• 
• 
• --Select Make-- AcuraAston MartinAudiBentleyBMWBuickCadillacChevroletChryslerDodgeFerrariFordGMCHondaHUMMERHyundaiInfinitiIsuzuJaguarJeepKiaLamborghiniLand RoverLexusLincolnLotusMaseratiMaybachMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMINIMitsubishiNissanPontiacPorscheRolls-RoyceSaabSaturnScionSmartSubaruSuzukiTeslaToyotaVolkswagenVolvo
• 
• Home
• 
• New Cars
• 
• Used Cars
• 
• Car Dealers
• 
• Buying Guides
• 
• Research
• 
• Community
• 
• 
• 

Subaru Forester (Natl)

Most luxury cars these days come standard with advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology. Yep, AWD now comes standard or as an option in more and more affordable cars, CUVs and SUVs.

There are actually several reasons to consider AWD in your next new car purchase. Generally, AWD vehicles give you better safety and handling as well as the ability to drive in more inclement weather situations.

And, if you can afford AWD as well as advanced braking systems like electronic stability control (ESC), you should consider it. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates ESC will reduce crashes by as much as 34% (59% for SUVs with a great reduction in rollovers), saving between 5,000-9,000 lives and prevent around 200,000 injuries (once all light vehicles on the road are equipped with ESC).

Some car companies like Subaru are known for putting its super advanced AWD on all models. In fact, AWD has been a standard feature on American-made Subaru vehicles since 1996. Perhaps that is why Subaru is the top-selling car brand in the state of Alaska and some Alaskans are known to be die-hard Subaru enthusiasts.

So, what really is AWD and why do you need it? With his technology, all four wheels receive torque from the engine simultaneously, allowing each tire to rotate at different speeds. Independent tire rotation improves a vehicle’s overall handling and stability, making it useful in rain, snow and dry pavement.

AWD is not 4WD and it is not advised to take AWD vehicles out on unpaved roads, in mud or in deep snow. AWD systems are also not always in full AWD mode. In fact, AWD vehicles drive most of the time just as any front-wheel-drive car. With advanced AWD technology, however, engine power automatically goes to the rear wheels when the front wheels begin to slip.

The least expensive AWD vehicle in the U.S. car market today is the five-seat hatchback Suzuki SX4 Crossover. Priced at around $16,000, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover comes standard with a three-mode AWD system. What does this mean? The drive can choose between 2WD, 4WD Lock or 4WD Auto. In 4WD lock mode, the wheel lock together for low gear driving in snow, ice, sand and mud). The 4WD Auto mode is more versatile, allowing the driver to push power to all four wheels for extra safety and performance.

AWD comes standard or as an option on most luxury models from Audi, Volvo, Acura, Lexus, BMW, Lincoln, Infiniti, Cadillac, Porsche, VW and Mercedes-Benz.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Read more from Sheryll Alexander at Driving Smart.

What could be better than trading up your clunker for a super versatile crossover vehicle (CUV)? Not only do CUVs drive like a car, but some hold up to eight passengers. Now that’s a trade up!

As a road test reviewer, I have driven dozens of CUVs over the years. For this Top 10 list, I have driven each and every model for overall value in performance, design, safety, fuel economy, quality and price.

Are you really considering trading in your clunker for a CUV? Then, here’s some buying tips to ponder:

Price: With your clunker rebate of $3,500-$4,500, you can fortunately get much more car at a lower price. For example, you may be able to afford a fully-loaded model at a base price. How cool is that? Some car manufacturers like Kia and Hyundai are adding even extra incentives, so it is truly possible to buy a brand new CUV with all the luxury and tech features that you’ve always desired.

Options and Packages: Because you can get more car with your CARS rebate, you’ve got to consider your options and packages carefully. Don’t compromise on basics like power windows, doors, locks and seats. Also, if you live in a cold climate, heated seats are a must. Other truly convenient options to consider are built-in steering wheel controls and a navigation system. Plus, if you live in snow country, think about trading up to an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle.

Passengers: Like SUVs, you can actually pack lots of passengers into CUVs. But you usually pay a higher price for seven or even eights seats. Just remember, getting only five seats out of your CUV may limit you when it comes to family trips or bringing along friends.

Cargo: One of the best things about CUVs is that they are versatile cargo holders. As a mother of a busy family of five, I have found flat fold seats are totally necessary. So, make sure your new CUV has seats that fold completely flat. Also, if you haul around equipment or your kid’s bike, bring it with you to the dealership and try packing it up in your potential new ride.

Design: While SUVs are rather clunky, CUVs can actually have some style on the outside. However, be way more wary of the CUVs interior. Sit inside the front and back cabins and check for overall ergonomics in arm rests, cup holders, mobile niches and storage bins.

Performance: Some CUVs still drive more like a SUV with truck-like suspensions and heavy initial acceleration. Others CUVs have a more sporty feel like your typical car. So, make sure you pick the performance style you prefer: heavy-duty truck or zippy passenger car.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Read more from Sheryl Alexander at Driving Smart.