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With the high gas prices which are readily seen on the market today, individuals who are looking to purchase a new car are perusing the options with fuel efficiency in mind. Prospective car buyers want to purchase a vehicle which really peaks their interest and is one which they truly desire; however, these prospective automobile purchasers may in fact be swayed should the vehicle which they are considering purchasing have inefficient fuel economy. There are a few different reasons why fuel economy is so important to car owners these days.

High Price of Gas

Recently, an alarming phenomenon has been taking place. In the last few months, gas prices have been increasing at staggering rates which has led to individuals rethinking their automobile purchase choices. For those people who are currently in the market for a new vehicle, the high price of gas that has recently been seen has pushed them to consider other, more fuel-efficient automobiles. As one never knows when gas prices will decrease, thinking in terms of purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle may be on the forefront of a number of individual’s minds. The high price of gasoline is an important factor which individuals consider when purchasing a new vehicle or even trading in their old car for a more recent model.

Environmental Factors

Another reason why prospective car buyers may be looking into the purchase of a more fuel-efficient vehicle is due to the environmental ramifications that go along with certain gas guzzling automobiles. The less gas a car uses, the more environmentally friendly that vehicle is. There are a number of different types of pollution which are directly related to automobile use. Therefore, more and more individuals are looking into hybrid vehicles which utilize both electric and gas fuel components to make the car run and are more environmentally sound overall.

Having to Fill Up With Gas Less Often
How many times has one tried to take their vehicle as far as it could go on a single tank of gas so as to avoid having to stop at a gas station to fill up? Most likely the answer is quite frequently. Although filling the car up with a tank of gas does not take a long time to do, it is still an inconvenience to some individuals, especially those who are often running late for one appointment or another. Therefore, by purchasing a vehicle with good fuel economy, the driver will have to stop less often to fill up their gas tank and this in and of itself is something which pleases many individuals immensely.

Most Fuel-Efficient Cars in 2005
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often compiles lists showing the vehicles with the best fuel economy based on a fuel efficiency gauge for both city and highway travel and are shown in a city/highway ratio. The EPA files these types of lists as fuel economy is quite relevant to pollution and other environmental factors. The following paragraphs will summarize the top 10 list of the most fuel-efficient vehicles which was compiled by the EPA for 2005.

The vehicles ranking in the number 10 spot of the EPA list are the Dodge Neon and Toyota Celica GT which both get 29/36 mpg. Those vehicles ranked in the number 9 slot are the Scion xB (31/35), Toyota Matrix (30/36), Pontiac Vibe (30/36) and Honda Accord Hybrid (30/37). Rounding up the number 8, 7, and 6 slots, respectively, are the Scion xA (32/37), Toyota Corolla (32/41), and Toyota Echo (35/42).

The top 5 most fuel-efficient automobiles contain quite a few from the same car manufacturer with the Honda Civic HX (36/44) coming in at 5 th place and three various types of Volkswagens, Volkswagen New Beetle TDI, Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Volkswagen Golf TDI, all coming in at 4 th place with a 38/46 ratio. As for the top 3 spots, these belong to the Honda Civic Hybrid (45/51), the Toyota Prius (60/51) and the Honda Insight (61/66).

One will notice by reading the list above that hybrid vehicles are often cited in the top 10 of all fuel-efficient vehicles. There are a few different reasons why choosing a hybrid vehicle may be the best choice for those individuals looking to purchase a new car.

Reasons to Choose a Hybrid Vehicle for Your Automobile
There are two main reasons why purchasing a hybrid vehicle may be in the best interest of the driver of the automobile and the people around that individual as well. The first reason for choosing a hybrid vehicle is due to its fabulous fuel efficiency. There are a number of different car manufacturers who have either come out with hybrid vehicles or are in the process of making vehicles of this type. Car manufacturers realize that fuel efficiency has a vital place on an individual’s car buying list of must haves.

Another reason for choosing a hybrid vehicle which is not only beneficial for the owner but for the general public as well is the environmental factors surrounding hybrid automobile use. The more gaseous fumes and toxins which are released into the air, the worse it is for the environment as a whole. Those who truly appreciate the fact that hybrid vehicles are more environmentally sound than other vehicles which strictly use gasoline as their main mode of power are ones who are more likely to purchase a hybrid vehicle. It is important to note that most hybrid automobile drivers purchase their hybrid vehicles due to fuel economy reasons as well. Car manufacturers have also responded to environmental concerns by producing vehicles which are of a hybrid nature and therefore much more gentle to the environment.

Choosing a vehicle which is fuel-efficient is an extremely wise decision. Not only will the driver of a fuel-efficient vehicle save a lot of money on gasoline purchases but will be doing their part to preserve the environment as well. These are two very valid reasons for choosing a vehicle which boasts good fuel economy.

Steven Anderson is the Reservations Director for Hawaiian Discount Car Rentals, specialists in Maui, Hawaii car rentals. He has personally driven to the top of Mauna Kea and rates it as one of the most panoramic views in his travels to Hawaii.

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Filed under: nationalcarrental.car-rental-zone.info on June 16th, 2008 | No Comments »

When you visit Hawaii there are many islands that offer plenty of exciting activities, natural wonders, and enjoyment for all who visit. However, Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, so you can only imagine how traveling in the area might affect your budget. Because of this you might prefer to guide yourself through the islands with some suggestions of the better activities and natural wonders awaiting you, especially on Oahu and Kauai. If you choose to guide yourself you will certainly save yourself lots of money not to mention you will enjoy your trip a little more because you will be in charge and more aware of your surroundings. When you guide yourself through Hawaii you will enjoy more of an adventure than if you hire a guide. The following activities will help you guide yourself to a vacation of a lifetime.

Guide Yourself on Oahu
If you are on the island of Oahu then you can enjoy the beauty of the island from a rent a car and simply drive to the appointed locations as well as discover some on your own. Oahu is incredible and there is so much to see and do you will really enjoy guiding yourself because you can stay a little longer or move ahead faster if you choose to do so. If you follow these suggestions you will spend a couple hours checking out the recommended sites, or longer if you choose.

The first stop is at the Punchbowl/National Cemetery. The cemetery is located off of Puowaina Drive and there are signs that will guide you the short distance to the cemetery. Here you will encounter the National Memorial Cemetery that is the resting ground of thousands of WW2, Korea, and Vietnam soldiers who gave their lives for their country. More than 35,000 graves are located at Punchbowl, which is an extinct crater of a volcano. The Punchbowl is open to visitors daily from 8:30 am - 6:30 pm and more than 6 million visitors visit each year. You too should visit the Punchbowl to honor those fallen and to remember.

From the Punchbowl you can hop back in your car and head to Puu Ualakaa Overlook. This stop offers an amazing 230 degree view of Honolulu from Mt. Tantalus. You can see from Pearl Harbor to Diamond Head and will simply be overwhelmed with this site. If you feel like stopping for a few minutes and continuing on that is fine, or else you can pack a picnic lunch, hike the trails, and just enjoy the beauty.

If you are really interested in plant life and hiking then your next stop will be truly enjoyable. From the Overlook you should head to the Lyon Arboretum. More than 194 acres of rainforest is home to 8000 species of plants that will truly turn your head and make you appreciate nature. There are trails you can hike as well as restrooms on the premises.

Also while on Oahu you should visit Pearl Harbor. This is perhaps one of the most frequented locations on the island. Here is the USS Arizona memorial and you can view a memorial to all the individuals who lost their lives when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The memorial is constructed above the ship that sank. There is also a free program you can attend and learn more about Pearl Harbor.

While there are many places on Oahu you just have to visit, these are several recommended options that will keep you on your feet and enjoying the beautiful area.

Tour Kauai on Your Own
Once you have seen Oahu you should set your sites on Kauai. There is so much to see and do in Kauai that you could tour the island for weeks and still not see and do it all. However, just a few of the most exciting and interesting locations will be highlighted here.

The Waimea Canyon Lookout is a must see if you are in Kauai and you will be amazed at the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. From the lookout you have a vista of the mile long, 10 mile wide canyon. You will be amazed at the site.

After this visit you should head to Salt Pond County Beach Park, which is next to the salt ponds. These are the only salt ponds in Hawaii that are still in use and produce the ancient rock salt. This is off of mile marker 17 so keep your eyes open as you are driving along.

Another must see location in Kauai is the Russian fort at Hanalei Bay. Russia was not in Hawaii too long, but there is a bit of their fort remaining to remember when they were. Although the two year adventure ended and little is left of the fort, you have a breathtaking view of Hanalei Bay that is worth the trip.

Then, you must visit Maniniholo dry cave. This cave is made from a mesh of trees and vines and is simply amazing. There is no water in the cave to be concerned with, either. This sea cave has been in existence for ages and there is a legend that it was dug by sea elves. Once you see Maniniholo dry cave you can make up your own mind.

The final must see on Kauai is Kamokila Hawaiian Village. Here you will be able to learn a little bit about Hawaiian history and how old Hawaiians lived. Amazingly enough, these Hawaiians were truly self sufficient and lived off the land. Kamokila Hawaiian Village. Here you will be able to learn a little bit about Hawaiian history and how old Hawaiians lived. Amazingly enough, these Hawaiians were truly self sufficient and lived off the land. You can visit this village any day and even take a ride in a canoe if you so choose.

There are many more things to do in Oahu and Kauai than those listed above; however these are just suggestions to help you keep in mind hat Hawaii is more than beautiful beaches and luaus. It is a state with a significant past and an amazing history regarding the Hawaiians as well as the Americans. When you are visiting Hawaii you will get a feel for the past and truly come to understand a little more about Hawaii.

Steven Anderson is the reservations director of Hawaiian Discount Rental Cars, specializing in Maui Jeep & Car Rentals. He has personally experienced many Hawaiian adventures and offers his advice on the many interesting locales in Hawaii.

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Filed under: nationalcarrental.car-rental-zone.info on June 3rd, 2008 | No Comments »