are nice. Further, you can get most or all of the best features on any of them.

The Civic gets 4 stars from NHTSA for rollover and front side crash tests. All other areas get 5 stars. Child safety locks, antilock brakes, all around airbags, tire pressure monitor and inside trunk release are all standard features on the Civic, making it very up to date in the safety area.

The Civic started out as a plain Jane vehicle whose merits were low initial price, low operating costs due to high fuel efficiency and ease of access through the hatchback. Definitely geared to the young driver and new family, it was a good buy and quickly became popular.

The 2009 Honda Civic Sedan still appeals to their initial audience (plus a much wider group), still gets great mileage and at $15,405, still has a great initial price. But today's Civic can just as easily be a status symbol or a luxury ride. Somehow, Honda just keeps getting it right.

2009 Audi A4 Wagon

The 2009 Audi A4 Avant Wagon is Audi's upscale midsize station wagon. Competitors include the BMW 3-Series Sports Wagon, Volkswagen Passat Wagon, Saab 9-3 SportCombi, Volvo V70 and Subaru Outback

One of the sharpest looking station wagons on the road, the Avant has been refreshed for 2009. It is longer, wider and lower than the first generation. Headlights are similar to those on the A8, and LED running lights are also part of the combination. All in all, the first glance might make you think you're looking at a sports car instead of a station wagon.

The A4 Avant is propelled by a 2.0 liter, 211 horsepower I4 engine (no options) generating 258 pound feet of torque - which is excellent torque for a small station wagon. Like the engine, there is only one transmission, a six-speed automatic with overdrive. This combination generates 21 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. This is well above the average fuel efficiency of either upscale midsize cars or station wagons in general.

The A4 Avant, like all Audi vehicles, has quattro all-wheel drive. Quattro is a permanent all-wheel drive system with its genesis in the Volkswagen World War II German Army command vehicles.

In the quattro systems, torque is split between the front and rear axles. In adverse conditions the amount of torque applied to each axle can be changed instantly and unnoticeably with up to 80% of the torque going to a specific axle. The small amount of torque for the troubled axle helps maintain control of it. Unlike many modern automotive systems, this is done without computers, which actually makes it more reliable.

German engineering at its best, the A4 Avant rates five stars in every category of NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features include antilock brakes with electronic braking assist and traction and stability controls, with a full set of airbags, anti-theft system and tire pressure monitor. An electronic parking aid is available.

The A4 Avant has only one trim, but being an Audi you can bet it's a nice one. The Avant gets good marks for its overall warranty, but the power train warranty is below average for class. The other knocks on the vehicle are that it is underpowered for a high dollar vehicle and somewhat short on headroom for a station wagon.

Base price on the 2009 Audi A4 Avant Wagon is $34,500. That's quite a bit higher than average for station wagons, but a little lower than average for upper end makes. The thing is, if you're looking for a high-end vehicle, an Audi has the safety, the features and the reputation to back up their asking price.

2009 Ford F-150 Flareside

The new 2009 Ford F-150 Flareside full-sized pickup truck is spinning heads like Regan in the Exorcist. It's a sharp-looking, tough and ready truck that wants to play even after a hard day's work. Where the Styleside F-150s have more cargo space, the Flaresides have more flash and visual appeal. Ford has an approach to truck making that can actually be a bit perplexing, but in a good way. There are over 75 different permutations that you can build your new Ford F-150 from.

The fresh boxed frame of the 2009 Flareside sits on a stiffer platform than did its predecessor. The suspension system is noticeably firmer and handles better, especially when towing and hauling. Also, electronic trailer sway control has been added to all F-150s for 2009 as a standard feature. Quick cornering with little lean and responsive steering make for an impressive driving experience. It's quick too. 0 to 60 times were measured in just about 8 seconds. Now, remember, this is a full-sized pickup truck we are discussing here. That's pretty fast.

There are three engines and 2 transmissions to select from as well: the 4.2L V6, 4.6L V8 and 5.4L V8. The 5.4L cranks out 365 lb-ft of torque and 310hp. It is one of the heavier trucks in its class though - and you can feel the weight. That also has a bit to do with the fact that the 2009 F-150 is the lowest rated in its class for fuel economy. It rates at 14/19 mpg city/highway. However, the others are certainly not very far ahead of those numbers.

The Ford F-150 does a very nice job towing heavy loads - better than most of its competitors. With wide leaf springs and electronic stability control (as well as the aforementioned trailer sway control), the Flareside pulls like a locomotive and hardly even acts like it is trying. The highest rating for all trims concerning towing is a whopping 11,300 pounds while the base trim is rated for 5400.

MSRPs for the 2009 Ford F-150 Flareside pickup range from the mid-20s to the high-30s. Like the company says: "There is a Ford F-150 for every application." Anything that you have in mind concerning the features of your new truck can be delivered to you. One note of interest is the navigation systems. People absolutely love them. They are simplistic and feature-filled. The screen may be a little small, but otherwise they are selling like hotcakes. The Ford F-150 for 2009 remains as one of the most popular trucks on the planet - like it does every year. There are a lot of solid reasons behind those sales numbers. Explore Ford trucks further today!

2009 Chrysler Sebring

With more standard features than the 2008 models, the 2009 Chrysler Sebring continues to improve its reputation. It is a solid competitor in the midsized car class and makes itself felt by offering bolder, more unique features than its competitors. There are 7 trims available: 4 sedan models and 3 convertibles. The convertibles are offered with your choice of a cloth soft top, a vinyl soft top or a retractable hardtop. You may also select from one of three available engine choices: a 2.4L 173hp V4; a 2.7L 189hp V6 or a 3.5L 235hp V6. For the 2.4 and 2.7 liter engines, you will have a 4-speed automatic transmission mated to them. The 3.5L gets a 6-speed auto.

Fuel economy ratings for the base 173 hp engine stand at 21/30 mpg city/highway - the 2nd highest in its class of close competitors only after the Audi A4 which carries a significantly higher base price (over $10,000 more). Speaking of pricing, the Chrysler Sebring costs less than all other competitors which include the Acura TSX, BMW 328 and the Buick LaCrosse as well. Fuel tank volume is 16.9 gallons, unchanged since the 2007 models.

Convertible trims are called LX, Touring and the Limited while sedan trims are labeled only Limited and Touring as the LX sedan has been discontinued for the 2009 model year. All trims feature standard safety features including 4-wheel anti-lock braking, frontal, side and curtain-style airbags as well as tire pressure monitoring systems. There are loads of optional safety features as well.

Since 2007, the Sebring has taken quite a bit of criticism, but you must remember which autos it stands against. Reviews and customer satisfaction ratings have been marginal and Chrysler has promised that the 2009 model will be more pleasing. One of the most outstanding design changes is that the hood is now smoothed whereas before it had an unseemly "ribbed" finish to it. Chrysler engineers report that the other changes made will enhance the aerodynamics of the Sebring and thereby fuel economy - always a major concern these days.

Some of the reported enhancements for the Touring model include an eight-way adjustable driver's seat, a shifter finished with chrome and leather and standard traction and stability control systems. Chrysler has also promised several changes to the interior of all trims for the 2009 model year. On a downside, the Chrysler Sebring offers the class-worst standard warranty at 36-month/36,000 miles while all others mentioned here offer coverage for 48-months or 50,000 miles.

Chrysler maintains a solid reputation for taking chances that others do not. Their bold engineering standards are appreciated by many and the company continues to thrive overall. The Sebring faces some stiff competition, but continues to gain ground. At significantly lower MSRPs than its competition, the 2009 Chrysler Sebring is definitely worth consideration. The best advice, as always, is to schedule a weekend test drive with a new Sebring and see how it makes you feel. You may find that the monetary savings are well worth the sacrifices of the Audi/BMW-type reputation.

2009 Audi A4 Sedan

The newly redesigned 2009 Audi A4 Sedan features a more squat stance and a sportier overall appearance than did last year's model. The A4 is Audi's smallest sedan model, but it is continuing to grow. In fact, it is only 1.3 inches shorter in its wheelbase than is the Audi A6. That's a full 6 inches longer than the wheelbase on the 2008 Audi A4. It's also two inches wider and, including theToyota Avalon, is the largest vehicle in its class. These dimensional increases grant the 2009 A4 enhanced levels of road-gripping performance and an elevated confidence range as well.

MSRPs for the Audi A4 range from $30,700 up to $48,800 and it comes with an impressive 48-month, 50,000-mile standard warranty. Fuel economy ratings make you feel good delivering 30 mpg on the highways and 23 mpg in the cities. It shares its underpinnings with the soon-to-come A5 and S5. Its lines are expertly-sculpted and it features a new front end that is noticeably aggressive. There are also catchy rows of running lights under each headlight. The longer wheelbase is accentuated with a shorter front overhand to make the car appear less long than it actually is. There has also been a 10 percent decrease in body weight over last year's model due mainly to the use of "ultra-high-strength steel".

On the inside, the 2009 A4 by Audi is all class. It features almost Lexus-grade materials and design standards. The seats are crafted from black leather and make a bold statement of elegance when matched with the black door panels. Aluminum accents are placed throughout to complete the pricey look and feel. As for cabin dimensions, they have grown in every respect as well. The seats offer considerably more comfort than did the 2008 ones and the trunk volume has increased by 3.6 cubic feet to 17 cf. The 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen 6-CD, iPod-enabled stereo system also has no problem getting your attention.

Enhanced safety features, both standard and optional continue to keep Audi in the forefront of the industry as a company that cares a lot about you and your family. There are 6 airbags standard and an option to purchase rear-side airbags as well. Engine-wise, the Audi A4 does not fool around; the stock engine pumps out 265 horses from its 3.2L V6/ZF 6-speed transmission combo. It will take you from 0 to 60 mph in only 6.2 seconds. Direct fuel injection and a 2-staged valve lifting system have created a 6 percent increase in fuel efficiency over last year's model. Reduced bodily weight has also lowered the drag coefficient from 0.31 to 0.29 Cod. Even the new air conditioner offers a ten percent power increase while simultaneously requiring roughly 20 percent less fuel to operate it.

Not surprisingly, the 2009 Audi A4 Sedan is a hot seller and continues to build solid consumer loyalty for the auto giant. The A4 over delivers in almost every respect imaginable. Power, safety, comfort, style, performance and above-average fuel economy make the Audi A4 well worth the price.

Incentives on New Car Purchases at the Highest Level in Six Years

According to data compiled by Edmunds.com, incentives on vehicle purchases averaged $2,902 in December 2008, the highest level in six years and up 18 percent from one year earlier.

Incentives began increasing in October and November and have posted peaks for three months as automakers struggle to overcome the lowest consumer demand in twenty-five years.

According to the Conference Board, a market information group, consumer confidence in the United States is at its lowest level since 1967, a fact clearly reflected in December's auto sales, down 35.6 percent from December 2007.

Jessica Caldwell, an analyst for Edmunds.com quoted in a report by Automotive News said, however, that the strategy isn't working. "They've been spending more and more money to try and entice anyone to come into a showroom. They're offering more and more money, but it's not really leading to any more sales."

In December, Toyota's incentives averaged $1,995, up 87 percent from 2007. Ford topped the list with average incentives of $4,029 per vehicle, followed by Chrysler at $3,667; General Motors at $3,661; Nissan at $2,251; and Honda at $1,218.

The highest incentives by vehicle segment are being offered on full-sized pickups with consumers getting breaks of as much as 16.5 percent of the sticker price.

Hyundai Offers Vehicle Return Program

Hyundai Motor America has announced an unprecedented program to protect consumers in this uncertain economic environment. Hyundai is providing a complimentary vehicle return program for the first year on every new Hyundai that is financed or leased for owners who experience an involuntary loss of income within 12 months of the purchase date.

“In this uncertain economy, we are looking for ways to reassure shoppers that Hyundai still represents the best value in the auto industry,” said John Krafcik, acting president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Our agreement with WALKAWAY allows us to offer a unique form of financial protection in all 50 states for the first time by an automaker.”

The Hyundai Assurance Program complements America’s Best Warranty as standard protection on new vehicles financed or leased from a participating Hyundai dealer, and supplements all existing consumer incentives. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment history or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months of the financing or lease date for vehicles financed through Hyundai Motor Finance Company and other third-party lenders and financing sources. Covered circumstances include:

– Involuntary unemployment
– Physical disability
– Loss of driver’s license due to medical impairment
– International employment transfer
– Self-employed personal bankruptcy
– Accidental death

Consumers must have made at least two scheduled payments on their loan or lease, be current on all payments and pay for any outstanding balance above the $7,500 benefit amount which results from negative equity. Once the benefit is approved by the Hyundai Assurance administrator and the customer pays any outstanding balance, the customer returns the vehicle to the selling dealer, whose appraisal is factored into the valuation formula, and the consumer avoids further financial obligation or negative impact to his/her credit. The dealer is then able to remarket the vehicle.

Official Website - Hyundai Assurance

PARIS DAKAR 2009

La versión del Dakar 2009 descubre un nuevo continente, América del Sur, que propone a los amantes de los grandes espacios, las más grandes posibilidades de aventuras.

La ida y vuelta por Buenos Aires, pasando por Valparaíso, es un desafío con el cual los deportistas más completos podrán medirse y tendrán la oportunidad de distinguirse.

Con un recorrido especial de 6.000 kilómetros, y diferentes dificultades repartidas a todo lo largo, la lucha por el título tardará bastante tiempo en definirse.

Vea itinerario.

Sera un desafio espectacular, sus paisajes, desconocidos para muchos, son inigualables, conoceran la gran Ciudad de Buenos Aires, una de las mas europeas de Sudamerica, atravesaran la Pampa, la Patagonia, veran los pinguinos y las ballenas, pueblos perdidos en el tiempo como Ing. Jacobacci, la tierra del petroleo, la tierra mendocina del mejor vino americano, las cumbres nevadas, lagos inmensos, las playas del Pacifico, ciudades como Valparaiso, tierras de aceituna y frutas secas, la generosidad y calidez de sus gentes, todo un territoiro para descubrir.

Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Own

No doubt the abysmal economy has dealt you some blows. But if your mind is set on purchasing a new car, there is good news: It's a buyer's market out there, and dealers need to make room for next year's models. With money tight, however, you probably want something that's affordable up front and economical over the long haul. To help, we compared cars based on their price, fuel efficiency, and cost to maintain searching for the 10 least expensive cars to own. Here's what we found.

Chevrolet Aveo

2008 Chevrolet Aveo

Small by American standards, the Aveo is Chevy's top seller in the European market, where fuel economy and compact size are a greater concern. The 2009 Aveo carries a 1.6-liter Gen 3 Ecotec engine, and with a manual transmission the Aveo earns an Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy rating of 27/34 mpg (city/hwy).

Honda Fit

2009 Honda Fit Sport 5-Spd AT

Honda's peppy Fit has been the center of much well-deserved attention. For being thrifty and compact, the Fit pulls off a surprising amount of style and performance, and it carries Honda's solid reputation for reliability and strong resale value. IntelliChoice ranks the Fit as having the lowest maintenance cost among compact cars, and it was also in Kelley Blue Book's top 10 Best Resale Value Awards for 2009.

Hyundai Accent

Hyundai Accent

Introduced in 1995, the Accent may not excel in the resale value category, but with a starting price of less than $10,000 it certainly is one of the cheapest cars to purchase. The Accent isn't likely to let you down in reliability, either. This year J.D. Power and Associates called the model the most dependable subcompact, based on responses from 52,000 owners of 2005 Accents. Its 1.6-liter engine and 110 horses might not get you there fast, but at least you'll have some money to spend when you arrive.

Kia Rio

2008 Kia Rio

The latest model of the Rio from Korean carmaker Kia delivers improved power from its 110 horsepower 1.6-liter engine. Available with four doors or a hatchback, the Rio boasts a better warranty than most, and its tempered appetite for fuel gives the Kia an EPA rating of 27/33 mpg (city/hwy).

Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa

First appearing in 2007, the Versa packs more power than its peers with a 1.8-liter engine that offers 122 horsepower through a continually variable transmission. With starting price of less than $10,000, the Versa vaunts enough quality and features to earn the Consumers Digest Best Buy Award for the third year in a row, and ForbesAutos.com ranked the Versa in the top half of its 10 cheapest cars to own.

Pontiac Vibe

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

Redesigned for 2009, the Pontiac Vibe strikes a respectable balance of efficiency, cost and style. A 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 5-speed transmission gives the Vibe an mpg of 26/32 (city/hwy), and buyers can opt for a 2.4-liter engine, as well as all-wheel drive. Lastly, the Vibe is assembled in a U.S. plant that Pontiac shares with Toyota, which is a good clue when looking for quality.

Scion xB

2008 Scion xB

Although it lost some of its sharper corners in its 2008 redesign, the Scion xB is still instantly recognizable. Despite its quirky, hipster edifice, the xB is a wise buy and one of the less expensive cars to own. A 2009 xB, with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, earns 22/28 mpg (city/hwy) with a starting price of $16,420. But offsetting its higher sticker price is its place in Kelley Blue Book's top 10 for best resale value.

Suzuki SX4

2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport

A collaborative effort between Suzuki and its Italian partner Fiat, the SX4 ranks on the low side in terms of mileage, with 22/30 mpg (city/hwy), but is an economical choice overall. The SX4 crossover took the IntelliChoice crown in 2007 for lowest ownership costs. It is also an affordable way to get all four wheels turning via an inexpensive AWD option.

Toyota Corolla

2009 Toyota Corolla XLE

While the sight of a Corolla might not set your adrenal glands tingling, this old faithful could make any accountant smile. Fully rehashed for 2009 with a 1.4-liter engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission, the Corolla earns an EPA fuel-economy sticker of 27/35 mpg (city/hwy). The 2008 Corolla was IntelliChoice's pick for highest retained value and lowest ownership costs in the compact category, and the 2009 model earns a place in this year's Kelley Blue Book awards for best retail value. "From a financial perspective," says KBB, "there aren't many smarter choices than the Corolla."

Toyota Yaris

2009 Toyota Yaris Liftback S 5-Door AT

Edgy on the outside, economical on the inside, the Yaris is a paragon of thrift while still delivering the sass factor. Trips to the pump will be few and far between: A 2-door Yaris with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 1.5-liter engine earns an EPA fuel-economy rating of 29/36 mpg (city/hwy). The Yaris was among Kelley Blue Book's 2009 Best Resale Value Award winners, and took the IntelliChoice awards for lowest ownership cost, lowest fuel cost and lowest operating cost in the subcompact category.