When the economy is rough, we really start to hold on to our money, and focus on what we are spending it on.  Money if it wasn’t an issue in the past, is most likely an issue today.  It is always good to save money, but when times are hard, we really appreciate saving a couple bucks here and there.  One thing that we hate spending our paychecks on is gas for our vehicles.  Since we’ve seen the scare of gas prices reaching over $4.00 per gallon, we’re always keeping that in the back of our mind, and asking “will it happen again?”  Although we like to hope not, we don’t know that for sure.  That is why it is important to get a fuel efficient vehicle from the start.

If you’re looking for a a new vehicle in the near future, we all know there are several to choose from, but to find out which ones are the best for the environment and for our bank accounts, there are a select few.

If you’ve never considered them before, you may want to give the American auto company Dodge a shot!  Dodge really has a lot to offer when it comes to vehicles, and they may just qualify for the gas mileage you’re looking for!

Top 10 Fuel Efficient Vehicles For 2009:

1. Dodge Avenger – Averages 30 MPG.
2. Dodge Caliber – Averages 30 MPG.
3. Dodge Charger – Averages 26 MPG.
4. Dodge Challenger – Averages 25 MPG.
5. Dodge Journey – Averages 25 MPG.
6. Dodge Grand Caravan – Averages 25 MPG.
7. Dodge Viper - Averages 22 MPG.
8. Dodge Nitro – Averages 22 MPG.
9. Dodge Durango – Averages 22 MPG.
10. Dodge Dakota/Ram – Averages 20 MPG.

As you can see, Dodge has some pretty impressive fuel efficient vehicles!  Although not all of them are extremely fuel efficient, they are great for what the vehicle has to offer, and for the size of the vehicle.  The auto makers have really come along way over the years, and the gas mileage will just continue to get better!

If you’re looking for a beautiful SUV that can seat up to 8 passengers, the Dodge Durango is the way to go!  It has some awesome features, a good gas mileage for an SUV, and is a smooth ride to all drivers!

Dodge Durangos available: Limited 4×4, Hybrid

MSRP : $28,980

Seating capacity : 8 people

Key features :

- Applies to certain models only:

• uconnect
• Bluetooth
• AM/FM/CD player
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Real time traffic
• MP3 auxiliary jack
• Premium sound system
• GPS navigation system
• Temperature control
• Sunroof
• Outlet made for a laptop

Gas mileage : 20/22

Awards won : No awards yet

News articles:

• San Francisco Chronicle
• Forbes

Videos:

• Kelley Blue Book
• Hybrid

The Dodge Dakota has come a very long way of the years.  It has some great features, and best of all, it is the perfect sized truck for most drivers.  It isn’t too big, yet it’s not too small.  The Durango seats 5 people, and has a beautiful style to it!

Dodge Dakotas available: ST, Bighorn/lonestar, Laramie

MSRP : $25,260 – $28,630

Seating capacity : 6 people

Key features : 

- Applies to certain models only:

• uconnect
• Bluetooth
• AM/FM/CD player
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Real time traffic
• MP3 auxiliary jack
• Premium sound system
• Sentry key
• Remote starter
• Heated seats
• Tows up to 7,200 lbs!

Gas mileage : 15/20

Awards won : No awards yet

News articles:

• Forbes
• Behind the Wheel

Videos:

• Quick Drive
• Chicago Auto Show

When we take a road trip or vacation we do it to relax, get away from home, and all of the daily stresses.  Although that it is likely to happen on most vacations, there is that one possibility that something goes wrong with your vehicle along the way, knock on wood. 

How can we prepare ourseleves and our vehicle for a long road trip?  Well, we all know that regular auto maintence is key for a vehicle to run well, but it may need some extra attention if you’re going to run it more than the usual drives.  If you’re looking to make your vehicle road trip ready, continue reading below to find out how you can do just that.

Oil change – First, if you haven’t done it recently, get an oil change.  Oil changes are important if you want your engine to run properly.  Along with an oil change, make sure the mechanics do an inspection.  This means they will check everything to make sure it’s working okay and to make sure all your fluids are filled to the proper amount.

Tires – Are your tires okay?  Make sure they are inflated well, and that you carry around a tire pressure gauge.  This important to make sure they are always filled with the right amount of air.

Emergency kit – You should always carry around an emergency kit, but it should be a must when going on a road trip, especially if you have children.  Pack a few snacks, an ordinary emergency kit, and a list of phone numbers to contact just in case you run into trouble along the way.

Gas – Make sure you always have a good amount of gas at all times.  Because we’re unfamiliar with the area that we’re driving, we aren’t sure when the nearest gas stations are, and we don’t want to get stranded somewhere due to something silly like running out of gas.

If you include and consider these very important tips listed above, you should be all set.  When people run into trouble, it’s usually just a flat tire or something minor, but just to be on the safe side, get everything looked at!

If you own a GM vehicle with OnStar equipped and not yet activated, you may want to know if it’s worth subscribing to.  In my opinion, I think it all depends on who you are, and how much you drive.  I wanted to show you today what OnStar can do, and how it can you and your vehicle.

Automatic Crash Response: With this feature, OnStar has built in sensors that will detect a crash.  After the crash, an OnStar advisor will check to see if you’re okay.  If you don’t respond, an advisor will connect with your local authorities to get you the help you need.

Emergency Services: With a simple push of a button, you can get help from someone.  Whether you need help from the local police department, or you need an ambulance, they can help so that you don’t have to.

Vehicle Diagnostics: This one is probably the coolest feature of them all.  I like this feature because each month, you’ll get email reports at no additional cost showing you your current vehicle check.

Hands-Free Calling: Do you need to make a call to someone?  With OnStar, you can call anyone without using your cell phone.  With this hands free system, it makes it easy for you to talk while you’re driving.

Voice-activated calling: This voice activated calling will call anyone you please, without having to dial or pick up the phone.  All you need to do is program it, and tell the system who you’d like to call.

GPS: If you don’t have a GPS, this really comes in handy.  The OnStar navigation system will give you voice-guided directions.  Just tell it where you want to go, and it will get you there.

Stolen Vehicle Assistance: You may wake up one morning, and find that your car isn’t even there.  If this is the case, you will find that OnStar can recover the system for you.

Roadside Assistance: Just like AAA, if you have a flat tire, you need fuel, or a tire change, tell OnStar, and they will get someone for you.  With the push of a button, someone will be at your car in no time.

Remote Door Unlock: Have you ever locked yourself out of your car?  If this is the case, you don’t have to call a locksmith.  Instead, call up OnStar, and they can unlock your doors right from their control center.

As you can see, there’s a lot when it comes to OnStar, and it’s up to you if you’d like the package or not.  Every package is different, and the smallest package starts at $18.95/month.  Remember that your car must be a GM, and have OnStar in it.  Check out OnStar.com for more information.