Body Style
Coupe
Considered sporty and personal, a coupe is a long-running body style in automobile circles. Derived from the days when horse-driven carriages were popular, the term coupe was initially applied to closed carriages without rear-facing seats. Created for an intimate driving feel, coupes provide a broad range of motoring tastes and budgets. Interiors of coupes receive specific design focus around reinforcing the performance feel for driver and front seat passenger. Reasonably comfortable for front row occupants, the limited seating room found on most coupes makes the vehicle type less suitable for families with older children. If searching for an affordable coupe, vehicles such as the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra provide a sense of sporty style for a budget. Looking for a greater amount of comfort and features at a higher price, a series of premium coupes such as the Audi A5 is available. The term coupe has a habit of appearing on vehicles that do not adhere strictly to a so-called three-box body design involving a separate trunk. The coupe name is often applied to describe hardtop, two-door sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray or the Jaguar F-Type Coupe. Traditionally with automobiles, the accepted notion of a coupe was the presence of just two doors. For buyers who want the sleek, sportiness of a coupe but want more than two doors, a styling evolution with some premium car manufacturers creating four-door coupes could be a consideration. Potential buyers of coupes should be aware that insurance costs are generally higher than with a comparable sedan.
Sedan
A long-running and popular body style among car buyers around the world, the sedan adapts nicely to almost any automotive lifestyle. Whether you are a single person or part of a family of five, a sedan provides several useful features such as four doors and a separate trunk storage area. Sedans are unofficially classified under the category family sedan, sports sedan or luxury sedan. Priced within reach of most new car customers, family sedans sell interior space and practicality as high points. If looking for a family sedan, choices include the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry. Once considered dull to some drivers, growing standard features lists for family sedans will often include convenience items such high-tech stereo systems and Bluetooth connectivity. For drivers who want the exhilaration of a sports car but prefer ample rear seat passenger room, sports sedans are a popular vehicle type. If buyers are seeking engines that are more potent as well as a firmer suspension system, sport sedans furnish a sport-like theme. The sports sedan subcategory has been motivated by European cars like theBMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class but is now contended by almost every auto company in some form. Expensive and high-end, luxury sedans present the zenith of motoring comfort. The Rolls-Royce Ghost and the Bentley Mulsanne are prime examples of luxury sedans with an uncompromised list of amenities. Luxury sedan can be standout vehicles but will also be tricky to have serviced
Truck
Trucks or pickup trucks are the workhorses of the auto industry. Found with an open, flat bed for hauling a variety of cargo, pickup trucks can be fitted with three cabin options. If looking at a truck, choosing the right kind for a specific lifestyle can prove very difficult. It’s wise for a buyer to seriously realize their needs and not purchase a truck that may be too limited or excessive in capacity. In regards to passenger volume, regular cab trucks provide single row seating while an extended cab adds rear seat room for addition passengers. In order to grant improved rear seat accessibility, crew cab trucks present four-door cabins for ultimate convenience. The so-called tonnage of a truck is also a consideration for buyers. General duty full-sized trucks are often referred as half-ton models. Half-ton trucks like the Ford F-150 are useful for a majority of customers using their vehicles for carrying reasonable loads or towing objects such as small boats. Rated as professional grade or heavy-duty, trucks tonnage ratings of three-quarter and one ton are also available. Three-quarter and one ton trucks like the Ram HD feature greater load-hauling and towing capacities than a half-ton model. When a full-sized truck is undesirable for its size, you may find mid-sized trucks as an attractive alternative. Not as capable in regards to cargo and towing to full-sized models, mid-sized trucks like the Nissan Frontier are effective for use by most urban-dwellers and feature better fuel efficiency. Widely available with the choice of two-wheel and four-wheel drive systems, trucks offer a giant selection of engine choices. Four-cylinder and six-cylinder gasoline engines are common for mid-sized trucks providing effective power proportionate to the vehicle‘s dimensions. Six-cylinder engines can also be found on full-sized trucks as base powerplants for buyers willing to forego some power in exchange for fuel economy. The reputation of six-cylinder engines in larger trucks has improved thanks to vehicles like the Ford F-150 offering a powerful twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine. Peak power and capacity for half-ton trucks are commonly derived from V-8 gasoline powerplants. In addition to gasoline-fueled V-8 engines powering professional grade trucks, diesel engine choices are available for ultimate pulling performance. Recently, diesel engines have also been made available on lighter duty trucks. The 2014 Ram 1500 has introduced an Eco Diesel engine allowing for impressive power coupled with better fuel economy when compared to a V-8 engine.
SUV
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have existed since the 1930s but experienced explosive popularity during the mid-1990s. Built on a truck frame, SUVs harnesses utility attributes and powerful engine performance. One of the first popular SUVs in the United States was the Jeep originally conceived based on a demand for a four-wheel drive vehicle during World War II. SUVs are generally associated with toughness and stout on-road and off-road handling manners. Originally constructed as four-wheel drive vehicles intent to handle off-road trails, SUVs have increasingly become the vehicle of choice for luxury-minded drivers with products like the Range Rover and Cadillac Escalade. A highly popular body style in the 1990s, SUVs are easier to find in the used car market. Today, many buyers opt for crossover vehicles over SUVs desiring a more car-like ride and lower center of gravity. SUVs would still remain attractive to drivers wanting a full-fledged four-wheel drive system and/or a powerful towing performance. Popular with four-wheel drive systems, SUVs equipped with two-wheel drive (typically at the rear wheels) is a good choice for customers wanting to save money and fuel while not requiring peak off-road ability. Most new SUVs are classified as mid-sized or full-sized models. Better for maneuvering and generally easier on consuming fuel, mid-sized SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee appear similar to crossover vehicles but often feature greater off-road and towing equipment. Full-sized SUVs in North America are derived from full-sized pickup trucks. With full-sized SUVs, buyers may be intrigued by seating for up to nine passengers and towing capacity that can easily haul a trailer or a small powerboat. Fuel economy of full-sized SUVs has traditionally been unfavorable but new engine management technology, as well as six-cylinder engines being introduced, has made 2014 models more reasonable.
Van
For individuals or businesses that require a vehicle with a single large enclosed area, a van could be a leading choice for drivers. Capable of securely holding a large amount of cargo or passengers, vans are significantly styled for practicality rather than other factors such as performance. From the 1930s to the 1980s, vans were almost entirely based on truck-like chassis structures. Vans built on truck-like frames such as the Chevrolet Express prove most useful for commercial entities that require toughness and durability. If equipped for passenger, large vans can seat up to 15 occupants. Popularizing car-based construction, Chrysler gave the world the first proper introduction for the minivan in 1983. Realized as an alternative to the wagon but also decreased in proportions to a large van, the minivan became a big success for Chrysler and later led to almost every high-volume auto manufacturer placing one in their product line-up. Minivan use has been losing popularity among families as the availability of seven-passenger crossover vehicles has presented an enticing alternative to the less thrilling van shape. Several minivans remain for sale including the Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Modern minivans contain a number of available family-centric features that includes built-in vacuums as well as a sophisticated rear seat entertainment system. In recent years, smaller vans have been proving popular as alternatives to sedans such as taxi cabs thanks to its large passenger cabin and ease of converting for wheelchair accessibility. The Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200 are two models both specifically being outfitted for taxi duties in major cities. Vans are also popular among the recreational vehicle industry by serving as the basis for class B motor homes or sometimes-called camper vans.
Sports car
So you want to explore motoring with the enriching feel of a sports car? Rarely practical, sports cars are intent to create an atmosphere of fun for the driver on the streets or possibly on the race track. On-road performers, sports cars do not adhere stringently to any specific body style criteria allowing a driver to decide on a vehicle matching their individual tastes and lifestyle. Sport cars can be built using coupe,convertible as well as sedan body styles. A high-performance crossover vehiclecould also be considered in the same realm as a sports car. Some prefer a sports car that is extremely light on comfort and convenience features while others prescribe to the notion of a sports car being a luxury machine. Some sports cars are greatly similar to vehicles or incorporate technology used in professional auto racing. Construction of sports cars often relies on lightweight components such as aluminum and very exotic carbon fiber to maximize engine power and improve handling. Due to the performance and competitive nature of sports cars, it is common to see aspects such as horsepower and design change on a frequent basis. The pricing range for sports cars ranges broadly from under $20,000 into the millions. More affordable examples of sports cars include the Mazda MX-5 and the Scion FR-S. With pricier sports cars such as the Ferrari F12berlinetta, engine power is often top of the charts in the entire auto industry. Expensive sports cars are often constructed in limited numbers adding to their exclusivity in the marketplace. Despite the massive horsepower of some sports cars, the future of this vehicle category is increasingly becoming enriched with powertrain technology such as hybrid drive platforms. Desirable to many drivers, sports cars are typically more expensive to own due to insurance and fuel costs.
Convertible
A vehicle providing an open-air passenger cabin for traveling during good weather, convertibles provide the protection of a retractable roof when weather conditions turn unpleasant. During the early history of the automobile, convertibles were the only types of cars available. Today, it is considered an automotive lifestyle choice best suited for warmer climates. Though some convertibles like the Mazda MX-5 Miata or Smart Fortwo Cabriolet can be affordable, most appeal to luxury car riders and even performance car fans. Convertibles have long used a fabric roof consisting of several layers of material to shield occupants when needed. However, a growing trend has supported hard roof convertibles that feature much of the security of a fixed-roof vehicle while also allowing it to retract. With hardtop convertibles, added production are offset typically by storage space in the trunk area when the roof section is retracted since there is less cargo room available. This could make a hardtop convertible less attractive for anything more than a weekend trip. The increased structural components often cause the weight of the convertible to exceed that of a fixed-roof counterpart. The added weight and different aerodynamics caused by open top driving also results in slightly slower performance attributes for the convertible. In addition to convertibles that feature a retractable roof, some similar vehicles provide an open-air driving experience with a removable roof panel. Termed as a 'Targa' top by Porsche, these type of convertibles feature performance almost identical to a fixed-roof vehicle. The major inconvenience with a Targa roof is storage of the top when removed. In most cases, a convertible is adapted from a coupe or shares important characteristics with a sporty two-door.
Hybrid
Capitalizing on the strengths and efficiencies of two powerplants, hybrid cars have emerged as an important vehicle class. Hybrid cars generally operate with an internal combustion engine and electric motor working together in order to gain greater fuel economy or to boost power. Electric power for hybrid cars is sourced from power outlets or through regenerative braking. With many hybrid vehicles on the market in 2014, customers considering one are faced with many variations of the system. With so-called mild or micro hybrids, vehicles are equipped with stop/start system that automatically turns the gasoline engine off to save fuel. Mild hybrid cars can also provide limited assistance to an internal combustion engine. Micro or mild hybrid attributes include the Buick LaCrosse eAssist and the Mazda6 i-ELOOP model are more attractive financially and runs near seamlessly. If searching for greater fuel savings, parallel hybrid vehicles use a larger electric motor than mild hybrid cars. Parallel hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius can move on gasoline, electric or the combined power of both. Gaining popularity in the marketplace is range-extending or plug-in hybrid cars. Running like an electric vehicle for a distance, plug-in hybrid cars will begin using a fuel-burning engine when the vehicle’s battery is depleted. Plug-in hybrids work for drivers considering an electric car but are concerned with low battery ranges. The Chevrolet Volt as well as 2014 BMW i3 Range Extender models are examples of hybrids using a gasoline engine as backup power. If a driver only travels for a short range every day, it may be possible to rarely stop at a gas station. For the 2014 model year, the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion are actually offered in a variety of hybrid configurations for buyers to choose from. Purchases of parallel type and plug-in hybrid cars will traditionally be supported by government tax credits.
Luxury
A luxury car is considered the peak of driving comfort and aspires to provide the most rewarding sensation of motoring. Based on the oddity and expense of early automobiles, the luxury car category was actually one of the first vehicle types established. One key element of a luxury car is their higher cost to conventional automobiles. Brand prestige, but also technology causes the price of luxury cars to be greater. Due to the advance in technology, many automotive features first appear on luxury cars prior to being fully implemented for the mass market. Electric starter, air conditioning and HID headlights are some items that were introduced on luxury cars over decades. Modern luxury cars continue to push the boundaries of technology with some standout features including full LED headlights and GPS-controlled transmissions. Luxury vehicles can adhere to almost any body style.Coupes, sedans, convertibles and most recently crossover vehicles have proven popular with high-end consumers. Coupe and convertible luxury cars are ideal for more personalized driving while large sedans could involve owners being chauffeured. Up until the 1980s, luxury cars were typically heavy vehicles providing a soft ride for passengers. Today's luxury cars generally offer more performance car-like ride qualities allowing them to be faster and more nimble. For this reason, many sports cars and supercars are also considered luxury cars. A growing trend has also resulted in the rise of compact or entry-level luxury cars. Compact luxury cars like the Cadillac ATS, Acura ILX and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have been created to attract a younger premium driving demographic or to provide a stepping-stone into a brand. Due to higher costs, luxury cars are often produced in lower quantities compared to other cars. In some cases, production of a luxury product is strictly limited in order to insure exclusivity.
Crossover
A diverse vehicle type, a crossover features the height of a truck-based vehicle built on a car-like unibody frame. The term 'crossover' vehicle was adopted in the late 1990s and was soon heavily adapted. For motorists, the appeal of the crossover vehicle is a large cargo area and a higher overall ride height than a standard sedan. Compared to truck-based sport utility vehicles, crossovers are typically less fuel consuming, but trade off extreme four-wheel drive technology. For most drivers in the city, the crossover is a more likeable personality than a sport utility vehicle. Front-wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel drivetrains are common in the crossover segment. Lower cost than all-wheel drive, two-wheel drive crossovers are well suited for motorists who remain in city areas. All-wheel drive technology found on crossover vehicles are designed to provide relief for driving through challenging road conditions, but is not as off-road capable as sport utility vehicles. Crossovers are frequently referred to as sport utility vehicles despite some technical differences. Affordable family crossovers include the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. For larger families, a range of crossovers such as theFord Explorer and the 2014 Nissan Rogue also feature third row seating. Crossovers have also tempted luxury car companies to provide one or several vehicles for the high-end motoring market. The Range Rover Evoque, BMW X3, Porsche Macan and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class are some production crossovers found in a crowded premium vehicle sub-category. In some cases, wagons like the Audi Allroad and Volvo XC70 are considered crossover vehicles since they have adopted all-wheel drive as well as other off-road touches.
