A Lady Driver's Point of View 

Who’s the Greenest, really?

So. Somebody dares to call Toyota a liar.

Autoblog reports: Toyota’s environmental image takes a beating.

Apparently, an environmental group called the Bluewater Network has launched an ad campaign accusing Toyota of misleading the public about its environmental record.

Incidentally, the article citing Bluewater saying Toyota’s newest “gas-guzzler” hybrids, the Highlander and Lexus RX400h, get no better fuel economy than their non-hybrid versions was found in last Monday’s Detroit Free Press. (Toyota lovers and fans were quick to point this out, of course.) The ad ran in Mother Jones online Monday and will also be printed soon in full-page ads in the New York Times and other publications.

According to Autoblog, Bluewater also pointed out that Toyota is working with other automakers to resist the federal government’s efforts to raise fuel economy standards, and to fight California’s proposed tighter clean air standards. The environmental group noted that Toyota’s fleet-average fuel economy is worse than it was 20 years ago.

Being one of the many who are still waiting for their Prius to arrive, I’m a bit suspicious of this bit of news. After all, Toyota is very much successful with their hybrid program so far. I’m sure a lot of other people are irked with that fact. But, should there be any truth to this report – I hope not though – maybe something good will come out, as one Autoblog comment said, maybe it can start a “I’m the Greenest” competition among the automakers. That would be good news for all of us who care about the planet.

And if you’re wondering what else you can do to help make things better for the planet, well for one, as I always say – make sure that you don’t make things worse by having a car that emits smog all over the place every time you run your car. Since most of us cannot do away with cars, we might as well find ways to cause lesser damage by being responsible car owners. Make sure that your vehicle’s exhaust system is working as it should. If you have a worn or damaged catalytic converter, make sure to replace it immediately. Auto parts stores like Auto Parts Online are just a click away so there’s no need to put off things until you find the time.

From Gas-Guzzlers to Gas-Sippers

SUV = gas-guzzler, right?

Not really.

According to CNN/Money, you can get your SUV and have fuel economy too.

Step back to an Autoblog report quoting an upcoming Newsweek article revealing that 56% of Americans still refuse to downsize their vehicles despite the high price of gas – see any kinship between these two issues? Autoblog continues: The point of the report is that while consumers aren’t downsizing, they are altering their tastes to include smaller SUVs and crossovers that are often built on car frames and use less thirsty V6 engines.

Fast forward to CNN/Money report: The fact is, regardless of gasoline prices, SUVs remain popular. But that doesn't mean things haven't changed in the face of rising fuel prices. Large SUVs, the ones that actually do guzzle lots of gas, are becoming less popular.

I think that Americans aren’t over the SUV love affair just yet.

So, CNN/Money suggests vehicles that may look and feel like, or may actually be an SUV but won’t drain your wallet like one:

Ford Escape Hybrid AWD
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Subaru Outback Wagon
Hyundai Tucson
Chevrolet HHR
Honda Element 4WD
Masda5
Toyota Matrix
Jeep Liberty Diesel


These vehicles may just be the best choices for those who want flexible storage space and all-wheel drive, but still want decent overall fuel mileage (in short, for those who want the cake and eat it too). Auto parts for these vehicles are also available in most trusted auto parts stores like Auto Parts Online, so finding quality replacement auto parts like suspension,radiators, mirrors, catalytic converters, altezza lights and A/C condensers will just be a few clicks away.

However, for those seriously considering a hybrid CNN/Money suggests to try to wait until next year because that’s when big tax breaks for hybrid buyers kick in.

Toyota Prius Conquers Hollywood

Autoweek reports: Starring Role: Hollywood’s love affair with Toyota Prius continues.



Toyota’s third bestselling car (after the Camry and the Corolla), the Prius, continues to shine on as appearances with the world’s glitziest stars and shows follow one after the other. The popular hybrid was recently seen “closing” the last episode of HBO’s Six Feet Under, was included in the plots of TV shows like The West Wing and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and is set to appear in more.

Not to mention that the Prius has also been used as the “alternative limo” at the Academy Awards (by stars who want to make real statements, presumably).

Because everybody wants to have a Prius these days, [link=ttp://www.toyota.com]Toyota[/link] is stepping up production of the in-demand hybrid. The Japanese automaker plans to build 100,000 of the cars for the U.S. alone.

While there has been news about dissatisfied hybrid owners about the car's mpg, it’s unlikely to make a dent in the hybrid’s popularity, at least not anytime soon. As one entertainment CEO said, "It's not about saving money on gas. It's about driving a cleaner vehicle.”

Being conservation-minded does not have to mean that you’ll have a boring vehicle. The Prius’ unusual design has already made it the “poster child” of most hybrids, but those who are bent on making their cars stand out in the traffic can always add auto parts like spoilers, fancy hubcaps, or have the car done with a one of a kind paint job. Replacement auto parts such as wheels, radiator support, A/C condensers and bumpers for hybrid cars like the Prius are also now available at trusted online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Online – so Toyota Prius owners need not worry about where to find quality Prius parts.

New MPV Concept From Nissan

Question: Can you imagine yourself driving your family or your friends inside one of these?

It’s Nissan’s new, cool MPV concept, the [link=www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/tokyo/0511_nissan_amenio/]Amenio[/link]. To debut at the upcoming Tokyo show, we might just be looking at what the MPVs of the future will look like.

See those cool, ultra comfy lounge chairs and that fabulous real skylight? Hopefully they’ll make it to production, ‘coz really, who wouldn’t want this?



You think that roof is cool? You haven’t seen anything yet. Autoblog reports that the coolest part of the Amenio concept is its 18-inch ultra-wide monitor in the center of the IP that displays in not one, but three modes:

City Browsing — showing various points of interest along the way as you drive.

Earth Browsing — looking down from outer space at cars traveling on earth.

Space Browsing — displays star constellations where the Amenio is heading.

Earth, Space browsing? Who needs these things? Astronauts probably. But if you’re going to have people drooling all over your dashboard – why not?



(And did I forget to mention that this MPV concept also comes equipped with the Around View Monitor that eliminates blind spots?)

Well if ever this concept goes into production, it’s going to be a head turner (love it or hate it) for sure. Today’s minivans don’t always rhyme with the word “excitement”, though my neighbor tried to make their family MPV, a [link=automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Odyssey]Honda Odyssey[/link] - a bit more of the word with new bumpers and hubcaps she ordered from Auto Parts Online, and a custom color which she said her kids insisted on after watching MTV’s Pimp My Ride. “It’s a good thing that that thing is still a concept,” she said after learning about the Amenio from me, ‘else my kids are going to be breathing all over my neck to get them one of those”.

Look out mommies.

2007 BMW M Coupe Spied

Folks, you are looking at a spy shot of the 2007 BMW M Coupe.

Insideline reports that The 2007 BMW M Coupe prototype was spotted at every manufacturer's favorite test track, the Nürburgring. When BMW showed the BMW Z4 concept to the world for the first time at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, it provoked oohs and ahhhs from the crowd (as usual) with its 261 horsepower, its set of 19-inch wheels and short gears for maximum acceleration.

Clearly people could not wait to get their hands on this car, but Insideline’s spy photos suggest ever provocatively that a Motorsport version could be very well underway too.

The BMW spotted testing the pavements of the Nürburgring tracks rode on a set of double-spoke wheels, plus four outlets in its tailpipes, similar to those used on several Motorsport cars over the last several years. Although the upcoming M3 is expected to get a 400-hp V8 under its hood, the M Coupe will probably stick with a high-powered version of the standard six. The Z4 coupe could go hit the market early next year so the M coupe could be expected to arrive by the summer of 2006.

Meanwhile, for your other BMW car needs, whether A/C condensers for your 2001 BMW M, or radiator for your 2002 BMW M coupe, find them and other premium quality auto parts for other car makes like Honda parts, Nissan parts, Jeep parts, or Chevrolet parts at reliable online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Online. Auto Parts Online is one of the most trusted online auto parts stores providing only the best auto parts for your car.

Where to Get the Best A/C Condenser for Your Car

Almost all cars nowadays are equipped with an air conditioning system. This system is very useful as it keeps the temperature inside the car conducive for long drives whatever the driving condition is. It doesn't literally give off “cold air” but it absorbs the hot air inside the car and cools it so you can have a more comfortable ride. Like other systems in your car, each of the parts in the a/c system is essential in order for the whole system to work efficiently; thus, even if one part of the system malfunctions, your riding comfort can be sacrificed.

The a/c condenser, particularly is very important since this is where the actual heat dissipation occurs. It works like the radiator, which on the other hand cools the engine of your car. If your a/c condenser has failed to function efficiently, you better have it checked. If not, replace it with a new one. There's a store that gives you the best replacement A/C condenser, Auto Parts Online. This auto parts store is the leading supplier of millions of parts for various makes and models.

Aside from the a/c condenser, you can find here the most durable engine parts, electrical parts, catalytic converter, bumper, auto lights and so much more. Whether you are looking for Ford parts, Chevrolet parts, BMW parts or Jeep parts, this store can answer all your car part needs, securely and more efficiently. Check out their informative and well designed site and see for yourself their top of the line automotive parts and accessories.

The Rise of SUVs

In the recent years SUVs have become the hottest selling vehicles in America, continuously outselling pickup trucks and even cars. A report from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College says that Sport Utility Vehicles represent the fastest-growing segment in the automobile industry, accounting for 25% of the vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2002, and SUV sales account for about 90% of the profits of the three biggest American automobile manufacturers.

Often practical, fun to drive, comfortable, and yes, luxurious - majority of SUVs are now built primarily for on-road driving, and are usually aimed at families who want flexible passenger and cargo utility. There is a size and price range to fit nearly every budget, and with literally dozens of different models on the road choosing the SUV that is best for you can actually be a mean feat.

Competition is fierce as main players like Toyota constantly apply pressure to domestic automakers with new and improved trucks, vans and SUVs. In fact, in the recent Consumer Reports, Toyota was cited as having the three of the four most reliable SUVs on the market: the Land Cruiser, Highlander and RAV4 (the fourth is the struggling Mitsubishi Endeavor). Nevertheless, Ford's sales superstars, the F-150 and the Explorer, are still the number one selling pickup and SUV in the U.S.

The popularity of SUVs also ensures that SUV parts and accessories would not be hard to come by. Thousands of auto supply stores are ever-ready to provide Ford F-150 radiators, Toyota Landcruiser headlights, and/or Mitsubishi Endeavor window regulators. Shopping for auto parts have also become more convenient than ever – with online auto parts stores mushrooming in every direction of the internet. Online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Train has gained a reputable mark for providing premium quality replacement and refurbishment auto parts for every car make in the market. Partstrain offers Chevrolet parts, Nissan parts, Honda parts and other car make products at extremely affordable prices, shipping the same products at the soonest possible time, and providing expert advice through its customer service line. Indeed as SUVs continue to dominate the market, people can expect to get more options to satisfy their needs.

Check Your Car’s Suspension System

A car’s suspension system serve a dual purpose – keeping its wheels on the ground where they can provide traction, and keeping vehicle occupants comfortable and reasonably well isolated from road noise, bumps, and vibrations.

A few signs to look for that could cause problems: If your car is having any vibration, irregular noise, knocking while driving over bumps - have your car inspected; there is definitely some problem.

Check inside the wheel arch if all four struts (shock absorbers) are dry. If any of them leaks oil – have it replaced, especially before a trip. Once it will be short on oil, the car will start bouncing like a boat and any road roughness can throw the car out of the road.

If the car "wanders" from side to side when you’re driving in highway speed or if you notice that your steering wheel is out of center, or the car pulls aside - check your wheel alignment. Improper wheel alignment may easily cause a car to skid at a high speed.

If you need replacement parts you can visit reliable online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Online, which offer a complete line up of quality parts from car makes such as BMW, Chrysler, Jaguar, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Jeep, Honda, and more. With over a million parts in stock, you are sure to find a match for your car needs.