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The first thing that comes into mind when you hear “American Cars” are those engine roaring, gas gulping American muscle cars. Cars made legend by the Mustang, Camaro, and the Corvette just to name a few. They rely on their “Big Block” engines to generate tremendous amounts of horsepower. But in recent times the makers of these cars are gearing to a more conservative stance. Fuel economy is their main concern. With the soaring price of gas they have followed the path of imported cars, namely Japanese cars. Even though this is the case you can be rest assured that American cars will still posses the power that these cars have been known how to have.

One example is the 2009 Ford Focus, a 2.0L-4 cylinder compact car that produces 140 hp in sedans and 143 hp in coupes. It has an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined. It comes as a 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Both body styles offer a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

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Many automakers have long been functioning to expand the fuel efficiency of their cars. In fact, innovation after modernism has emerged in the automotive industry to please car owners. As a car owner, you too can help improve the fuel competence of your car using some easy-to-follow and do-it-yourself guiding principles.

For one, be conscious that small cars use a smaller amount of gas. So if you don’t have a big family, then there’s no need to use a big car. Another significant thing to remember is to change the gears (up) without maximizing the car engine’s power (high RPM).

Last and yet the most effective, keeping away from traffic by driving on alternative routes is very helpful in lowering your car’s fuel expenditure. It doesn’t matter if you’re living and working in the city, as long as you listen cautiously to traffic news then you’re on the right path.

The Jaguar XK120, early Mustangs and Porsche 911s although few sporting cars have become legends their modern equivalents offer superior driving dynamics in every performance metric you can name. That unique combination of iconology style and man but is their “soul” that resonates. Under a pole raised six feet off the ground the reality is more like a fat guy limbo dancing.

The Nissan Maxima has always been a trusty car – it’s comfortable, uncomplicated, and easy. Besides that, it also looks elegant and gives you a pleasant ride. For your money, you got lots of room – leather seats, simple layout, spacious design – exactly what you need during long hours in traffic or a trip out of town. Inside you have an eight way electric seat option, power windows, four airbags, rear center table, a trip computer, cruise control, and pop out magazine holders on the door.  The only problem with this car is that the stereo has week audio quality.  On the upside its power delivery is consistently good, it’s got strong brakes, and overall has good value for the money – anyone would be hard pressed to beat the combination of features, space, and price in another car.

Porsche Boxster and its hardtop sibling, the Cayman are both still expensive, but still worth it. The Boxster’s driving experience is simply magical – just like any Porsche.The sensitivity of the controls respond perfectly to how the driver manipulates the car. The precision of its handling and steering is amazing, cutting through the tightest corners with ease. Stepping on the pedals provides perfectly proportional braking power and thrust, while the wheel provides immediate response in steering. Driving a Porsche guarantees a smile on the driver’s face as the Porsche combines functionality and pleasure. Although the Porsche is quite pricy, once it could be afforded, it would be definitely be a good buy.

With soaring oil prices and the concerns about our environment, smaller cars are becoming more and more popular. That is why the 2008 Honda Fit is one of the best cars to buy nowadays, for practical and economical reasons. The Fit does not only provide the numbers on your speedometer with low maintenance costs, but it also features quality interior materials and visuals. Even if the Fit looks very small from the outside, it still provides space in the back compartment, and when the back seat is folded, space for more cargo is provided. The Honda Fit is very practical, very usable and fun to drive as well.

One of the hottest hatchbacks is the 2008 Mazdaspeed 3, again securing a slot in the 10Best. It is currently at the top of its category, the small yet competitive hatchbacks. What makes this hatch one of the hottest rides in a small frame on the road is its power. The amount of horsepower provided by its engine amounts to a total of 263 horsepower at full throttle, and torque of 280 pound-feed – a big increase from from 156 and 150 respectively. The Mazdaspeed 3 also features a more sporty exterior as well as the interior with trim designs. With enhanced braking mechanism and and improved suspension, it would definitely provide a smooth driving experience.

Now on its third generation, Mazda’s MX-5 2008 is a popular, yet practical roadster, starting at about $21,000 – an affordable price for such a roadster. This vehicle is most impressive for its amazing steering, smoothly running across tight curves and turns even at high speeds. The Miata does this and more with no effort at all. The throttle response as well as the steering response are in perfect harmony with the driver’s mind. It does not need a lot of horsepower to provide a thrilling experience while driving. The Miata satisfies its driver and passengers with its precise braking and transmission. This lightweight and compact roadster features a foldable hardtop controllable from the driver’s seat.

The 2008 Honda Accord is now a lot bigger than it ever was. This sedan is moving a notch higher from the mid-size sedan category, growing almost an inch higher, 3 inches longer and an inch wider. Its V-6 engine also increased its size by half a liter. Not only did the Accord increase its exterior dimensions, but the sedan increased the space of the interior as well. Despite its increase in size, there is no decrease in control and handling. In fact the sharpness of its steering has increased, providing precision in driving. The shifter and the brakes of this vehicle are precise as well. The Accord also comes as a sporty vehicle in an attractive metal frame with two doors, and equipped with a six-speed manual transmission V-6 engine.

Just like the ’60s Malibus, the new Chevy Malibus are still as affordable and economical as they were back then. The same things could still be said about the 2008 Malibu – practical, yet stylish. It has a simple and clean design with elegant lines, making it look different and not-boring, unlike the regular family sedans. The Malibu features panoramic dashboard with neat controls and instruments. Although it has a relatively low and affordable price, it does not settle for regular or sub-standard visual details. The Malibu provides a spacious interior with foldable rear seats which could serve as cargo space. The 2008 Chevy Malibu is a smart buy for a mid-size sedan for its affordability and fuel-efficiency.