How To Choose The Right Car?

Driving, across the country or merely a state line or two, is the quintessential sport. Our cars transport us to destinations like family reunions, vacations and honeymoons. Like lemonade stands and drive-in movies replaced by today’s mega-theatres and air-conditioned malls, cruising has evolved to include not only today’s safer convertibles, but other vehicles that lend themselves to the particular tastes of the driver.
“They say getting there is half the fun, and if you are driving one of this year’s newer vehicles to your vacation destination that really will be the case,” says John Davis, host and executive producer of Motor Week, a weekly automotive magazine show produced by Maryland Public Television.
Davis says you will be seeing a lot of pickups, SUVs and convertibles out there; and unlike in passed years when people might rent “fun” cars specifically to drive on vacation, “the latest trend is for people to travel in their own vehicles. It’s a comfort thing as well as being more economical,” says Davis.
So-called cross over vehicles, which combine the features of a car with those of a sedan, minivan or sport utility vehicle, are really gaining in popularity. “They are the widest, most imaginative group of vehicles to enjoy in the history of the industry,” says Davis. Vehicles that fall into this categories include the Pontiac Vibe, Subaru Baja, Honda Element, Scion xB, Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Matrix, and Chevrolet Avalanche. Safety Issues
Rollovers can also be a worry for another popular summertime car: convertibles. They tend to be slower to respond to driver inputs because they are heavier than your average sedan, but Davis points out, they have come a long way. “Convertibles used to be flimsily made and clumsy to drive, and really rattled over rough roads. Along with front airbags, many convertibles can be ordered with side impact airbags, while a few have pop-up roll-over bars that automatically provide extra protection for occupants. Most also offer electronic driving aids like anti-lock brakes and electronic stability systems.
Not just about safety, but other drivers, and local laws as they relate to aggressive driving and cell phone use. So, toss the cell phone in the glove compartment, strap on your seat belt and enjoy your next road trip.