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There are some fantastic crossover SUVs on the market right now that are not only affordable, but dependable and safe as well. When any type of SUV is considered, it is due to a desire for a vehicle that can handle various road and weather conditions, as well as haul various passengers and cargo. The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out for larger families. There are several trim packages. The Sport is probably the more popular and comes with a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine. This smaller engine still offers 190 horsepower without sending its owner to the gas station everyday. The Sport’s estimated miles per gallon is 29city/29hwy. Even the Sport 2.0T that has a turbo charged 2.0 liter engine and pulls 264 horsepower, has an estimated miles per gallon of 20city/27hwy. Not bad at all. The starting MSRP for the Sport is about 24,700 and the Sport 2.0T is 27,950.
All of the Santa Fe models come with some basic features such as Bluetooth and iPod capabilities, spacious interiors, satellite radio, and an optional navigation system. However, as stated earlier, families tend to look at some essential things like safety and room, before the other perks. Although the Sport trims are nice they do only seat a maximum of five. If your family is looking to only haul people, and if you are a family of five, and are never planning on having a guest within your vehicle, then the sport is ideal. We all know that scenario is not likely, but for a family of 3-4, the Sport would work nicely. Luckily Hyundai offers a GLS and Limited version for their 2013 Santa Fe. The only true difference is the seating. The GLS can seat up to seven, but the Limited only seats up to six. The reason for this is due to the second seat row in the Limited, now has two captain chairs. Basic perks and options are basically the same across the board for all trim models of the Santa Fe, however, the panoramic sunroof that is offered on the other models is not on the GLS. The GLS has a starting MSRP of 28,350 and the Limited is 33,100. Both have a 3.3 liter V6 engine and a miles per gallon of 18city/25hwy can be expected. This is a decent miles per gallon, and you can still enjoy the subtle yet thrilling feel of 390 horsepower.
The big thing now is safety. All models come with anti lock brakes, and traction and stability control. That will guarantee a safer ride on wet or icy roads. The government front and side crash rating for the Santa Fe earned an impressive five stars. The side, curtain, and front airbags are large contributors to that rating, as well as the descent control and what is called “hill hold”.
Standard on all models is Blue Link which is Hyundai’s emergency system. It includes numerous services that include remote access and theft recovery.
Overall the Santa Fe, regardless of model, is the ideal SUV for larger families. There are other comparable SUVs, but none with all of the things in one that families tend to look at. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers affordability, roominess, and safety.
The car is expected to retail at $41,000 for the most basic model with an additional five thousand tacked on for a car with a range extender. However, thanks to its specialized battery and electric power, the car will be easy and inexpensive to fuel. The car is also said to drive extremely well in accordance to other BMW models, but there have not been any test drives offered yet. Do not let its compact size or electric power fool you because this car can reach 60 mph in just over 3.5 seconds.
The basic model can go up to a hundred miles on a full charge whereas the range extender version will allow the car to travel up to a 200 miles radius. The battery can be fully charged in 3 hours with 220 volts. However, there is a more powerful charged that can get it to one hundred percent in under half an hour.
This car is being targeted towards chic urban livers who want to invest in an electric car that is both sleek and compact. One of the more unique features of the car is that it has no middle pillar. The car is open and seamless as this allows for easier movement inside the car. The ultimate purpose of this feature means that the driver can easily exit through the passenger door when parking on a city street. The i3 also has a very small turning radius at 32 feet which will make it easy to drive in urban areas.
The BMW i3 is also more than just an electric car designed to reduce its impact on the environment. It is also outfitted with sustainable materials. For example, the car’s interior is made up of at least twenty percent of recycled plastic. The wood found on the dashboard is also made from forests that are harvested with care and responsibility. The overall design of the i3 is much sleeker than previous electric car models. In fact, the head designer explained that the car was designed to be more than just a “post-apocalyptic military vehicle.” Thus, the car’s smooth and luxurious design make it more than just the average electric car.
When considering the best rated SUV of 2014 the choice is not black and white due to the three different size categories. With that in mind this article will compare apples to apples so to speak which should give everyone researching SUV’s a good point of reference for their research.
Besides the size category price is a consideration. Comparing a Mercedes to a Kia will not provide the information you need if you can only afford to purchase a Kia. Separating the SUV’s with an affordable label verses a luxury label will narrow down your search.
This is the fastest growing class of SUV’s and is gaining popularity with just about every segment of the population. These small vehicles are big on the interior and family friendly. The affordable price range is under $30,000.
1) Honda CR-V. The CR-V has been popular since its introduction and leads the field here. Plenty of room on the interior and lots of standard features to go with Honda quality.
2) Buick Encore. Buick’s compact entrant is classy and good looking. It comes with loads of features standard and an interior to be proud of. The engine is a bit under powered but it is not meant for off road driving.
3) Mazda CX-5. The CX-5 is the fuel efficiency leader of the group and makes it a good choice for that reason. The Mazda also has excellent handling that makes it a safe choice as well.
Luxury compact SUV’s start at $30,000 and includes the manufacturers you would expect. Top level interiors and increased engine performance are big bonuses in this category,
1) Infiniti QX50. This Infinity has great road handling ability and a powerful motor. The interior is in line with Infinity’s high standards but is considered by some to be undersized.
2) Audi Q5. The Q5 is German engineering at its best. Agile handling to go with a nicely powered engine makes the Audi a good choice. Standard luxury interior make for enjoyable drives through the countryside.
3)BMW X3. The X3 has one of the roomiest interiors in this class and is a leader in fuel efficiency. More than enough power from the engine is balanced by the nimble handling.
With a starting price range of below $40,000 this group of SUV’s has maintained a good portion of the market share.
1)Buick Enclave. Buick gets the nod in this category also. The Enclave has refined interior features and superior agility on the road. Add in high safety scores for the win.
2) Hyundai Santa Fe. Hyundai sneaks in at number two with the most affordable of all the choices. Nice ride, loaded with standard features, and a great warranty makes this a good choice.
3) Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee is the only real off road winner in this category. A roomy comfortable interior helps balance the rough ride common with Jeeps.
This groups price starts at $40,000 but well equipped models can go for $65,000 or more.
1) Acura MDX. The MDX is an Acura through and through. Great handling, seven seat comfort, and excellent fuel economy for the class brings this SUV to the top of the class.
2)Lexus RX 350. If the RX 350 doesn’t have it you probably don’t need it. Spacious interior, especially the backseats, and highest rated dependability are two good reasons to choose this Lexus
3)BMW X5. This X5 was redesigned for this model year and the improvements are notable. Agile driving ability, elegant and stylish interior plus a wide choice of powerful engine options.
With a starting price of $55,000 these are where SUV’s began. Seeing the two most notable models in the top three should come as no surprise.
1) Chevrolet Tahoe. No surprise here. The Tahoe just keeps getting better and more driver friendly. Great power train and comfortable interior.
2)Toyota Sequoia. The Sequoia sneaks in between the big two with a spacious interior for hauling lots of family members and a smooth ride.
3)Chevrolet Suburban. This is the last model of this design and is an excellent choice for families. Plenty of room and power for vacations and trips to the soccer field.
For the families where luxury is paramount and money is a small consideration these SUV’s start at $55,000 and can top $100,000.
1)Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The GL-Class sports a strong diesel engine and a refined interior. This SUV has everything you want.
2)Lexus LX 570. Lexus is a leader in the SUV category and this model is one of the main reasons. Elegant interior, smooth ride, and actual off road capabilities make this one of the very best.
3) Toyota Land Cruiser. Toyota may be showing that it wants a part of the luxury market with this model. At $75,000 it is near the top starting price of the bunch. The Land Cruiser was built for off road driving but has interior comfort and ride to make it family friendly.
The best rated SUV’s would not be complete without mentioning Hybrids.
1)Lexus RX 450h, As you would expect the 450h has great fuel economy. Combine that with a spacious interior and great reliability for the top choice here.
2) Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid. The Touareg has great reviews which puts it at number two. The lofty price puts it out of the range of many buyers.
3) Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid. Subaru’s all wheel drive gives this hybrid traction all year round. The quiet interior makes long drives pleasurable.
Top SUV’s are rated according to three specific attributes: The quality of the manufacturer’s model, the reliability of the vehicle to sustain years on the road, and the resale value it maintains after it becomes a used car. If an SUV can meet your needs in each of these categories, it is one you can purchase confidently.
One quality option for those looking to purchase an SUV is the 2014 Toyota Rav 4. Toyota is well established as a quality, yet affordable auto maker with an excellent track record for satisfying its customers. The 2014 Rav 4 is no different. With a starting price in the mid $20,000 range and 29 mpg highway, the Rav 4 offers affordability both off the lot as well as down the road. Toyota brings the Rav 4 along a classy, stylish interior with leather style seating and push button start to exude luxury. As a 4 cylinder engine, you won’t be towing cruise ships anytime soon, but the majority of people will never come close. Crash testing has proven the Rav 4 to be an extremely safe vehicle, and Toyota is well known to produce quality products that often outlast the competition. On the downside, the Rav 4 is certainly not the most spacious vehicle, being classified as a “Compact Crossover” SUV. This leads to less capacity, and less overall “Utility” usage of the Sports Utility Vehicle package. Despite these drawbacks, the Rav 4 retains tremendous resale value; as all Toyota vehicles are known to do. For the budget minded SUV customer, the Rav 4 might be the way to go – but it is not the best.
If we look a little bit higher on the SUV option list, we would find the incredibly versatile and reliable 2014 Nissan Murano S SUV. At a price range entering the mid $30,000 level, the Murano comes with a higher budget. With that, however, comes great reward. Sporting a powerful V6 engine, rear-view camera and even a blind spot notification system, the Murano steps up the game in terms of power and applicability. An excellent navigation system, many packages for towing and cargo, and even a highway mpg in the mid 20’s, Nissan offers an excellent option that can easily perform any duty an SUV could be called on to do. Nissan is known for its reliability, making the vehicle reliable years down the road with standard maintenance. If there is a downside, it is that Nissan vehicles tend to not retain resale value as well as some of their counterparts, as their name is only recently being considered in the more reliable and quality category of car makers. Despite this, it is hard to argue against the Nissan Murano being an excellent SUV to own, and one that will serve you well for years to come. But there is one SUV that stands above it, and it really shouldn’t surprise too many people.
When you think of excellent quality, reliability, resale value and even luxury, Mercedes-Benz has to be the complete picture of all that realized. With a lengthy history of quality car making in the rear-view, a dedication to perfection, and now a dedication to make such quality affordable, it is a no-brainer that Mercedes-Benz makes it to the top of the list. Starting in the mid $30,000 range and approaching 30 mpg highway, the Mercedes-Benz GLK seeks to solve every question your car search has produced. Running a strong V6 engine with a smooth, 7 speed automatic transmission, the GLK has power to walk hand in hand with top of the line luxury and economy. You know you have as reliable a vehicle you could ever dream of with a Mercedes, and lets be honest – it looks flat out stunning. As imagined, resale value is excellent, as its top of the line brand name carries quite a bit of weight in the automobile universe.
Though slightly pricier than the previous SUV’s discussed, the GLX remains affordable; quite a feat considering what you are getting for your money. The GLX is a top of the line SUV, and all it takes is a test drive to make the transition from considering to sold. The Best SUV of 2014 takes the crown with strength, style, luxury and economy; making it truly the SUV to be envied in its class.
The 2014 BMW X5 has all the power any SUV driver needs, especially if they opt for the X5 with xDrive501. The 445-hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine can take this intriguing 2.5-plus-ton SUV from a standing start to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. An amazing feat. It’s also a blast to put this vehicle through its paces. For those who don’t want to shell out the additional $13k plus for the xDrive501 package, the X5 with xDrive35i with its 300 horsepower turbocharged inline-six delivers an eyebrow-raising 300 lb-ft of torque. More than enough to get you where you want to go in a hurry.
The powerful BMW X5 also gets decent gas mileage no matter which model you choose. The X5 50i gets an EPA estimated 14 mpg in the city and a respectable 22 mpg when cruising on the highway. The BMW X5 35i gets even better millage. According to the EPA, the 35i averages 17mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. That’s excellent for a vehicle with its size and power. Plus it’s quiet and smooth. Its boosted 3.0 liter engine delivers near instant throttle response and its 8-speed automatic transmission takes full advantage of it whether passing slower vehicles or simply zipping along.
When you add electronic power steering augmented by the new BMW active steering feature, the vehicle handles like a dream. This is definitely a driver’s automobile. The power steering system allows drivers to feel the road, yet control the vehicle with ease. It also lets drivers experience the agility of this beautiful beast. In fact it’s the way this BMW handles that often makes buyers hurry up and sign on the dotted line. They can’t wait to put the X5 on the road and enjoy it out in the real world whether whipping into a parking space or weaving through traffic.
The interior of the new BMW X5 is wonderful. Its heated leather seats not only feel good, they provide superior back support. Plus the seats adjust every which way and are sure to make both driver and passengers so comfortable they can ride all day. In this third generation X5 BMW has employed high-quality sound-absorbing materials that keeps the interior so quiet you barely need to talk above a whisper to be heard even at top speed. The dark colored décor makes grass, grease, and mud disappear in this Sports Activity Vehicle as BMW calls it.
There’s lots of room inside the X5 for people and things. The second row seats can move forward and back and fold flat to increase the cargo space. It has plenty of room to put luggage, camping gear, balls, bats, and pads for those with sport’s enthusiasts in their family. It roomy rear and power operated lift gate makes stacking the groceries a breeze when you have been out shopping alone. There is ample leg room so even tall, lanky, athletes can kick back and relax whether they are sitting in the front or the back. It’s the perfect vehicle for crusing with family and friends.
With the 2014 X5, BMW has not skimped when it comes to technology. From the tilting and telescoping steering column to the easy to see 10.2 inch navigational screen, it’s obvious BMW designed this vehicle with the passenger in mind. There’s an easy to use touch pad with Buttons that control all the basic functions, plus USB connectivity, a sweet audio system, Bluetooth and smartphone integration, power sunroof, and a host of active and passive safety features. All of this is in addition to BMW’s iDrive system. The interior also employs ergonomic elements to keep occupant safe and comfortable.
Besides offering all-wheel drive and Active Steer on all models, BMW also has a number of special packages leasers can add to their vehicles for a modest fee. The Driver Assistance package has a rearview camera and head-up display. The Driver Assistance Plus includes active drive assist, cruise control, blind-spot detection, and 360-degree surround view. The Luxury Line package contains roof rails, sport steering wheel, and 19-inch wheels. Purchase the Lighting package and you get automatic high beams and full LED lights.
There is also a Cold Weather package which boasts a heated steering wheel and rear seats along with retractable headlight washers. If you select the Premium package you get satellite radio, auto door closures, and keyless entry. There are also a host of other goodies just waiting to be discovered as you explore the world in your new 2014 BMW X5. Its flexibility and styling make it perfect for taking Cinderella to the ball or hanging with the guys at the ballgame.
Heading into dangerous territory? Take the BMW X5 Security. Built to meet the VR4 ballistic protection level, it even has an intercom which lets you talk to those outside your X5 without rolling down your window, and the power and speed to get you out of there quickly. The 2014 BMW X5’s third generation SUV is lighter and has added a rear-drive model. Their diesel model will be released in the U.S. soon.
There are lots of reasons to lease the 2014 BMW X5. When you consider its new aerodynamic body, eight-speed automatic transmission, adjustable suspension modes, enhanced dampers, active anti-roll system, and advanced telematics, and leasing it looks like a brilliant move.
When you say Honda, most people think about the dependability, and this auto maker’s reputation that has stood the test of time. The Honda CR-V is an economically priced, smaller SUV that is one of Honda’s best utility automobiles. Introduced in 1995, the manufacture is still rolling these cars off the line as fast as they can sell them. With a starting price of $22,945 and gas mileage of 23 in the city and 31 on the highway, it’s a bargain. This car is perfect for a family of four or under, and has a nice cargo area and plenty of upgrade options. Ranked #1 in inexpensive compact SUV’s, Honda did a spectacular job with this beauty.
When Ford first introduced the Explorer back in 1990, it started the SUV revolution. However, Explorer is known to be a gas hog and it is quite pricey for some families. The answer to this problem is the Escape. Ford began making this compact crossover in 2000. The new models have Flex-Fuel, which offers vast gas mileage savings. This vehicle ranks #7 in the most economical SUV’s and has nice add ons, like the hands-free lift gate. Starting price at $23,100 with gas mileage of 23 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway, the Escape is a great option for the spend-thrifty family.
Jeep is another name that people equate with quality and dependability. The Cherokee rolled off the lines in 1984. There are many trim packages available on this sports utility vehicle, so this does affect the price quite a bit. Once called the Jeep Waggoner, this car has had major transformations over the past three decades. First created for government and police use, their unique nature caught on and sales skyrocketed. With models like the Laredo, Grand, Briarwood and Classic, there is a great selection. The new 2014 models are priced at $22,995. With an excellent 4×4 package, this vehicle is made to tow boats and campers and for off-road fun. Gas mileage is 22 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. Jeep is a part of the Chrysler Corporation, and they are known to be a quality SUV for the family.
They are compact and cute, but still considered an SUV. The Rav-4 was introduced in 1994 to rave reviews. This car was the answer to the prayers of those who couldn’t afford the larger ones, and really didn’t need the extra gas mileage. The Rav-4 is a smaller, more compact SUV, but it still has enough room to comfortably seat four. This car offered consumers what they wanted, four wheel drive, more cargo space and the fuel economy of a smaller vehicle. Some say that this small wonder paved the way for other compact SUV’s, like the Ford Escape and the Subaru Forester. The base price on this vehicle is $23,550. The average gas mileage is 24 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. The Rav handles more like a car than most SUV’s, thus making it a great contender in the affordable category.
When Kia first started marketing vehicles in the US, some people were more than skeptical. Much has improved since the first cars rolled onto the lots. In 2002, Kia introduced the Sorento. While sales were a bit stagnate at first, new and improved body styles increased options and eventually sales. The third generation rolled out this year with a 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine. A bold choice of colors, and the Nappa leather trimmed seats, gave customers many luxurious choices. With standard front wheel drive and four wheel drive options, this mid-size crossover can compete with more expensive vehicles with ease. Price at $24,100, this auto gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.
The first Subaru Foresters were cars that had eerie similarities to a station wagon. However, that was back in 1997 and the new 2014 models have expanded to quite an impressive crossover. These cars were always popular in areas where there was plenty of snow, like West Virginia. Part of the attraction was the all-wheel drive. They pretty much had the market on the all-wheel drive category for a car. Japanese made, these crossovers have a unique look and an excellent starting price at only $21,995. Subaru has some pretty expensive vehicles, but this one is surprisingly affordable. With gas mileage of 24 mpg in the city and 32 on the freeway, it gets good marks for affordability all the way around. There are eight trim packages available in all, and this car seems to still have a strong following in rural communities.
Introduced in 2007, the Nissan Rogue is not a crossover that got a great deal of attention until now. However, it has some pretty great features and a great price point starting at $23,650. Average fuel costs are 25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. It was a top pick for safety in crash test ratings, which makes it a great option for families. An amazing 70.0 cu. ft. of cargo space is not too bad either. The 2014 model was voted the fifth most popular SUV in the country. With four trim levels, and a sporty look that is unique to other vehicles in this class, this one stands out from the rest.
This Buick provides its owners with an upscale feel at a budget price. While this vehicle has a variety of terrific qualities, what stands out most is its luxurious interior that appears to be fit for an SUV sold at double its price. That interior, matched with a timeless and classy exterior and a plethora of features that come standard gives it a top grade in terms of aesthetic appeal and comfort. For more environmentally friendly or frugal consumers, it should be noted that this vehicle gets 33 highway miles per gallon, giving it a far better fuel economy than most other SUVs. As for cons related to this vehicle, its engine leaves much to be desired in terms of raw power, and its cargo-hold may be a bit small for some potential SUV owners.
The Dodge Durango provides size, style and performance at a significantly lower price than most of its serious competitors. Its standard V6 engine offers its owners the power that many of the more affordable SUVs lack. For potential SUV owners who have large families or large carpools, this three-row SUV may be a perfect fit. When it comes to the Durango’s shortcomings, it only has modest carriage space for a vehicle of its size and is average with regards to fuel efficiency.
While this SUV hybrid is not substantially more fuel efficient than non-hybrid SUVs in terms of highway miles (33 miles per gallon), it offers its drivers terrific fuel efficiency on city roads (29 miles per gallon). Moreover, the fuel efficiency afforded to its drivers does not come at the expense of the vehicle’s style or comfort. Overall, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid is a great option for anyone who is looking for a stylish hybrid SUV that comes equipped with many standard features and has a great looking interior. The only real downside to this vehicle is that its carriage is fairly undersized.
The Mazda CX-5 is the perfect SUV for an individual looking for a stylish and sporty low-cost SUV. It is fairly fuel efficient (35 highway miles per gallon) and comfortable to drive, yet has an edge seldom seen in this class of SUV. If you are looking for a vehicle that is at least adequate in essentially all respects, yet possesses more flash than most other budget SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 should be at the top of your list of potential vehicles.
Although none of these options would leave you disappointed, there are plenty of SUV options out there if the cars above do not meet your particular preferences. Nevertheless, you would be well advised to strongly consider the vehicles noted above. Customers, critics and experts all agree that these vehicles provide their drivers with extraordinary experiences at a significantly lower price tag than many of their competitors. No matter which SUV you end up choosing, make sure to do your research beforehand.
BMW has always made superior automobiles, but with the 2015 X3 SUV they’ve taken it to another level. It’s not simply the 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the superior handling, the boatload of safety features, or all the technology. It’s how BMW has put it all together in the 2015 X3 SUV.
Not only does it come with a 4-year 50,000 mile basic warranty, seats 5 comfortably, and gets a respectable 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg out on the open road. The vehicle comes in a rainbow of colors including Mineral Silver or white, Alpine White, Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Deep Sea Blue, Glacier Silver, Jet Black, Melbourne Red, Space Gray, and Sparkling Brown all with metallic finishes. BMW deserves extra credit for expanding people’s color palette.
The 2015 X3 comes with premium leather or leatherette interiors in color combinations like Beige, Black Nevada w/Gray Contrast Stitching, Black, Ivory White Nevada w/Red Contrast Stitching, Mocha Nevada w/Orange Contrast Stitching, Oyster Nevada, Saddle Brown Nevada, and Sand Beige Nevada. This allows buyers to add a certain je no se qua to their SUV and display their unique style and taste.
The 2015 BMW X3 is a spacious 15 feet, 3.4 inches long, 6 feet 2.1 inches wide, and 5 feet 6.1 inches tall with a 9 foot 2.6 inch wheel base. That creates over 40.7 inches in front headroom, 39.9 inches of front leg room, and 58.4 inches of front shoulder room. The back offers a comfortable 39.1 inches of headroom, 36.8 inches of leg room, and 57.4 inches of shoulder room. With all the seats in place it has 27.6 cubic feet of storage space. It’s available in gas and diesel models with a fuel tank capacity of 17.7 gallons. That allows for 371.7/495.6 mi. between stops for fuel.
The 2015 BMW X3 is powered by a 2.0 liter, 16 valve, double-overhead cam, inline 4-cylinder, 240 horsepower engine with 260 feet-pounds of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This enables the SUV to tow up to 3,000 pounds. Add All-Wheel drive, a 39 foot turning circle, MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, four-wheel independent suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars and you have a nimble, go-anywhere beast that is both good-looking and powerful enough the haul just about anything the average family can hitch to it. Plus it comes with a 4 years or 50,000 mile drivetrain warranty and free maintenance for 4 years and up to 50,000 miles.
On the inside, there are 8-way power, height adjustable driver and passenger bucket seats, split-folding rear seatback, a folding center armrest with storage, and rear ventilation ducts. It also comes equipped with remote keyless power door locks, power, heated mirrors, and 4 one-touch power windows. The instrument panel lets drivers monitor all of the vehicle’s systems. There’s even a tachometer, trip computer, external temperature display, and low fuel-level warning.
For the driver’s convenience, there is electric power steering, a leather tilt and telescopic steering wheel, audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, hands-free calling, universal remote transmitter for the garage door, security system, and more. If you’re not sure where you’re going, there’s destination guidance and turn-by-turn navigation. Getting where you’re going has never been easier. And if anything happens on the way, there’s roadside assistance and concierge service.
The vehicle also comes with loads of creature comforts like interior air filtration,
dual zone climate controls for the driver and passengers, cargo area light, front and rear reading lights, rear cargo floor mats, electrochromatic inside rearview mirror, dual illuminating vanity mirrors, and memorized audio system and climate control settings for up to 2 drivers.
When it comes to in-car entertainment there is a diversity antenna, 12 speakers, 205 watts stereo output, AM/FM stereo, auxiliary audio input and USB connections, external media control and a radio data system. The 2015 BMW X3 is also pre-wired for phones and has BMW Assist telecommunications service, and Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free calling all available with a subscription to BMW Assist.
Even on the outside this SUV is a high-tech machine. It has variable intermittent rain sensing wipers, privacy glass, rear defogger, rear window wiper, roof rack, and rear spoiler. It also features a fixed liftgate window, and a rear power liftgate door. These are carried along on 18 x 8.0 in. alloy wheels with 245/50R18 run flat tires.
When it comes to safety this BMW takes good care of its occupants. There are front and rear head airbags, dual front side-mounted airbags, child seat anchors,
passenger airbag with occupant sensing deactivation, rear center 3-point seatbelt, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, a post-collision safety system, passenger head restraint with whiplash protection system, airbag deployment notification, and rear door child safety locks.
BMW also makes sure the vehicle can stop safely. The 2015 X3 has 4-wheel ABS, emergency braking assist, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, stability control, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency braking preparation, brake drying, side and top view cameras, and parking assistant.
The vehicle also comes with loads of option packages including driver assistance plus, cold weather, lighting, dynamic handling, driver assistance, premium, and technology packages, along with M Sport and XLine. The exterior options include roof rails in satin aluminum, panoramic moon-roof, adaptive full LED lights, and 19″ or 20″ M Double Spoke Wheels, or 19″ Light Alloy Double-Spoke Wheels.
The 2015 BMW X3 is the ideal family vehicle for the new millennium.
By Ryan Lee Price
Turn of the century cross-country travel by automobile meant traversing poor roads. The trip took weeks, inspiring the US Army to try a journey of its own.
Soon after the turn of the century, some automobile companies were using their products to help promote sales in the shipping industry. In 1908, Packard sent one of its trucks from New York to San Francisco with a three-ton load. The trip took 48 days and helped inspire the US government to try a journey of its own.
The Lincoln Highway
One answer to the need for better roads was a continuous highway from coast to coast. The Lincoln Highway was perhaps the first main road to connect the two coasts, stretching from New York to San Francisco, and its direct impact southwest United States was limited. Most travelers didn’t turn left. In many sections the route made use of old roads, including a 17th-century road in New Jersey laid out by Dutch colonists; the Chambersburg turnpike used by Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia to reach Gettysburg; portions of the Mormon Trail; routes used by the Pony Express; and the Donner Pass crossing of the Sierras.
The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental highway. It was named for the nation’s most honored president, Abraham Lincoln.
According to the 1919 edition of the Encyclopedia Americana, “The route is marked with a distinctive red, white and blue marker, bearing a blue ‘L’ on the central white field. For every mile of improvement secured on the Lincoln Highway, 10 miles have followed as a direct result upon other routes connecting important centers north and south with the main line. Along its entire length the highest type of highway construction is represented in this modern American Appian Way.”
In 1916, Woodrow Wilson announced as part of his election platform: “The happiness, comfort and prosperity of rural life, and the development of the city, are alike conserved by the construction of public highways.” He signed the Federal Aid Road Act, the first federal highway funding law, providing $75 million to build and improve roads.
The US Army Joins the Convoy
When moving people and materiel by railroad alone during World War I proved inadequate, the US Army experimented with truck convoys to supplement the railroad. The two-month ordeal of the US Army Transcontinental Motor Convoy in 1919 convinced the Army of the need for better roads.
US Army Transcontinental Motor Convoy of 1919
Despite this “Appian Way,” the US Army was determined to discover the true conditions of roads to the Pacific and set out on July 7 from Washington DC with 81 vehicles and trailers, including: 34 heavy cargo trucks, 4 light delivery trucks, two mobile machine shops, one blacksmith shop, one wrecking truck, an artillery wheeled tractor that towed nine trucks at once and was equipped with a power winch. There were two spare parts stores, two water tanks, one gasoline tank, one searchlight with an electrical power plant truck, four kitchen trailers, eight touring cars, one reconnaissance car, two staff observation cars, five sidecar motorcycles, and four solo motorcycles. As well as five GMC ambulances with two ambulance trailers, a four-ton pontoon trailer (left in Omaha) and a Renault Whippet FT-17 tank lashed to a flatbed trailer. Dealers en route supplied gasoline and tires to the convoy and the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company provided two trucks that carried spare standard tires.
Most all of the 3,250 miles of roadways were unpaved and undeveloped, creating untold problems, both mechanical and logistical. Most of the men were not trained to use the equipment and literally only one man of the 24 officers (including a young Dwight D. Eisenhower), 15 staff members from the War Department and 258 enlisted men — Henry Ostermann — knew the way across what was then still a patchwork of roads that ranged from concrete to mud (he had driven across the country 19 times).
Passing through 350 towns and communities and being witnessed by nearly three million people, the convoy completed the trip in 63 days, arriving in Oakland, California on September 7, proving that the infrastructure of the country was woefully inadequate to transport much of anything, especially during a time of war.
In his novel Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck called Route 66, “The “Mother Road,” because it was used during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression in the 1930s by hundreds of thousands of people to flee great hardship.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Route 66 was a highway spawned by the demands of a rapidly changing America. Contrasted with the Lincoln, the Dixie, and other highways of its day, Route 66 did not follow the traditionally linear course as did the other highways. Its unusual diagonal course linked hundreds of rural communities in Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas to Chicago; thus enabling farmers to transport grain and produce for redistribution. The diagonal configuration of Route 66 was particularly significant to the trucking industry, which by 1930 had come to rival the railroad for preeminence in the American shipping industry. The “Mother Road,” christened so by John Steinbeck in his novel Grapes of Wrath, between Chicago and the Pacific Coast, traversed essentially flat prairie lands and enjoyed a more temperate climate than northern highways, which made it especially appealing to truckers.
From Chicago, Route 66 began as nothing more than a series of intertwining trails headed west, mostly a cobbling of farm-to-market roads, driveways, paths, old wagon trails, small rudely improved thoroughfares and downtown streets … as long as it pointed westward and got you out of town and toward the next, it was part of what would be called Route 66. More importantly, it ferried people to California, especially during the Great Depression when thousands of tenant farmers searched for a new life and better opportunities.
Until roughly 1926 (though official U.S. Route 66 signs didn’t appear until the following year), travelers would have to brave unmarked roads and meandering byways with trepidation that the next town would be just over the horizon. The road was rough and unforgiving, but the promise of California was a tempting motive, and as more cars became a prevalent part of American culture, more people took to the road.
Interstate Highway System
In an effort not only to connect the country’s population, but also to connect the country’s military installations and to ease the travel of the military, the Interstate Highway System was planned and implemented in earnest after the signing of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1921.
In 1922, the Bureau of Public Roads commissioned General John “Black Jack” Pershing to provide a proposal for a national highway system (based on importance in the event of war). His proposal, referred to as “The Pershing Map,” was 32-feet long and suggested the building of 78,000 miles of road, most of which were completed and formed a substantial portion of the Interstate Highway System.
Throughout the 1920s, road construction boomed with the increased enthusiasm behind traveling and visiting the nation’s newest National Parks. From a 1922 report for the Department of Interior from the National Parks Service, it is clear that the automobile had really mobilized a nation [punctuation is original]: “Undoubtedly the principal factor in the travel movement in this country to-day is the enlarged use of the automobile. It is true the automobile affords a wide freedom in movement of parties limited only by the capacity of the cars, and permits stops at or excursions from any points en route to a particular destination that appeal to the members of the party. It meets the opportunities for out-of-door recreation that we Americans as a sightseeing nation seem to crave, and has come to be considered by many to be the ideal means of vacation travel.”
Having spent two months with the 1919 Army Convoy and seeing the mobilization of Germany with the Reichsautobahn system during World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower was a strong proponent of the highway system. In 1955 the General Location of National System of Interstate Highways mapped out what became the Interstate System, and Charles Erwin Wilson, who was head of General Motors when President Eisenhower selected him as Secretary of Defense in January 1953, planned out the implementation of the highway system. This was in the midst of the Cold War, and Eisenhower debated for the highways for the purpose of national defense. In the event of an invasion, the US Army would need good highways to be able to transport troops across the country efficiently.
Missouri road was the first project of the 1956 Federal Aid Highway Act.
The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 (known as the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act of 1956), authorized $25 billion dollars to be spent over 12 years of construction (with the states paying 10 percent of the cost through taxes on fuel, cars and tires). However, it ended up costing $114 billion and took 35 years. The last portion of the original plans — a section of the I-70 through Glenwood Canyon in Colorado — was completed on October 14, 1992.
The nation was connected.
Up next: Coast to Coast. The History of Transcontinental Travel, Part 4: The New Record Setters
Previous: Coast to Coast. The History of Transcontinental Travel, Part 2: Wheels and Wings
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Throughout the history of American transportation, cross-country migration had been based on three things, imperialism — to conquer new lands and expand the country’s boundaries; on necessity — to farm land and achieve prosperity; and on recreation and education — to see the sights and explore new vistas. Late in the 20th century, a new aspect of cross-country travel emerged: racing, not just getting there, but going faster and getting there quicker.
The Cannonball Run
Dan Gurney and Brock Yates
Known officially as the Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, the unofficial race was run five times in the 1970s and was the subject of several movies in the following decade. Car and Driver editor Steve Smith and magazine writer and racer Brock Yates devised the event as a celebration of Erwin George “Cannon Ball’ Baker’s previous record setting trips, as well as a protest against the National Maximum Speed Law being enacted in 1974 (which Yates and Smith argued was slower than the average speed of Baker’s 1933 New York City to Los Angeles trek). Yates and Smith were also inspired by various “road movies” of the late 1960s and early 1970s, specifically Monte Hellman’s Two-Lane Blacktop and Richard C. Sarafian’s Vanishing Point (both released in 1971).
Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash vehicle: a 1971 Dodge Custom Sportsman, called “Moon Trash II”
The object of the race was simple: Leave the Red Ball Garage in New York City and be the first person to reach the Portofino Inn in Redondo Beach in the shortest time possible. There were no other rules.
The first race began on May 3, 1971, using a 1971 Dodge Custom Sportsman van called the “Moon Trash II.” The race was run four more times over the next few years. In the 1975 running, Jack May and Rick Cline drove a Ferrari Dino in a record time of 35 hours and 53 minutes, averaging 83 mph. The second race was won by American racing legend Dan Gurney (winner of the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans) in a Ferrari Daytona. Dan later remarked, tongue in cheek: “At no time did we exceed 175 mph.”
After five runs, the official record for the Cannonball was 32 hours and 51 minutes (about 87 mph), set in the final run by Dave Heinz and Dave Yarborough in a Jaguar XJS in April 1979. Over 250 racers participated in the Cannonball Run races in anything from a Travco Motorhome (44:42) and a Honda 600 (DNF) to a Ferrari 308 (35:58) and a Mercedes Benz 450 SEL (32:59).
The race entered mainstream consciousness after a series of movies depicting the Cannonball Run debuted, all featuring illegal coast-to-coast races. Cannonball was directed by Paul Bartel and released in 1976, the same year as Charles Bail’s Gumball Rally, a more accurate depiction of the event. In 1981, Burt Reynolds joined an all-star cast in the movie Cannonball Run, based on the exploits of the original race. Cannonball Run was followed up in 1984 with a less-than-successful sequel. Both movies were written by Yates and directed by fellow car enthusiast and career stuntman Hal Needham. The movie uses the actual ambulance they both drove in the 1979 Cannonball Run (complete with a “doctor”). Speed Zone, considered the final installment of the Cannonball Run series of movies was released in 1989, and has a completely different cast (with the sole exception of Jamie Farr).
At Tire Rack One Lap of America, May 2014, via Tire Rack
After Car and Driver succumbed to the risks of sponsoring an illegal event, the editors chose to abandon any further attempts and started a successor race, the “Tire Rack One Lap of America.” Instead of a coast-to-coast straight shot, racers must compete various time trials on public roads and/or racetracks around the country. Started in 1984, the length of a typical race can be up to 10,000 miles. The 2015 event features 7 days of competition over 3245 miles and begins in South Bend, Indiana on Saturday, May 2nd.
Further Attempts
With the Cannonball Run as its inspiration, one of its former racers, Rick Doherty, organized the U.S. Express with similar aims. The only difference is that the U.S. Express terminated at the beach in Santa Monica, making it slightly longer than the Cannonball Run. The results of the 1983 race broke the previous record, clocking in 32 hours, 7 minutes by David Diem and Doug Turner at the wheel of a Mazda RX-7.
Alexander Roy
Though the U.S. Express record was never official nor was it documented or confirmed, it was still regarded as the record. Alexander Roy is an American rally driver and winner of the very Cannonball-esque Gumball 3000 around-the-world rally from England. A not-too-serious event, Roy regularly attends the rally in various police livery (in 2003 he was dressed as a Canadian Mounted Police driving a 2000 BMW M5). Roy meticulously prepares for rallies with the goal of avoiding police stops by using maps, GPS navigation, and spreadsheets. During the 2004 rally, he impersonated a police officer complete with mounted lights that he used to perform traffic stops against his competitors during the rally.
After hearing about the U.S. Express record from 1983, Roy set out to break its record in 2006. A practice run in December 2005 yielded a finishing time of 34 hours and 46 minutes, and the addition of a spotter plane. The following April ended in a fuel pump failure. The successful run took place over Columbus Day weekend in 2006 with co-driver David Maher (another Gumball rally driver). He traveled 2,794 miles in 31 hours and four minutes with an average speed of 90.1 miles. From New York to Santa Monica, he only encountered four traffic lights and four toll booths.
Dave Black, Ed Bolian, and Dan Huang
A three-man team led by Ed Bolian claims to have driven the 2,813.7 mile route from the Red Ball Garage in New York to the Portofino Inn in Redondo Beach on October 19-20, 2013, in 28 hours and 50 minutes, averaging 98 miles per hour, including the 15 minutes it took to get out of Manhattan. Driving a 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG, and stopping only three times for fuel because the car was equipped with two specially installed 22-gallon auxiliary fuel tanks in addition to its standard 23-gallon tank, Bolian offered GPS logs as proof of his accomplishment (read more about it here: Doug DeMuro, “Meet The Guy Who Drove Across The U.S. In A Record 28 Hours 50 Minutes,” Jalopnik, 30 October 2013, Web.)
It is interesting to note that Brock Yates, the original founder of the Cannonball Run doesn’t acknowledge any further attempts, claiming, “Someone was going to get killed.”
Up next: Coast to Coast. The History of Transcontinental Travel, Part 5: The Future of Car Travel
Previous: Coast to Coast. The History of Transcontinental Travel, Part 3: Better Roads, Please
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Years ago, vehicles were equipped with carburetors and required a longer cranking time to start. In many instances this longer cranking time would reveal a weak battery. You could actually hear the cranking power reduced especially in cold weather. When fuel-injected engines became the norm this was not as evident due to the fact that the vehicle starts up quicker.
A sudden change in temperature usually takes a weak battery out. That’s why the day before your vehicle may have started fine, with no warning of a problem. Then an extreme change in the weather (hot or cold) causes the weak battery to die, seemingly without a warning.
Why do batteries fail?
It’s unusual for a battery to malfunction because of a defect, driving habits are the usual cause. Using a lot of vehicle accessories and driving short distances prevents the battery from fully charging. Extended idling with heavy accessory use or driving a short distance only once a week can also reduce battery performance.
(example from General Motors)
When the battery does not have have an opportunity to charge fully, acid stratification occurs. The electrolyte (battery acid) in a stratified battery concentrates on the bottom. It is similar to the way sugar granules collect on the bottom of a cup of coffee before it is stirred. Batteries tend to stratify if kept at low charge (below 80%) and don’t get the opportunity to receive a full charge. For example, short distance driving while running windshield wipers and electric heaters contributes to acid stratification. Acid stratification reduces the overall performance and life of the battery.
How to protect the battery
Check your battery every two years and keep the connections clean. Also clean the area around the battery hold down. Usually if a battery is super corroded the terminals leads are no longer airtight. If you clean your battery terminals and cables and the corrosion returns, replace the battery. If your battery is four years old and corroded, replace the battery.
Batteries can cause all kinds of crazy problems; the vehicle’s electrical system has to be 100%. I have seen people replace parts on vehicles when the only thing wrong was a weak battery.
Just recently I checked a friend’s car and found a dead battery. I explained the battery read 12.5v but would not start the vehicle. He came back and told us the battery was okay. I asked the gentleman if he load tested it. He had not, but when he did he came back with a new battery.
Batteries can be difficult to diagnose, if your battery is more than three years old, my suggestion is to replace it. If you are seeing excessive corrosion and have had problems don’t fool around with an old battery. Have it checked out.
Battery Basics
Typical automotive batteries are made of five basic components:
Battery cutaway images courtesy of Battery Council International
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