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Matthew C. Keegan Profile and Articles
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1). The Toyota FJ Cruiser: Breaking the Styling Mold
Toyota’s growing popularity hasn’t been without controversy. No, the automaker doesn’t have much of a quality issue to contend with and, no Toyota isn’t likely to begin losing market share anytime soon. Yet, there is one area where the Japanese automaker has a bit of a perception problem and that has to do with styling. Of course Toyota vehicles aren’t ugly but there are few models being built today that are truly exciting.
2). A Stylish Crossover Vehicle For Kia
Kia is planning to bring to the American market a new type of vehicle – a seven passenger crossover – that will compete against the likes of the Toyota Matrix and the Dodge Caliper. The Kia Carens will be sold later this year in Europe and will likely make it to the U.S. market as the Kia Rondo at about the same time. Demand for crossovers continues to rise as the market adjusts to this relatively new type of vehicle.
3). Tricking Out Your Dodge Ram SRT-10
There are pick up trucks on the road and then there is the Dodge Ram SRT-10. Take one already powerful truck and add in a Viper engine and you come away with a vehicle that is truly the king of its class. DaimlerChrysler got it right when they decided to morph its popular Ram into a true road warrior able to haul people, stuff, and beat just about any car on the road.
4). Ultra Low Priced Cars: Will You Buy One?
North American motorists have gotten used to paying $20-$25,000 or more for their new vehicles. Long gone are the days when sub $10,000 cars ruled the highways, with few cars available for under $15,000 these days. All of that will be changing as the pending introduction of cheap cars from China as well as imports from Mexico and other third world nations will reshape the automotive landscape.
5). The Upcoming Buick LaCrosse Super Sport
Edmunds and several leading automotive blogs are theorizing that Buick will finally go ahead and build a sport version of its popular LaCrosse midsize sedan. Unlike the original model, the proposed car will be a true roadster as Buick seeks to inject some youthfulness into its aging model line. This is big news for Buick, which hasn’t built a true youth oriented car since stopping production of the hot-rod Regal Grand National during the 1980s.
6). Ford F-150 FX2: A Hot Pick-Up Truck!
Sometimes automakers really do listen to consumers. In the case of Ford, particularly with its crowd pleasing F-150 pick-up truck, Ford not only is listening, but delivering. What am I talking about? A hot-rod pick-up truck, that’s what. That’s right, Ford is going ahead with plans to market a truly “boss” version of its perennially best selling truck, the F-150, to give many fans just what they have wanted.
7). Ford Crown Victoria: Change Is Good
One of the most well known names in autodom is poised to get its first major overhaul in nearly thirty years. Ford’s Crown Victoria, introduced in 1979, has had only minor changes since its introduction, but a new plan by Ford to overhaul the crown jewel of its fleet is apparently in the offing. Thanks to government assistance – Australian to be exact – the new Crown Victoria will be a clean break from the current model and will help to spawn additional models for siblings Mercury and Lincoln.
8). Dodge SRT8 Charger: Not Just Another Family Sedan
When the smart folks at DaimlerChrysler were looking to beef up the Dodge line, they had to look no further than the Chrysler 300C, the Mercedes derived sedan that was turning heads from the moment it was introduced. What surprised many Mopar fans was that the vaunted Charger name would be affixed not to a coupe, but to a sedan. To this day, purists grumble at that decision but one look at the Charger tells you that this is not some ordinary family sedan.
9). 2007 Saturn AURA: The Wait Is Over!
When Saturn exited the midsize car market a few years ago they left with a promise: we’ll be back. After several years of lackluster sales, GM’s Saturn division dropped the unpopular L Series in 2004 with no immediate replacement waiting. Thanks in part to the company’s German division, Opel, Saturn has a new car to capture the imagination of sedan enthusiasts everywhere.
10). Acura: 20 Years of Honda Luxury
In March 2006, the Honda Motor Company celebrated an important milestone: the 20th anniversary of their luxury brand, Acura. Created to give Honda aficionados an opulent make that they could be proud of, Acura has successfully expanded the company’s reach far beyond more prosaic models such as the Civic and the Accord. Today, Acura is a very different brand than the company that was birthed in 1986.
11). The Highly Refined and Capable BMW X5 SAV
Sport utility vehicle sales continue to plummet in the face of surging gasoline prices now topping the three dollar per gallon mark. Indeed, this segment of the vehicle market has produced some of the largest profits for automakers globally and this loss of sales is impacting manufacturer bottom lines the world over. Yet, demand hasn’t dried up altogether and a rebound is possible once gas prices stabilize.
12). Free Money: Fact or Fiction?
Yes, you have heard it all: get free money. Well, little in life is truly free, but if you are wise about it you can save a little bit of money here and a little bit of money there and accumulate wealth. Have you shaken the money tree yet? If so, tell me where it is so that I can get my fair share. Seriously, if you want free money you’ll have to put a little effort out first.
13). Acura RSX: Integra Again
Back in 1986, when the Acura brand was introduced by the Honda Motor Company, two models started it all: the Legend and the Integra. Since that time several additional models have joined the Acura line up and the two original models were renamed: the Legend became the RL and the Integra was renamed the RSX. Today’s RSX – a three door hatchback -- continues to offer pretty much what the original Integra stood for: luxury, engineering, and value.
14). Lexus’ Tricked Out to the Max LS-460
Driving enthusiasts have come to expect more and more technological features equipped with their new cars. Just one generation ago, getting something above an AM radio was considered a bonus, but today there are so many electronic devices out there, that motorists expect more…a lot more in fact. Lexus is about to push up the ante a bit more by introducing its all new LS-460, a car that has been electronically “tricked out” to the max.
15). Cadillac's Proposed Exciting New Coupe
Automaker Cadillac has a rich tradition of building exciting, highly regarded sedans as well as coupes. However, changes made to its line up over the past decade have resulted in a fleet of vehicles that now consists exclusively of sedans, crossovers, and sport utility vehicles. Gone are the days of the super size Eldorado and the Coupe de Ville, vehicles that long stood for Cadillac quality and excess.
16). Acura TL: Renewed Vigor
Acura’s first stab at a small luxury sedan was the Vigor, a model introduced in 1991. Featuring an inline 5 cylinder engine, the car failed to compete against the BMW 3-series – its targeted market – and barely held its own against the similar size Lexus of the day. After three less than stellar model years, the Vigor was dropped from the Acura line up, but replaced by the TL, a car that truly has energized the Acura line up.
17). Staging Your Las Vegas Home For A Sale
Putting your Las Vegas home on the market is one thing, but adequately preparing it for buyers is a whole different matter. Home staging is the term used by real estate professionals to help prepare your house so that it will look its absolute best. Realtors will tell you that buyers usually make a decision about a home within the first ten seconds of their visit.
18). The Race Car Inspired BMW M3
German premier automotive maker BMW continues to maintain its hold as the top selling luxury auto brand in the world. Battling with archrival Mercedes-Benz year in and year out for the highest laurels, BMW continues to constantly tweak its existing line and add new vehicles to its line in a bid to stimulate and strengthen customer interest. One area where BMW has found much of its recent success is with its race car inspired line of vehicles, the M Series.
19). Mercedes Blue: New Diesels Miss the Mark
Mercedes-Benz has long been an expert builder of diesel engines, producing hundreds of thousands of the alternate-fuel driven power plants every year. Indeed, in Europe alone, a significant portion of the vehicles destined for continental homes are diesel aspirated models. In the U.S., however, Mercedes is having a bit of a problem with its line of diesel engines as more stringent emission control standards makes the marketing of diesel powered cars more difficult.
20). Land Rover's Resilient, But Absent Defender
Tracing its routes back to postwar Britain, Land Rover has been one of the most recognized names on the Australian outback, the African savannah, and in many other far flung places around the world. Since 1948, Land Rover has rivaled Jeep and Toyota in providing the most versatile 4x4 vehicles on the planet. Today, the Defender model continues to trudge on with important updates scheduled for the 2007 model year.
21). Save on Gas Sensibly and Sanely
If some people had their way, you’d be driving a small hybrid powered vehicle with no choice of other types of cars to own. While a gas-electric hybrid is fine for some folks, the majority of American drivers want the power and responsive of a trusty internal combustion engine and are not interested in being told which kind of car they must drive. Yet, saving on gas is a universal concern one that nearly every driver considers each time he or she stands at the gas pump.
22). Install A Cold Air Intake For Better Performance
A simple way for any car buff to get more power out of his or her ride is to install a cold air intake system. A cold air intake is designed to reduce the temperature of air entering a vehicle to maximize the engine’s power. The net result is a vehicle that performs better, saves on fuel, and produces a nifty intake tone. Additionally, a cold air intake will improve the look of a vehicle's engine bay.
23). Audi TT: Tourist Trophy
Audi broke the mold when its concept TT car was presented at auto shows around the globe during the mid1990s. Named for the prestigious annual “Tourist Trophy” race held on the Isle of Man, the TT is based on the same platform which powers the Volkswagen Golf and the Skoda Octavia. Making use of anodized aluminum and a “bumper free” exterior, the TT coupe was unlike any car of its time when the first production model was released in 1998.
24). You Can Choose A Boise Realtor
Before you take the important step of finding a realtor to sell your Boise home, there are some things you should consider to make certain that the realtor you choose is right for you. Keep reading and we'll find out how you can choose a Boise realtor.
In order to sell home in a specific state, such as Idaho, a person must be licensed by that state to sell real estate.
25). Searching For A Home In Beautiful Boise
Boise, the state capital of Idaho, is currently experiencing a population boom thanks to its temperate climate, business friendly environment, and family favorable atmosphere. Indeed, most of the dramatic growth that is happening is made evident in the city's surging population base which has pushed past the 200,000 mark. If you are a current Boise resident or you are considering searching for a home in Idaho's largest city or in its surrounding towns, you can conduct a Boise home search right from the comfort of your personal computer.
26). Assume Nothing: Spell It Out
37 years ago today, America landed the Apollo 11 lunar module upon Earth's moon. For those of us old enough to remember this event we have that day permanently etched in our memories. On that date I was an almost 11 year old kid taking a summer clarinet class -- we interrupted our squeakings and honkings to watch the events unfold on a black and white television as they happened.
27). Don't Forget to Say, "Thank You"
One of the biggest mistake for job seeks is to not follow up an important interview with a thank you note to the people who interviewed them. Human Re
28). The Hyundai Azera Surges to the Top
Hyundai’s all-new near-luxury sedan, the Azera, has been received with critical acclaim. Consumers and critics are calling the Hyundai Azera the highest quality, most luxurious Hyundai to ever appear in the highly competitive US market. A recent award from the automotive consultant group, AutoPacific has underscored what many are quickly learning: the Hyundai Azera is a car that leads in customer satisfaction.
29). Acura Integra: The Car, The Legend
Released as a 1987 model, the very first Acura Integra started what was to become a strong following of owners who were drawn in by the car’s sports appeal and reasonable prices. Based on the Honda Civic, the Integra successfully brought customers over to the Acura brand and has been widely credited with spurring Honda’s luxury division to its “legendary” success.
30). All About Audi
German sport luxury brand Audi has played a strong role in helping to shape consumer tastes and influence the entire European touring market. For nearly 100 years, the Audi brand has been synonymous with producing high quality, reliable, and well engineered vehicles. An odd start almost scuttled the company’s plans, yet today Audi has risen above adversity and is producing cars that are world renowned in quality and engineering.
31). BMW's Hydrogen Fuel Quest
German automaker BMW is on a quest, one that may likely make them the first automaker in the world to produce a fleet of vehicles capable of running on hydrogen fuel. That’s right, BMW is leading the way and if all goes as promised the first hydrogen cell powered production BMW will hit the streets in 2008.
Back around 2000, General Motors announced that they would work toward building a fleet of vehicles that could run on hydrogen power.
32). Retro or Heritage, It Is All The Same To You!
Words matter, they really do. In some cases the wrong words or phrases can summon up a whole host of thoughts or feelings, negative or positive. Marketing professionals spend millions of dollars per year testing products with consumers to see just how well they are received. The automotive industry is no exception with vehicles living or dying based on name only.
33). Is Acura Missing the Alternate Fuels Boat?
While parent company Honda continues to bestow all of its hybrid technology on its Honda division vehicles, Acura is doing without any alternate engine sources to power their cars and SUVs. Instead, the division is relying on newer gasoline engines to promote fuel efficiency as well as to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Is Acura doing enough or is Honda’s.
34). Acura RSX: Swan Song
When Honda launched the Acura brand in 1986, two models powered the fleet: the Integra and the Legend. Since then many other models have been added to the Acura line up and the Integra was eventually renamed the RSX and the Legend was later given the RL designation. After two decades of service, the Integra/RSX is in its final year of production. Please read on for reasons why the Honda Motor Company will kill off this once popular seller.
35). Audi A4: From Passat and Back
Sometimes an automaker will introduce a vehicle based upon the platform of a “lesser” model. Typically, this plan is employed when costs need to be cut to realize real savings. The theory is that the shared platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish the upscale model from the ordinary one. Add in leather, a taut suspension, and upgraded powerplant options and you can probably pull it off.
36). Great Parts For The Racing Enthusiast!
You are on your final lap of what has been an adventurous race filled with mayhem, mishaps, and a near misstep that could have cost you dearly. The two top drivers are within reach as you navigate the track’s final turn. Do you risk it? Will you swing over to the left lane and pass them both or settle for a strong third place finish instead? Certainly, this “close, but no cigar” finish would be a moral victory for some drivers, but not for you.
37). The Many Benefits of Online Christmas Shopping
Over the past decade consumers have grown to appreciate a new option in shopping for gifts for Christmas: the internet. Yes, online shopping is here and it is an increasingly important choice for consumers everywhere. Without even leaving your home you can compare products, make purchases, and have gifts sent to your home or directly to your recipients -- fully wrapped at that! Read on and we’ll take a complete look at the many benefits of online Christmas shopping and how you can make this choice work to your advantage.
38). The Expanding E85 Fleet of General Motors
The E85 movement, which is based on an alternate fuel consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, is getting an additional boost thanks to a recent decision by General Motors to expand its existing line up from 9 models to 14. This increase will mean that General Motors, which already has nearly 2 million E85 vehicles on the road, will be able to produce as many as 400,000 E85 vehicles per year.
39). Audi A8: Mercedes, BMW Beware!
When you think of German automotive excellence, Mercedes and BMW are two brands that easily come to mind. Audi, too, has been making a name for itself and is poised to cause a lot of trouble for its Bavarian cousins with its current line of cars and planned models. The cream of the crop Audi is the A8, a true champion and a terrific alternative to BMW and Mercedes.
40). Saturn: That Was Then, This Is Now
Step back in time with me if you would, about 20 years to be precise, to an era when automaker General Motors was busy making plans for their all new company, Saturn. This wasn’t to be just another GM division mind you as Saturn was created as a separate import fighting company meant to take on the likes of Toyota and Honda. By 1990, the first Saturn cars rolled off a bucolic Tennessee countryside assembly line signaling a new cooperation between workers and management.
41). Your Las Vegas Mortgage Prequalification Letter
Congratulations on your decision to move to Las Vegas! Once simply a quiet casino outpost, Las Vegas has been transformed into a thriving entertainment mecca and remains one of the fastest growing cities in America. If you are planning to purchase property in Las Vegas, you can expedite the process by having your mortgage prequalification letter in hand before you begin looking for a home.
42). 3 Pervasive Phishing Scams
Scams involving email continue to plague consumers across America, indeed the world. These so called "phishing" scams involve "spoofed" emails meant t
43). Vioxx Personal Injury Lawsuits
Personal injury attorneys representing clients who have allegedly been harmed by the prescription drug Vioxx are congratulating themselves over a hist
44). Insuring Your Cadillac For Less Money
Just because you own one of America’s premier luxury makes doesn’t mean you must pay a mint for car insurance. True, Cadillacs are not cheap cars but you shouldn’t have to pay a premium for your Cadillac car insurance. Are you in the market for better insurance coverage for your Cadillac? Do you want information that could save you hundreds of dollars per year on your Cadillac car insurance? If you answered yes to either question then please read on as I have important information that can result in big savings for you.
45). Chrysler's Rip Roaring SRT Family of Vehicles
Step back in time some fifty years ago and you would see that the American automotive market was much different than it is today. Three companies dominated the scene: GM, Ford, and Chrysler with the newly formed American Motors making up the bulk of the sales. Volkswagen was new to the U.S. market with its legendary Beetle while Toyota was still a few years away from marketing its very first cars.
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