The Honda Element is manufactured by Honda and is classified as a compact crossover SUV. It is currently being built in East Liberty, Ohio and was released in the United States in 2003 and is based on the popular 4X4 by Honda, the CR-V. The difference between the two is mainly the smaller and more compact design.

The Element is powered by Honda’s 2.4l k23A4 i-VTEC four-cylinder engine and produces 156 hp. This very engine can also be found inside the hood of the Accord and the before mentioned CR-V.

The car itself is available in either front-wheel drive or Honda’s patented “Real Time” four-wheel drive system that is a hydraulically actuated system operating only when the front wheel of the vehicle slips during hazardous conditions.

Before its production, the Element was introduced as a concept vehicle, known as Model X to the automotive industry. (more…)

Most of us have heard rumor of the new laws about cell phones and driving, but you might be surprised to find out how soon these laws will take place. The new laws take place July 1, 2008 and there will be NO grace period. If July 1st comes around and you violate the new laws, you can get fined.

This article is about some of the most asked questions about these two laws.

The first law applies to all drivers; it prohibits all drivers from using handheld telephones while driving. The second law differentiates minors from adults. If over you are over 18 you may use a hands-free device, but if you are under 18 you cannot use a cellular phone of any sort including using hands-free devices. (more…)

The Saturn Ion is the focus of todays NorCal Spotlight.

The Saturn ION was originally manufactured by American automaker, General Motors operating under the “Saturn” name. The ION replaced the Saturn S-Series in 2003.

The first ever ION had a 140 hp DOHC Ecotec I4 engine and featured a unique instrument panel display. Instead of having them behind the steering wheel, the control panel was actually right in the center of the dashboard. The ION was available in two trims, sedan and coupe. The coupe was the first four-door coupe ever produced in the automobile world and was dubbed the “quad coupe” since it featured two added small doors in the rear. The car was available with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic transmission.

The unique automatic transmission lacked an overdrive gear that allowed for five forward gears to be bundled in the small transmission. This compactly designed transmission allowed for closer gear ratios, better acceleration, and increased fuel efficiency. As an added bonus, the transmission was dubbed “fill-for-life” by GM, which simply meant (more…)

Todays NorCal Spotlight is on the Dodge Dakota. We always seem to have a several in stock, so we’re sure to have the one you are looking for!

The Dodge Dakota: A powerful Ally

The Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured by Chrysler LLC. The car itself was introduced in 1987 with the Dodge Ram 50. The Dakota is considered by many as the in between truck, sized larger than the more compact Ford Ranger and Chevrolet S 10 yet smaller than the full-sized Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado. The Dakota was a finalist for North American Truck of the Year in 2000 for its features and the standard rack and pinion steering, a first ever in trucks. Not to mention that the Dakota is the only midsize pickup that comes with an option to add a V8 engine.

In its early years, Chrysler envisioned the Dakota as the best of both worlds. (more…)

To make this clear, I’m talking about a car that runs on air, not a flying car. Either of which make an interesting story though. Indian automaker Tata Motors (stop snickering that’s their real name) is hoping to have a car that runs on compressed air in production by the year 2008.

Tata Indica
(1.4 L gas/diesel engine)

Tata motors, which is currently the world’s 18th largest automobile company is best known for it’s Tata Indica and what is currently considered the worlds cheapest car the Tata Nano (USD $2,500). They also have a new car in testing, the “Swift Dzire”.

While Tata has at this time has not announced plans to start marketing in the US, this technology shows promise as an oil alternative. At least for short commuting applications. Tata claims that their air car would have a top end of (more…)

Today’s Nor Cal Spotlight helps us get ready for summer camping.

The Chalet Travel trailers are a convenient yet stylish way to take your family out on a weekend camping trip. This trailer is ideal for those looking to maintain some of the comforts attained at home while traveling light and reducing their consumption of gas. The Chalet Travel trailer is a breeze to haul as it is extremely light weight and the best part is, it folds neatly whenever you are not using it. When you are ready to use it, all you need to do is complete a 30 second setup and you are all set with a trailer that offers you a Wet Bath with a Shower, 11.5K BTU Air Conditioner with an included heat pump, outside shower, outside grill, and many other amenities that will be sure to make your outdoor trip a hit with your wife and kids.

Chalet XL 1935
The Chalet XL 1935 Travel Trailer in particular features one of the best combinations of innovation and style available on the market. (more…)