Another SUV Hybrid from our video department.  Features power and acceleration, controlled ride, interior space (ESV), and increased efficiency safety. 

Edmunds.com has a pretty detailed list with different categories.  For your enjoyment!

While we're on the subject of iPhones and cars...

Having recently bought an iPhone, I thought this article was extremely helpful.  I was surprised by some of them, but needless to say, they are all on my phone now.  Just make sure that the car is stopped when thumbing through them.  Do you have any iPhone apps you'd like to share with us?

Check this article on the top 5 car gadgets.  Its from 2008, but still very relevant.  What do you think?  What are your top 5 car gadgets? 

 

If you can afford the 50K plus price tag, this vehicle is perfect for the warrior dad who wants to keep Mother Earth happy.  Features towing and hauling ability; spacious interior; compliant ride and handling relevant to other SUV's.   

I think I'm in love.  For those of you who dig off road vehicles, not just as eye candy, but as they were designed to be (actually go off road), I hereby introduce to you the Dakar Rally.  I was milling about on these here interwebs and came across the Dakar when looking on NASCAR's site, learning that Robby Gordon was racing in this year's event.  My interest sparked, I was opened up to a whole new world of coolness.  I have trouble enjoying NASCAR (thought that is changing) because I stereotypically don't like to watch cars go round in circles.  But this is different, as the race is run in multiple stages across thousands of miles of very rough terrain.  In addition, it appears that there are 4 types of vehicles, ranging from motorcycles, quads (4 wheelers), cars, and trucks.  It is post apocalyptic sci fi in the making!  I urge you to become a fan of this, as I am.  Check out the official site here.  

ALRIGHT STOP!!!  Collaborate and listen: If you plan on buying a used Landrover Discovery, think twice!  One word: Fail.  You might look cool driving one (as I most certainly do), but you will waste more money than betting on a one legged man in a butt kicking contest.  I have had it in the shop for the following reasons:

1.  to replace the rear air suspension system with regular shocks

2.  to fix the mysterious rattling that still hasn't gone away

3.  to fix the automatic windows that have petered out

4.  to fix the air conditioner

5.  to find out what in the h*** that piece of metal that dropped from the bottom of the vehicle was

...and more odds and ends.  Not to mention the lights that flash onto the dash board at random times that no one but a trained Landrover mechanic can figure out. 

I payed 6k for the vehicle, and have put another 2k into it.  

In addition, it guzzles PREMIUM gas like a college girl does wine coolers on new years eve.  

The funny thing is, I knew all of this had more than a decent chance of happening, and I bought it anyway.  For the record, I love driving it.  It is a fun vehicle to own.  I look like a cool yuppie driving it, but I don't make yuppie dough.  This is not a good thing.  Shame on me.  Don't let it be shame on you! 

I realize that not all Landrovers will have these issues, but mine is from 2000, and while they sell low due to high depreciation, they are a real potential money pit.  Imported parts, systems that don't make sense to Texas mechanics, and more add to the frustration.  I'll say it once more, think before you buy!  

This USA Today article gives us some good information about the upcoming FT-CH concept, as it was recently unveiled at the Detroit Auto show.